485BPOS 1 rigel_485b.htm POST EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT rigel_485b.htm

Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 28, 2010
1933 Act Registration File No. 333-17391
1940 Act File No. 811-07959
 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549

FORM N-1A
 
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
x
Pre-Effective Amendment No.
¨
Post-Effective Amendment No.     308  
x
and
 
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
x
Amendment No.     310  
x
(Check appropriate box or boxes.)
 
ADVISORS SERIES TRUST
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
 
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s Telephone Numbers, Including Area Code: (414) 765-6609

Douglas G. Hess, President
Advisors Series Trust
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
777 East Wisconsin Avenue, 5th floor
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
 
Copies to:
 
Domenick Pugliese, Esq.
Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP
75 East 55th Street
New York, New York  10022

As soon as practical after the effective date of this Registration Statement
Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering
 
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)
 
    X  
 
immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
       
 
on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b)
        
 
60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
      
 
on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
        
 
75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
        
 
on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485.

If appropriate, check the following box:
[     ]
This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.

Explanatory Note:  This Post-Effective Amendment No. 308 to the Registration Statement of Advisors Series Trust is being filed for the purpose of updating annual financial information, answering SEC Staff comments and conforming the Rigel U.S. Equity Large Cap Growth Fund’s Prospectus to the Summary Prospectus Rule as set forth in 17 CFR Parts 230, 232, 239, and 274.
 

 
 


U.S. EQUITY LARGE CAP GROWTH FUND

A Series of Advisors Series Trust

Ticker Symbol:  RGLLX

Investor Class



PROSPECTUS
January 28, 2010


Rigel U.S. Equity Large Cap Growth Fund (the “Fund”) is a diversified mutual fund that seeks long-term capital appreciation.




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




 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 

Investment Objective
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses of the Fund
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

SHAREHOLDER FEES
 
(fees paid directly from your investment)
 
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
None
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load)
None
Redemption Fee
None

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
 
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
 
Management Fees
0.75%
Other Expenses
0.43%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(1)
1.18%
Less:  Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement(2)
-0.17%
Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses
1.01%
 
(1)
The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses for the Fund do not correlate to the Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets Before Expense Waiver in the “Financial Highlights”, which reflects the operating expenses of the Fund and does not include acquired fund fees and expenses (“AFFE”).  For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, the Fund incurred AFFE totaling less than 0.01% of the Fund’s average daily net assets; these AFFE are included in “Other Expenses” above.
(2)
Rigel Capital, LLC (the “Advisor”) has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its management fees and/or pay Fund expenses to ensure that the Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, interest, taxes and extraordinary expenses) do not exceed 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.  The expense limitation will remain in effect through at least January 31, 2011 and may be terminated only by the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”). The Advisor may request recoupment of previously waived fees and paid expenses from the Fund for three years from the date they were waived or paid, subject to the expense limitation.

Example.  This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.  The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods.  The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same (taking into account the contractual expense limitation for year 1).  Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
 
1 Year
3 Years
5 Years
10 Years
$103
$358
$633
$1,417
 
 
 
Portfolio Turnover.  The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio).  A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account.  These costs, which are not reflected in Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance.  During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 241% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies
The Fund attempts to achieve its investment objective by actively investing at least 80% of its net assets, plus any borrowings for investment purposes, in a diversified portfolio of growth-oriented domestic equity securities of large capitalization companies. The Advisor considers a large-cap company to be one that has a market capitalization consistent with the market capitalizations of companies in the Russell 1000® Growth Index (the “Index”).  As of January 15, 2010, the market capitalization range of the Index was from $271 million to $330 billion.

The Advisor selects individual securities for purchase and sale through a multi-step process that begins with a quantitatively based screen to identify the top 10-20% of the approximately 750 stocks with market capitalizations consistent with the Index.  Fundamental analysis then takes place, focusing on factors such as industry trends, competitive position, consistency of growth, potential for acceleration of growth and quality of earnings.  Finally, stocks are evaluated within the context of the current market environment.  The Advisor may choose to sell a Fund holding when it believes the security no longer offers attractive growth prospects or when the Advisor wishes to take advantage of a better investment opportunity.

At the Advisor’s discretion, the Fund may invest its assets in cash, cash equivalents, and high-quality, short-term debt securities and money market instruments for temporary defensive purposes in response to adverse market, economic or political conditions.

Principal Investment Risks
Losing all or a portion of your investment is a risk of investing in the Fund.  The following additional risks could affect the value of your investment:

·
Equity Risk -- The risks that could affect the value of the Fund’s shares and the total return on your investment include the possibility that the equity securities held by the Fund will experience sudden, unpredictable drops in value or long periods of decline in value.
·
Management Risk -- If the Advisor’s investment strategies do not produce the expected results, the value of the Fund may decrease.
·  
Market Risk -- Either the stock market as a whole, or the value of an individual company, goes down resulting in a decrease in the value of the Fund.
 
 
 
·  
Small and Medium-Sized Companies Risk – Small- and medium-sized companies may be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic events than stocks of larger companies. Investing in securities of small and medium-sized companies involves greater risk than investing in larger, more established companies because they can be subject to more abrupt or erratic share price changes than larger, more established companies.
·  
Growth Stock Risk -- Growth stocks are stocks of companies believed to have above-average potential for growth in revenue and earnings. Growth stocks may not perform as well as value stocks or the stock market in general.
·  
Non-U.S. Investment Risk -- The Fund may invest in non-U.S. issuers through depositary receipts such as ADRs. Non-U.S. investments may involve financial, economic or political risks not ordinarily associated with the securities of U.S. issuers.
·  
Portfolio Turnover Risk -- A high portfolio turnover rate (100% or more) has the potential to result in the realization and distribution to shareholders of higher capital gains, which may subject you to a higher tax liability.

By itself, the Fund is not a complete, balanced investment plan and the Fund cannot guarantee that it will achieve its investment objective.

The Fund may be appropriate for investors who:
 
·  
have a long-term investment horizon;
·  
want to add an investment with potential for capital appreciation to diversify their investment portfolio;
·  
can accept the greater risks of investing in a portfolio with common stock holdings; and/or
·  
are not primarily concerned with principal stability;
·  
are not in need of regular income; or
·  
are not pursuing a short-term goal.
 
Performance
The following performance information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund.  The bar chart shows changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year. The table shows how the Fund’s average annual returns for 1 year and since inception compare with those of a broad measure of market performance and an index that reflects the market sectors in which the Fund invests.  The Fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available on the Fund’s website at http://www.rigelmutualfunds.com or by calling the Fund toll-free at 1-866-977-4435.
 
 
 
Calendar Year Total Returns as of December 31

Performance Chart
 
During the period of time shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a calendar quarter was 12.85% (quarter ended 9/30/2009) and the lowest return for a calendar quarter was -26.25 % (quarter ended 12/31/2008).

Average Annual Total Returns
   
(for the periods ended December 31, 2009)
   
 
1 Year
Since Inception (May 31, 2006)
Rigel U.S. Equity Large Cap Growth Fund
   
Return Before Taxes
16.28%
-6.60%
Return After Taxes on Distributions
16.24%
-6.91%
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares
10.63%
-5.56%
S&P 500® Index
(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
26.46%
-1.45%
Russell 1000® Growth Index
(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
37.21%
0.98%

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.  Actual after-tax returns depend on your tax situation and may differ from those shown.  Furthermore, the after-tax returns are not relevant to those who hold their shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or IRAs.  The Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares is higher than other return figures when a capital loss occurs upon the redemption of Fund shares.

Management
Investment Advisor.  Rigel Capital, LLC is the Fund’s investment advisor.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Portfolio Managers.  The Fund is managed by a team of Portfolio Managers as follows:

Portfolio Manager
Years of Service with the Fund
Primary Title
Rafael A. Villagran
Less than 1 year
Chief Investment Officer
John M. Corby, CFA, CIC
4.5
Executive Vice President – Investments and Chief Risk Control Officer
Linda C. Olson, CFA
3.5
Senior Vice President - Investments
Richard N. Stice, CFA
3.5
Senior Vice President - Investments
Carolyn M. Pile
4.25
Vice President - Investments

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
You may purchase or redeem Fund shares on any business day by written request via mail (Rigel U.S. Equity Large Cap Growth Fund, c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, P.O. Box 701, Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701), by wire transfer, by telephone at 1-866-97RIGEL (1-866-977-4435), or through a financial intermediary.  The minimum initial investment in the Fund is $500,000 for regular and retirement accounts.  The minimum subsequent investment in the Fund is $25,000 for regular and retirement accounts.

Tax Information
The Fund’s distributions are taxable, and will be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account.

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank or financial advisor), the Fund and/or its Advisor 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 financial intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment.  Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.


Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal market conditions, the Fund pursues its investment objective by actively investing at least 80% of its net assets, plus any borrowings for investment purposes, in a diversified portfolio of growth-oriented domestic equity securities of companies that have a large market capitalization (a “large-cap company”). This policy may only be changed upon 60 days’ prior notice to shareholders.  The Advisor considers a large-cap company to be one that has a market capitalization consistent with the market capitalizations of companies in the Russell 1000® Growth Index.  As of January 15, 2010, the market capitalization range of the Russell 1000® Growth Index was from $271 million to $330 billion.   The Fund invests primarily in equity securities of established companies. Equity securities may include, but are not limited to, common stocks, convertible securities and securities of foreign issuers that are publicly traded in the United States.  In addition, the Fund may invest up to 10% of its net assets in American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”).  The Fund may invest in other investment companies, including exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), and in equity securities of small and medium-sized companies.
 
 
 
There is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

Portfolio Selection Process
The Advisor’s investment philosophy is to focus on active growth stocks while maintaining an emphasis on risk control.  In accordance with this philosophy, the Advisor’s investment strategy centers around (i) analyzing stocks for their growth potential and determining if they are reasonably priced and (ii) addressing risk by implementing strict and systematic risk controls.

The Advisor begins its analysis with a quantitative screen to identify the top 10% to 20% of the approximately 700 stocks with market capitalizations of $3 billion or more.

The screens for the Fund are based on the following types of information with earnings per share and relative price strength among the most heavily weighted.

·  
Earnings per share
·  
Sales, margin, return on equity
·  
Industry strength
·  
Relative strength
·  
Price/volume

The top stocks based on the quantitative screen are prioritized based on current and projected information.  The Advisor then conducts a fundamental analysis to further distinguish those stocks that represent the best prospects for the Fund’s portfolio.

The focus of the Advisor’s fundamental analysis is on the following factors:

·  
Industry trends
·  
Competitive position
·  
Consistency of growth
·  
Potential for acceleration
·  
Quality of earnings

Before selecting stocks for the Fund’s portfolio, candidates are reviewed within the context of the current market environment.
 
 
Factors considered in this analysis include:

·  
Growth potential versus predictability of growth
·  
Embedded expectations of the market and the specific stock
·  
Market leadership, sectors or industry
·  
Market risk characteristics
·  
Cyclical and seasonal considerations

The Advisor’s targeted time horizon for stocks selected for the Fund is 12 to 18 months. The selection process emphasizes stocks that have the ability to contribute to the portfolio immediately.

The Advisor may choose to sell a Fund holding when it believes the security no longer offers attractive growth prospects or when the Advisor wishes to take advantage of a better investment opportunity.

Risk control is an important aspect of the Advisor’s philosophy and process.  Risk controls are a part, or focus, of stock selection, portfolio construction, and sell discipline.

Portfolio Turnover
The Fund’s annual portfolio turnover rate indicates changes in portfolio investments.  The Advisor will sell a security when appropriate and consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and policies regardless of the effect on the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate.

Please note that buying and selling securities generally involves some expense to the Fund, such as broker commissions and other transaction costs, and a high turnover rate in any year will result in payment by the Fund of above-average transaction costs and could result in the payment by shareholders of above-average amounts of taxes on realized capital gains.

The Fund cannot accurately predict future annual portfolio turnover rates.  Securities may be replaced as they mature; however, the Fund expects that its actual portfolio turnover rates will generally be more than 200%.   These rates may vary substantially from year to year since portfolio adjustments are made when conditions affecting relevant markets, particular industries or individual issues warrant such action.  In addition, portfolio turnover may also be affected by sales of portfolio securities necessary to meet cash requirements for redemptions of shares.

Temporary or Cash Investments
Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest substantially all of its assets according to the principal investment strategies as noted above.  The Fund may, however, temporarily depart from its principal investment strategies by making short-term investments in cash, cash equivalents and/or money market instruments in response to adverse market, economic or political conditions.  This may result in the Fund not achieving its investment objective during that period.
 
 
 
For longer periods of time, the Fund may hold a substantial cash position.  If the market advances during periods when the Fund is holding a large cash position, the Fund may not participate as much as it would have if it had been more fully invested.  To the extent the Fund uses a money market fund for its cash position, there will be some duplication of expenses because the Fund would bear its pro rata portion of such money market fund’s advisory fees and operational expenses.


The principal risks that may adversely affect the Fund’s net asset value or total return have previously been summarized under “Summary Section - Principal Investment Risks.”  These risks are discussed in more detail below.

The Fund is designed for long-term investors and is not a complete investment program. You may lose money by investing in the Fund.

Market Risk
The Fund is designed for long-term investors who can accept the risks of investing in a portfolio with significant common stock holdings. Common stocks tend to be more volatile than other investment choices such as bonds and money market instruments. The value of the Fund’s shares will go up and down due to movement of the overall stock market or of the value of the individual securities held by the Fund, and you could lose money.  Recently, the financial markets have experienced a period of extreme stress which has resulted in unusual and extreme volatility in the equity markets and in the prices of individual stocks.  In some cases, the prices of stocks of individual companies have been negatively impacted even though there may be little or no apparent degradation in the financial conditions or prospects of that company.  These market conditions add significantly to the risk of short-term volatility of the Fund.

Equity Risk
The risks that could affect the value of the Fund’s shares and the total return on your investment include the possibility that the equity securities held by the Fund will experience sudden, unpredictable drops in value or long periods of decline in value.  This may occur because of factors that affect the securities market generally, such as adverse changes in economic conditions, the general outlook for corporate earnings, interest rates or investor sentiment.  Equity securities may also lose value because of factors affecting an entire industry or sector, such as increases in production costs, or factors directly related to a specific company, such as decisions made by its management.

