485APOS 1 fp0032295_485apos.htm

AS FILED WITH THE U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON OCTOBER 5, 2018

 

File No. 033-42484

File No. 811-06400

 

U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM N-1A

 

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE

SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 299 /X/

AND

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE

INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940

AMENDMENT NO. 300 /X/

 

THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

One Freedom Valley Drive

Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456

(Address of Principal Executive Offices, Zip Code)

 

1-800-932-7781

(Registrant’s Telephone Number)

 

Michael Beattie

c/o SEI Investments

One Freedom Valley Drive

Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

 

Copy to:

 

Sean Graber, Esquire Dianne M. Descoteaux, Esquire
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP c/o SEI Investments
1701 Market Street One Freedom Valley Drive
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456

 

It is proposed that this filing 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)(1)
/X/ 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
/   / On [date] pursuant to paragraph (a) of Rule 485

 

 

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION

 

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 U.S. 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 JURISDICTION WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.

 

Preliminary Prospectus Dated October 5, 2018

 

The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund

 

Prospectus

[Date]

 

Westwood Multi-Asset High Income Fund

Ticker Symbol: WMHIX

 

Institutional Shares

 

Investment Adviser:

Westwood Management Corp.

 

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this Prospectus.
Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

About This Prospectus

 

This Prospectus has been arranged into different sections so that you can easily review this important information. For detailed information about the Fund, please see:

 

Page

Westwood Multi-Asset High Income Fund XX
Fund Investment Objectives XX
Fund Fees and Expenses XX
Principal Investment Strategies XX
Principal Risks XX
Performance Information XX
Investment Adviser XX
Portfolio Manager XX
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares XX
Tax Information XX
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries XX
More Information About Risk XX
More Information About Fund Investments XX
Information About Portfolio Holdings XX
Investment Adviser XX
Portfolio Manager XX
Related Performance Data XX
Purchasing, Selling and Exchanging Fund Shares XX
Payments to Financial Intermediaries XX
Other Policies XX
Dividends and Distributions XX
Taxes XX
Additional Information XX
Financial Highlights XX
How to Obtain More Information About the Fund Back Cover

 

1

 

Westwood Multi-Asset High Income Fund

 

Fund Investment Objectives

 

The primary investment objective of the Westwood Multi-Asset High Income Fund (the “Fund”) is to seek to provide a high level of current income. A secondary investment objective of the Fund is to seek to provide capital appreciation.

 

Fund Fees and Expenses

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Institutional Shares of the Fund.

 

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

 

  Institutional Shares
Management Fees   0.69%
Other Expenses1   1.50%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses1,2   0.46%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses   2.65%
Less Fee Reductions and/or Expense Reimbursements3   (1.40)%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Reductions and/or Expense Reimbursements   1.25%

 

1Other Expenses and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.
2Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses are fees and expenses incurred indirectly by the Fund as a result of investment in the shares of other investment companies, including business development companies (“BDCs”), and are not paid directly by the Fund. Because U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules require that the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses in this fee table include the internal expenses of these other investment companies, the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses may differ from the ratio of expenses to average net assets included in the Fund’s financial statements, which reflects the operating expenses of the Fund and does not include indirect expenses such as Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses.
3Westwood Management Corp. (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to reduce fees and reimburse expenses in order to keep Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses for Institutional Shares (excluding interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on securities sold short, Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, and extraordinary expenses (collectively, “excluded expenses”)) from exceeding 0.79% of the Fund’s Institutional Shares’ average daily net assets until February 28, 2020. In addition, the Adviser may receive from the Fund the difference between the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (not including excluded expenses) and the expense cap to recoup all or a portion of its prior fee reductions or expense reimbursements made during the three-year period preceding the recoupment if at any point Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (not including excluded expenses) are below the expense cap (i) at the time of the fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement and (ii) at the time of the recoupment. This Agreement may be terminated: (i) by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund (the “Trust”), for any reason at any time; or (ii) by the Adviser, upon ninety (90) days’ prior written notice to the Trust, effective as of the close of business on February 28, 2020.

 

Example

 

This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.

 

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses (including capped expenses for the period described in the footnote to the fee table) remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

2

 

1 Year 3 Years
$127 $548

 

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 total annual Fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. Because the Fund has not commenced investment operations as of the date of this Prospectus, it does not have portfolio turnover information to report.

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Fund invests primarily in income-producing fixed income and equity securities, including exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) that invest primarily in income-producing securities.

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 65% of its net assets in fixed income securities and preferred stocks. The fixed income securities in which the Fund invests include U.S. dollar-denominated corporate bonds of both U.S. and non-U.S. companies, bank loans, mortgage-backed securities, municipal bonds, U.S. government securities, and money market instruments. The Fund may invest in fixed income securities with any maturity, duration or credit quality, including securities rated below investment grade or, if unrated, deemed by the Adviser to be of comparable quality (“junk bonds”).

 

The Fund may invest up to 35% of its net assets in equity securities, other than preferred stocks. The equity securities, other than preferred stocks, in which the Fund invests include common stocks, convertible securities, master limited partnerships (“MLPs”), real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), BDCs and American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”). The Fund may take long and short positions in equity securities, and may invest in companies with any market capitalization.

 

The Fund may seek to generate income by writing (selling) “covered” call options on securities in which the Fund holds long positions, or writing (selling) “covered” put options on securities in which the Fund holds short positions. In addition, the Fund may purchase options, and utilize other derivatives, principally futures and swaps (including credit default swaps), to hedge risks or enhance the returns of the Fund.

 

In selecting securities to buy for the Fund, the Adviser employs a bottom-up research-focused investment process that seeks to identify securities with favorable risk/reward characteristics relative to other securities in a company’s capital structure, and relative to other securities in its asset class. The Adviser may sell a security if it believes that the security no longer has favorable risk/reward characteristics, or it identifies a more attractive investment opportunity.

 

From time to time, the Fund may focus its investments in a particular sector, such as the financials sector.

 

3

 

Principal Risks

 

As with all mutual funds, there is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment objectives. You could lose money by investing in the Fund. A Fund share is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any government agency. The principal risk factors affecting shareholders’ investments in the Fund are set forth below.

 

Fixed Income Risk – Fixed income securities are subject to a number of risks, including credit and interest rate risks. Credit risk is the risk that the issuer or obligor will not make timely payments of principal and interest. Changes in an issuer’s credit rating or the market’s perception of an issuer’s creditworthiness may also affect the value of the Fund’s investment in that issuer. The Fund is subject to greater levels of credit risk to the extent it holds below investment grade debt securities, or “junk bonds.” Interest rate risk is the risk that the value of a fixed income security will fall when interest rates rise. In general, the longer the maturity and the lower the credit quality of a fixed income security, the more likely its value will decline. Risks associated with rising interest rates are heightened given that interest rates in the U.S. are at, or near, historic lows.

 

High Yield Bond Risk – The Fund may invest in high yield bonds (often called “junk bonds”), which are debt securities rated below investment grade. Junk bonds are speculative, involve greater risks of default, downgrade, or price declines and are more volatile and tend to be less liquid than investment-grade securities. Companies issuing high yield bonds are less financially strong, are more likely to encounter financial difficulties, and are more vulnerable to adverse market events and negative sentiments than companies with higher credit ratings.

 

Bank Loans Risk – Investments in bank loans (through both assignments and participations) are generally subject to the same risks as investments in other types of debt instruments, including, in many cases, investments in junk bonds. There may be limited public information available regarding bank loans and bank loans may be difficult to value. If the Fund holds a bank loan through another financial institution, or relies on a financial institution to administer the loan, its receipt of principal and interest on the loan may be subject to the credit risk of that financial institution. It is possible that any collateral securing a loan may be insufficient or unavailable to the Fund, and that the Fund’s rights to collateral may be limited by bankruptcy or insolvency laws. In addition, the secondary market for bank loans may be subject to irregular trading activity, wide bid/ask spreads, and extended trade settlement periods, which may cause the Fund to be unable to realize the full value of its investment in a bank loan.

 

Bank loans may not be considered “securities,” and purchasers, such as the Fund, therefore may not be entitled to rely on the anti-fraud protections of the federal securities laws.

 

Mortgage-Backed Securities Risk – The mortgage-backed securities in which the Fund may invest are affected by, among other things, interest rate changes and the possibility of prepayment of the underlying mortgage loans. Mortgage-backed securities are also subject to the risk that underlying borrowers will be unable to meet their obligations.

 

Municipal Bonds Risk – The value of municipal bonds in which the Fund may invest could be impacted by events in the municipal securities market. Negative events, such as severe fiscal difficulties, bankruptcy, an economic downturn, unfavorable legislation, court rulings or political developments could adversely affect the ability of municipal issuers to repay principal and to make interest payments.

 

U.S. Government Securities Risk – The Fund’s investments in U.S. government obligations may include securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. government, or its agencies or instrumentalities. 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. 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. In addition, U.S. government securities are not guaranteed against price movements due to changing interest rates.

 

4

 

Money Market Instruments Risk – The value of money market instruments may be affected by changing interest rates and by changes in the credit ratings of the investments. An investment in a money market fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by any bank, the FDIC or any other government agency. A money market fund’s sponsor has no legal obligation to provide financial support to the fund, and there should be no expectation that the sponsor will provide financial support to the fund at any time. Certain money market funds float their net asset value while others seek to preserve the value of investments at a stable net asset value (typically, $1.00 per share). An investment in a money market fund, even an investment in a fund seeking to maintain a stable net asset value per share, is not guaranteed and it is possible for the Fund to lose money by investing in these and other types of money market funds. If the liquidity of a money market fund’s portfolio deteriorates below certain levels, the money market fund may suspend redemptions (i.e., impose a redemption gate) and thereby prevent the Fund from selling its investment in the money market fund or impose a fee of up to 2% on amounts the Fund redeems from the money market fund (i.e., impose a liquidity fee). These measures may result in an investment loss or prohibit the Fund from redeeming shares when the Adviser would otherwise redeem shares. Money market funds and the securities they invest in are subject to comprehensive regulations. The enactment of new legislation or regulations, as well as changes in interpretation and enforcement of current laws, may affect the manner of operation, performance and/or yield of money market funds.

 

Equity Risk – Since it purchases equity securities, the Fund is subject to the risk that stock prices will fall over short or extended periods of time. Historically, the equity markets have moved in cycles, and the value of the Fund’s equity securities may fluctuate drastically from day to day. Individual companies may report poor results or be negatively affected by industry and/or economic trends and developments. The prices of securities issued by such companies may suffer a decline in response.


Preferred Stock Risk – Preferred stocks in which the Fund may invest are sensitive to interest rate changes, and are also subject to equity risk, which is the risk that stock prices will fall over short or extended periods of time. The rights of preferred stocks on the distribution of a company’s assets in the event of a liquidation are generally subordinate to the rights associated with a company’s debt securities.

 

Large-Capitalization Company Risk – The large capitalization companies in which the Fund may invest may lag the performance of smaller capitalization companies because large capitalization companies may experience slower rates of growth than smaller capitalization companies and may not respond as quickly to market changes and opportunities.

 

Small- and Mid-Capitalization Company Risk – The small- and mid-capitalization companies in which the Fund may invest may be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic events than larger, more established companies. In particular, investments in these small- and mid-sized companies may pose additional risks, including liquidity risk, because these companies tend to have limited product lines, markets and financial resources, and may depend upon a relatively small management group. Therefore, small- and mid-cap stocks may be more volatile than those of larger companies. These securities may be traded over-the-counter or listed on an exchange.

 

Short Sale Risk – A short sale involves the sale of a security that the Fund does not own in the expectation of purchasing the same security (or a security exchangeable therefore) at a later date at a lower price. Short sales expose the Fund to the risk that it will be required to buy the security sold short (also known as “covering” the short position) at a time when the security has appreciated in value, thus resulting in a loss to the Fund. Investment in short sales may also cause the Fund to incur expenses related to borrowing securities. Reinvesting proceeds received from short selling may create leverage which can amplify the effects of market volatility on the Fund and, therefore, the Fund’s share price. Theoretically, uncovered short sales have the potential to expose the Fund to unlimited losses.

 

5

 

Convertible Securities Risk – The value of a convertible security in which the Fund invests is influenced by changes in interest rates (with investment value declining as interest rates increase and increasing as interest rates decline) and the credit standing of the issuer. The price of a convertible security will also normally vary in some proportion to changes in the price of the underlying common stock because of the conversion or exercise feature.

 

MLP Risk – MLPs are limited partnerships in which the ownership units are publicly traded. MLPs often own several properties or businesses (or own interests) that are related to oil and gas industries or other natural resources, but they also may finance other projects. To the extent that an MLP’s interests are all in a particular industry, the MLP will be negatively impacted by economic events adversely impacting that industry. Additional risks of investing in an MLP also include those involved in investing in a partnership as opposed to a corporation. For example, state law governing partnerships is often less restrictive than state law governing corporations. Accordingly, there may be fewer protections afforded to investors in an MLP than investors in a corporation; for example, investors in MLPs may have limited voting rights or be liable under certain circumstances for amounts greater than the amount of their investment. In addition, MLPs may be subject to state taxation in certain jurisdictions which will have the effect of reducing the amount of income paid by the MLP to its investors. The Fund’s investment in MLPs may result in the layering of expenses, such that shareholders will indirectly bear a proportionate share of the MLPs’ operating expenses, in addition to paying Fund expenses. MLP operating expenses are not reflected in the fee table and example in this Prospectus.

 

REIT Risk – REITs are pooled investment vehicles that own, and usually operate, income-producing real estate. REITs are susceptible to the risks associated with direct ownership of real estate, such as the following: declines in property values; increases in property taxes, operating expenses, interest rates or competition; overbuilding; zoning changes; and losses from casualty or condemnation. REITs typically incur fees that are separate from those of the Fund. Accordingly, the Fund’s investments in REITs will result in the layering of expenses such that shareholders will indirectly bear a proportionate share of the REITs’ operating expenses, in addition to paying Fund expenses. REIT operating expenses are not reflected in the fee table and example in this Prospectus.

 

BDC Risk – BDCs are a type of closed-end investment company regulated under the 1940 Act. BDCs generally invest in less mature private companies or thinly traded U.S. public companies which involve greater risk than well-established publicly-traded companies. Generally, little public information exists for private and thinly traded companies in which a BDC may invest and there is a risk that investors may not be able to make a fully informed evaluation of a BDC and its portfolio of investments. Investments made by BDCs generally are subject to legal and other restrictions on resale and otherwise are less liquid than publicly traded securities. The illiquidity of these investments may make it difficult to sell such investments if the need arises, and if there is a need for a BDC in which the Fund invests to liquidate its portfolio quickly, it may realize a loss on its investments. While a BDC is expected to generate income in the form of dividends, certain BDCs during certain periods of time may not pay dividends. Investment advisers to BDCs may be entitled to compensation based on the BDC’s performance, which may result in riskier or more speculative investments in an effort to maximize incentive compensation. Fund shareholders will indirectly bear the Fund’s proportionate share of any management and other operating expenses, and of any performance based or incentive fees, charged by the BDCs in which the Fund invests, in addition to the fees and expenses that Fund shareholders directly bear in connection with the Fund’s own operations. BDC shares are not redeemable at the option of the BDC shareholder and, as with shares of other closed-end funds, they may trade in the secondary market at a discount or premium to their net asset value.

 

6

 

Foreign Securities Risk – Investing in foreign securities, including direct investments and through ADRs, which are traded on U.S. exchanges and represent an ownership interest in a foreign security, poses additional risks since political and economic events unique to a country or region will affect those markets and their issuers. These risks will not necessarily affect the U.S. economy or similar issuers located in the United States. Securities of foreign companies may not be registered with the SEC and foreign companies are generally not subject to the regulatory controls imposed on U.S. issuers and, as a consequence, there is generally less publicly available information about foreign securities than is available about domestic securities. Income from foreign securities owned by the Fund may be reduced by a withholding tax at the source, which tax would reduce income received from the securities comprising the Fund’s portfolio. Foreign securities may also be more difficult to value than securities of U.S. issuers. While ADRs provide an alternative to directly purchasing the underlying foreign securities in their respective national markets and currencies, investments in ADRs continue to be subject to many of the risks associated with investing directly in foreign securities.

 

Derivatives Risk – The Fund’s use of futures contracts, options and swaps is subject to market risk, leverage risk, correlation risk, hedging risk and liquidity risk. Market risk is the risk that the market value of an investment may move up and down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. Leverage risk is the risk that the use of leverage may amplify the effects of market volatility on the Fund’s share price and may also cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy its obligations. Correlation risk is the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly or at all with the underlying asset, rate or index. Hedging risk is the risk that derivatives instruments used for hedging purposes may also limit any potential gain that may result from the increase in value of the hedged asset. To the extent that the Fund engages in hedging strategies, there can be no assurance that such strategy will be effective or that there will be a hedge in place at any given time. Liquidity risk is described below. The Fund’s use of forwards and swaps is also subject to credit risk and valuation risk. Credit risk is the risk that the counterparty to a derivative contract will default or otherwise become unable to honor a financial obligation. Valuation risk is the risk that the derivative may be difficult to value. Each of these risks could cause the Fund to lose more than the principal amount invested in a derivative instrument.

 

ETF Risk – ETFs are pooled investment vehicles, such as registered investment companies and grantor trusts, whose shares are listed and traded on U.S. and non-U.S. stock exchanges or otherwise traded in the over-the-counter market. To the extent that the Fund invests in ETFs, the Fund will be subject to substantially the same risks as those associated with the direct ownership of the securities comprising the index on which the ETF is based or the ETF’s other holdings and the value of the Fund’s investment will fluctuate in response to the performance of the underlying index or holdings. ETFs typically incur fees that are separate from those of the Fund. Accordingly, the Fund’s investments in ETFs will result in the layering of expenses such that shareholders will indirectly bear a proportionate share of the ETFs’ operating expenses, in addition to paying Fund expenses. Because the value of ETF shares depends on the demand in the market, shares may trade at a discount or premium to their net asset value and the Adviser may not be able to liquidate the Fund’s holdings at the most optimal time, which could adversely affect the Fund’s performance.

 

Sector Focus Risk -- Because the Fund may, from time to time, be more heavily invested in particular sectors, the value of its shares may be especially sensitive to factors and economic risks that specifically affect those sectors. As a result, the Fund’s share price may fluctuate more widely than the value of shares of a mutual fund that invests in a broader range of sectors.

 

7

 

Financials Sector Risk – Performance of companies in the financials sector may be adversely impacted by many factors, including, among others, government regulations, economic conditions, credit rating downgrades, changes in interest rates, and decreased liquidity in credit markets. The impact of more stringent capital requirements, recent or future regulation of any individual financial company, or recent or future regulation of the financials sector as a whole cannot be predicted. In recent years, cyber attacks and technology malfunctions have become increasingly frequent in this sector and have caused significant losses to companies in this sector, which may negatively impact the Fund.

 

Liquidity Risk – Certain securities may be difficult or impossible to sell at the time and the price that the Fund would like. The 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 Fund management or performance.

 

New Fund Risk – Investors in the Fund bear the risk that the Fund may not be successful in implementing its investment strategy, may not employ a successful investment strategy, or may fail to attract sufficient assets under management to realize economies of scale, any of which could result in the Fund being liquidated at any time without shareholder approval and at a time that may not be favorable for all shareholders. Such liquidation could have negative tax consequences for shareholders and will cause shareholders to incur expenses of liquidation.

 

Performance Information

 

The Fund is new, and therefore has no performance history. Once the Fund has completed a full calendar year of operations, a bar chart and table will be included that will provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the variability of the Fund’s returns and comparing the Fund’s performance to a broad measure of market performance. Of course, the Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) does not necessarily indicate how the Fund will perform in the future.

 

Current performance information is available on the Fund’s website at www.westwoodfunds.com or by calling 1-877-FUND-WHG (1-877-386-3944).

 

Investment Adviser

 

Westwood Management Corp.

 

Portfolio Manager

 

Mr. Michael J. Carne, CFA, Senior Vice President, has managed the Fund since its inception in 2018.

 

8

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

 

To purchase shares of the Fund for the first time, you must invest at least $5,000. There is no minimum for subsequent investments.

 

If you own your shares directly, you may redeem your shares on any day that the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) is open for business by contacting the Fund directly by mail at Westwood Funds, P.O. Box 219009, Kansas City, MO 64121-9009 (Express Mail Address: Westwood Funds, c/o DST Systems, Inc., 430 West 7th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105) or telephone at 1-877-FUND-WHG (1-877-386-3944).

 

If you own your shares through an account with a broker or other institution, contact that broker or institution to redeem your shares. Your broker or institution may charge a fee for its services in addition to the fees charged by the Fund.

 

Tax Information

 

The Fund intends to make distributions that may be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or individual retirement account (“IRA”), in which case your distribution will be taxed when withdrawn from the tax-deferred account.

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

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

 

9

 

More Information about Risk

 

Investing in the Fund involves risk and there is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its goals. The Adviser’s judgments about the markets, the economy, or companies may not anticipate actual market movements, economic conditions or company performance, and these judgments may affect the return on your investment. In fact, no matter how good of a job the Adviser does, you could lose money on your investment in the Fund, just as you could with similar investments.

 

The value of your investment in the Fund is based on the value of the securities the Fund holds. These prices change daily due to economic and other events that affect particular companies and other issuers. These price movements, sometimes called volatility, may be greater or lesser depending on the types of securities the Fund owns and the markets in which they trade. The effect on the Fund of a change in the value of a single security will depend on how widely the Fund diversifies its holdings.

 

Equity Risk – Equity securities include common stocks, preferred stocks, convertible securities, interests in master limited partnerships (“MLPs”), shares of real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), shares of business development companies (“BDCs”), and American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), as well as shares of exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) that attempt to track the price movement of equity indices. Common stock represents an equity or ownership interest in an issuer. Preferred stock provides a fixed dividend that is paid before any dividends are paid to common stock holders, and which takes precedence over common stock in the event of a liquidation. Like common stock, preferred stocks represent partial ownership in a company, although preferred stock shareholders do not enjoy any of the voting rights of common stockholders. Also, unlike common stock, a preferred stock pays a fixed dividend that does not fluctuate, although the company does not have to pay this dividend if it lacks the financial ability to do so. Investments in equity securities in general are subject to market risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate over time. The value of securities convertible into equity securities is also affected by prevailing interest rates, the credit quality of the issuer and any call provision. Fluctuations in the value of equity securities in which the Fund invests will cause the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) to fluctuate.

 

Fixed Income Risk – The market values of fixed income investments change in response to interest rate changes and other factors. During periods of rising interest rates, the values of outstanding fixed income securities generally decrease. Moreover, while securities with longer maturities tend to produce higher yields, the prices of longer maturity securities are also subject to greater market value fluctuations as a result of changes in interest rates. During periods of falling interest rates, certain debt obligations with high interest rates may be prepaid (or “called”) by the issuer prior to maturity, and during periods of rising interest rates, certain debt obligations with low interest rates may be extended beyond maturity. Current market conditions may pose heightened risks for the Fund. While interest rates in the U.S. are at, or near, historic lows, recent changes in government policy, including the Federal Reserve ending its quantitative easing program and raising the federal funds rate, have increased the risk that interest rates will rise in the near future. A rise in interest rates may, in turn, increase volatility and reduce liquidity in the fixed income markets, and result in a decline in the value of the fixed income investments held by the Fund. In addition, reductions in dealer market-making capacity as a result of structural or regulatory changes could further decrease liquidity and/or increase volatility in the fixed income markets. As a result of these conditions, the Fund’s value may fluctuate and/or the Fund may experience increased redemptions from shareholders, which may impact the Fund’s liquidity or force the Fund to sell securities into a declining or illiquid market.

 

In addition to these risks, fixed income securities may be subject to credit risk, which is the possibility that an issuer will be unable or unwilling to make timely payments of either principal or interest.

 

10

 

High Yield (“Junk”) Bond Risk – High yield, or “junk,” bonds are highly speculative securities that are usually issued by smaller, less creditworthy and/or highly leveraged (indebted) companies. Compared with investment-grade bonds, high yield bonds are considered to carry a greater degree of risk and are considered to be less likely to make payments of interest and principal. In particular, lower-quality high yield bonds (rated CCC, CC, C, or unrated securities judged to be of comparable quality) are subject to a greater degree of credit risk than higher-quality high yield bonds and may be near default. High yield bonds rated D are in default. Market developments and the financial and business conditions of the corporation issuing these securities generally influence their price and liquidity more than changes in interest rates, when compared to investment-grade debt securities.

 

Municipal Bonds Risk – Municipal bonds are fixed income securities issued by state or local governments or their agencies to finance capital expenditures and operations. The obligation to pay principal and interest on municipal bonds may be a general obligation of the state or local government or may be supported only by an agency or a particular source of revenues. Therefore, municipal bonds vary in credit quality. Municipal bonds, like other fixed income securities, rise and fall in value in response to economic and market factors, primarily changes in interest rates, and actual or perceived credit quality. State and local governments rely on taxes and, to some extent, revenues from private projects financed by municipal bonds, to pay interest and principal on municipal bonds. Poor statewide or local economic results or changing political sentiments may reduce tax revenues and increase the expenses of municipal issuers, making it more difficult for them to meet their obligations. Also, there may be economic or political changes that impact the ability of issuers of municipal bonds to repay principal and to make interest payments. Any changes in the financial condition of municipal issuers may also adversely affect the value of the Fund’s securities.

 

Mortgage-Backed Securities Risk – Mortgage-backed securities are fixed income securities representing an interest in a pool of underlying mortgage loans. Mortgage-backed securities are sensitive to changes in interest rates, but may respond to these changes differently from other fixed income securities due to the possibility of prepayment of the underlying mortgage loans. As a result, it may not be possible to determine in advance the actual maturity date or average life of a mortgage-backed security. Rising interest rates tend to discourage refinancings, with the result that the average life and volatility of the security will increase, exacerbating its decrease in market price. When interest rates fall, however, mortgage-backed securities may not gain as much in market value because of the expectation of additional mortgage prepayments, which must be reinvested at lower interest rates.

 

Convertible Securities Risk – Convertible securities are fixed income securities, preferred stocks or other securities that are convertible into or exercisable for common stock of the issuer (or cash or securities of equivalent value) at either a stated price or a stated rate. The market values of convertible securities may decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, increase as interest rates decline. A convertible security’s market value, however, tends to reflect the market price of the common stock of the issuing company when that stock price approaches or is greater than the convertible security’s “conversion price.” The conversion price is defined as the predetermined price at which the convertible security could be exchanged for the associated stock. As the market price of the underlying common stock declines, the price of the convertible security tends to be influenced more by the yield of the convertible security. Thus, it may not decline in price to the same extent as the underlying common stock. In the event of a liquidation of the issuing company, holders of convertible securities may be paid before the company’s common stockholders but after holders of any senior debt obligations of the company. Consequently, the issuer’s convertible securities generally entail less risk than its common stock but more risk than its debt obligations.

 

Foreign Securities Risk – Investments in securities of foreign companies (including direct investments as well as investments through ADRs) can be more volatile than investments in U.S. companies. Diplomatic, political, or economic developments, including nationalization or appropriation, could affect investments in foreign companies. Foreign securities markets generally have less trading volume and less liquidity than U.S. markets. Financial statements of foreign issuers are governed by different accounting, auditing, and financial reporting standards than the financial statements of U.S. issuers and may be less transparent and uniform than in the United States. Thus, there may be less information publicly available about foreign issuers than about most U.S. issuers. Transaction costs are generally higher than those in the United States and expenses for custodial arrangements of foreign securities may be somewhat greater than typical expenses for custodial arrangements of similar U.S. securities. Some foreign governments levy withholding taxes against dividend and interest income. Although in some countries a portion of these taxes are recoverable, the non-recovered portion will reduce the income received from the securities comprising the portfolio.

 

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Bank Loans Risk – Bank loans are arranged through private negotiations between a company and one or more financial institutions (lenders). Investments in bank loans are generally subject to the same risks as investments in other types of debt instruments, including, in many cases, investments in junk bonds. This means bank loans are subject to greater credit risks than other investments, including a greater possibility that the borrower will be adversely affected by changes in market or economic conditions and may default or enter bankruptcy. Bank loans made in connection with highly leveraged transactions, including operating loans, leveraged buyout loans, leveraged capitalization loans and other types of acquisition financing, are subject to greater credit risks than other types of bank loans. In addition, it may be difficult to obtain reliable information about and value any bank loan.

 

The Fund may invest in bank loans in the form of participations in the loans (participations) and assignments of all or a portion of the loans from third parties (assignments). In connection with purchasing participations, the Fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement relating to the loan, nor any rights of set-off against the borrower, and the Fund may not benefit directly from any collateral supporting the loan in which it has purchased the participation. As a result, the Fund will assume the credit risk of both the borrower and the lender that is selling the participation. When the Fund purchases assignments from lenders, the Fund will acquire direct rights against the borrower on the loan. The Fund may have difficulty disposing of bank loans because, in certain cases, the market for such instruments is not highly liquid. The lack of a highly liquid secondary market may have an adverse impact on the value of such instruments and on the Fund’s ability to dispose of the bank loan in response to a specific economic event, such as deterioration in the creditworthiness of the borrower. Furthermore, transactions in many loans settle on a delayed basis, and the Fund may not receive the proceeds from the sale of a loan for a substantial period of time after the sale. As a result, those proceeds will not be available to make additional investments or to meet the Fund’s redemption obligations.

 

Bank loans may not be considered “securities,” and purchasers, such as the Fund, therefore may not be entitled to rely on the anti-fraud protections of the federal securities laws.

 

Short Sales Risk – Short sales are transactions in which the Fund sells a security it does not own. The Fund must borrow the security to make delivery to the buyer. The Fund is then obligated to replace the security borrowed by purchasing the security at the market price at the time of replacement. The price at such time may be higher or lower than the price at which the security was sold by the Fund. If the underlying security goes down in price between the time the Fund sells the security and buys it back, the Fund will realize a gain on the transaction. Conversely, if the underlying security goes up in price during the period, the Fund will realize a loss on the transaction. Because the market price of the security sold short could increase without limit, the Fund could be subject to a theoretically unlimited loss. The risk of such price increases is the principal risk of engaging in short sales.

 

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In addition, the Fund’s investment performance may suffer if the Fund is required to close out a short position earlier than it had intended. This would occur if the securities lender required the Fund to deliver the securities the Fund borrowed and the Fund was unable to borrow the securities from another securities lender or otherwise obtain the security by other means. Moreover, the Fund may be subject to expenses related to short sales that are not typically associated with investing in securities directly, such as costs of borrowing and margin account maintenance costs associated with the Fund’s open short positions. These expenses negatively impact the performance of the Fund. For example, when the Fund short sells an equity security that pays a dividend, it is obligated to pay the dividend on the security it has sold. Furthermore, the Fund may be required to pay a premium or interest to the lender of the security. The forgoing types of short sale expenses are sometimes referred to as the “negative cost of carry,” and will tend to cause the Fund to lose money on a short sale even in instances where the price of the underlying security sold short does not change over the duration of the short sale. The Fund is also required to segregate other assets on its books to cover its obligation to return the security to the lender which means that those other assets may not be available to meet the Fund’s needs for immediate cash or other liquidity.

 

Financials Sector Risk – Companies in the financials sector of an economy are subject to extensive governmental regulation and intervention, which may adversely affect the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge, the amount of capital they must maintain and, potentially, their size. Governmental regulation may change frequently and may have significant adverse consequences for companies in the financials sector, including effects not intended by such regulation. The impact of more stringent capital requirements, or recent or future regulation in various countries of any individual financial company or of the financials sector as a whole cannot be predicted. Certain risks may impact the value of investments in the financials sector more severely than those of investments outside this sector, including the risks associated with companies that operate with substantial financial leverage. Companies in the financials sector may also be adversely affected by increases in interest rates and loan losses, decreases in the availability of money or asset valuations, credit rating downgrades and adverse conditions in other related markets. Insurance companies, in particular, may be subject to severe price competition and/or rate regulation, which may have an adverse impact on their profitability. The financials sector is particularly sensitive to fluctuations in interest rates. The financials sector is also a target for cyber attacks, and may experience technology malfunctions and disruptions. In recent years, cyber attacks and technology failures have become increasingly frequent in this sector and have reportedly caused losses to companies in this sector, which may negatively impact the Fund.

 

Derivatives Risk – The Fund’s use of futures contracts, options and swaps is subject to derivatives risk. Derivatives are often more volatile than other investments and may magnify the Fund’s gains or losses. There are various factors that affect the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objectives with derivatives. Successful use of a derivative depends upon the degree to which prices of the underlying assets correlate with price movements in the derivatives the Fund buys or sells. The Fund could be negatively affected if the change in market value of its securities fails to correlate perfectly or at all with the values of the derivatives it purchased or sold. The lack of a liquid secondary market for a derivative may prevent the Fund from closing its derivative positions and could adversely impact its ability to achieve its investment objectives or to realize profits or limit losses. Since derivatives may be purchased for a fraction of their value, a relatively small price movement in a derivative may result in an immediate and substantial loss or gain to the Fund. Derivatives are often more volatile than other investments and the Fund may lose more in a derivative than it originally invested in it. Additionally, some derivative instruments are subject to counterparty risk, meaning that the party that issues the derivative may experience a significant credit event and may be unwilling or unable to make timely settlement payments or otherwise honor its obligations.

 

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Futures Contracts. Futures contracts provide for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified amount of a specific security or asset at a specified future time and at a specified price. Because futures require only a small initial investment in the form of a deposit or margin, they involve a high degree of leverage. Accordingly, the fluctuation of the value of futures in relation to the underlying assets upon which they are based is magnified. Thus, the Fund may experience losses that exceed losses experienced by funds that do not use futures contracts. There may be imperfect correlation, or even no correlation, between price movements of a futures contract and price movements of investments for which futures are used as a substitute, or which futures are intended to hedge. Such lack of correlation may be due to factors unrelated to the value of the investments being substituted or hedged, such as speculative or other pressures on the markets in which these instruments are traded.

 

While futures contracts are generally liquid instruments, under certain market conditions they may become illiquid. For example, futures exchanges may impose daily or intra-day price change limits and/or limit the volume of trading. Additionally, government regulation may further reduce liquidity through similar trading restrictions. As a result, the Fund may be unable to close out its futures contracts at a time that is advantageous.

 

Options. Options involve the payment or receipt of a premium by the investor and the corresponding right or obligation, as the case may be, to either purchase or sell the underlying instrument for a specific price at a certain time or during a certain period. Purchasing options involves the risk that the underlying instrument will not change price in the manner expected, so that the investor loses its premium. Selling options involves potentially greater risk because the investor is exposed to the extent of the actual price movement in the underlying instrument rather than only the premium payment received (which could result in a potentially unlimited loss). If the Fund writes a “covered” call option (i.e., a call option on a security in which the Fund holds a long position), the Fund may not participate fully in a rise in market value of the underlying security. If the Fund writes a “covered” put option (i.e., a put option on a security in which the Fund holds a short position), the Fund may not participate fully in a decline in market value of the underlying security. Over-the-counter options also involve counterparty risk.

 

Swaps. In a swap transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns, differentials in rates of return or some other amount earned or realized on the “notional amount” of predetermined investments or instruments, which may be adjusted for an interest factor. Swaps can involve greater risks than direct investment in securities, because swaps may be leveraged and are subject to counterparty risk and valuation risk. Swaps may also be considered illiquid. It may not be possible for the Fund to liquidate a swap position at an advantageous time or price, which may result in significant losses.

 

A credit default swap enables the Fund to buy or sell protection against a defined credit event of an issuer. The buyer of a credit default swap is generally obligated to pay the seller a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract in return for a contingent payment upon the occurrence of a credit event with respect to an underlying reference obligation. Credit default swaps are subject to the general risks of swaps described above.

 

More Information about Fund Investments

 

The primary investment objective of the Fund is to seek to provide a high level of current income. A secondary investment objective of the Fund is to seek to provide capital appreciation.

 

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The investment objectives of the Fund may be changed without shareholder approval, upon 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders.

 

The investments and strategies described in this Prospectus are those that the Fund uses under normal conditions. During unusual economic or market conditions, or for temporary defensive or liquidity purposes, the Fund may, but is not obligated to, invest up to 100% of its assets in money market instruments and other cash equivalents that would not ordinarily be consistent with its investment objectives. If the Fund invests in this manner, it may not achieve its investment objectives. The Fund will only do so if the Adviser believes that the risk of loss outweighs the opportunity for capital appreciation or current income.

 

This Prospectus describes the Fund’s principal investment strategies, and the Fund will normally invest in the types of securities and other investments described in this Prospectus. In addition to the securities and other investments and strategies described in this Prospectus, the Fund also may invest to a lesser extent in other securities, use other strategies and engage in other investment practices that are not part of its principal investment strategies. These investments and strategies, as well as those described in this Prospectus, are described in detail in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (the “SAI”) (for information on how to obtain a copy of the SAI see the back cover of this Prospectus). Of course, there is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment goals.

 

Information about Portfolio Holdings

 

A description of the Fund’s policy and procedures with respect to the circumstances under which the Fund discloses its portfolio holdings is available in the SAI. Within 10 days of the end of each calendar quarter, the Fund will post its complete portfolio holdings on the internet at www.westwoodfunds.com. This information will generally remain available until it is replaced by new portfolio holdings information as described above. The Adviser may exclude any portion of the Fund’s portfolio holdings from such publication when deemed in the best interest of the Fund.

 

Investment Adviser

 

Westwood Management Corp., a New York corporation formed in 1983, serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. The Adviser’s principal place of business is located at 200 Crescent Court, Suite 1200, Dallas, Texas 75201. The Adviser is a wholly owned subsidiary of Westwood Holdings Group, Inc., an institutional asset management company. As of [ ], 2018, the Adviser had approximately $[XX] in assets under management.

 

The Adviser makes investment decisions for the Fund and continuously reviews, supervises and administers the Fund’s investment program. The Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund (the “Trust”) supervises the Adviser and establishes policies that the Adviser must follow in its management activities.

 

For its services, the Adviser is entitled to a fee, which is calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 0.69% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to reduce its fees and reimburse expenses of the Institutional Shares of the Fund in order to keep net operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on securities sold short, acquired fund fees and expenses, and extraordinary expenses (collectively, “excluded expenses”)) from exceeding 0.79% of the average daily net assets of the Fund until February 28, 2020.

 

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In addition, the Adviser may receive from the Fund the difference between the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses (not including excluded expenses) and the Fund’s expense cap to recoup all or a portion of its prior fee reductions or expense reimbursements made during the three-year period preceding the recoupment if at any point total annual Fund operating expenses (not including excluded expenses) are below the expense cap (i) at the time of the fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement and (ii) at the time of the recoupment.

 

A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the Fund’s investment advisory agreement will be available in the Fund’s first Semi-Annual Report to Shareholders dated April 30, 2019, which will cover the period from the Fund’s inception to April 30, 2019.

 

Portfolio Manager

 

Mr. Michael J. Carne, CFA, has served as Senior Vice President for the Adviser since January 2018. Prior to joining the Adviser, Mr. Carne served as Founder and Principal Owner of Horner Street Capital Management, LLC, from 2015 to 2017. From 2002 to 2015, he was a Managing Director and Head of Income Strategies at NWQ Investment Management, and was the Portfolio Manager of the Nuveen NWQ Flexible Income Strategy from its inception in 2009 until 2015. Mr. Carne has served on the portfolio team for the Fund since its inception in 2018. He has final decision-making authority over the Fund’s investment portfolio. He has authority to direct trading activity for the Fund and is also responsible for representing the Fund to investors. Mr. Carne has had experience managing and trading portfolios of both fixed income and equities over his more than 30 years of investment experience.

 

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

 

Related Performance Data

 

Michael J. Carne (the “Portfolio Manager”) is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund. While at a prior firm unaffiliated with the Adviser, the Portfolio Manager was primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of an account with investment objectives, policies and strategies substantially similar to those of the Fund (the “Prior Adviser Comparable Account”) from January 1, 2015 until December 31, 2017 (the “Relevant Period”). During the Relevant Period, the Portfolio Manager exercised final decision-making authority over all material aspects concerning the investment objective, policies, strategies, and security selection decisions of the Prior Adviser Comparable Account and the Portfolio Manager exercises the same level of authority and discretion in managing the Fund. During the Relevant Period, the Portfolio Manager managed no other accounts with investment objectives, policies and strategies substantially similar to those of the Fund.

 

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The following tables give the related performance of the Prior Adviser Comparable Account. The data does not represent the performance of the Fund. The performance should also not be viewed as that of the Adviser or an indication of how the Adviser would have performed in the past. Performance is historical and does not represent the future performance of the Fund, the Adviser or the Portfolio Manager.

 

The manner in which the performance was calculated for the Prior Adviser Comparable Account differs from that of registered mutual funds such as the Fund. If the performance was calculated in accordance with SEC standardized performance methodology, the performance results may have been different. The following has been prepared and presented in compliance with the Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS®).

 

All returns presented were calculated on a total return basis and include all dividends and interest, accrued income, and realized and unrealized gains and losses. Investment transactions are accounted for on a trade date basis. All returns reflect the payment of brokerage commissions, execution costs, withholding taxes, sales loads and account fees, if any, paid by the Prior Adviser Comparable Account, without taking into account federal or state income taxes. “Net of fees” returns also reflect the payment of investment management fees. All fees and expenses, except custodial fees, were included in the calculations. The Prior Adviser Comparable Account was a non-fee-paying account. Accordingly, “net of fees” returns are calculated using an annual investment management fee of 0.80%.

 

The Fund’s fees and expenses are generally expected to be higher than those of the Prior Adviser Comparable Account. If the Fund’s fees and expenses had been imposed on the Prior Adviser Comparable Account, the performance shown below would have been lower. The Prior Adviser Comparable Account is also not subject to the diversification requirements, specific tax restrictions, and investment limitations imposed on the Fund by the federal securities and tax laws. Consequently, the performance results for the Prior Adviser Comparable Account could have been adversely affected if the Prior Adviser Comparable Account were subject to the same federal securities and tax laws as the Fund.

 

The investment results for the Prior Adviser Comparable Account presented below are not intended to predict or suggest the future returns of the Fund. The performance data shown below should not be considered a substitute for the Fund’s own performance information. Investors should be aware that the use of a methodology different than that used below to calculate performance could result in different performance data.

 

THE FOLLOWING DATA DOES NOT REPRESENT THE PERFORMANCE OF THE FUND.

 

Performance Information for the Prior Adviser Comparable Account 1

 

17

 

Calendar Year Total Pre-Tax Returns

 

 

Year

Total Pre-Tax Return (Net of Fees) Total Pre-Tax Return (Gross of Fees) Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index2 Bloomberg Barclays Ba to B U.S. High Yield Index (“High Yield Index”)3

Bloomberg Barclays US Aggregate Credit - Corporate - Investment Grade

Index

(“Corporate Investment Grade Index”)4

50% High Yield Index/50% Corporate Investment Grade Index

 

Number of Portfolios

Total Assets at End of Period

($ millions)

2017 8.13% 8.99% 3.54% 6.92% 6.42% 6.67% 1 0.27
2016 11.31% 12.20% 2.65% 14.14% 6.11% 10.08% 1 0.25
2015 0.17% 0.97% 0.55% 2.79% -0.68% 1.69% 1 0.57

 

Average Annual Total Pre-Tax Returns (as of 12/31/2017)
  Prior Adviser Comparable Account Returns  
Time Period Net of Fees Gross of Fees Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index2 Bloomberg Barclays Ba to B U.S. High Yield Index (“High Yield Index”)3

Bloomberg Barclays US

Aggregate Credit - Corporate

- Investment Grade Index

(“Corporate Investment Grade Index”)4

50% High Yield Index/50% Corporate Investment Grade Index
1 Year 8.13% 8.99% 3.54% 6.92% 6.42% 6.67%
3 Years 6.43% 7.28% 2.24% 5.86% 3.90% 4.90%

 

1The performance information is calculated in and expressed in United States dollars.
2The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is an unmanaged index representing domestic taxable investment grade bonds, with index components for government and corporate securities, mortgage pass-through securities, and asset-backed securities with an average maturity of one year or more at the time of their issue.
3The Bloomberg Barclays Ba to B U.S. High Yield Index measures the market of USD-denominated, non-investment grade, fixed-rate, taxable corporate bonds with a middle rating of Moody’s, Fitch, and S&P between Ba1/BB+/BB+ and B3/B-/B-.
4The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Credit – Corporate – Investment Grade Index is a broad-based benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate, taxable corporate bond market. It includes USD-denominated securities publicly issued by U.S. and non-U.S. industrial, utility, and financial issuers that meet specified maturity, liquidity, and quality requirements.

 

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Purchasing, Selling and Exchanging Fund Shares

 

This section tells you how to purchase, sell (sometimes called “redeem”) and exchange Institutional Shares of the Fund.

 

For information regarding the federal income tax consequences of transactions in shares of the Fund, including information about cost basis reporting, see “Taxes.”

 

How to Purchase Fund Shares

 

You will ordinarily submit your purchase orders through your securities broker or other financial intermediary through which you opened your shareholder account. To purchase shares directly from the Fund through its transfer agent, complete and send in the application. If you need an application or have questions, please call 1-877-FUND-WHG (1-877-386-3944) or log on to the Fund’s website at www.westwoodfunds.com.

 

All investments must be made by check, Automated Clearing House (“ACH”), or wire. All checks must be made payable in U.S. dollars and drawn on U.S. financial institutions. The Fund does not accept purchases made by third-party checks, credit cards, credit card checks, cash, traveler’s checks, money orders or cashier’s checks.

 

The Fund reserves the right to reject any specific purchase order for any reason. The Fund is not intended for short-term trading by shareholders in response to short-term market fluctuations. For more information about the Fund’s policy on short-term trading, see “Excessive Trading Policies and Procedures.”

 

The Fund does not generally accept investments by non-U.S. persons. Non-U.S. persons may be permitted to invest in the Fund subject to the satisfaction of enhanced due diligence. Please contact the Fund for more information.

 

By Mail

 

You can open an account with the Fund by sending a check and your account application to the address below. You can add to an existing account by sending the Fund a check and, if possible, the “Invest by Mail” stub that accompanies your confirmation statement. Be sure your check identifies clearly your name, your account number, the Fund name and the share class.

 

Regular Mail Address

 

Westwood Funds

P.O. Box 219009

Kansas City, MO 64121-9009

 

Express Mail Address

 

Westwood Funds

c/o DST Systems, Inc.

430 W. 7th Street

Kansas City, MO 64105

 

The Fund does not consider the U.S. Postal Service or other independent delivery services to be its agents. Therefore, deposit in the mail or with such services of purchase orders does not constitute receipt by the Fund’s transfer agent. The share price used to fill the purchase order is the next price calculated by the Fund after the Fund’s transfer agent receives the order in proper form at the P.O. Box provided for regular mail delivery or the office address provided for express mail delivery.

 

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By Wire

 

To open an account by wire, call 1-877-FUND-WHG (1-877-386-3944) for details. To add to an existing account by wire, wire your money using the wiring instructions set forth below (be sure to include the Fund name, the share class and your account number).

 

Wiring Instructions

 

UMB Bank, N.A.

ABA#: 101000695

Westwood Funds

DDA# 9871063178

Ref: Fund name/account name/share class/account number

 

General Information

 

You may purchase shares on any day that the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) is open for business (a “Business Day”). Shares cannot be purchased by Federal Reserve wire on days that either the NYSE or the Federal Reserve is closed. The Fund’s price per share will be the next determined NAV per share after the Fund or an authorized institution (defined below) receives your purchase order in proper form. “Proper form” means that the Fund was provided a complete and signed account application, including the investor’s social security number or tax identification number, and other identification required by law or regulation, as well as sufficient purchase proceeds.

 

The Fund calculates its NAV once each Business Day as of the close of normal trading on the NYSE (normally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time). To receive the current Business Day’s NAV, the Fund or an authorized institution must receive your purchase order in proper form before the close of normal trading on the NYSE. If the NYSE closes early, as in the case of scheduled half-day trading or unscheduled suspensions of trading, the Fund reserves the right to calculate NAV as of the earlier closing time. The Fund will not accept orders that request a particular day or price for the transaction or any other special conditions. Shares will only be priced on Business Days.

 

Buying or Selling Shares through a Financial Intermediary

 

In addition to being able to buy and sell Fund shares directly from the Fund through its transfer agent, you may also buy or sell shares of the Fund through accounts with financial intermediaries such as brokers and other institutions that are authorized to place trades in Fund shares for their customers. When you purchase or sell Fund shares through a financial intermediary (rather than directly from the Fund), you may have to transmit your purchase and sale requests to the financial intermediary at an earlier time for your transaction to become effective that day. This allows the financial intermediary time to process your requests and transmit them to the Fund prior to the time the Fund calculates its NAV that day. Your financial intermediary is responsible for transmitting all purchase and redemption requests, investment information, documentation and money to the Fund on time. If your financial intermediary fails to do so, it may be responsible for any resulting fees or losses. Unless your financial intermediary is an authorized institution, orders transmitted by the financial intermediary and received by the Fund after the time NAV is calculated for a particular day will receive the following day’s NAV.

 

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Certain financial intermediaries, including certain broker-dealers and shareholder organizations, are authorized to act as agent on behalf of the Fund with respect to the receipt of purchase and redemption orders for Fund shares (“authorized institutions”). Authorized institutions are also authorized to designate other intermediaries to receive purchase and redemption orders on the Fund’s behalf. The Fund will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when an authorized institution or, if applicable, an authorized institution’s designee, receives the order. Orders will be priced at the Fund’s next computed NAV after they are received by an authorized institution or an authorized institution’s designee. To determine whether your financial intermediary is an authorized institution or an authorized institution’s designee such that it may act as agent on behalf of the Fund with respect to purchase and redemption orders for Fund shares, you should contact your financial intermediary directly.

 

If you deal directly with a financial intermediary, you will have to follow its procedures for transacting with the Fund. Your financial intermediary may charge a fee for your purchase and/or redemption transactions. For more information about how to purchase or sell Fund shares through a financial intermediary, you should contact the financial intermediary directly.

 

How the Fund Calculates NAV

 

The NAV of the Fund’s shares is determined by dividing the total value of the Fund’s portfolio investments and other assets, less any liabilities, by the total number of shares outstanding. In calculating NAV, the Fund generally values its investment portfolio at market price. If market prices are not readily available or the Fund reasonably believes that they are unreliable, such as in the case of a security value that has been materially affected by events occurring after the relevant market closes, the Fund is required to price those securities at fair value as determined in good faith using methods approved by the Board. Pursuant to the policies adopted by, and under the ultimate supervision of the Board, these methods are implemented through the Trust’s Fair Value Pricing Committee, members of which are appointed by the Board. The Fund’s determination of a security’s fair value price often involves the consideration of a number of subjective factors, and is therefore subject to the unavoidable risk that the value that the Fund assigns to a security may be higher or lower than the security’s value would be if a reliable market quotation for the security was readily available.

 

There may be limited circumstances in which the Fund would price securities at fair value for stocks of U.S. companies that are traded on U.S. exchanges – for example, if the exchange on which a portfolio security is principally traded closed early or if trading in a particular security was halted during the day and did not resume prior to the time the Fund calculated its NAV.

 

When valuing fixed income securities with remaining maturities of more than 60 days, the Fund uses the value of the security provided by pricing services. The values provided by a pricing service may be based upon market quotations for the same security, securities expected to trade in a similar manner or a pricing matrix. When valuing fixed income securities with remaining maturities of 60 days or less, the Fund may use the security’s amortized cost. Amortized cost and the use of a pricing matrix in valuing fixed income securities are forms of fair value pricing.

 

Other assets for which market quotations are not readily available will be valued at their fair value as determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board.

 

Purchases In Kind

 

Subject to the approval of the Fund, an investor may purchase shares of the Fund with liquid securities and other assets that are eligible for purchase by the Fund (consistent with the Fund’s investment policies and restrictions) and that have a value that is readily ascertainable in accordance with the Fund’s valuation policies. These transactions will be effected only if the Adviser deems the security to be an appropriate investment for the Fund. Assets purchased by the Fund in such a transaction will be valued in accordance with procedures adopted by the Fund. The Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate this practice at any time.