Growth Stock Risk
Because of their perceived growth potential, growth stocks are typically in demand and it may be difficult to get an attractive price for them. Growth stocks generally experience share price fluctuations as the market reacts to changing perceptions of the underlying companies’ growth potentials and broader economic activities. If the Fund’s growth stocks do not produce the predicted earnings growth, their share price may drop and the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) per share may decline.
 
 
 
Non-U.S. Investment Risk
The Fund’s investments in non-U.S. (foreign) companies are subject to special risks, including higher political, social and economic risks.  These risks include, but are not limited to, a downturn in the country’s economy, excessive taxation, political instability, and expropriation of assets by foreign governments.  Compared to the U.S., foreign governments and markets often have less stringent accounting, disclosure, and financial reporting requirements.

Foreign securities can be more volatile than domestic (U.S.) securities.  Securities markets of other countries are generally smaller than the U.S. securities markets.  Many foreign securities may also be less liquid than U.S. securities, which could affect the Fund’s investments.  The exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies might fluctuate, which could negatively affect the value of the Fund’s investments.

Management Risk
The Advisor’s skill will play a significant role in the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective. The Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective depends on the Advisor’s ability to correctly identify economic trends, especially with regard to accurately forecasting inflationary and deflationary periods. In addition, the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective depends on the Advisor’s ability to select stocks, particularly in volatile stock markets. The Advisor could be incorrect in its analysis of industries, companies and the relative attractiveness of growth and value stocks and other matters.

Risk of Industry or Sector Emphasis
The Fund invests in a diversified portfolio of stocks.  Emphasis in a particular industry or market sector will create increased risk for the Fund as a result of adverse developments within that industry or sector.  From time to time, the Fund may invest a significant amount of its total assets in certain sectors, which may be subject to specific risks. These risks include governmental regulation of the sector and governmental monetary and fiscal policies which impact interest rates and currencies and affect corporate funding and international trade. Certain sectors may be more vulnerable than others to these factors. In addition, market sentiment and expectations toward a particular sector could affect a company’s market valuations and access to equity funding.

Portfolio Turnover Risk
A high portfolio turnover rate (100% or more) has the potential to result in the realization and distribution to shareholders of higher amounts of short-term capital gains.  This may mean that you would likely have a higher tax liability.  A high portfolio turnover rate also leads to higher transactions costs, which could negatively affect the Fund’s performance.  Distributions to shareholders of short-term capital gains are taxed as ordinary income under federal tax laws.
 
 
 
Small and Medium-Sized Companies Risk
Investing in securities of small and medium-sized companies may involve greater risk than investing in larger and more established companies because they can be subject to more abrupt or erratic share price changes than larger, more established companies.  Smaller companies may have limited product lines, or limited market or financial resources and their management may be dependent on a limited number of key individuals.  Securities of these companies may have limited market liquidity and their prices may be more volatile. These stocks present greater risks than securities of larger, more diversified companies.

Portfolio Holdings Information
 
A description of the Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of portfolio securities is available in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) dated January 28, 2010. Currently, disclosure of the Fund’s holdings is required to be made quarterly within 60 days of the end of each fiscal quarter in the Fund’s Annual Report and Semi-Annual Report to Fund shareholders and in the quarterly holdings report on Form N-Q.  A complete list of the Fund’s portfolio holdings as of each calendar quarter-end is available on the Fund’s website at www.rigelmutualfunds.com approximately five to ten business days after the calendar quarter end.


Investment Advisor
 
Rigel Capital, LLC, is the Fund’s investment advisor and provides investment advisory services to the Fund pursuant to an investment advisory agreement between the Advisor and the Trust (the “Advisory Agreement”).  The Advisor’s address is 601 Union Street, Suite 3930, Seattle, Washington 98101.  The Advisor has provided investment advisory services to individual and institutional accounts since 1998. The Advisor has provided investment advisory services to the Fund since its inception and as of December 31, 2009, the Advisor managed over $579.4 million in assets, which included a sub-advised mutual fund as well as separately managed accounts.

The Advisor provides the Fund with advice on buying and selling securities.  The Advisor also furnishes the Fund with office space and certain administrative services and provides most of the personnel needed by the Fund.  For its services, the Advisor is entitled to receive an annual management fee, calculated daily and payable monthly, equal to 0.75% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.  The Advisor received 0.58% of the Fund’s average daily net assets for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009.

A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the Advisory Agreement with respect to the Fund is available in the Fund’s Semi-Annual Report dated March 31, 2009.
 
 
 
The Fund, as a series of the Trust, does not hold itself out as related to any other series of the Trust for purposes of investment and investor services, nor does it share the same investment advisor with any other series.

Portfolio Managers
The Advisor uses a team approach for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio. All team members review the results of the quantitative screen, fundamental analysis, analysis of the current market, and participate in security selection.  The investment team for the Fund consists of Rafael A. Villagran, John M. Corby, Linda C. Olson, Richard N. Stice and Carolyn M. Pile.  The team makes investment decisions for the Fund.

Rafael A. Villagran – Chief Investment Officer
Mr. Villagran has 25 years of diverse investment experience.  Prior to re-joining the Advisor after a two-year hiatus, he served in senior portfolio management positions at Sound Capital Partners (a division of The Burridge Group LLC), and Bank of America Capital Management.  Previously, Mr. Villagran was associated with Lehman Brothers as a Senior Vice President and Senior Equity Research Analyst.  He began his career at Prudential Securities in equity research. Mr.  Villagran is a member of the CFA Institute and of the Seattle Society of Financial Analysts.  He received a B.B.A. – Finance from Pace University.

John M. Corby, CFA, CIC, Executive Vice President – Investments/Chief Risk Control Officer
Mr. Corby plays a leadership role in the Advisor’s risk control and quantitative screening.  Mr. Corby has 25 years of diverse investment experience, which includes portfolio management positions and client management responsibilities.  Before joining the Advisor in October 2004, Mr. Corby spent 17 years at Provident Investment Counsel where his most recent position was Managing Director.  Mr. Corby is a chartered member of the CFA Institute and in addition he is a member of the Seattle Society of Financial Analysts.  He received a B.S. in Liberal Arts from Arizona State University.

Linda C. Olson, CFA – Senior Vice President - Investments
Linda C. Olson is a member of the Advisor’s investment team with over 20 years of financial management experience.  Ms. Olson joined Rigel in April 2007 as a Senior Vice President/Research Analyst.  Prior to joining Rigel, she served as Vice President/Portfolio Manager at Bank of America from 2005 to 2007.  Prior to joining Bank of America, she served as a Portfolio Manager at WM Advisors from 1997 to 2005.  Ms. Olson is a chartered member of the CFA Institute and in addition she is a member of the Seattle Society of Financial Analysts.  Ms. Olson earned her B.A. in Business Administration, Finance (Phi Beta Kappa) from the University of Washington.
 
 
 
Richard N. Stice, CFA – Senior Vice President – Investments
As a member of the Advisor’s investment team, Mr. Stice is responsible for quantitative and fundamental research and analytics as part of the portfolio management team.  Mr. Stice joined Rigel in April 2007.  Prior to joining the firm, he served as senior Associate Director of equity research at Standard & Poor’s from 2000 to 2007.  Mr. Stice has 18 years of experience in the investment industry.  He received his B.A. in Economics and Political Science from the University of Washington.

Carolyn M. Pile – Vice President - Investments
As a member of the Advisor’s investment team, Ms. Pile provides analytical support in areas of fundamental and quantitative research in support of the team’s portfolio management activities.  Prior to joining the Advisor in September 2006, Ms. Pile attended the University of California-Irvine while obtaining her MBA in Finance.  She previously worked as a trader with Ferguson Wellman Capital Management from 2001 to 2004.  Ms. Pile received her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Oregon and an M.B.A. in Finance from the University of California-Irvine.

The SAI provides additional information about the investment team members’ compensation, other accounts managed by the members and each member’s ownership of securities in the Fund and material conflicts of interest.

Fund Expenses
The Fund is responsible for its own operating expenses.  The Advisor has contractually agreed, however, to waive a portion of its management fees and/or pay Fund expenses (excluding AFFE, taxes, interest and extraordinary expenses) to the extent necessary to limit the Fund’s net annual fund operating expenses so that it does not exceed 1.00% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.  The term of the Fund’s operating expense limitation agreement is indefinite and it can only be terminated upon a vote of the Board.  Any waiver of advisory fees or payment of expenses made by the Advisor may be recouped by the Advisor in subsequent fiscal years if the Advisor so requests.  The Advisor is permitted to recoup fee waivers and/or expense payments made in the prior three fiscal years from the date the fees were waived and/or Fund expenses were paid.  This recoupment may be requested if the aggregate amount actually paid by the Fund toward operating expenses for such fiscal year (taking into account the recoupment) does not exceed the applicable limitation on Fund expenses.  Any such recoupment is contingent upon the Board’s subsequent review and ratification of the recouped amounts.  The Fund must pay current ordinary operating expenses before the Advisor is entitled to any recoupment of fees and/or expenses.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Share Price
Shares of the Fund are sold at NAV per share, which is determined by the Fund as of the close of regular trading (generally, 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day that the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open for unrestricted business.  However, the Fund’s NAV per share may be calculated earlier if trading on the NYSE is restricted or as permitted by the SEC.  The NYSE is closed on weekends and most national holidays.

Purchase and redemption requests are priced at the next NAV per share calculated after receipt of such requests.  The NAV per share is determined by dividing the value of the Fund’s securities, cash and other assets, minus all expenses and liabilities, by the number of shares outstanding (assets-liabilities/ # of shares = NAV per share).  The NAV per share takes into account the expenses and fees of the Fund, including management and administration fees, which are accrued daily.

The Fund’s investments are valued according to market value.  Stocks that are “thinly traded” or events occurring after the close of the NYSE may create a situation where a market quote would not be readily available.  When a market quote is not readily available, the security’s value is based on “fair value” as determined by procedures adopted by the Board.  The Board will periodically review the reliability of the Fund’s fair value methodology.

Buying Fund Shares
To purchase shares of the Fund, you must invest at least the minimum amount.

Minimum Investments
To Open
Your Account
To Add to
Your Account
Regular Accounts
$500,000
$25,000
Retirement Accounts
$500,000
$25,000

Shares of the Fund may be purchased by check or by wire transfer of funds through a bank or through approved financial supermarkets, investment advisors and consultants, financial planners, brokers, dealers and other investment professionals and their agents (“Brokers”) authorized by the Fund to receive purchase orders.  The Fund’s minimum initial investment (as well as subsequent additional investments) depends on the nature of the account as shown in the tables above.  The Fund requires an initial investment of $500,000 for regular, and retirement, and other non-taxable accounts (IRAs, SEP-IRAs, pension and profit sharing plans, etc.). Minimum investment amounts may be made in any amount in excess of these amounts and may be waived from time to time by the Fund. Minimum investment amounts are waived when shares are purchased by current or retired directors and employees of the Advisor and its affiliates.
 
 
 
 
In-Kind Purchases and Redemptions
The Fund reserves the right to accept payment for shares in the form of securities that are permissible investments for the Fund.  The Fund also reserves the right to pay redemptions by a distribution “in-kind” of securities (instead of cash) from the Fund.  See the SAI for further information about the terms of these purchases and redemptions.

Additional Investments
Additional purchases in the Fund may be made for $25,000 or more. Exceptions may be made at the Fund’s discretion. The additional purchases minimum is waived when shares are purchased by current or retired directors and employees of the Advisor and its affiliates. You may purchase additional shares of the Fund by sending a check, with the stub from your account statement, to the Fund at the addresses listed below. Please ensure that you include your account number on the check. If you do not have the stub from your account statement, include your name, address and account number on a separate statement. You may also make additional purchases by wire or through a broker. Please follow the procedures described in this Prospectus.

Short-term or excessive trading into and out of the Fund may harm performance by disrupting management strategies and by increasing expenses.  Accordingly, the Fund may reject your purchase order if in the Advisor’s opinion, you have a pattern of short-term or excessive trading, your trading has been or may be disruptive to the Fund, or rejection otherwise would be in the Fund’s best interest.

In compliance with the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, please note that the Fund’s transfer agent, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (the “Transfer Agent”) will verify certain information on your account application as part of the Fund’s Anti-Money Laundering Program.  As requested on the account application, you should provide your full name, date of birth, social security number and permanent street address.  Mailing addresses containing only a P.O. Box will not be accepted.  Please contact the Transfer Agent at 1-866-97RIGEL (1-866-977-4435) if you need additional assistance when completing your account application.

If the Transfer Agent does not have a reasonable belief of the identity of an investor, the account will be rejected or the investor will not be allowed to perform a transaction on the account until such information is received.  The Fund may also reserve the right to close the account within five business days if clarifying information/documentation is not received.

Shares of the Fund have not been registered for sale outside of the United States.  The Fund generally does not sell shares to investors residing outside of the United States, even if they are United States citizens or lawful permanent residents, except to investors with United States military APO or FPO addresses.
 
 
 
Automatic Investment Plan
Once your account has been opened with the initial minimum investment, you may make additional purchases at regular intervals through the Automatic Investment Plan (“AIP”).  If elected on your account application, money can be automatically transferred from your checking or savings account on a monthly or quarterly basis.  In order to participate in the AIP, each purchase must be in the amount of $1,000 or more, and your financial institution must be a member of the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) network.  The first AIP purchase will take place no earlier than 15 days after the Transfer Agent has received your request.  The Transfer Agent will charge a $25 fee for any ACH payment that is rejected by your bank.  You may terminate your participation in the AIP by notifying the Transfer Agent at 1-866-97RIGEL (1-866-977-4435), at least five business days prior to the date of the next AIP transfer.  The Fund may modify or terminate the AIP at any time without notice.

Timing and Nature of Requests
Your share price will be the next NAV per share calculated after the Transfer Agent or your authorized financial intermediary receives your request in good order.  “Good order” means that your purchase request includes: (1) the dollar amount of shares to be purchased, (2) your account application or investment stub, and (3) a check payable to the “Rigel U.S. Equity Large Cap Growth Fund.”  All requests received in good order before 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time) will be processed on that same day.  Requests received after 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time) will receive the next business day’s NAV per share.

Methods of Buying
 
Through a Broker
The Fund is offered through Brokers.  The Fund is also offered directly through the Fund’s distributor.  An order placed with a Broker is treated as if it was placed directly with the Fund, and will be executed at the next share price calculated by the Fund after receipt by a Broker.  Your Broker will hold your shares in a pooled account in the Broker’s name.  The Fund may pay the Broker to maintain your individual ownership information, for maintaining other required records, and for providing other shareholder services.  The Broker who offers shares may require payment of fees from their individual clients. If you invest through a Broker, the policies and fees may be different than those described in this Prospectus. For example, the Broker may charge transaction fees or set different minimum investments.  The Broker is responsible for processing your order correctly and promptly, keeping you advised of the status of your account, confirming your transactions and ensuring that you receive copies of the Fund’s Prospectus.
 
Please contact your Broker to see if they are an approved Broker of the Fund for additional information.
 
 
 
 
By mail
The Fund will not accept payment in cash, including cashier’s checks, unless the cashier’s checks are in excess of $10,000.  Also, to prevent check fraud, the Fund will not accept third party checks, Treasury checks, credit card checks, traveler’s checks, money orders or starter checks for the purchase of shares.
 
To buy shares of the Fund, complete an account application and send it together with your check for the amount you wish to invest in the Fund to the address below.  To make additional investments once you have opened your account, write your account number on the check and send it together with the most recent confirmation statement received from the Transfer Agent.  If your check is returned for any reason, your purchase will be canceled and a $25 fee will be assessed against your account by the Transfer Agent.  You will also be responsible for any losses suffered by the Fund as a result.

 
Regular Mail
Rigel U.S. Equity Large Cap Growth Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701
 
      
 
Overnight Delivery
Rigel U.S. Equity Large Cap Growth Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
615 E. Michigan Street, Third Floor
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
 

 
NOTE:   The Fund does not consider the U.S. Postal Service or other independent delivery services to be its agents.
   
By telephone
 
 
To make additional investments by telephone, you must check the appropriate box on your account application authorizing telephone purchases.  If you have given authorization for telephone transactions and your account has been open for at least 15 days, call the Transfer Agent toll-free at 1-866-97RIGEL (1-866-977-4435) and you will be allowed to move money in amounts of $25,000 or more, from your bank account to the Fund account upon request.  Only bank accounts held at U.S. institutions that are ACH members may be used for telephone transactions.  If your order is placed before 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time) shares will be purchased in your account at the NAV per share determined on that day.  For security reasons, requests by telephone will be recorded.
 
 
 
 
By wire
 
To open an account by wire, a completed account application is required before your wire can be accepted.  You may mail or overnight deliver your account application to the Transfer Agent.  Upon receipt of your completed account application, an account will be established for you.  The account number assigned will be required as part of the instruction that should be provided to your bank to send the wire.  Your bank must include the name of the Fund, the account number, and your name so that monies can be correctly applied.  Your bank should transmit funds by wire to:
 
U.S. Bank National Association
777 East Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
ABA #:  075000022
Credit:  U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
Account #:  112-952-137
Further Credit:  (Rigel U.S. Equity Large Cap Growth Fund)
(your name or the title on the account)
(your account #)
 
Before sending your wire, please contact the Transfer Agent at 1-866-97RIGEL (1-866-977-4435) to advise them of your intent to wire funds.  This will ensure prompt and accurate credit upon receipt of your wire.
 
Wired funds must be received prior to 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time) to be eligible for same day pricing.  The Fund and U.S. Bank N.A. are not responsible for the consequences of delays resulting from the banking or Federal Reserve wire system, or from incomplete wiring instructions.

Selling (Redeeming) Fund Shares
 
Through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary
If you purchased your shares through a Broker, your redemption order must be placed through the same Broker. The Broker must receive and transmit your redemption order to the Transfer Agent prior to 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time) for the redemption to be processed at the current day’s NAV per share.  Orders received after 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time) will receive the next business day’s NAV per share.  Please keep in mind that your Broker may charge additional fees for its services.
   
By mail
You may redeem shares purchased directly from the Fund by mail.  Send your written redemption request to the Transfer Agent at the address below.  Your request should be in good order and contain the Fund’s name, the name(s) on the account, your account number and the dollar amount or the number of shares to be redeemed.  Be sure to have all shareholders sign the letter.  Additional documents are required for certain types of shareholders, such as corporations, partnerships, executors, trustees, administrators, or guardians (i.e., corporate resolutions, or trust documents indicating proper authorization).
 
 
 
 
Regular Mail
Rigel U.S. Equity Large Cap Growth Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701
 
     
 
Overnight Delivery
Rigel U.S. Equity Large Cap Growth Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
615 E. Michigan Street, Third Floor
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
 

 
A signature guarantee must be included if any of the following situations apply:
·  
You wish to redeem more than $100,000 worth of shares;
 
·  
When redemption proceeds are payable or sent to any person, address or bank account not on record;
 
·  
If a change of address was received by the Transfer Agent within the last 15 days;
 
·  
If ownership is changed on your account; or
 
·  
When establishing or modifying certain services on an account.
 
In addition to the situations described above, the Fund and/or the Transfer Agent reserve the right to require a signature guarantee in other instances based on the circumstances relative to the particular situation.

Shareholders redeeming their shares by mail should submit written instructions with a guarantee of their signature(s) by an eligible institution acceptable to the Transfer Agent, such as a domestic bank or trust company, broker, dealer, clearing agency or savings association, as well as from participants in a medallion program recognized by the Securities Transfer Association.  The three recognized medallion programs are Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program, Stock Exchanges Medallion Program and New York Stock Exchange, Inc.  Medallion Signature Program.  Signature guarantees that are not part of these programs will not be accepted.  A notary public cannot provide a signature guarantee.
 
 
 
By telephone
To redeem shares by telephone, call the Fund at 1-866-97RIGEL (1-866-977-4435) and specify the amount of money you wish to redeem.  You may have a check sent to the address of record, or, if previously established on your account, you may have proceeds sent by wire or electronic funds transfer through the ACH network directly to your bank account.  Wires are subject to a $15 fee paid by the investor and your bank may charge a fee to receive wired funds.  You do not incur any charge when proceeds are sent via the ACH network; however, credit may not be available in your bank account for two to three business days.
 
If you are authorized to perform telephone transactions (either indicated on your account application or by subsequent arrangement in writing with the Fund) you may redeem up to $100,000, by instructing the Fund by phone at 1-866-97RIGEL (1-866-977-4435).  Unless noted on the initial account application, a signature guarantee is required of all shareholders in order to qualify for or to change telephone redemption privileges.
 
Note: Neither the Fund nor its service providers will be liable for any loss or expense in acting upon instructions that are reasonably believed to be genuine.  To confirm that all telephone instructions are genuine, the Fund will use reasonable procedures, such as requesting:
 
·  
That you correctly state the Fund account number;
·  
The name in which your account is registered;
·  
The social security or tax identification number under which the account is registered; and
·  
The address of the account holder, as stated in the account application form.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan
You may request that a predetermined dollar amount be sent to you monthly, quarterly or annually.  Your account must have a value of at least $250,000 for you to be eligible to participate in the Systematic Withdrawal Plan (the “SWP”).  The minimum withdrawal is $1,000.  If you elect this method of redemption, the Fund will send a check to your address of record, or will send the payment via electronic funds transfer through the ACH network, directly to your bank account.   You may request an application for the SWP by calling the Transfer Agent toll-free at 1-866-97RIGEL (1-866-977-4435).  The Fund may modify or terminate the SWP at any time.  You may terminate your participation in the SWP by calling the Transfer Agent sufficiently in advance of the next withdrawal.
 
 
 
Payment of Redemption Proceeds
You may redeem Fund shares at a price equal to the NAV per share next determined after the Transfer Agent receives your redemption request in good order.  Generally, your redemption request cannot be processed on days the NYSE is closed.  All requests received in good order by the Fund before the close of the regular trading session of the NYSE (generally, 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) will usually be sent to the bank you indicate or mailed on the following day to the address of record.  In all cases, proceeds will be processed within seven calendar days and sent to you after your redemption request has been received.
 
If you purchase shares using a check and soon after request a redemption, the Fund will honor the redemption request, but will not mail the proceeds until your purchase check has cleared (usually within 12 days).  Furthermore, there are certain times when you may be unable to sell Fund shares or receive proceeds.

Specifically, the Fund may suspend the right to redeem shares or postpone the date of payment upon redemption for more than three business days (1) for any period during which the NYSE is closed (other than customary weekend or holiday closings) or trading on the NYSE is restricted;  (2) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal by a Fund of securities owned by it is not reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund fairly to determine the value of its net assets; or (3) for such other periods as the SEC may permit for the protection of the Fund’s shareholders.

Other Redemption Information
Shareholders who have an IRA or other retirement plan must indicate on their redemption request whether or not to withhold federal income tax.  Redemption requests failing to indicate an election not to have tax withheld will generally be subject to a 10% withholding tax.

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 a shareholder’s redemption proceeds in liquid securities with a market value equal to the redemption price (redemption-in-kind).

Specifically, if the amount you are redeeming is in excess of the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Fund’s net assets, the Fund has the right to redeem your shares by giving you the amount that exceeds $250,000 or 1% of the Fund’s net assets in securities instead of cash.  If the Fund pays your redemption proceeds by a distribution of securities, you could incur brokerage or other charges in converting the securities to cash, and will bear any market risks associated with such securities until they are converted into cash.
 
 
 
Tools to Combat Frequent Transactions
The Board has adopted policies and procedures with respect to frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares by Fund shareholders.  The Fund discourages excessive, short-term trading and other abusive trading practices that may disrupt portfolio management strategies and harm the Fund’s performance.  The Fund takes steps to reduce the frequency and effect of these activities in the Fund.  These steps include monitoring trading activity, rejecting purchases that are determined to be part of a short-term trading strategy, and using fair value pricing.  Although these efforts (which are described in more detail below) are designed to discourage abusive trading practices, these tools cannot eliminate the possibility that such activity may occur.  Further, while the Fund makes efforts to identify and restrict frequent trading, the Fund receives purchase and sale orders through financial intermediaries and cannot always know or detect frequent trading that may be facilitated by the use of intermediaries or the use of group or omnibus accounts by those intermediaries.  The Fund seeks to exercise its judgment in implementing these tools to the best of its ability in a manner that the Fund believes is consistent with shareholder interests.

Monitoring Trading Practices
The Fund monitors selected trades in an effort to detect short-term trading activities.  Short-term trading occurs when an investor (through one or more accounts) makes more than one round-trip (a purchase into a Fund followed by a redemption) within a short period of time.  Investors are limited to no more than four round-trip transactions in a twelve-month period after which time future purchases into the Fund will be restricted. If, as a result of this monitoring, the Fund believes that a shareholder has engaged in excessive short-term trading, it may, in its discretion, ask the shareholder to stop such activities or refuse to process purchases in the shareholder’s accounts.  In making such judgments, the Fund seeks to act in a manner that it believes is consistent with the best interest of shareholders.  Due to the complexity and subjectivity involved in identifying abusive trading activity and the volume of shareholder transactions the Fund handles, there can be no assurance that the Fund’s efforts will identify all trades or trading practices that may be considered abusive.  In addition, the Fund’s ability to monitor trades that are placed by individual shareholders within group or omnibus accounts maintained by financial intermediaries is limited because the Fund does not have simultaneous access to the underlying shareholder account information.  However, the Fund and financial intermediaries attempt to monitor aggregate trades placed in omnibus accounts and seek to work with financial intermediaries to discourage shareholders from engaging in abusive trading practices and to impose restrictions on excessive trades.

In compliance with Rule 22c-2 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, Quasar Distributors, LLC, the Fund’s distributor, on behalf of the Fund, has entered into written agreements with each of the Fund’s financial intermediaries, under which the intermediary must, upon request, provide the Fund with certain shareholder and identity trading information so that the Fund can enforce its short-term trading policies.  Information received from financial intermediaries on omnibus accounts will not be used for any other purpose except for compliance with SEC rules.
 
 
 
Fair Value Pricing
The Fund employs fair value pricing selectively to ensure greater accuracy in its daily NAV per share and to prevent dilution by frequent traders or market timers who seek to take advantage of temporary market anomalies.  The Board has developed procedures which utilize fair value pricing when reliable market quotations are not readily available or the Fund’s pricing service does not provide a valuation (or provides a valuation that in the judgment of the Advisor does not represent the security’s fair value), or when, in the judgment of the Advisor, events have rendered the market value unreliable (see, e.g., discussion on non-U.S. securities below).  Valuing securities at fair value involves reliance on judgment.  Fair value determinations are made in good faith in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board and are reviewed by the Board.  There can be no assurances that the Fund will obtain the fair value assigned to a security if it were to sell the security at approximately the time at which the Fund determines its NAV per share.

Fair value pricing may be applied to non-U.S. securities.  The trading hours for most non-U.S. securities end prior to the close of the NYSE, the time that the Fund’s NAV per share is calculated.  The occurrence of certain events after the close of non-U.S. markets, but prior to the close of the NYSE (such as a significant surge or decline in the U.S. market) often will result in an adjustment to the trading prices of non-U.S. securities when non-U.S. markets open on the following business day.  If such events occur, the Fund may value non-U.S. securities at fair value, taking into account such events, when it calculates its NAV per share.  Other types of securities that the Fund may hold for which fair value pricing might be required include, but are not limited to:  (a) investments which are frequently traded and/or the market price of which the Advisor believes may be stale; (b) illiquid securities, including “restricted” securities and private placements for which there is no public market; (c) securities of an issuer that has entered into a restructuring; (d) securities whose trading has been halted or suspended; and (e) fixed income securities that have gone into default and for which there is no current market value quotation.

General Transaction Policies
Some of the following policies are mentioned above.  In general, the Fund reserves the right to:
 
·        
Vary or waive any minimum investment requirement;
·        
Refuse, change, discontinue, or temporarily suspend account services, including purchase, or telephone redemption privileges, for any reason;
 
 
 
·        
Reject any purchase request for any reason.  Generally, the Fund does this if the purchase is disruptive to the efficient management of the Fund (due to the timing of the investment or an investor’s history of excessive trading);
·        
Redeem all shares in your account if your balance falls below the Fund’s minimum initial investment requirement due to redemption activity.  If, within 30 days of the Fund’s written request, you have not increased your account balance, you may be required to redeem your shares.  The Fund will not require you to redeem shares if the value of your account drops below the investment minimum due to fluctuations of NAV;
·        
Delay paying redemption proceeds for up to seven calendar days after receiving a request, if an earlier payment could adversely affect the Fund; and
·        
Reject any purchase or redemption request that does not contain all required documentation.