 

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Minimum Purchases

 

You can open an account with the Fund with a minimum initial investment of $5,000. There is no minimum for subsequent investments. The Fund may accept initial investments of smaller amounts in its sole discretion.

 

By Automatic Investment Plan (via ACH)

 

You may not open an account via ACH. However, once you have established an account, you can set up an automatic investment plan by mailing a completed application to the Fund. These purchases can be made monthly, quarterly, semi-annually and annually in amounts of at least $25 per Fund. To cancel or change a plan, write to the Fund at: Westwood Funds, P.O. Box 219009, Kansas City, MO 64121-9009 (Express Mail Address: Westwood Funds, c/o DST Systems, Inc., 430 West 7th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105). Please allow up to 15 days to create the plan and 3 days to cancel or change it.

 

Fund Codes

 

The reference information listed below will be helpful to you when you contact the Fund to purchase or exchange Institutional Shares, check the Fund’s daily NAV or obtain additional information.

 

Fund Name Ticker Symbol CUSIP Fund Code
Westwood Multi-Asset High Income Fund WMHIX [XX] [XX]

 

How to Sell Your Fund Shares

 

If you own your shares directly, you may redeem your shares on any Business Day by contacting the Fund directly by mail or telephone at 1-877-FUND-WHG (1-877-386-3944).

 

If you own your shares through an account with a broker or other institution, contact that broker or institution to redeem your shares. Your broker or institution may charge a fee for its services in addition to the fees charged by the Fund.

 

If you would like to have your sales proceeds, including proceeds generated as a result of closing your account, sent to a third party or an address other than your own, please notify the Fund in writing.

 

Certain redemption requests will require a signature guarantee by an eligible guarantor institution. Eligible guarantors include commercial banks, savings and loans, savings banks, trust companies, credit unions, member firms of a national stock exchange, or any other member or participant of an approved signature guarantor program. For example, signature guarantees may be required if your address of record has changed in the last 30 days, if you want the proceeds sent to a bank other than the bank of record on your account, or if you ask that the proceeds be sent to a different person or address. Please note that a notary public is not an acceptable provider of a signature guarantee and that the Fund must be provided with the original guarantee. Signature guarantees are for the protection of Fund shareholders. Before they grant a redemption request, the Fund may require a shareholder to furnish additional legal documents to ensure proper authorization.

 

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Accounts held by a corporation, trust, fiduciary or partnership, may require additional documentation along with a signature guaranteed letter of instruction. The Fund participates in the Paperless Legal Program (the “Program”), which eliminates the need for accompanying paper documentation on legal securities transfers. Requests received with a Medallion Signature Guarantee will be reviewed for the proper criteria to meet the guidelines of the Program and may not require additional documentation. Please contact Shareholder Services at 1-877-386-3944 for more information.

 

The sale price will be the NAV per share next determined after the Fund receives your request in proper form.

 

By Mail

 

To redeem shares by mail, please send a letter to the Fund signed by all registered parties on the account specifying:

 

The Fund name;
The share class;
The account number;
The dollar amount or number of shares you wish to redeem;
The account name(s); and
The address to which redemption (sale) proceeds should be sent.

 

All registered shareholders must sign the letter in the exact name(s) in which their account is registered and must designate any special capacity in which they are registered.

 

Regular Mail Address

 

Westwood Funds

P.O. Box 219009

Kansas City, MO 64121-9009

 

Express Mail Address

 

Westwood Funds

c/o DST Systems, Inc.

430 W. 7th Street

Kansas City, MO 64105

 

The Fund does not consider the U.S. Postal Service or other independent delivery services to be its agents. Therefore, deposit in the mail or with such services of sell orders does not constitute receipt by the Fund’s transfer agent. The share price used to fill the sell order is the next price calculated by the Fund after the Fund’s transfer agent receives the order in proper form at the P.O. Box provided for regular mail delivery or the office address provided for express mail delivery.

 

By Telephone

 

You must first establish the telephone redemption privilege (and, if desired, the wire or ACH redemption privileges) by completing the appropriate sections of the account application. Call 1-877-FUND-WHG (1-877-386-3944) to redeem your shares. Based on your instructions, the Fund will mail your proceeds to you, or send them to your bank via wire or ACH.

 

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By Systematic Withdrawal Plan (via ACH)

 

If your account balance is at least $10,000, you may transfer as little as $100 per month from your account to another financial institution through a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (via ACH). To participate in this service, you must complete the appropriate sections of the account application and mail it to the Fund.

 

Receiving Your Money

 

Normally, the Fund will send your sale proceeds within one Business Day after it receives your redemption request. The Fund, however, may take up to seven days to pay redemption proceeds. Your proceeds can be wired to your bank account (may be subject to a $10 fee), sent to you by check or sent via ACH to your bank account if you have established banking instructions with the Fund. If you are selling shares that were recently purchased by check or through ACH, redemption proceeds may not be available until your check has cleared or the ACH transaction has been completed (which may take up to 15 days from your date of purchase).

 

The Fund typically expects to sell portfolio assets and/or hold cash or cash equivalents to meet redemption requests. On a less regular basis, the Fund may also meet redemption requests by using short-term borrowings from its custodian and/or redeeming shares in kind (as described below). These methods may be used during both normal and stressed market conditions.

 

Redemptions In Kind

 

The Fund generally pays sale (redemption) proceeds in cash. However, under unusual conditions that make the payment of cash unwise and for the protection of the Fund’s remaining shareholders, the Fund might pay all or part of your redemption proceeds in securities with a market value equal to the redemption price (redemption in kind). It is highly unlikely that your shares would ever be redeemed in kind, but if they were, you would have to pay transaction costs to sell the securities distributed to you, as well as taxes on any capital gains from the sale as with any redemption. In addition, you would continue to be subject to the risks of any market fluctuation in the value of the securities you receive in kind until they are sold.

 

Involuntary Redemptions of Your Shares

If your account balance drops below $5,000 because of redemptions, you may be required to sell your shares. The Fund will provide you at least 30 days’ written notice to give you time to add to your account and avoid the involuntary redemption of your shares. The Fund reserves the right to waive the minimum account value requirement in their sole discretion.

 

Suspension of Your Right to Sell Your Shares

 

The Fund may suspend your right to sell your shares or delay payment of redemption proceeds for more than seven days during times when the NYSE is closed, other than during customary weekends or holidays, or as otherwise permitted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). More information about this is in the SAI.

 

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How to Exchange Fund Shares

 

At no charge, you may exchange between like share classes or different share classes of any Westwood Fund, where offered, by writing to or calling the Fund. Exchanges are subject to the eligibility requirements and the fees and expenses of the share class you exchange into, as set forth in the applicable prospectus. You may only exchange shares between accounts with identical registrations (i.e., the same names and addresses).

 

The exchange privilege is not intended as a vehicle for short-term or excessive trading. The Fund may suspend or terminate your exchange privilege if you engage in a pattern of exchanges that is excessive, as determined in the sole discretion of the Fund. For more information about the Fund’s policy on excessive trading, see “Excessive Trading Policies and Procedures.”

 

Telephone Transactions

 

Purchasing, selling and exchanging Fund shares over the telephone is extremely convenient, but not without risk. Although the Fund has certain safeguards and procedures to confirm the identity of callers and the authenticity of instructions, the Fund is not responsible for any losses or costs incurred by following telephone instructions it reasonably believes to be genuine. If you or your financial institution transact with the Fund over the telephone, you will generally bear the risk of any loss.

 

Payments to Financial Intermediaries

 

The Fund and/or the Adviser may compensate financial intermediaries for providing a variety of services to the Fund and/or its shareholders. Financial intermediaries include affiliated or unaffiliated brokers, dealers, banks (including bank trust departments), trust companies, registered investment advisers, financial planners, retirement plan administrators, insurance companies, and any other institution having a service, administration, or any similar arrangement with the Fund, its service providers or their respective affiliates. This section briefly describes how financial intermediaries may be paid for providing these services. For more information, please see “Payments to Financial Intermediaries” in the SAI.

 

Payments by the Fund

 

The Fund may enter into agreements with financial intermediaries pursuant to which the Fund may pay financial intermediaries for non-distribution-related sub-transfer agency, administrative, sub-accounting, and other shareholder services. Payments made pursuant to such agreements are generally based on either (1) a percentage of the average daily net assets of Fund shareholders serviced by a financial intermediary, or (2) the number of Fund shareholders serviced by a financial intermediary.

 

Payments by the Adviser

 

From time to time, the Adviser and/or its affiliates, in their discretion, may make payments to certain affiliated or unaffiliated financial intermediaries to compensate them for the costs associated with distribution, marketing, administration and shareholder servicing support for the Fund. These payments are sometimes characterized as “revenue sharing” payments and are made out of the Adviser’s and/or its affiliates’ own legitimate profits or other resources, and may be in addition to any payments made to financial intermediaries by the Fund. A financial intermediary may provide these services with respect to Fund shares sold or held through programs such as retirement plans, qualified tuition programs, fund supermarkets, fee-based advisory or wrap fee programs, bank trust programs, and insurance (e.g., individual or group annuity) programs. In addition, financial intermediaries may receive payments for making shares of the Fund available to its customers or registered representatives, including providing the Fund with “shelf space,” placing it on a preferred or recommended fund list, or promoting the Fund in certain sales programs that are sponsored by financial intermediaries. To the extent permitted by SEC and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) rules and other applicable laws and regulations, the Adviser and/or its affiliates may pay or allow other promotional incentives or payments to financial intermediaries.

 

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The level of payments made by the Adviser and/or its affiliates to individual financial intermediaries varies in any given year and may be negotiated on the basis of sales of Fund shares, the amount of Fund assets serviced by the financial intermediary or the quality of the financial intermediary’s relationship with the Adviser and/or its affiliates. These payments may be more or less than the payments received by the financial intermediaries from other mutual funds and may influence a financial intermediary to favor the sales of certain funds or share classes over others. In certain instances, the payments could be significant and may cause a conflict of interest for your financial intermediary. Any such payments will not change the NAV or price of the Fund’s shares. Please contact your financial intermediary for information about any payments it may receive in connection with the sale of Fund shares or the provision of services to Fund shareholders.

 

In addition to these payments, your financial intermediary may charge you account fees, commissions or transaction fees for buying or redeeming shares of the Fund, or other fees for servicing your account. Your financial intermediary should provide a schedule of its fees and services to you upon request.

 

Other Policies

 

Excessive Trading Policies and Procedures

 

The Fund is intended for long-term investment purposes only and discourages shareholders from engaging in “market timing” or other types of excessive short-term trading. This frequent trading into and out of the Fund may present risks to the Fund’s long-term shareholders and could adversely affect shareholder returns. The risks posed by frequent trading include interfering with the efficient implementation of the Fund’s investment strategies, triggering the recognition of taxable gains and losses on the sale of Fund investments, requiring the Fund to maintain higher cash balances to meet redemption requests, and experiencing increased transaction costs.

 

In addition, because the Fund may invest in small- and mid-cap securities, which often trade in lower volumes and may be less liquid, may be more susceptible to the risks posed by frequent trading because frequent transactions in the Fund’s shares may have a greater impact on the market prices of these types of securities.

 

The Fund’s service providers will take steps reasonably designed to detect and deter frequent trading by shareholders pursuant to the Fund’s policies and procedures described in this Prospectus and approved by the Board. For purposes of applying these policies, the Fund’s service providers may consider the trading history of accounts under common ownership or control. The Fund’s policies and procedures include:

 

Shareholders are restricted from making more than 4 “round trips,” including exchanges, into or out of the Fund over any rolling 12 month period. If a shareholder exceeds this amount, the Fund and/or its service providers may, at their discretion, reject any additional purchase or exchange orders. The Fund defines a “round trip” as a purchase or exchange into the Fund by a shareholder, followed by a subsequent redemption out of the Fund, of an amount the Adviser reasonably believes would be harmful or disruptive to the Fund.

 

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The Fund reserves the right to reject any purchase or exchange request by any investor or group of investors for any reason without prior notice, including, in particular, if the Fund or the Adviser reasonably believes that the trading activity would be harmful or disruptive to the Fund.

 

The Fund and/or its service providers seek to apply these policies to the best of their abilities uniformly and in a manner they believe is consistent with the interests of the Fund’s long-term shareholders. The Fund does not knowingly accommodate frequent purchases and redemptions by Fund shareholders. Although these policies are designed to deter frequent trading, none of these measures alone nor all of them taken together eliminate the possibility that frequent trading in the Fund will occur. Systematic purchases and redemptions are exempt from these policies.

 

Financial intermediaries (such as investment advisers and broker-dealers) often establish omnibus accounts in the Fund for its customers through which transactions are placed. The Fund has entered into “information sharing agreements” with these financial intermediaries, which permit the Fund to obtain, upon request, information about the trading activity of the intermediary’s customers that invest in the Fund. If the Fund or its service providers identify omnibus account level trading patterns that have the potential to be detrimental to the Fund, the Fund or its service providers may, in their sole discretion, request from the financial intermediary information concerning the trading activity of its customers. Based upon a review of that information, if the Fund or its service providers determine that the trading activity of any customer may be detrimental to the Fund, they may, in their sole discretion, request the financial intermediary to restrict or limit further trading in the Fund by that customer. If the Fund is not satisfied that the intermediary has taken appropriate action, the Fund may terminate the intermediary’s ability to transact in Fund shares. When information regarding transactions in the Fund’s shares is requested by the Fund and such information is in the possession of a person that is itself a financial intermediary to a financial intermediary (an “indirect intermediary”), any financial intermediary with whom the Fund has an information sharing agreement is obligated to obtain transaction information from the indirect intermediary or, if directed by the Fund, to restrict or prohibit the indirect intermediary from purchasing shares of the Fund on behalf of other persons.

 

The Fund and its service providers will use reasonable efforts to work with financial intermediaries to identify excessive short-term trading in omnibus accounts that may be detrimental to the Fund. However, there can be no assurance that the monitoring of omnibus account level trading will enable the Fund to identify or prevent all such trading by a financial intermediary’s customers. Please contact your financial intermediary for more information.

 

Customer Identification and Verification

 

To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person who opens an account.

 

What this means to you: When you open an account, the Fund will ask your name, address, date of birth, and other information that will allow the Fund to identify you. This information is subject to verification to ensure the identity of all persons opening a mutual fund account.

 

The Fund is required by law to reject your new account application if the required identifying information is not provided.

 

In certain instances, the Fund is required to collect documents to fulfill their legal obligation. Documents provided in connection with your application will be used solely to establish and verify your identity.

 

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Attempts to collect the missing information required on the application will be performed by either contacting you or, if applicable, your broker. If this information cannot be obtained within a reasonable timeframe established in the sole discretion of the Fund, your application will be rejected.

 

Upon receipt of your application in proper form (or upon receipt of all identifying information required on the application), your investment will be accepted and your order will be processed at the next-determined NAV per share.

 

The Fund reserves the right to close or liquidate your account at the next-determined NAV and remit proceeds to you via check if it is unable to verify your identity. Attempts to verify your identity will be performed within a reasonable timeframe established in the sole discretion of the Fund. Further, the Fund reserves the right to hold your proceeds until your original check clears the bank, which may take up to 15 days from the date of purchase. In such an instance, you may be subject to a gain or loss on Fund shares and will be subject to corresponding tax implications.

 

Anti-Money Laundering Program

 

Customer identification and verification is part of the Fund’s overall obligation to deter money laundering under federal law. The Fund has adopted an anti-money laundering compliance program designed to prevent the Fund from being used for money laundering or the financing of illegal activities. In this regard, the Fund reserves the right to: (i) refuse, cancel or rescind any purchase or exchange order; (ii) freeze any account and/or suspend account services; or (iii) involuntarily close your account in cases of threatening conduct or suspected fraudulent or illegal activity. These actions will be taken when, in the sole discretion of Fund management, they are deemed to be in the best interest of the Fund or in cases when the Fund is requested or compelled to do so by governmental or law enforcement authority. If your account is closed at the request of governmental or law enforcement authority, you may not receive proceeds of the redemption if the Fund is required to withhold such proceeds.

 

Unclaimed Property

 

Each state has unclaimed property rules that generally provide for escheatment (or transfer) to the state of unclaimed property under various circumstances. Such circumstances include inactivity (e.g., no owner-initiated contact for a certain period), returned mail (e.g., when mail sent to a shareholder is returned by the post office, or “RPO,” as undeliverable), or a combination of both inactivity and returned mail. Once it flags property as unclaimed, the Fund will attempt to contact the shareholder, but if that attempt is unsuccessful, the account may be considered abandoned and escheated to the state.

 

Shareholders that reside in the state of Texas may designate a representative to receive escheatment notifications by completing and submitting a designation form that can be found on the website of the Texas Comptroller. While the designated representative does not have any rights to claim or access the shareholder’s account or assets, the escheatment period will cease if the representative communicates knowledge of the shareholder’s location and confirms that the shareholder has not abandoned his or her property. A completed designation form may be mailed to the Fund (if shares are held directly with the Fund) or to the shareholder's financial intermediary (if shares are not held directly with the Fund).

 

More information on unclaimed property and how to maintain an active account is available through your state or by calling 1-877-FUND-WHG (1-877-386-3944).

 

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Dividends and Distributions

 

The Fund distributes its net investment income monthly and makes distributions of its net realized capital gains, if any, at least annually.

 

If you own Fund shares on the Fund’s record date, you will be entitled to receive the distribution. You will receive dividends and distributions in the form of additional Fund shares unless you elect to receive payment in cash. To elect cash payment, you must notify the Fund in writing prior to the date of the distribution. Your election will be effective for dividends and distributions paid after the Fund receives your written notice. To cancel your election, simply send the Fund written notice.

 

Taxes

 

Please consult your tax advisor regarding your specific questions about federal, state and local income taxes. The following is a summary of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of investing in the Fund. This summary is based on current tax laws, which may change. This summary does not apply to shares held in an IRA or other tax-qualified plans, which are generally not subject to current tax. Transactions relating to shares held in such accounts may, however, be taxable at some time in the future.

 

The recently enacted tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) makes significant changes to the U.S. federal income tax rules for taxation of individuals and corporations, generally effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017. Many of the changes applicable to individuals are temporary and would apply only to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2026. There are only minor changes with respect to the specific rules only applicable to regulated investment companies, such as the Fund. The Tax Act, however, makes numerous other changes to the tax rules that may affect shareholders and the Fund. You are urged to consult with your own tax advisor regarding how the Tax Act affects your investment in the Fund.

 

The Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any. The dividends and distributions you receive, whether in cash or reinvested in additional shares of the Fund, may be subject to federal, state, and local taxation, depending upon your tax situation. Income distributions, including distributions of net short-term capital gains but excluding distributions of qualified dividend income, are generally taxable at ordinary income tax rates. Distributions that are reported by the Fund as long-term capital gains and as qualified dividend income are generally taxable at the rates applicable to long-term capital gains and currently set at a maximum tax rate for individuals at 20% (lower rates apply to individuals in lower tax brackets). Once a year the Fund (or its administrative agent) will send you a statement showing the types and total amount of distributions you received during the previous year.

 

You should note that if you purchase shares just before a distribution, the purchase price would reflect the amount of the upcoming distribution. In this case, you would be taxed on the entire amount of the distribution received, even though, as an economic matter, the distribution simply constitutes a return of your investment. This is known as “buying a dividend” and should be avoided by taxable investors.

 

Each sale of Fund shares may be a taxable event. For tax purposes, an exchange of your Fund shares for shares of a different fund is the same as a sale. A sale may result in a capital gain or loss to you. The gain or loss on the sale of Fund shares generally will be treated as a short-term capital gain or loss if you held the shares for 12 months or less, or a long-term capital gain or loss if you held the shares for longer. Any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of Fund shares held for six months or less will be treated as long-term, rather than short-term, to the extent of any long-term capital gain distributions received (or deemed received) by you with respect to the Fund shares. All or a portion of any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of Fund shares will be disallowed if you purchase other substantially identical shares within 30 days before or after the disposition. In such a case, the basis of the newly purchased shares will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.

 

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U.S. individuals with income exceeding $200,000 ($250,000 if married and filing jointly) are subject to a 3.8% Medicare contribution tax on their “net investment income,” including interest, dividends, and capital gains (including capital gains realized on the sale or exchange of shares of the Fund).

 

The Fund (or its administrative agent) must report to the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and furnish to Fund shareholders cost basis information for Fund shares purchased on or after January 1, 2012 and sold on or after that date. In addition to reporting the gross proceeds from the sale of Fund shares, the Fund (or its administrative agent) is also required to report the cost basis information for such shares and indicate whether these shares have a short-term or long-term holding period. For each sale of Fund shares, the Fund will permit its shareholders to elect from among several IRS-accepted cost basis methods, including the average basis method. In the absence of an election, the Fund will use the average basis method as the default cost basis method. The cost basis method elected by Fund shareholders (or the cost basis method applied by default) for each sale of Fund shares may not be changed after the settlement date of each such sale of Fund shares. Fund shareholders should consult their tax advisors to determine the best IRS-accepted cost basis method for their tax situation and to obtain more information about cost basis reporting. Shareholders also should carefully review the cost basis information provided to them and make any additional basis, holding period or other adjustments that are required when reporting these amounts on their federal income tax returns.

 

The Fund intends to elect and to qualify each year to be treated as a Regulated Investment Companies (“RIC”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Subchapter M of the Code. In order to do so the Fund must derive at least 90% of its gross income each taxable year from qualifying income and diversify its assets as described in more detail in the SAI. In particular, the Fund may not invest more than 25% of its total assets in the securities of entities treated as qualified publicly traded partnerships (“QPTPs”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The Fund intends to significantly invest in master limited partnerships taxed as QPTPs and accordingly the Adviser intends to monitor the Fund’s investments to ensure compliance with the 25% limit on investments in QPTPs. If the Fund fails to satisfy the requirements to qualify as a RIC in any taxable year, the Fund may be eligible for relief provisions but only if the failures are due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect and if a penalty tax is paid with respect to each failure to satisfy the applicable requirements. Additionally, relief is provided for certain de minimis failures of the diversification requirements (including the 25% limit on QPTPs) where the Fund corrects the failure within a specified period. If the Fund fails to maintain qualification as a RIC for a tax year, and the relief provisions are not available, the Fund will be subject to federal income tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to shareholders and distributions from earnings and profits would generally be taxable to Fund shareholders as ordinary income.

 

To the extent the Fund invests in foreign securities, it may be subject to foreign withholding taxes with respect to dividends or interest the Fund received from sources in foreign countries. If more than 50% of the total assets of the Fund consists of foreign securities, the Fund will be eligible to elect to treat some of those taxes as a distribution to shareholders, which would allow shareholders to offset some of their U.S. federal income tax. The Fund (or its administrative agent) will notify you if it makes such an election and provide you with the information necessary to reflect foreign taxes paid on your income tax return.

 

Because each shareholder’s tax situation is different, you should consult your tax advisor about the tax implications of an investment in the Fund.

 

More information about taxes is in the SAI.

 

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Additional Information

 

The Trust enters into contractual arrangements with various parties, including, among others, the Fund’s investment adviser, custodian, transfer agent, accountants, administrator and distributor, who provide services to the Fund. Shareholders are not parties to, or intended (or “third-party”) beneficiaries of, any of those contractual arrangements, and those contractual arrangements are not intended to create in any individual shareholder or group of shareholders any right to enforce the terms of the contractual arrangements against the service providers or to seek any remedy under the contractual arrangements against the service providers, either directly or on behalf of the Trust.

 

This Prospectus and the SAI provide information concerning the Trust and the Fund that you should consider in determining whether to purchase shares of the Fund. The Fund may make changes to this information from time to time. Neither this Prospectus, the SAI or any document filed as an exhibit to the Trust’s registration statement, is intended to, nor does it, give rise to an agreement or contract between the Trust or the Fund and any shareholder, or give rise to any contract or other rights in any individual shareholder, group of shareholders or other person other than any rights conferred explicitly by federal or state securities laws that may not be waived.

 

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Financial Highlights

 

Because the Fund has not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus, financial highlights are not available.

 

32

 

The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund

 

WESTWOOD FUNDS

 

Investment Adviser

Westwood Management Corp.

200 Crescent Court, Suite 1200

Dallas, Texas 75201

 

Distributor

SEI Investments Distribution Co.

One Freedom Valley Drive

Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456

 

Legal Counsel

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

1701 Market Street

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103

 

More information about the Fund is available, without charge, through the following:

 

Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”): The SAI, dated [Date], as it may be amended from time to time, includes detailed information about the Fund and The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund. The SAI is on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. This means that the SAI, for legal purposes, is a part of this Prospectus.

 

Annual and Semi-Annual Reports: Once available, these reports will list the Fund’s holdings and contain information from the Adviser about investment strategies, and recent market conditions and trends and their impact on Fund performance. The reports also will contain detailed financial information about the Fund.

 

To Obtain an SAI, Annual or Semi-Annual Report (When Available), or More Information:

 

By Telephone: 1-877-FUND-WHG (1-877-386-3944)

 

By Mail:Westwood Funds

P.O. Box 219009

Kansas City, MO 64121-9009

 

By Internet: www.westwoodfunds.com

 

From the SEC: You can also obtain the SAI or the Annual and Semi-Annual Reports, as well as other information about The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund, from the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s website at: http://www.sec.gov. You may review and copy documents at the SEC Public Reference Room in Washington, DC (for information on the operation of the Public Reference Room, call 202-551-8090). You may request documents by mail from the SEC, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by writing to: U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Public Reference Section, Washington, DC 20549-1520. You may also obtain this information, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by e-mailing the SEC at the following address: publicinfo@sec.gov.

 

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The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund’s Investment Company Act registration number is 811-06400.

 

[Inventory Code]

 

34

 

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION

 

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 U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS EFFECTIVE. THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.

 

Preliminary Statement of Additional Information Dated October 5, 2018

 

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

WESTWOOD MULTI-ASSET HIGH INCOME FUND

(Institutional Shares Ticker Symbol: WMHIX)

 

a series of THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND

 

[DATE]

 

Investment Adviser:

WESTWOOD MANAGEMENT CORP.

 

This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) is not a prospectus. This SAI is intended to provide additional information regarding the activities and operations of The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund (the “Trust”) and the Westwood Multi-Asset High Income Fund (the “Fund”). This SAI is incorporated by reference into and should be read in conjunction with the Fund’s prospectus, dated [date], as it may be amended from time to time (the “Prospectus”). Capitalized terms not defined herein are defined in the Prospectus. Shareholders may obtain copies of the Prospectus or the Fund’s annual or semi-annual report, when available, free of charge by writing to the Fund at Westwood Funds, P.O. Box 219009, Kansas City, MO 64121-9009 (Express Mail Address: Westwood Funds, c/o DST Systems, Inc., 430 West 7th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105) or by calling the Fund at 1-877-FUND-WHG (1-877-386-3944).

 

i

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

THE TRUST S-XX
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES S-XX
DESCRIPTION OF PERMITTED INVESTMENTS S-XX
INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS S-XX
THE ADVISER S-XX
THE PORTFOLIO MANAGER S-XX
THE ADMINISTRATOR S-XX
THE DISTRIBUTOR S-XX
PAYMENTS TO FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES S-XX
THE TRANSFER AGENT S-XX
THE CUSTODIAN S-XX
INDEPENDENT registered public accounting firm S-XX
LEGAL COUNSEL S-XX
SECURITIES LENDING S-XX
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS OF THE TRUST S-XX
PURCHASING AND REDEEMING SHARES S-XX
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE S-XX
TAXES S-XX
FUND TRANSACTIONS S-XX
portfolio holdings S-XX
DESCRIPTION OF SHARES S-XX
SHAREHOLDER LIABILITY S-XX
LIMITATION OF TRUSTEES’ LIABILITY S-XX
PROXY VOTING S-XX
codeS of ethics S-XX
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS AND CONTROL PERSONS S-XX
APPENDIX A – DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS A-1
APPENDIX B – PROXY VOTING POLICIEs and procedures B-1

 

[Date] [Inventory Code]

 

ii

 

THE TRUST

 

General. The Fund is a separate series of the Trust. The Trust is an open-end investment management company established under Massachusetts law as a Massachusetts voluntary association (commonly known as a business trust) under an Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust dated July 18, 1991, as amended and restated February 18, 1997 and amended May 15, 2012 (the “Declaration of Trust”). The Declaration of Trust permits the Trust to offer separate series (“funds”) of shares of beneficial interest (“shares”). The Trust reserves the right to create and issue shares of additional funds. Each fund is a separate mutual fund, and each share of each fund represents an equal proportionate interest in that fund. All consideration received by the Trust for shares of any fund and all assets of such fund belong solely to that fund and would be subject to liabilities related thereto. Each fund of the Trust pays its (i) operating expenses, including fees of its service providers, expenses of preparing prospectuses, proxy solicitation material and reports to shareholders, costs of custodial services and registering its shares under federal and state securities laws, pricing and insurance expenses, brokerage costs, interest charges, taxes and organization expenses, and (ii) pro rata share of the fund’s other expenses, including audit and legal expenses. Expenses attributable to a specific fund shall be payable solely out of the assets of that fund. Expenses not attributable to a specific fund are allocated across all of the funds on the basis of relative net assets. The other funds of the Trust are described in one or more separate statements of additional information.

 

Voting Rights. Each shareholder of record is entitled to one vote for each share held on the record date for the meeting. The Fund will vote separately on matters relating solely to it. As a Massachusetts voluntary association, the Trust is not required, and does not intend, to hold annual meetings of shareholders. Approval of shareholders will be sought, however, for certain changes in the operation of the Trust and for the election of the Board of Trustees of the Trust (each a “Trustee” and together, the “Board”) under certain circumstances. Under the Declaration of Trust, the Trustees have the power to liquidate each Fund without shareholder approval. While the Trustees have no present intention of exercising this power, they may do so if the Fund fails to reach a viable size within a reasonable amount of time or for such other reasons as may be determined by the Board.

 

In addition, a Trustee may be removed by the remaining Trustees or by shareholders at a special meeting called upon written request of shareholders owning at least 10% of the outstanding shares of the Trust. In the event that such a meeting is requested, the Trust will provide appropriate assistance and information to the shareholders requesting the meeting.

 

Any series of the Trust created on or after November 11, 1996 may reorganize or merge with one or more other series of the Trust or of another investment company. Any such reorganization or merger shall be pursuant to the terms and conditions specified in an agreement and plan of reorganization authorized and approved by the Trustees and entered into by the relevant series in connection therewith. In addition, such reorganization or merger may be authorized by vote of a majority of the Trustees then in office and, to the extent permitted by applicable law and the Declaration of Trust, without the approval of shareholders of any series.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES

 

The Fund’s investment objectives and principal investment strategies are described in the Prospectus. The Fund is classified as a “diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The following information supplements, and should be read in conjunction with, the Prospectus.

 

DESCRIPTION OF PERMITTED INVESTMENTS

 

The following are descriptions of the permitted investments and investment practices of the Fund and the associated risk factors. The Fund may invest in any of the following instruments or engage in any of the following investment practices unless such investment or activity is inconsistent with or is not permitted by that Fund’s stated investment policies, including those stated below.

 

S-1

 

Equity Securities. Equity securities represent ownership interests in a company or partnership and consist of common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants to acquire common stock, securities convertible into common stock, and investments in master limited partnerships (“MLPs”). Investments in equity securities in general are subject to market risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate over time. Fluctuations in the value of equity securities in which the Fund invests will cause the net asset value (“NAV”) of the Fund to fluctuate. The Fund purchases equity securities traded in the United States on registered exchanges or the over-the-counter market. Equity securities are described in more detail below:

 

Common Stock. Common stock represents an equity or ownership interest in an issuer. In the event an issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds and preferred stock take precedence over the claims of those who own common stock.

 

Preferred Stock. Preferred stock represents an equity or ownership interest in an issuer that pays dividends at a specified rate and that has precedence over common stock in the payment of dividends. In the event an issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds take precedence over the claims of those who own preferred and common stock.

 

Royalty Trusts. Royalty trusts are structured similarly to real estate investment trusts (“REITs”). A royalty trust generally acquires an interest in natural resource companies or chemical companies and distributes the income it receives to the investors of the royalty trust. A sustained decline in demand for crude oil, natural gas and refined petroleum products could adversely affect income and royalty trust revenues and cash flows. Factors that could lead to a decrease in market demand include a recession or other adverse economic conditions, an increase in the market price of the underlying commodity, higher taxes or other regulatory actions that increase costs, or a shift in consumer demand for such products. A rising interest rate environment could adversely impact the performance of royalty trusts. Rising interest rates could limit the capital appreciation of royalty trusts because of the increased availability of alternative investments at more competitive yields. Further, because natural resources are depleting assets, the income producing ability of a royalty trust may eventually be exhausted.

 

Exchange-Traded Funds. An exchange-traded fund (“ETF”) is a fund whose shares are bought and sold on a securities exchange as if it were a single security. An ETF holds a portfolio of securities designed to track a particular market segment or index. Some examples of ETFs are SPDRs®, DIAMONDSSM, NASDAQ 100 Index Tracking StockSM (“QQQsSM”), and iShares®. The Fund could purchase an ETF to temporarily gain exposure to a portion of the U.S. or foreign market while awaiting an opportunity to purchase securities directly. The risks of owning an ETF generally reflect the risks of owning the securities comprising the index which an index ETF is designed to track or the other holdings of an active or index ETF, although lack of liquidity in an ETF could result in it being more volatile than the tracked index or underlying holdings, and ETFs have management fees that increase their costs versus the costs of owning the underlying holdings directly. See also “Securities of Other Investment Companies” below.

 

Warrants. Warrants are instruments that entitle the holder to buy an equity security at a specific price for a specific period of time. Changes in the value of a warrant do not necessarily correspond to changes in the value of its underlying security. The price of a warrant may be more volatile than the price of its underlying security, and a warrant may offer greater potential for capital appreciation as well as capital loss. Warrants do not entitle a holder to dividends or voting rights with respect to the underlying security and do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuing company. A warrant ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date. These factors can make warrants more speculative than other types of investments.

 

Convertible Securities. Convertible securities are bonds, debentures, notes, preferred stocks or other securities that may be converted or exchanged (by the holder or by the issuer) into shares of the underlying common stock (or cash or securities of equivalent value) at a stated exchange ratio. A convertible security may also be called for redemption or conversion by the issuer after a particular date and under certain circumstances (including a specified price) established upon issue. If a convertible security held by the Fund is called for redemption or conversion, the Fund could be required to tender it for redemption, convert it into the underlying common stock, or sell it to a third party.

 

S-2

 

Convertible securities generally have less potential for gain or loss than common stocks. Convertible securities generally provide yields higher than the underlying common stocks, but generally lower than comparable non-convertible securities. Because of this higher yield, convertible securities generally sell at a price above their “conversion value,” which is the current market value of the stock to be received upon conversion. The difference between this conversion value and the price of convertible securities will vary over time depending on changes in the value of the underlying common stocks and interest rates. When the underlying common stocks decline in value, convertible securities will tend not to decline to the same extent because of the interest or dividend payments and the repayment of principal at maturity for certain types of convertible securities. However, securities that are convertible other than at the option of the holder generally do not limit the potential for loss to the same extent as securities convertible at the option of the holder. When the underlying common stocks rise in value, the value of convertible securities may also be expected to increase. At the same time, however, the difference between the market value of convertible securities and their conversion value will narrow, which means that the value of convertible securities will generally not increase to the same extent as the value of the underlying common stocks. Because convertible securities may also be interest-rate sensitive, their value may increase as interest rates fall and decrease as interest rates rise. Convertible securities are also subject to credit risk, and are often lower-quality securities.

 

Micro, Small and Medium Capitalization Issuers. Investing in equity securities of micro, small and medium capitalization companies often involves greater risk than is customarily associated with investments in larger capitalization companies. This increased risk may be due to the greater business risks of smaller size, limited markets and financial resources, narrow product lines and frequent lack of depth of management. The securities of micro and smaller companies are often traded in the over-the-counter market and even if listed on a national securities exchange may not be traded in volumes typical for that exchange. Consequently, the securities of micro and smaller companies are less likely to be liquid, may have limited market stability, and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than securities of larger, more established growth companies or the market averages in general.

 

Initial Public Offerings (“IPOs”). The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in securities of companies offering shares in IPOs. IPOs may have a magnified performance impact on a fund with a small asset base. The Fund may hold IPO shares for a very short period of time, which may increase the turnover of the Fund’s portfolio and may lead to increased expenses for the Fund, such as commissions and transaction costs. By selling IPO shares, the Fund may realize taxable gains it will subsequently distribute to shareholders. In addition, the market for IPO shares can be speculative and/or inactive for extended periods of time. The limited number of shares available for trading in some IPOs may make it more difficult for the Fund to buy or sell significant amounts of shares without an unfavorable impact on prevailing prices. Holders of IPO shares can be affected by substantial dilution in the value of their shares, by sales of additional shares and by concentration of control in existing management and principal shareholders.

 

The Fund’s investment in IPO shares may include the securities of unseasoned companies (companies with less than three years of continuous operations), which presents risks considerably greater than common stocks of more established companies. These companies may have limited operating histories and their prospects for profitability may be uncertain. These companies may be involved in new and evolving businesses and may be vulnerable to competition and changes in technology, markets and economic conditions. They may be more dependent on key managers and third parties and may have limited product lines.

 

Master Limited Partnerships. MLPs are limited partnerships or limited liability companies, whose partnership units or limited liability interests are listed and traded on a U.S. securities exchange, and are treated as publicly traded partnerships for federal income tax purposes. To qualify to be treated as a partnership for tax purposes, an MLP must receive at least 90% of its income from qualifying sources as set forth in Section 7704(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). These qualifying sources include activities such as the exploration, development, mining, production, processing, refining, transportation, storage and marketing of mineral or natural resources. To the extent that an MLP’s interests are concentrated in a particular industry or sector, such as the energy sector, the MLP will be negatively impacted by economic events adversely impacting that industry or sector. MLPs that are formed as limited partnerships generally have two classes of owners, the general partner and limited partners, while MLPs that are formed as limited liability companies generally have two analogous classes of owners, the managing member and the members. For purposes of this section, references to general partners also apply to managing members and references to limited partners also apply to members.

 

S-3

 

The general partner is typically owned by a major energy company, an investment fund, the direct management of the MLP or is an entity owned by one or more of such parties. The general partner may be structured as a private or publicly traded corporation or other entity. The general partner typically controls the operations and management of the MLP through an equity interest of as much as 2% in the MLP plus, in many cases, ownership of common units and subordinated units. A holder of general partner interests can be liable under certain circumstances for amounts greater than the amount of the holder’s investment in the general partner interest. General partner interests are not publicly traded and generally cannot be converted into common units. The general partner interest can be redeemed by the MLP if the MLP unitholders choose to remove the general partner, typically with a supermajority vote by limited partner unitholders.

 

Limited partners own the remainder of the MLP through ownership of common units and have a limited role in the MLP’s operations and management. Common units are listed and traded on U.S. securities exchanges, with their value fluctuating predominantly based on prevailing market conditions and the success of the MLP. Unlike owners of common stock of a corporation, owners of common units have limited voting rights and have no ability annually to elect directors. In the event of liquidation, common units have preference over subordinated units, but not over debt or preferred units, to the remaining assets of the MLP.

 

MLPs are typically structured such that common units and general partner interests have first priority to receive quarterly cash distributions up to an established minimum amount (“minimum quarterly distributions” or “MQD”). Common and general partner interests also accrue arrearages in distributions to the extent the MQD is not paid. Once common and general partner interests have been paid, subordinated units receive distributions of up to the MQD; however, subordinated units do not accrue arrearages. Distributable cash in excess of the MQD paid to both common and subordinated units is distributed to both common and subordinated units generally on a pro rata basis. The general partner is also eligible to receive incentive distributions if the general partner operates the business in a manner which results in distributions paid per common unit surpassing specified target levels. As the general partner increases cash distributions to the limited partners, the general partner receives an increasingly higher percentage of the incremental cash distributions. A common arrangement provides that the general partner can reach a tier where it receives 50% of every incremental dollar paid to common and subordinated unit holders. These incentive distributions encourage the general partner to streamline costs, increase capital expenditures and acquire assets in order to increase the partnership’s cash flow and raise the quarterly cash distribution in order to reach higher tiers. Such results benefit all security holders of the MLP.

 

MLP I-Shares. Issuers of MLP I-Shares use the proceeds from the sale of MLP I-Shares to purchase limited partnership interests in the MLP in the form of MLP i-units. Thus, MLP I-Shares represent an indirect interest in an MLP limited partnership interest. MLP i-units have similar features as MLP common units in terms of voting rights, liquidation preference and distribution. MLP I-Shares themselves have limited voting rights and are similar in that respect to MLP common units. MLP I-Shares differ from MLP common units in a number of respects, including that instead of receiving cash distributions, holders of MLP I-Shares will typically receive distributions of additional MLP I-Shares with a value equal to the cash distributions received by common unit holders. MLP I-Shares are traded on securities exchanges. As discussed further below in the “Taxes” section, the Fund’s investment in one or more MLPs that are treated as qualified publicly traded partnerships is limited under the “Asset Test” to no more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s assets. However, because certain issuers of MLP I-Shares are treated as corporations and not partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Fund’s investment in such MLP I-Shares is generally not counted for purposes of this 25% limitation. Unlike an interest in an MLP taxed as a partnership, returns from investments in MLP I-Shares issued by entities taxed as corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes would be affected by a corporate level tax imposed at the entity level.

 

S-4

 

Fixed Income Securities. Fixed income securities include bonds, notes, debentures and other interest-bearing securities that represent indebtedness. The market value of the fixed income investments in which the Fund invests will change in response to interest rate changes and other factors. During periods of falling interest rates, the values of outstanding fixed income securities generally rise. Conversely, during periods of rising interest rates, the values of such securities generally decline. Moreover, while securities with longer maturities tend to produce higher yields, the prices of longer maturity securities are also subject to greater market fluctuations as a result of changes in interest rates. Changes by recognized agencies in the rating of any fixed income security and in the ability of an issuer to make payments of interest and principal also affect the value of these investments. Changes in the value of these securities will not necessarily affect cash income derived from these securities but will affect the Fund’s NAV.

 

Zero Coupon Bonds. These securities are sold at a (usually substantial) discount and redeemed at face value at their maturity date without interim cash payments of interest or principal. When held to maturity, their entire income, which consists of accretion of discount, comes from the difference between the issue price and their value at maturity. The amount of the discount rate varies depending on factors including the time remaining until maturity, prevailing interest rates, the security’s liquidity and the issuer’s credit quality. The market prices of zero coupon securities are generally more volatile than the market prices of securities that have similar maturity but that pay interest periodically. Zero coupon securities are likely to respond to a greater degree to interest rate changes than are non-zero coupon securities with similar maturity and credit qualities. The Fund’s investments in pay-in-kind, delayed and zero coupon bonds may require it to sell certain of its securities to generate sufficient cash to satisfy certain income distribution requirements.

 

These securities may include treasury securities, such as Separate Trading of Registered Interest and Principal of Securities (“STRIPS”), that have had their interest payments (“coupons”) separated from the underlying principal (“corpus”) by their holder, typically a custodian bank or investment brokerage firm. Once the holder of the security has stripped or separated corpus and coupons, it may sell each component separately. The principal or corpus is then sold at a deep discount because the buyer receives only the right to receive a future fixed payment on the security and does not receive any rights to periodic interest (cash) payments. Typically, the coupons are sold separately or grouped with other coupons with like maturity dates and sold bundled in such form. The underlying treasury security is held in book-entry form at the Federal Reserve Bank or, in the case of bearer securities (i.e., unregistered securities which are owned ostensibly by the bearer or holder thereof), in trust on behalf of the owners thereof. Purchasers of stripped obligations acquire, in effect, discount obligations that are economically identical to the zero coupon securities that the U.S. Treasury sells itself.

 

Mortgage-Backed Securities. Yield characteristics of mortgage-backed securities differ from those of traditional debt securities in a variety of ways. The most significant differences of mortgage-backed securities are: 1) payments of interest and principal are more frequent (usually monthly) and 2) falling interest rates generally cause individual borrowers to pay off their mortgage earlier than expected, which results in prepayments of principal on the securities, thus forcing the Fund to reinvest the money at a lower interest rate. In addition to risks associated with changes in interest rates described in “Factors Affecting the Value of Debt Securities,” a variety of economic, geographic, social and other factors, such as the sale of the underlying property, refinancing or foreclosure, can cause investors to repay the loans underlying a mortgage-backed security sooner than expected. When prepayment occurs, the Fund may have to reinvest its principal at a rate of interest that is lower than the rate on existing mortgage-backed securities.

 

Asset-Backed Securities. These securities are interests in pools of a broad range of assets other than mortgages, such as automobile loans, computer leases and credit card receivables. Like mortgage-backed securities, these securities are pass-through. In general, the collateral supporting these securities is of shorter maturity than mortgage loans and is less likely to experience substantial prepayments with interest rate fluctuations, but may still be subject to prepayment risk.

 

Asset-backed securities present certain risks that are not presented by mortgage-backed securities. Primarily, these securities may not have the benefit of any security interest in the related assets, which raises the possibility that recoveries on repossessed collateral may not be available to support payments on these securities. For example, credit card receivables are generally unsecured and the debtors are entitled to the protection of a number of state and federal consumer credit laws, many of which allow debtors to reduce their balances by offsetting certain amounts owed on the credit cards. Most issuers of asset-backed securities backed by automobile receivables permit the servicers of such receivables to retain possession of the underlying obligations. If the servicer were to sell these obligations to another party, there is a risk that the purchaser would acquire an interest superior to that of the holders of the related asset-backed securities. Due to the quantity of vehicles involved and requirements under state laws, asset-backed securities backed by automobile receivables may not have a proper security interest in all of the obligations backing such receivables.

 

S-5

 

To lessen the effect of failures by obligors on underlying assets to make payments, the entity administering the pool of assets may agree to ensure the receipt of payments on the underlying pool occurs in a timely fashion (“liquidity protection”). In addition, asset-backed securities may obtain insurance, such as guarantees, policies or letters of credit obtained by the issuer or sponsor from third parties, for some or all of the assets in the pool (“credit support”). Delinquency or loss more than that anticipated or failure of the credit support could adversely affect the return on an investment in such a security.

 

The Fund may also invest in residual interests in asset-backed securities, which consist of the excess cash flow remaining after making required payments on the securities and paying related administrative expenses. The amount of residual cash flow resulting from a particular issue of asset-backed securities depends in part on the characteristics of the underlying assets, the coupon rates on the securities, prevailing interest rates, the amount of administrative expenses and the actual prepayment experience on the underlying assets.

 

Trust Preferred Securities. The Fund may invest in trust preferred securities, which are hybrid instruments issued by a special purpose trust (“Special Trust”), the entire equity interest of which is owned by a single issuer. The proceeds of the issuance to the Fund of trust preferred securities are typically used to purchase a junior subordinated debenture, and distributions from the Special Trust are funded by the payments of principal and interest on the subordinated debenture.

 

If payments on the underlying junior subordinated debentures held by the Special Trust are deferred by the debenture issuer, the debentures would be treated as original issue discount (“OID”) obligations for the remainder of their term. As a result, holders of trust preferred securities, such as the Fund, would be required to accrue daily for federal income tax purposes their share of the stated interest and the de minimis OID on the debentures (regardless of whether the Fund receives any cash distributions from the Special Trust), and the value of trust preferred securities would likely be negatively affected. Interest payments on the underlying junior subordinated debentures typically may only be deferred if dividends are suspended on both common and preferred stock of the issuer. The underlying junior subordinated debentures generally rank slightly higher in terms of payment priority than both common and preferred securities of the issuer, but rank below other subordinated debentures and debt securities. Trust preferred securities may be subject to mandatory prepayment under certain circumstances. The market values of trust preferred securities may be more volatile than those of conventional debt securities. Trust preferred securities may be issued in reliance on Rule 144A under the 1933 Act, and, unless and until registered, are restricted securities. There can be no assurance as to the liquidity of trust preferred securities and the ability of holders of trust preferred securities, such as the Fund, to sell their holdings.

 

Terms to Understand:

 

Maturity. Every debt security has a stated maturity date when the issuer must repay the amount it borrowed (principal) from investors. Some debt securities, however, are callable, meaning the issuer can repay the principal earlier, on or after specified dates (call dates). Debt securities are most likely to be called when interest rates are falling because the issuer can refinance at a lower rate, similar to a homeowner refinancing a mortgage. The effective maturity of a debt security is usually its nearest call date.

 

A fund that invests in debt securities has no real maturity. Instead, it calculates its weighted average maturity. This number is an average of the effective or anticipated maturity of each debt security held by a fund, with the maturity of each security weighted by the percentage of the assets of the mutual fund it represents.

 

S-6

 

Duration. Duration is a calculation that seeks to measure the price sensitivity of a debt security, or the Fund that invests in debt securities, to changes in interest rates. It measures sensitivity more accurately than maturity because it takes into account the time value of cash flows generated over the life of a debt security. Future interest payments and principal payments are discounted to reflect their present value and then are multiplied by the number of years they will be received to produce a value expressed in years–the duration. Effective duration takes into account call features and sinking Fund prepayments that may shorten the life of a debt security.

 

An effective duration of four years, for example, would suggest that for each 1% reduction in interest rates at all maturity levels, the price of a security is estimated to increase by 4%. An increase in rates by the same magnitude is estimated to reduce the price of the security by 4%. By knowing the yield and the effective duration of a debt security, one can estimate total return based on an expectation of how much interest rates, in general, will change. While serving as a good estimator of prospective returns, effective duration is an imperfect measure.

 

Factors Affecting The Value of Debt Securities. The total return of a debt instrument is composed of two elements: the percentage change in the security’s price and interest income earned. The yield to maturity of a debt security estimates its total return only if the price of the debt security remains unchanged during the holding period and coupon interest is reinvested at the same yield to maturity. The total return of a debt instrument, therefore, will be determined not only by how much interest is earned, but also by how much the price of the security and interest rates change.

 

Interest Rates

 

The price of a debt security generally moves in the opposite direction from interest rates (i.e., if interest rates go up, the value of the bond will go down, and vice versa).

 

Prepayment Risk

 

This risk affects mainly mortgage-backed securities. Unlike other debt securities, falling interest rates can adversely affect the value of mortgage-backed securities, which may cause your share price to fall. Lower rates motivate borrowers to pay off the instruments underlying mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities earlier than expected, resulting in prepayments on the securities. The Fund may then have to reinvest the proceeds from such prepayments at lower interest rates, which can reduce its yield. The unexpected timing of mortgage and asset-backed prepayments caused by the variations in interest rates may also shorten or lengthen the average maturity of the Fund. If left unattended, drifts in the average maturity of the Fund can have the unintended effect of increasing or reducing the effective duration of the Fund, which may adversely affect the expected performance of the Fund.

 

Extension Risk

 

The other side of prepayment risk occurs when interest rates are rising. Rising interest rates can cause the Fund’s average maturity to lengthen unexpectedly due to a drop in mortgage prepayments. This relationship would increase the sensitivity of the Fund to rising rates as well as the potential for price declines. Extending the average life of a mortgage-backed security increases the risk of depreciation due to future increases in market interest rates. For these reasons, mortgage-backed securities may be less effective than other types of U.S. government securities as a means of “locking in” interest rates.

 

Credit Rating

 

S-7

 

Coupon interest is offered to investors of debt securities as compensation for assuming risk, although short-term treasury securities, such as three-month treasury bills, are considered “risk free.” Corporate securities offer higher yields than treasury securities because their payment of interest and complete repayment of principal is less certain. The credit rating or financial condition of an issuer may affect the value of a debt security. Generally, the lower the quality rating of a security, the greater the risks that the issuer will fail to pay interest and return principal. To compensate investors for taking on increased risk, issuers with lower credit ratings usually offer their investors a higher “risk premium” in the form of higher interest rates than those available from comparable treasury securities.