If you elect telephone privileges on the account application or in a letter to the Fund, you may be responsible for any fraudulent telephone orders as long as the Fund has taken reasonable precautions to verify your identity.  In addition, once you place a telephone transaction request, it cannot be canceled or modified.

Telephone trades must be received prior to market close.  During periods of high market activity, shareholders may encounter higher than usual call wait times.  Please allow sufficient time to ensure that you will be able to complete your telephone transaction prior to market close.

During periods of significant economic or market change, telephone transactions may be difficult to complete.  If you are unable to contact the Fund by telephone, you may also mail your request to the Fund at the address listed under “Methods of Buying.”

Your Broker or other financial intermediary may establish policies that differ from those of the Fund.  For example, the organization may charge transaction fees, set higher minimum investments, or impose certain limitations on buying or selling shares in addition to those identified in this Prospectus.  Contact your Broker or other financial intermediary for details.

Householding
In an effort to decrease costs, the Fund intends to reduce the number of duplicate prospectuses, Annual and Semi-Annual Reports, proxy statements and other similar documents you receive by sending only one copy of each to those addresses shared by two or more accounts and to shareholders we reasonably believe are from the same family or household.  Once implemented, if you would like to discontinue householding for your accounts, please call toll-free at 1-866-97RIGEL (1-866-977-4435) to request individual copies of these documents.  Once the Fund receives notice to stop householding, we will begin sending individual copies thirty days after receiving your request.  This policy does not apply to account statements.
 
 
 
Service Fees – Other Payments to Third Parties
The Fund may pay service fees to intermediaries such as banks, broker-dealers, financial advisors or other financial institutions, including affiliates of the Advisor, for sub-administration, sub-transfer agency and other shareholder services associated with shareholders whose shares are held of record in omnibus, other group accounts or accounts traded through registered securities clearing agents.

The Advisor, out of its own resources, and without additional cost to the Fund or its shareholders, may provide additional cash payments or non-cash compensation to intermediaries who sell shares of the Fund. Such payments and compensation are in addition to service fees paid by the Fund. These additional cash payments are generally made to intermediaries that provide shareholder servicing, marketing support and/or access to sales meetings, sales representatives and management representatives of the intermediary. Cash compensation may also be paid to intermediaries for inclusion of the Fund on a sales list, including a preferred or select sales list, in other sales programs or as an expense reimbursement in cases where the intermediary provides shareholder services to the Fund’s shareholders. The Advisor may also pay cash compensation in the form of finder’s fees that vary depending on the dollar amount of the shares sold.


The Fund will make distributions of dividends and capital gains, if any, at least annually, typically in December.  The Fund may make an additional payment of dividends or distributions if it deems it desirable at any other time during the year.

All distributions will be reinvested in Fund shares unless you choose one of the following options:  (1) receive dividends in cash, while reinvesting capital gain distributions in additional Fund shares; (2) receive capital gain distributions in cash, while reinvesting dividends; or (3) receive all distributions in cash.  If you wish to change your distribution option, write to the Transfer Agent in advance of the payment date of the distribution.

If an investor elects to receive distributions in cash and the U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver your check, or if a check remains uncashed for six months, the Fund reserves the right to reinvest the distribution check in the shareholder’s account at the Fund’s then current NAV per share and to reinvest all subsequent distributions.

Any dividend or capital gain distribution paid by the Fund has the effect of reducing the NAV per share on the ex-dividend date by the amount of the dividend or capital gain distribution.  You should note that a dividend or capital gain distribution paid on shares purchased shortly before that dividend or capital gain distribution was declared will be subject to income taxes even though the dividend or capital gain distribution represents, in substance, a partial return of capital to you.
 
 
 

The Fund intends to make distributions of dividends and capital gains.  Dividends are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income or, under current law, as qualified dividend income, depending on the source of such income to the distributing Fund.  The rate you pay on capital gain distributions will depend on how long the distributing Fund held the securities that generated the gains, not on how long you owned your Fund shares.  You will be taxed in the same manner whether you receive your dividends and capital gain distributions in cash or reinvest them in additional Fund shares. The Fund expects to generate significant amounts of short-term capital gains that will be taxed at higher ordinary income tax rates in the event of high portfolio turnover rates.  There is no requirement that the Fund take into consideration any tax implication when implementing its investment strategy.  Shareholders should note that the Fund may make taxable distributions of income and capital gains even when share values have declined.

By law, the Fund must withhold a percentage of your taxable distributions and redemption proceeds if you do not provide your correct social security or taxpayer identification number and certify that you are not subject to backup withholding, or if the IRS instructs the Fund to do so.

If you sell your Fund shares, it is considered a taxable event for you.  Depending on the purchase price and the sale price of the shares you sell and your adjusted tax basis for the shares, you may have a gain or a loss on the transaction.  Exchanges are considered a sale and purchase of Fund shares for tax purposes and may be taxed as ordinary income or long-term capital gains, depending on the period shares are held.  You are responsible for any tax liabilities generated by your transaction.

Please note that you cannot invest directly in an index, although you may invest in the underlying securities represented in the index.  Index returns are adjusted to reflect the reinvestment of dividends on securities in the index, but do not reflect the expenses of the Fund.
 
The S&P 500® Index is an unmanaged market value weighted index of 500 stocks designed to represent the broad domestic economy.

The Russell 1000® Growth Index contains those securities in the Russell 1000® Index with a greater-than-average growth orientation.  Companies in this index tend to exhibit higher price-to-book and price-to-earnings ratios, lower dividend yields and higher forecasted growth rates.
 
 
 

The financial highlights table below is intended to help you understand the Fund’s financial performance for the fiscal periods shown.  Certain information reflects the financial results for a single share of the Fund.  The total returns in the tables represent the rate that an investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions.  This information has been audited by Tait, Weller & Baker LLP, the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with the Fund’s financial statements, is included in the Fund’s Annual Report dated September 30, 2009, which is available free of charge upon request.

Rigel U.S. Equity Large Cap Growth Fund
 
For a Fund share outstanding throughout the period
   
Year Ended September 30,
   
May 31, 2006*
to
September 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Net asset value, beginning of period
  $ 43.46     $ 59.22     $ 49.35     $ 50.00  
                                 
Income from investment operations:
                               
Net investment income
    0.10    
0.11
^     0.20       0.07  
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments
    (8.37 )     (13.24 )     9.86       (0.72 )
Total from investment operations
    (8.27 )     (13.13 )     10.06       (0.65 )
                                 
Less distributions:
                               
From net investment income
    (0.07 )     (0.16 )     (0.19 )      
From net realized gain on investments
          (2.47 )            
Total distributions
    (0.07 )     (2.63 )     (0.19 )      
                                 
Redemption fees retained
       
0.00
^#            
Net asset value, end of period
  $ 35.12     $ 43.46     $ 59.22     $ 49.35  
                                 
Total return
    -19.00 %     -23.23 %     20.44 %     -1.30 %++
                                 
Ratios/supplemental data:
                               
Net assets, end of period (thousands)
  $ 38,985     $ 102,965     $ 125,570     $ 129,572  
                                 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
                               
Before expense waiver
    1.17 %     1.00 %     1.02 %     0.97 %+
After expense waiver
    1.00 %     1.00 %     1.00 %     0.97 %+
                                 
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets:
                               
Before expense waiver
    0.07 %     0.20 %     0.36 %     0.47 %+
After expense waiver
    0.24 %     0.20 %     0.38 %     0.47 %+
                                 
Portfolio turnover rate
    240.73 %     316.01 %     231.59 %     98.05 %++
 
*
Commencement of operations.
+
Annualized.
++
Not annualized.
^
Based on average shares outstanding.
#
Amount is less than $0.01.

 
 
 
Investment Advisor
Rigel Capital, LLC
601 Union Street, Suite 3930
Seattle, Washington 98101


Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Tait, Weller & Baker LLP
1818 Market Street, Suite 2400
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103


Legal Counsel
Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP
75 East 55th Street
New York, New York 10022


Custodian
U.S. Bank National Association
Custody Operations
1555 North River Center Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212


Transfer Agent, Fund Accountant and Fund Administrator
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202


Distributor
Quasar Distributors, LLC
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202


 
 

 

The Fund collects non-public information about you from the following sources:

Information we receive about you on applications or other forms;
Information you give us orally; and/or
Information about your transactions with us or others.

We do not disclose any non-public personal information about our customers or former customers without the customer’s authorization, except as permitted by law or in response to inquiries from governmental authorities.  We may share information with affiliated and unaffiliated third parties with whom we have contracts for servicing the Fund.  We will provide unaffiliated third parties with only the information necessary to carry out their assigned responsibilities.  We maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards to guard your non-public personal information and require third parties to treat your personal information with the same high degree of confidentiality.

In the event that you hold shares of the Fund through a financial intermediary, including, but not limited to, a broker-dealer, bank, or trust company, the privacy policy of your financial intermediary would govern how your non-public personal information would be shared by those entities with unaffiliated third parties.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RIGEL U.S. EQUITY LARGE CAP GROWTH FUND
A series of Advisors Series Trust
www.rigelmutualfunds.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION
You can find more information about the Fund in the following documents:

Statement of Additional Information
The SAI provides additional details about the investments and techniques of the Fund and certain other additional information.  A current SAI is on file with the SEC and is incorporated into this Prospectus by reference.  This means that the SAI is legally considered a part of this Prospectus even though it is not physically within this Prospectus.

Annual and Semi-Annual Reports
The Fund’s Annual and Semi-Annual Reports (collectively, the “Shareholder Reports”) provide the most recent financial reports and portfolio listings. The Annual Report contains a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that affected the Fund’s performance during the Fund’s last fiscal year.

The SAI and Shareholder Reports are available free of charge on the Fund’s website at www.rigelmutualfunds.com.  You can obtain a free copy of the SAI and Shareholder Reports, request other information, or make general inquiries about the Fund by calling the Fund (toll-free) at 1-866-97RIGEL (1-866-977-4435) or by writing to:

RIGEL U.S. EQUITY LARGE CAP GROWTH FUND
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701
www.rigelmutualfunds.com

You may review and copy information including the SAI and Shareholder Reports at the Public Reference Room of the Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, DC.  You can obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling (202) 551-8090.  Reports and other information about the Fund are also available:

·  
Free of charge from the SEC’s EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov;
·  
For a fee, by writing to the Public Reference Section of the SEC, Washington, DC 20549-1520; or
·  
For a fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov.


 
(The Trust’s SEC Investment Company Act file number is 811-07959.)
 
 
 
 
Statement of Additional Information
January 28, 2010

U.S. EQUITY LARGE CAP GROWTH FUND

Ticker Symbol:  RGLLX
Investor Class

A series of Advisors Series Trust

This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) is not a prospectus, and it should be read in conjunction with the Fund’s Prospectus dated January 28, 2010 (the “Prospectus”), as may be revised, of the Rigel U.S. Equity Large Cap Growth Fund (the “Fund”), a series of Advisors Series Trust (the “Trust”).  Rigel Capital, LLC (the “Advisor”) is the investment advisor to the Fund.  A copy of the Prospectus may be obtained by contacting the Fund at the address or telephone number below or by visiting the Fund’s website at www.rigelmutualfunds.com.

The Fund’s audited financial statements and notes thereto for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, are included in the Fund’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 (the “Annual Report”), and are incorporated by reference into this SAI.  A copy of the Annual Report may be obtained without charge by calling or writing the Fund as shown below or by visiting the Fund’s website at www.rigelmutualfunds.com.

Rigel Mutual Funds
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701
1-866-97RIGEL
(1-866-977-4435)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



 
 
 
 
 
B-2

 
 

The Trust is organized as a Delaware statutory trust under the laws of the State of Delaware on October 3, 1996, and is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) as an open-end management investment company.  The Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust (the “Declaration of Trust”) permits the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board” or the “Trustees”) to issue an unlimited number of full and fractional shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per share, which may be issued in any number of series.  The Trust consists of various series that represent separate investment portfolios.  The Board may from time to time issue other series, the assets and liabilities of which will be separate and distinct from any other series.  This SAI relates only to the Fund.

Registration with the SEC does not involve supervision of the management or policies of the Fund. The Fund’s Prospectus and this SAI omit certain of the information contained in the Trust’s Registration Statement filed with the SEC.  Copies of such information may be obtained from the SEC upon payment of the prescribed fee.

The Fund commenced operations on May 31, 2006.


The discussion below supplements information contained in the Prospectus relating to the investment policies of the Fund.

Diversification

The Fund is a “diversified” fund under applicable federal securities laws.  This means that as to 75% of the Fund’s total assets (1) no more than 5% may be in the securities of a single issuer, and (2) it may not hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of a single issuer.  Under applicable federal laws, the diversification of a mutual fund’s holdings is measured at the time a fund purchases a security.  However, if the Fund purchases a security and holds it for a period of time, the security may become a larger percentage of the Fund’s total assets due to movements in the financial markets.  If the market affects several securities held by the Fund, the Fund may have a greater percentage of its assets invested in securities of fewer issuers.  Accordingly, the Fund is subject to the risk that its performance may be hurt disproportionately by the poor performance of relatively few securities despite the Fund qualifying as a diversified mutual fund under applicable federal laws.

Percentage Limitations

Whenever an investment policy or limitation states a maximum percentage of the Fund’s assets that may be invested in any security or other asset, or sets forth a policy regarding quality standards, such standard or percentage limitations will be determined immediately after and as a result of the Fund’s acquisition or sale of such security or other asset.  Accordingly, except with respect to borrowing and illiquid securities, any subsequent changes in values, net assets or other circumstances will not be considered in determining whether an investment complies with the Fund’s investment policies and limitations.  In addition, if a bankruptcy or other extraordinary event occurs concerning a particular investment by the Fund, the Fund may receive stock, real estate or other investments that it would not, or could not buy.  If this happens the Fund would sell such investments as soon as practicable while trying to maximize the return to its shareholders.
 
 
 
The Fund may invest in the following types of investments, each of which is subject to certain risks, as discussed below.

Equity Securities

Common stocks, preferred stocks, convertible securities, warrants and American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) are examples of equity securities in which the Fund may invest.

All investments in equity securities are subject to market risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate over time.  Historically, the equity markets have moved in cycles and the value of the securities in the Fund’s portfolio may fluctuate substantially from day to day.  Owning an equity security can also subject the Fund to the risk that the issuer may discontinue paying dividends.

Common Stock. A common stock represents a proportionate share of the ownership of a company and its value is based on the success of the company’s business, any income paid to stockholders, the value of its assets, and general market conditions.  In addition to the general risks set forth above, investments in common stocks are subject to the risk that in the event a company in which the Fund invests is liquidated, the holders of preferred stock and creditors of that company will be paid in full before any payments are made to the Fund as a holder of common stock.  It is possible that all assets of that company will be exhausted before any payments are made to the Fund.

Preferred Stock.  Preferred stocks are equity securities that often pay dividends at a specific rate and have a preference over common stocks in dividend payments and liquidation of assets.  A preferred stock is a blend of the characteristics of a bond and common stock.  It can offer the higher yield of a bond and has priority over common stock in equity ownership, but does not have the seniority of a bond.  Unlike common stock, a preferred stock’s participation in the issuer’s growth may be limited. Although the dividend is set at a fixed annual rate, it is subject to the risk that the dividend can be changed or omitted by the issuer.

Convertible Securities and Warrants.  Convertible securities are securities (such as debt securities or preferred stock) that may be converted into or exchanged for a specified amount of common stock of the same or different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula.  A convertible security entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt or dividends paid on preferred stock until the convertible stock matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged.  While no securities investment is without some risk, investments in convertible securities generally entail less risk than the issuer’s common stock.  However, the extent to which such risk is reduced depends in large measure upon the degree to which the convertible security sells above its value as a fixed income security.  In addition to the general risk associated with equity securities discussed above, the market value of convertible securities is also affected by prevailing interest rates, the credit quality of the issuer and any call provisions.  While convertible securities generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than nonconvertible debt securities of similar quality, they do enable the investor to benefit from increases in the market price of the underlying common stock.

A warrant gives the holder a right to purchase at any time during a specified period a predetermined number of shares of common stock at a fixed price.  Unlike convertible debt securities or preferred stock, warrants do not pay a fixed dividend.  In addition to the general risks associated with equity securities discussed above, investments in warrants involve certain risks, including the possible lack of a liquid market for resale of the warrants, potential price fluctuations as a result of speculation or other factors, and failure of the price of the underlying security to reach or have reasonable prospects of reaching a level at which the warrant can be prudently exercised (in which event the warrant may expire without being exercised, resulting in a loss of the Fund’s entire investment therein).
 
 
 
Non-U.S. Investments

The Fund may invest in securities of non-U.S. issuers (“non-U.S. securities”), provided that they are publicly traded in the United States, including American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”).

American Depositary Receipts. The Fund may invest up to 10% of its net assets in ADRs.  ADRs are depositary receipts for non-U.S. securities denominated in U.S. dollars and traded on U.S. securities markets.  These securities may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the securities for which they may be exchanged.  These are certificates evidencing ownership of shares of a non-U.S.-based issuer held in trust by a bank or similar financial institutions.  Designed for use in U.S. securities markets, ADRs are alternatives to the purchase of the underlying securities in their national market and currencies.  ADRs may be purchased through “sponsored” or “unsponsored” facilities.  A sponsored facility is established jointly by the issuer of the underlying security and a depositary, whereas a depositary may establish an unsponsored facility without participation by the issuer of the depositary security.  Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all the costs of such facilities and the depositary of an unsponsored facility frequently is under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through voting rights to the holders of such receipts of the deposited securities.

Risks of Investing in Non-U.S. Securities. Investments in non-U.S. securities involve certain inherent risks, including the following:

Political and Economic Factors.  Individual economies of certain countries may differ favorably or unfavorably from the United States’ economy in such respects as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency, diversification and balance of payments position.  The internal politics of certain countries may not be as stable as those of the United States.  Governments in certain countries also continue to participate to a significant degree, through ownership interest or regulation, in their respective economies.  Action by these governments could include restrictions on foreign investment, nationalization, expropriation of goods or imposition of taxes, and could have a significant effect on market prices of securities and payment of interest.  The economies of many countries are heavily dependent upon international trade and are accordingly affected by the trade policies and economic conditions of their trading partners.  Enactment by these trading partners of protectionist trade legislation could have a significant adverse effect upon the securities markets of such countries.

Currency Fluctuations.  The Fund will invest only in securities denominated in U.S. dollars.  For this reason, the value of the Fund’s assets may not be subject to risks associated with variations in the value of foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar to the same extent as might otherwise be the case.  Changes in the value of foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar may, however, affect the value of the assets and/or income of foreign companies whose U.S. dollar denominated securities are held by the Fund.  Such companies may also be affected significantly by currency restrictions and exchange control regulations enacted from time to time.

Taxes.  The interest and dividends payable on certain of the Fund’s non-U.S. securities may be subject to foreign withholding taxes, thus reducing the net amount of income available for distribution to the Fund’s shareholders.  It is not expected that the Fund will be eligible to pass through to shareholders any credits or deductions with respect to such foreign taxes.
 
 
 
 
Small and Medium-Sized Companies

The Fund may invest in companies with small and medium-sized market capitalizations.  Historically, stocks of small- and medium-sized companies have been more volatile than stocks of larger companies and are, therefore, more speculative than investments in larger companies.  Among the reasons for the greater price volatility are the following: (1) the less certain growth prospects of small- and medium-sized companies; (2) the lower degree of liquidity in the markets for such stocks; and (3) the greater sensitivity of small- and medium-sized companies to changing economic conditions.  Besides exhibiting greater volatility, small and medium-sized company stocks may, to a degree, fluctuate independently of larger company stocks.  Small and medium-sized company stocks may decline in price as large company stocks rise, or rise in price as large company stocks decline.  Due to these and other factors, small and medium-sized companies may suffer significant losses, as well as realize substantial growth.  Thus, securities of small and medium-sized companies present greater risks than securities of larger, more established companies.  You should therefore expect that the value of Fund shares to be more volatile than the shares of a mutual fund investing primarily in larger company stocks.

Investment Company Securities

The Fund may invest in shares of other registered investment companies including exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), money market funds and other mutual funds in pursuit of its investment objective, subject to the limitations set forth in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”).  This may include investment in money market mutual funds in connection with the Fund’s management of daily cash positions.  Investments in the securities of other registered investment companies may involve duplication of management fees and certain other expenses.  By investing in another investment company, the Fund will become a shareholder of that investment company.  As a result, Fund shareholders indirectly will bear the Fund’s proportionate share of the fees and expenses paid by shareholders of the other investment company, in addition to the fees and expenses Fund shareholders directly bear in connection with the Fund’s own operations.

Section 12(d)(1)(A) of the 1940 Act generally prohibits a fund from purchasing (1) more than 3% of the total outstanding voting stock of another fund; (2) securities of another fund having an aggregate value in excess of 5% of the value of the acquiring fund; and (3) securities of the other fund and all other funds having an aggregate value in excess of 10% of the value of the total assets of the acquiring fund.  There are some exceptions, however, to these limitations pursuant to various rules promulgated by the SEC.

In accordance with Section 12(d)(1)(F) and Rule 12d1-3, the provisions of Section 12(d)(1) shall not apply to securities purchased or otherwise acquired by the Fund if (i) immediately after such purchase or acquisition not more than 3% of the total outstanding stock of such registered investment company is owned by the Fund and all affiliated persons of the Fund; and (ii) the Fund is not proposing to offer or sell any security issued by it through a principal underwriter or otherwise at a public or offering price including a sales load that exceeds the limits set forth in rule 2830 of the Conduct Rules of the NASD applicable to a fund of funds (i.e., 8.5%).

Exchange-Traded Funds.  ETFs are open-end investment companies whose shares are listed on a national securities exchange.  An ETF is similar to a traditional mutual fund, but trades at different prices during the day on a security exchange like a stock.  Similar to investments in other investment companies discussed above, the Fund’s investments in ETFs will involve duplication of management fees and other expenses since the Fund will be investing in another investment company.  In addition, the Fund’s investment in ETFs is also subject to its limitations on investments in investment companies discussed above.  To the extent the Fund invests in ETFs which focus on a particular market segment or industry, the Fund will also be subject to the risks associated with investing in those sectors or industries.  The shares of the ETFs in which the Fund will invest will be listed on a national securities exchange and the Fund will purchase or sell these shares on the secondary market at its current market price, which may be more or less than its net asset value per share (“NAV per share”).
 
 
 
As a purchaser of ETF shares on the secondary market, the Fund will be subject to the market risk associated with owning any security whose value is based on market price.  ETF shares historically have tended to trade at or near their NAV per share, but there is no guarantee that they will continue to do so.  Unlike traditional mutual funds, shares of an ETF may be purchased and redeemed directly from the ETFs only in large blocks (typically 50,000 shares or more) and only through participating organizations that have entered into contractual agreements with the ETF.  The Fund does not expect to enter into such agreements and therefore will not be able to purchase and redeem its ETF shares directly from the ETF.

Short-Term Investments

The Fund may invest in any of the following securities and instruments:

Bank Certificates of Deposit, Bankers’ Acceptances and Time Deposits. The Fund may acquire bank certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances and time deposits.  Certificates of deposit are negotiable certificates issued against monies deposited in a commercial bank for a definite period of time and earning a specified return.  Bankers’ acceptances are negotiable drafts or bills of exchange, normally drawn by an importer or exporter to pay for specific merchandise, which are “accepted” by a bank, meaning in effect that the bank unconditionally agrees to pay the face value of the instrument on maturity.  Certificates of deposit and bankers’ acceptances acquired by the Fund will be dollar-denominated obligations of domestic or foreign banks or financial institutions which at the time of purchase have capital, surplus and undivided profits in excess of $100 million (including assets of both domestic and foreign branches), based on latest published reports, or less than $100 million if the principal amount of such bank obligations are fully insured by the U.S. Government.  If the Fund holds instruments of foreign banks or financial institutions, it may be subject to additional investment risks that are different in some respects from those incurred by a fund that invests only in debt obligations of U.S. domestic issuers.  Such risks include future political and economic developments, the possible imposition of withholding taxes by the particular country in which the issuer is located on interest income payable on the securities, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign deposits, the possible establishment of exchange controls, or the adoption of other foreign governmental restrictions which might adversely affect the payment of principal and interest on these securities.

Domestic banks and foreign banks are subject to different governmental regulations with respect to the amount and types of loans that may be made and interest rates that may be charged. In addition, the profitability of the banking industry depends largely upon the availability and cost of funds for the purpose of financing lending operations under prevailing money market conditions. General economic conditions as well as exposure to credit losses arising from possible financial difficulties of borrowers play an important part in the operations of the banking industry.

As a result of federal and state laws and regulations, domestic banks are, among other things, required to maintain specified levels of reserves, limited in the amount which they can loan to a single borrower, and subject to other regulations designed to promote financial soundness.  However, such laws and regulations do not necessarily apply to foreign bank obligations that the Fund may acquire.
 
 
 
 
 
In addition to purchasing certificates of deposit and bankers’ acceptances, to the extent permitted under its investment objectives and policies stated above and in its Prospectus, the Fund may make interest-bearing time or other interest-bearing deposits in commercial or savings banks.  Time deposits are non-negotiable deposits maintained at a banking institution for a specified period of time at a specified interest rate.

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

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

Commercial paper and short-term notes will consist of issues rated at the time of purchase “A-2” or higher by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group (“S&P”), “Prime-1” or “Prime-2” by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”), or similarly rated by another nationally recognized statistical rating organization or, if unrated, will be determined by the Advisor to be of comparable quality.  These rating symbols are described in the Appendix.

Corporate obligations include bonds and notes issued by corporations to finance longer-term credit needs than supported by commercial paper.  While such obligations generally have maturities of ten years or more, the Fund may purchase corporate obligations which have remaining maturities of one year or less from the date of purchase and which are rated “AA” or higher by S&P or “Aa” or higher by Moody’s.

Illiquid Securities

Typically, the Fund may hold up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities, including (i) securities for which there is no readily available market; (ii) securities the disposition of which would be subject to legal restrictions (so called, “restricted securities”); and (iii) repurchase agreements having more than seven days to maturity.  A considerable period of time may elapse between the Fund’s decision to dispose of such securities and the time when the Fund is able to dispose of them, during which time the value of the securities could decline.

Restricted securities issued pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, that have a readily available market usually are not deemed illiquid for purposes of this limitation by the Fund.  However, investing in Rule 144A securities could result in increasing the level of the Fund’s illiquidity if qualified institutional buyers become, for a time, uninterested in purchasing these securities.

Other Investments

The Trustees may, in the future, authorize the Fund to invest in securities other than those listed in this SAI and in the Prospectus, provided such investments would be consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and that such investment would not violate the Fund’s fundamental investment policies or restrictions.
 
 
 
 
 
 

The Trust (on behalf of the Fund) has adopted the following restrictions as fundamental policies, which may not be changed without the favorable vote of the holders of a “majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities” as defined in the 1940 Act.  Under the 1940 Act, the “vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities” means the vote of the holders of the lesser of (i) 67% of the shares of the Fund represented at a meeting at which the holders of more than 50% of its outstanding shares are represented or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.

As a matter of fundamental policy, the Fund is diversified.  This means that as to 75% of its total assets (1) no more than 5% may be in the securities of a single issuer, and (2) it may not hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of a single issuer.  The Fund’s investment objectives are also fundamental.

In addition, the Fund may not:

1.
Issue senior securities, borrow money or pledge its assets, except that (i) the Fund may borrow from banks in amounts not exceeding one-third of its total assets (including the amount borrowed); and (ii) this restriction shall not prohibit the Fund from engaging in options transactions or short sales;

2.
Act as underwriter (except to the extent the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter in connection with the sale of securities in its investment portfolio);

3.
Invest more than 25% of its net assets, calculated at the time of purchase and taken at market value, in securities of issuers in any one industry (other than U.S. Government securities);

4.
Purchase or sell real estate unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities (although the Fund may purchase and sell securities which are secured by real estate and securities of companies which invest or deal in real estate);

5.
Purchase or sell physical commodities, unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments and provided that this restriction does not prevent the Fund from engaging in transactions involving currencies and futures contracts and options thereon or investing in securities or other instruments that are secured by physical commodities; or

6.
Make loans of money (except for purchases of debt securities consistent with the investment policies of the Fund and except for repurchase agreements).