 

Changes in investor confidence regarding the certainty of interest and principal payments of a corporate debt security will result in an adjustment to this “risk premium.” Since an issuer’s outstanding debt carries a fixed coupon, adjustments to the risk premium must occur in the price, which affects the yield to maturity of the bond. If an issuer defaults or becomes unable to honor its financial obligations, the bond may lose some or all of its value.

 

A security rated within the four highest rating categories by a rating agency is called investment-grade because its issuer is more likely to pay interest and repay principal than an issuer of a lower rated bond. Adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances, however, may weaken the capacity of the issuer to pay interest and repay principal. If a security is not rated or is rated under a different system, Westwood Management Corp. (the “Adviser”) may determine the credit quality of the security.

 

Debt securities rated below investment-grade (junk bonds) are highly speculative securities that are usually issued by smaller, less credit-worthy and/or highly leveraged (indebted) companies. A corporation may issue a junk bond because of a corporate restructuring or other similar event. Compared with investment-grade bonds, junk bonds carry a greater degree of risk and are less likely to make payments of interest and principal. Market developments and the financial and business condition of the corporation issuing these securities influence their price and liquidity more than changes in interest rates, when compared to investment-grade debt securities. Insufficient liquidity in the junk bond market may make it more difficult to dispose of junk bonds and may cause the Fund to experience sudden and substantial price declines. A lack of reliable, objective data or market quotations may make it more difficult to value junk bonds accurately.

 

Rating agencies are organizations that assign ratings to securities based primarily on the rating agency’s assessment of the issuer’s financial strength. The Fund currently uses ratings compiled by Moody’s Investor Services, Inc. (“Moody’s”), Standard & Poor’s Rating Services (“S&P”), Fitch Ratings and other nationally recognized statistical ratings organizations (“NRSROs”). Credit ratings are only an agency’s opinion, not an absolute standard of quality, and they do not reflect an evaluation of market risk.

 

The section “Appendix A – Description of Ratings” contains further information concerning the ratings of certain rating agencies and their significance.

 

The Adviser may use ratings produced by ratings agencies as guidelines to determine the rating of a security at the time the Fund buys it. A rating agency may change its credit ratings at any time. The Adviser monitors the rating of the security and will take such action, if any, it believes appropriate when it learns that a rating agency has reduced the security’s rating.

 

Bank Loans. Bank loans typically are arranged through private negotiations between a borrower and several financial institutions or a group of lenders which are represented by one or more lenders acting as agent. The agent is often a commercial bank that originates the loan and invites other parties to join the lending syndicate. The agent will be primarily responsible for negotiating the loan agreement and will have responsibility for the documentation and ongoing administration of the loan on behalf of the lenders after completion of the loan transaction. The Fund can invest in a bank loan either as a direct lender or through an assignment or participation.

 

S-8

 

When the Fund acts as a direct lender, it will have a direct contractual relationship with the borrower and may participate in structuring the loan, may enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement and may have voting, consent and set-off rights under the loan agreement.

 

Loan assignments are investments in all or a portion of certain bank loans purchased from the lenders or from other third parties. The purchaser of an assignment typically will acquire direct rights against the borrower under the loan. While the purchaser of an assignment typically succeeds to all the rights and obligations of the assigning lender under the loan agreement, because assignments are arranged through private negotiations between potential assignees and assignors, or other third parties whose interests are being assigned, the rights and obligations acquired by the Fund may differ from and be more limited than those held by the assigning lender.

 

A holder of a loan participation typically has only a contractual right with the seller of the participation and not with the borrower or any other entities interpositioned between the seller of the participation and the borrower. As such, the purchaser of a loan participation assumes the credit risk of the seller of the participation, and any intermediary entities between the seller and the borrower, in addition to the credit risk of the borrower. When the Fund holds a loan participation, it will have the right to receive payments of principal, interest and fees to which it may be entitled only from the seller of the participation and only upon receipt of the seller of such payments from the borrower or from any intermediary parties between the seller and the borrower. Additionally, the Fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement, will have no voting, consent or set-off rights under the loan agreement and may not directly benefit from the collateral supporting the loan although lenders that sell participations generally are required to distribute liquidation proceeds received by them pro rata among the holders of such participations. In the event of the bankruptcy or insolvency of the borrower, a loan participation may be subject to certain defenses that can be asserted by the borrower as a result of improper conduct by the seller or intermediary. If the borrower fails to pay principal and interest when due, the Fund may be subject to greater delays, expenses and risks than those that would have been involved if the Fund had purchased a direct obligation of such borrower.

 

Direct loans, assignments and loan participations may be considered liquid, as determined by the Adviser based on criteria approved by the Board.

 

The Fund may have difficulty disposing of bank loans because, in certain cases, the market for such instruments is not highly liquid. The lack of a highly liquid secondary market may have an adverse impact on the value of such instruments and on the Fund’s ability to dispose of the bank loan in response to a specific economic event, such as deterioration in the creditworthiness of the borrower. Furthermore, transactions in many loans settle on a delayed basis, and the Fund may not receive the proceeds from the sale of a loan for a substantial period of time after the sale. As a result, those proceeds will not be available to make additional investments or to meet the Fund’s redemption obligations. To the extent that extended settlement creates short-term liquidity needs, the Fund may satisfy these needs by holding additional cash or selling other investments (potentially at an inopportune time, which could result in losses to the Fund).

 

Bank loans may not be considered “securities,” and purchasers, such as the Fund, therefore may not be entitled to rely on the anti-fraud protections of the federal securities laws.

 

The Adviser may from time to time have the opportunity to receive material, non-public information (“Confidential Information”) about the borrower, including financial information and related documentation regarding the borrower that is not publicly available. Pursuant to applicable policies and procedures, the Adviser may (but is not required to) seek to avoid receipt of Confidential Information from the borrower so as to avoid possible restrictions on its ability to purchase and sell investments on behalf of the Fund and other clients to which such Confidential Information relates (e.g., publicly traded securities issued by the borrower). In such circumstances, the Fund (and other clients of the Adviser) may be disadvantaged in comparison to other investors, including with respect to the price the Fund pays or receives when it buys or sells a bank loan. Further, the Adviser’s abilities to assess the desirability of proposed consents, waivers or amendments with respect to certain bank loans may be compromised if it is not privy to available Confidential Information. The Adviser may also determine to receive such Confidential Information in certain circumstances under its applicable policies and procedures. If the Adviser intentionally or unintentionally comes into possession of Confidential Information, it may be unable, potentially for a substantial period of time, to purchase or sell publicly traded securities to which such Confidential Information relates.

 

S-9

 

Foreign Securities. Foreign securities include equity securities of foreign entities, obligations of foreign branches of U.S. banks and of foreign banks, including, without limitation, European Certificates of Deposit, European Time Deposits, European Bankers’ Acceptances, Canadian Time Deposits, Europaper and Yankee Certificates of Deposit, and investments in Canadian Commercial Paper and foreign securities. These instruments have investment risks that differ in some respects from those related to investments in obligations of U.S. domestic issuers. Such risks include future adverse political and economic developments, the possible imposition of withholding taxes on interest or other income, possible seizure, nationalization, or expropriation of foreign deposits, the possible establishment of exchange controls or taxation at the source, greater fluctuations in value due to changes in exchange rates, or the adoption of other foreign governmental restrictions which might adversely affect the payment of principal and interest on such obligations. Such investments may also entail higher custodial fees and sales commissions than domestic investments. Foreign issuers of securities or obligations are often subject to accounting treatment and engage in business practices different from those respecting domestic issuers of similar securities or obligations. Foreign branches of U.S. banks and foreign banks may be subject to less stringent reserve requirements than those applicable to domestic branches of U.S. banks.

 

In June 2016, a majority of voters in the United Kingdom (the “UK”) voted in a referendum to leave the European Union (“EU”). Although the precise timeframe for “Brexit” is uncertain, the UK formally notified the European Council of its intention to withdraw from the EU by invoking article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty in March 2017, and this formal notification began a two-year period of negotiations regarding the terms of the UK’s exit from the EU. It is unclear how withdrawal negotiations will be conducted and what the potential consequences may be. In addition, it is possible that measures could be taken to revote on the issue of Brexit, or that portions of the UK could seek to separate and remain a part of the EU. As a result of the political divisions within the UK and between the UK and the EU that the referendum vote has highlighted and the uncertain consequences of a Brexit, the UK and European economies and the broader global economy could be significantly impacted, which may result in increased volatility and illiquidity, and potentially lower economic growth in markets in the UK, Europe and globally that could potentially have an adverse effect on the value of the Fund’s investments.

 

Investments in Emerging Markets. “Emerging markets” include countries in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, and other countries that the Fund considers to be equivalent to those in that index based on their level of economic development or the size and experience of their securities markets. The Fund considers a company to be an emerging market company if (i) at least 50% of the company’s assets are located in emerging markets; (ii) at least 50% of the company’s revenues are generated in emerging markets; or (iii) the company is domiciled in an emerging market.

 

Investing in emerging markets involves additional risks and special considerations not typically associated with investing in other more established economies or markets. Such risks may include (i) increased risk of nationalization or expropriation of assets or confiscatory taxation; (ii) greater social, economic and political uncertainty, including war; (iii) higher dependence on exports and the corresponding importance of international trade; (iv) greater volatility, less liquidity and smaller capitalization of markets; (v) greater volatility in currency exchange rates; (vi) greater risk of inflation; (vii) greater controls on foreign investment and limitations on realization of investments, repatriation of invested capital and on the ability to exchange local currencies for U.S. dollars; (viii) increased likelihood of governmental involvement in and control over the economy; (ix) governmental decisions to cease support of economic reform programs or to impose centrally planned economies; (x) differences in auditing and financial reporting standards which may result in the unavailability of material information about issuers; (xi) less extensive regulation of the markets; (xii) longer settlement periods for transactions and less reliable clearance and custody arrangements; (xiii) less developed corporate laws regarding fiduciary duties of officers and directors and the protection of investors; (xiv) certain considerations regarding the maintenance of the Fund’s securities with local brokers and securities depositories and (xv) the imposition of withholding or other taxes on dividends, interest, capital gains, other income or gross sale or disposition proceeds.

 

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Repatriation of investment income, assets and the proceeds of sales by foreign investors may require governmental registration and/or approval in some emerging market countries. The Fund could be adversely affected by delays in or a refusal to grant any required governmental registration or approval for such repatriation or by withholding taxes imposed by emerging market countries on interest or dividends paid on securities held by the Fund or gains from the disposition of such securities.

 

In emerging markets, there is often less government supervision and regulation of business and industry practices, stock exchanges, over-the-counter markets, brokers, dealers, counterparties and issuers than in other more established markets. Any regulatory supervision that is in place may be subject to manipulation or control. Some emerging market countries do not have mature legal systems comparable to those of more developed countries. Moreover, the process of legal and regulatory reform may not be proceeding at the same pace as market developments, which could result in investment risk. Legislation to safeguard the rights of private ownership may not yet be in place in certain areas, and there may be the risk of conflict among local, regional and national requirements. In certain cases, the laws and regulations governing investments in securities may not exist or may be subject to inconsistent or arbitrary appreciation or interpretation. Both the independence of judicial systems and their immunity from economic, political or nationalistic influences remain largely untested in many countries. The Fund may also encounter difficulties in pursuing legal remedies or in obtaining and enforcing judgments in local courts.

 

American Depositary Receipts. American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), as well as other “hybrid” forms of ADRs, including European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”) and Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”), are certificates evidencing ownership of shares of a foreign issuer. Depositary receipts are securities that evidence ownership interests in a security or a pool of securities that have been deposited with a “depository” and may be sponsored or unsponsored. These certificates are issued by depository banks and generally trade on an established market in the United States or elsewhere. The underlying shares are held in trust by a custodian bank or similar financial institution in the issuer’s home country. The depository bank may not have physical custody of the underlying securities at all times and may charge fees for various services, including forwarding dividends and interest and corporate actions. ADRs are alternatives to directly purchasing the underlying foreign securities in their national markets and currencies. However, ADRs continue to be subject to many of the risks associated with investing directly in foreign securities.

 

For ADRs, the depository is typically a U.S. financial institution and the underlying securities are issued by a foreign issuer. For other depositary receipts, the depository may be a foreign or a U.S. entity, and the underlying securities may have a foreign or a U.S. issuer. Depositary receipts will not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as their underlying securities. Generally, ADRs are issued in registered form, denominated in U.S. dollars, and designed for use in the U.S. securities markets. Other depositary receipts, such as GDRs and EDRs, may be issued in bearer form and denominated in other currencies, and are generally designed for use in securities markets outside the U.S. While the two types of depositary receipt facilities (unsponsored or sponsored) are similar, there are differences regarding a holder’s rights and obligations and the practices of market participants. A depository may establish an unsponsored facility without participation by (or acquiescence of) the underlying issuer; typically, however, the depository requests a letter of non-objection from the underlying issuer prior to establishing the facility. Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all the costs of the facility. The depository usually charges fees upon deposit and withdrawal of the underlying securities, the conversion of dividends into U.S. dollars or other currency, the disposition of non-cash distributions, and the performance of other services.

 

Sponsored depositary receipt facilities are created in generally the same manner as unsponsored facilities, except that sponsored depositary receipts are established jointly by a depository and the underlying issuer through a deposit agreement. The deposit agreement sets out the rights and responsibilities of the underlying issuer, the depository, and the depositary receipt holders. With sponsored facilities, the underlying issuer typically bears some of the costs of the depositary receipts (such as dividend payment fees of the depository), although most sponsored depositary receipts agree to distribute notices of shareholders meetings, voting instructions, and other shareholder communications and information to the depositary receipt holders at the underlying issuer’s request. The depositary of an unsponsored facility frequently is under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through, to the holders of the receipts, voting rights with respect to the deposited securities.

 

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For purposes of the Fund’s investment policies, investments in depositary receipts will be deemed to be investments in the underlying securities. Thus, a depositary receipt representing ownership of common stock will be treated as common stock. Depositary receipts do not eliminate all of the risks associated with directly investing in the securities of foreign issuers.

 

Investments in the securities of foreign issuers may subject the Fund to investment risks that differ in some respects from those related to investments in securities of U.S. issuers. Such risks include future adverse political and economic developments, possible imposition of withholding taxes on income, possible seizure, nationalization or expropriation of foreign deposits, possible establishment of exchange controls or taxation at the source or greater fluctuation in value due to changes in exchange rates. Foreign issuers of securities often engage in business practices different from those of domestic issuers of similar securities, and there may be less information publicly available about foreign issuers. In addition, foreign issuers are, generally speaking, subject to less government supervision and regulation and different accounting treatment than are those in the United States.

 

Sovereign Debt Obligations. Sovereign debt obligations are issued or guaranteed by foreign governments or their agencies. Sovereign debt may be in the form of conventional securities or other types of debt instruments such as loans or loan participations. Governmental entities responsible for repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling to repay principal and pay interest when due, and may require renegotiation or reschedule of debt payments. In addition, prospects for repayment of principal and payment of interest may depend on political as well as economic factors. Although some sovereign debt, such as Brady Bonds, is collateralized by U.S. government securities, repayment of principal and payment of interest is not guaranteed by the U.S. government.

 

Municipal Securities. Municipal securities, including municipal bonds and municipal notes, consist of: (i) debt obligations issued by or on behalf of public authorities to obtain funds to be used for various public facilities, for refunding outstanding obligations, for general operating expenses and for lending such funds to other public institutions and facilities, and (ii) certain private activity and industrial development bonds issued by or on behalf of public authorities to obtain funds to provide for the construction, equipment, repair or improvement of privately operated facilities.

 

Municipal bonds are debt obligations issued to obtain funds for various public purposes. Municipal bonds include general obligation bonds, revenue or special obligation bonds, private activity and industrial development bonds, moral obligation bonds and participation interests in municipal bonds. General obligation bonds are backed by the taxing power of the issuing municipality. Revenue or special obligation bonds are backed by the revenues of a project or facility, such as tolls from a toll bridge. Private activity or industrial development bonds are issued by or on behalf of public authorities to raise money to finance various privately-owned or -operated facilities for business and manufacturing, housing, sports and pollution control. These bonds are also used to finance public facilities such as airports, mass transit systems, ports, parking or sewage or solid waste disposal facilities and certain other facilities. The payment of the principal and interest on such bonds is dependent solely on the ability of the facility’s user to meet its financial obligations and the pledge, if any, of real and personal property financed as security for such payment. Moral obligation bonds are normally issued by special purpose authorities. Moral obligation bonds are not backed by the full faith and credit of the issuing municipality, but are generally backed by the agreement of the issuing authority to request appropriations from the municipality’s legislative body. Certificates of participation represent an interest in an underlying obligation or commitment, such as an obligation issued in connection with a leasing arrangement.

 

S-12

 

Municipal notes consist of general obligation notes, tax anticipation notes (notes sold to finance working capital needs of the issuer in anticipation of receiving taxes on a future date), revenue anticipation notes (notes sold to provide needed cash prior to receipt of expected non-tax revenues from a specific source), bond anticipation notes, tax and revenue anticipation notes, certificates of indebtedness, demand notes and construction loan notes. The maturities of the instruments at the time of issue will generally range from three months to one year.

 

Money Market Securities. Money market securities include short-term U.S. government securities; custodial receipts evidencing separately traded interest and principal components of securities issued by the U.S. Treasury; commercial paper rated in the highest short-term rating category by an NRSRO, such as S&P or Moody’s, or determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality at the time of purchase; short-term bank obligations (certificates of deposit, time deposits and bankers’ acceptances) of U.S. commercial banks with assets of at least $1 billion as of the end of their most recent fiscal year; and repurchase agreements involving such securities. Each of these money market securities are described below. For a description of ratings, see “Appendix A – Description of Ratings” to this SAI.

 

Real Estate Investment Trusts. A REIT is a corporation or business trust (that would otherwise be taxed as a corporation) which meets the definitional requirements of the Code. The Code permits a qualifying REIT to deduct from taxable income the dividends paid, thereby effectively eliminating corporate level federal income tax and making the REIT a pass-through vehicle for federal income tax purposes. To meet the definitional requirements of the Code, a REIT must, among other things: invest substantially all of its assets in interests in real estate (including mortgages and other REITs), cash and government securities; derive most of its income from rents from real property or interest on loans secured by mortgages on real property; and distribute annually 90% or more of its otherwise taxable income to shareholders.

 

REITs are sometimes informally characterized as Equity REITs and Mortgage REITs. An Equity REIT invests primarily in the fee ownership or leasehold ownership of land and buildings; a Mortgage REIT invests primarily in mortgages on real property, which may secure construction, development or long-term loans.

 

REITs may be affected by changes in underlying real estate values, which may have an exaggerated effect to the extent that REITs in which the Fund invests may concentrate investments in particular geographic regions or property types. Certain REITs have relatively small market capitalization, which may tend to increase the volatility of the market price of securities issued by such REITs. Additionally, rising interest rates may cause investors in REITs to demand a higher annual yield from future distributions, which may in turn decrease market prices for equity securities issued by REITs. Rising interest rates also generally increase the costs of obtaining financing, which could cause the value of the Fund’s investments to decline. During periods of declining interest rates, certain Mortgage REITs may hold mortgages that the mortgagors elect to prepay, which prepayment may diminish the yield on securities issued by such Mortgage REITs. Equity and Mortgage REITs are also subject to heavy cash flow dependency defaults by borrowers and self-liquidation. In addition, Mortgage REITs may be affected by the ability of borrowers to repay when due the debt extended by the REIT and Equity REITs may be affected by the ability of tenants to pay rent. The above factors may adversely affect a borrower’s or a lessee’s ability to meet its obligations to the REIT. In the event of default by a borrower or lessee, the REIT may experience delays in enforcing its rights as a mortgagee or lessor and may incur substantial costs associated with protecting its investments.

 

Furthermore, REITs are dependent upon specialized management skills, have limited diversification and are, therefore, subject to risks inherent in operating and financing a limited number of projects. By investing in REITs indirectly through the Fund, a shareholder will bear not only his proportionate share of the expenses of the Fund, but also, indirectly, similar expenses of the REITs. REITs depend generally on their ability to generate cash flow to make distributions to shareholders. In addition, REITs could possibly fail to qualify for tax free pass-through of income under the Code or to maintain their exemptions from registration under the 1940 Act.

 

S-13

 

Real Estate Companies’ Securities. The Fund may be subject to the risks associated with the direct ownership of real estate. For example, real estate values may fluctuate as a result of general and local economic conditions, overbuilding and increased competition, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, demographic trends and variations in rental income, changes in zoning laws, casualty or condemnation losses, regulatory limitations on rents, changes in neighborhood values, related party risks, changes in how appealing properties are to tenants, changes in interest rates and other real estate capital market influences.

 

U.S. Government Securities. The Fund may invest in U.S. government securities. Securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities include U.S. Treasury securities, which are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury and which differ only in their interest rates, maturities, and times of issuance. U.S. Treasury bills have initial maturities of one-year or less; U.S. Treasury notes have initial maturities of one to ten years; and U.S. Treasury bonds generally have initial maturities of greater than ten years. U.S. Treasury notes and bonds typically pay coupon interest semi-annually and repay the principal at maturity. Certain U.S. government securities are issued or guaranteed by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government including, but not limited to, obligations of U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”), the Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”), the Small Business Administration, the Federal Farm Credit Administration, the Federal Home Loan Banks, Banks for Cooperatives (including the Central Bank for Cooperatives), the Federal Land Banks, the Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Export-Import Bank of the United States, the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Federal Financing Bank, the Student Loan Marketing Association, the National Credit Union Administration and the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (“Farmer Mac”).

 

Some obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies and instrumentalities, including, for example, Ginnie Mae pass-through certificates, are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury. Other obligations issued by or guaranteed by federal agencies, such as those securities issued by Fannie Mae, are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase certain obligations of the federal agency. Additionally, some obligations are issued by or guaranteed by federal agencies, such as those of the Federal Home Loan Banks, which are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury. While the U.S. government provides financial support to such U.S. government-sponsored federal agencies, no assurance can be given that the U.S. government will always do so, since the U.S. government is not so obligated by law. Guarantees of principal by U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities may be a guarantee of payment at the maturity of the obligation so that in the event of a default prior to maturity there might not be a market and thus no means of realizing on the obligation prior to maturity. Guarantees as to the timely payment of principal and interest do not extend to the value or yield of these securities nor to the value of the Fund’s shares.

 

On September 7, 2008, the U.S. Treasury announced a federal takeover of Fannie Mae and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”), placing the two federal instrumentalities in conservatorship. Under the takeover, the U.S. Treasury agreed to acquire $1 billion of senior preferred stock of each instrumentality and obtained warrants for the purchase of common stock of each instrumentality (the “Senior Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement” or “Agreement”). Under the Agreement, the U.S. Treasury pledged to provide up to $200 billion per instrumentality as needed, including the contribution of cash capital to the instrumentalities in the event their liabilities exceed their assets. This was intended to ensure that the instrumentalities maintain a positive net worth and meet their financial obligations, preventing mandatory triggering of receivership. On December 24, 2009, the U.S. Treasury announced that it was amending the Agreement to allow the $200 billion cap on the U.S. Treasury’s funding commitment to increase as necessary to accommodate any cumulative reduction in net worth through the end of 2012. The unlimited support the U.S. Treasury extended to the two companies expired at the beginning of 2013 – Fannie Mae’s support is now capped at $125 billion and Freddie Mac has a limit of $149 billion.

 

On August 17, 2012, the U.S. Treasury announced that it was again amending the Agreement to terminate the requirement that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac each pay a 10% annual dividend. Instead, the companies will transfer to the U.S. Treasury on a quarterly basis all profits earned during a quarter that exceed a capital reserve amount of $3 billion. It is believed that the new amendment puts Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in a better position to service their debt because the companies no longer have to borrow from the U.S. Treasury to make fixed dividend payments. As part of the new terms, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac also will be required to reduce their investment portfolios at an annual rate of 15% instead of the previous 10%, which puts each of them on track to cut their portfolios to a targeted $250 billion in 2018.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are the subject of several continuing class action lawsuits and investigations by federal regulators over certain accounting, disclosure or corporate governance matters, which (along with any resulting financial restatements) may adversely affect the guaranteeing entities. Importantly, the future of the entities is in serious question as the U.S. government reportedly is considering multiple options, ranging from nationalization, privatization, consolidation, or abolishment of the entities.

 

S-14

 

U.S. Treasury Obligations. U.S. Treasury obligations consist of direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury, including Treasury bills, notes and bonds, and separately traded interest and principal component parts of such obligations, including those transferable through the Federal book-entry system known as STRIPS. The STRIPS program lets investors hold and trade the individual interest and principal components of eligible Treasury notes and bonds as separate securities. Under the STRIPS program, the principal and interest components are separately issued by the U.S. Treasury at the request of depository financial institutions, which then trade the component parts separately.

 

Commercial Paper. Commercial paper is the term used to designate unsecured short-term promissory notes issued by corporations and other entities. Maturities on these issues vary from a few to 270 days.

 

Obligations of Domestic Banks, Foreign Banks and Foreign Branches of U.S. Banks. The Fund may invest in obligations issued by banks and other savings institutions. Investments in bank obligations include obligations of domestic branches of foreign banks and foreign branches of domestic banks. Such investments in domestic branches of foreign banks and foreign branches of domestic banks may involve risks that are different from investments in securities of domestic branches of U.S. banks. These risks may include future unfavorable political and economic developments, possible withholding taxes on interest income, seizure or nationalization of foreign deposits, currency controls, interest limitations, or other governmental restrictions which might affect the payment of principal or interest on the securities held by the Fund. Additionally, these institutions may be subject to less stringent reserve requirements and to different accounting, auditing, reporting and recordkeeping requirements than those applicable to domestic branches of U.S. banks. Bank obligations include the following:

 

Bankers’ Acceptances. Bankers’ acceptances are bills of exchange or time drafts drawn on and accepted by a commercial bank. Corporations use bankers’ acceptances to finance the shipment and storage of goods and to furnish dollar exchange. Maturities are generally six months or less.

 

Certificates of Deposit. Certificates of deposit are interest-bearing instruments with a specific maturity. They are issued by banks and savings and loan institutions in exchange for the deposit of funds and normally can be traded in the secondary market prior to maturity. Certificates of deposit with penalties for early withdrawal will be considered illiquid.

 

Time Deposits. Time deposits are non-negotiable receipts issued by a bank in exchange for the deposit of funds. Like a certificate of deposit, it earns a specified rate of interest over a definite period of time; however, it cannot be traded in the secondary market. Time deposits with a withdrawal penalty or that mature in more than seven days are considered to be illiquid securities.

 

Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with financial institutions. A repurchase agreement is an agreement under which a fund acquires a fixed income security (generally a security issued by the U.S. government or an agency thereof, a banker’s acceptance, or a certificate of deposit) from a commercial bank, broker, or dealer, and simultaneously agrees to resell such security to the seller at an agreed upon price and date (normally, the next business day). Because the security purchased constitutes collateral for the repurchase obligation, a repurchase agreement may be considered a loan that is collateralized by the security purchased. The acquisition of a repurchase agreement may be deemed to be an acquisition of the underlying securities as long as the obligation of the seller to repurchase the securities is collateralized fully. The Fund follows certain procedures designed to minimize the risks inherent in such agreements. These procedures include effecting repurchase transactions only with creditworthy financial institutions whose condition will be continually monitored by the Adviser. The repurchase agreements entered into by the Fund will provide that the underlying collateral at all times shall have a value at least equal to 102% of the resale price stated in the agreement and consist only of securities permissible under Section 101(47)(A)(i) of the Bankruptcy Code (the Adviser monitors compliance with this requirement). Under all repurchase agreements entered into by the Fund, the custodian or its agent must take possession of the underlying collateral. In the event of a default or bankruptcy by a selling financial institution, the Fund will seek to liquidate such collateral. However, the exercising of the Fund’s right to liquidate such collateral could involve certain costs or delays and, to the extent that proceeds from any sale upon a default of the obligation to repurchase were less than the repurchase price, the Fund could suffer a loss. The Fund may enter into “tri-party” repurchase agreements. In “tri-party” repurchase agreements, an unaffiliated third party custodian maintains accounts to hold collateral for the Fund and its counterparties and, therefore, the Fund may be subject to the credit risk of those custodians.

 

S-15

 

It is the current policy of the Fund not to invest in repurchase agreements that do not mature within seven days if any such investment, together with any other illiquid assets held by the Fund, amounts to more than 15% of the Fund’s total assets. The investments of the Fund in repurchase agreements, at times, may be substantial when, in the view of the Adviser, liquidity or other considerations so warrant.

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreements. Reverse repurchase agreements are transactions in which the Fund sells portfolio securities to financial institutions, such as banks and broker-dealers, and agrees to repurchase them at a mutually agreed-upon date and price that is higher than the original sale price. Reverse repurchase agreements are similar to a fully collateralized borrowing by the Fund. At the time the Fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, it will earmark on the books of the Fund or place in a segregated account cash or liquid securities having a value equal to the repurchase price (including accrued interest) and will subsequently monitor the account to ensure that such equivalent value is maintained.

 

Reverse repurchase agreements involve risks. Reverse repurchase agreements are a form of leverage, and the use of reverse repurchase agreements by the Fund may increase the Fund’s volatility. Reverse repurchase agreements are also subject to the risk that the other party to the reverse repurchase agreement will be unable or unwilling to complete the transaction as scheduled, which may result in losses to the Fund. Reverse repurchase agreements also involve the risk that the market value of the securities sold by the Fund may decline below the price at which it is obligated to repurchase the securities. In addition, when the Fund invests the proceeds it receives in a reverse repurchase transaction, there is a risk that those investments may decline in value. In this circumstance, the Fund could be required to sell other investments in order to meet its obligations to repurchase the securities.

 

Securities of Other Investment Companies. The Fund may invest in shares of other investment companies, to the extent permitted by applicable law and subject to certain restrictions. These investment companies typically incur fees that are separate from those fees incurred directly by the Fund. The Fund’s purchase of such investment company securities results in the layering of expenses, such that shareholders would indirectly bear a proportionate share of the operating expenses of such investment companies, including advisory fees, in addition to paying the Fund’s expenses. Unless an exception is available, Section 12(d)(1)(A) of the 1940 Act prohibits a fund from (i) acquiring more than 3% of the voting shares of any one investment company, (ii) investing more than 5% of its total assets in any one investment company, and (iii) investing more than 10% of its total assets in investment companies, including ETFs.

 

For hedging or other purposes, the Fund may invest in investment companies that seek to track the composition and/or performance of specific indexes or portions of specific indexes. Certain of these investment companies, known as ETFs, are traded on a securities exchange. (See “Exchange-Traded Funds” above). The market prices of index-based investments will fluctuate in accordance with changes in the underlying portfolio securities of the investment company and also due to supply and demand of the investment company’s shares on the exchange upon which the shares are traded. Index-based investments may not replicate or otherwise match the composition or performance of their specified index due to transaction costs, among other things.

 

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Pursuant to orders issued by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) to certain ETFs and procedures approved by the Board, the Fund may invest in such ETFs in excess of the 3% limitation prescribed by Section 12(d)(1)(A) described above, provided that the Fund otherwise complies with the conditions of the applicable SEC order, as it may be amended, and any other applicable investment limitations. Neither such ETFs nor their investment advisers make any representations regarding the advisability of investing in the ETFs.

 

Business Development Companies (“BDCs”). BDCs are a type of closed-end investment company regulated under the 1940 Act. BDCs generally invest in less mature private companies or thinly traded U.S. public companies which involve greater risk than well-established publicly-traded companies. While BDCs are expected to generate income in the form of dividends, certain BDCs during certain periods of time may not generate such income. The Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management and other operating expenses and of any performance-based or incentive fees charged by the BDCs in which it invests, in addition to the expenses paid by the Fund. The 1940 Act imposes certain constraints upon the operations of a BDC. For example, BDCs are required to invest at least 70% of their total assets primarily in securities of private companies or thinly traded U.S. public companies, cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and high quality debt investments that mature in one year or less. Generally, little public information exists for private and thinly traded companies and there is a risk that investors may not be able to make a fully informed evaluation of a BDC and its portfolio of investments. With respect to investments in debt instruments, there is a risk that the issuers of such instruments may default on their payments or declare bankruptcy. Additionally, a BDC may only incur indebtedness in amounts such that the BDC’s coverage ratio of total assets to total senior securities equals at least 200% after such incurrence. These limitations on asset mix and leverage may affect the way that the BDC raises capital. BDCs compete with other entities for the types of investments they make, and such entities are not necessarily subject to the same investment constraints as BDCs.

 

Investments made by BDCs are generally subject to legal and other restrictions on resale and are otherwise less liquid than publicly-traded securities. The illiquidity of these investments may make it difficult to sell such investments if the need arises, and if there is a need for a BDC in which the Fund invests to liquidate its portfolio quickly, it may realize a loss on its investments. BDCs may have relatively concentrated investment portfolios, consisting of a relatively small number of holdings. A consequence of this limited number of investments is that the aggregate returns realized may be disproportionately impacted by the poor performance of a small number of investments, or even a single investment, particularly if a company experiences the need to write down the value of an investment. Since BDCs rely on access to short-term money markets, longer-term capital markets and the bank markets as significant sources of liquidity, if BDCs are not able to access capital at competitive rates, their ability to implement certain financial strategies will be negatively impacted. Market disruptions, including a downturn in capital markets in general or a downgrade of the credit rating of a BDC held by the Fund, may increase the cost of borrowing to that company, thereby increasing its cost of borrowing and adversely impacting the Fund’s returns. Credit downgrades may also result in requirements for a BDC to provide additional support in the form of letters of credit or cash or other collateral to various counterparties.

 

Since many of the assets of BDCs do not have readily ascertainable market values, such assets are most often recorded at fair value, in good faith, in accordance with valuation procedures adopted by such companies. A fair value determination requires that judgment be applied to the specific facts and circumstances. Due to the absence of a readily ascertainable market value, and because of the inherent uncertainty of fair valuation, the fair value assigned to a BDC’s investments may differ significantly from the values that would be reflected if the assets were traded in an established market, potentially resulting in material differences between a BDC’s net asset value per share and its market value.

 

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Many BDCs invest in mezzanine and other debt securities of privately held companies, including senior secured loans. Mezzanine investments typically are structured as subordinated loans (with or without warrants) that carry a fixed rate of interest. Many debt investments in which a BDC may invest will not be rated by a credit rating agency and will be below investment grade quality. These investments are commonly referred to as “junk bonds” and have predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to an issuer’s capacity to make payments of interest and principal. Although lower grade securities are higher yielding, they are also characterized by high risk. In addition, the secondary market for lower grade securities may be less liquid than that of higher rated securities. Issuers of lower rated securities have a currently identifiable vulnerability to default or may currently be in default. Lower-rated securities may react more strongly to real or perceived adverse economic and competitive industry conditions than higher grade securities. If the issuer of lower-rated securities defaults, a BDC may incur additional expenses to seek recovery.

 

Exchange-Traded Notes (“ETNs”). ETNs are generally notes representing debt of the issuer, usually a financial institution. ETNs combine both aspects of bonds and ETFs. An ETN’s returns are based on the performance of one or more underlying assets, reference rates or indexes, minus fees and expenses. Similar to ETFs, ETNs are listed on an exchange and traded in the secondary market. However, unlike an ETF, an ETN can be held until the ETN’s maturity, at which time the issuer will pay a return linked to the performance of the specific asset, index or rate (“reference instrument”) to which the ETN is linked minus certain fees. Unlike regular bonds, ETNs do not make periodic interest payments, and principal is not protected. ETNs are not registered or regulated as investment companies under the 1940 Act.

 

The value of an ETN may be influenced by, among other things, time to maturity, level of supply and demand for the ETN, volatility and lack of liquidity in underlying markets, changes in the applicable interest rates, the performance of the reference instrument, changes in the issuer’s credit rating and economic, legal, political or geographic events that affect the reference instrument. An ETN that is tied to a reference instrument may not replicate the performance of the reference instrument. ETNs also incur certain expenses not incurred by their applicable reference instrument. 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. Levered ETNs are subject to the same risk as other instruments that use leverage in any form. While leverage allows for greater potential return, the potential for loss is also greater. Finally, additional losses may be incurred if the investment loses value because, in addition to the money lost on the investment, the loan still needs to be repaid.

 

Because the return on the ETN is dependent on the issuer’s ability or willingness to meet its obligations, the value of the ETN may change due to a change in the issuer’s credit rating, despite no change in the underlying reference instrument. The market value of ETN shares may differ from the value of the reference instrument. 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 assets underlying the reference instrument that the ETN seeks to track.

 

There may be restrictions on the Fund’s right to redeem its investment in an ETN, which is generally meant to be held until maturity. The Fund’s decision to sell its ETN holdings may be limited by the availability of a secondary market. The Fund could lose some or all of the amount invested in an ETN.

 

Derivatives. Derivatives are financial instruments whose value is based on an underlying asset (such as a stock or a bond), an underlying economic factor (such as an interest rate) or a market benchmark. Unless otherwise stated in the Prospectus, the Fund may use derivatives for a number of purposes including managing risk, gaining exposure to various markets in a cost-efficient manner, reducing transaction costs, remaining fully invested and speculating. The Fund may also invest in derivatives with the goal of protecting itself from broad fluctuations in market prices, interest rates or foreign currency exchange rates (a practice known as “hedging”). When hedging is successful, the Fund will have offset any depreciation in the value of its portfolio securities by the appreciation in the value of the derivative position. Although techniques other than the sale and purchase of derivatives could be used to control the exposure of the Fund to market fluctuations, the use of derivatives may be a more effective means of hedging this exposure. In the future, to the extent such use is consistent with the Fund’s investment objectives and is legally permissible, the Fund may use instruments and techniques that are not presently contemplated, but that may be subsequently developed.

 

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There can be no assurance that a derivative strategy, if employed, will be successful. Because many derivatives have a leverage or borrowing component, adverse changes in the value or level of the underlying asset, reference rate or index can result in a loss substantially greater than the amount invested in the derivative itself. Certain derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the initial investment. Accordingly, certain derivative transactions may be considered to constitute borrowing transactions for purposes of the 1940 Act. Such a derivative transaction will not be considered to constitute the issuance of a “senior security” by the Fund, and therefore such transaction will not be subject to the 300% asset coverage requirement otherwise applicable to borrowings by the Fund, if the Fund covers the transaction or segregates sufficient liquid assets (or such assets are “earmarked” on the Fund’s books) in accordance with the requirements and interpretations of the SEC and its staff. The Fund may enter into agreements with broker-dealers that require the broker-dealers to accept physical settlement for certain types of derivatives instruments. If this occurs, the Fund would treat such derivative instruments as being cash settled for purposes of determining the Fund’s coverage requirements.

 

Pursuant to rules adopted under the Commodity Exchange Act (“CEA”) by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”), the Fund must either operate within certain guidelines and restrictions with respect to the Fund’s use of futures, options on such futures, commodity options and certain swaps, or the Adviser will be subject to registration with the CFTC as a “commodity pool operator” (“CPO”).

 

Consistent with the CFTC’s regulations, the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, has filed a notice of exclusion from the definition of the term CPO under the CEA pursuant to CFTC Rule 4.5 and, therefore, the Fund is not subject to registration or regulation as a CPO under the CEA. As a result, the Fund will be limited in its ability to use futures, options on such futures, commodity options and certain swaps. Complying with the limitations may restrict the Adviser’s ability to implement the Fund’s investment strategies and may adversely affect the Fund’s performance.

 

Types of Derivatives:

 

Futures. A futures contract is an agreement between two parties whereby one party agrees to sell and the other party agrees to buy a specified amount of a financial instrument at an agreed upon price and time. The financial instrument underlying the contract may be a stock, stock index, bond, bond index, interest rate, foreign exchange rate or other similar instrument. Agreeing to buy the underlying financial instrument is called buying a futures contract or taking a long position in the contract. Likewise, agreeing to sell the underlying financial instrument is called selling a futures contract or taking a short position in the contract.

 

Futures contracts are traded in the United States on commodity exchanges or boards of trade (known as “contract markets”) approved for such trading and regulated by the CFTC. These contract markets standardize the terms, including the maturity date and underlying financial instrument, of all futures contracts.

 

Unlike other securities, the parties to a futures contract do not have to pay for or deliver the underlying financial instrument until some future date (the “delivery date”). Contract markets require both the purchaser and seller to deposit “initial margin” with a futures broker, known as a futures commission merchant or custodian bank, when they enter into the contract. Initial margin deposits are typically equal to a percentage of the contract’s value. Initial margin is similar to a performance bond or good faith deposit on a contract and is returned to the depositing party upon termination of the futures contract if all contractual obligations have been satisfied. After they open a futures contract, the parties to the transaction must compare the purchase price of the contract to its daily market value. If the value of the futures contract changes in such a way that a party’s position declines, that party must make additional “variation margin” payments so that the margin payment is adequate. On the other hand, the value of the contract may change in such a way that there is excess margin on deposit, possibly entitling the party that has a gain to receive all or a portion of this amount. This process is known as “marking to the market.” Variation margin does not represent a borrowing or loan by a party but is instead a settlement between the party and the futures broker of the amount one party would owe the other if the futures contract terminated. In computing daily NAV, each party marks to market its open futures positions.

 

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Although the terms of a futures contract call for the actual delivery of and payment for the underlying security, in many cases the parties may close the contract early by taking an opposite position in an identical contract. If the sale price upon closing out the contract is less than the original purchase price, the party closing out the contract will realize a loss. If the sale price upon closing out the contract is more than the original purchase price, the party closing out the contract will realize a gain. Conversely, if the purchase price upon closing out the contract is more than the original sale price, the party closing out the contract will realize a loss. If the purchase price upon closing out the contract is less than the original sale price, the party closing out the contract will realize a gain.

 

The Fund may incur commission expenses when it opens or closes a futures position.

 

Options. An option is a contract between two parties for the purchase and sale of a financial instrument for a specified price (known as the “strike price” or “exercise price”) at any time during the option period. Unlike a futures contract, an option grants a right (not an obligation) to buy or sell a financial instrument. Generally, a seller of an option can grant a buyer two kinds of rights: a “call” (the right to buy the security) or a “put” (the right to sell the security). Options have various types of underlying instruments, including specific securities, indices of securities prices, foreign currencies, interest rates and futures contracts. Options may be traded on an exchange (exchange-traded options) or may be customized agreements between the parties (over-the-counter or “OTC” options). Like futures, a financial intermediary, known as a clearing corporation, financially backs exchange-traded options. However, OTC options have no such intermediary and are subject to the risk that the counterparty will not fulfill its obligations under the contract. The principal factors affecting the market value of an option include supply and demand, interest rates, the current market value of the underlying instrument relative to the exercise price of the option, the volatility of the underlying instrument, and the time remaining until the option expires.

 

Purchasing Put and Call Options

 

When the Fund purchases a put option, it buys the right to sell the instrument underlying the option at a fixed strike price. In return for this right, the Fund pays the current market price for the option (known as the “option premium”). The Fund may purchase put options to offset or hedge against a decline in the market value of its securities (“protective puts”) or to benefit from a decline in the price of securities that it does not own. The Fund would ordinarily realize a gain if, during the option period, the value of the underlying securities decreased below the exercise price sufficiently to cover the premium and transaction costs. However, if the price of the underlying instrument does not fall enough to offset the cost of purchasing the option, a put buyer would lose the premium and related transaction costs.

 

Call options are similar to put options, except that the Fund obtains the right to purchase, rather than sell, the underlying instrument at the option’s strike price. The Fund would normally purchase call options in anticipation of an increase in the market value of securities it owns or wants to buy. The Fund would ordinarily realize a gain if, during the option period, the value of the underlying instrument exceeded the exercise price plus the premium paid and related transaction costs. Otherwise, the Fund would realize either no gain or a loss on the purchase of the call option.

 

The purchaser of an option may terminate its position by:

 

Allowing it to expire and losing its entire premium;

 

Exercising the option and either selling (in the case of a put option) or buying (in the case of a call option) the underlying instrument at the strike price; or

 

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Closing it out in the secondary market at its current price.

 

Selling (Writing) Put and Call Options

 

When the Fund writes a call option it assumes an obligation to sell specified securities to the holder of the option at a fixed strike price if the option is exercised at any time before the expiration date. Similarly, when the Fund writes a put option it assumes an obligation to purchase specified securities from the option holder at a fixed strike price if the option is exercised at any time before the expiration date. The Fund may terminate its position in an exchange-traded put option before exercise by buying an option identical to the one it has written. Similarly, the Fund may cancel an OTC option by entering into an offsetting transaction with the counterparty to the option.

 

The Fund could try to hedge against an increase in the value of securities it would like to acquire by writing a put option on those securities. If security prices rise, the Fund would expect the put option to expire and the premium it received to offset the increase in the security’s value. If security prices remain the same over time, the Fund would hope to profit by closing out the put option at a lower price. If security prices fall, the Fund may lose an amount of money equal to the difference between the value of the security and the premium it received. Writing covered put options may deprive the Fund of the opportunity to profit from a decrease in the market price of the securities it would like to acquire.

 

The characteristics of writing call options are similar to those of writing put options, except that call writers expect to profit if prices remain the same or fall. The Fund could try to hedge against a decline in the value of securities it already owns by writing a call option. If the price of that security falls as expected, the Fund would expect the option to expire and the premium it received to offset the decline of the security’s value. However, the Fund must be prepared to deliver the underlying instrument in return for the strike price, which may deprive it of the opportunity to profit from an increase in the market price of the securities it holds.

 

The Fund is permitted to write only “covered” options. At the time of selling a call option, the Fund may cover the option by owning, among other things:

 

The underlying security (or securities convertible into the underlying security without additional consideration), index, interest rate, foreign currency or futures contract;

 

A call option on the same security or index with the same or lesser exercise price;

 

A call option on the same security or index with a greater exercise price, provided that the Fund also segregates cash or liquid securities in an amount equal to the difference between the exercise prices;

 

Cash or liquid securities equal to at least the market value of the optioned securities, interest rate, foreign currency or futures contract; or

 

In the case of an index, the portfolio of securities that corresponds to the index.

 

At the time of selling a put option, the Fund may cover the option by, among other things:

 

Entering into a short position in the underlying security;

 

Purchasing a put option on the same security, index, interest rate, foreign currency or futures contract with the same or greater exercise price;

 

Purchasing a put option on the same security, index, interest rate, foreign currency or futures contract with a lesser exercise price and segregating cash or liquid securities in an amount equal to the difference between the exercise prices; or

 

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Maintaining the entire exercise price in liquid securities.

 

Options on Securities Indices

 

Options on securities indices are similar to options on securities, except that the exercise of securities index options requires cash settlement payments and does not involve the actual purchase or sale of securities. In addition, securities index options are designed to reflect price fluctuations in a group of securities or segment of the securities market rather than price fluctuations in a single security.

 

Options on Credit Default Swaps

 

An option on a credit default swap (“CDS”) gives the holder the right to enter into a CDS at a specified future date and under specified terms in exchange for a purchase price or premium. The writer of the option bears the risk of any unfavorable move in the value of the CDS relative to the market value on the exercise date, while the purchaser may allow the option to expire unexercised.

 

Options on Futures

 

An option on a futures contract provides the holder with the right to buy a futures contract (in the case of a call option) or sell a futures contract (in the case of a put option) at a fixed time and price. Upon exercise of the option by the holder, the contract market clearing house establishes a corresponding short position for the writer of the option (in the case of a call option) or a corresponding long position (in the case of a put option). If the option is exercised, the parties will be subject to the futures contracts. In addition, the writer of an option on a futures contract is subject to initial and variation margin requirements on the option position. Options on futures contracts are traded on the same contract market as the underlying futures contract.

 

The buyer or seller of an option on a futures contract may terminate the option early by purchasing or selling an option of the same series (i.e., the same exercise price and expiration date) as the option previously purchased or sold. The difference between the premiums paid and received represents the trader’s profit or loss on the transaction.

 

The Fund may purchase put and call options on futures contracts instead of selling or buying futures contracts. The Fund may buy a put option on a futures contract for the same reasons it would sell a futures contract. It also may purchase such a put option in order to hedge a long position in the underlying futures contract. The Fund may buy a call option on a futures contract for the same purpose as the actual purchase of a futures contract, such as in anticipation of favorable market conditions.

 

The Fund may write a call option on a futures contract to hedge against a decline in the prices of the instrument underlying the futures contracts. If the price of the futures contract at expiration were below the exercise price, the Fund would retain the option premium, which would offset, in part, any decline in the value of its portfolio securities.

 

The writing of a put option on a futures contract is similar to the purchase of the futures contracts, except that, if the market price declines, the Fund would pay more than the market price for the underlying instrument. The premium received on the sale of the put option, less any transaction costs, would reduce the net cost to the Fund.

 

Options on Foreign Currencies

 

A put option on a foreign currency gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell a foreign currency at the exercise price until the option expires. A call option on a foreign currency gives the purchaser of the option the right to purchase the currency at the exercise price until the option expires. The Fund may purchase or write put and call options on foreign currencies for the purpose of hedging against changes in future currency exchange rates.

 

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The Fund may use foreign currency options given the same circumstances under which it could use forward foreign currency exchange contracts. For example, a decline in the U.S. dollar value of a foreign currency in which the Fund’s securities are denominated would reduce the U.S. dollar value of the securities, even if their value in the foreign currency remained constant. In order to hedge against such a risk, the Fund may purchase a put option on the foreign currency. If the value of the currency then declined, the Fund could sell the currency for a fixed amount in U.S. dollars and thereby offset, at least partially, the negative effect on its securities that otherwise would have resulted. Conversely, if the Fund anticipates a rise in the U.S. dollar value of a currency in which securities to be acquired are denominated, the Fund may purchase call options on the currency in order to offset, at least partially, the effects of negative movements in exchange rates. If currency exchange rates do not move in the direction or to the extent anticipated, the Fund could sustain losses on transactions in foreign currency options.

 

Combined Positions

 

The Fund may purchase and write options in combination with each other, or in combination with futures or forward contracts or swap agreements, to adjust the risk and return characteristics of the overall position. For example, the Fund could construct a combined position whose risk and return characteristics are similar to selling a futures contract by purchasing a put option and writing a call option on the same underlying instrument. Alternatively, the Fund could write a call option at one strike price and buy a call option at a lower price to reduce the risk of the written call option in the event of a substantial price increase. Because combined options positions involve multiple trades, they result in higher transaction costs and may be more difficult to open and close out.

 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts. A forward foreign currency contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific amount of currency at a future date or date range at a specific price. In the case of a cancelable forward contract, the holder has the unilateral right to cancel the contract at maturity by paying a specified fee. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts differ from foreign currency futures contracts in certain respects. Unlike futures contracts, forward contracts:

 

Do not have standard maturity dates or amounts (i.e., the parties to the contract may fix the maturity date and the amount);

 

Are typically traded directly between currency traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers in the inter-bank markets, as opposed to on exchanges regulated by the CFTC (note, however, that under new definitions adopted by the CFTC and SEC, many non-deliverable foreign currency forwards will be considered swaps for certain purposes, including determination of whether such instruments must be traded on exchanges and centrally cleared);

 

Do not require an initial margin deposit; and

 

May be closed by entering into a closing transaction with the currency trader who is a party to the original forward contract, as opposed to with a commodities exchange.

 

Foreign Currency Hedging Strategies

 

A “settlement hedge” or “transaction hedge” is designed to protect the Fund against an adverse change in foreign currency values between the date a security is purchased or sold and the date on which payment is made or received. Entering into a forward contract for the purchase or sale of the amount of foreign currency involved in an underlying security transaction for a fixed amount of U.S. dollars “locks in” the U.S. dollar price of the security. The Fund may also use forward contracts to purchase or sell a foreign currency when it anticipates purchasing or selling securities denominated in foreign currency, even if it has not yet selected the specific investments.

 

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The Fund may use forward contracts to hedge against a decline in the value of existing investments denominated in foreign currency. Such a hedge, sometimes referred to as a “position hedge,” would tend to offset both positive and negative currency fluctuations, but would not offset changes in security values caused by other factors. The Fund could also hedge the position by selling another currency expected to perform similarly to the currency in which the Fund’s investment is denominated. This type of hedge, sometimes referred to as a “proxy hedge,” could offer advantages in terms of cost, yield, or efficiency, but generally would not hedge currency exposure as effectively as a direct hedge into U.S. dollars. Proxy hedges may result in losses if the currency used to hedge does not perform similarly to the currency in which the hedged securities are denominated.

 

Transaction and position hedging do not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the securities that the Fund owns or intends to purchase or sell. They simply establish a rate of exchange that one can achieve at some future point in time. Additionally, these techniques tend to minimize the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged currency and to limit any potential gain that might result from the increase in value of such currency.

 

The Fund may enter into forward contracts to shift its investment exposure from one currency into another. Such transactions may call for the delivery of one foreign currency in exchange for another foreign currency, including currencies in which its securities are not then denominated. This may include shifting exposure from U.S. dollars to a foreign currency, or from one foreign currency to another foreign currency. This type of strategy, sometimes known as a “cross-hedge,” will tend to reduce or eliminate exposure to the currency that is sold, and increase exposure to the currency that is purchased. Cross-hedges may protect against losses resulting from a decline in the hedged currency but will cause the Fund to assume the risk of fluctuations in the value of the currency it purchases. Cross-hedging transactions also involve the risk of imperfect correlation between changes in the values of the currencies involved.

 

It is difficult to forecast with precision the market value of portfolio securities at the expiration or maturity of a forward or futures contract. Accordingly, the Fund may have to purchase additional foreign currency on the spot (cash) market if the market value of a security it is hedging is less than the amount of foreign currency it is obligated to deliver. Conversely, the Fund may have to sell on the spot market some of the foreign currency it received upon the sale of a security if the market value of such security exceeds the amount of foreign currency it is obligated to deliver.

 

Equity-Linked Securities. The Fund may invest in privately issued securities whose investment results are designed to correspond generally to the performance of a specified stock index or “basket” of securities, or sometimes a single stock (referred to as “equity-linked securities”). These securities are used for many of the same purposes as derivative instruments and share many of the same risks. Equity-linked securities may be considered illiquid and thus subject to the Fund’s restrictions on investments in illiquid securities.

 

Swap Agreements. A swap agreement is a financial instrument that typically involves the exchange of cash flows between two parties on specified dates (settlement dates), where the cash flows are based on agreed-upon prices, rates, indices, etc. The nominal amount on which the cash flows are calculated is called the notional amount. Swap agreements are individually negotiated and structured to include exposure to a variety of different types of investments or market factors, such as interest rates, foreign currency rates, mortgage securities, corporate borrowing rates, security prices or inflation rates.

 

Swap agreements may increase or decrease the overall volatility of the investments of the Fund and its share price. The performance of swap agreements may be affected by a change in the specific interest rate, currency, or other factors that determine the amounts of payments due to and from the Fund. If a swap agreement calls for payments by the Fund, the Fund must be prepared to make such payments when due. In addition, if the counterparty’s creditworthiness declined, the value of a swap agreement would be likely to decline, potentially resulting in losses.

 

Generally, swap agreements have a fixed maturity date that will be agreed upon by the parties. The agreement can be terminated before the maturity date under certain circumstances, such as default by one of the parties or insolvency, among others, and can be transferred by a party only with the prior written consent of the other party. The Fund may be able to eliminate its exposure under a swap agreement either by assignment or by other disposition, or by entering into an offsetting swap agreement with the same party or a similarly creditworthy party. If the counterparty is unable to meet its obligations under the contract, declares bankruptcy, defaults or becomes insolvent, the Fund may not be able to recover the money it expected to receive under the swap agreement. The Fund will not enter into any swap agreement unless the Adviser believes that the counterparty to the transaction is creditworthy.

 

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A swap agreement can be a form of leverage, which can magnify the Fund’s gains or losses. In order to reduce the risk associated with leveraging, the Fund may cover its current obligations under swap agreements according to guidelines established by the SEC. If the Fund enters into a swap agreement on a net basis, it will segregate assets with a daily value at least equal to the excess, if any, of the Fund’s accrued obligations under the swap agreement over the accrued amount the Fund is entitled to receive under the agreement. If the Fund enters into a swap agreement on other than a net basis, it will segregate assets with a value equal to the full amount of the Fund’s accrued obligations under the swap agreement.

 

Equity Swaps

 

In a typical equity swap, one party agrees to pay another party the return on a stock, stock index or basket of stocks in return for a specified interest rate. By entering into an equity index swap, for example, the index receiver can gain exposure to stocks making up the index of securities without actually purchasing those stocks. Equity index swaps involve not only the risk associated with investment in the securities represented in the index, but also the risk that the performance of such securities, including dividends, will not exceed the return on the interest rate that the Fund will be committed to pay.

 

Total Return Swaps

 

Total return swaps are contracts in which one party agrees to make payments of the total return from a reference instrument—which may be a single asset, a pool of assets or an index of assets—during a specified period, in return for payments equal to a fixed or floating rate of interest or the total return from another underlying reference instrument. The total return includes appreciation or depreciation on the underlying asset, plus any interest or dividend payments. Payments under the swap are based upon an agreed upon principal amount but, since the principal amount is not exchanged, it represents neither an asset nor a liability to either counterparty, and is referred to as notional. Total return swaps are marked to market daily using different sources, including quotations from counterparties, pricing services, brokers or market makers. The unrealized appreciation or depreciation related to the change in the valuation of the notional amount of the swap is combined with the amount due to the Fund at termination or settlement. The primary risks associated with total return swaps are credit risks (if the counterparty fails to meet its obligations) and market risk (if there is no liquid market for the swap or unfavorable changes occur to the underlying reference instrument).

 

Interest Rate Swaps

 

Interest rate swaps are financial instruments that involve the exchange of one type of interest rate for another type of interest rate cash flow on specified dates in the future. Some of the different types of interest rate swaps are “fixed-for-floating rate swaps,” “termed basis swaps” and “index amortizing swaps.” Fixed-for-floating rate swaps involve the exchange of fixed interest rate cash flows for floating rate cash flows. Termed basis swaps entail cash flows to both parties based on floating interest rates, where the interest rate indices are different. Index amortizing swaps are typically fixed-for-floating rate swaps where the notional amount changes if certain conditions are met.

 

As with a traditional investment in a debt security, the Fund could lose money by investing in an interest rate swap if interest rates change adversely. For example, if the Fund enters into a swap where it agrees to exchange a floating rate of interest for a fixed rate of interest, the Fund may have to pay more money than it receives. Similarly, if the Fund enters into a swap where it agrees to exchange a fixed rate of interest for a floating rate of interest, the Fund may receive less money than it has agreed to pay.

 

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Currency Swaps

 

A currency swap is an agreement between two parties in which one party agrees to make interest rate payments in one currency and the other promises to make interest rate payments in another currency. The Fund may enter into a currency swap when it has one currency and desires a different currency. Typically, the interest rates that determine the currency swap payments are fixed, although occasionally one or both parties may pay a floating rate of interest. Unlike an interest rate swap, however, the principal amounts are exchanged at the beginning of the agreement and returned at the end of the agreement. Changes in foreign exchange rates and changes in interest rates, as described above, may negatively affect currency swaps.

 

Inflation Swaps

 

Inflation swaps are fixed-maturity, over-the-counter derivatives where one party pays a fixed rate in exchange for payments tied to an inflation index, such as the Consumer Price Index. The fixed rate, which is set by the parties at the initiation of the swap, is often referred to as the “breakeven inflation” rate and generally represents the current difference between treasury yields and Treasury Inflation Protected Securities yields of similar maturities at the initiation of the swap agreement. Inflation swaps are typically designated as “zero coupon,” where all cash flows are exchanged at maturity. The value of an inflation swap is expected to fluctuate in response to changes in the relationship between nominal interest rates and the rate of inflation. An inflation swap can lose value if the realized rate of inflation over the life of the swap is less than the fixed market implied inflation rate (the breakeven inflation rate) the investor agreed to pay at the initiation of the swap.

 

Credit Default Swaps

 

A credit default swap is an agreement between a “buyer” and a “seller” for credit protection. The credit default swap agreement may have as reference obligations one or more securities that are not then held by the Fund. The protection buyer is generally obligated to pay the protection seller an upfront payment and/or a periodic stream of payments over the term of the agreement until a credit event on a reference obligation has occurred. If no default occurs, the seller would keep the stream of payments and would have no payment obligations. If a credit event occurs, the seller generally must pay the buyer the full notional amount (the “par value”) of the swap. Investing in credit default swap indexes allows the Fund to manage credit risk or take a position on a basket of debt obligations more efficiently than transacting in single name credit default swaps.

 

Caps, Collars and Floors

 

Caps and floors have an effect similar to buying or writing options. In a typical cap or floor agreement, one party agrees to make payments only under specified circumstances, usually in return for payment of a fee by the other party. For example, the buyer of an interest rate cap obtains the right to receive payments to the extent that a specified interest rate exceeds an agreed-upon level. The seller of an interest rate floor is obligated to make payments to the extent that a specified interest rate falls below an agreed-upon level. An interest rate collar combines elements of buying a cap and selling a floor.

 

Risks of Derivatives:

 

While transactions in derivatives may reduce certain risks, these transactions themselves entail certain other risks. For example, unanticipated changes in interest rates, securities prices or currency exchange rates may result in a poorer overall performance of the Fund than if it had not entered into any derivatives transactions. Derivatives may magnify the Fund’s gains or losses, causing it to make or lose substantially more than it invested.

 

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When used for hedging purposes, increases in the value of the securities the Fund holds or intends to acquire should offset any losses incurred with a derivative. Purchasing derivatives for purposes other than hedging could expose the Fund to greater risks.

 

Use of derivatives involves transaction costs, which may be significant, and may also increase the amount of taxable income to shareholders.

 

Correlation of Prices. The Fund’s ability to hedge its securities through derivatives depends on the degree to which price movements in the underlying index or instrument correlate with price movements in the relevant securities. In the case of poor correlation, the price of the securities the Fund is hedging may not move in the same amount, or even in the same direction as the hedging instrument. The Adviser will try to minimize this risk by investing in only those contracts whose behavior they expect to correlate with the behavior of the portfolio securities they are trying to hedge. However, if the Adviser’s prediction of interest and currency rates, market value, volatility or other economic factors is incorrect, the Fund may lose money, or may not make as much money as it expected.

 

Derivative prices can diverge from the prices of their underlying instruments, even if the characteristics of the underlying instruments are very similar to the derivative. Listed below are some of the factors that may cause such a divergence:

 

Current and anticipated short-term interest rates, changes in volatility of the underlying instrument, and the time remaining until expiration of the contract;

 

A difference between the derivatives and securities markets, including different levels of demand, how the instruments are traded, the imposition of daily price fluctuation limits or discontinued trading of an instrument; and

 

Differences between the derivatives, such as different margin requirements, different liquidity of such markets and the participation of speculators in such markets.

 

Derivatives based upon a narrower index of securities, such as those of a particular industry group, may present greater risk than derivatives based on a broad market index. Since narrower indices are made up of a smaller number of securities, they are more susceptible to rapid and extreme price fluctuations because of changes in the value of those securities.

 

While currency futures and options values are expected to correlate with exchange rates, they may not reflect other factors that affect the value of the investments of the Fund. A currency hedge, for example, should protect a yen-denominated security from a decline in the yen, but will not protect the Fund against a price decline resulting from deterioration in the issuer’s creditworthiness. Because the value of the Fund’s foreign-denominated investments changes in response to many factors other than exchange rates, it may not be possible to match the amount of currency options and futures to the value of the Fund’s investments precisely over time.

 

Lack of Liquidity. Before a futures contract or option is exercised or expires, the Fund can terminate it only by entering into a closing purchase or sale transaction. Moreover, the Fund may close out a futures contract only on the exchange the contract was initially traded. Although the Fund intends to purchase options and futures only where there appears to be an active market, there is no guarantee that such a liquid market will exist. If there is no secondary market for the contract, or the market is illiquid, the Fund may not be able to close out its position. In an illiquid market, the Fund may:

 

Have to sell securities to meet its daily margin requirements at a time when it is disadvantageous to do so;

 

Have to purchase or sell the instrument underlying the contract;

 

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Not be able to hedge its investments; and/or

 

Not be able to realize profits or limit its losses.

 

Derivatives may become illiquid (i.e., difficult to sell at a desired time and price) under a variety of market conditions. For example:

 

An exchange may suspend or limit trading in a particular derivative instrument, an entire category of derivatives or all derivatives, which sometimes occurs because of increased market volatility;

 

Unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal operations of an exchange;

 

The facilities of the exchange may not be adequate to handle current trading volume;

 

Equipment failures, government intervention, insolvency of a brokerage firm or clearing house or other occurrences may disrupt normal trading activity; or

 

Investors may lose interest in a particular derivative or category of derivatives.

 

Management Risk. Successful use of derivatives by the Fund is subject to the ability of the Adviser to forecast stock market and interest rate trends. If the Adviser incorrectly predicts stock market and interest rate trends, the Fund may lose money by investing in derivatives. For example, if the Fund were to write a call option based on the Adviser’s expectation that the price of the underlying security would fall, but the price were to rise instead, the Fund could be required to sell the security upon exercise at a price below the current market price. Similarly, if the Fund were to write a put option based on the Adviser’s expectation that the price of the underlying security would rise, but the price were to fall instead, the Fund could be required to purchase the security upon exercise at a price higher than the current market price.

 

Pricing Risk. At times, market conditions might make it hard to value some investments. For example, if the Fund has valued its securities too high, shareholders may end up paying too much for Fund shares when they buy into the Fund. If the Fund underestimates its price, shareholders may not receive the full market value for their Fund shares when they sell.

 

Margin. Because of the low margin deposits required upon the opening of a derivative position, such transactions involve an extremely high degree of leverage. Consequently, a relatively small price movement in a derivative may result in an immediate and substantial loss (as well as gain) to the Fund and it may lose more than it originally invested in the derivative.

 

If the price of a futures contract changes adversely, the Fund may have to sell securities at a time when it is disadvantageous to do so to meet its minimum daily margin requirement. The Fund may lose its margin deposits if a broker-dealer with whom it has an open futures contract or related option becomes insolvent or declares bankruptcy.

 

Volatility and Leverage. The Fund’s use of derivatives may have a leveraging effect. Leverage generally magnifies the effect of any increase or decrease in value of an underlying asset and results in increased volatility, which means the Fund will have the potential for greater gains, as well as the potential for greater losses, than if the Fund does not use derivative instruments that have a leveraging effect. The prices of derivatives are volatile (i.e., they may change rapidly, substantially and unpredictably) and are influenced by a variety of factors, including:

 

Actual and anticipated changes in interest rates;

 

Fiscal and monetary policies; and

 

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National and international political events.

 

Most exchanges limit the amount by which the price of a derivative can change during a single trading day. Daily trading limits establish the maximum amount that the price of a derivative may vary from the settlement price of that derivative at the end of trading on the previous day. Once the price of a derivative reaches this value, the Fund may not trade that derivative at a price beyond that limit. The daily limit governs only price movements during a given day and does not limit potential gains or losses. Derivative prices have occasionally moved to the daily limit for several consecutive trading days, preventing prompt liquidation of the derivative.

 

Government Regulation. The regulation of derivatives markets in the U.S. is a rapidly changing area of law and is subject to modification by government and judicial action. In particular, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, signed into law in 2010, grants significant new authority to the SEC and the CFTC to impose comprehensive regulations on the over-the-counter and cleared derivatives markets. These regulations include, but are not limited to, mandatory clearing of certain derivatives and requirements relating to disclosure, margin and trade reporting. The new law and regulations may negatively impact the Fund by increasing transaction and/or regulatory compliance costs, limiting the availability of certain derivatives or otherwise adversely affecting the value or performance of the derivatives the Fund trades. In addition, the SEC proposed new derivatives rules in December 2015 that could limit the Fund’s use of derivatives, and adversely impact the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objectives. Other potentially adverse regulatory obligations can develop suddenly and without notice.

 

Participation Notes and Participatory Notes (“P-Notes”). P-Notes are participation interest notes that are issued by banks or broker-dealers and are designed to offer a return linked to a particular underlying equity, debt, currency or market. When purchasing a P-Note, the posting of margin is not required because the full cost of the P-Note (plus commission) is paid at the time of purchase. When the P-Note matures, the issuer will pay to, or receive from, the purchaser the difference between the nominal value of the underlying instrument at the time of purchase and that instrument’s value at maturity. Investments in P-Notes involve the same risks associated with a direct investment in the underlying foreign companies of foreign securities markets that they seek to replicate.

 

In addition, there can be no assurance that the trading price of P-Notes will equal the underlying value of the foreign companies or foreign securities markets that they seek to replicate. The holder of a P-Note that is linked to a particular underlying security is entitled to receive any dividends paid in connection with an underlying security or instrument. However, the holder of a P-Note does not receive voting rights as it would if it directly owned the underlying security or instrument. P-Notes are generally traded over-the-counter. P-Notes constitute general unsecured contractual obligations of the banks or broker-dealers that issue them and the counterparty. There is also counterparty risk associated with these investments because the Fund is relying on the creditworthiness of such counterparty and has no rights under a P-Note against the issuer of the underlying security. In addition, the Fund will incur transaction costs as a result of investment in P-Notes.

 

Restricted and Illiquid Securities. The Fund may purchase illiquid securities, including securities that are not readily marketable and securities that are not registered (“restricted securities”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), but which can be offered and sold to “qualified institutional buyers” under Rule 144A under the 1933 Act. Illiquid securities are securities that cannot be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven business days at approximately the value at which they are being carried on the Fund’s books. Because of their illiquid nature, illiquid securities must be priced at fair value as determined in good faith pursuant to procedures approved by the Board. Despite such good faith efforts to determine fair value prices, the Fund’s illiquid securities are subject to the risk that the security’s fair value price may differ from the actual price which the Fund may ultimately realize upon its sale or disposition. Difficulty in selling illiquid securities may result in a loss or may be costly to the Fund. The Fund will not hold more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities. If the percentage of the Fund’s net assets held in illiquid securities exceeds 15% due to market activity, the Fund will take appropriate measures to reduce its holdings of illiquid securities. Illiquid securities may include a wide variety of investments, such as repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days, OTC options contracts and certain other derivatives (including certain swap agreements), fixed time deposits that are not subject to prepayment or do not provide for withdrawal penalties upon prepayment (other than overnight deposits), participation interests in loans, commercial paper issued pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the 1933 Act, and restricted, privately placed securities that, under the federal securities laws, generally may be resold only to qualified institutional buyers. If a substantial market develops for a restricted security (or other illiquid investment) held by the Fund, it may be treated as a liquid security, in accordance with procedures and guidelines approved by the Board. Under the supervision of the Board, the Adviser determines the liquidity of the Fund’s investments. In determining the liquidity of the Fund’s investments, the Adviser may consider various factors, including (1) the frequency and volume of trades and quotations, (2) the number of dealers and prospective purchasers in the marketplace, (3) dealer undertakings to make a market, and (4) the nature of the security and the market in which it trades (including any demand, put or tender features, the mechanics and other requirements for transfer, any letters of credit or other credit enhancement features, any ratings, the number of holders, the method of soliciting offers, the time required to dispose of the security, and the ability to assign or offset the rights and obligations of the security).

 

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Short Sales. As is consistent with the Fund’s investment objectives, the Fund may engage in short sales that are either “uncovered” or “against the box.” A short sale is “against the box” if at all times during which the short position is open, the Fund owns at least an equal amount of the securities or securities convertible into, or exchangeable without further consideration for, securities of the same issue as the securities that are sold short. A short sale against the box is a taxable transaction to the Fund with respect to the securities that are sold short.

 

Uncovered short sales are transactions under which the Fund sells a security it does not own. To complete such a transaction, the Fund must borrow the security to make delivery to the buyer. The Fund then is obligated to replace the security borrowed by purchasing the security at the market price at the time of the replacement. The price at such time may be more or less than the price at which the security was sold by the Fund. Until the security is replaced, the Fund is required to pay the lender amounts equal to any dividends or interest that accrue during the period of the loan. To borrow the security, the Fund also may be required to pay a premium, which would increase the cost of the security sold. The proceeds of the short sale will be retained by the broker, to the extent necessary to meet margin requirements, until the short position is closed out.

 

Until the Fund closes its short position or replaces the borrowed security, the Fund may: (a) segregate cash or liquid securities at such a level that the amount segregated plus the amount deposited with the broker as collateral will equal the current value of the security sold short or (b) otherwise cover the Fund’s short position.

 

Special Risks of Cyber Attacks. As with any entity that conducts business through electronic means in the modern marketplace, the Fund, and its service providers, may be susceptible to operational and information security risks resulting from cyber attacks. Cyber attacks include, among other behaviors, stealing or corrupting data maintained online or digitally, denial of service attacks on websites, the unauthorized monitoring, release, misuse, loss, destruction or corruption of confidential information, unauthorized access to relevant systems, compromises to networks or devices that the Fund and its service providers use to service the Fund’s operations, ransomware, operational disruption or failures in the physical infrastructure or operating systems that support the Fund and its service providers, or various other forms of cyber security breaches. Cyber attacks affecting the Fund, the Adviser, or the Fund’s distributor, custodian, or any other of the Fund’s intermediaries or service providers may adversely impact the Fund and its shareholders, potentially resulting in, among other things, financial losses or the inability of Fund shareholders to transact business. For instance, cyber attacks may interfere with the processing of shareholder transactions, impact the Fund’s ability to calculate its NAV, cause the release of private shareholder information or confidential business information, impede trading, subject the Fund to regulatory fines or financial losses and/or cause reputational damage. The Fund may also incur additional costs for cyber security risk management purposes designed to mitigate or prevent the risk of cyber attacks. Such costs may be ongoing because threats of cyber attacks are constantly evolving as cyber attackers become more sophisticated and their techniques become more complex. Similar types of cyber security risks are also present for issuers of securities in which the Fund may invest, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers and may cause the Fund’s investments in such companies to lose value. There can be no assurance that the Fund, the Fund’s service providers, or the issuers of the securities in which the Fund invests will not suffer losses relating to cyber attacks or other information security breaches in the future.

 

S-30

 

INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS

 

Fundamental Policies

 

The following investment limitations are fundamental, which means that the Fund cannot change them without approval by the vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund. The phrase “majority of the outstanding shares” means the vote of (i) 67% or more of the Fund’s shares present at a meeting, if more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are present or represented by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the Fund’s outstanding shares, whichever is less.

 

1.The Fund may purchase securities of an issuer, except if such purchase would cause the Fund to fail to satisfy the diversification requirement for a diversified management company under the 1940 Act, the rules or regulations thereunder or any exemption therefrom, as such statute, rules or regulations may be amended or interpreted from time to time.

 

2.The Fund may not concentrate investments in a particular industry or group of industries, as concentration is defined under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder or any exemption therefrom, as such statute, rules or regulations may be amended or interpreted from time to time.

 

3.The Fund may borrow money or issue senior securities (as defined under the 1940 Act), except as prohibited under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder or any exemption therefrom, as such statute, rules or regulations may be amended or interpreted from time to time.

 

4.The Fund may make loans, except as prohibited under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder or any exemption therefrom, as such statute, rules or regulations may be amended or interpreted from time to time.

 

5.The Fund may purchase or sell commodities or real estate, except as prohibited under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder or any exemption therefrom, as such statute, rules or regulations may be amended or interpreted from time to time.

 

6.The Fund may underwrite securities issued by other persons, except as prohibited under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder or any exemption therefrom, as such statute, rules or regulations may be amended or interpreted from time to time.

 

Non-Fundamental Policies

The following investment limitations are non-fundamental and may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval. In addition, the Fund’s investment objectives are non-fundamental policies that may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval.

 

1.The Fund may not purchase securities of any issuer (except securities of other investment companies, securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities and repurchase agreements involving such securities) if, as a result, more than 5% of the total assets of the Fund would be invested in the securities of such issuer; or acquire more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer. This restriction applies to 75% of the Fund’s total assets.

 

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2.The Fund may not purchase any securities which would cause 25% or more of the net assets of the Fund to be invested in the securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry or group of industries, provided that this limitation does not apply to investments in obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities and repurchase agreements involving such securities or tax-exempt obligations of state or municipal governments and their political subdivisions. For purposes of this limitation, (i) utility companies will be classified according to their services, for example, gas distribution, gas transmission, electric and telephone will each be considered a separate industry; and (ii) financial service companies will be classified according to the end users of their services, for example, automobile finance, bank finance and diversified finance will each be considered a separate industry.

 

3.The Fund may not borrow money from a bank in an amount exceeding 33 1/3% of the value of its total assets, provided that investment strategies that either obligate the Fund to purchase securities or require the Fund to cover a position by segregating assets or entering into an offsetting position shall not be subject to this limitation. Asset coverage of at least 300% is required for all borrowing, except where the Fund has borrowed money, from any source, for temporary purposes in an amount not exceeding 5% of its total assets.

 

4.The Fund may not make loans if, as a result, more than 33 1/3% of its total assets would be lent to other parties, except that the Fund may: (i) purchase or hold debt instruments in accordance with its investment objectives and policies; (ii) enter into repurchase agreements; and (iii) lend its securities.

 

5.The Fund may not invest in unmarketable interests in real estate limited partnerships or invest directly in real estate. For the avoidance of doubt, the foregoing policy does not prevent the Fund from, among other things, purchasing marketable securities of companies that deal in real estate or interests therein (including REITs).

 

6.The Fund may purchase or sell financial and physical commodities, commodity contracts based on (or relating to) physical commodities or financial commodities and securities and derivative instruments whose values are derived from (in whole or in part) physical commodities or financial commodities.

 

7.The Fund may not invest more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities.

 

Except with respect to Fund policies concerning borrowing, if a percentage restriction is adhered to at the time of an investment, a later increase or decrease in percentage resulting from changes in values or assets will not constitute a violation of such restriction. With respect to the limitation on illiquid securities, in the event that a subsequent change in net assets or other circumstances causes the Fund to exceed its limitation, the Fund will take steps to bring the aggregate amount of illiquid instruments back within the limitations as soon as reasonably practicable. With respect to the limitation on borrowing, in the event that a subsequent change in net assets or other circumstances causes the Fund to exceed its limitation, the Fund will take steps to bring the aggregate amount of borrowing back within the limitation within three days thereafter (not including Sundays and holidays).

 

The following descriptions of certain provisions of the 1940 Act may assist investors in understanding the above policies and restrictions:

 

Diversification. Under the 1940 Act, a diversified investment management company, as to 75% of its total assets, may not purchase securities of any issuer (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agents or instrumentalities or securities of other investment companies) if, as a result, more than 5% of its total assets would be invested in the securities of such issuer, or more than 10% of the issuer’s outstanding voting securities would be held by the fund.

 

Concentration. The SEC has defined concentration as investing 25% or more of an investment company’s total assets in an industry or group of industries, with certain exceptions.

 

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Borrowing. The 1940 Act presently allows a fund to borrow from any bank in an amount up to 33 1/3% of its total assets (including the amount borrowed) and to borrow for temporary purposes in an amount not exceeding 5% of the value of its total assets.

 

Senior Securities. Senior securities may include any obligation or instrument issued by a fund evidencing indebtedness. The 1940 Act generally prohibits funds from issuing senior securities, although it does not treat certain transactions as senior securities, such as certain borrowings, short sales, reverse repurchase agreements, firm commitment agreements and standby commitments, with appropriate earmarking or segregation of assets to cover such obligation.

 

Lending. Under the 1940 Act, a fund may only make loans if expressly permitted by its investment policies.

 

Underwriting. Under the 1940 Act, underwriting securities involves a fund purchasing securities directly from an issuer for the purpose of selling (distributing) them or participating in any such activity either directly or indirectly. Under the 1940 Act, a diversified fund may not make any commitment as underwriter, if immediately thereafter the amount of its outstanding underwriting commitments, plus the value of its investments in securities of issuers (other than investment companies) of which it owns more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities, exceeds 25% of the value of its total assets.

 

Real Estate. The 1940 Act does not directly restrict an investment company’s ability to invest in real estate, but does require that every investment company have a fundamental investment policy governing such investments.

 

Commodities. The 1940 Act does not directly restrict an investment company’s ability to invest in commodities, but does require that every investment company have a fundamental investment policy governing such investments.

 

THE ADVISER

 

Investment Adviser

 

General. Westwood Management Corp., a New York corporation formed in 1983, located at 200 Crescent Court, Suite 1200, Dallas, Texas 75201, is a professional investment management firm registered with the SEC under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”). The Adviser is a wholly owned subsidiary of Westwood Holdings Group, Inc., an institutional asset management company. As of [ ], 2018, the Adviser had approximately $[XX] in assets under management.

 

The Board supervises the Adviser and establishes policies that the Adviser must follow in its management activities.

 

Advisory Agreement with the Trust. The Trust and the Adviser have entered into an investment advisory agreement dated December 16, 2005 (the “Advisory Agreement”) with respect to the Fund. Under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser serves as the investment adviser and makes investment decisions for the Fund and continuously reviews, supervises and administers the investment program of the Fund, subject to the supervision of, and policies established by, the Trustees.

 

After the initial two-year term, the continuance of the Advisory Agreement must be specifically approved at least annually: (i) by the vote of the Trustees or by a vote of the majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund; and (ii) by the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the Advisory Agreement or “interested persons” of any party thereto, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Advisory Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment, and is terminable at any time without penalty by the Board or, with respect to the Fund, by a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund or, by the Adviser, on not less than 30 days’ nor more than 60 days’ written notice to the Trust. As used in the Advisory Agreement, the terms “majority of the outstanding voting securities,” “interested persons” and “assignment” have the same meaning as such terms in the 1940 Act.

 

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Advisory Fees Paid to the Adviser. For its services, the Adviser is entitled to a fee, which is calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 0.69% of the average daily net assets of the Fund. The Adviser has contractually agreed to reduce its fees and reimburse expenses of the Fund in order to keep net operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on securities sold short, acquired fund fees and expenses, and extraordinary expenses (collectively, “excluded expenses”)) from exceeding 0.79% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The contractual fee waiver will be honored by the Adviser through February 28, 2020 and the fee waiver may be renewed by the Adviser for subsequent periods thereafter. In addition, the Adviser may receive from the Fund the difference between the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses (not including excluded expenses) and the Fund’s expense cap to recoup all or a portion of its prior fee reductions or expense reimbursements made during the three-year period preceding the recoupment if at any point total annual Fund operating expenses (not including excluded expenses) are below the expense cap (i) at the time of the fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement and (ii) at the time of the recoupment.

 

THE PORTFOLIO MANAGER

 

This section includes information about the Fund’s portfolio manager, including information about other accounts he manages, the dollar range of Fund shares he owns and how he is compensated.

Compensation.  The Adviser compensates the Fund’s portfolio manager for his management of the Fund.  The Fund’s portfolio manager’s compensation consists of a base salary and a full benefits package. The portfolio manager also has the opportunity to receive a discretionary cash bonus, profit sharing and company stock incentive compensation.  Percentages for each component of compensation are variable.  Base salary levels are maintained at levels that the compensation committee deems to be commensurate with similar companies in the asset management industry.  In determining incentive compensation and annual merit-based salary increases, employees on the investment team are evaluated according to a combination of quantitative and qualitative factors. The discretionary cash bonus and restricted stock award are determined at year-end and they vary with the firm’s success, which is directly linked to the performance of the products they manage, including the Fund and other accounts.  Lastly, other benefits such as health insurance, life insurance and short and long-term disability insurance packages, as well as a 401(k) plan with employer matching, are provided.

 

Fund Shares Owned by the Portfolio Manager. The following table shows the dollar amount range of the portfolio manager’s “beneficial ownership” of shares of the Fund as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal year. Dollar amount ranges disclosed are established by the SEC. “Beneficial ownership” is determined in accordance with Rule 16a-1(a)(2) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”). Because the Fund is new, as of the date of this SAI, the portfolio manager did not beneficially own shares of the Fund.

 

Other Accounts. In addition to the Fund, the portfolio manager is also responsible for the day-to-day management of certain other accounts, as indicated by the following table. [None of these accounts are subject to a performance-based advisory fee.] The information below is provided as of [XX], 2018.

 

Name

Registered

Investment Companies

Other Pooled

Investment Vehicles

Other Accounts
Number of Accounts

Total Assets

([in millions])

Number of Accounts

Total Assets

([in millions])

Number of Accounts

Total Assets

([in millions])

Westwood
Michael J. Carne, CFA [XX] $[XX] [XX] $[XX] [XX] $[XX]

 

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Conflicts of Interest. The portfolio manager’s management of “other accounts” may give rise to potential conflicts of interest in connection with his management of the Fund’s investments, on the one hand, and the investments of the other accounts, on the other. The other accounts may have the same investment objectives as the Fund. Therefore, a potential conflict of interest may arise as a result of the identical investment objectives, whereby the portfolio manager could favor one account over another. Another potential conflict could include the portfolio manager’s knowledge about the size, timing and possible market impact of Fund trades, whereby the portfolio manager could use this information to the advantage of other accounts and to the disadvantage of the Fund. However, the Adviser has established policies and procedures to ensure that the purchase and sale of securities among all accounts it manages are fairly and equitably allocated. The Adviser’s trade allocation policy is to aggregate client transactions, including the Fund’s, where possible when it is believed that such aggregation may facilitate the Adviser’s duty of best execution, as applicable. Client accounts for which orders are aggregated receive the average price of such transaction. Any transaction costs incurred in the transaction are shared pro rata based on each client’s participation in the transaction. The Adviser generally allocates securities among client accounts according to each account’s pre-determined participation in the transaction. The Adviser’s policy prohibits any allocation of trades that would favor any proprietary accounts, affiliated accounts, or any particular client(s) or group of clients more over any other account(s). The Adviser prohibits late trading, frequent trading and/or market timing in the Fund and monitors trades daily to ensure this policy is not violated.

 

THE ADMINISTRATOR

 

General. SEI Investments Global Funds Services (the “Administrator”), a Delaware statutory trust, has its principal business offices at One Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456. SEI Investments Management Corporation (“SIMC”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of SEI Investments Company (“SEI Investments”), is the owner of all beneficial interest in the Administrator. SEI Investments and its subsidiaries and affiliates, including the Administrator, are leading providers of fund evaluation services, trust accounting systems, and brokerage and information services to financial institutions, institutional investors, and money managers. The Administrator and its affiliates also serve as administrator or sub-administrator to other mutual funds.

 

Administration Agreement with the Trust. The Trust and the Administrator have entered into an administration agreement dated November 14, 1991, as amended and restated November 12, 2002 (the “Administration Agreement”). Under the Administration Agreement, the Administrator provides the Trust with administrative services, including regulatory reporting and all necessary office space, equipment, personnel and facilities.

 

The Administration Agreement provides that the Administrator shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Trust in connection with the matters to which the Administration Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the Administrator in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard by it of its duties and obligations thereunder.

 

Administration Fees Paid to the Administrator. For its services under the Administration Agreement, the Administrator is paid a fee, which varies based on the average daily net assets of the Fund, subject to certain minimums.

 

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THE DISTRIBUTOR

 

The Trust and SEI Investments Distribution Co. (the “Distributor”), a wholly owned subsidiary of SEI Investments and an affiliate of the Administrator, are parties to a distribution agreement dated November 14, 1991, as amended and restated November 14, 2005 and as amended August 30, 2010 (the “Distribution Agreement”), whereby the Distributor acts as principal underwriter for the Trust’s shares. The principal business address of the Distributor is One Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456.

 

The continuance of the Distribution Agreement must be specifically approved at least annually (i) by the vote of the Trustees or by a vote of the majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust and (ii) by the vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operations of the Distribution Agreement or any related agreement, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Distribution Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act), and is terminable at any time without penalty by the Board or by a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust, or by the Distributor, upon not less than 60 days’ written notice to the other party.

 

PAYMENTS TO FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES

 

Payments by the Fund. The Fund may enter into agreements with financial intermediaries pursuant to which the Fund may pay financial intermediaries for non-distribution-related sub-transfer agency, administrative, sub-accounting, and other shareholder services. Payments made pursuant to such agreements are generally based on either (1) a percentage of the average daily net assets of Fund shareholders serviced by a financial intermediary, or (2) the number of Fund shareholders serviced by a financial intermediary.

 

Payments by the Adviser. The Adviser and/or its affiliates, in their discretion, may make payments from their own resources and not from Fund assets to affiliated or unaffiliated brokers, dealers, banks (including bank trust departments), trust companies, registered investment advisers, financial planners, retirement plan administrators, insurance companies, and any other institution having a service, administration, or any similar arrangement with the Fund, its service providers or their respective affiliates, as incentives to help market and promote the Fund and/or in recognition of their distribution, marketing, administrative services, and/or processing support.

 

These additional payments may be made to financial intermediaries that sell Fund shares or provide services to the Fund, the Distributor or shareholders of the Fund through the financial intermediary’s retail distribution channel and/or fund supermarkets. Payments may also be made through the financial intermediary’s retirement, qualified tuition, fee-based advisory, wrap fee bank trust, or insurance (e.g., individual or group annuity) programs. These payments may include, but are not limited to, placing the Fund in a financial intermediary’s retail distribution channel or on a preferred or recommended fund list; providing business or shareholder financial planning assistance; educating financial intermediary personnel about the Fund; providing access to sales and management representatives of the financial intermediary; promoting sales of Fund shares; providing marketing and educational support; maintaining share balances and/or for sub-accounting, administrative or shareholder transaction processing services. A financial intermediary may perform the services itself or may arrange with a third party to perform the services.

 

The Adviser and/or its affiliates may also make payments from their own resources to financial intermediaries for costs associated with the purchase of products or services used in connection with sales and marketing, participation in and/or presentation at conferences or seminars, sales or training programs, client and investor entertainment and other sponsored events. The costs and expenses associated with these efforts may include travel, lodging, sponsorship at educational seminars and conferences, entertainment and meals to the extent permitted by law.

 

Revenue sharing payments may be negotiated based on a variety of factors, including the level of sales, the amount of Fund assets attributable to investments in the Fund by financial intermediaries’ customers, a flat fee or other measures as determined from time to time by the Adviser and/or its affiliates. A significant purpose of these payments is to increase the sales of Fund shares, which in turn may benefit the Adviser through increased fees as Fund assets grow.

 

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Investors should understand that some financial intermediaries may also charge their clients fees in connection with purchases of shares or the provision of shareholder services.

 

THE TRANSFER AGENT

 

DST Systems, Inc., 333 W. 11th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64105 (the “Transfer Agent”), serves as the Fund’s transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent under a transfer agency agreement with the Trust.

 

THE CUSTODIAN

 

U.S. Bank National Association, 800 Nicollett Mall, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402-4302 (the “Custodian”), serves as the custodian of the Fund. The Custodian holds cash, securities and other assets of the Fund as required by the 1940 Act.

 

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

[XX], [Address], serves as independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund.

 

LEGAL COUNSEL

 

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, 1701 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-2921, serves as legal counsel to the Trust.

 

SECURITIES LENDING

 

Because the Fund is new, as of the date of this SAI, the Fund has not engaged in securities lending activities.

 

TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS OF THE TRUST

 

Board Responsibilities. The management and affairs of the Trust and its series, including the Fund described in this SAI, are overseen by the Trustees. The Board has approved contracts, as described above, under which certain companies provide essential management services to the Trust.

 

Like most mutual funds, the day-to-day business of the Trust, including the management of risk, is performed by third party service providers, such as the Adviser, the Distributor and the Administrator. The Trustees are responsible for overseeing the Trust’s service providers and, thus, have oversight responsibility with respect to risk management performed by those service providers. Risk management seeks 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 funds. The funds and their service providers employ a variety of processes, procedures and controls to identify various 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. Each service provider is responsible for one or more discrete aspects of the Trust’s business (e.g., the Adviser is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio investments) and, consequently, for managing the risks associated with that business. The Board has emphasized to the funds’ service providers the importance of maintaining vigorous risk management.

 

The Trustees’ role in risk oversight begins before the inception of a fund, at which time certain of the fund’s service providers present the Board with information concerning the investment objective(s), strategies and risks of the fund as well as proposed investment limitations for the fund. Additionally, the fund’s adviser provides the Board with an overview of, among other things, its investment philosophy, brokerage practices and compliance infrastructure. Thereafter, the Board continues its oversight function as various personnel, including the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer, as well as personnel of the adviser and other service providers, such as the fund’s independent accountants, make periodic reports to the Audit Committee or to the Board with respect to various aspects of risk management. The Board and the Audit Committee oversee efforts by management and service providers to manage risks to which the funds may be exposed.

 

S-37

 

The Board is responsible for overseeing the nature, extent and quality of the services provided to the funds by the adviser and receives information about those services at its regular meetings. In addition, on an annual basis, in connection with its consideration of whether to renew the advisory agreement with the adviser, the Board meets with the adviser to review such services. Among other things, the Board regularly considers the adviser’s adherence to the funds’ investment restrictions and compliance with various fund policies and procedures and with applicable securities regulations. The Board also reviews information about the funds’ investments, including, for example, reports on the adviser’s use of derivatives in managing the funds, if any, as well as reports on the funds’ investments in other investment companies, if any.

 

The Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer reports regularly to the Board to review and discuss compliance issues and fund and adviser risk assessments. At least annually, the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer provides the Board with a report reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of the Trust’s policies and procedures and those of its service providers, including the adviser. The report addresses the operation of the policies and procedures of the Trust and each service provider since the date of the last report; any material changes to the policies and procedures since the date of the last report; any recommendations for material changes to the policies and procedures; and any material compliance matters since the date of the last report.

 

The Board receives reports from the funds’ service providers regarding operational risks and risks related to the valuation and liquidity of portfolio securities. The Trust’s Fair Value Pricing Committee makes regular reports to the Board concerning investments for which market quotations are not readily available. Annually, the independent registered public accounting firm reviews with the Audit Committee its audit of the funds’ financial statements, focusing on major areas of risk encountered by the funds and noting any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in the funds’ internal controls. Additionally, in connection with its oversight function, the Board oversees fund management’s implementation of disclosure controls and procedures, which are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Trust in its periodic reports with the SEC are recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the required time periods. The Board also oversees the Trust’s internal controls over financial reporting, which comprise policies and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of the Trust’s financial reporting and the preparation of the Trust’s financial statements.

 

From their review of these reports and discussions with the adviser, the Chief Compliance Officer, the independent registered public accounting firm and other service providers, the Board and the Audit Committee learn in detail about the material risks of the funds, thereby facilitating a dialogue about how management and service providers identify and mitigate those risks.

 

The Board recognizes that not all risks that may affect the funds can be identified and/or quantified, 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 funds’ 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 as to risk management matters are typically summaries of the relevant information. Most of the funds’ investment management and business affairs are carried out by or through the funds’ adviser and other service providers, each of which has an independent interest in risk management but whose policies and the methods by which one or more risk management functions are carried out may differ from the funds’ and each other’s in the setting of priorities, the resources available or the effectiveness of relevant controls. As a result of the foregoing and other factors, the Board’s ability to monitor and manage risk, as a practical matter, is subject to limitations.

 

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Members of the Board. There are eight members of the Board, six of whom are not interested persons of the Trust, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (“independent Trustees”). Robert Nesher, an interested person of the Trust, serves as Chairman of the Board. Joseph T. Grause, Jr., an independent Trustee, serves as the lead independent Trustee. The Trust has determined its leadership structure is appropriate given the specific characteristics and circumstances of the Trust. The Trust made this determination in consideration of, among other things, the fact that the independent Trustees constitute a super majority (75%) of the Board, the fact that the chairperson of each Committee of the Board is an independent Trustee, the amount of assets under management in the Trust, and the number of funds (and classes of shares) overseen by the Board. The Board also believes that its leadership structure facilitates the orderly and efficient flow of information to the independent Trustees from fund management.

 

The Board has two standing committees: the Audit Committee and the Governance Committee. The Audit Committee and the Governance Committee are chaired by an independent Trustee and composed of all of the independent Trustees. In addition, the Board has a lead independent Trustee.

 

In his role as lead independent Trustee, Mr. Grause, among other things: (i) presides over Board meetings in the absence of the Chairman of the Board; (ii) presides over executive sessions of the independent Trustees; (iii) along with the Chairman of the Board, oversees the development of agendas for Board meetings; (iv) facilitates communication between the independent Trustees and management, and among the independent Trustees; (v) serves as a key point person for dealings between the independent Trustees and management; and (vi) has such other responsibilities as the Board or independent Trustees determine from time to time.

 

Set forth below are the names, years of birth, position with the Trust and length of time served, and the principal occupations and other directorships held during at least the last five years of each of the persons currently serving as a Trustee. There is no stated term of office for the Trustees. Nevertheless, an independent Trustee must retire from the Board as of the end of the calendar year in which such independent Trustee first attains the age of seventy-five years; provided, however, that, an independent Trustee may continue to serve for one or more additional one calendar year terms after attaining the age of seventy-five years (each calendar year a “Waiver Term”) if, and only if, prior to the beginning of such Waiver Term: (1) the Governance Committee (a) meets to review the performance of the independent Trustee; (b) finds that the continued service of such independent Trustee is in the best interests of the Trust; and (c) unanimously approves excepting the independent Trustee from the general retirement policy set out above; and (2) a majority of the Trustees approves excepting the independent Trustee from the general retirement policy set out above. Unless otherwise noted, the business address of each Trustee is SEI Investments Company, One Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456.

 

Name and Year of Birth

Position with Trust

and Length

of Time Served

Principal Occupations

in the Past 5 Years

Other Directorships Held in the Past 5 Years
Interested Trustees

Robert Nesher

(Born: 1946)

 

Chairman of the Board of Trustees1

(since 1991)

SEI employee 1974 to present; currently performs various services on behalf of SEI Investments for which Mr. Nesher is compensated. Vice Chairman of The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund III, Gallery Trust, Schroder Series Trust and Schroder Global Series Trust. President, Chief Executive Officer and Trustee of SEI Daily Income Trust, SEI Tax Exempt Trust, SEI Institutional Managed Trust, SEI Institutional International Trust, SEI Institutional Investments Trust, SEI Asset Allocation Trust, Adviser Managed Trust, New Covenant Funds, SEI Insurance Products Trust and SEI Catholic Values Trust. President and Director of SEI Structured Credit Fund, LP. President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of SEI Alpha Strategy Portfolios, LP, 2007 to 2013. President and Director of SEI Opportunity Fund, L.P. to 2010. Vice Chairman of O’Connor EQUUS (closed-end investment company) to 2016. President, Chief Executive Officer and Trustee of SEI Liquid Asset Trust to 2016. Vice Chairman of Winton Series Trust to 2017. Vice Chairman of Winton Diversified Opportunities Fund (closed-end investment company) to 2018.

Current Directorships: Trustee of The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund II, Bishop Street Funds, The KP Funds, SEI Daily Income Trust, SEI Institutional International Trust, SEI Institutional Investments Trust, SEI Institutional Managed Trust, SEI Asset Allocation Trust, SEI Tax Exempt Trust, Adviser Managed Trust, New Covenant Funds, SEI Insurance Products Trust and SEI Catholic Values Trust. Director of SEI Structured Credit Fund, LP, SEI Global Master Fund plc, SEI Global Assets Fund plc, SEI Global Investments Fund plc, SEI Investments—Global Funds Services, Limited, SEI Investments Global, Limited, SEI Investments (Europe) Ltd., SEI Investments—Unit Trust Management (UK) Limited, SEI Multi-Strategy Funds PLC and SEI Global Nominee Ltd.

 

Former Directorships: Director of SEI Opportunity Fund, L.P. to 2010. Director of SEI Alpha Strategy Portfolios, LP to 2013. Trustee of SEI Liquid Asset Trust to 2016.

 

S-39

 

Name and Year of Birth

Position with Trust

and Length

of Time Served

Principal Occupations

in the Past 5 Years

Other Directorships Held in the Past 5 Years

N. Jeffrey Klauder

(Born: 1952)

 

Trustee1

(since 2018)

Executive Vice President and General Counsel of SEI Investments since 2004.

Current Directorships: Trustee of The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund II, Bishop Street Funds and The KP Funds. Director of SEI Private Trust Company; SEI Investments Management Corporation; SEI Trust Company; SEI Investments (South Africa), Limited; SEI Investments (Canada) Company; SEI Global Fund Services Ltd.; SEI Investments Global Limited; SEI Global Master Fund; SEI Global Investments Fund; and SEI Global Assets Fund.

Independent Trustees

Joseph T. Grause, Jr.

(Born: 1952)

Trustee

(since 2011)

Lead Independent Trustee

(since 2018)

Self-Employed Consultant since 2012. Director of Endowments and Foundations, Morningstar Investment Management, Morningstar, Inc., 2010 to 2011. Director of International Consulting and Chief Executive Officer of Morningstar Associates Europe Limited, Morningstar, Inc., 2007 to 2010. Country Manager – Morningstar UK Limited, Morningstar, Inc., 2005 to 2007. Current Directorships: Trustee of The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund II, Bishop Street Funds and The KP Funds. Director of The Korea Fund, Inc.

Mitchell A. Johnson

(Born: 1942)

 

Trustee

(since 2005)

Retired. Private Investor since 1994.

Current Directorships: Trustee of The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund II, Bishop Street Funds, The KP Funds, SEI Asset Allocation Trust, SEI Daily Income Trust, SEI Institutional International Trust, SEI Institutional Managed Trust, SEI Institutional Investments Trust, SEI Tax Exempt Trust, Adviser Managed Trust, New Covenant Funds, SEI Insurance Products Trust and SEI Catholic Values Trust. Director of Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac) since 1997.

 

Former Directorships: Director of SEI Alpha Strategy Portfolios, LP to 2013. Trustee of SEI Liquid Asset Trust to 2016.

 

S-40

 

Name and Year of Birth

Position with Trust

and Length

of Time Served

Principal Occupations

in the Past 5 Years

Other Directorships Held in the Past 5 Years

Betty L. Krikorian

(Born: 1943)

Trustee

(since 2005)

Vice President, Compliance, AARP Financial Inc., from 2008 to 2010. Self-Employed Legal and Financial Services Consultant since 2003. Counsel (in-house) for State Street Bank from 1995 to 2003.

Current Directorships: Trustee of The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund II, Bishop Street Funds and The KP Funds.

 

Bruce Speca

(Born: 1956)

Trustee

(since 2011)

Global Head of Asset Allocation, Manulife Asset Management (subsidiary of Manulife Financial), 2010 to 2011. Executive Vice President – Investment Management Services, John Hancock Financial Services (subsidiary of Manulife Financial), 2003 to 2010. Current Directorships: Trustee of The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund II, Bishop Street Funds and The KP Funds. Director of Stone Harbor Investments Funds, Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income Fund (closed-end fund) and Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Total Income Fund (closed-end fund).

George J. Sullivan, Jr.

(Born: 1942)

 

 

Trustee

(since 1999)

 

Retired since 2012. Self-Employed Consultant, Newfound Consultants Inc., 1997 to 2011.

Current Directorships: Trustee/Director of The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund II, Bishop Street Funds, The KP Funds, SEI Structured Credit Fund, LP, SEI Daily Income Trust, SEI Institutional International Trust, SEI Institutional Investments Trust, SEI Institutional Managed Trust, SEI Asset Allocation Trust, SEI Tax Exempt Trust, Adviser Managed Trust, New Covenant Funds, SEI Insurance Products Trust and SEI Catholic Values Trust.

 

Former Directorships: Director of SEI Opportunity Fund, L.P. to 2010. Director of SEI Alpha Strategy Portfolios, LP to 2013. Trustee of SEI Liquid Asset Trust to 2016. Trustee/ Director of State Street Navigator Securities Lending Trust to 2017. Member of the independent review committee for SEI’s Canadian-registered mutual funds to 2017.