The Fund observes the following restrictions as a matter of operating but not fundamental policy.  Except as noted below, the Fund may not:

1.
Purchase securities on margin, except such short-term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of transactions and except that the Fund may borrow money from banks to purchase securities;

2.           Make investments for the purpose of exercising control or management; or

3.
Make any change in its investment policies of investing at least 80% of its net assets under normal circumstances in the investments suggested by the Fund’s name without first providing the Fund’s shareholders with at least 60 days’ prior notice.

 
 
 

The overall management of the business and affairs of the Trust is vested with its Board of Trustees (the “Board” or the “Trustees”).  The Board approves all significant agreements between the Trust and persons or companies furnishing services to it, including the agreements with the Advisor, Administrator, Custodian and Transfer Agent.  The Trust’s day-to-day operations are delegated to its officers, subject to the Fund’s investment objective, strategies, and policies and to general supervision by the Board.

The Trustees and officers of the Trust, their ages, birth dates, positions with the Trust, term of office with the Trust and length of time served, their business addresses, principal occupations during the past five years and other directorships held by Trustees are listed in the table below.  Unless noted otherwise, each person has held the position listed for a minimum of five years.

Independent Trustees(1)
Name, Address
and Age
Position Held with the Trust
Term of Office and
Length of Time Served
Principal Occupation
During Past Five Years
Number of Portfolios
in Fund Complex
Overseen by Trustee(2)
Other
Directorships
Held
Michael D. LeRoy
(age 62, dob 8/14/1947)
615 E. Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Trustee
Indefinite term
since December 2008.
President, Crown Capital Advisors, LLC (financial consulting firm) (2000 to present).
1
Independent Trustee from 2004 to December 1, 2008, Bjurman, Barry Funds (3 portfolios); Independent Trustee from December 1, 2008 to May 1, 2009, B.B. Funds (1 portfolio); Director, Wedbush Bank.
 
Donald E. O’Connor
(age 73, dob 6/18/1936)
615 E. Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Trustee
Indefinite term
since February 1997.
Retired; former Financial Consultant and former Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of ICI Mutual Insurance Company (until January 1997).
1
Trustee, The Forward Funds (35 portfolios).
 
 
 
Name, Address
and Age
Position Held with the Trust
Term of Office and
Length of Time Served
Principal Occupation
During Past Five Years
Number of Portfolios
in Fund Complex
Overseen by Trustee(2)
Other
Directorships
Held
George J. Rebhan
(age 75, dob 7/10/1934)
615 E. Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Trustee
Indefinite term
since May 2002.
Retired; formerly President, Hotchkis and Wiley Funds (mutual funds) (1985 to 1993).
1
None.
           
George T. Wofford
(age 70, dob 10/8/1939)
615 E. Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Trustee
Indefinite term
since February 1997.
Retired; formerly Senior Vice President, Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco.
1
None.

Interested Trustee
Name, Address
and Age
Position Held with the Trust
Term of Office and
Length of Time Served
Principal Occupation
During Past Five Years
Number of Portfolios
in Fund Complex
Overseen by Trustee(2)
Other
Directorships
Held
Joe D. Redwine(3)
(age 62, dob 7/9/1947)
615 E. Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Interested Trustee
Indefinite term
since September 2008.
President, CEO, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC ( May 1991 to present).
1
None.

Officers
Name, Address
and Age
Position Held
with the Trust
Term of Office and
Length of Time Served
Term of Office and
Length of Time Served
Joe D. Redwine
(age 62, dob 7/9/1947)
615 E. Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
 
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Indefinite term since
September 2007.
President, CEO, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (May 1991 to present).
Douglas G. Hess
(age 42, dob 7/19/1967)
615 E. Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
President and Principal Executive Officer
Indefinite term since
June 2003.
Vice President, Compliance and Administration, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (March 1997 to present).
 
 
Name, Address
and Age
Position Held
with the Trust
Term of Office and
Length of Time Served
Term of Office and
Length of Time Served
Cheryl L. King
(age 48, dob 8/27/1961)
615 E. Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer
Indefinite term since
December 2007.
Assistant Vice President, Compliance and Administration, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (October 1998 to present).
       
Michael L. Ceccato
(age 52, dob 9/11/1957)
615 E. Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer
and AML Officer
Indefinite term since
September 2009.
Vice President, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (February 2008 to present); General Counsel/Controller, Steinhafels, Inc. (September 1995 to February 2008).
       
Jeanine M. Bajczyk, Esq.
(age 44, dob 4/16/1965)
615 E. Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Secretary
Indefinite term since
June 2007.
Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, (May 2006 to present); Senior Counsel, Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC, (May 2005 to May 2006); Senior Counsel, Strong Financial Corporation (January 2002 to April 2005).
(1)
The Trustees of the Trust who are not “interested persons” of the Trust as defined under the 1940 Act (“Independent Trustees”).
(2)
The Trust is comprised of numerous portfolios managed by unaffiliated investment advisors.  The term “Fund Complex” applies only to the Fund.  The Fund does not hold itself out as related to any other series within the Trust for investment purposes, nor does it share the same investment advisor with any other series.
(3)
Mr. Redwine is an “interested person” of the Trust as defined by the 1940 Act.  Mr. Redwine is an interested Trustee of the Trust by virtue of the fact that he is an interested person of Quasar Distributors, LLC who acts as principal underwriter to the series of the Trust.

Compensation

Effective January 1, 2010, the Independent Trustees receive an annual trustee fee of $50,000 per year from the Trust with no additional fee for special meetings.  This amount is allocated among each of the current series of the Trust.  The Trustees also receive reimbursement from the Trust for expenses incurred in connection with attendance at regular meetings. The Trust has no pension or retirement plan.  No other entity affiliated with the Trust pays any compensation to the Trustees.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aggregate Compensation
from the Fund(1)
Pension or Retirement Benefits Accrued as Part of Fund Expenses
Estimated Annual Benefits
Upon Retirement
Total Compensation from Fund Complex Paid to Trustees(2)
Name of Independent Trustee
       
Walter E. Auch(3)
$381
None
None
$381
James Clayburn LaForce(3)
$381
None
None
$381
Michael D. LeRoy(4)
$1,517
None
None
$1,517
Donald E. O’Connor
$1,517
None
None
$1,517
George J. Rebhan
$1,517
None
None
$1,517
George T. Wofford
$1,517
None
None
$1,517
Name of Interested Trustee
       
Joe D. Redwine
None
None
None
None
(1)
For the Fund’s fiscal year ended September 30, 2009.
(2)
There are currently numerous series comprising the Trust.  The term “Fund Complex” refers only to the Fund and not to any other series of the Trust.  For the Fund’s fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, Independent Trustees’ fees for the Trust were $198,000.
(3)
Mr. Auch and Mr. La Force retired from the Trust effective December 31, 2008.
(4)
Effective December 1, 2008, Michael D. LeRoy was elected by a vote of shareholders of the Trust to the position of Independent Trustee.

Board Committees

The Trust has four standing committees: the Audit Committee, the Qualified Legal Compliance Committee (the “QLCC”), the Nominating Committee, and the Valuation Committee.

The Audit Committee is comprised of all of the Independent Trustees.  It does not include any interested Trustees.  The Audit Committee typically meets once per year with respect to the various series of the Trust.  The function of the Audit Committee, with respect to each series of the Trust, is to review the scope and results of the audit and any matters bearing on the audit or a Fund’s financial statements and to ensure the integrity of the Fund’s pricing and financial reporting. The Audit Committee met once with respect to the Fund during the Fund’s fiscal year ended September 30, 2009.

The Audit Committee also serves as the QLCC for the Trust for the purpose of compliance with Rules 205.2(k) and 205.3(c) of the Code of Federal Regulations, regarding alternative reporting procedures for attorneys retained or employed by an issuer who appear and practice before the SEC on behalf of the issuer (the “issuer attorneys”).  An issuer attorney who becomes aware of evidence of a material violation by the Trust, or by any officer, director, employee, or agent of the Trust, may report evidence of such material violation to the QLCC as an alternative to the reporting requirements of Rule 205.3(b) (which requires reporting to the chief legal officer and potentially “up the ladder” to other entities).  The QLCC meets as needed.  The QLCC did not meet with respect to the Fund during the Fund’s fiscal year ended September 30, 2009.

The Nominating Committee is responsible for seeking and reviewing candidates for consideration as nominees for Trustees as is considered necessary from time to time and meets only as necessary.  The Nominating Committee is currently comprised of Messrs. LeRoy, O’Connor, Rebhan and Wofford.  The Nominating Committee did not meet with respect to the Fund during the Fund’s fiscal year ended September 30, 2009.
 
 
 
The Nominating Committee will consider nominees recommended by shareholders for vacancies on the Board. Recommendations for consideration by the Nominating Committee should be sent to the President of the Trust in writing together with the appropriate biographical information concerning each such proposed Nominee, and such recommendation must comply with the notice provisions set forth in the Trust’s By-Laws.  In general, to comply with such procedures, such nominations, together with all required biographical information, must be delivered to and received by the President of the Trust at the principal executive office of the Trust not later than 60 days prior to the shareholder meeting at which any such nominee would be voted on.

The Trust’s Board has delegated day-to-day valuation issues to a Valuation Committee that is comprised of one or more Trustees and representatives from the Administrator’s staff.  The function of the Valuation Committee is to value securities held by any series of the Trust for which current and reliable market quotations are not readily available.  Such securities are valued at their respective fair values as determined in good faith by the Valuation Committee and the actions of the Valuation Committee are subsequently reviewed and ratified by the Board. The Valuation Committee meets as needed. The Valuation Committee did not meet with respect to the Fund during the Fund’s fiscal year ended September 30, 2009.

Board Interest in the Fund

As of December 31, 2009, neither the Independent Trustees nor members of their immediate family, own securities beneficially or of record in the Advisor, the Distributor, as defined below, or an affiliate of the Advisor or Distributor.  Accordingly, neither the Independent Trustees nor members of their immediate family, have direct or indirect interest, the value of which exceeds $120,000, in the Advisor, the Distributor or any of their affiliates.  In addition, during the two most recently completed calendar years, neither the Independent Trustees nor members of their immediate families have conducted any transactions (or series of transactions) in which the amount involved exceeds $120,000 and to which the Advisor, the Distributor or any affiliate thereof was a party.

The following table shows the amount of shares in the Fund and the amount of shares in the aggregate owned by the Trustees as of the calendar year ended December 31, 2009.

Name of Trustee
Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Fund
(None, $1-$10,000, $10,001-$50,000,
$50,001-$100,000, Over $100,000)
Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in all Registered Investment Companies Overseen by
Trustee in Family of Investment Companies
     
Michael D. LeRoy, Independent Trustee(2)
None
None
Donald E. O’Connor, Independent Trustee
None
None
George J. Rebhan, Independent Trustee
None
None
Joe D. Redwine, Interested Trustee
None
None
George T. Wofford, Independent Trustee
None
None
 
 
 
Control Persons, Principal Shareholders and Management Ownership

A principal shareholder is any person who owns of record or beneficially 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund.  A control person is one who owns beneficially or through controlled companies more than 25% of the voting securities of a company or acknowledges the existence of control.  Shareholders with a controlling interest could affect the outcome of voting or the direction of management of the Fund. As of December 31, 2009, the following shareholders were considered to be either a control person or principal shareholder of the Fund:

 
Name and Address
Parent Company
Jurisdiction
% Ownership
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
Special Custody Account
FBO It’s Customers
Attn: Mutual Funds
101 Montgomery Street
San Francisco, CA 94104-4151
 
The Charles Schwab Corporation
DE
41.93%
Credit Agricole Luxembourg Custodian
College Green Corp
39 Allee Scheffer
Luxembourg 2520
 
N/A
N/A
14.37%
Strafe & Co. Custodian
FAO Oneok Inc.
College Barg Unit EES HW
P.O. Box 160
Westerville, OH 43086-0160
 
N/A
N/A
7.91%
IBEW Local 9 and Line Clearance
Contractors 401(K) Retirement Savings Fund
TIC International Corporation
6525 Centurion Drive
Lansing, MI 48917-9275
 
N/A
N/A
6.84%
Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local 47 Retirement Trust Fund
6525 Centurion Drive
Lansing, MI 48917-9275
 
N/A
N/A
5.95%
Otero County Hospital Association
DBA Gerald Champion Regional
Medical Center U/A 8/23/2006
2669 Scenic Drive
Alamogordo, NM 88310-8700
 
N/A
N/A
5.88%
National Financial Services, LLC
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Customers
200 Liberty Street
One World Financial Center
New York, NY 10281-1003
N/A
N/A
5.06%
 
 
 
Management Ownership Information. As of December 31, 2009, the Trustees and Officers of the Trust, as a group, beneficially owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.

 
 

Rigel Capital, LLC, 601 Union Street, Suite 3930, Seattle, Washington 98101, acts as investment advisor to the Fund pursuant to investment advisory agreements (the “Advisory Agreements”) between the Trust and the Advisor.  Rigel Capital, LLC is owned jointly by Rigel Capital Management, Inc. (75%) and Strategic Investment Group Ventures (25%).  Rigel Capital Management, Inc. is 100% employee-owned.  Strategic Investment Group Ventures is also a joint venture, CALPERS Retirement System is its majority holder. Mr. George Kauffman is considered a control person of the Advisor because he owned a 47% controlling ownership interest in Rigel Capital Management, Inc. as of December 31, 2009.  Subject to such policies as the Board may determine, the Advisor is ultimately responsible for investment decisions for the Fund.  Pursuant to the terms of the Advisory Agreements, the Advisor provides the Fund with such investment advice and supervision as it deems necessary for the proper supervision of the Fund’s investments.  The Advisor also continuously monitors and maintains the Fund’s investment criteria and determines from time to time what securities may be purchased by the Fund.

After the initial two years, the Advisory Agreements continue in effect from year to year only if such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Board or by vote of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities and by a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the Advisory Agreements or interested persons of any such party, at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such Advisory Agreements.  The Advisory Agreements are terminable without penalty by the Trust on behalf of the Fund on 60 days’ written notice when authorized either by a majority vote of the Fund’s shareholders or by a vote of a majority of the Board, or by the Advisor on 60 days’ written notice, and will automatically terminate in the event of its “assignment” (as defined in the 1940 Act).  The Advisory Agreements provide that the Advisor under such agreement shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss arising out of any investment or for any act or omission in the execution of portfolio transactions for the Fund, except for willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties, or by reason of reckless disregard of its obligations and duties thereunder.