Tracie E. Ahern
(Born: 1968)
Trustee
(since 2018)
Principal, Danesmead Partners since 2016; Chief Operating Officer/Chief Financial Officer, Brightwood Capital Advisors LLC, 2015 to 2016; Advisor, Brightwood Capital Advisors LLC, 2016; Chief Financial Officer, Soros Fund Management LLC, 2007 to 2015. Current Directorships: Trustee of The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund II, Bishop Street Funds and The KP Funds.

 

1Denotes Trustees who may be deemed to be “interested” persons of the Fund as that term is defined in the 1940 Act by virtue of their affiliation with the Distributor and/or its affiliates.

 

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Individual Trustee Qualifications

 

The Trust has concluded that each of the Trustees should serve on the Board because of their ability to review and understand information about the funds provided to them by management, to identify and request other information they may deem relevant to the performance of their duties, to question management and other service providers regarding material factors bearing on the management and administration of the funds, and to exercise their business judgment in a manner that serves the best interests of the funds’ shareholders. The Trust has concluded that each of the Trustees should serve as a Trustee based on their own experience, qualifications, attributes and skills as described below.

 

The Trust has concluded that Mr. Nesher should serve as Trustee because of the experience he has gained in his various roles with SEI Investments, which he joined in 1974, his knowledge of and experience in the financial services industry, and the experience he has gained serving as a trustee of the Trust since 1991.

 

The Trust has concluded that Mr. Klauder should serve as Trustee because of the experience he has gained in his various roles with SEI Investments, which he joined in 2004, his knowledge of and experience in the financial services industry, and the experience he gained serving as a partner of a large law firm.

 

The Trust has concluded that Mr. Grause should serve as Trustee because of the knowledge and experience he gained in a variety of leadership roles with different financial institutions, his knowledge of the mutual fund and investment management industries, his past experience as an interested trustee and chair of the investment committee for a multi-managed investment company, and the experience he has gained serving as a trustee of the Trust since 2011.

 

The Trust has concluded that Mr. Johnson should serve as Trustee because of the experience he gained as a senior vice president, corporate finance, of a Fortune 500 company, his experience in and knowledge of the financial services and banking industries, the experience he gained serving as a director of other mutual funds, and the experience he has gained serving as a trustee of the Trust since 2005.

 

The Trust has concluded that Ms. Krikorian should serve as Trustee because of the experience she gained serving as a legal and financial services consultant, in-house counsel to a large custodian bank and Vice President of Compliance of an investment adviser, her background in fiduciary and banking law, her experience in and knowledge of the financial services industry, and the experience she has gained serving as a trustee of the Trust since 2005.

 

The Trust has concluded that Mr. Speca should serve as Trustee because of the knowledge and experience he gained serving as president of a mutual fund company and portfolio manager for a $95 billion complex of asset allocation funds, his over 25 years of experience working in a management capacity with mutual fund boards, and the experience he has gained serving as a trustee of the Trust since 2011.

 

The Trust has concluded that Mr. Sullivan should serve as Trustee because of the experience he gained as a certified public accountant and financial consultant, his experience in and knowledge of public company accounting and auditing and the financial services industry, the experience he gained as an officer of a large financial services firm in its operations department, and his experience from serving as a trustee of the Trust since 1999.

 

The Trust has concluded that Ms. Ahern should serve as Trustee because of the experience she gained in numerous finance, accounting, tax, compliance and administration roles in the investment management industry, and her experience serving as a director of multiple hedge funds, private equity funds and non-profit organizations.

 

In its periodic assessment of the effectiveness of the Board, the Board considers the complementary individual skills and experience of the individual Trustees primarily in the broader context of the Board’s overall composition so that the Board, as a body, possesses the appropriate (and appropriately diverse) skills and experience to oversee the business of the funds.

 

S-42

 

Board Committees. The Board has established the following standing committees:

 

Audit Committee. The Board has a standing Audit Committee that is composed of each of the independent Trustees. The Audit Committee operates under a written charter approved by the Board. The principal responsibilities of the Audit Committee include: (i) recommending which firm to engage as each fund’s independent registered public accounting firm and whether to terminate this relationship; (ii) reviewing the independent registered public accounting firm’s compensation, the proposed scope and terms of its engagement, and the firm’s independence; (iii) pre-approving audit and non-audit services provided by each fund’s independent registered public accounting firm to the Trust and certain other affiliated entities; (iv) serving as a channel of communication between the independent registered public accounting firm and the Trustees; (v) reviewing the results of each external audit, including any qualifications in the independent registered public accounting firm’s opinion, any related management letter, management’s responses to recommendations made by the independent registered public accounting firm in connection with the audit, reports submitted to the Committee by the internal auditing department of the Administrator that are material to the Trust as a whole, if any, and management’s responses to any such reports; (vi) reviewing each fund’s audited financial statements and considering any significant disputes between the Trust’s management and the independent registered public accounting firm that arose in connection with the preparation of those financial statements; (vii) considering, in consultation with the independent registered public accounting firm and the Trust’s senior internal accounting executive, if any, the independent registered public accounting firms’ reports on the adequacy of the Trust’s internal financial controls; (viii) reviewing, in consultation with each fund’s independent registered public accounting firm, major changes regarding auditing and accounting principles and practices to be followed when preparing each fund’s financial statements; and (ix) other audit related matters. Messrs. Grause, Johnson, Speca and Sullivan and Mses. Krikorian and Ahern currently serve as members of the Audit Committee. Mr. Sullivan serves as the Chairman of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee meets periodically, as necessary, and met four (4) times during the most recently completed fiscal year.

 

Governance Committee. The Board has a standing Governance Committee (formerly the Nominating Committee) that is composed of each of the independent Trustees. The Governance Committee operates under a written charter approved by the Board. The principal responsibilities of the Governance Committee include: (i) considering and reviewing Board governance and compensation issues; (ii) conducting a self-assessment of the Board’s operations; (iii) selecting and nominating all persons to serve as independent Trustees; and (iv) reviewing shareholder recommendations for nominations to fill vacancies on the Board if such recommendations are submitted in writing and addressed to the Committee at the Trust’s office. Mses. Krikorian and Ahern and Messrs. Grause, Johnson, Speca and Sullivan currently serve as members of the Governance Committee. Ms. Krikorian serves as the Chairman of the Governance Committee. The Governance Committee meets periodically, as necessary, and met five (5) times during the most recently completed fiscal year.

 

Fair Value Pricing Committee. The Board has also established a standing Fair Value Pricing Committee that is composed of various representatives of the Trust’s service providers, as appointed by the Board. The Fair Value Pricing Committee operates under procedures approved by the Board. The principal responsibility of the Fair Value Pricing Committee is to determine the fair value of securities for which current market quotations are not readily available. The Fair Value Pricing Committee’s determinations are reviewed by the Board.

 

Fund Shares Owned by Board Members. The following table shows the dollar amount range of each Trustee’s “beneficial ownership” of shares of the Fund as of the end of the most recently completed calendar year. Dollar amount ranges disclosed are established by the SEC. “Beneficial ownership” is determined in accordance with Rule 16a-1(a)(2) under the 1934 Act. The Trustees and officers of the Trust own less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Trust.

 

S-43

 


Name

Dollar Range of

Fund Shares

(Fund)1

Aggregate Dollar Range of Shares

(All Funds in the Family of Investment Companies)1,2

Interested Trustees
Nesher None None
Klauder None None
Independent Trustees
Grause None Over $100,000
Johnson None None
Krikorian None None
Speca None None
Sullivan None None
Ahern None None

 

1Valuation date is December 31, 2017.
2The Funds in the family of investment companies are the Westwood LargeCap Value Fund, Westwood Low Volatility Equity Fund, Westwood SMidCap Plus Fund, Westwood SMidCap Fund, Westwood SmallCap Fund, Westwood MLP and Strategic Energy Fund, Westwood Income Opportunity Fund, Westwood Worldwide Income Opportunity Fund, Westwood Global Equity Fund, Westwood Emerging Markets Fund, Westwood Short Duration High Yield Fund, Westwood Opportunistic High Yield Fund, Westwood Market Neutral Income Fund, Westwood Strategic Convertibles Fund, and the Fund.

 

Board Compensation. The Trust paid the following fees to the Trustees during the Fund’s most recently completed fiscal year.

 

Name

Aggregate

Compensation

from the Trust

Pension or

Retirement

Benefits Accrued

as Part of Fund

Expenses

Estimated

Annual Benefits

Upon Retirement

Total Compensation from the

Trust and Fund Complex1

Interested Trustees
Nesher $0 N/A N/A $0 for service on one (1) board
Klauder2 $0 N/A N/A $0 for service on one (1) board
Independent Trustees
Grause $111,968 N/A N/A $111,968 for service on one (1) board
Johnson $111,968 N/A N/A $111,968 for service on one (1) board
Krikorian $120,541 N/A N/A $120,541 for service on one (1) board
Speca $111,968 N/A N/A $111,968 for service on one (1) board
Sullivan $126,189 N/A N/A $126,189 for service on one (1) board
Ahern2 $0 N/A N/A $0 for service on one (1) board

 

1All funds in the Fund Complex are series of the Trust.
 2Joined the Board on March 26, 2018.

 

Trust Officers. Set forth below are the names, years of birth, position with the Trust and length of time served, and the principal occupations for the last five years of each of the persons currently serving as executive officers of the Trust. There is no stated term of office for the officers of the Trust. Unless otherwise noted, the business address of each officer is SEI Investments Company, One Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456. The Chief Compliance Officer is the only officer who receives compensation from the Trust for his services.

 

Certain officers of the Trust also serve as officers of one or more mutual funds for which SEI Investments or its affiliates act as investment manager, administrator or distributor.

 

S-44

 

Name and Year

of Birth

Position with Trust and Length of Time Served Principal Occupations in Past 5 Years

Michael Beattie

(Born: 1965)

President

(since 2011)

Director of Client Service, SEI Investments, since 2004.

James Bernstein

(Born: 1962)

Vice President and Assistant Secretary

(since 2017)

Attorney, SEI Investments, since 2017.

 

Prior Positions: Self-employed consultant, 2017. Associate General Counsel & Vice President, Nationwide Funds Group and Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, from 2002 to 2016. Assistant General Counsel & Vice President, Market Street Funds and Provident Mutual Insurance Company, from 1999 to 2002.

John Bourgeois

(Born: 1973)

Assistant Treasurer

(since 2017)

Fund Accounting Manager, SEI Investments, since 2000.

Stephen Connors

(Born: 1984)

Treasurer, Controller and Chief Financial Officer

(since 2015)

Director, SEI Investments, Fund Accounting, since 2014. Audit Manager, Deloitte & Touche LLP, from 2011 to 2014.

Dianne M. Descoteaux

(Born: 1977)

Vice President and Secretary

(since 2011)

Counsel at SEI Investments since 2010. Associate at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, from 2006 to 2010.

Russell Emery

(Born: 1962)

Chief Compliance Officer

(since 2006)

Chief Compliance Officer of SEI Structured Credit Fund, LP since 2007. Chief Compliance Officer of SEI Alpha Strategy Portfolios, LP from 2007 to 2013. Chief Compliance Officer of The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund II, Bishop Street Funds, The KP Funds, The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund III, Gallery Trust, Schroder Series Trust, Schroder Global Series Trust, SEI Institutional Managed Trust, SEI Asset Allocation Trust, SEI Institutional International Trust, SEI Institutional Investments Trust, SEI Daily Income Trust, SEI Tax Exempt Trust, Adviser Managed Trust, New Covenant Funds, SEI Insurance Products Trust and SEI Catholic Values Trust. Chief Compliance Officer of SEI Opportunity Fund, L.P. to 2010. Chief Compliance Officer of O’Connor EQUUS (closed-end investment company) to 2016. Chief Compliance Officer of SEI Liquid Asset Trust to 2016. Chief Compliance Officer of Winton Series Trust to 2017. Chief Compliance Officer of Winton Diversified Opportunities Fund (closed-end investment company) to 2018.

Robert Morrow

(Born: 1968)

Vice President

(since 2017)

Account Manager, SEI Investments, since 2007.

 

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Name and Year

of Birth

Position with Trust and Length of Time Served Principal Occupations in Past 5 Years

Bridget E. Sudall

(Born: 1980)

Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer and Privacy Officer (since 2015) Senior Associate and AML Officer, Morgan Stanley Alternative Investment Partners, from 2011 to 2015. Investor Services Team Lead, Morgan Stanley Alternative Investment Partners, from 2007 to 2011.

 

PURCHASING AND REDEEMING SHARES

 

Purchases and redemptions may be made through the Transfer Agent on any day the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) is open for business. Shares of the Fund are offered and redeemed on a continuous basis. Currently, the Trust is closed for business when the following holidays are observed: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

 

It is currently the Trust’s policy to pay all redemptions in cash. The Trust retains the right, however, to alter this policy to provide for redemptions in whole or in part by a distribution in-kind of securities held by the Fund in lieu of cash. Shareholders may incur brokerage charges on the sale of any such securities so received in payment of redemptions. A shareholder will at all times be entitled to aggregate cash redemptions from all funds of the Trust up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Trust’s net assets during any 90-day period.

 

The Trust reserves the right to suspend the right of redemption and/or to postpone the date of payment upon redemption during times when the NYSE is closed, other than during customary weekends or holidays, for any period on which trading on the NYSE is restricted (as determined by the SEC by rule or regulation), or during the existence of an emergency (as determined by the SEC by rule or regulation) as a result of which the disposal or valuation of the Fund’s securities is not reasonably practicable, or for such other periods as the SEC has by order permitted. The Trust also reserves the right to suspend sales of shares of the Fund for any period during which the NYSE, the Adviser, the Administrator, the Transfer Agent and/or the Custodian are not open for business.

 

DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE

 

General Policy. The Fund adheres to Section 2(a)(41), and Rule 2a-4 thereunder, of the 1940 Act with respect to the valuation of portfolio securities. In general, securities for which market quotations are readily available are valued at current market value, and all other securities are valued at fair value in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board. In complying with the 1940 Act, the Trust relies on guidance provided by the SEC and by the SEC staff in various interpretive letters and other guidance.

 

Equity Securities. Securities listed on a securities exchange, market or automated quotation system for which quotations are readily available (except for securities traded on NASDAQ), including securities traded over-the-counter, are valued at the last quoted sale price on an exchange or market (foreign or domestic) on which they are traded on the valuation date (or at approximately 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time if such exchange is normally open at that time), or, if there is no such reported sale on the valuation date, at the most recent quoted bid price. For securities traded on NASDAQ, the NASDAQ Official Closing Price will be used. If such prices are not available or determined to not represent the fair value of the security as of the Fund’s pricing time, the security will be valued at fair value as determined in good faith using methods approved by the Board.

 

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Money Market Securities and other Debt Securities. If available, money market securities and other debt securities are priced based upon valuations provided by recognized independent, third-party pricing agents. Such values generally reflect the last reported sales price if the security is actively traded. The third-party pricing agents may also value debt securities by employing methodologies that utilize actual market transactions, broker-supplied valuations, or other methodologies designed to identify the market value for such securities. Such methodologies generally consider such factors as security prices, yields, maturities, call features, ratings and developments relating to specific securities in arriving at valuations. Money market securities and other debt securities with remaining maturities of sixty days or less may be valued at their amortized cost, which approximates market value. If such prices are not available or determined to not represent the fair value of the security as of the Fund’s pricing time, the security will be valued at fair value as determined in good faith using methods approved by the Board.

 

Foreign Securities. The prices for foreign securities are reported in local currency and converted to U.S. dollars using currency exchange rates. Exchange rates are provided daily by recognized independent pricing agents.

 

Derivatives and Other Complex Securities. Exchange traded options on securities and indices purchased by the Fund generally are valued at their last trade price or, if there is no last trade price, the last bid price. Exchange traded options on securities and indices written by the Fund generally are valued at their last trade price or, if there is no last trade price, the last asked price. In the case of options traded in the over-the-counter market, if the OTC option is also an exchange traded option, the Fund will follow the rules regarding the valuation of exchange traded options. If the OTC option is not also an exchange traded option, the Fund will value the option at fair value in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board.

 

Futures and swaps cleared through a central clearing house (“centrally cleared swaps”) are valued at the settlement price established each day by the board of the exchange on which they are traded. The daily settlement prices for financial futures are provided by an independent source. On days when there is excessive volume or market volatility, or the future or centrally cleared swap does not end trading by the time the Fund calculates NAV, the settlement price may not be available at the time at which the Fund calculates its NAV. On such days, the best available price (which is typically the last sales price) may be used to value the Fund’s futures or centrally cleared swaps position.

 

Foreign currency forward contracts are valued at the current day’s interpolated foreign exchange rate, as calculated using the current day’s spot rate, and the thirty, sixty, ninety and one-hundred eighty day forward rates provided by an independent source.

 

If available, non-centrally cleared swaps, collateralized debt obligations, collateralized loan obligations and bank loans are priced based on valuations provided by an independent third party pricing agent. If a price is not available from an independent third party pricing agent, the security will be valued at fair value as determined in good faith using methods approved by the Board.

 

Use of Third-Party Independent Pricing Agents and Independent Brokers. Pursuant to contracts with the Administrator, prices for most securities held by the Fund are provided daily by third-party independent pricing agents that are approved by the Board. The valuations provided by third-party independent pricing agents are reviewed daily by the Administrator.

 

If a security price cannot be obtained from an independent, third-party pricing agent, the Administrator shall seek to obtain a bid price from at least one independent broker.

 

Fair Value Procedures. Securities for which market prices are not “readily available” or which cannot be valued using the methodologies described above are valued in accordance with Fair Value Procedures established by the Board and implemented through the Fair Value Pricing Committee. The members of the Fair Value Pricing Committee report, as necessary, to the Board regarding portfolio valuation determinations. The Board, from time to time, will review these methods of valuation and will recommend changes which may be necessary to assure that the investments of the Fund are valued at fair value.

 

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Some of the more common reasons that may necessitate a security being valued using Fair Value Procedures include: the security’s trading has been halted or suspended; the security has been de-listed from a national exchange; the security’s primary trading market is temporarily closed at a time when under normal conditions it would be open; the security has not been traded for an extended period of time; the security’s primary pricing source is not able or willing to provide a price; trading of the security is subject to local government-imposed restrictions; or a significant event with respect to a security has occurred after the close of the market or exchange on which the security principally trades and before the time the Fund calculates NAV. When a security is valued in accordance with the Fair Value Procedures, the Fair Value Pricing Committee will determine the value after taking into consideration relevant information reasonably available to the Fair Value Pricing Committee.

 

TAXES

 

The following is only a summary of certain additional U.S. federal income tax considerations generally affecting the Fund and its shareholders that is intended to supplement the discussion contained in the Prospectus. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of the tax treatment of the Fund or its shareholders, and the discussion here and in the Prospectus is not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisors with specific reference to their own tax situations, including their state, local, and foreign tax liabilities.

 

This general discussion of certain federal income tax consequences is based on the Code and the regulations issued thereunder as in effect on the date of this SAI. New legislation, as well as administrative changes or court decisions, may significantly change the conclusions expressed herein, and may have a retroactive effect with respect to the transactions contemplated herein.

 

The recently enacted tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) makes significant changes to the U.S. federal income tax rules for taxation of individuals and corporations, generally effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017. Many of the changes applicable to individuals are temporary and would apply only to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2026. There are only minor changes with respect to the specific rules only applicable to regulated investment companies (“RICs”), such as the Fund. The Tax Act, however, makes numerous other changes to the tax rules that may affect shareholders and the Fund. You are urged to consult with your own tax advisor regarding how the Tax Act affects your investment in the Fund.

 

Qualification as a Regulated Investment Company. The Fund intends to qualify and elect to be treated as a RIC. By following such a policy, the Fund expects to eliminate or reduce to a nominal amount the federal taxes to which it may be subject. If the Fund qualifies as a RIC, it will generally not be subject to federal income taxes on the net investment income and net realized capital gains that the Fund timely distributes to its shareholders. The Board reserves the right not to maintain the qualification of the Fund as a RIC if it determines such course of action to be beneficial to shareholders.

 

In order to qualify as a RIC under the Code, the Fund must distribute annually to its shareholders at least 90% of its net investment income (which, includes dividends, taxable interest, and the excess of net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses, less operating expenses) and at least 90% of its net tax exempt interest income, for each tax year, if any (the “Distribution Requirement”) and also must meet certain additional requirements. Among these requirements are the following: (i) at least 90% of the Fund’s gross income each taxable year must be derived from dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans, and gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities, or foreign currencies, or other income (including but not limited to gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities, or currencies, and net income derived from an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership (the “Qualifying Income Test”); and (ii) at the close of each quarter of the Fund’s taxable year: (A) at least 50% of the value of the Fund’s total assets must be represented by cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other RICs and other securities, with such other securities limited, in respect to any one issuer, to an amount not greater than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets and that does not represent more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer including the equity securities of a qualified publicly traded partnership, and (B) not more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets is invested in the securities (other than U.S. government securities or the securities of other RICs) of any one issuer or the securities (other than the securities of another RIC) of two or more issuers that the Fund controls and which are engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses or related trades or businesses, or the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships (the “Asset Test”).

 

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Although the Fund intends to distribute substantially all of their net investment income and may distribute their capital gains for any taxable year, the Fund will be subject to federal income taxation to the extent any such income or gains are not distributed. The Fund is treated as a separate corporation for federal income tax purposes. The Fund therefore is considered to be a separate entity in determining its treatment under the rules for RICs described herein. Losses in one Fund do not offset gains in another and the requirements (other than certain organization requirements) for qualifying RIC status are determined at the Fund level rather than at the Trust level.

 

If the Fund fails to satisfy the Qualifying Income or Asset Tests in any taxable year, the Fund may be eligible for relief provisions if the failures are due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect and if a penalty tax is paid with respect to each failure to satisfy the applicable requirements. Additionally, relief is provided for certain de minimis failures of the diversification requirements where the Fund corrects the failure within a specified period. If the Fund fails to maintain qualification as a RIC for a tax year, and the relief provisions are not available, the Fund will be subject to federal income tax at regular corporate rates (which the Tax Act reduced to 21%) without any deduction for distributions to shareholders. In such case, its shareholders would be taxed as if they received ordinary dividends, although corporate shareholders could be eligible for the dividends received deduction (subject to certain limitations) and individuals may be able to benefit from the lower tax rates available to qualified dividend income. In addition, the Fund could be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest, and make substantial distributions before requalifying as a RIC. The Board reserves the right not to maintain the qualification of the Fund as a RIC if it determines such course of action to be beneficial to shareholders.

 

The 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 the 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. A “qualified late year loss” generally includes net capital loss, net long-term capital loss, or net short-term capital loss incurred after October 31 of the current taxable year (commonly referred to as “post-October losses”) and certain other late-year losses.

 

The treatment of capital loss carryovers for the Fund is similar to the rules that apply to capital loss carryovers of individuals, which provide that such losses are carried over indefinitely. If the Fund has a “net capital loss” (that is, capital losses in excess of capital gains) for a taxable year beginning after December 22, 2010 (a “Post-2010 Loss”), the excess of the Fund’s net short-term capital losses over its net long-term capital gains is treated as a short-term capital loss arising on the first day of the Fund’s next taxable year, and the excess (if any) of the Fund’s net long-term capital losses over its net short-term capital gains is treated as a long-term capital loss arising on the first day of the Fund’s next taxable year. The Fund’s unused capital loss carryforwards that arose in taxable years that began on or before December 22, 2010 (“Pre-2011 Losses”) are available to be applied against future capital gains, if any, realized by the Fund prior to the expiration of those carryforwards, generally eight years after the year in which they arose. The Fund’s Post-2010 Losses must be fully utilized before the Fund will be permitted to utilize carryforwards of Pre-2011 Losses. In addition, the carryover of capital losses may be limited under the general loss limitation rules if the Fund experiences an ownership change as defined in the Code.

 

Federal Excise Tax. Notwithstanding the Distribution Requirement described above, which generally requires the Fund to distribute at least 90% of its annual investment company taxable income and the excess of its exempt interest income (but does not require any minimum distribution of net capital gain), the Fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4% federal excise tax to the extent it fails to distribute by the end of the calendar year at least 98% of its ordinary income and 98.2% of its capital gain net income (the excess of short- and long-term capital gains over short- and long-term capital losses) for the one-year period ending on October 31 of such year (including any retained amount from the prior calendar year on which the Fund paid no federal income tax). The Fund intends to make sufficient distributions to avoid liability for federal excise tax, but can make no assurances that such tax will be completely eliminated. The Fund may in certain circumstances be required to liquidate Fund investments in order to make sufficient distributions to avoid federal excise tax liability at a time when the Adviser might not otherwise have chosen to do so, and liquidation of investments in such circumstances may affect the ability of the Fund to satisfy the requirement for qualification as a RIC.

 

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Distributions to Shareholders. The Fund receives income generally in the form of dividends and interest on investments. This income, plus net short-term capital gains, if any, less expenses incurred in the operation of the Fund, constitutes the Fund’s net investment income from which dividends may be paid to you. Any distributions by the Fund from such income will be taxable to you as ordinary income or at the lower capital gains rates that apply to individuals receiving qualified dividend income, whether you take them in cash or in additional shares.

 

Distributions by the Fund are currently eligible for the reduced maximum tax rate to individuals of 20% (lower rates apply to individuals in lower tax brackets) to the extent that the Fund receives qualified dividend income on the securities it holds and the Fund reports the distributions as qualified dividend income. Qualified dividend income is, in general, dividend income from taxable domestic corporations and certain foreign corporations (e.g., foreign corporations incorporated in a possession of the United States or in certain countries with a comprehensive tax treaty with the United States, or the stock of which is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States). A dividend will not be treated as qualified dividend income to the extent that (i) the shareholder has not held the shares on which the dividend was paid for more than 60 days during the 121-day period that begins on the date that is 60 days before the date on which the shares become “ex-dividend” (which is the day on which declared distributions (dividends or capital gains) are deducted from the Fund’s assets before it calculates the NAV) with respect to such dividend, (ii) the Fund has not satisfied similar holding period requirements with respect to the securities it holds that paid the dividends distributed to the shareholder), (iii) the shareholder is under an obligation (whether pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to substantially similar or related property, or (iv) the shareholder elects to treat such dividend as investment income under section 163(d)(4)(B) of the Code. Therefore, if you lend your shares in the Fund, such as pursuant to a securities lending arrangement, you may lose the ability to treat dividends (paid while the shares are held by the borrower) as qualified dividend income. Distributions that the Fund receives from an ETF or underlying fund taxable as a RIC or a REIT will be treated as qualified dividend income only to the extent so reported by such ETF, underlying fund or REIT. Distributions by the Fund of its net short-term capital gains will be taxable as ordinary income. Capital gain distributions consisting of the Fund’s net capital gains will be taxable as long-term capital gains for individual shareholders currently set at a maximum rate of 20%, regardless of how long the shareholder has owned the shares.

 

In the case of corporate shareholders, Fund distributions (other than capital gain distributions) generally qualify for the dividends-received deduction to the extent such distributions are so reported and do not exceed the gross amount of qualifying dividends received by the Fund for the year. Generally, and subject to certain limitations (including certain holding period limitations), a dividend will be treated as a qualifying dividend if it has been received from a domestic corporation.

 

If the Fund’s distributions exceed its taxable income and capital gains realized during a taxable year, all or a portion of the distributions made in the same taxable year may be recharacterized as a return of capital to shareholders. A return of capital distribution will generally not be taxable, but will reduce each shareholder’s cost basis in the Fund and result in a higher reported capital gain or lower reported capital loss when those shares on which the distribution was received are sold.

 

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A dividend or distribution received shortly after the purchase of shares reduces the NAV of the shares by the amount of the dividend or distribution and, although in effect a return of capital, will be taxable to the shareholder. If the NAV of shares were reduced below the shareholder’s cost by dividends or distributions representing gains realized on sales of securities, such dividends or distributions would be a return of investment though taxable to the shareholder in the same manner as other dividends or distributions.

 

The Fund (or its administrative agents) will inform you of the amount of your ordinary income dividends, qualified dividend income and capital gain distributions, if any, and will advise you of their tax status for federal income tax purposes shortly after the close of each calendar year. If you have not held Fund shares for a full year, the Fund may report and distribute to you, as ordinary income, qualified dividend income or capital gain, a percentage of income that is not equal to the actual amount of such income earned during the period of your investment in the Fund.

 

Dividends declared to shareholders of record in October, November or December and actually paid in January of the following year will be treated as having been received by shareholders on December 31 of the calendar year in which declared. Under this rule, therefore, a shareholder may be taxed in one year on dividends or distributions actually received in January of the following year.

 

Sales, Exchanges, or Redemptions. Any gain or loss recognized on a sale, exchange, or redemption of shares of the Fund by a shareholder who is not a dealer in securities will generally, for individual shareholders, be treated as a long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than twelve months and otherwise will be treated as a short-term capital gain or loss. However, if shares on which a shareholder has received a long-term capital gain distribution are subsequently sold, exchanged, or redeemed and such shares have been held for six months or less, any loss recognized will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of the long-term capital gain distribution. In addition, the loss realized on a sale or other disposition of shares will be disallowed to the extent a shareholder repurchases (or enters into a contract to or option to repurchase) shares within a period of 61 days (beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the disposition of the shares). This loss disallowance rule will apply to shares received through the reinvestment of dividends during the 61-day period. For tax purposes, an exchange of your Fund shares for shares of a different fund is the same as a sale.

 

U.S. individuals with income exceeding $200,000 ($250,000 if married and filing jointly) are subject to a 3.8% Medicare contribution tax on their “net investment income,” including interest, dividends, and capital gains (including any capital gains realized on the sale or exchange of shares of the Fund).

 

The Fund (or its administrative agents) must report to the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and furnish to Fund shareholders the cost basis information for Fund shares purchased on or after January 1, 2012, and sold on or after that date. In addition to reporting the gross proceeds from the sale of Fund shares, the Fund (or its administrative agent) is also required to report the cost basis information for such shares and indicate whether these shares have a short-term or long-term holding period. For each sale of its shares, the Fund will permit its shareholders to elect from among several IRS-accepted cost basis methods, including average cost. In the absence of an election, the Fund will use the average basis method. The cost basis method elected by shareholders (or the cost basis method applied by default) for each sale of the Fund’s shares may not be changed after the settlement date of each such sale of the Fund’s shares. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors to determine the best IRS-accepted cost basis method for their tax situation and to obtain more information about cost basis reporting. Shareholders also should carefully review any cost basis information provided to them and make any additional basis, holding period or other adjustments that are required when reporting these amounts on their federal income tax returns.

 

Tax Treatment of Complex Securities. The Fund may invest in complex securities. These investments may be subject to numerous special and complex tax rules. These rules could affect the Fund’s ability to qualify as a RIC, affect whether gains and losses recognized by the Fund are treated as ordinary income or capital gain, accelerate the recognition of income to the Fund and/or defer the Fund’s ability to recognize losses, and, in limited cases, subject the Fund to U.S. federal income tax on income from certain of its foreign securities. In turn, these rules may affect the amount, timing or character of the income distributed to you by the Fund and may require the Fund to sell securities to mitigate the effect of these rules and prevent disqualification of the Fund as a RIC at a time when the Adviser might not otherwise have chosen to do so.

 

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Certain derivative investment by the Fund, such as exchange-traded products and over-the-counter derivatives may not produce qualifying income for purposes of the “Qualifying Income Test” described above, which must be met in order for the Fund to maintain its status as a RIC under the Code. In addition, the determination of the value and the identity of the issuer of such derivative investments are often unclear for purposes of the “Asset Test” described above. The Fund intends to carefully monitor such investments to ensure that any non-qualifying income does not exceed permissible limits and to ensure that they are adequately diversified under the Asset Test. The Fund, however, may not be able to accurately predict the non-qualifying income from these investments and there are no assurances that the IRS will agree with the Fund’s determination of the “Asset Test” with respect to such derivatives.

 

The Fund is required for federal income tax purposes to mark-to-market and recognize as income for each taxable year its net unrealized gains and losses on certain futures contracts as of the end of the year as well as those actually realized during the year. Gain or loss from futures and options contracts on broad-based indexes required to be marked to market will be 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gain or loss. Application of this rule may alter the timing and character of distributions to shareholders. The Fund may be required to defer the recognition of losses on futures contracts, options contracts and swaps to the extent of any unrecognized gains on offsetting positions held by the Fund. These provisions may also require the Fund to mark-to-market certain types of positions in its portfolio (i.e., treat them as if they were closed out), which may cause the Fund to recognize income without receiving cash with which to make distributions in amounts necessary to satisfy the Distribution Requirement and for avoiding the excise tax discussed above. Accordingly, in order to avoid certain income and excise taxes, the Fund may be required to liquidate its investments at a time when the Adviser might not otherwise have chosen to do so.

 

With respect to investments in STRIPS, treasury receipts, and other zero coupon securities which are sold at original issue discount and thus do not make periodic cash interest payments, the Fund will be required to include as part of its current income the imputed interest on such obligations even though the Fund has not received any interest payments on such obligations during that period. Because the Fund intends to distribute all of its net investment income to its shareholders, the Fund may have to sell Fund securities to distribute such imputed income which may occur at a time when the Adviser would not have chosen to sell such securities and which may result in taxable gain or loss.

 

Any market discount recognized on a bond is taxable as ordinary income. A market discount bond is a bond acquired in the secondary market at a price below redemption value or adjusted issue price if issued with original issue discount. Absent an election by the Fund to include the market discount in income as it accrues, gain on the Fund’s disposition of such an obligation will be treated as ordinary income rather than capital gain to the extent of the accrued market discount.

 

The Fund may invest in inflation-linked debt securities. Any increase in the principal amount of an inflation-linked debt security will be original interest discount, which is taxable as ordinary income and is required to be distributed, even though the Fund will not receive the principal, including any increase thereto, until maturity. As noted above, if the Fund invests in such securities it may be required to liquidate other investments, including at times when it is not advantageous to do so, in order to satisfy its distribution requirements and to eliminate any possible taxation at the Fund level.

 

In general, for purposes of the Qualifying Income Test described above, income derived from a partnership 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. However, 100% of the net income derived from an interest in a “qualified publicly traded partnership” (generally, a partnership (i) interests in which are traded on an established securities market or are readily tradable on a secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof, (ii) that derives at least 90% of its income from the passive income sources specified in Code section 7704(d), and (iii) that derives less than 90% of its income from the same sources as described in the Qualifying Income Test) will be treated as qualifying income. In addition, although in general the passive loss rules of the Code do not apply to RICs, such rules do apply to a RIC with respect to items attributable to an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership.

 

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The Fund intends to invest in certain MLPs which may be treated as qualified publicly traded partnerships (“QPTPs”). Income from QPTPs is qualifying income for purposes of the Qualifying Income Test, but the Fund’s investment in one or more of such QPTPs is limited under the Asset Test to no more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s assets. The Fund will monitor its investments in such QPTPs in order to ensure compliance with the Qualifying Income and Asset Tests.

 

Investments in QPTPs may require the Fund to accrue and distribute income not yet received. To generate sufficient cash to make the requisite distributions, the Fund may be required to sell securities in its portfolio (including when it is not advantageous to do so) that it otherwise would have continued to hold. The Fund’s investments in QPTPs may at other times result in the Fund’s receipt of nontaxable cash distributions from a QPTP and if the Fund then distributes these nontaxable distributions to Fund shareholders, it could constitute a return of capital to Fund shareholders for federal income tax purposes. Any cash distributions received by the Fund from a QPTP in excess of the Fund’s tax basis therein generally will be considered to be gain from the sale or exchange of the Fund’s QPTP shares. The Fund’s tax basis in its investments in a QPTP generally is equal to the amount the Fund paid for its interests in the QPTP (i) increased by the Fund’s allocable share of the QPTP’s net income and certain QPTP debt, if any, and (ii) decreased by the Fund’s allocable share of the QPTP’s net losses and distributions received by the Fund from the QPTP.

 

MLPs and other partnerships that the Fund may invest in will deliver Form K-1s to the Fund to report its share of income, gains, losses, deductions and credits of the MLP or other partnership. These Form K-1s may be delayed and may not be received until after the time that the Fund issues its tax reporting statements. As a result, the Fund may at times find it necessary to reclassify the amount and character of its distributions to you after it issues you your tax reporting statement. When such reclassification is necessary, the Fund (or its administrative agent) will send you a corrected, final Form 1099-DIV to reflect the reclassified information. If you receive a corrected Form 1099-DIV, use the information on this corrected form, and not the information on the previously issued tax reporting statement, in completing your tax returns.

 

The Fund may invest in REITs. Investments in REIT equity securities may require the Fund to accrue and distribute income not yet received. To generate sufficient cash to make the requisite distributions, the Fund may be required to sell securities in its portfolio (including when it is not advantageous to do so) that it otherwise would have continued to hold. The Fund’s investments in REIT equity securities may at other times result in the Fund’s receipt of cash in excess of the REIT’s earnings; if the Fund distributes these amounts, these distributions could constitute a return of capital to such Fund’s shareholders for federal income tax purposes. Dividends paid by a REIT, other than capital gain distributions, will be taxable as ordinary income up to the amount of the REIT’s current and accumulated earnings and profits. Capital gain dividends paid by a REIT to the 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. Dividends received by the Fund from a REIT generally will not constitute qualified dividend income or qualify for the dividends received deduction. If a REIT is operated in a manner such that it fails to qualify as a REIT, an investment in the REIT would become subject to double taxation, meaning the taxable income of the 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 REIT’s current and accumulated earnings and profits.

 

REITs in which the Fund invests often do not provide complete and final tax information to the Fund until after the time that the Fund issues a tax reporting statement. As a result, the Fund may at times find it necessary to reclassify the amount and character of its distributions to you after it issues your tax reporting statement. When such reclassification is necessary, the Fund (or its administrative agent) will send you a corrected, final Form 1099-DIV to reflect the reclassified information. If you receive a corrected Form 1099-DIV, use the information on this corrected form, and not the information on the previously issued tax reporting statement, in completing your tax returns.

 

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If the Fund owns shares in certain foreign investment entities, referred to as “passive foreign investment companies” or “PFICs,” the Fund will generally be subject to one of the following special tax regimes: (i) the Fund may be liable for U.S. federal income tax, and an additional interest charge, on a portion of any “excess distribution” from such foreign entity or any gain from the disposition of such shares, even if the entire distribution or gain is paid out by the Fund as a dividend to its shareholders; (ii) if the Fund were able and elected to treat a PFIC as a “qualified electing fund” or “QEF,” the Fund would be required each year to include in income, and distribute to shareholders in accordance with the distribution requirements set forth above, the Fund’s pro rata share of the ordinary earnings and net capital gains of the PFIC, whether or not such earnings or gains are distributed to the Fund; or (iii) the Fund may be entitled to mark-to-market annually shares of the PFIC, whether or not any distributions are made to the Fund, and in such event would be required to distribute to shareholders any such mark-to-market gains in accordance with the distribution requirements set forth above. The Fund intends to make the appropriate tax elections, if possible, and take any additional steps that are necessary to mitigate the effect of these rules.

 

Certain Foreign Currency Tax Issues. The Fund’s transactions in foreign currencies and forward foreign currency contracts will generally be subject to special provisions of the Code that, among other things, may affect the character of gains and losses realized by the Fund (i.e., may affect whether gains or losses are ordinary or capital), accelerate recognition of income to the Fund and defer losses. These rules could therefore affect the character, amount and timing of distributions to shareholders. These provisions also may require the Fund to mark-to-market certain types of positions in its portfolio (i.e., treat them as if they were closed out) which may cause the Fund to recognize income without receiving cash with which to make distributions in amounts necessary to satisfy the Distribution Requirements and for avoiding the excise tax described above. The Fund intends to monitor its transactions, intends to make the appropriate tax elections, and intends to make the appropriate entries in its books and records when it acquires any foreign currency or forward foreign currency contract in order to mitigate the effect of these rules so as to prevent disqualification of the Fund as a RIC and minimize the imposition of income and excise taxes.

 

The U.S. Treasury Department has authority to issue regulations that would exclude foreign currency gains from the Qualifying Income Test described above if such gains are not directly related to the Fund’s business of investing in stock or securities (or options and futures with respect to stock or securities). Accordingly, regulations may be issued in the future that could treat some or all of the Fund’s non-U.S. currency gains as non-qualifying income, thereby potentially jeopardizing the Fund’s status as a RIC for all years to which the regulations are applicable.

 

Foreign Taxes. Dividends and interest received by the Fund may be subject to income, withholding or other taxes imposed by foreign countries and U.S. possessions that would reduce the yield on the Fund’s stock or securities. Tax conventions between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate these taxes. Foreign countries generally do not impose taxes on capital gains with respect to investments by foreign investors. If more than 50% of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the close of its taxable year consists of stocks or securities of foreign corporations, the Fund will be eligible to, and intends to file an election with the IRS that may enable shareholders, in effect, to receive either the benefit of a foreign tax credit, or a deduction from such taxes, with respect to any foreign and U.S. possessions income taxes paid by the Fund, subject to certain limitations. Pursuant to the election, the Fund will treat those taxes as dividends paid to its shareholders. Each such shareholder will be required to include a proportionate share of those taxes in gross income as income received from a foreign source and must treat the amount so included as if the shareholder had paid the foreign tax directly. The shareholder may then either deduct the taxes deemed paid by him or her in computing his or her taxable income or, alternatively, use the foregoing information in calculating any foreign tax credit they may be entitled to use against the shareholders’ federal income tax. If the Fund makes the election, the Fund (or its administrative agent) will report annually to its shareholders the respective amounts per share of the Fund’s income from sources within, and taxes paid to, foreign countries and U.S. possessions.

 

Tax-Exempt Shareholders. Certain tax-exempt shareholders, including qualified pension plans, individual retirement accounts, salary deferral arrangements, 401(k)s, and other tax-exempt entities, generally are exempt from federal income taxation except with respect to their unrelated business taxable income (“UBTI”). Under the Tax Act, tax-exempt entities are not permitted to offset losses from one trade or business against the income or gain of another trade or business. Certain net losses incurred prior to January 1, 2018 are permitted to offset gain and income created by an unrelated trade or business, if otherwise available. Under current law, the Fund generally serves to block UBTI from being realized by its tax-exempt shareholders. However, notwithstanding the foregoing, the tax-exempt shareholder could realize UBTI by virtue of an investment in the Fund where, for example: (i) the Fund invests in residual interests of Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduits (“REMICs”), (ii) the Fund invests in a REIT that is a taxable mortgage pool (“TMP”) or that has a subsidiary that is a TMP or that invests in the residual interest of a REMIC, or (iii) shares in the Fund constitute debt-financed property in the hands of the tax-exempt shareholder within the meaning of section 514(b) of the Code. Charitable remainder trusts are subject to special rules and should consult their tax advisor. The IRS has issued guidance with respect to these issues and prospective shareholders, especially charitable remainder trusts, are strongly encouraged to consult their tax advisors regarding these issues.

 

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Backup Withholding. The Fund will be required in certain cases to withhold at a rate of 24% and remit to the U.S. Treasury the amount withheld on amounts payable to any shareholder who: (i) has provided the Fund either an incorrect tax identification number or no number at all; (ii) is subject to backup withholding by the IRS for failure to properly report payments of interest or dividends; (iii) has failed to certify to the Fund that such shareholder is not subject to backup withholding; or (iv) has failed to certify to the Fund that the shareholder is a U.S. person (including a resident alien).

 

Non-U.S. Investors. Any non-U.S. investors in the Fund may be subject to U.S. withholding and estate tax and are encouraged to consult their tax advisors prior to investing in the Fund. Foreign shareholders (i.e., nonresident alien individuals and foreign corporations, partnerships, trusts and estates) are generally subject to U.S. withholding tax at the rate of 30% (or a lower tax treaty rate) on distributions derived from taxable ordinary income. The Fund may, under certain circumstances, report all or a portion of a dividend as an “interest-related dividend” or a “short-term capital gain dividend,” which would generally be exempt from this 30% U.S. withholding tax, provided certain other requirements are met. Short-term capital gain dividends received by a nonresident alien individual who is present in the U.S. for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the taxable year are not exempt from this 30% withholding tax. Gains realized by foreign shareholders from the sale or other disposition of shares of the Fund generally are not subject to U.S. taxation, unless the recipient is an individual who is physically present in the U.S. for 183 days or more per year. Foreign shareholders who fail to provide an applicable IRS form may be subject to backup withholding on certain payments from the Fund. Backup withholding will not be applied to payments that are subject to the 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate) withholding tax described above. Different tax consequences may result if the foreign shareholder is engaged in a trade or business within the United States. In addition, the tax consequences to a foreign shareholder entitled to claim the benefits of a tax treaty may be different than those described above.

 

Under legislation generally known as “FATCA” (the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act), the Fund is required to withhold 30% of certain ordinary dividends it pays, and, after December 31, 2018, 30% of the gross proceeds of share redemptions and certain capital gain dividends it pays, to shareholders that fail to meet prescribed information reporting or certification requirements. In general, no such withholding will be required with respect to a U.S. person or non-U.S. individual that timely provides the certifications required by the Fund or its agent on a valid IRS Form W-9 or applicable IRS Form W-8, respectively. Shareholders potentially subject to withholding include foreign financial institutions (“FFIs”), such as non-U.S. investment funds, and non-financial foreign entities (“NFFEs”). To avoid withholding under FATCA, an FFI generally must enter into an information sharing agreement with the IRS in which it agrees to report certain identifying information (including name, address, and taxpayer identification number) with respect to its U.S. account holders (which, in the case of an entity shareholder, may include its direct and indirect U.S. owners), and an NFFE generally must identify and provide other required information to the Fund or other withholding agent regarding its U.S. owners, if any. Such non-U.S. shareholders also may fall into certain exempt, excepted or deemed compliant categories as established by regulations and other guidance. A non-U.S. shareholder resident or doing business in a country that has entered into an intergovernmental agreement with the U.S. to implement FATCA will be exempt from FATCA withholding provided that the shareholder and the applicable foreign government comply with the terms of the agreement.

 

S-55

 

A non-U.S. entity that invests in the Fund will need to provide the Fund with documentation properly certifying the entity’s status under FATCA in order to avoid FATCA withholding. Non-U.S. investors in the Fund should consult their tax advisors in this regard.

 

Tax Shelter Reporting Regulations. Under U.S. Treasury regulations, generally, if a shareholder recognizes a loss of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder, the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886. Direct shareholders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a RIC such as the Fund are not excepted. Future guidance may extend the current exception from this reporting requirement to shareholders of most or all RICs. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer’s treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.

 

State Taxes. Depending upon state and local law, distributions by the Fund to its shareholders and the ownership of such shares may be subject to state and local taxes. Rules of state and local taxation of dividend and capital gains distributions from RICs often differ from the rules for federal income taxation described above. It is expected that the Fund will not be liable for any corporate excise, income or franchise tax in Massachusetts if it qualifies as a RIC for federal income tax purposes.

 

Many states grant tax-free status to dividends paid to you from interest earned on direct obligations of the U.S. government, subject in some states to minimum investment requirements that must be met by the Fund. Investment in Ginnie Mae or Fannie Mae securities, banker’s acceptances, commercial paper, and repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. government securities do not generally qualify for such tax-free treatment. The rules on exclusion of this income are different for corporate shareholders. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding state and local taxes applicable to an investment in the Fund.

 

The Fund’s shares held in a tax-qualified retirement account will generally not be subject to federal taxation on income and capital gains distributions from the Fund until a shareholder begins receiving payments from his or her retirement account. Because each shareholder’s tax situation is different, shareholders should consult their tax advisor about the tax implications of an investment in the Fund.

 

FUND TRANSACTIONS

 

Brokerage Transactions. Generally, equity securities, both listed and over-the-counter, are bought and sold through brokerage transactions for which commissions are payable. Purchases from underwriters will include the underwriting commission or concession, and purchases from dealers serving as market makers will include a dealer’s mark-up or reflect a dealer’s mark-down. Money market securities and other debt securities are usually bought and sold directly from the issuer or an underwriter or market maker for the securities. Generally, the Fund will not pay brokerage commissions for such purchases. When a debt security is bought from an underwriter, the purchase price will usually include an underwriting commission or concession. The purchase price for securities bought from dealers serving as market makers will similarly include the dealer’s mark up or reflect a dealer’s mark down. When the Fund executes transactions in the over-the-counter market, it will generally deal with primary market makers unless prices that are more favorable are otherwise obtainable.

 

In addition, an adviser may place a combined order for two or more accounts it manages, including the Fund, engaged in the purchase or sale of the same security if, in its judgment, joint execution is in the best interest of each participant and will result in best price and execution. Transactions involving commingled orders are allocated in a manner deemed equitable to each account or Fund. Although it is recognized that, in some cases, the joint execution of orders could adversely affect the price or volume of the security that a particular account or Fund may obtain, it is the opinion of the advisers that the advantages of combined orders outweigh the possible disadvantages of combined orders.

 

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Brokerage Selection. The Trust does not expect to use one particular broker or dealer, and when one or more brokers is believed capable of providing the best combination of price and execution, an adviser may select a broker based upon brokerage or research services provided to the adviser. The advisers may pay a higher commission than otherwise obtainable from other brokers in return for such services only if a good faith determination is made that the commission is reasonable in relation to the services provided.

 

Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act permits an adviser, under certain circumstances, to cause the Fund to pay a broker or dealer a commission for effecting a transaction in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting the transaction in recognition of the value of brokerage and research services provided by the broker or dealer. In addition to agency transactions, an adviser may receive brokerage and research services in connection with certain riskless principal transactions, in accordance with applicable SEC guidance. Brokerage and research services include: (1) furnishing advice as to the value of securities, the advisability of investing in, purchasing or selling securities, and the availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of securities; (2) furnishing analyses and reports concerning issuers, industries, securities, economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy, and the performance of accounts; and (3) effecting securities transactions and performing functions incidental thereto (such as clearance, settlement, and custody). In the case of research services, the advisers believe that access to independent investment research is beneficial to their investment decision-making processes and, therefore, to the Fund.

 

To the extent that research services may be a factor in selecting brokers, such services may be in written form or through direct contact with individuals and may include information as to particular companies and securities as well as market, economic, or institutional areas and information which assists in the valuation and pricing of investments. Examples of research-oriented services for which the advisers might utilize Fund commissions include research reports and other information on the economy, industries, sectors, groups of securities, individual companies, statistical information, political developments, technical market action, pricing and appraisal services, credit analysis, risk measurement analysis, performance and other analysis. An adviser may use research services furnished by brokers in servicing all client accounts and not all services may necessarily be used by the adviser in connection with the Fund or any other specific client account that paid commissions to the broker providing such services. Information so received by the adviser will be in addition to and not in lieu of the services required to be performed by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement. Any advisory or other fees paid to the Adviser are not reduced as a result of the receipt of research services.

 

In some cases an adviser may receive a service from a broker that has both a “research” and a “non-research” use. When this occurs, the adviser makes a good faith allocation, under all the circumstances, between the research and non-research uses of the service. The percentage of the service that is used for research purposes may be paid for with client commissions, while the adviser will use its own funds to pay for the percentage of the service that is used for non-research purposes. In making this good faith allocation, the advisers face a potential conflict of interest, but the advisers believe that their allocation procedures are reasonably designed to ensure that they appropriately allocate the anticipated use of such services to their research and non-research uses.

 

From time to time, an adviser may purchase new issues of securities for clients, including the Fund, in a fixed price offering. In these situations, the seller may be a member of the selling group that will, in addition to selling securities, provide the advisers with research services. FINRA has adopted rules expressly permitting these types of arrangements under certain circumstances. Generally, the seller will provide research “credits” in these situations at a rate that is higher than that which is available for typical secondary market transactions. These arrangements may not fall within the safe harbor of Section 28(e).

 

Brokerage with Fund Affiliates. The Fund may execute brokerage or other agency transactions through registered broker-dealer affiliates of either the Fund or the Adviser for a commission in conformity with the 1940 Act and rules promulgated by the SEC. The 1940 Act requires that commissions paid to the affiliate by the Fund for exchange transactions not exceed “usual and customary” brokerage commissions. The rules define “usual and customary” commissions to include amounts which are “reasonable and fair compared to the commission, fee or other remuneration received or to be received by other brokers in connection with comparable transactions involving similar securities being purchased or sold on a securities exchange during a comparable period of time.” The Trustees, including those who are not “interested persons” of the Fund, have adopted procedures for evaluating the reasonableness of commissions paid to affiliates and review these procedures periodically.

 

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Securities of “Regular Broker-Dealers.” The Fund is required to identify any securities of its “regular brokers and dealers” (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) that the Fund held during its most recent fiscal year. Because the Fund is new as of the date of this SAI, the Fund did not hold any securities of “regular brokers or dealers.”

 

Portfolio Turnover Rates. Portfolio turnover is calculated by dividing the lesser of total purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the fiscal year by the monthly average value of portfolio securities owned during the fiscal year. Excluded from both the numerator and denominator are amounts relating to securities whose maturities at the time of acquisition were one year or less. Instruments excluded from the calculation of portfolio turnover generally would include the futures contracts in which the Fund may invest since such contracts generally have remaining maturities of less than one year. The Fund may at times hold investments in other short-term instruments, such as repurchase agreements, which are excluded for purposes of computing portfolio turnover.

 

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

The Board has approved policies and procedures that govern the timing and circumstances regarding the disclosure of Fund portfolio holdings information to shareholders and third parties. These policies and procedures are designed to ensure that disclosure of information regarding the Fund’s portfolio securities is in the best interests of Fund shareholders, and include procedures to address conflicts between the interests of the Fund’s shareholders, on the one hand, and those of the Adviser, principal underwriter or any affiliated person of the Fund, the Adviser or the principal underwriter, on the other. Pursuant to such procedures, the Board has authorized the Adviser’s Chief Compliance Officer (the “Authorized Person”) to authorize the release of the Fund’s portfolio holdings, as necessary, in conformity with the foregoing principles. The Authorized Person reports at least quarterly to the Board regarding the implementation of such policies and procedures.

 

Pursuant to applicable law, the Fund is required to disclose its complete portfolio holdings quarterly, within 60 days of the end of each fiscal quarter (currently, each January 31, April 30, July 31 and October 31). The Fund discloses a complete schedule of investments, following the second and fourth fiscal quarters, in each Semi-Annual Report and Annual Report to Fund shareholders or, following the first and third fiscal quarters, in quarterly holdings reports filed with the SEC on Form N-Q. Semi-Annual and Annual Reports are distributed to Fund shareholders.

 

Quarterly holdings reports filed with the SEC on Form N-Q are not distributed to Fund shareholders, but are available, free of charge, on the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Within 10 days of the end of each calendar quarter, the Fund will post its complete portfolio holdings on the internet at http://www.westwoodfunds.com. These postings generally remain until replaced by new postings as described above. The Adviser may exclude any portion of the Fund’s portfolio holdings from such publication when deemed in the best interest of the Fund.

 

The Fund’s policies and procedures provide that the Authorized Persons may authorize disclosure of portfolio holdings information to third parties at differing times and/or with different lag times then the information posted to the internet; provided that the recipient is, either by contractual agreement or otherwise by law, (i) required to maintain the confidentiality of the information and (ii) prohibited from using the information to facilitate or assist in any securities transactions or investment program. No compensation or other consideration is paid to or received by any party in connection with the disclosure of portfolio holdings information, including the Fund, the Adviser and their affiliates or recipient of the Fund’s portfolio holdings information. The Fund will review a third party’s request for portfolio holdings information to determine whether the third party has legitimate business objectives in requesting such information.

 

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In addition, the Fund’s service providers, such as the Custodian, Administrator and Transfer Agent, may receive portfolio holdings information as frequently as daily in connection with their services to the Fund. In addition to any contractual provisions relating to confidentiality of information that may be included in the service providers contract with the Trust, these arrangements impose obligations on the Fund’s service providers that would prohibit them from disclosing or trading on the Fund’s non-public information. Financial printers and pricing information vendors may receive portfolio holdings information, as necessary, in connection with their services to the Fund.

 

The portfolio holdings policy may not limit access to portfolio holdings information in all circumstances. For example, an adviser may manage accounts that have investment objectives and strategies similar to those of the Fund. Because these accounts are similarly managed, portfolio holdings may be similar across the accounts. In that case, an investor in another account may be able to infer the portfolio holdings or other portfolio characteristics of the Fund from the portfolio holdings in the investor’s account.

 

DESCRIPTION OF SHARES

 

The Declaration of Trust authorizes the issuance of an unlimited number of funds and shares of each fund, each of which represents an equal proportionate interest in that fund with each other share. Shares are entitled upon liquidation to a pro rata share in the net assets of the fund. Shareholders have no preemptive rights. The Declaration of Trust provides that the Trustees may create additional series or classes of shares. All consideration received by the Trust for shares of any additional fund and all assets in which such consideration is invested would belong to that fund and would be subject to the liabilities related thereto. Share certificates representing shares will not be issued. The Fund’s shares, when issued, are fully paid and non-assessable.

 

SHAREHOLDER LIABILITY

 

The Trust is an entity of the type commonly known as a “Massachusetts business trust.” Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of such a trust could, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable as partners for the obligations of the trust. Even if, however, the Trust were held to be a partnership, the possibility of the shareholders incurring financial loss for that reason appears remote because the Declaration of Trust contains an express disclaimer of shareholder liability for obligations of the Trust and requires that notice of such disclaimer be given in each agreement, obligation or instrument entered into or executed by or on behalf of the Trust or the Trustees, and because the Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification out of the Trust property for any shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of the Trust.

 

LIMITATION OF TRUSTEES’ LIABILITY

 

The Declaration of Trust provides that a Trustee shall be liable only for his or her own willful defaults and, if reasonable care has been exercised in the selection of officers, agents, employees or investment advisers, shall not be liable for any neglect or wrongdoing of any such person. The Declaration of Trust also provides that the Trust will indemnify its Trustees and officers against liabilities and expenses incurred in connection with actual or threatened litigation in which they may be involved because of their offices with the Trust unless it is determined in the manner provided in the Declaration of Trust that they have not acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that their actions were in the best interests of the Trust. However, nothing in the Declaration of Trust shall protect or indemnify a Trustee against any liability for his or her willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of his or her duties. Nothing contained in this section attempts to disclaim a Trustee’s individual liability in any manner inconsistent with the federal securities laws.

 

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PROXY VOTING

 

The Board has delegated the responsibility for decisions regarding proxy voting for securities held by the Fund to the Adviser. The Adviser will vote such proxies in accordance with its proxy voting policies and procedures, which are included in Appendix B to this SAI.

 

The Trust is required to disclose annually the Fund’s complete proxy voting record during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 on Form N-PX. This voting record is available: (i) without charge, upon request, by calling 1-877-FUND-WHG (1-877-386-3944) and (ii) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

CODES OF ETHICS

 

The Board, on behalf of the Trust, has adopted a Code of Ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act. In addition, the Adviser, the Administrator and the Distributor have each adopted Codes of Ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1. These Codes of Ethics apply to the personal investing activities of trustees, officers and certain employees (“Access Persons”). Rule 17j-1 and the Codes of Ethics are designed to prevent unlawful practices in connection with the purchase or sale of securities by Access Persons. Under each Code of Ethics, Access Persons are permitted to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund, but are required to report their personal securities transactions for monitoring purposes. Certain Access Persons are prohibited from engaging in personal securities transactions in securities that are held by the Fund. In addition, certain Access Persons are required to obtain approval before investing in initial public offerings or private placements or are prohibited from making such investments. Copies of these Codes of Ethics are on file with the SEC, and are available to the public.

 

PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS AND CONTROL PERSONS

 

Because the Fund is new, as of the date of this SAI, the Fund did not have any principal shareholders or control persons to report.

 

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APPENDIX A

 

DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS

 

Description of Ratings

 

The following descriptions of securities ratings have been published by Moody’s Investors Services, Inc. (“Moody’s”), Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”), and Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”), respectively.

 

Description of Moody’s Global RatingS

 

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. Long-term ratings are assigned to issuers or obligations with an original maturity of one year or more and reflect both on the likelihood of a default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default. 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 on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default.

 

Description of Moody’s Global Long-Term Ratings

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Note: Moody’s appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.

 

A-1

 

Hybrid Indicator (hyb)

 

The hybrid indicator (hyb) 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.

 

Description of Moody’s Global Short-Term Ratings

 

P-1 Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

 

P-2 Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

 

P-3 Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations.

 

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

 

Description of Moody’s U.S. Municipal Short-Term Obligation Ratings

 

The Municipal Investment Grade (“MIG”) scale is used to rate U.S. municipal bond anticipation notes of up to three years maturity. Municipal notes rated on the MIG scale may be secured by either pledged revenues or proceeds of a take-out financing received prior to note maturity. MIG ratings expire at the maturity of the obligation, and the issuer’s long-term rating is only one consideration in assigning the MIG rating. MIG ratings are divided into three levels—MIG 1 through MIG 3—while speculative grade short-term obligations are designated SG.

 

Moody’s U.S. municipal short-term obligation ratings are as follows:

 

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.

 

A-2

 

Description of Moody’s Demand Obligation Ratings

 

In the case of variable rate demand obligations (“VRDOs”), a two-component rating is assigned: a long or short-term debt rating and a demand obligation rating. The first element represents Moody’s evaluation of risk associated with scheduled principal and interest payments. The second element represents Moody’s evaluation of risk associated with the ability to receive purchase price upon demand (“demand feature”). The second element uses a rating from a variation of the MIG scale called the Variable Municipal Investment Grade (“VMIG”) scale.

 

Moody’s demand obligation ratings are as follows:

 

VMIG 1 This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

VMIG 2 This designation denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

VMIG 3 This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

SG This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have an investment grade short-term rating or may lack the structural and/or legal protections necessary to ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

Description of S&P’s Issue Credit Ratings

 

An S&P 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’s 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 ratings are generally assigned to those obligations considered short-term in the relevant market. Short-term ratings are also used to indicate the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to put features on long-term obligations. Medium-term notes are assigned long-term ratings.

 

Issue credit ratings are based, in varying degrees, on S&P’s analysis of the following considerations:

 

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

 

• The nature of and provisions of the financial obligation; and the promise S&P imputes; and

 

A-3

 

• The protection afforded by, and relative position of, the financial obligation in the event of 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.)

 

NR indicates that a rating has not been assigned or is no longer assigned.

 

Description of S&P’s Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings*

 

AAA An obligation rated ‘AAA’ has the highest rating assigned by S&P. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is extremely strong.

 

AA An obligation rated ‘AA’ differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is very strong.

 

A An obligation rated ‘A’ is 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 commitments on the obligation is still strong.

 

BBB An obligation rated ‘BBB’ exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments 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 exposure to adverse conditions.

 

BB An obligation rated ‘BB’ is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

B An obligation rated ‘B’ is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated ‘BB’, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

CCC An obligation rated ‘CCC’ is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments 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 commitments on the obligation.

 

CC An obligation rated ‘CC’ is 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.

 

A-4

 

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

 

D An obligation rated ‘D’ is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the ‘D’ rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless 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 stated grace period or 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 exchange offer.

 

*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.

 

Description of S&P’s Short-Term Issue Credit Ratings

 

A-1 A short-term obligation rated ‘A-1’ is rated in the highest category by S&P. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments 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 commitments on these obligations is extremely strong.

 

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

 

A-3 A short-term obligation rated ‘A-3’ exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken an obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

B A short-term obligation rated ‘B’ is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.

 

C A short-term obligation rated ‘C’ is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

D A short-term obligation rated ‘D’ is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the ‘D’ rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless 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 exchange offer.

 

A-5

 

Description of S&P’s Municipal Short-Term Note Ratings

 

An S&P U.S. municipal note rating reflects S&P’s 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’s 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.

 

S&P’s municipal short-term note ratings are as follows:

 

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 exchange offer, 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.

 

Description of Fitch’s Credit Ratings

 

Fitch’s credit ratings relating to issuers are an opinion on the relative ability of an entity to meet financial commitments, such as interest, preferred dividends, repayment of principal, insurance claims or counterparty obligations. Credit ratings relating to securities and obligations of an issuer can include a recovery expectation. Credit ratings are used by investors as indications of the likelihood of receiving the money owed to them in accordance with the terms on which they invested.

 

The terms “investment grade” and “speculative grade” have established themselves over time as shorthand to describe the categories ‘AAA’ to ‘BBB’ (investment grade) and ‘BB’ to ‘D’ (speculative grade). 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 either signal a higher level of credit risk or that a default has already occurred.

 

Fitch’s credit ratings do not directly address any risk other than credit risk. In particular, ratings do not deal with the risk of a market value loss on a rated security due to changes in interest rates, liquidity and other market considerations. However, in terms of payment obligation on the rated liability, market risk may be considered to the extent that it influences the ability of an issuer to pay upon a 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 index-linked bonds).

 

In the default components of ratings assigned to individual obligations or instruments, the agency typically rates to the likelihood of non-payment or default in accordance with the terms of that instrument’s documentation. 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).

 

For the convenience of investors, Fitch may also include issues relating to a rated issuer that are not and have not been rated on its webpage. Such issues are denoted ‘NR.’

 

A-6

 

Note: 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. For the short-term rating category of ‘F1’, a ‘+’ may be appended. 

 

Description of Fitch’s Long-Term Corporate Finance Obligations Ratings

 

AAA Highest credit quality. ‘AAA’ ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit 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 credit 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 credit 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 credit 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 credit risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met.

 

B Highly speculative. ‘B’ ratings indicate that material credit risk is present.

 

CCC Substantial credit risk. ‘CCC’ ratings indicate that substantial credit risk is present.

 

CC Very high levels of credit risk. ‘CC’ ratings indicate very high levels of credit risk.

 

C Exceptionally high levels of credit risk. ‘C’ ratings indicate exceptionally high levels of credit risk.

 

Ratings in the categories of ‘CCC’, ‘CC’ and ‘C’ can also relate to obligations or issuers that are in default. In this case, the rating does not opine on default risk but reflects the recovery expectation only.

 

Defaulted obligations typically are not assigned ‘RD’ or ‘D’ ratings, but are instead rated in the ‘CCC’ to ‘C’ rating categories, depending on their recovery prospects and other relevant characteristics. This approach better aligns obligations that have comparable overall expected loss but varying vulnerability to default and loss.

 

Description of Fitch’s 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.

 

A-7

 

Fitch’s short-term ratings are as follows:

 

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.

 

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.

 

A-8

 

APPENDIX B –PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

 

B-1

 

WESTWOOD MANAGEMENT CORP.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR PROXY VOTING

Policy.

 

Westwood, as a matter of policy and as a fiduciary to our clients, has responsibility for voting proxies for portfolio securities in a manner that is consistent with the best economic interests of the clients. Our Firm maintains written policies and procedures as to the handling, research, voting and reporting of proxy voting and makes appropriate disclosures about our Firm’s proxy policies and practices. Our policy and practice includes the responsibility to monitor corporate actions, receive and vote client proxies and disclose any potential conflicts of interest, and our policy and practice further is to make information available to clients about the voting of proxies for their portfolio securities and to maintain relevant and required records.

 

Responsibility.

 

Westwood’s Data Management Team has the responsibility for the implementation and monitoring of our proxy voting policy, practices, disclosures and record keeping, including outlining our voting guidelines in our procedures.

 

Procedures.

 

Westwood has engaged Broadridge for assistance with the proxy voting process for our clients. Broadridge is a leading provider of full service proxy voting services to the global financial industry. Westwood has also engaged Glass Lewis for assistance with proxy research and analysis. Glass Lewis provides complete analysis and voting recommendations on all proposals and is designed to assist investors in mitigating risk and improving long-term value. In most cases, we agree with Glass Lewis’s recommendations; however, ballots are reviewed bi-monthly by our analysts and we may choose to vote differently than Glass Lewis if we believe it in the best interest of our clients.

 

Responsibility.

 

Westwood’s Data Management Team has the responsibility for the implementation and monitoring of our proxy voting policy, practices, disclosures and record keeping, including outlining our voting guidelines in our procedures.

 

Background.

 

Proxy voting is an important right of shareholders, and reasonable care and diligence must be taken to ensure that such rights are properly and timely exercised.

 

Investment advisers who are registered with the SEC, and who exercise voting authority with respect to client securities, are required by Rule 206(4)-6 of the Advisers Act (a) to adopt and implement written policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to ensure that client securities are voted in the best interests of clients, which must include how an adviser addresses material conflicts that may arise between an adviser's interests and those of its clients; (b) to disclose to clients how they may obtain information from the adviser with respect to the voting of proxies for their securities; (c) to describe to clients a summary of its proxy voting policies and procedures and, upon request, to furnish a copy to its clients; and (d) to maintain certain records relating to the adviser's proxy voting activities when the adviser does have proxy voting authority.

 

Procedure.

 

Westwood has adopted the following procedures to implement the Firm’s proxy voting policy, in addition to adopting the Glass Lewis Proxy Voting Guidelines, and conducts reviews to monitor and ensure the Firm’s policy is observed, implemented properly and amended or updated, as appropriate:

 

Proxy Voting Records.

 

With respect to proxy record keeping, Westwood maintains complete files for all clients. These files include a listing of all proxy material sent on behalf of our clients along with individual copies of each response. Client access to these files can be arranged upon request. A voting summary will be furnished upon request.

 

B-2

 

Voting Procedures.

a.All employees forward any proxy materials received on behalf of clients to Broadridge. Westwood has engaged Broadridge for assistance with the proxy voting process for our clients, and Glass Lewis provides voting recommendations;
b.Broadridge has access to holders records and determines which client accounts hold the security to which the proxy relates;
c.Absent material conflicts, Broadridge, with the vote recommendations from Glass Lewis, determines how Westwood should vote the proxy in accordance with applicable voting guidelines;
d.Westwood’s analysts review the Glass Lewis proxy voting recommendations on a bi-monthly basis. The analysts may choose to vote differently than Glass Lewis if they believe it is in the best interest of the client;
e.If Westwood chooses to vote differently than Glass Lewis, then Westwood overwrites the Glass Lewis recommendation on the ProxyEdge platform. If Westwood agrees with the Glass Lewis recommendations, no action is necessary; and
f.Broadridge completes the proxy and mails the proxy in a timely and appropriate manner.

 

Disclosure.

a.Westwood provides required disclosures in Form ADV Part 2A, which summarizes these proxy voting policies and procedures and includes a statement that clients may request information regarding how Westwood voted a client’s proxies;
b.Westwood’s disclosure summary includes a description of how clients may obtain a copy of the Firm's proxy voting policies and procedures;
c.Westwood’s proxy voting practice is disclosed in the Firm's advisory agreements; and
d.The Data Management Team also sends a copy of this summary to all existing clients who have previously received Westwood’s Disclosure Brochures, or the Data Management Team may send each client the amended Disclosure Brochures. Either mailing shall highlight the inclusion of information regarding proxy voting.

 

Client Requests for Information.

a.All client requests for information regarding proxy votes or regarding policies and procedures that are received by any supervised person should be forwarded to the Data Management Team; and
b.In response to any request, the Data Management Team prepares a written response to the client with the information requested, and, as applicable, includes the name of the issuer, the proposal voted upon, and how Westwood voted the client’s proxy with respect to each proposal about which the client inquired.

 

Voting Guidelines.

a.Westwood has engaged Broadridge and Glass Lewis for assistance with the proxy voting process for our clients; and
b.Westwood analysts review the Glass Lewis proxy voting recommendations using the following guidelines:
i.In the absence of specific voting guidelines from the client, Westwood votes proxies in the best interests of each particular client;
ii.Westwood’s policy is to vote all proxies from a specific issuer the same way for each client absent qualifying restrictions from a client;
iii.Clients are permitted to place reasonable restrictions on Westwood’s voting authority in the same manner that they may place such restrictions on the actual selection of account securities;
iv.Westwood generally votes in favor of routine corporate housekeeping proposals such as the election of directors and selection of auditors absent conflicts of interest raised by an auditor’s non-audit services;
v.Westwood generally votes against proposals that cause board members to become entrenched or cause unequal voting rights; and
vi.In reviewing proposals, Westwood further considers the opinion of management and the effect on management, and the effect on shareholder value and the issuer's business practices.

 

B-3

 

Conflicts of Interest.

a.Westwood conducts periodic reviews to identify any conflicts that exist between the interests of the Firm and the client by reviewing the relationship of Westwood with the issuer of each security to determine if Westwood or any of its supervised persons has any financial, business or personal relationship with the issuer;
b.If a material conflict of interest exists, Westwood will determine whether it is appropriate to disclose the conflict to the affected clients, to give the clients an opportunity to vote the proxies themselves, or to address the voting issue through other objective means such as voting in a manner consistent with a predetermined voting policy or receiving an independent third party voting recommendation; and
c.Westwood will maintain a record of the voting resolution of any conflict of interest.

 

Recordkeeping. 

The Data Management Team retains the following proxy records in a spreadsheet in accordance with the SEC’s five-year retention requirement:

 

a.These policies and procedures and any amendments;
b.Each proxy statement that Westwood receives;
c.A record of each vote that Westwood casts;
d.Any document Westwood created that was material to making a decision how to vote proxies, or that memorializes that decision including periodic reports to the Data Management Team or proxy committee, if applicable; and
e.A copy of each written request from a client for information on how Westwood voted such client’s proxies, and a copy of any written response.

 

In addition to conducting initial due diligence, Westwood monitors and reviews all third-party proxy services to evaluate any conflicts of interest, consistency of voting with guidelines, and fees and disclosures, among other things. The Data Management Team maintains documentation of Westwood’s due diligence reviews.

 

B-4

 

PART C: OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 28. EXHIBITS:

 

(a)(1) Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust of The Advisors' Inner Circle Fund (the “Registrant”) dated July 18, 1991, as amended and restated February 18, 1997, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (1)(b) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 28 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") via EDGAR Accession No. 0000950109-97-001691 on February 27, 1997.

 

(a)(2) Amendment No. 1, dated May 15, 2012, to the Registrant's Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated July 18, 1991, as amended and restated February 18, 1997, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (a)(2) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 190 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-12-000262 on May 23, 2012.

 

(b) Registrant's Second Amended and Restated By-Laws are incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (b) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 179 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-12-000087 on February 28, 2012.

 

(c) Not Applicable.

 

(d)(1)(i) Investment Advisory Agreement, dated May 3, 1995, between the Registrant and First Manhattan Co. is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (5)(g) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 24 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000950109-96-001199 on February 28, 1996.

 

(d)(1)(ii) Amended and Restated Schedule, dated May 19, 1998, to the Investment Advisory Agreement, dated May 3, 1995, between the Registrant and First Manhattan Co. is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(9) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 34 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001047469-98-021496 on May 21, 1998.

 

(d)(1)(iii) Investment Advisory Agreement, dated March 15, 1999, between the Registrant and LSV Asset Management is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(8) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 46 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-01-500070 on June 22, 2001.

 

(d)(1)(iv) Amended Schedule A, dated August 24, 2018, to the Investment Advisory Agreement, dated March 15, 1999, between the Registrant and LSV Asset Management, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(1)(iv) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 297 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001398344-18-012526 on August 27, 2018.

 

(d)(1)(v) Investment Advisory Agreement, dated June 24, 2002, between the Registrant and Acadian Asset Management LLC (formerly, Acadian Asset Management, Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(17) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 55 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-02-000263 on August 30, 2002.

 

(d)(1)(vi) Amended Schedule A to the Investment Advisory Agreement, dated June 24, 2002, between the Registrant and Acadian Asset Management LLC (formerly, Acadian Asset Management, Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(12) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 127 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-10- 000392 on September 3, 2010.

 

C-1

 

(d)(1)(vii) Investment Advisory Agreement, dated June 24, 2002, between the Registrant and Cambiar Investors, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(19) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 55 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-02-000263 on August 30, 2002.

 

(d)(1)(viii) Amended Schedule A, dated August 30, 2016, to the Investment Advisory Agreement, dated June 24, 2002, between the Registrant and Cambiar Investors, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(1)(viii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 267 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-16-001529 on August 26, 2016.

 

(d)(1)(ix) Investment Advisory Agreement, dated June 24, 2002, between the Registrant and Investment Counselors of Maryland, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(23) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 55 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-02-000263 on August 30, 2002.

 

(d)(1)(x) Investment Advisory Agreement, dated June 24, 2002, between the Registrant and C.S. McKee, L.P. is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(24) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 55 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-02-000263 on August 30, 2002.

 

(d)(1)(xi) Investment Advisory Agreement, dated October 10, 2016, between the Registrant and Rice Hall James & Associates LLC is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(1)(xi) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 277 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-17-000154 on February 28, 2017.

 

(d)(1)(xii) Investment Advisory Agreement, dated June 24, 2002, between the Registrant and Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley LLC (formerly, Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley, Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(27) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 55 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-02-000263 on August 30, 2002.

 

(d)(1)(xiii) Amendment and Revised Schedule A, dated June 1, 2010, to the Investment Advisory Agreement, dated June 24, 2002, between the Registrant and Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley LLC (formerly, Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley, Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(21) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 126 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-10-000336 on August 30, 2010.

 

(d)(1)(xiv) Investment Advisory Agreement, dated May 28, 2004, between the Registrant and Haverford Investment Management, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(30) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 79 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-05-000093 on February 25, 2005.

 

(d)(1)(xv) Investment Advisory Agreement, dated December 16, 2005, between the Registrant and Westwood Management Corp. is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(28) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 88 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-06-000081 on February 28, 2006.

 

(d)(1)(xvi) Amended Schedule A, dated November 15, 2017, to the Investment Advisory Agreement, dated December 16, 2005, between the Registrant and Westwood Management Corp., is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(1)(xvii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 297 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001398344-18-012526 on August 27, 2018.

 

(d)(1)(xvii) Amended Schedule A, dated [ ], to the Investment Advisory Agreement, dated December 16, 2005, between the Registrant and Westwood Management Corp., to be filed by amendment.

C-2

 

(d)(1)(xviii) Investment Advisory Agreement, dated February 27, 2006, between the Registrant and Edgewood Management LLC is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(33) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-07-000007 on January 12, 2007.

 

(d)(1)(xix) Investment Advisory Agreement, dated March 10, 2010, between the Registrant and Sands Capital Management, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(30) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 123 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-10-000173 on April 30, 2010.

 

(d)(1)(xx) Investment Advisory Agreement, dated March 24, 2011, between the Registrant and AlphaOne Investment Services, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(35) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 206 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-13-000118 on March 1, 2013.

 

(d)(1)(xxi) Amended Schedule A, dated December 19, 2017, to the Investment Advisory Agreement, dated March 24, 2011, between the Registrant and AlphaOne Investment Services, LLC, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(1)(xx) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 289 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-17-001158 on December 21, 2017.

 

(d)(1)(xxii) Investment Advisory Agreement, dated June 20, 2011, between the Registrant and Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P. is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(37) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 206 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-13-000118 on March 1, 2013.

 

(d)(1)(xxiii) Investment Advisory Agreement, dated February 20, 2012, between the Registrant and Hamlin Capital Management, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(45) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 183 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-12-000195 on March 28, 2012.

 

(d)(1)(xxiv) Investment Advisory Agreement, dated February 3, 2012, between the Trust and Thomson Horstmann & Bryant, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(45) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 206 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-13-000118 on March 1, 2013.

 

(d)(1)(xxv) Amended Schedule A to the Investment Advisory Agreement, dated February 3, 2012, between the Trust and Thomson Horstmann & Bryant, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(49) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 225 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-13-000589 on October 9, 2013.

 

(d)(1)(xxvi) Investment Advisory Agreement, dated May 1, 2014, between the Registrant and Cornerstone Advisors, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(1)(xxviii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 236 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-14-000442 on June 24, 2014.

 

(d)(1)(xxvii) Amended Schedule A, dated August 30, 2016, to the Investment Advisory Agreement, dated May 1, 2014, between the Registrant and Cornerstone Advisors, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(1)(xxvii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 266 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-16-001507 on August 24, 2016.

 

C-3

 

(d)(1)(xxviii) Investment Advisory Agreement, dated January 31, 2013, between the Registrant and Harvest Global Investments Limited is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(1)(xxix) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 236 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-14-000442 on June 24, 2014.

 

(d)(1)(xxix) Investment Advisory Agreement, dated September 3, 2013, between the Registrant and AT Investment Advisers, Inc. (formerly, Stein Roe Investment Counsel, Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(1)(xxx) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 236 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-14-000442 on June 24, 2014.

 

(d)(1)(xxx) Amended Schedule A, dated December 13, 2017, to the Investment Advisory Agreement, dated September 13, 2013, between the Registrant and AT Investment Advisers, Inc. (formerly, Stein Roe Investment Counsel, Inc.), is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(1)(xxix) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 288 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-17-001113 on December 13, 2017.

 

(d)(1)(xxxi) Investment Advisory Agreement, dated July 3, 2013, between the Registrant and Fayez Sarofim & Co. is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(74) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 219 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-13-000386 on July 26, 2013.

 

(d)(2)(i) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated December 27, 2011, between Westwood Management Corp. and SKY Harbor Capital Management, LLC, relating to the Westwood Short Duration High Yield Fund and Westwood Opportunistic High Yield Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(29) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 206 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-13-000118 on March 1, 2013.

 

(d)(2)(ii) Amended Schedule A, dated November 17, 2014, to the Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated December 27, 2011, between Westwood Management Corp. and SKY Harbor Capital Management, LLC, relating to the Westwood Short Duration High Yield Fund and Westwood Opportunistic High Yield Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(2)(ii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 248 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-14-000803 on December 29, 2014.

 

(d)(2)(iii) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated May 1, 2014, between Cornerstone Advisors, Inc. and Parametric Portfolio Associates® LLC, relating to the Cornerstone Advisors Global Public Equity Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(2)(ii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 239 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-14-000551 on August 28, 2014.

 

(d)(2)(iv) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated May 1, 2014, between Cornerstone Advisors, Inc. and LSV Asset Management, relating to the Cornerstone Advisors Global Public Equity Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(2)(iii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 239 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-14-000551 on August 28, 2014.

 

(d)(2)(v) Amended and Restated Schedule A, dated January 16, 2018, to the Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated May 1, 2014, between Cornerstone Advisors, Inc. and LSV Asset Management, relating to the Cornerstone Advisors Global Public Equity Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(2)(v) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 292 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001398344-18-003073 on February 28, 2018.

 

C-4

 

(d)(2)(vi) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated May 1, 2014, between Cornerstone Advisors, Inc. and Harris Associates L.P., relating to the Cornerstone Advisors Global Public Equity Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(2)(iv) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 239 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-14-000551 on August 28, 2014.

 

(d)(2)(vii) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated May 1, 2014, between Cornerstone Advisors, Inc. and Thornburg Investment Management, Inc., relating to the Cornerstone Advisors Global Public Equity Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(2)(v) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 239 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-14-000551 on August 28, 2014.

 

(d)(2)(viii) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated May 1, 2014, between Cornerstone Advisors, Inc. and Marsico Capital Management, LLC, relating to the Cornerstone Advisors Global Public Equity Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(2)(vi) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 239 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-14-000551 on August 28, 2014.

 

(d)(2)(ix) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated May 1, 2014, between Cornerstone Advisors, Inc. and Cramer Rosenthal McGlynn LLC, relating to the Cornerstone Advisors Global Public Equity Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(2)(viii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 239 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-14-000551 on August 28, 2014.

 

(d)(2)(x) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated May 1, 2014, between Cornerstone Advisors, Inc. and Fairpointe Capital LLC, relating to the Cornerstone Advisors Global Public Equity Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(2)(ix) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 239 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-14-000551 on August 28, 2014.

 

(d)(2)(xi) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated May 1, 2014, between Cornerstone Advisors, Inc. and Phocas Financial Corporation, relating to the Cornerstone Advisors Global Public Equity Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(2)(x) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 239 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-14-000551 on August 28, 2014.

 

(d)(2)(xii) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated May 1, 2014, between Cornerstone Advisors, Inc. and Allianz Global Investors U.S. LLC, relating to the Cornerstone Advisors Global Public Equity Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(2)(xi) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 239 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-14-000551 on August 28, 2014.

 

(d)(2)(xiii) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated July 18, 2017, between Cornerstone Advisors, Inc. and Allianz Global Investors U.S. LLC, relating to the Cornerstone Advisors Income Opportunities Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(2)(xiii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 292 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001398344-18-003073 on February 28, 2018.

 

(d)(2)(xiv) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated May 1, 2014, between Cornerstone Advisors, Inc. and Acadian Asset Management LLC, relating to the Cornerstone Advisors Global Public Equity Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(2)(xii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 239 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-14-000551 on August 28, 2014.

 

C-5

 

(d)(2)(xv) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated May 1, 2014, between Cornerstone Advisors, Inc. and Driehaus Capital Management LLC, relating to the Cornerstone Advisors Global Public Equity Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(2)(xiii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 239 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-14-000551 on August 28, 2014.

 

(d)(2)(xvi) Amended Schedule A, dated [ ], to the Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated May 1, 2014, between Cornerstone Advisors, Inc. and Driehaus Capital Management LLC, relating to the Cornerstone Advisors Global Public Equity Fund, to be filed by amendment.

 

(d)(2)(xvii) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated May 1, 2014, between Cornerstone Advisors, Inc. and OFI SteelPath, Inc., relating to the Cornerstone Advisors Income Opportunities Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(2)(xiv) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 239 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-14-000551 on August 28, 2014.

 

(d)(2)(xviii) Amendment, dated May 18, 2016, to the Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Cornerstone Advisors, Inc. and OFI SteelPath, Inc., relating to the Cornerstone Advisors Income Opportunities Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(2)(xv) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 277 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-17-000154 on February 28, 2017.

 

(d)(2)(xix) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated May 1, 2014, between Cornerstone Advisors, Inc. and ClariVest Asset Management LLC, relating to the Cornerstone Advisors Public Alternatives Fund and Cornerstone Advisors Global Public Equity Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(2)(xvi) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 239 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-14-000551 on August 28, 2014.

 

(d)(2)(xx) Amended Schedule A, dated December 15, 2014, to the Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated May 1, 2014, between Cornerstone Advisors, Inc. and ClariVest Asset Management LLC, relating to the Cornerstone Advisors Public Alternatives Fund and Cornerstone Advisors Global Public Equity Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(2)(xvii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 261 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-16-001069 on February 26, 2016.

 

(d)(2)(xxi) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated May 1, 2014, between Cornerstone Advisors, Inc. and Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, L.P., relating to the Cornerstone Advisors Real Assets Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(2)(xvii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 239 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-14-000551 on August 28, 2014.

 

(d)(2)(xxii) Amendment, dated September [XX], 2017, to the Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated May 1, 2014, between Cornerstone Advisors, Inc. and Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, L.P., relating to the Cornerstone Advisors Real Assets Fund, to be filed by amendment.

 

(d)(2)(xxiii) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated May 1, 2014, between Cornerstone Advisors, Inc. and BlackRock Financial Management, Inc., relating to the Cornerstone Advisors Real Assets Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(2)(xviii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 239 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-14-000551 on August 28, 2014.

 

C-6

 

(d)(2)(xxiv) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated September 5, 2014, between Cornerstone Advisors, Inc. and Numeric Investors, LLC, relating to the Cornerstone Advisors Global Public Equity Fund and Cornerstone Advisors Public Alternatives Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(2)(xx) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 272 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-16-001815 on October 31, 2016.

 

(d)(2)(xxv) Amended and Restated Schedule A, dated November 16, 2016, to the Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated September 5, 2014, between Cornerstone Advisors, Inc. and Numeric Investors, LLC, relating to the Cornerstone Advisors Global Public Equity Fund and Cornerstone Advisors Public Alternatives Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(2)(xxii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 277 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-17-000154 on February 28, 2017.

 

(d)(2)(xxvi) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated May 1, 2014, between Cornerstone Advisors, Inc. and Strategic Income Management, LLC, relating to the Cornerstone Advisors Income Opportunities Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(2)(xx) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 239 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-14-000551 on August 28, 2014.

 

(d)(2)(xxvii) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated June 3, 2014, between Cornerstone Advisors, Inc. and AJO, LP, relating to the Cornerstone Advisors Public Alternatives Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(2)(xxi) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 239 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-14-000551 on August 28, 2014.

 

(d)(2)(xxviii) Amended Schedule A, dated August 31, 2015, to the Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated June 3, 2014, between Cornerstone Advisors, Inc. and AJO, LP, relating to the Cornerstone Advisors Public Alternatives Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(2)(xxiii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 261 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-16-001069 on February 26, 2016.

 

(d)(2)(xxix) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated June 3, 2014, between Cornerstone Advisors, Inc. and Wells Fargo Portfolio Risk Advisors, a Division of Structured Asset Investors, LLC, relating to the Cornerstone Advisors Public Alternatives Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(2)(xxii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 239 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-14-000551 on August 28, 2014.

 

(d)(2)(xxx) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated January 15, 2016, between Cornerstone Advisors, Inc. and Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated, relating to the Cornerstone Advisors Global Public Equity Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(2)(xxv) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 263 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-16-001304 on April 29, 2016.

 

(d)(2)(xxxi) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated August 24, 2016, between Cornerstone Advisors, Inc. and Franklin Advisers, Inc., relating to the Cornerstone Advisors Core Plus Bond Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(2)(xxvi) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 266 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-16-001507 on August 24, 2016.

 

(d)(2)(xxxii) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated August 24, 2016, between Cornerstone Advisors, Inc. and Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P., relating to the Cornerstone Advisors Core Plus Bond Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(2)(xxvii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 266 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-16-001507 on August 24, 2016.

 

C-7

 

(d)(2)(xxxiii) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated August 24, 2016, between Cornerstone Advisors, Inc. and Metropolitan West Asset Management LLC, relating to the Cornerstone Advisors Core Plus Bond Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(2)(xxviii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 266 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-16-001507 on August 24, 2016.

 

(d)(2)(xxxiv) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated August 24, 2016, between Cornerstone Advisors, Inc. and Prime Advisors, Inc., relating to the Cornerstone Advisors Core Plus Bond Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(2)(xxix) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 266 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-16-001507 on August 24, 2016.

 

(d)(2)(xxxv) Investment Sub-Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated June 1, 2017, between BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. and BlackRock International Limited, relating to the Cornerstone Advisors Real Assets Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(2)(xxxv) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 294 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001398344-18-006346 on April 30, 2018.

 

(d)(2)(xxxvi) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated December 20, 2017, between AlphaOne Investment Services, LLC and Villanova Investment Management Company LLC, relating to the AlphaOne VIMCO Small Cap Value Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(2)(xxxii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 289 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-17-001158 on December 21, 2017.

 

(d)(3)(i) Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement, dated February 13, 2013, between the Registrant and LSV Asset Management, relating to the LSV Funds, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(10) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 206 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-13-000118 on March 1, 2013.

 

(d)(3)(ii) Amended Schedule A, dated August 24, 2018, to the Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement, dated February 13, 2013, between the Registrant and LSV Asset Management, relating to the LSV Funds, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(3)(ii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 297 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001398344-18-012526 on August 27, 2018.

 

(d)(3)(iii) Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement, dated September 1, 2016, between the Registrant and Cambiar Investors, LLC, relating to the Cambiar Funds, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(3)(iii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 268 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-16-001670 on September 1, 2016.

 

(d)(3)(iv) Amended Schedule A, dated February 28, 2018, to the Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement, dated September 1, 2016, between the Registrant and Cambiar Investors, LLC, relating to the Cambiar Funds, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(3)(iv) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 294 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001398344-18-006346 on April 30, 2018.

 

(d)(3)(v) Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement, dated February 23, 2016, between the Registrant and Rice Hall James & Associates, LLC, relating to the Rice Hall James Funds, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(3)(vi) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 263 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-16-001304 on April 29, 2016.

 

C-8

 

(d)(3)(vi) Expense Limitation Agreement, dated March 1, 2008, between the Registrant and Haverford Investment Management, Inc., relating to the Haverford Quality Growth Stock Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(25) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 206 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-13-000118 on March 1, 2013.

 

(d)(3)(vii) Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement, dated February 10, 2015, between the Registrant and Westwood Management Corp., relating to the Westwood Funds, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(3)(ix) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 254 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-15-000298 on April 20, 2015.

 

(d)(3)(viii) Amended Schedule A, dated November 15, 2017, to the Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement, dated February 10, 2015, between the Registrant and Westwood Management Corp., is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(3)(ix) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 297 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001398344-18-012526 on August 27, 2018.

 

(d)(3)(ix) Amended Schedule A, dated [ ], to the Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement, dated February 10, 2015, between the Registrant and Westwood Management Corp., relating to the Westwood Funds, to be filed by amendment.

 

(d)(3)(x) Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement between the Registrant and Edgewood Management LLC, relating to the Edgewood Growth Fund, to be filed by amendment.

 

(d)(3)(xi) Expense Limitation Agreement, dated March 31, 2010, between the Registrant and Sands Capital Management, LLC, relating to the Sands Capital Global Growth Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(34) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 206 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-13-000118 on March 1, 2013.

 

(d)(3)(xii) Expense Limitation Agreement, effective as of March 28, 2011, between the Registrant and AlphaOne Investment Services, LLC, relating to the AlphaOne Small Cap Opportunities Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(43) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 154 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-11-000353 on June 29, 2011.

 

(d)(3)(xiii) Amended Schedule A, dated December 19, 2017, to the Expense Limitation Agreement, effective as of March 28, 2011, between the Registrant and AlphaOne Investment Services, LLC, relating to the AlphaOne Funds, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(3)(xi) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 289 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-17-001158 on December 21, 2017.

 

(d)(3)(xiv) Expense Limitation Agreement, dated December 15, 2011, between the Registrant and Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P., relating to the Loomis Sayles Full Discretion Institutional Securitized Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(38) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 206 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-13-000118 on March 1, 2013.

 

(d)(3)(xv) Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement, dated April 30, 2013, between the Registrant and Hamlin Capital Management, LLC, relating to the Hamlin High Dividend Equity Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(42) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 210 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-13-000257 on April 30, 2013.

 

(d)(3)(xvi) Expense Limitation Agreement, dated March 28, 2012, between the Registrant and Thomson Horstmann & Bryant, Inc., relating to the Thomson Horstmann & Bryant MicroCap Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(46) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 206 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-13-000118 on March 1, 2013.

 

C-9

 

(d)(3)(xvii) Amended Schedule A to the Expense Limitation Agreement, dated March 28, 2012, between the Registrant and Thomson Horstmann & Bryant, Inc., relating to the Thomson Horstmann & Bryant MicroCap Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(50) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 225 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-13-000589 on October 9, 2013.

 

(d)(3)(xviii) Expense Limitation Agreement, dated January 31, 2013, between the Registrant and Harvest Global Investments Limited, relating to the Harvest Funds, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(3)(xix) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 236 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-14-000442 on June 24, 2014.

 

(d)(3)(xix) Expense Limitation Agreement, dated February 23, 2016, between the Registrant and AT Investment Advisers, Inc., relating to the AT Disciplined Equity Fund, AT Income Opportunities Fund and AT Mid Cap Equity Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(3)(xix) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 261 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-16-001069 on February 26, 2016.

 

(d)(3)(xx) Expense Limitation Agreement, dated December 13, 2017, between the Registrant and AT Investment Advisers, Inc., relating to the AT All Cap Growth Fund and AT Equity Income Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(3)(xviii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 288 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-17-001113 on December 13, 2017.

 

(d)(3)(xxi) Expense Limitation Agreement, effective as of July 3, 2013, between the Registrant and Fayez Sarofim & Co., relating to the Sarofim Equity Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(75) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 219 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-13-000386 on July 26, 2013.

 

(e)(1)(i) Distribution Agreement, dated November 14, 1991, as amended and restated November 14, 2005, between the Registrant and SEI Investments Distribution Co. (formerly, SEI Financial Services Company) is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (e)(1)(i) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 252 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-15-000094 on February 27, 2015.

 

(e)(1)(ii) Amendment No. 1, effective as of August 30, 2010, to the Distribution Agreement, dated November 14, 1991, as amended and restated November 14, 2005, between the Registrant and SEI Investments Distribution Co. (formerly, SEI Financial Services Company), is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (e)(3) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 158 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-11-000517 on September 16, 2011.

 

(e)(2) Revised Form of Amended Sub-Distribution and Servicing Agreement for SEI Investments Distribution Co., dated October 2007, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (e)(2) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 76 to the Registration Statement of The Advisors' Inner Circle Fund II (File No. 033-50718), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-08-000222 on May 30, 2008.

 

(f) Not applicable.

 

C-10

 

(g)(1)(i) Amended and Restated Custody Agreement, dated February 12, 2013, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank, National Association, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (g)(1)(i) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 233 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-14-000296 on April 30, 2014.

 

(g)(1)(ii) Amendment, dated November 6, 2013, to the Amended and Restated Custody Agreement dated February 12, 2013 between the Registrant and U.S. Bank, National Association, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (g)(1)(ii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 233 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-14-000296 on April 30, 2014.

 

(g)(2)(i) Custodian Agreement, dated June 26, 2001, between the Registrant and MUFG Union Bank, N.A. (formerly, Union Bank of California, N.A.) is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (g)(2)(i) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 266 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-16-001507 on August 24, 2016.

 

(g)(2)(ii) Amended Appendix B, dated November 21, 2017, to the Custodian Agreement, dated June 26, 2001, between the Registrant and MUFG Union Bank, N.A. (formerly, Union Bank of California, N.A.), is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (g)(2)(ii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 289 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-17-001158 on December 21, 2017.

 

(g)(3)(i) Custodian Agreement, dated November 25, 2014, between the Registrant and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (g)(3)(i) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 266 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-16-001507 on August 24, 2016.

 

(g)(3)(ii) Amendment, dated May 12, 2015, to the Custodian Agreement, dated November 25, 2014, between the Registrant and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (g)(3)(ii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 266 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-16-001507 on August 24, 2016.

 

(g)(3)(iii) Amendment, dated November 6, 2015, to the Custodian Agreement, dated November 25, 2014, between the Registrant and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (g)(3)(iii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 266 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-16-001507 on August 24, 2016.

 

(g)(3)(iv) Amendment, dated August 25, 2016, to the Custodian Agreement, dated November 25, 2014, between the Registrant and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (g)(3)(iv) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 272 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-16-001815 on October 31, 2016.

 

(h)(1)(i) Administration Agreement, dated November 14, 1991, as amended and restated November 12, 2002, between the Registrant and SEI Investments Global Funds Services, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (h)(3) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 206 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-13-000118 on March 1, 2013.

 

(h)(1)(ii) Amendment, dated June 11, 2014, relating to the LSV Funds, to the Administration Agreement, dated November 14, 1991, as amended and restated November 12, 2002, between the Registrant and SEI Investments Global Funds Services, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (h)(1)(ii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 236 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-14-000442 on June 24, 2014.

 

C-11

 

(h)(1)(iii) Amendment, dated May 18, 2016, to the Administration Agreement, dated November 14, 1991, as amended and restated November 12, 2002, between the Registrant and SEI Investments Global Funds Services, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (h)(1)(iii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 268 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-16-001670 on September 1, 2016.

 

(h)(1)(iv) Form of Amendment to the Administration Agreement, dated November 14, 1991, as amended and restated November 12, 2002, between the Registrant and SEI Investments Global Funds Services, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (h)(1)(iv) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 292 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001398344-18-003073 on February 28, 2018.

 

(h)(2)(i) Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated January 15, 2003, between the Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (h)(62) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-03-000495 on August 28, 2003.

 

(h)(2)(ii) AML Delegation Amendment, dated May 20, 2003, to the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated January 15, 2003, between the Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (h)(65) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 68 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-03-000630 on December 29, 2003.

 

(h)(2)(iii) Amendment to and Assignment of Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated March 8, 2018, between the Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (h)(2)(iii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 294 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001398344-18-006346 on April 30, 2018.

 

(h)(2)(iv) Agency Agreement, dated April 1, 2006, between the Registrant and DST Systems, Inc., is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (h)(7) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 190 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-12-000262 on May 23, 2012.

 

(h)(2)(v) Amendment, dated April 1, 2009, to the Agency Agreement, dated April 1, 2006, between the Registrant and DST Systems, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (h)(2)(vi) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 266 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-16-001507 on August 24, 2016.

 

(h)(2)(vi) Amended Fee Schedule, dated August 30, 2012, to the Agency Agreement, dated April 1, 2006, between the Registrant and DST Systems, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (h)(10) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 193 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-12-000370 on August 22, 2012.

 

(h)(2)(vii) Amendment, dated November 13, 2013, to the Agency Agreement, dated April 1, 2006, between the Registrant and DST Systems, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (h)(2)(viii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 266 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-16-001507 on August 24, 2016.

 

(h)(2)(viii) Amendment No. 3, dated April 30, 2018, to the Agency Agreement, dated April 1, 2006, between the Registrant and DST Systems, Inc., is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (h)(2)(viii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 297 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001398344-18-012526 on August 27, 2018.

 

(h)(2)(ix) Transfer Agency Services Agreement, dated November 14, 2012, between the Registrant and Atlantic Shareholder Services, LLC, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (h)(2)(viii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 292 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001398344-18-003073 on February 28, 2018.

 

C-12

 

(h)(2)(x) Amendment, dated November 19, 2013, to the Transfer Agency Services Agreement, dated November 14, 2012, between the Registrant and Atlantic Shareholder Services, LLC, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (h)(2)(ix) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 292 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001398344-18-003073 on February 28, 2018.

 

(h)(3)(i) Shareholder Services Plan is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (h)(3) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 261 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-16-001069 on February 26, 2016.

 

(h)(3)(ii) Amended Exhibit A to the Shareholder Services Plan, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (h)(3)(ii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 288 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-17-001113 on December 13, 2017.

 

(h)(4)(i) Securities Lending Agency Agreement, dated October 23, 2012, between the Registrant and Securities Lending Finance Trust Company, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (h)(4)(i) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 292 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001398344-18-003073 on February 28, 2018.

 

(h)(4)(ii) Securities Lending Authorization Agreement, dated November 3, 2014, between BNP Paribas, New York Branch and Edgewood Growth Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (h)(4)(ii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 292 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001398344-18-003073 on February 28, 2018.

 

(h)(4)(iii) First Amendment, dated February 3, 2015, to the Securities Lending Authorization Agreement, dated November 3, 2014, between BNP Paribas, acting through its New York Branch, and Edgewood Growth Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (h)(4)(iii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 292 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001398344-18-003073 on February 28, 2018.

 

(h)(4)(iv) Securities Lending Authorization Agreement, dated June 2, 2016, between BNP Paribas, acting through its New York Branch, and the Cornerstone Advisors Global Public Equity Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (h)(4)(iv) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 292 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001398344-18-003073 on February 28, 2018.

 

(i) Opinion and Consent of Counsel, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, to be filed by amendment.

 

(j) Not Applicable.

 

(k) Not Applicable.

 

(l) Not Applicable.

 

(m)(1)(i) Distribution Plan, dated August 8, 1994, as amended August 14, 2000, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (m) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0000950109-00-004829 on December 13, 2000.

 

C-13

 

(m)(1)(ii) Schedule A, as last amended August 21, to the Distribution Plan, dated August 8, 1994, as amended August 14, 2000, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (m)(1)(ii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 297 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001398344-18-012526 on August 27, 2018.

 

(m)(2)(i) Distribution Plan, dated September 17, 2002, relating to Investor Shares of the Rice Hall James SMID Cap Portfolio (formerly, Rice Hall James Mid Cap Portfolio), is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (m)(6) of Post- Effective Amendment No. 74 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-04- 000242 on June 1, 2004.

 

(m)(2)(ii) Amended Schedule A, dated November 13, 2007, to the Distribution Plan, dated September 17, 2002, relating to Investor Shares of the Rice Hall James SMID Cap Portfolio (formerly, Rice Hall James Mid Cap Portfolio), is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (m)(4) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 111 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-09-000276 on July 2, 2009.

 

(n)(1) Registrant's Amended and Restated Rule 18f-3 Plan, dated February 21, 2007, including Schedules and Certificates of Class Designation thereto, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (n) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 229 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-14-000099 on February 28, 2014.