In consideration of the services provided by the Advisor pursuant to the Advisory Agreements, the Advisor is entitled to receive a management fee from the Fund computed daily and paid monthly based on a rate equal to a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets specified in the Prospectus.  However, the Advisor may voluntarily agree to waive a portion of the fees payable to it on a month-to-month basis.

In addition to the fees payable to the Advisor, the Fund is responsible for its own operating expenses, including: fees and expenses incurred in connection with the issuance, registration and transfer of its shares; brokerage and commission expenses; all expenses of transfer, receipt, safekeeping, servicing and accounting for the cash, securities and other property of the Trust for the benefit of the Fund including all fees and expenses of its custodian and accounting services agent; fund administration fees and related expenses; chief compliance officer fees; interest charges on any borrowings; costs and expenses of pricing and calculating its daily NAV per share and of maintaining its books of account required under the 1940 Act, including pricing services; taxes, if any; a pro rata portion of expenditures in connection with meetings of the Fund’s shareholders and the Board that are properly payable by the Fund; compensation and fees and expenses of members of the Board who are not members of, affiliated with or interested persons of the Advisor or Administrator; insurance premiums on property or personnel of the Fund which inure to their benefit, including liability and fidelity bond insurance; the cost of preparing and printing reports, proxy statements, prospectuses and the statement of additional information of the Fund or other communications for distribution to existing shareholders; legal counsel, auditing and accounting fees; trade association membership dues (including membership dues in the Investment Company Institute allocable to the Fund); fees and expenses (including legal fees) of registering and maintaining registration of its shares for sale under federal and applicable state and foreign securities laws; all expenses of maintaining shareholder accounts, including all charges for transfer, shareholder recordkeeping, dividend disbursing, redemption, and other agents for the benefit of the Fund, if any; and all other charges and costs of their operation plus any extraordinary and non-recurring expenses.  General expenses of the Trust are allocated among all of the series of the Trust, including the Fund, in a manner proportionate to the net assets of the Fund, on a transactional basis, or on such other basis as the Board deems equitable.
 
 
 
Though the Fund is responsible for its own operating expenses, the Advisor has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its management fees and/or pay Fund expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, interest, tax and extraordinary expenses) payable to it by the Fund to the extent necessary to limit the Fund’s Net Annual Operating Expenses for shares of the Fund to 1.00% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The term of the Fund’s operating expense limitation agreement is indefinite and it can only be terminated upon a vote of the Board.  Any waiver of management fees or payment of expenses made by the Advisor may be recouped by the Advisor in subsequent fiscal years if the Advisor so requests.  The Advisor is permitted to recoup fee waivers and/or expense payments made in the prior three fiscal years from the date the fees were waived and/or Fund expenses were paid.  Any such recoupment is contingent upon the subsequent review and ratification of the recouped amounts by the Board.  The Fund must pay current ordinary operating expenses before the Advisor is entitled to any recoupment of fees and/or expenses.  This recoupment may be requested by the Advisor if the aggregate amount actually paid by the Fund toward operating expenses for such fiscal year (taking into account the recoupment) does not exceed the expense limitation.

In the event the operating expenses of the Fund, including all investment advisory and administration fees, but excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions and fees, taxes, interest and extraordinary expenses such as litigation, for any fiscal year exceed the Fund’s expense cap, the Advisor shall waive a portion of its management fee to the extent of its share of such excess expenses.  The amount of any such waiver to be borne by the Advisor shall be deducted from the monthly management fee otherwise payable with respect to the Fund during such fiscal year; and if such amounts should exceed the monthly fee, the Advisor shall pay to the Fund its share of such excess expenses no later than the last day of the first month of the next succeeding fiscal year.

For the periods indicated below, the Fund paid the following fees to the Advisor:

September 30,
Management Fees
Accrued by Advisor
Management Fees Waived
Management Fees Recouped
Net Management Fee Paid to Advisor
2009
$423,680
$95,520
$0
$328,160
2008
$903,546
$  1,677
$0
$901,869
2007
$967,631
$24,800
$0
$942,831

 
 
 
 
 
 

The Advisor uses a team approach for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio. All team members review the results of the quantitative screen, fundamental analysis, analysis of the current market, and participate in security selection.  The investment team for the Fund consists of Rafael A. Villagran, John M. Corby, Linda C. Olson, Richard N. Stice and Carolyn M. Pile. The teams make investment decisions for the Fund.  The following table shows the number of other accounts managed by the investment committee and the total assets in the accounts managed within various categories as of September 30, 2009.

Accounts
Total Number
of Accounts
Total Assets
(in millions)
Total Number of Accounts with Performance Based Fees
Total Assets of Accounts with Performance Based Fees
Registered Investment Companies
1
$40.9
1
$40.9
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
0
$0
0
$0
Other Accounts
70
$584.0
0
$0

Material Conflicts of Interest.  The portfolio managers who have day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to other accounts may be presented with potential or actual conflicts of interest.

The management of other accounts may result in a portfolio manager devoting unequal time and attention to the management of the Fund and/or other accounts.  In approving the Advisory Agreement, the Board was satisfied that the portfolio managers would be able to devote sufficient attention to the management of the Fund, and that the Advisor seeks to manage such competing interests for the time and attention of the portfolio managers.

With respect to securities transactions for the Fund, the Advisor determines which broker to use to execute each transaction consistent with its duty to seek best execution of the transaction.  If the Advisor believes that the purchase or sale of a security is in the best interest of more than one of its clients, it may aggregate the securities to be purchased or sold to obtain favorable execution and/or lower brokerage commissions. The Advisor will allocate securities so purchased or sold in the manner that it considers equitable and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to its clients.

The Advisor does not anticipate any conflicts of interest between management of the Fund and other funds and accounts managed by the firm. The investment team manages other separate investment portfolios with the same investment philosophy and process.  The Advisor’s brokerage and trading policies ensure that no conflicts arise between transactions involving the Fund and those involving separately managed accounts.

Compensation.  The Advisor’s investment professionals are compensated with a salary and bonus package.  The Advisor’s bonus pool is determined by the Advisor’s profits, and distributed based on an individual’s performance against personal long- and short-term goals, not based on the performance or asset size of the Fund. The portfolio managers do not participate in a company-sponsored retirement plan and receive standard benefits commensurate with the other employees of the firm.  Portfolio managers do not receive deferred compensation.
 
 
Securities Owned in the Fund by Portfolio Managers.  As of September 30, 2009, the portfolio managers owned the following securities in the Fund:

Name of Portfolio Manager
Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Fund
(None, $1-$10,000, $10,001-$50,000,
$50,001-$100,000, $100,001 - $500,000,
$500,001 to $1,000,000, Over $1,000,000)
Rafael A. Villagran
None
John M. Corby
$50,001-$100,000
Linda C. Olson
None
Carolyn M. Pile
None
Richard N. Stice
None

 
 

Fund Administrator

Pursuant to an administration agreement (the “Administration Agreement”) between the Trust and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“USBFS”), 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202 (the “Administrator”), USBFS acts as the Fund’s administrator.  The Administrator provides certain administrative services to the Fund, including, among other responsibilities, coordinating the negotiation of contracts and fees with, and the monitoring of performance and billing of, the Fund’s independent contractors and agents; preparation for signature by an officer of the Trust of all documents required to be filed for compliance by the Trust and the Fund with applicable laws and regulations excluding those of the securities laws of various states; arranging for the computation of performance data, including NAV and yield; responding to shareholder inquiries; and arranging for the maintenance of books and records of the Fund, and providing, at its own expense, office facilities, equipment and personnel necessary to carry out its duties.  In this capacity, the Administrator does not have any responsibility or authority for the management of the Fund, the determination of investment policy, or for any matter pertaining to the distribution of Fund shares.  Additionally, the Administrator provides Chief Compliance Officer Services to the Trust under a separate agreement.  The cost for the Chief Compliance Officer services is allocated to the Fund by the Board.

The Administration Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Trust on behalf of the Fund or by the Administrator on 60 days’ written notice (as defined in the 1940 Act).  The Administration Agreement also provides that neither the Administrator nor its personnel shall be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any act or omission in the administration of the Fund, except for willful misconduct, bad faith or negligence in the performance of its or their duties under the Administration Agreement.

For the fiscal years indicated below, the Fund paid the following fees to USBFS for fund administration services:

Administration Fees
Paid During Fiscal Years Ended
September 30,
2009
2008
2007
$56,807
$108,395
$113,215
 
 
 
USBFS also acts as Fund accountant, transfer agent (“Transfer Agent”) and dividend disbursing agent under separate agreements with the Trust.

Custodian

Pursuant to a custodian agreement between the Trust and the Fund, U.S. Bank National Association, an affiliate of USBFS and the Distributor, serves as the custodian of the securities and other assets of the Fund, whereby the Custodian receives fees on a transaction basis plus out-of-pocket expenses for the services provided.  The Custodian, Distributor, Transfer Agent and Administrator are all affiliated entities under the common control of U.S. Bancorp.  The Custodian’s address is Custody Operations, 1555 North River Center Drive, Suite 302, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212.  The Custodian does not participate in decisions relating to the purchase and sale of securities by the Fund.  The Custodian and its affiliates may participate in revenue sharing arrangements with service providers of mutual funds in which the Fund may invest.

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm and Legal Counsel

Tait, Weller & Baker LLP, 1818 Market Street, Suite 2400, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, is the independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund whose services include auditing the Fund’s financial statements and the performance of related tax services.

Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP (“Paul Hastings”), 75 East 55th Street, New York, New York 10022, is counsel to the Fund and provides counsel on legal matters relating to the Fund.  Paul Hastings also serves as independent legal counsel to the Board.

 
 

The Trust has entered into a Distribution Agreement (the “Distribution Agreement”) with Quasar Distributors, LLC, 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202 (the “Distributor”), pursuant to which the Distributor acts as the Fund’s distributor, provides certain administration services and promotes and arranges for the sale of Fund shares.  The offering of Fund shares is continuous.  The Distributor, Administrator, Transfer Agent and Custodian are all affiliated entities under the common control of U.S. Bancorp.  The Distributor is a registered broker-dealer and member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”).

The Distribution Agreement has an initial term of up to two years and will continue in effect only if such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Board or by vote of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities and, in either case, by a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the Distribution Agreement or “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any such party.  The Distribution Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Trust on behalf of the Fund on 60 days’ written notice when authorized either by a majority vote of the Fund’s shareholders or by vote of a majority of the Board, including a majority of the Trustees who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust, or by the Distributor on 60 days’ written notice, and will automatically terminate in the event of its “assignment” (as defined in the 1940 Act).
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Pursuant to the Advisory Agreements, the Advisor determines which securities are to be purchased and sold by the Fund and which broker-dealers are eligible to execute the Fund’s portfolio transactions.  The purchases and sales of securities in the over-the-counter market will generally be executed by using a broker for the transaction.

Purchases of portfolio securities for the Fund also may be made directly from issuers or from underwriters.  Where possible, purchase and sale transactions will be effected through dealers (including banks) that specialize in the types of securities which the Fund will be holding, unless better executions are available elsewhere.  Dealers and underwriters usually act as principal for their own accounts.  Purchases from underwriters will include a concession paid by the issuer to the underwriter and purchases from dealers will include the spread between the bid and the asked price. If the execution and price offered by more than one dealer or underwriter are comparable, the order may be allocated to a dealer or underwriter that has provided research or other services as discussed below.

In placing portfolio transactions, the Advisor will seek best execution. The full range and quality of services available will be considered in making these determinations, such as the size of the order, the difficulty of execution, the operational facilities of the firm involved, the firm’s risk in positioning a block of securities, and other factors. In those instances where it is reasonably determined that more than one broker-dealer can offer the services needed to obtain the most favorable price and execution available, consideration may be given to those broker-dealers which furnish or supply research and statistical information to the Advisor that they may lawfully and appropriately use in their investment advisory capacities, as well as provide other services in addition to execution services.  The Advisor considers such information, which is in addition to and not in lieu of the services required to be performed by them under their Agreement with the Fund, to be useful in varying degrees, but of indeterminable value. Portfolio transactions may be placed with broker-dealers who sell shares of the Fund subject to rules adopted by FINRA.
 
 
While it is the Fund’s general policy to seek best execution first to obtain the most favorable price and execution available in selecting a broker-dealer to execute portfolio transactions for the Fund, when it  is determined that more than one broker-dealer can deliver best execution, weight is also given to the ability of a broker-dealer to furnish brokerage and research services as it is defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, to the Fund or to the Advisor, even if the specific services are not directly useful to the Fund and may be useful to the Advisor in advising other clients (e.g., Factset, Firstcall, Starmine, Bloomberg, Wonda, Flow of Capital, among others).  In negotiating commissions with a broker or evaluating the spread to be paid to a dealer, the Fund may therefore pay a higher commission or spread than would be the case if no weight were given to the furnishing of these supplemental services, provided that the amount of such commission or spread has been determined in good faith by the Advisor to be reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and/or research services provided by such broker-dealer.  The Board will review quarterly the Advisor’s performance of its responsibilities in connection with the placement of portfolio transactions on behalf of the Fund.  Such review is conducted for the purpose of determining if markups and commissions, if any, paid by the Fund are reasonable in relation to the benefits received by the Fund taking into account the competitive practices of the industry.

Investment decisions for the Fund are made independently from those of other client accounts that may be managed or advised by the Advisor.  Nevertheless, it is possible that at times identical securities will be acceptable for the Fund and one or more of such client accounts.  In such event, the position of the Fund and such client accounts in the same issuer may vary and the length of time that each may choose to hold its investment in the same issuer may likewise vary.  However, to the extent any of these client accounts seeks to acquire the same security as the Fund at the same time, the Fund may not be able to acquire as large a portion of such security as it desires, or it may have to pay a higher price or obtain a lower yield for such security.  Similarly, the Fund may not be able to obtain as high a price for, or as large an execution of, an order to sell any particular security at the same time.  If one or more of such client accounts simultaneously purchases or sells the same security that the Fund is purchasing or selling, each day’s transactions in such security will be allocated between the Fund and all such client accounts in a manner deemed equitable by the Advisor, taking into account the respective sizes of the accounts and the amount being purchased or sold.  It is recognized that in some cases this system could have a detrimental effect on the price or value of the security insofar as the Fund are concerned.  In other cases, however, it is believed that the ability of the Fund to participate in volume transactions may produce better executions for the Fund.
 
 
 
The Fund does not effect securities transactions through brokers in accordance with any formula, nor do they effect securities transactions through brokers for selling shares of the Fund. However, as stated above, broker-dealers who execute brokerage transactions may effect purchase of shares of the Fund for its customers.