 

(n)(2) Amended and Restated Schedule M and Certificates of Class Designation to the Registrant’s Amended and Restated Rule 18f-3 Plan, dated February 21, 2007, relating to the LSV Funds, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (n)(2) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 297 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001398344-18-012526 on August 27, 2018.

 

(n)(3) Amended and Restated Schedule B and Certificates of Class Designation to the Amended and Restated Rule 18f-3 Plan, dated February 21, 2007, relating to the Cambiar Funds, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (n)(3) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 258 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-15-000632 on August 28, 2015.

 

(n)(4) Amended and Restated Schedule D and Certificates of Class Designation to the Amended and Restated Rule 18f-3 Plan, dated February 21, 2007, relating to the Westwood Funds, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (n)(1)(iv) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 254 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-15-000298 on April 20, 2015.

(n)(5) Amended and Restated Schedule D and Certificates of Class Designation to the Amended and Restated Rule 18f-3 Plan, dated February 21, 2007, relating to the Westwood Funds, to be filed by amendment.

(n)(6) Schedule N and Certificates of Class Designation to the Registrant’s Amended and Restated Rule 18f-3 Plan, dated February 21, 2007, relating to the Acadian Emerging Markets Portfolio, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (n)(5) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 268 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-16-001670 on September 1, 2016.

(n)(7) Amended and Restated Schedule C and Certificates of Class Designation to the Amended and Restated Rule 18f-3 Plan, dated February 21, 2007, relating to the Edgewood Growth Fund, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (n)(6) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 274 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-16-001948 on December 30, 2016.

(n)(8) Amended and Restated Schedule L and Certificates of Class Designation to the Amended and Restated Rule 18f-3 Plan, dated February 21, 2007, relating to the AT Funds, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (n)(7) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 288 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-17-001113 on December 13, 2017.

 

C-14

 

(n)(9) Amended and Restated Schedule F and Certificates of Class Designation to the Amended and Restated Rule 18f-3 Plan, dated February 21, 2007, relating to the AlphaOne Funds, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (n)(8) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 289 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-17-001158 on December 21, 2017.

 

(o) Not Applicable.

 

(p)(1) Registrant's Code of Ethics, dated November 2007, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (p)(1) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-07-000518 on November 15, 2007.

 

(p)(2) LSV Asset Management Revised Code of Ethics, dated November 29, 2017, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (p)(2) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 292 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001398344-18-003073 on February 28, 2018.

 

(p)(3) Cambiar Investors, LLC Revised Code of Ethics, dated April 1, 2016, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (p)(3) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 267 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-16-001529 on August 26, 2016.

 

(p)(4) Investment Counselors of Maryland, LLC Revised Code of Ethics, dated November 2015, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (p)(4) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 261 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-16-001069 on February 26, 2016.

 

(p)(5) C.S. McKee, L.P. Revised Code of Ethics, dated April 18, 2013, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (p)(5) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 229 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-14-000099 on February 28, 2014.

 

(p)(6) Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley, LLC Revised Code of Ethics, dated December 5, 2016, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (p)(6) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 277 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-17-000154 on February 28, 2017.

 

(p)(7) First Manhattan Co. Revised Code of Ethics, dated December 2006, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (p)(11) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 97 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-07-000146 on April 30, 2007.

 

(p)(8) Haverford Investment Management, Inc. Revised Code of Ethics, dated April 2017, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (p)(8) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 284 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-17-000729 on August 28, 2017.

 

(p)(9) Rice Hall James & Associates, LLC Revised Code of Ethics, dated June 2017, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (p)(9) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 289 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-17-001158 on December 21, 2017.

 

C-15

 

(p)(10) Acadian Asset Management LLC Revised Code of Ethics, dated January 2016, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (p)(10) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 272 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-16-001815 on October 31, 2016.

 

(p)(11) Westwood Management Corp. Revised Code of Ethics, dated July 27, 2016, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (p)(11) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 275 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-16-001950 on December 30, 2016.

 

(p)(12) Edgewood Management LLC Revised Code of Ethics, dated October 1, 2017, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (p)(12) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 289 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-17-001158 on December 21, 2017.

 

(p)(13) Sands Capital Management, LLC Revised Code of Ethics, dated March 2017, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (p)(13) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 284 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-17-000729 on August 28, 2017.

 

(p)(14) AlphaOne Investment Services, LLC Code of Ethics, dated May 1, 2011, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (p)(20) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 158 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-11-000517 on September 16, 2011.

 

(p)(15) Loomis, Sayles & Company L.P. Revised Code of Ethics, dated August 9, 2017, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (p)(15) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 289 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-17-001158 on December 21, 2017.

 

(p)(16) SKY Harbor Capital Management, LLC Code of Ethics is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (p)(21) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 206 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-13-000118 on March 1, 2013.

 

(p)(17) Hamlin Capital Management, LLC Revised Code of Ethics is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (p)(19) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 233 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-14-000296 on April 30, 2014.

 

(p)(18) Thomson Horstmann & Bryant, Inc. Revised Code of Ethics is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (p)(20) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 229 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-14-000099 on February 28, 2014.

 

(p)(19) SEI Investments Distribution Co. Code of Ethics, dated September 30, 2017, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (p)(19) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 289 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-17-001158 on December 21, 2017.

 

C-16

 

(p)(20) Cornerstone Advisors, Inc. Code of Ethics is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (p)(27) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 193 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-12-000370 on August 22, 2012.

 

(p)(21) Parametric Portfolio Associates® LLC Revised Code of Ethics, dated July 1, 2017, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (p)(21) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 284 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-17-000729 on August 28, 2017.

 

(p)(22) Harris Associates L.P. Revised Code of Ethics, dated September 21, 2016, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (p)(23) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 274 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-16-001948 on December 30, 2016.

 

(p)(23) Thornburg Investment Management Inc. Revised Code of Ethics, dated March 2017, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (p)(23) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 284 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-17-000729 on August 28, 2017.

 

(p)(24) Marsico Capital Management, LLC Revised Code of Ethics, dated August 10, 2017, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (p)(24) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 289 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-17-001158 on December 21, 2017.

 

(p)(25) Cramer Rosenthal McGlynn LLC Revised Code of Ethics is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (p)(26) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 261 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-16-001069 on February 26, 2016.

 

(p)(26) Fairpointe Capital LLC Revised Code of Ethics, dated 2015, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (p)(27) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 261 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-16-001069 on February 26, 2016.

 

(p)(27) Phocas Financial Corporation Code of Ethics is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (p)(35) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 193 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-12-000370 on August 22, 2012.

 

(p)(28) Allianz Global Investors U.S. LLC Revised Code of Ethics, dated December 12, 2016, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (p)(29) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 277 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-17-000154 on February 28, 2017.

 

(p)(29) Driehaus Capital Management LLC Revised Code of Ethics, dated June 15, 2015, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (p)(30) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 261 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-16-001069 on February 26, 2016.

 

(p)(30) OFI SteelPath, Inc. Revised Code of Ethics, dated May 26, 2016, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (p)(31) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 274 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-16-001948 on December 30, 2016.

 

C-17

 

(p)(31) ClariVest Asset Management LLC Revised Code of Ethics is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (p)(31) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 284 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-17-000729 on August 28, 2017.

 

(p)(32) Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, L.P. Revised Code of Ethics is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (p)(33) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 274 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-16-001948 on December 30, 2016.

 

(p)(33) BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. Code of Ethics is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (p)(45) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 193 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-12-000370 on August 22, 2012.

 

(p)(34) Harvest Global Investments Limited Revised Code of Ethics, dated October 2015, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (p)(36) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 263 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-16-001304 on April 29, 2016.

 

(p)(35) AT Investment Advisers, Inc. Code of Ethics, dated March 31, 2010, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (p)(46) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 221 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-13-000503 on September 4, 2013.

 

(p)(36) Fayez Sarofim & Co. Code of Ethics, dated October 27, 2014, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (p)(38) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 255 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-15-000328 on April 30, 2015.

 

(p)(37) SEI Investments Global Funds Services Code of Ethics, dated February 2017, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (p)(37) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 289 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-17-001158 on December 21, 2017.

 

(p)(38) Numeric Investors LLC Revised Code of Ethics, dated August 2014, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (p)(40) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 261 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-16-001069 on February 26, 2016.

 

(p)(39) Strategic Income Management, LLC Code of Ethics, dated March 2013, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (p)(45) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 229 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-14-000099 on February 28, 2014.

 

(p)(40) AJO, LP Revised Code of Ethics, dated April 1, 2017, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (p)(40) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 284 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-17-000729 on August 28, 2017.

 

(p)(41) Wells Fargo Portfolio Risk Advisors, a Division of Structured Asset Investors, LLC Code of Ethics, dated April 2014, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (p)(46) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 239 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-14-000551 on August 28, 2014.

 

C-18

 

(p)(42) Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated Code of Ethics, dated November 30, 2015, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (p)(44) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 261 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-16-001069 on February 26, 2016.

 

(p)(43) Franklin Advisers, Inc. Code of Ethics, dated May 1, 2013, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (p)(45) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 266 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-16-001507 on August 24, 2016.

 

(p)(44) Metropolitan West Asset Management LLC Code of Ethics is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (p)(46) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 266 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-16-001507 on August 24, 2016.

 

(p)(45) Prime Advisors, Inc. Code of Ethics is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (p)(47) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 266 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-16-001507 on August 24, 2016.

 

(p)(46) Villanova Investment Management Company LLC Code of Ethics is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (p)(46) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 289 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-17-001158 on December 21, 2017.

 

(p)(47) BlackRock International Limited Code of Ethics, dated May 8, 2017, is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (p)(47) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 292 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001398344-18-003073 on February 28, 2018.

 

(q)(1) Powers of Attorney for Ms. Betty L. Krikorian and Messrs. Robert A. Nesher, George J. Sullivan, Jr., Mitchell A. Johnson, Bruce Speca and Joseph T. Grause are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (q) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 212 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-13-000327 on June 18, 2013.

 

(q)(2) Power of Attorney for Mr. Stephen Connors is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (q)(2) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 258 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-15-000632 on August 28, 2015.

 

(q)(3) Resolution adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Registrant on February 28, 2017 is incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (q)(3) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 277 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001135428-17-000154 on February 28, 2017.

 

(q)(4) Powers of Attorney for Ms. Tracie E. Ahern and Mr. N. Jeffrey Klauder are incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (q)(4) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 294 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 033-42484), filed with the SEC via EDGAR Accession No. 0001398344-18-006346 on April 30, 2018.

 

ITEM 29. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH REGISTRANT:

Not Applicable.

 

ITEM 30. INDEMNIFICATION:

 

Article VIII of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust filed as Exhibit (a) to the Registrant's Registration Statement is incorporated herein by reference. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933 Act") may be permitted to trustees, directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant by the Registrant pursuant to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust or otherwise, the Registrant is aware that in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and, therefore, is 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 trustees, directors, officers or controlling persons of the Registrant in connection with the successful defense of any act, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such trustees, directors, officers or controlling persons in connection with the shares 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 issues.

 

C-19

 

ITEM 31. BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF INVESTMENT ADVISERS:

 

The following lists any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each investment adviser, and each director, officer or partner of that investment adviser, is or has been engaged within the last two fiscal years for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner, or trustee. Unless noted below, none of the investment advisers, and/or director, officer or partner of each investment adviser, is or has been engaged within the last two fiscal years in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

 

Acadian Asset Management LLC

Acadian Asset Management LLC (“Acadian”) serves as the investment adviser to the Acadian Emerging Markets Portfolio and as an investment sub-adviser to the Cornerstone Advisors Global Public Equity Fund. The principal address of Acadian is 260 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. Acadian is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The information listed below is for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2017.

 

Name and Position

with Investment Adviser

Name and Principal Business

Address of Other Company

Connection with

Other Company

John Chisholm, Executive Vice President, co-CEO, co-CIO

Acadian Asset Management (UK) Ltd

110 Cannon Street, 4th Floor
London

EC4N 6EU
United Kingdom

 

Acadian Asset Management (Australia) Ltd

20 Martin Place

Level 9, Suite 3
Sydney, NSW 2000
Australia

 

Acadian Asset Management (Japan)

Marunouchi Trust Tower Main
1-8-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 100-0005

Japan

 

Acadian Asset Management (Singapore) Pte Ltd

8 Shenton Way, #37-02
Singapore 068811

Affiliated Directorships

 

C-20

 

Name and Position

with Investment Adviser

Name and Principal Business

Address of Other Company

Connection with

Other Company

Ross Dowd, Executive Vice President, co-CEO

Acadian Asset Management (UK) Ltd

110 Cannon Street, 4th Floor
London

EC4N 6EU
United Kingdom

 

Acadian Asset Management (Australia) Ltd

20 Martin Place

Level 9, Suite 3
Sydney, NSW 2000
Australia

 

Acadian Asset Management (Japan)

Marunouchi Trust Tower Main
1-8-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 100-0005

Japan

 

Acadian Asset Management (Singapore) Pte Ltd

8 Shenton Way, #37-02
Singapore 068811

Affiliated Directorships
Mark Minichiello, Executive Vice President, COO, Treasurer, Secretary

Acadian Asset Management (UK) Ltd

110 Cannon Street, 4th Floor
London

EC4N 6EU
United Kingdom

 

Acadian Asset Management (Australia) Ltd

20 Martin Place

Level 9, Suite 3
Sydney, NSW 2000
Australia

 

Acadian Asset Management (Japan)

Marunouchi Trust Tower Main
1-8-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 100-0005

Japan

 

Acadian Asset Management (Singapore) Pte Ltd

8 Shenton Way, #37-02
Singapore 068811

Affiliated Directorships

Jennifer Souza, Member of Board of Managers

 

 

OMAM Inc. (f/k/a Old Mutual (US) Holdings Inc.) (a holding company);

200 Clarendon Street, 53rd Floor

Boston, MA 02116

 

Acadian Asset Management LLC (an investment advisor);

260 Franklin Street

Boston, MA 02110

 

Investment Counselors of Maryland, LLC (an investment advisor);

300 East Lombard Street, Suite 810

Baltimore, MD 21202

Senior Vice President, Director of Affiliate Management

 

 

Affiliated Directorships

 

C-21

 

Name and Position

with Investment Adviser

Name and Principal Business

Address of Other Company

Connection with

Other Company

Christopher Hadley, Member of Board of Managers

OM Asset Management PLC (a public company traded on the NYSE);

5th Floor Millennium Bridge House

2 Lambeth Hill

London

EC4V 4GG

United Kingdom

 

OMAM Inc. (f/k/a Old Mutual (US) Holdings Inc.) (a holding company);

200 Clarendon Street, 53rd Floor

Boston, MA 02116

 

Acadian Asset Management LLC (an investment advisor)

260 Franklin Street

Boston, MA 02110

Executive Vice President and Chief Talent Officer

 

 

 

 

 

Executive Vice President and Chief Talent Officer

 

 

Affiliated Directorships

Aidan Riordan, Member of Board of Managers

OM Asset Management PLC (a public company traded on the NYSE);

5th Floor Millennium Bridge House

2 Lambeth Hill

London

EC4V 4GG

United Kingdom

 

OMAM Inc. (f/k/a Old Mutual (US) Holdings Inc.) (a holding company);

200 Clarendon Street, 53rd Floor

Boston, MA 02116

 

Acadian Asset Management LLC (an investment advisor);

260 Franklin Street

Boston, MA 02110

 

Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC (an investment advisor);

JPMorgan Chase Tower

2200 Ross Avenue, 31st Floor

Dallas, TX 75201

 

The Campbell Group, Inc. (a holding company for Campbell Global, LLC)

One South West Columbia, Suite 1720

Portland, OR 97258

 

Copper Rock Capital Partners LLC (an investment advisor);

200 Clarendon Street, 51st Floor

Boston, MA 02116

 

Landmark Partners LLC (an investment advisor);

10 Mill Pond Lane Simsbury
Simsbury, CT 06070

 

Investment Counselors of Maryland, LLC (an investment advisor);

300 East Lombard Street, Suite 810

Baltimore, MD 21202

 

OMAM International Ltd. (f/k/a Old Mutual Asset Management International, Ltd.) (an investment advisor);

Millennium Bridge House

2 Lambeth Hill
London

EC4V 4GG
England

 

Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley LLC (an investment advisor)

6806 Paragon Pl., Ste. 300

Richmond, VA 23230

Executive Vice President, Head of Affiliate Management

 

 

 

 

 

Director, Executive Vice President, Head of Affiliate Management

 

 

Affiliated Directorships

 

C-22

 

Name and Position

with Investment Adviser

Name and Principal Business

Address of Other Company

Connection with

Other Company

Stephen Belgrad, Member of Board of Managers

OM Asset Management PLC (a public company traded on the NYSE);

5th Floor Millennium Bridge House

2 Lambeth Hill

London

EC4V 4GG

United Kingdom

 

OMAM Inc. (f/k/a Old Mutual (US) Holdings Inc.) (a holding company);

200 Clarendon Street, 53rd Floor

Boston, MA 02116

 

Acadian Asset Management LLC (an investment advisor);

260 Franklin Street

Boston, MA 02110

 

Landmark Partners LLC (an investment advisor);

10 Mill Pond Lane Simsbury
Simsbury, CT 06070

 

OMAM International Ltd. (f/k/a Old Mutual Asset Management International, Ltd.) (an investment advisor)

Millennium Bridge House

2 Lambeth Hill
London

EC4V 4GG
England

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

Affiliated Directorships

 

C-23

 

AJO, LP

AJO, LP (“AJO”) serves as an investment sub-adviser for the Cornerstone Advisors Public Alternatives Fund. The principal address of AJO is 230 South Broad Street, 20th Floor, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102. AJO is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

 

During the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2017, no director, officer or partner of AJO engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

 

Allianz Global Investors U.S. LLC

Allianz Global Investors U.S. LLC (“AllianzGI US”) serves as an investment sub-adviser for the Cornerstone Advisors Global Public Equity Fund and the Cornerstone Advisors Income Opportunities Fund. The principal address of AllianzGI US is 1633 Broadway, New York, New York 10019. AllianzGI US is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The information listed below is for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2017.

 

Name and Position

with Investment Adviser

Name and Principal Business

Address of Other Company

Connection with

Other Company

Douglas Eu, Member, Executive Committee Allianz Global Investors U.S. Holdings LLC

Allianz Global Investors Holdings LLC

1633 Broadway

New York, NY 10019

Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer

Allianz Global Investors GmbH

Bockenheimer Landstrasse 42-44

60323 Frankfurt

Germany

Member, Global Executive Committee
Barbara Claussen, Member, Executive Committee Allianz Global Investors U.S. Holdings LLC

Allianz Global Investors Holdings LLC

1633 Broadway

New York, NY 10019

Managing Director, Chief Administrative Officer, Member-Operating Committee
Erin Bengtson-Olivieri, Member, Executive Committee Allianz Global Investors U.S. Holdings LLC, Chief Financial Officer

Allianz Global Investors Holdings LLC

1633 Broadway

New York, NY 10019

Managing Director, Chief Financial Officer

Allianz Global Investors Distributors LLC

1633 Broadway

New York, NY 10019

Managing Director
Peter Bonanno, Member, Executive Committee Allianz Global Investors U.S. Holdings LLC

Allianz Global Investors Holdings LLC

1633 Broadway

New York, NY 10019

Managing Director, Chief Legal Officer, Secretary, Global General Counsel, Secretary - Executive Committee, Secretary - Operating Committee

Allianz Global Investors Distributors LLC

1633 Broadway

New York, NY 10019

Managing Director
Paul Koo, Chief Compliance Officer

Allianz Global Investors Holdings LLC

1633 Broadway

New York, NY 10019

Director, Head of U.S. Compliance
Andreas Utermann, Chair, Global Executive Committee Allianz Global Investors

Allianz Global Investors GmbH

Bockenheimer Landstrasse 42-44

60323 Frankfurt

Germany

Managing Director, Global Chief Executive Officer, Global Chief Investment Officer

Tokio Marine Rogge Asset Management Ltd

199 Bishopsgate

London, England EC2M 3TY

Director

 

C-24

 

AlphaOne Investment Services, LLC

AlphaOne Investment Services, LLC (“AlphaOne”) serves as the investment adviser for the AlphaOne Small Cap Opportunities Fund, AlphaOne NextGen Technology Fund and AlphaOne VIMCO Small Cap Value Fund. The principal address of AlphaOne is 789 E. Lancaster Avenue, Suite 120, Villanova, Pennsylvania 19085. AlphaOne is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The information listed below is for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2017.

 

Name and Position

with Investment Adviser

Name and Principal Business

Address of Other Company

Connection with

Other Company

Paul Hondros, President and CEO

IntrustNet Insurance Services, LLC

7 Whippoorwill Rd.

Armonk, NY 10504

Chairman

 

AT Investment Advisers, Inc.

AT Investment Advisers, Inc. (“AT”) serves as the investment adviser for the AT Disciplined Equity Fund, AT Income Opportunities Fund, AT Mid Cap Equity Fund, AT All Cap Growth Fund and AT Equity Income Fund. The principal address of AT is One South Wacker Drive, Suite 3500, Chicago, Illinois 60606. AT is an investment adviser registered with the SEC under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The information listed below is for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2017.

 

Name and Position

with Investment Adviser

Name and Principal Business

Address of Other Company

Connection with

Other Company

Dan Brown, CFO

CIBC World Markets Corp.

425 Lexington Ave.

New York, NY 10017

Vice President Finance, US & Latin America
Stephen Wade, Director

CIBC World Markets Corp.

425 Lexington Avenue

New York, NY 10017

Senior Vice President and Chief Risk Officer, USA

 

BlackRock Financial Management, Inc.

BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. (“BlackRock”) serves as an investment sub-adviser for the Cornerstone Advisors Real Assets Fund. The principal address of BlackRock is 55 East 52nd Street, New York, New York 10055. BlackRock is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

 

C-25

 

The information required by this Item 31 with respect to each director, officer or partner of BlackRock for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2017 is incorporated herein by reference to Form ADV filed by BlackRock with the SEC.

 

BlackRock International Limited

BlackRock International Limited (“BIL”) serves as an investment sub-sub-adviser for the Cornerstone Advisors Real Assets Fund. The principal address of BIL is Exchange Place One, 1 Semple Street, Edinburgh EH3 8BL, Scotland. BIL is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

 

The information required by this Item 31 with respect to each director, officer or partner of BIL for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2017 is incorporated herein by reference to Form ADV filed by BIL with the SEC.

 

Cambiar Investors, LLC

Cambiar Investors, LLC (“Cambiar”) serves as the investment adviser to the Cambiar Opportunity Fund, the Cambiar International Equity Fund, the Cambiar Small Cap Fund, the Cambiar Global Ultra Focus Fund, the Cambiar SMID Fund, the Cambiar Global Equity Fund and the Cambiar International Small Cap Fund. The principal address of Cambiar is 200 Columbine Street, Suite 800, Denver, Colorado 80206. Cambiar is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

 

During the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2017, no director, officer or partner of Cambiar engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

 

ClariVest Asset Management LLC

ClariVest Asset Management LLC (“ClariVest”) serves as an investment sub-adviser for the Cornerstone Advisors Global Public Equity Fund and Cornerstone Advisors Public Alternatives Fund. The principal address of ClariVest is 3611 Valley Centre Drive, Suite 100, San Diego, California 92130. ClariVest is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The information listed below is for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2017.

 

Name and Position with

Investment Adviser

Name and Principal Business

Address of Other Company

Connection with

Other Company

Aaron Ochstein

ClariVest Asset Management LLC
3611 Valley Centre Drive

Suite 100

San Diego, CA 92130

Manager

 

 

Eagle Asset Management Inc.

880 Carillon Parkway

St Petersburg, FL 33716

Senior Vice President, Global Head of Sales

 

Carillon Tower Advisers Inc. 880 Carillon Parkway

St Petersburg, FL 33716

Senior Vice President, Global Head of Sales

 

J. Cooper Abbott

Manager

 

Eagle Asset Management Inc.

880 Carillon Parkway

St Petersburg, FL 33716

Director, President

Carillon Tower Advisers

880 Carillon Parkway

St. Petersburg, Florida 33716

Chairman

President

ClariVest Asset Management LLC
3611 Valley Centre Drive

Suite 100

San Diego, CA 92130

Manager

 

Courtland James

Manager

 

Eagle Asset Management Inc.

880 Carillon Parkway

St Petersburg, FL 33716

Executive Vice President

Director

Carillon Tower Advisers

880 Carillon Parkway

St. Petersburg, Florida 33716

Director

Executive Vice President

ClariVest Asset Management LLC
3611 Valley Centre Drive

Suite 100

San Diego, CA 92130

Manager

 

 

C-26

 

Cornerstone Advisors, Inc.

Cornerstone Advisors, Inc. (“Cornerstone”) serves as the investment adviser for the Cornerstone Advisors Global Public Equity Fund, Cornerstone Advisors Income Opportunities Fund, Cornerstone Advisors Public Alternatives Fund, Cornerstone Advisors Real Assets Fund, and Cornerstone Advisors Core Plus Bond Fund. The principal address of Cornerstone is 225 108th Avenue NE, Suite 400, Bellevue, Washington 98004-5782. Cornerstone is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The information listed below is for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2017.

 

Name and Position with

Investment Adviser

Name and Principal Business

Address of Other Company

Connection with

Other Company

Anne Farrell

Director

Seattle Foundation

1200 – 5th Avenue, Suite 1300

Seattle, WA 98101

President Emeritus
Seattle University Trustee Emeritus
Delta Dental of Washington Director
KCTS Channel 9 Public Television Board Chairwoman
National Assoc. of Corporate Directors Directors

Greg Collins

Director

Parker Smith & Feek (PS&F)

2233 112th Ave NE

Bellevue, WA 98004

President/CEO
Overlake Medical Center Board Chairman
Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Director

 

Cramer Rosenthal McGlynn LLC

Cramer Rosenthal McGlynn LLC (“CRM”) serves as an investment sub-adviser for the Cornerstone Advisors Global Public Equity Fund. The principal address of CRM is 520 Madison Avenue, 20th Floor, New York, New York 10022. CRM is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

 

During the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2017, no director, officer or partner of CRM engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

 

C-27

 

C.S. McKee, L.P.

C.S. McKee, L.P. (“C.S. McKee”) serves as the investment adviser to the McKee International Equity Portfolio. The principal address of C.S. McKee is One Gateway Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222. C.S. McKee is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The information listed below is for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2017.

 

Name and Position with Investment Adviser Name and Principal Business Address of Other Company Connection with Other Company

Gregory M. Melvin

Chief Investment Officer

Dartmouth Capital, Inc.

750 Stonegate Drive
Wexford, PA 15090

President

 

Michael J. Donnelly

Vice President

Blue Devil Capital

2051 Murdstone Rd.

Pittsburgh, PA 15241

President

 

Driehaus Capital Management LLC

Driehaus Capital Management LLC (“Driehaus”) serves as an investment sub-adviser for the Cornerstone Advisors Global Public Equity Fund. The principal address of Driehaus is 25 East Erie Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611-2703. Driehaus is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The information listed below is for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2017.

 

Name and Position with Investment Adviser Name of Other Company Connection with Other Company

Richard H. Driehaus

Chairman. Chief Investment Officer through 10/3/2017

Driehaus Capital Holdings LLLP* Chairman
Driehaus Mutual Funds** Trustee until 10/12/2017
Driehaus Securities LLC*** Chairman. President & Chief Executive Officer from 3/6/2017-12/31/2017

Robert H. Gordon

President and Chief Executive Officer through 3/6/2017

Driehaus Capital Holdings LLLP* President and Chief Executive Officer until 3/6/2017
Driehaus Mutual Funds** President until 3/6/2017
Driehaus Securities LLC*** President and Chief Executive Officer until 3/6/2017

Stephen J. Kneeley

Interim President and Chief Executive Officer from 3/6/2017 to 1/1/2018. Named Permanent President and Chief Executive Officer on 1/1/2018

Driehaus Capital Holdings LLLP*

 

Interim President and Chief Executive Officer from 3/6/2017 to 1/1/2018. Named Permanent President and Chief Executive Officer on 1/1/2018

Driehaus Mutual Funds**

 

Interim President from 3/6/2017 to 1/1/2018. Named Permanent President on 1/1/2018

Janet L. McWilliams

Managing Director, Secretary and General Counsel

Driehaus Capital Holdings LLLP* Senior Vice President and Secretary
Driehaus Mutual Funds** Chief Legal Officer and Assistant Vice President
Driehaus Securities LLC*** Managing Director, Secretary and General Counsel

Michelle L. Cahoon

Managing Director, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

 

Driehaus Capital Holdings LLLP* Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
Driehaus Mutual Funds** Vice President and Treasurer
Driehaus Securities LLC*** Managing Director, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

Stephen T. Weber

Managing Director, Sales and Relationship Management

Driehaus Securities LLC*** Managing Director, Sales and Relationship Management

Driehaus Securities LLC***

 

President and Chief Executive Officer effective 1/1/2018

Thomas M. Seftenberg

Managing Director, Relationship Management and Marketing

Driehaus Securities LLC*** Managing Director, Relationship Management and Marketing

Michael R. Shoemaker

Assistant Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer

Driehaus Mutual Funds** Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Vice President
Driehaus Securities LLC*** Assistant Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer

Michael P. Kailus

Assistant Secretary

Driehaus Mutual Funds** Assistant Secretary and Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer
Driehaus Securities LLC*** Assistant Secretary

 

C-28

 

*Driehaus Capital Holdings LLLP, located at 25 East Erie Street, Chicago, IL 60611, is a holding company and is the majority owner of Driehaus Capital Management LLC and Driehaus Securities LLC.

 

**Driehaus Mutual Funds, located at 25 East Erie Street, Chicago, IL 60611, is an open-end management investment company registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

 

***Driehaus Securities LLC, located at 25 East Erie Street, Chicago, IL 60611, is a limited-purpose broker-dealer registered with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Edgewood Management LLC

Edgewood Management LLC (“Edgewood”) serves as the investment adviser to the Edgewood Growth Fund. The principal address of Edgewood is 535 Madison Avenue, 15th Floor, New York, New York 10022. Edgewood is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

 

During the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2017, no director, officer or partner of Edgewood engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

 

Fairpointe Capital LLC

Fairpointe Capital LLC (“Fairpointe”) serves as an investment sub-adviser for the Cornerstone Advisors Global Public Equity Fund. The principal address of Fairpointe is One North Franklin Street, Suite 3300, Chicago, Illinois 60606-2401. Fairpointe is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

 

During the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2017, no director, officer or partner of Fairpointe engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

 

Fayez Sarofim & Co.

Fayez Sarofim & Co. (“Fayez Sarofim”) serves as the investment adviser for the Sarofim Equity Fund. The principal address of Fayez Sarofim is 2907 Two Houston Center, 909 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas 77010. Fayez Sarofim is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The information listed below is for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017.

 

C-29

 

Name and Position with

Investment Adviser

Name and Principal Business

Address of Other Company

Connection with

Other Company

Fayez Sarofim

Chairman, Co-Chief Investment Officer and Director (2015)

Sarofim Trust Co.

Two Houston Center

Suite 2907

Houston, TX 77010

Chairman

Sarofim Realty Advisors Co.

8115 Preston Road
Suite 400
Dallas, TX 75225

Chairman and Director

Sarofim International Management Company

Two Houston Center

Suite 2907

Houston, TX 77010

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Investment Officer and Director

The Sarofim Group, Inc.

Two Houston Center

Suite 2907

Houston, TX 77010

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Kinder Morgan, Inc.

500 Dallas

Suite 1000
Houston, TX 77002

Director

Christopher B. Sarofim

Vice Chairman

Kemper Corporation

One East Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60601

Director

Sarofim Trust Co.

Two Houston Center

Suite 2907

Houston, TX 77010

Vice Chairman

Sarofim International Management Company

Two Houston Center

Suite 2907

Houston, TX 77010

Vice Chairman and President

The Sarofim Group, Inc.

Two Houston Center

Suite 2907

Houston, TX 77010

Director, Vice Chairman

Raye G. White

Executive Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Chief Compliance Officer and Director

Sarofim Trust Co.

Two Houston Center

Suite 2907

Houston, TX 77010

President, Chief Executive Officer, Treasurer and Director

Sarofim International Management Company

Two Houston Center

Suite 2907

Houston, TX 77010

Executive Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Director

Sarofim Realty Advisors Co.

8115 Preston Road
Suite 400
Dallas, TX 75225

Secretary, Treasurer and Director

The Sarofim Group, Inc.

Two Houston Center

Suite 2907

Houston, TX 77010

Executive Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Director

 

C-30

 

Name and Position with

Investment Adviser

Name and Principal Business

Address of Other Company

Connection with

Other Company

William Gentry Lee, Jr., CFA

Chief Executive Officer, Co-Chief Investment Officer and Director (2015)

Sarofim Trust Co.

Two Houston Center

Suite 2907

Houston, TX 77010

Senior Vice President

Sarofim International Management Company

Two Houston Center

Suite 2907

Houston, TX 77010

Senior Vice President

Sarofim Realty Advisors Co.

8115 Preston Road
Suite 400
Dallas, TX 75225

Senior Vice President

The Sarofim Group, Inc.

Two Houston Center

Suite 2907

Houston, TX 77010

Director, President

Charles E. Sheedy, CFA

Senior Vice President

Sarofim Trust Co.

Two Houston Center

Suite 2907

Houston, TX 77010

Senior Vice President and Director

Sarofim Realty Advisors Co.

8115 Preston Road
Suite 400
Dallas, TX 75225

Vice Chairman

Sarofim International Management Company

Two Houston Center

Suite 2907

Houston, TX 77010

Senior Vice President

The Sarofim Group, Inc.

Two Houston Center

Suite 2907

Houston, TX 77010

Senior Vice President

 

C-31

 

Name and Position with

Investment Adviser

Name and Principal Business

Address of Other Company

Connection with

Other Company

Alan R. Christensen, CFA

President and Head of Investment Risk

Sarofim Trust Co.

Two Houston Center

Suite 2907

Houston, TX 77010

Vice President

Sarofim International Management Company

Two Houston Center

Suite 2907

Houston, TX 77010

Vice President

The Sarofim Group, Inc.

Two Houston Center

Suite 2907

Houston, TX 77010

Vice President

Daniel S. Crumrine

Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Deputy Chief Compliance Officer

Sarofim Trust Co.

Two Houston Center

Suite 2907

Houston, TX 77010

Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Director

Sarofim Realty Advisors Co.

8115 Preston Road
Suite 400
Dallas, TX 75225

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Sarofim International Management Company

Two Houston Center

Suite 2907

Houston, TX 77010

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

The Sarofim Group, Inc.

Two Houston Center

Suite 2907

Houston, TX 77010

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

First Manhattan Co.

First Manhattan Co. (“FMC”) serves as the investment adviser for the FMC Select Fund. The principal address of FMC is 399 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10022-7001. FMC is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The information listed below is for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2017.

 

Name and Position with

Investment Adviser

Name and Principal Business

Address of Other Company

Connection with

Other Company

David S. Gottesman, Senior Managing Director

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.

3555 Farnam Street

Omaha, NE 68131

Member, Board of Directors
Arthur J. Stainman, Senior Managing Director

Ark Restaurants Corp.

85 Fifth Avenue, 14th Floor

New York, NY 10003

Member, Board of Directors

 

 

Franklin Advisers, Inc.

Franklin Advisers, Inc. (“Franklin Advisers”) serves as an investment sub-adviser for the Cornerstone Advisors Core Plus Bond Fund. The principal address of Franklin Advisers is One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, California 94403. Franklin Advisers is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

 

C-32

 

During the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2017, no director, officer or partner of Franklin Advisers engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

 

Hamlin Capital Management, LLC

Hamlin Capital Management, LLC (“Hamlin”) serves as the investment adviser for the Hamlin High Dividend Equity Fund. The principal address of Hamlin is 640 Fifth Avenue, 6th Floor, New York, New York 10019. Hamlin is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The information listed below is for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017.

 

Name and Position with

Investment Adviser

Name and Principal Business

Address of Other Company

Connection with

Other Company

Mark Stitzer – Managing Partner

 

Hamlin Capital Advisors, LLC

5550 West Executive Drive, Suite 540

Tampa, FL 33609

Owner

Branchville Persistence, LLC

640 Fifth Avenue, 6th Floor

New York, NY 10019

Owner

Hamlin-Crest GP, LLC

640 Fifth Avenue, 6th Floor

New York, NY 10019

Owner
Joseph Bridy – Senior Partner & Fixed Income Portfolio Manager

Hamlin Capital Advisors, LLC

5550 West Executive Drive, Suite 540

Tampa, FL 33609

Owner

Branchville Persistence, LLC

640 Fifth Avenue, 6th Floor

New York, NY 10019

Owner

Hamlin-Crest GP, LLC

640 Fifth Avenue, 6th Floor

New York, NY 10019

Owner

Chris D’Agnes – Senior Partner & Equity Portfolio Manager

 

Hamlin Capital Advisors, LLC

5550 West Executive Drive, Suite 540

Tampa, FL 33609

Owner

Hamlin-Crest GP, LLC

640 Fifth Avenue, 6th Floor

New York, NY 10019

Owner
Charlie Garland – Senior Partner and Equity Portfolio Manager

Hamlin Capital Advisors, LLC

5550 West Executive Drive, Suite 540

Tampa, FL 33609

Owner

Hamlin-Crest GP, LLC

640 Fifth Avenue, 6th Floor

New York, NY 10019

Owner
Deborah Finegan – Senior Partner & Chief Operating Officer

Hamlin Capital Advisors, LLC

5550 West Executive Drive, Suite 540

Tampa, FL 33609

Owner

Branchville Persistence, LLC

640 Fifth Avenue, 6th Floor

New York, NY 10019

Owner

Hamlin-Crest GP, LLC

640 Fifth Avenue, 6th Floor

New York, NY 10019

Owner

 

C-33

 

Name and Position with

Investment Adviser

Name and Principal Business

Address of Other Company

Connection with

Other Company

Vivian Pan – Senior Partner

Hamlin-Crest GP, LLC

640 Fifth Avenue, 6th Floor

New York, NY 10019

Owner
Benjamin Kaufman – Partner & Senior Bond Analyst

Hamlin-Crest GP, LLC

640 Fifth Avenue, 6th Floor

New York, NY 10019

Owner
Parker Stitzer – Partner & Senior Bond Analyst

Hamlin-Crest GP, LLC

640 Fifth Avenue, 6th Floor

New York, NY 10019

Owner
Michael Tang – Partner & Senior Equity Analyst

Hamlin-Crest GP, LLC

640 Fifth Avenue, 6th Floor

New York, NY 10019

Owner

 

Harris Associates L.P.

Harris Associates L.P. (“Harris”) is a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Harris serves as an investment sub-adviser for the Cornerstone Advisors Global Public Equity Fund. The directors and executive officers of Harris, or Harris Associates, Inc. (“HAI”), its general partner, have had as their sole business, profession, vocation or employment during the past two years only their duties as executive officers/employees of Harris; Harris’ ultimate parent company, Natixis Investment Managers; HAI; Harris Associates Investment Trust (“HAIT”), a U.S. registered investment company consisting of the seven Oakmark Funds for which Harris serves as the advisor and sponsor; and/or Harris Associates Securities L.P. (“HASLP”), an affiliated limited-purpose broker-dealer of which Harris is a limited partner. The business address of Harris, HAI, HAIT and HASLP is 111 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 4600, Chicago, Illinois 60606. The information listed below is for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2017.

 

Name and Position with Investment Adviser Name of Other Company Connection with Other Company

Kristi L. Rowsell

President

HAI Director and President
HAIT Trustee and President
HASLP President

Zachary Weber

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

HAI Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
HAIT Vice Principal
HASLP Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

David G. Herro

Deputy Chairman, Chief Investment Officer, International Equity, Portfolio Manager and Analyst

HAI

 

Director, Deputy Chairman, since 2015, and Chief Investment Officer, International Equity
HAIT Vice President and Portfolio Manager (Oakmark Global Fund, Oakmark Global Select Fund, Oakmark International Fund and Oakmark International Small Cap Fund)

 

C-34

 

Name and Position with Investment Adviser Name of Other Company Connection with Other Company

Anthony P. Coniaris

Co-Chairman, Portfolio Manager and Analyst

HAI

 

Director, Co-Chairman, since 2016
HAIT Executive Vice President and Portfolio Manager (Oakmark Select Fund, Oakmark Global Fund, Oakmark Global Select Fund)

Kevin G. Grant

Co-Chairman, Portfolio Manager and Analyst

HAI

 

Director, Co-Chairman, since 2016
HAIT Executive Vice President and Portfolio Manager (Oakmark Fund)

Colin P. McFarland

Chief Compliance Officer

HAI Chief Compliance Officer

Clyde S. McGregor

Vice President and Portfolio Manager

HAI Vice President
HAIT Vice President and Portfolio Manager (Oakmark Equity and Income Fund and Oakmark Global Fund)

Thomas W. Murray

Vice President, Director of U.S. Research, Portfolio Manager and Analyst

HAI Vice President and Director of U.S. Research
HAIT Vice President and Portfolio Manager (Oakmark Select Fund)

William C. Nygren

Vice President, Chief Investment Officer, U.S. Equity, Portfolio Manager and Analyst

HAI Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, U.S. Equity, since 2017
HAIT Vice President and Portfolio Manager (Oakmark Fund, Oakmark Select Fund and Oakmark Global Select Fund)

Justin D. Hance

Vice President, Director of International Research, since 2016, Portfolio Manager and Analyst

HAI Vice President and Director of International Research
HAIT Vice President and Portfolio Manager (Oakmark International Small Cap Fund)

Michael L. Manelli

Vice President, Portfolio Manager and Analyst

HAI Vice President
HAIT Vice President and Portfolio Manager (Oakmark International Fund, Oakmark International Small Cap Fund)
M. Colin Hudson, Vice President, Portfolio Manager and Analyst HAI Vice President
HAIT Vice President and Portfolio Manager (Oakmark Equity and Income Fund)
Christopher W. Keller, Chief Operating Officer HAI Chief Operating Officer
HAIT Vice President

Jason E. Long

Vice President, Portfolio Manager and Analyst

HAI Vice President
HAIT Vice President, Portfolio Manager and Analyst (Oakmark Global Fund)

Ian J. McPheron

Interim General Counsel and Secretary

HAI Interim General Counsel and Secretary
HASLP Interim General Counsel, AML Officer and Secretary
HAIT Vice President

Michael J. Pietras

Chief Compliance Officer (HASLP)

HASLP Chief Compliance Officer
Jean Raby HAI Director since 2017

Natixis Investment Managers

21 quai d’Austerlitz 75013

Paris, France

Chief Executive Officer
David Giunta HAI Director since 2017

Natixis Investment Managers, L.P.

888 Boylston Street

Boston, MA 02199

President and CEO, Natixis Investment Managers, L.P.
Beverly M. Bearden HAI Director since 2017

Natixis Investment Managers, L.P.

888 Boylston Street

Boston, MA 02199

Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Head of Human Resources, Natixis Investment Managers

 

C-35

 

Harvest Global Investments Limited

Harvest Global Investments Limited (“Harvest”) serves as the investment adviser for the Harvest Funds China All Assets and the Harvest Asian Bond Fund. The principal address of Harvest is 31/F One Exchange Square, 8 Connaught Place, Central Hong Kong. Harvest is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The information listed below is for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017.

 

Name and Position with

Investment Adviser

Name and Principal Business

Address of Other Company

Connection with

Other Company

Zhao Xuejun

Director

Harvest Capital Management Co Limited

8/F, China Resources Building, No.8, Jianguomen Beidajie, Beijing, China

Director

Harvest Wealth Management Co., Ltd

Unit 4606-10, Shanghai Two ifc, 8 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai P.R.C

Director

Harvest Real Estate Investments (Cayman) Limited

190 Elgin Avenue, George Town Grand Cayman KY1-9005, Cayman Islands

Director

Harvest Real Estate Investment (HK) Limited

31/F, One Exchange Square, 8 Connaught Place, Central , Hong Kong

Director

Harvest Capital International (Cayman) Limited

190 Elgin Avenue, George Town

Grand Cayman KY1-9005

Cayman Islands

Director

Harvest Capital International (Hong Kong) Limited

701, 7/F, Tower 2, Silvercord, 30 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Director

igoldenbeta Network Technology (Cayman) Limited

190 Elgin Avenue, George Town, Grand Cayman KY1-9005, Cayman Islands

Director

 

C-36

 

Name and Position with

Investment Adviser

Name and Principal Business

Address of Other Company

Connection with

Other Company

Li Ming

Director

Harvest Capital Management Co Limited

8/F, China Resources Building, No.8, Jianguomen Beidajie, Beijing

Director

Wang Wei

Director

Harvest Capital Management Co Limited

8/F, China Resources Building, No.8, Jianguomen Beidajie, Beijing

Chief Risk Officer,

Director

Harvest Alternative Investment Group Limited

Offshore Incorporations Centre, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Director

Harvest Global Capital Investments Limited

31/F, One Exchange Square, 8 Connaught Place, Central , Hong Kong

Director

Harvest Capital International (Cayman) Limited

190 Elgin Avenue, George Town

Grand Cayman KY1-9005

Cayman Islands

Director

Harvest Capital International (Hong Kong) Limited

701, 7/F, Tower 2, Silvercord, 30 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Director

Sun Chen

Director

Harvest USA Incorporation

160 Greentree Drive, Suite 101, City of Dover 19904, Country of Kent, State of Delaware

Director

HGI (USA) Investments LLC

708 Third Avenue

Sixth Floor

New York, NY 10017

Director

HGI (USA) LLC

708 Third Avenue

Sixth Floor

New York, NY 10017

Director

Harvest Global Investments (UK) Limited

5th Floor, 6 St. Andrew Street,

London, EC4A 3AE

Director
Harvest Global Capital Investments Limited 31/F, One Exchange Square, 8 Connaught Place, Central , Hong Kong Director

 

C-37

 

Name and Position with

Investment Adviser

Name and Principal Business

Address of Other Company

Connection with

Other Company

Kerry Chow

Employee

Harvest USA Incorporation

160 Greentree Drive, Suite 101, City of Dover 19904, Country of Kent, State of Delaware.

Director

HGI (USA) Investments LLC

708 Third Avenue

Sixth Floor

New York, NY 10017

Director

HGI (USA) LLC

708 Third Avenue

Sixth Floor

New York, NY 10017

Director

Harvest Global Investments (UK) Limited

5th Floor, 6 St. Andrew Street,

London, EC4A 3AE

Director

David Tong

Employee

Harvest USA Incorporation

160 Greentree Drive, Suite 101, City of Dover 19904, Country of Kent, State of Delaware.

Director

HGI (USA) Investments LLC

708 Third Avenue

Sixth Floor

New York, NY 10017

Director

HGI (USA) LLC

708 Third Avenue

Sixth Floor

New York, NY 10017

Director

Thomas Kwan

Employee

DKJ Company Limited

Flat E, 11/F, Block 4, Nam Fu Estate, Quarry Bay, HK

Director
  Micro Eco Farm (HK) Limited
Rm A5, 3/F, On Tat Ind Bldg, No 3-5
Pat Tat St, Kowloon, HK
Director

 

Haverford Financial Services, Inc.

Haverford Financial Services, Inc. (“Haverford”) serves as the investment adviser for the Haverford Quality Growth Stock Fund. The principal address of Haverford is Three Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 450, Radnor, Pennsylvania 19087-4546. Haverford is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The information listed below is for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2017.

 

Name and Position with

Investment Adviser

Name and Principal Business

Address of Other Company

Connection with

Other Company

George W. Connell

Vice Chairman & Owner

The Haverford Trust Company

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 450

Radnor, PA 19087

Vice Chairman & Indirect Owner

 

Haverford Trust Securities, Inc.

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 450

Radnor, PA 19087

Vice Chairman & Indirect Owner

 

Drexel Morgan & Co.

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 450

Radnor, PA 19087

CEO, President & Owner

 

Drexel Morgan Capital Advisers, Inc.

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 305

Radnor, PA 19087

Director, Indirect Owner

Red Wing Management II, LLC

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 305

Radnor, PA 19087

Indirect Owner

 

C-38

 

Name and Position with

Investment Adviser

Name and Principal Business

Address of Other Company

Connection with

Other Company

Joseph J. McLaughlin

Chairman, CEO & President

The Haverford Trust Company

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 450

Radnor, PA 19087

Chairman & CEO

 

Haverford Trust Securities, Inc.

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 450

Radnor, PA 19087

Registered Representative

Binney H. C. Wietlisbach

Executive Vice President

The Haverford Trust Company

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 450

Radnor, PA 19087

President, Director & Secretary

 

Haverford Trust Securities, Inc.

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 450

Radnor, PA 19087

CEO & President

Henry B. Smith

Vice President and CIO

The Haverford Trust Company

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 450

Radnor, PA 19087

Vice President, Co-Chief Investment Officer & Director

 

Haverford Trust Securities, Inc.

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 450

Radnor, PA 19087

Registered Representative

David Brune

Vice President

The Haverford Trust Company

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 450

Radnor, PA 19087

Vice President

 

Haverford Trust Securities, Inc.

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 450

Radnor, PA 19087

Registered Representative

John H. Donaldson

Vice President

The Haverford Trust Company

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 450

Radnor, PA 19087

Vice President

 

Timothy A. Hoyle

Vice President

The Haverford Trust Company

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 450

Radnor, PA 19087

Vice President & Co-Chief Investment Officer

 

Haverford Trust Securities, Inc.

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 450

Radnor, PA 19087

Registered Representative

Jeffrey M. Bagley

Vice President

The Haverford Trust Company

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 450

Radnor, PA 19087

Vice President

 

 

C-39

 

Name and Position with

Investment Adviser

Name and Principal Business

Address of Other Company

Connection with

Other Company

MarieElena V. Ness

Chief Compliance Officer

The Haverford Trust Company

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 450

Radnor, PA 19087

VP & Chief Compliance Officer

 

Haverford Trust Securities, Inc.

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 450

Radnor, PA 19087

VP & Chief Compliance Officer

 

Drexel Morgan & Co.

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 450

Radnor, PA 19087

VP & Chief Compliance Officer

 

Regulatory Compliance Assistance, LLC Sole Member

Paul S. Rovner

Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer

The Haverford Trust Company

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 450

Radnor, PA 19087

VP, CFO, & Assistant Secretary

Haverford Trust Securities, Inc.

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 450

Radnor, PA 19087

VP & CFO

Drexel Morgan & Co.

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 450

Radnor, PA 19087

VP & Secretary

Drexel Morgan Capital Advisers, Inc.

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 305

Radnor, PA 19087

VP & CFO

John M. Derderian

Vice President

The Haverford Trust Company

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 450

Radnor, PA 19087

Vice President

 

Haverford Trust Securities, Inc.

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 450

Radnor, PA 19087

Secretary, Treasurer, Registered Principal

T. Keith Eby

Vice President

The Haverford Trust Company

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 450

Radnor, PA 19087

Vice President

Haverford Trust Securities, Inc.

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 450

Radnor, PA 19087

Registered Representative

Diane E. Goldstein

Vice President

The Haverford Trust Company

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 450

Radnor, PA 19087

Vice President

 

C-40

 

Name and Position with

Investment Adviser

Name and Principal Business

Address of Other Company

Connection with

Other Company

Lydia C. Holiat

Vice President

The Haverford Trust Company

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 450

Radnor, PA 19087

Vice President

Haverford Trust Securities, Inc.

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 450

Radnor, PA 19087

Registered Representative

Charles L. Homer

Vice President

The Haverford Trust Company

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 450

Radnor, PA 19087

Vice President

Drexel Morgan & Co.

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 450

Radnor, PA 19087

Marketing

Seth D. Horwitz

Vice President

The Haverford Trust Company

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 450

Radnor, PA 19087

Vice President

Haverford Trust Securities, Inc.

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 450

Radnor, PA 19087

Registered Representative

Thomas J. Lynch

Vice President

The Haverford Trust Company

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 450

Radnor, PA 19087

Vice President

Haverford Trust Securities, Inc.

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 450

Radnor, PA 19087

Registered Representative

Anne E. Mangini

Vice President

The Haverford Trust Company

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 450

Radnor, PA 19087

Vice President

Drexel Morgan & Co.

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 450

Radnor, PA 19087

Marketing

David C. Peppard

Vice President

The Haverford Trust Company

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 450

Radnor, PA 19087

Vice President

Haverford Trust Securities, Inc.

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 450

Radnor, PA 19087

Registered Representative

 

C-41

 

Name and Position with

Investment Adviser

Name and Principal Business

Address of Other Company

Connection with

Other Company

Patrice M. Shute

Vice President

The Haverford Trust Company

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 450

Radnor, PA 19087

Vice President

Haverford Trust Securities, Inc.

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 450

Radnor, PA 19087

Registered Representative

Robert F. Stiles

Vice President

The Haverford Trust Company

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 450

Radnor, PA 19087

Vice President

Haverford Trust Securities, Inc.

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 450

Radnor, PA 19087

Registered Representative

John S. Supplee

Vice President

The Haverford Trust Company

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 450

Radnor, PA 19087

Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

Haverford Trust Securities, Inc.

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 450

Radnor, PA 19087

Registered Principal

Christine E. Walker

Vice President

The Haverford Trust Company

3 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 450

Radnor, PA 19087

Vice President

 

Investment Counselors of Maryland, LLC

Investment Counselors of Maryland, LLC (“ICM”) serves as the investment adviser to the ICM Small Company Portfolio. The principal address of ICM is 300 East Lombard Street, Suite 810, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. ICM is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

 

During the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2017, no director, officer or partner of ICM engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

 

Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, L.P.

Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, L.P. (“KACALP”) serves as an investment sub-adviser for the Cornerstone Advisors Real Assets Fund. The principal address of KACALP is 1800 Avenue of the Stars, Third Floor, Los Angeles, California 90067. KACALP is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

 

During the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2017, the KACALP portfolio manager responsible for the management of the Cornerstone Advisors Real Assets Fund did not engage in any other business profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee, other than serving as Executive Vice President, Assistant Treasurer and Assistant Secretary of Kayne Anderson Energy Total Return Fund (“KYE”), Kayne Anderson MLP Investment Company (“KYN”), Kayne Anderson Midstream/Energy Fund (“KMF”), and Kayne Anderson Energy Development Company (“KED”). Each of these are publicly traded closed-end funds managed by KA Fund Advisors, LLC an affiliate of KACALP.

 

C-42

 

Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P.

Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P. (“Loomis Sayles”) serves as the investment adviser to the Loomis Sayles Full Discretion Institutional Securitized Fund and as an investment sub-adviser for the Cornerstone Advisors Core Plus Bond Fund. The address of Loomis Sayles is One Financial Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111-2621. Loomis Sayles is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The information listed below is for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2017.

 

Name and Position with

Investment Adviser

Name and Principal Business

Address of Other Company

Connection with

Other Company

Robert J. Blanding, Formerly Chairman of the Board (1995 to 2017) and Director (1990 to 2017)

 

Loomis Sayles Distributors, Inc.

One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111

Director (1996 to 2016)

Loomis Sayles Investments Asia Pte. Ltd.

10 Collyer Quay #14-06, Ocean Financial Centre, Singapore 049315

Director (2012 to 2017)

Loomis Sayles Investments Limited

The Economist Plaza, 25 St. James’s Street, London, England SW1A 1 HA

Alternate Director (2011 to 2017)

Natixis Asset Management Japan Co. Ltd.

Hibiya Kokusai Building –4F – 2-2-3, Uchisaiwaicho Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-0011 – Japan

Director (2000 to 2017)

Daniel J. Fuss

Vice Chairman, Executive Vice President and Director

Loomis Sayles Funds I

888 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199

Executive Vice President

Loomis Sayles Funds II

888 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199

Executive Vice President

David L. Giunta

Director



Natixis Investment Managers (formerly Natixis Global Asset Management)

888 Boylston Street, Boston, MA

02199

President and Chief Executive Officer, US

Natixis Advisors, L.P. (formerly NGAM Advisors, L.P.)

888 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199

President and Chief Executive Officer

Natixis Distribution Corporation (formerly NGAM Distribution Corporation)

888 Boylston Street, Boston, MA

02199

President and Chief Executive Officer

Natixis Distribution, L.P. (formerly NGAM Distribution, L.P.)

888 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199

President and Chief Executive Officer

Loomis Sayles Funds I

888 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199

Trustee and Executive Vice President

Loomis Sayles Funds II

888 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199

Trustee, President and Chief Executive Officer

Natixis Funds Trust I

888 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199

Trustee, President and Chief Executive Officer

Natixis Funds Trust II

888 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199

Trustee, President and Chief Executive Officer

Natixis Funds Trust IV

888 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199

Trustee, President and Chief Executive Officer

Natixis ETF Trust

888 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199

Trustee, President and Chief Executive Officer

Gateway Trust

888 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199

Trustee, President and Chief Executive Officer

 

C-43

 

Name and Position with

Investment Adviser

Name and Principal Business

Address of Other Company

Connection with

Other Company

John T. Hailer

Formerly Director (2008 to 2017)

Natixis Investment Managers (formerly Natixis Global Asset Management)

888 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199

President and CEO, US & Asia

(2007 to 2017)

Natixis Funds Trust I

888 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199

Trustee (2002 to 2016)

Natixis Funds Trust II

888 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199

Trustee (2002 to 2016)

Natixis Funds Trust IV

888 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199

Trustee (2002 to 2016)

Gateway Trust

888 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199

Trustee (2007 to 2016)

Loomis Sayles Funds I

888 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199

Trustee (2003 to 2016)

Loomis Sayles Funds II

888 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199

Trustee (2003 to 2016)

Kevin P. Charleston

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President and Director

 

 

Loomis Sayles Funds I

888 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199

Trustee, President and Chief Executive Officer

Loomis Sayles Funds II

888 Boylston Street, Boston, MA

02199

Trustee

Natixis Funds Trust I

888 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199

Trustee

Natixis Funds Trust II

888 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199

Trustee

Natixis Funds Trust IV

888 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199

Trustee

Natixis ETF Trust

888 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199

Trustee

Gateway Trust

888 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199

Trustee

Loomis Sayles Distributors, Inc.

One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111

Director

Loomis Sayles Investments Limited

The Economist Plaza, 25 St. James’s Street, London, England SW1A 1 HA

Executive Vice President

Loomis Sayles Trust Company, LLC

One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111

Manager and President

Loomis Sayles Investments Asia Pte. Ltd.

10 Collyer Quay #14-06, Ocean Financial Centre, Singapore 049315

Director and Chairman of the Board of Directors

John F. Gallagher III

Executive Vice President and Director

Loomis Sayles Distributors, Inc.

One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111

President

Loomis Sayles Distributors, L.P.

One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111

President

Loomis Sayles Investments Asia Pte. Ltd.

10 Collyer Quay #14-06, Ocean Financial Centre, Singapore 049315

Director

 

C-44

 

Name and Position with

Investment Adviser

Name and Principal Business

Address of Other Company

Connection with

Other Company

Jean S. Loewenberg

Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Secretary and Director

Loomis Sayles Distributors, Inc.

One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111

Director

Loomis Sayles Investments Limited

The Economist Plaza, 25 St. James’s Street, London, England SW1A 1 HA

General Counsel and Secretary

Loomis Sayles Trust Company, LLC

One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111

Manager and Secretary

Loomis Sayles Investments Asia Pte. Ltd.

10 Collyer Quay #14-06, Ocean Financial Centre, Singapore 049315

Director

John R. Gidman

Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Director (formerly Chief Information Officer 2000 to 2016)

Loomis Sayles Solutions, LLC

One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111

President
Jaehoon Park, Executive Vice President, Chief Investment Officer and Director

Loomis Sayles Investments Asia Pte. Ltd.

10 Collyer Quay #14-06, Ocean Financial Centre, Singapore 049315

Director
Jean Raby

Natixis Investment Managers (formerly Natixis Global Asset Management)

888 Boylston Street, Boston, MA

02199

Chief Executive Officer and Member of the Senior Management Committee
John F. Russell, Executive Vice President and Director None. None.

Paul J. Sherba

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Director

 

Loomis Sayles Distributors, Inc.

One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111

Vice President and Treasurer

Loomis Sayles Distributors, L.P.

One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111

Vice President and Treasurer

Loomis Sayles Trust Company, LLC

One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111

Manager and Chief Financial Officer

Loomis Sayles Investments Asia Pte. Ltd.

10 Collyer Quay #14-06, Ocean Financial Centre, Singapore 049315

Director

Loomis Sayles Investments Limited

The Economist Plaza, 25 St. James’s Street, London, England SW1A 1 HA

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

Pierre P. Servant

Formerly Director (2007 to 2017)

Natixis Investment Managers (formerly Natixis Global Asset Management)

21 quai d’Austerlitz, 75634 Paris cedex 13 - France

CEO and Member of the Executive Board (2007 to 2017)
David L. Waldman Executive Vice President, Deputy Chief Investment Officer and Director None None

 

C-45

 

LSV Asset Management

LSV Asset Management (“LSV”) serves as the investment adviser to the LSV Value Equity Fund, LSV Conservative Value Equity Fund, LSV Small Cap Value Fund, LSV Global Value Fund, LSV U.S. Managed Volatility Fund, LSV Global Managed Volatility Fund and LSV Emerging Markets Equity Fund. LSV also serves as an investment sub-adviser to the Cornerstone Advisors Global Public Equity Fund. The address of LSV is 155 North Wacker Drive, Suite 4600, Chicago, Illinois 60606. LSV is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

 

During the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2017, no director, officer or partner of LSV engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

 

Marsico Capital Management, LLC

Marsico Capital Management, LLC (“Marsico”) serves as an investment sub-adviser for the Cornerstone Advisors Global Public Equity Fund. The principal address of Marsico is 1200 17th Street, Suite 1600, Denver, Colorado 80202. Marsico is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

 

During the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2017, no director, officer or partner of Marsico engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

 

Metropolitan West Asset Management LLC

Metropolitan West Asset Management LLC (“MetWest”) serves as an investment sub-adviser for the Cornerstone Advisors Core Plus Bond Fund. The principal address of MetWest is 865 S. Figueroa Street, Suite 1800, Los Angeles, California 90017. MetWest is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The information listed below is for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2017.

 

The principal business address of The TCW Group, Inc. (the “Group”), TCW Investment Management Company LLC (“TIMCO”), TCW Asset Management Company LLC (“TAMCO”), TCW LLC and Trust Company of the West is 865 South Figueroa Street, Suite 1800, Los Angeles, California 90017.

 

Name and Position with

Investment Adviser

Name and Principal Business

Address of Other Company

Connection with

Other Company

Tad Rivelle

Chief Investment Officer – Fixed Income, Group Managing Director

The TCW Group, Inc.,

TCW Investment Management Company LLC,

TCW Asset Management Company LLC, TCW LLC and

Trust Company of the West

865 South Figueroa Street, Suite 1800, Los Angeles, California 90017

Group Managing Director, Chief Investment Officer - Fixed Income (TIMCO, TAMCO, and TCW LLC)

Laird Landmann

President

The TCW Group, Inc.,

TCW Investment Management Company LLC,

TCW Asset Management Company LLC, TCW LLC and

Trust Company of the West

865 South Figueroa Street, Suite 1800, Los Angeles, California 90017

Group Managing Director (TIMCO, TAMCO, TCW LLC, Group)

David Lippman

Chief Executive Officer

The TCW Group, Inc.,

TCW Investment Management Company LLC,

TCW Asset Management Company LLC, TCW LLC and

Trust Company of the West

865 South Figueroa Street, Suite 1800, Los Angeles, California 90017

President and Chief Executive Officer (TAMCO, TIMCO, TCW LLC, Group)

 

 

C-46

 

Name and Position with

Investment Adviser

Name and Principal Business

Address of Other Company

Connection with

Other Company

Stephen Kane

Group Managing Director

The TCW Group, Inc.,

TCW Investment Management Company LLC,

TCW Asset Management Company LLC, TCW LLC and

Trust Company of the West

865 South Figueroa Street, Suite 1800, Los Angeles, California 90017

Group Managing Director (TAMCO, TIMCO, TCW LLC)

Bryan T. Whalen

Group Managing Director

The TCW Group, Inc.,

TCW Investment Management Company LLC,

TCW Asset Management Company LLC, TCW LLC and

Trust Company of the West

865 South Figueroa Street, Suite 1800, Los Angeles, California 90017

Group Managing Director (TAMCO, TIMCO, TCW LLC)

Patrick A. Moore

Group Managing Director

The TCW Group, Inc.,

TCW Investment Management Company LLC,

TCW Asset Management Company LLC, TCW LLC and

Trust Company of the West

865 South Figueroa Street, Suite 1800, Los Angeles, California 90017

Group Managing Director (TAMCO, TIMCO, TCW LLC)

Cal Rivelle

Group Managing Director

The TCW Group, Inc.,

TCW Investment Management Company LLC,

TCW Asset Management Company LLC,

TCW LLC and

Trust Company of the West

865 South Figueroa Street, Suite 1800, Los Angeles, California 90017

Group Managing Director (TAMCO, TIMCO, TCW LLC); Group Managing Director of Investment Technology (Group)

 

Joseph Carieri

Group Managing Director

The TCW Group, Inc.,

TCW Investment Management Company LLC,

TCW Asset Management Company LLC,

TCW LLC and

Trust Company of the West

865 South Figueroa Street, Suite 1800, Los Angeles, California 90017

Group Managing Director (TAMCO, TIMCO, TCW LLC)

 

 

C-47

 

Name and Position with

Investment Adviser

Name and Principal Business
Address of Other Company

Connection with

Other Company

David DeVito

Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer

The TCW Group, Inc.,

TCW Investment Management Company LLC,

TCW Asset Management Company LLC, TCW LLC and

Trust Company of the West.

865 South Figueroa Street, Suite 1800, Los Angeles, California 90017

Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer (TAMCO, TIMCO, TCW LLC, Group)

Jeffrey Engelsman

Global Chief Compliance Officer, Managing Director

The TCW Group, Inc.,

TCW Investment Management Company LLC,

TCW Asset Management Company LLC, TCW LLC and

Trust Company of the West

865 South Figueroa Street, Suite 1800, Los Angeles, California 90017

Global Chief Compliance Officer, Managing Director (TAMCO, TIMCO, TCW LLC), Global Chief Compliance Officer (Group)

Meredith Jackson

Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Secretary

The TCW Group, Inc.,

TCW Investment Management Company LLC,

TCW Asset Management Company LLC, TCW LLC and

Trust Company of the West

865 South Figueroa Street, Suite 1800, Los Angeles, California 90017

Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Secretary (TAMCO, TIMCO, TCW LLC, Group)

 

Numeric Investors LLC

Numeric Investors LLC (“Numeric”) serves as an investment sub-adviser for the Cornerstone Advisors Global Public Equity Fund and Cornerstone Advisors Public Alternatives Fund. The principal address of Numeric is 470 Atlantic Avenue, 6th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02210. Numeric is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The information listed below is for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2017.

 

Name and Position with

Investment Adviser

Name and Principal Business

Address of Other Company

Connection with

Other Company

Gregory Bond, Director of Research

 

Numeric Holdings LLC

470 Atlantic Avenue, 6th Floor

Boston, MA 02210

 

Member of Board of Managers
Eric Burl, Director (Numeric Holdings LLC)

Numeric Holdings LLC

470 Atlantic Avenue, 6th Floor

Boston, MA 02210

 

Member of Board of Managers

Man Group plc

Riverbank House

2 Swan Lane

London EC4R 3AD

United Kingdom

 

Global Co-Head of Sales and Executive Committee Member

Man Global Private Markets (USA) Inc.

128 South Tryon Street, Suite 1950

Charlotte, NC 28202

 

Director and President

 

Silvermine Capital Management LLC

281 Tresser Boulevard, Suite 1102

Stamford, CT 06901

 

President

Man Investments Inc.

452 Fifth Avenue, 27th Floor

New York, NY 10018

 

Director & President

 

GLG LLC

452 Fifth Avenue, 27th Floor

New York, NY 10018

 

President

 

Managed Funds Association

600 14th Street, N.W., Suite 900

Washington, DC 20005

 

Director

 

C-48

 

Name and Position with

Investment Adviser

Name and Principal Business

Address of Other Company

Connection with

Other Company

Robert Furdak, co-Chief Investment Officer

 

Man Group plc

Riverbank House

2 Swan Lane

London EC4R 3AD

United Kingdom

 

Executive Committee Member
David Gallias, Treasurer

Man Global Private Markets (USA) Inc.

128 South Tryon Street, Suite 1950

Charlotte, NC 28202

 

Treasurer

FRM Investment Management (USA) LLC

452 Fifth Avenue, 26th Floor

New York, NY 10018

 

Treasurer

GLG LLC

452 Fifth Avenue, 27th Floor

New York, NY 10018

 

Treasurer

 

Man Investments Inc.

452 Fifth Avenue, 27th Floor

New York, NY 10018

 

Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and FINOP

 

Silvermine Capital Management LLC

281 Tresser Boulevard, Suite 1102

Stamford, CT 06901

 

Treasurer

Richard Hanna, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President

 

FRM Investment Management (USA) LLC

452 Fifth Avenue, 26th Floor

New York, NY 10018

 

Vice President

 

 

GLG LLC

452 Fifth Avenue, 27th Floor New York, NY 10018

 

Vice President

Silvermine Capital Management LLC

281 Tresser Boulevard, Suite 1102

Stamford, CT 06901

 

Vice President

 

C-49

 

Name and Position with

Investment Adviser

Name and Principal Business

Address of Other Company

Connection with

Other Company

Michael Kasper, Director (Numeric Holdings LLC)

 

Numeric Holdings LLC

470 Atlantic Avenue, 6th Floor

Boston, MA 02210

 

Member of Board of Managers

Man Global Private Markets (USA) Inc.

128 South Tryon Street, Suite 1950

Charlotte, NC 28202

 

Director
Solomon Kuckelman, Secretary

GLG LLC

452 Fifth Avenue, 27th Floor

New York, NY 10018

 

Secretary

 

Man Investments Inc.

452 Fifth Avenue, 27th Floor

New York, NY 10018

 

Secretary & Legal Officer

FRM Investment Management (USA) LLC

452 Fifth Avenue, 26th Floor

New York, NY 10018

 

Secretary

Man Group plc

Riverbank House

2 Swan Lane

London EC4R 3AD

United Kingdom

 

Executive Committee Member
Shanta Puchtler, Chief Executive Officer & President

Numeric Holdings LLC

470 Atlantic Avenue, 6th Floor

Boston, MA 02210

 

Member of Board of Managers

Man Group plc

Riverbank House

2 Swan Lane

London EC4R 3AD

United Kingdom

 

Executive Committee Member

 

C-50

 

Name and Position with

Investment Adviser

Name and Principal Business

Address of Other Company

Connection with

Other Company

Sandy Rattray, Director (Numeric Holdings LLC)

Numeric Holdings LLC

470 Atlantic Avenue, 6th Floor

Boston, MA 02210

 

Member of Board of Managers

AHL Partners LLP

Riverbank House

2 Swan Lane

London EC4R 3AD

United Kingdom

 

Designated Member and Member

Man Group plc

Riverbank House

2 Swan Lane

London EC4R 3AD

United Kingdom

 

Executive Committee Member
Christopher Ancona, Chief Compliance Officer

Chesapeake Partners Management Co., Inc. and CP Management, LLC

2800 Quarry Lake Drive, Suite 300

Baltimore, MD 21209

Chief Compliance Officer and General Counsel (through December 2016)

 

OFI SteelPath, Inc.

OFI SteelPath, Inc. (“OFI SteelPath”) serves as an investment sub-adviser for the Cornerstone Advisors Income Opportunities Fund. The principal address of OFI SteelPath is 2100 McKinney Ave., Suite 1401, Dallas, Texas 75201. OFI SteelPath is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The information listed below is for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2017.

 

The business address of each Other Company listed below is 225 Liberty Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10281-1008, unless otherwise noted.

 

Name and Position with

Investment Adviser

Name and Principal Business

Address of Other Company

Connection with

Other Company

Kristie M. Feinberg

Treasurer

 

 

Oppenheimer Acquisition Corp. Assistant Treasurer
OppenheimerFunds, Inc. Treasurer
OFI Global Asset Management, Inc. Senior Vice President & Treasurer
OppenheimerFunds Distributor, Inc. Assistant Treasurer
OFI SteelPath, Inc. Treasurer
OFI Global Institutional, Inc. Treasurer

OFI International, Ltd.

5 Cheapside

London EC2V 6AA, Suite 602

Treasurer
HarbourView Asset Management Corporation Treasurer
OFI Global Trust Company Director

SNW Asset Management Corporation

2001 6th Avenue, Suite 2310

Seattle, WA 98121

Treasurer

Seattle Northwest Asset Management LLC

2001 6th Avenue, Suite 2310

Seattle, WA 98121

Treasurer
Oppenheimer Real Asset Management, Inc. Treasurer
OFI Private Investments, Inc. Treasurer

Shareholder Services, Inc.

6803 S. Tucson Way

Centennial, CO 80112

Treasurer

Trinity Investment Management

Corporation

301 North Spring Street

Bellefonte, PA 16823

Treasurer

OFI Advisors, LLC

2005 Market Street, Suite 2020

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Treasurer

Index Management Solutions, LLC

2005 Market Street, Suite 2020

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Treasurer

 

C-51

 

Name and Position with

Investment Adviser

Name and Principal Business

Address of Other Company

Connection with

Other Company

Cynthia Lo Bessette

General Counsel

 

 

Oppenheimer Acquisition Corp. Vice President, Secretary & General Counsel
OppenheimerFunds, Inc. Chief Legal Officer
OFI Global Asset Management, Inc. Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary
OppenheimerFunds Distributor, Inc. Chief Legal Officer

OFI SteelPath, Inc.

2100 McKinney Avenue, Suite 1401

Dallas, TX 75201

General Counsel
OFI Global Institutional, Inc. Chief Legal Officer

OFI International, Ltd.

5 Cheapside

London EC2V 6AA, Suite 602

Director
HarbourView Asset Management Corporation Chief Legal Officer
OFI Global Trust Company Chief Legal Officer

SNW Asset Management Corporation

2001 6th Avenue, Suite 2310

Seattle, WA 98121

Chief Legal Officer

Seattle Northwest Asset Management LLC

2001 6th Avenue, Suite 2310

Seattle, WA 89121

Chief Legal Officer
Oppenheimer Real Asset Management, Inc. Chief Legal Officer
OFI Private Investments, Inc. Chief Legal Officer

Shareholder Services, Inc.

6803 S. Tucson Way

Centennial, CO 80112

Chief Legal Officer

Trinity Investment Management Corporation

301 North Spring Street

Bellefonte, PA 16823

Chief Legal Officer

OFI Advisors, LLC

2005 Market Street, Suite 2020

Philadelphia, PA 19103

General Counsel

Index Management Solutions, LLC

2005 Market Street, Suite 2020, Philadelphia, PA 19103

General Counsel

David M. Pfeffer

Director and Chief Financial Officer

Oppenheimer Acquisition Corp. Management Director & Treasurer
OppenheimerFunds, Inc. Director & Chief Financial Officer
OFI Global Asset Management, Inc. Director, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
OppenheimerFunds Distributor, Inc. Director & Chief Financial Officer

OFI SteelPath, Inc.

2100 McKinney Avenue, Suite 1401

Dallas, TX 75201

Director & Chief Financial Officer

OFI International, Ltd.

5 Cheapside, London EC2V 6AA, Suite 602

Chief Financial Officer
HarbourView Asset Management Corporation Director, President & Chief Financial Officer

SNW Asset Management Corporation

2001 6th Avenue, Suite 2310

Seattle, WA 98121

Director & Chief Financial Officer

Seattle Northwest Asset Management LLC

2001 6th Avenue, Suite 2310

Seattle, WA 98121

Chief Financial Officer
Oppenheimer Real Asset Management, Inc. Director & Chief Financial Officer
OFI Private Investments, Inc. Director & Chief Financial Officer

Trinity Investment Management Corporation

301 North Spring Street, Bellefonte, PA 16823

Director & Chief Financial Officer

OFI Advisors, LLC

2005 Market Street, Suite 2020

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Chief Financial Officer

Index Management Solutions, LLC

2005 Market Street, Suite 2020, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Chief Financial Officer

 

C-52

 

Name and Position with

Investment Adviser

Name and Principal Business

Address of Other Company

Connection with

Other Company

Arthur P. Steinmetz

President and Director

 

 

Oppenheimer Acquisition Corp. Chief Executive Officer, President & Management Director
OppenheimerFunds, Inc. Director & Chairman
OFI Global Asset Management, Inc. Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President & Director

OFI SteelPath, Inc.

2100 McKinney Avenue, Suite 1401

Dallas, TX 75201

President & Director
HarbourView Asset Management Corporation Director

SNW Asset Management Corporation

2001 6th Avenue, Suite 2310

Seattle, WA 98121

President

Seattle Northwest Asset Management LLC

2001 6th Avenue, Suite 2310

Seattle, WA 98121

President
Oppenheimer Real Asset Management, Inc. Director & President

OFI Advisors, LLC

2005 Market Street, Suite 2020

Philadelphia, PA 19103

President

Index Management Solutions, LLC

2005 Market Street, Suite 2020

Philadelphia, PA 19103

President

Mary Ann Picciotto

Chief Compliance Officer

 

 

OppenheimerFunds, Inc. Chief Compliance Officer
OFI Global Asset Management, Inc. Senior Vice President & Chief Compliance Officer

OFI SteelPath, Inc.

2100 McKinney Avenue, Suite 1401

Dallas, TX 75201

Chief Compliance Officer
OFI Global Institutional, Inc. Chief Compliance Officer
HarbourView Asset Management Corporation Chief Compliance Officer

SNW Asset Management Corporation

2001 6th Avenue, Suite 2310

Seattle, WA 98121

Chief Compliance Officer

Seattle Northwest Asset Management LLC

2001 6th Avenue, Suite 2310

Seattle, WA 98121

Chief Compliance Officer
Oppenheimer Real Asset Management, Inc. Chief Compliance Officer
OFI Private Investments, Inc. Chief Compliance Officer

Shareholder Services, Inc.

6803 S. Tucson Way

Centennial, CO 80112

Chief Compliance Officer

Trinity Investment Management

Corporation

301 North Spring Street

Bellefonte, PA 16823

Chief Compliance Officer

OFI Advisors, LLC

2005 Market Street, Suite 2020

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Chief Financial Officer

Index Management Solutions, LLC

2005 Market Street, Suite 2020, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Chief Financial Officer

 

C-53

 

Name and Position with

Investment Adviser

Name and Principal Business

Address of Other Company

Connection with

Other Company

Jennifer L. Foxson

Secretary

 

 

Oppenheimer Acquisition Corp. Assistant Secretary
OppenheimerFunds, Inc. Secretary
OFI Global Asset Management, Inc. Senior Vice President & Assistant Secretary
OppenheimerFunds Distributor, Inc. Secretary

OFI SteelPath, Inc.

2100 McKinney Avenue, Suite 1401

Dallas, TX 75201

Secretary
OFI Global Institutional, Inc. Secretary

OFI International, Ltd.

5 Cheapside, London EC2V 6AA, Suite 602

Secretary
HarbourView Asset Management Corporation Secretary
OFI Global Trust Company Assistant Secretary

SNW Asset Management Corporation

2001 6th Avenue, Suite 2310

Seattle, WA 98121

Secretary

Seattle Northwest Asset Management LLC

2001 6th Avenue, Suite 2310

Seattle, WA 98121

Secretary
Oppenheimer Real Asset Management, Inc. Secretary
OFI Private Investments Inc. Secretary

Shareholder Services, Inc.

6803 S. Tucson Way

Centennial, CO 80112

Secretary

Trinity Investment Management Corporation

301 North Spring Street,

Bellefonte, PA 16823

Secretary

OFI Advisors, LLC

2005 Market Street, Suite 2020

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Secretary

Index Management Solutions, LLC

2005 Market Street, Suite 2020

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Secretary
OC Private Capital, LLC Secretary

 

C-54

 

Parametric Portfolio Associates® LLC

Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC (“Parametric”) serves as an investment sub-adviser for the Cornerstone Advisors Global Public Equity Fund. The principal address of Parametric is 1918 Eighth Avenue, Suite 3100, Seattle, Washington 98101. Parametric is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The information listed below is for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2017.

 

Name and Position with

Investment Adviser

Name and Principal Business

Address of Other Company

Connection with

Other Company

Brian Langstraat,

Chief Executive Officer

Eaton Vance Corp.

Two International Place

Boston, MA 02110

Board of Directors

Ross Chapin

Managing Director—Corporate Development

Envestnet, Inc.

35 East Wacker Drive, Suite 2400

Chicago, IL 60601

Director

 

Phocas Financial Corporation

Phocas Financial Corporation (“Phocas”) serves as an investment sub-adviser for the Cornerstone Advisors Global Public Equity Fund. The principal address of Phocas is 980 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 106, Alameda, California 94501-1001. Phocas is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

 

During the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2017, no director, officer or partner of Phocas engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

 

Prime Advisors, Inc.

Prime Advisors, Inc. (“Prime”) serves as an investment sub-adviser for the Cornerstone Advisors Core Plus Bond Fund. The principal address of Prime is 22635 NE Marketplace Drive, Redmond, Washington 98053. Prime is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

 

During the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2017, no director, officer or partner of Prime engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

 

Rice Hall James & Associates, LLC

Rice Hall James & Associates, LLC (“Rice Hall James”) serves as the investment adviser to the Rice Hall James Micro Cap Portfolio, Rice Hall James SMID Cap Portfolio and Rice Hall James Small Cap Portfolio. The principal address of Rice Hall James is 600 West Broadway, Suite 1000, San Diego, California 92101-3383. Rice Hall James is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

 

C-55

 

During the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2017, no director, officer or partner of Rice Hall James engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

 

Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated

Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated (“Baird”) serves as an investment sub-adviser for the Cornerstone Advisors Global Public Equity Fund. The principal address of Baird is 777 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202. Baird is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The information listed below is for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2017.

 

Name and Position with

Investment Adviser

Name and Principal Business

Address of Other Company

Connection with

Other Company

Paul E. Purcell

Chairman, Director

RiverFront Investment Holding Group, LLC

1214 East Cary Street

Richmond, Virginia 23219

Director

Mary Ellen Stanek

Director

Journal Communications, Inc.

333 West State Street

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53203

Director

Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company

720 E. Wisconsin Avenue

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

Director

Wisconsin Energy Corporation and Wisconsin Electric Power Company

231 West Michigan Street

P.O. Box 1331

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201

Director

Terrance P. Maxwell

Chief Financial Officer

Investors Real Estate Trust

1400 31st Avenue SW

P.O. Box 1988

Minot, North Dakota 58702

Trustee

Greenhouse Funds GP LLC and Greenhouse GP LLC

2711 Centerville Road

Wilmington, Delaware 19808

Board of Managers

Patrick S. Lawton

Director

Waterstone Financial, Inc.

11200 West Plank Court

Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226

Director

BMO Harris Bradley Center

1001 North 4th Street

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53203

Director

Michael J. Schroeder

Director

RiverFront Investment Holding Group, LLC

1214 East Cary Street

Richmond, Virginia 23219

Director

Sanitas Brewing Company

1860 38th Street

Boulder, Colorado 80302

Director

William Mahler

Director

Greenhouse Funds GP LLC and Greenhouse GP LLC

2711 Centerville Road

Wilmington, Delaware 19808

Board of Managers

 

C-56

 

Sands Capital Management, LLC

Sands Capital Management, LLC (“Sands Capital”) serves as the investment adviser to the Sands Capital Global Growth Fund. The principal address of Sands Capital is 1000 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 3000, Arlington, Virginia 22209. Sands Capital is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The information listed below is for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2017.

 

Name and Position with

Investment Adviser

Name and Principal Business

Address of Other Company

Connection with

Other Company

Frank M. Sands

Chief Executive Officer

 

Sands Capital Ventures, LLC

1000 Wilson Boulevard

Suite 3000

Arlington, VA 22209

Investment Board Member

Jonathan Goodman

General Counsel

Sands Capital Ventures, LLC

1000 Wilson Boulevard

Suite 3000

Arlington, VA 22209

General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer

Stephen Nimmo

Executive Managing Director

Sands Capital Ventures, LLC

1000 Wilson Boulevard

Suite 3000

Arlington, VA 22209

Provides client relations service

 

SKY Harbor Capital Management, LLC

SKY Harbor Capital Management LLC (“SKY Harbor”) serves as investment sub-adviser for the Registrant’s Westwood Short Duration High Yield Fund and Westwood Opportunistic High Yield Fund. The principal address of SKY Harbor is 20 Horseneck Lane, Greenwich, Connecticut 06830. SKY Harbor is an investment adviser registered with the SEC under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

 

SKY Harbor’s Board consists of two management directors who are the co-founders of the firm and two outside directors. For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2017, none of the management directors, officers or employees of SKY Harbor is or has been engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee. The outside directors of SKY Harbor are engaged in other activities as set forth in the chart below.

 

Name and Position with

Investment Adviser

Name and Principal Business

Address of Other Company

Connection with

Other Company

David J. Wermuth

Director

Stone Point Capital, LLC

20 Horseneck Lane

Greenwich, CT 06830

 

Senior Principal and General Counsel

Fayez S. Muhtadie

Director

Stone Point Capital, LLC

20 Horseneck Lane

Greenwich, CT 06830

Principal

 

Strategic Income Management, LLC

Strategic Income Management, LLC (“SiM”) serves as an investment sub-adviser for the Cornerstone Advisors Income Opportunities Fund. The principal address of SiM is 1200 Westlake Ave N, Suite 713, Seattle, Washington 98109. SiM is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

 

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During the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2017, no director, officer or partner of SiM engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

 

Thomson Horstmann & Bryant, Inc.

Thomson Horstmann & Bryant, Inc. (“THB”) serves as the investment adviser for the Thomson Horstmann & Bryant MicroCap Fund. The principal address of THB is 501 Merritt 7, Norwalk, Connecticut 06851. THB is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

 

During the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2017, no director, officer or partner of Thomson Horstmann & Bryant, Inc. engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

 

Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley LLC

Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley LLC (“TSW”) serves as the investment adviser to the TS&W Equity Portfolio. The principal address of TSW is 6641 W. Broad Street, Suite 600, Richmond, Virginia 23230. TSW is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

 

During the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2017, no director, officer or partner of TSW engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

 

Thornburg Investment Management, Inc.

Thornburg Investment Management, Inc. (“TIM”) serves as an investment sub-adviser to the Cornerstone Advisors Global Public Equity Fund. The principal address of TIM is 2300 North Ridgetop Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87506. TIM is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The information listed below is for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2017.

 

Name and Position with

Investment Adviser

Name and Principal Business

Address of Other Company

Connection with

Other Company

Garrett Thornburg, Chairman

Thornburg Securities Corporation,1 2300 North Ridgetop Road

Santa Fe, NM 87506

Chairman

Thornburg Investment Trust,

2300 North Ridgetop Road

Santa Fe NM, 87506

Chairman

 

1In addition to Thornburg Securities Corporation, Garrett Thornburg maintains controlling beneficial interests in certain non-investment related entities and non-operating entities established for estate planning or investment purposes.

 

Villanova Investment Management Company LLC

Villanova Investment Management Company LLC (“VIMCO”) serves as investment sub-adviser to the AlphaOne VIMCO Small Cap Value Fund. The principal address of VIMCO is 789 E Lancaster Avenue, Suite 120, Villanova, Pennsylvania 19085. VIMCO is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The information listed below is for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2017.

 

Name and Position with

Investment Adviser

Name and Principal Business

Address of Other Company

Connection with

Other Company

Rastislav Berlansky, CFA

Principal and Founder

Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC

2929 Arch Street

Philadelphia, PA 19104

Managing Director, Portfolio Manager, Research Analyst (through December 10, 2015)

Edward A. Trumpbour

Principal and Founder

Holy Child School at Rosemont

1344 Montgomery Avenue

Rosemont, PA 19010

Trustee

 

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Wells Fargo Portfolio Risk Advisors, a division of Structured Asset Investors, LLC

Wells Fargo Portfolio Risk Advisors (“WFPRA”), a division of Structured Asset Investors, LLC serves as an investment sub-adviser for the Cornerstone Advisors Public Alternatives Fund. The principal address of WFPRA is 375 Park Avenue, 4th Floor, New York, New York 10152. WFPRA is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The information listed below is for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2017.

 

Name and Position with

Investment Adviser

Name and Principal Business

Address of Other Company

Connection with

Other Company

William Threadgill

Chief Administrative Officer

2561 Enterprise LLC

4 Adams Place

Harrison, NY 10528

Member

 

Westwood Management Corp.

Westwood Management Corp. (“Westwood”) serves as the investment adviser for the Westwood Large Cap Value Fund, Westwood Low Volatility Equity Fund, Westwood SMidCap Plus Fund, Westwood SMidCap Fund, Westwood SmallCap Fund, Westwood MLP and Strategic Energy Fund, Westwood Income Opportunity Fund, Westwood Worldwide Income Opportunity Fund, Westwood Global Equity Fund, Westwood Emerging Markets Fund, Westwood Short Duration High Yield Fund, Westwood Opportunistic High Yield Fund, Westwood Market Neutral Income Fund, Westwood Strategic Convertibles Fund, Westwood Emerging Markets Plus Fund and Westwood Multi-Asset High Income Fund. The principal address of Westwood is 200 Crescent Court, Suite 1200, Dallas, Texas 75201. Westwood is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The information listed below is for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 and 2017.

 

Name and Position with

Investment Adviser

Name and Principal Business

Address of Other Company

Connection with

Other Company

Brian Casey

President and Chief Executive Officer and Director

Westwood Holdings Group, Inc.*

(NYSE: WHG)

200 Crescent Court, Suite 1200

Dallas, TX 75201

President and Chief Executive Officer and Director

Westwood Trust**

200 Crescent Court, Suite 1200

Dallas, TX 75201

Chief Executive Officer and Director

Westwood International Advisors Inc. a

181 Bay Street, Suite 2450

Toronto, Ontario M5J 2S1

Chief Executive Officer and Director

Tiffany B. Kice

Chief Financial Officer

Westwood Holdings Group, Inc.*

(NYSE: WHG)

200 Crescent Court, Suite 1200

Dallas, TX 75201

Chief Financial Officer

Westwood International Advisors Inc. a

181 Bay Street, Suite 2450

Toronto, Ontario M5J 2S1

Chief Financial Officer

Westwood Trust**

200 Crescent Court, Suite 1200

Dallas, TX 75201

Chief Financial Officer

Westwood Advisors, LLC***

One Pacific Place

1125 South 103rd Street, Ste. 580

Omaha, NE 68124

Chief Financial Officer

 

C-59

 

Name and Position with

Investment Adviser

Name and Principal Business

Address of Other Company

Connection with

Other Company

Mark R. Freeman, CFA

Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer

Westwood Holdings Group, Inc.*

(NYSE: WHG)

200 Crescent Court, Suite 1200

Dallas, TX 75201

Chief Investment Officer

Sylvia L. Fry

Chief Compliance Officer

(through March 31, 2017)

Westwood Holdings Group, Inc.*

(NYSE: WHG)

200 Crescent Court, Suite 1200

Dallas, TX 75201

Chief Compliance Officer

Westwood Trust**

200 Crescent Court, Suite 1200

Dallas, TX 75201

Chief Compliance Officer

Westwood Advisors, LLC***

One Pacific Place

1125 South 103rd Street, Ste. 580

Omaha, NE 68124

Chief Compliance Officer

Julie K. Gerron

General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer

Westwood Holdings Group, Inc.*

(NYSE: WHG)

200 Crescent Court, Suite 1200

Dallas, TX 75201

Chief Compliance Officer (beginning April 1, 2017) and General Counsel

Westwood International Advisors Inc. a

181 Bay Street, Suite 2450

Toronto, Ontario M5J 2S1

General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer

Westwood Trust**

200 Crescent Court, Suite 1200

Dallas, TX 75201

Chief Compliance Officer (beginning April 1, 2017) and General Counsel

Westwood Advisors, LLC***
One Pacific Place

1125 South 103rd Street, Ste. 580

Omaha, NE 68124

Chief Compliance Officer (beginning April 1, 2017) and General Counsel

 

*Westwood Management Corp., Westwood Trust, Westwood Advisors, LLC, and Westwood International Advisors Inc. are wholly owned subsidiaries of Westwood Holdings Group, Inc., a publicly traded company on the NYSE (NYSE: WHG).

 

C-60

 

**Westwood Trust provides trust and custodial services and participation in common trust funds that it sponsors to institutions and high net worth individuals.
***Westwood Advisors, LLC (formerly, McCarthy Group Advisors, LLC) is a SEC registered investment adviser that managed investment limited liability companies until January 12, 2018 and provides wealth management and digital advisory services. Westwood Advisors is now based in Dallas, TX.
aWestwood International Advisors Inc. is a Canadian Corporation located in Toronto, Ontario that is registered as a Portfolio Manager and Exempt Market Dealer with the Ontario Securities Commission (“OSC”) and the Autorité des marchés financiers (“AMF”) in Quebec.

 

Item 32. Principal Underwriters

(a)Furnish the name of each investment company (other than the Registrant) for which each principal underwriter currently distributing the securities of the Registrant also acts as a principal underwriter, distributor or investment adviser.

 

The Registrant's distributor, SEI Investments Distribution Co. (the "Distributor"), acts as distributor for:

 

SEI Daily Income Trust July 15, 1982
SEI Tax Exempt Trust December 3, 1982
SEI Institutional Managed Trust January 22, 1987
SEI Institutional International Trust August 30, 1988
The Advisors' Inner Circle Fund II January 28, 1993
Bishop Street Funds January 27, 1995
SEI Asset Allocation Trust April 1, 1996
SEI Institutional Investments Trust June 14, 1996
City National Rochdale Funds (f/k/a CNI Charter Funds) April 1, 1999
Causeway Capital Management Trust September 20, 2001
ProShares Trust November 14, 2005
Community Capital Trust (f/k/a Community Reinvestment Act Qualified Investment Fund) January 8, 2007
TD Asset Management USA Funds Inc. July 25, 2007
SEI Structured Credit Fund, LP July 31, 2007
Global X Funds October 24, 2008
ProShares Trust II November 17, 2008
Exchange Traded Concepts Trust (f/k/a FaithShares Trust) August 7, 2009
Schwab Strategic Trust October 12, 2009
RiverPark Funds Trust September 8, 2010
Adviser Managed Trust December 10, 2010
New Covenant Funds March 23, 2012
Cambria ETF Trust August 30, 2012
Highland Funds I (f/k/a Pyxis Funds I) September 25, 2012
KraneShares Trust December 18, 2012
SEI Insurance Products Trust September 10, 2013
The KP Funds September 19, 2013
The Advisors' Inner Circle Fund III February 12, 2014
SEI Catholic Values Trust March 24, 2015
SEI Hedge Fund SPC June 26, 2015
SEI Energy Debt Fund June 30, 2015
Gallery Trust January 8, 2016
RiverPark Floating Rate CMBS Fund (f/k/a RiverPark Commercial Real Estate Fund) August 12, 2016
Schroder Series Trust February 10, 2017
Schroder Global Series Trust February 10, 2017
City National Rochdale Select Strategies Fund March 1, 2017
Metaurus Equity Component Trust October 2, 2017
Causeway ETMF Trust December 28, 2017
Impact Shares Trust March 1, 2018
City National Rochdale Strategic Credit Fund May 16, 2018
Symmetry Panoramic Trust July 23, 2018

 

C-61

 

The Distributor provides numerous financial services to investment managers, pension plan sponsors, and bank trust departments. These services include portfolio evaluation, performance measurement and consulting services (“Funds Evaluation”) and automated execution, clearing and settlement of securities transactions (“MarketLink”).

 

(b) Furnish the Information required by the following table with respect to each director, officer or partner of each principal underwriter named in the answer to Item 25 of Part B. Unless otherwise noted, the business address of each director or officer is One Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, PA 19456.

 

Name

Position and Office

with Underwriter

Positions and Offices

with Registrant

William M. Doran Director --
Paul F. Klauder Director --
Wayne M. Withrow Director --
Kevin P. Barr Director, President & Chief Executive Officer --
Maxine J. Chou Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operations Officer, & Treasurer --
Karen E. LaTourette Chief Compliance Officer, Anti-Money Laundering Officer & Assistant Secretary --
John C. Munch General Counsel & Secretary --
Mark J. Held Senior Vice President --
John P. Coary Vice President & Assistant Secretary --
Lori L. White Vice President & Assistant Secretary --
Judith A. Hirx Vice President --
Jason McGhin Vice President --
Gary Michael Reese Vice President --
Robert M. Silvestri Vice President --

 

Item 33. Location of Accounts and Records:

 

Books or other documents required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, and the rules promulgated thereunder, are maintained as follows:

 

(a)With respect to Rules 31a-1(a); 31a-1(b)(1); (2)(a) and (b); (3); (6); (8); (12); and 31a-1 (d), the required books and records are maintained at the offices of Registrant’s custodians:

 

U.S. Bank, National Association

800 Nicollett Mall

Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402-4302

 

MUFG Union Bank, N.A. (formerly known as Union Bank, N.A.)

350 California Street

6th Floor

San Francisco, California 94104

 

Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.

40 Water Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02109-3661

 

C-62

 

(b)With respect to Rules 31a-1(a); 31a-1 (b)(1),(4); (2)(C) and (D); (4); (5); (6); (8); (9); (10); (11); and 31a-1(f), the required books and records are maintained at the offices of Registrant’s administrator:

 

SEI Investments Global Funds Services

One Freedom Valley Drive

Oaks, Pennsylvania 19456

 

(c)With respect to Rules 31a-1 (b)(5), (6), (9) and (10) and 31a-1 (f), the required books and records are maintained at the offices of the Registrant’s investment advisers:

 

Acadian Asset Management LLC

260 Franklin Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02110

 

AJO, LP

230 South Broad Street, 20th Floor

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102

 

Allianz Global Investors U.S. LLC

1633 Broadway

New York, New York 10019

 

AlphaOne Investment Services, LLC

789 E Lancaster Avenue, Suite 120

Villanova, Pennsylvania 19085

 

AT Investment Advisers, Inc.

One South Wacker Drive, Suite 3500

Chicago, Illinois 60606

 

BlackRock Financial Management, Inc.

55 East 52nd Street

New York, New York 10055

 

BlackRock International Limited

Exchange Place One, 1 Semple Street

Edinburgh EH3 8BL, Scotland

 

Cambiar Investors, LLC

200 Columbine Street, Suite 800

Denver, Colorado 80206

 

ClariVest Asset Management LLC

3611 Valley Centre Drive, Suite 100

San Diego, California 92130

 

Cornerstone Advisors, Inc.

225 108th Avenue NE, Suite 400

Bellevue, Washington 98004-5782

 

C-63

 

Cramer Rosenthal McGlynn LLC

520 Madison Avenue, 20th Floor

New York, New York 10022

 

C.S. McKee, L.P.

One Gateway Center

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222

 

Driehaus Capital Management LLC

25 East Erie Street

Chicago, Illinois 60611-2703

 

Edgewood Management LLC

535 Madison Avenue, 15th Floor

New York, New York 10022

 

Fairpointe Capital LLC

One North Franklin Street, Suite 3300

Chicago, Illinois 60606-2401

 

Fayez Sarofim & Co.

2907 Two Houston Center

909 Fannin Street

Houston, Texas 77010

 

First Manhattan Co.

399 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10022-7001

 

Franklin Advisers, Inc.

One Franklin Parkway

San Mateo, California 94403

 

Hamlin Capital Management, LLC

640 Fifth Avenue, 6th Floor

New York, New York 10019

 

Harris Associates L.P.

111 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 4600

Chicago, Illinois 60606

 

Harvest Global Investments Limited

31/F One Exchange Square

8 Connaught Place, Central

Hong Kong

 

Haverford Financial Services, Inc.

Three Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 450

Radnor, Pennsylvania 19087-4546

 

Investment Counselors of Maryland, LLC

300 East Lombard Street

Suite 810

Baltimore, Maryland 21202

 

C-64

 

Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, L.P.

1800 Avenue of the Stars, Third Floor

Los Angeles, California 90067

 

Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P.

One Financial Center

Boston, Massachusetts 02111-2621

 

LSV Asset Management

155 North Wacker Drive, Suite 4600,

Chicago, Illinois 60606

 

Marsico Capital Management, LLC

1200 17th Street, Suite 1600

Denver, Colorado 80202-5824

 

Metropolitan West Asset Management LLC

865 S. Figueroa Street, Suite 1800

Los Angeles, California 90017

 

Numeric Investors LLC

470 Atlantic Avenue, 6th Floor

Boston, Massachusetts 02210

 

OFI SteelPath, Inc.

2100 McKinney Ave., Suite 1401

Dallas, Texas 75201

 

Parametric Portfolio Associates® LLC

1918 Eighth Avenue, Suite 3100

Seattle, Washington 98101

 

Phocas Financial Corporation

980 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 106

Alameda, California 94501-1001

 

Prime Advisors, Inc.

22635 NE Marketplace Drive

Redmond, Washington 98053

 

Rice Hall James & Associates, LLC

600 West Broadway, Suite 1000

San Diego, California 92101-3383

 

Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated

777 East Wisconsin Avenue

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

 

Sands Capital Management, LLC

1000 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 3000

Arlington, Virginia 22209

 

SKY Harbor Capital Management, LLC

20 Horseneck Lane

Greenwich, Connecticut 06830

 

C-65

 

Strategic Income Management, LLC

1200 Westlake Ave N, Suite 713

Seattle, Washington 98109

 

Thomson Horstmann & Bryant, Inc.

501 Merritt 7

Norwalk, Connecticut 06851

 

Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley LLC

6641 W. Broad Street, Suite 600

Richmond, Virginia 23230

 

Thornburg Investment Management, Inc.

2300 North Ridgetop Road

Santa Fe, New Mexico 87506

 

Villanova Investment Management Company LLC

789 E Lancaster Avenue, Suite 120

Villanova, Pennsylvania 19085

 

Wells Fargo Portfolio Risk Advisors, a Division of Structured Asset Investors, LLC

375 Park Avenue

4th Floor

New York, New York 10152

 

Westwood Management Corp.

200 Crescent Court, Suite 1200

Dallas, Texas 75201

 

Item 34. Management Services: None.

 

Item 35. Undertakings: None.

 

C-66

 

NOTICE

 

A copy of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust for The Advisors’ Inner Circle Fund (the “Trust”) is on file with the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and notice is hereby given that this registration statement has been executed on behalf of the Trust by an officer of the Trust as an officer and by its trustees as trustees and not individually and the obligations of or arising out of this registration statement are not binding upon any of the trustees, officers, or shareholders individually but are binding only upon the assets and property of the Trust.

 

C-67

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 299 to Registration Statement No. 033-42484 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Oaks, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on the 5th day of October, 2018.

 

  THE ADVISORS’ INNER CIRCLE FUND  
       
  By: *  
    Michael Beattie, President  

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date(s) indicated.

 

 *   Trustee

October 5, 2018

Tracie E. Ahern      
       
*   Trustee

October 5, 2018

Joseph T. Grause, Jr.      
       
*   Trustee

October 5, 2018

Mitchell A. Johnson      
       
*   Trustee

October 5, 2018

N. Jeffrey Klauder      
       
*   Trustee

October 5, 2018

Betty L. Krikorian      
       
*   Trustee

October 5, 2018

Robert A. Nesher      
       
*   Trustee

October 5, 2018

Bruce Speca      
       
*   Trustee

October 5, 2018

George J. Sullivan, Jr.      
       
*   President

October 5, 2018

Michael Beattie      
       
*   Treasurer, Controller &

October 5, 2018

Stephen Connors   Chief Financial Officer  

 

*By: /s/ Dianne M. Descoteaux  
  Dianne M. Descoteaux  
  Attorney-in-Fact  

 

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