For the years indicated below, the Fund paid the following in brokerage commissions:

Aggregate Brokerage Commissions
Paid During Fiscal
Years Ended September 30,
2009
2008
2007
$205,435
$404,191
$449,688

The table below indicates the portion of the Fund’s aggregate brokerage for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 (from the table above) that was directed to brokers who, in addition to providing trade execution, also supplied the Fund with research services.

Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2009
Dollar Value of Securities Traded
Related Soft Dollar Brokerage Commissions
$54,613
$35,175,057

The Fund may invest in the securities of its regular broker/dealers who have executed trades for the Fund.  The table below indicates the value of securities of such broker/dealers held by the Fund as of September 30, 2009:

Name of Broker/Dealer
Total Value of Securities Held by the Fund
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
$385,704
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Although the Fund generally will not invest for short-term trading purposes, portfolio securities may be sold without regard to the length of time they have been held when, in the opinion of the Advisor, investment considerations warrant such action.  Portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing (1) the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the fiscal year by (2) the monthly average of the value of portfolio securities owned during the fiscal year.  A 100% turnover rate would occur if all the securities in the Fund’s portfolio, with the exception of securities whose maturities at the time of acquisition were one year or less, were sold and either repurchased or replaced within one year. A high rate of portfolio turnover (100% or more) generally leads to transaction costs and may result in a greater number of taxable transactions.  High portfolio turnover generally results in the distribution of short-term capital gains which are taxed at the higher ordinary income tax rates. The following table provides the portfolio turnover rate for the past two fiscal years.

Portfolio Turnover During Fiscal Years Ended September 30
2009
2008
241%
316%


The Board has adopted Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (“Proxy Policies”) on behalf of the Trust which delegate the responsibility for voting proxies to the Advisor, subject to the Board’s continuing oversight. The Proxy Policies require that the Advisor vote proxies received in a manner consistent with the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders.  The Proxy Policies also require the Advisor to present to the Board, at least annually, the Advisor’s Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures and a record of each proxy voted by the Advisor on behalf of the Fund, including a report on the resolution of all proxies identified by the Advisor as involving a conflict of interest.

In light of these fiduciary duties, and given the complexity of the issues that may be raised in connection with proxy votes, the Advisor has retained RiskMetrics/Institutional Shareholder Services (“ISS”).  ISS is an independent adviser that specializes in providing a variety of fiduciary-level proxy-related services to institutional investment managers.  The services provided to the Advisor include in-depth research, vote execution, and recordkeeping.  The Advisor has adopted ISS’s proxy voting guidelines.

Any general or specific proxy voting guidelines provided by an advisory client or its designated agent in writing will supersede this policy.  Clients may wish to have their proxies voted by an independent third party or other named fiduciary or agent, at the client’s cost.

Responsibility.  Primary oversight of the proxy voting process resides with the designee determined by the Advisor’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”).

Conflict of Interest. The Advisor attempts to minimize conflicts of interest through its hiring of ISS to independently vote proxies.  If the Advisor detects a conflict of interest, it will, at its expense, engage the services of an outside proxy voting service or consultant who will provide an independent recommendation on the direction in which the Advisor should vote on the proposal.

Review. The CCO or CCO designee will review the Advisor’s Proxy Policies and update them as necessary.
 
 
 
Proxy Voting Guidelines on Specific Issues. Each vote is ultimately cast on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the contractual obligations under the Advisory Agreements or comparable documents, and other relevant facts and circumstances at the time of the vote.

The Trust is required to annually file Form N-PX, which lists the Fund’s complete proxy voting record for the 12-month period ending June 30.  The Fund’s proxy voting record is available without charge, upon request, by calling toll-free 1-866-97RIGEL and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.


The Trust has established an Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Program (the “Program”) as required by the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (“USA PATRIOT Act”).  In order to ensure compliance with this law, the Trust’s Program provides for the development of internal practices, procedures and controls, designation of anti-money laundering compliance officers, an ongoing training program and an independent audit function to determine the effectiveness of the Program.

Procedures to implement the Program include, but are not limited to, determining that the Fund’s Distributor and Transfer Agent have established proper anti-money laundering procedures, reporting suspicious and/or fraudulent activity, checking shareholder names against designated government lists, including Office of Foreign Asset Control (“OFAC”), and a complete and thorough review of all new opening account applications.  The Trust will not transact business with any person or entity whose identity cannot be adequately verified under the provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act.

 
 

The Advisor and the Fund maintain portfolio holdings disclosure policies (the “Disclosure Policies”) that govern the timing and circumstances of disclosure to shareholders and third parties of information regarding the portfolio investments held by the Fund. These Disclosure Policies have been approved by the Board. Disclosure of the Fund’s complete holdings is required to be made quarterly within 60 days of the end of each fiscal quarter in the Annual Report and Semi-Annual Report to Fund shareholders and in the quarterly holdings report on Form N-Q. These reports are available, free of charge, on the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

A complete listing of the Fund’s portfolio holdings is made available to the public with a lag of approximately five to ten business days after the end of each calendar quarter.  These holdings are posted quarterly to www.rigelmutualfunds.com.  From time to time, the Advisor may select additional portfolio characteristics for distribution to the public with such frequencies and lag times as the Advisor determines to be in the best interests of shareholders.

Pursuant to the Disclosure Policies, information about the Fund’s portfolio holdings is not distributed to any person unless:

·  
The disclosure is required pursuant to a regulatory request, court order or is legally required in the context of other legal proceedings;
 
 
 
 
·  
The disclosure is made to a mutual fund rating and/or ranking organization, or person performing similar functions, who is subject to a duty of confidentiality, including a duty not to trade on any non-public information;
·  
The disclosure is made to internal parties involved in the investment process, administration, operation or custody of the Fund, including, but not limited to USBFS and the Board, attorneys, auditors or accountants;
·  
The disclosure is made: (a) in connection with a quarterly, semi-annual or annual report that is available to the public; or (b) relates to information that is otherwise available to the public; or
·  
The disclosure is made with the approval of either the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) or his or her designee.

Certain of the persons listed above receive information about the Fund’s portfolio holdings on an ongoing basis.  The Fund believes that these third parties have legitimate objectives in requesting such portfolio holdings information and operate in the best interest of the Fund’s shareholders. These persons are:

·  
A mutual fund rating and/or ranking organization, or person performing similar functions, who is subject to a duty of confidentiality, including a duty not to trade on any non-public information;
·  
Rating and/or ranking organizations, specifically: Lipper; Morningstar; S&P; Bloomberg; Vickers-Stock Research Corporation; Thomson Financial; and Capital-Bridge, all of which currently receive such information between the fifth and tenth business day of the month following the end of a calendar quarter; and
·  
Internal parties involved in the investment process, administration, operation or custody of the Fund, specifically: USBFS; the Board; and the Trust’s attorneys and accountants (currently, Paul Hastings and Tait, Weller & Baker LLP, respectively), all of which typically receive such information after it is generated.

Any disclosures to additional parties not described above is made with the prior written approval of either the Trust’s CCO or his or her designee, pursuant to the Disclosure Policies.

The Board exercises continuing oversight of the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings by (1) overseeing the implementation and enforcement of the Disclosure Policies, Codes of Ethics and other relevant policies of the Fund and its service providers by the Trust’s CCO, (2) by considering reports and recommendations by the Trust’s CCO concerning any material compliance matters (as defined in Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act), and (3) by considering to approve any amendment to these Disclosure Policies.  The Board reserves the right to amend the Disclosure Policies at any time without prior notice in their sole discretion.

Neither the Advisor nor the Fund may receive compensation in connection with the disclosure of information about the Fund’s portfolio securities.  In the event of a conflict between the interests of the Fund and the interests of the Advisor or an affiliated person of the Advisor, the Advisor’s CCO, in consultation with the Trust’s CCO, shall make a determination in the best interest of the Fund, and shall report such determination to the Advisor’s Board of Directors and to the Fund’s Board at the end of the quarter in which such determination was made.  Any employee of the Advisor who suspects a breach of this obligation must report the matter immediately to the Advisor’s CCO or to his or her supervisor.

In addition, material non-public holdings information may be provided without lag as part of the normal investment activities of the Fund to each of the following entities which, by explicit agreement by virtue of their respective duties to the Fund, are required to maintain the confidentiality of the information disclosed:  Fund Administrator, Fund Accountant, Custodian, Transfer Agent, auditors, counsel to the Fund or the trustees, broker-dealers (in connection with the purchase or sale of securities or requests for price quotations or bids on one or more securities), and regulatory authorities.  Portfolio holdings information not publicly available with the SEC or through the Fund’s website may only be provided to additional third parties, in accordance with the Policies, when the Fund has a legitimate business purpose and the third party recipient is subject to a confidentiality agreement.
 
 
In no event shall the Advisor, its affiliates or employees, or the Fund receives any direct or indirect compensation in connection with the disclosure of information about the Fund’s portfolio holdings.

There can be no assurance that the Disclosure Policies and these procedures will protect the Fund from potential misuse of that information by individuals or entities to which it is disclosed.


The NAV of the Fund’s shares will fluctuate and is determined as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) (generally, 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) each business day. The NYSE annually announces the days on which it will not be open for trading. The most recent announcement indicates that it will not be open for the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday/Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. However, the NYSE may close on days not included in that announcement.

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

Generally, the Fund’s investments are valued at market value or, in the absence of a market value, at fair value as determined in good faith by the Advisor and the Trust’s Valuation Committee pursuant to procedures approved by or under the direction of the Board.  Pursuant to those procedures, the Board considers, among other things: (1) the last sale price on the securities exchange, if any, on which a security is primarily traded; (2) the mean between the bid and asked prices; (3) price quotations from an approved pricing service, and (4) other factors as necessary to determine a fair value under certain circumstances.

The Fund’s securities which are traded on securities exchanges are valued at the last sale price on the exchange on which such securities are traded, as of the close of business on the day the securities are being valued or, lacking any reported sales, at the mean between the last available bid and asked price.

Securities that are traded on more than one exchange are valued on the exchange determined by the Advisor to be the primary market. Securities primarily traded in the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation (“Nasdaq”) Global Market for which market quotations are readily available shall be valued using the Nasdaq Official Closing Price (“NOCP”).  If the NOCP is not available, such securities shall be valued at the last sale price on the day of valuation, or if there has been no sale on such day, at the mean between the bid and asked prices. Over-the-counter (“OTC”) securities which are not traded in the Nasdaq Global Market shall be valued at the most recent sales price.

Short-term debt obligations with remaining maturities in excess of 60 days are valued at current market prices, as discussed above.  Short-term securities with 60 days or less remaining to maturity are, unless conditions indicate otherwise, amortized to maturity based on their cost to the Fund if acquired within 60 days of maturity or, if already held by the Fund on the 60th day, based on the value determined on the 61st day.
 
 
 
All other assets of the Fund are valued in such manner as the Board in good faith deems appropriate to reflect their fair value.


Detailed information on the purchase and redemption of shares is included in the Prospectus. Shares of the Fund are sold without a sales charge at the next price calculated after receipt of an order for purchase.  In order to purchase shares of the Fund, you must invest the initial minimum investment.  However, the Fund reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to waive the minimum initial investment amount for certain investors, or to waive or reduce the minimum initial investment for 401(k)s or other tax-deferred retirement plans.  You may purchase shares on any day that the NYSE is open for business by placing orders with the Fund.

The Fund reserves the right to refuse any purchase requests, particularly those that would not be in the best interests of the Fund or its shareholders and could adversely affect the Fund or its operations. This includes those from any individual or group who, in the Fund’s view, is likely to engage in or has a history of excessive trading (usually defined as more than four transactions out of the Fund within a calendar year).  Furthermore, the Fund may suspend the right to redeem its shares or postpone the date of payment upon redemption for more than three business days (i) for any period during which the NYSE is closed (other than customary weekend or holiday closings) or trading on the NYSE is restricted;  (ii) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal by the Fund of securities owned by it is not reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund fairly to determine the value of its net assets; or (iii) for such other periods as the SEC may permit for the protection of the Fund’s shareholders.

In-Kind Purchases

Payment for shares of the Fund may, in the discretion of the Trust, be made in the form of securities that are permissible investments for the Fund as described in the Prospectus.  For further information about this form of payment, contact the Transfer Agent.  In connection with an in-kind securities payment, the Fund will require, among other things, that the securities be valued on the day of purchase in accordance with the pricing methods used by the Fund and that the Fund receives satisfactory assurances that it will have good and marketable title to the securities received by it; that the securities be in proper form for transfer to the Fund; and that adequate information be provided concerning the basis and other tax matters relating to the securities.

Redemption-in-Kind.  The Fund does not intend to redeem shares in any form except cash.  The Trust, however, has filed a notice of election under Rule 18f-1 of the 1940 Act that allows the Fund to redeem in-kind redemption requests of a certain amount.  Specifically, if the amount you are redeeming is over the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Fund’s net assets, the Fund has the right to redeem your shares by giving you the amount that exceeds $250,000 or 1% of the Fund’s net assets in securities instead of cash.  The securities distributed in-kind would be readily marketable and would be valued for this purpose using the same method employed in calculating the Fund’s NAV.  If a shareholder receives redemption proceeds in-kind, the shareholder should expect to incur transaction costs upon the disposition of the securities received in the redemption.


Each series of the Trust is treated as a separate entity for federal income tax purposes.  The Fund, as a series of the Trust, has elected to qualify and intends to continue to qualify to be treated as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), provided it complies with all applicable requirements regarding the source of its income, diversification of its assets and timing and amount of distributions.  The Fund’s policy is to distribute to its shareholders all of its investment company taxable income and any net realized long-term capital gains for each fiscal year in a manner that complies with the distribution requirements of the Code, so that the Fund will not be subject to any federal income or excise taxes.  However, the Fund cannot give assurances that its distributions will be sufficient to eliminate all taxes.  To comply with the requirements, the Fund must also distribute (or be deemed to have distributed) by December 31 of each calendar year (i) at least 98% of its ordinary income for such year, (ii) at least 98% of the excess of its realized capital gains over its realized capital losses for the 12-month period ending on October 31 during such year and (iii) any amounts from the prior calendar year that were not distributed and on which the Fund did not pay federal income tax.  Net investment income consists of interest and dividend income, less expenses.  Net realized capital gains for a fiscal period are computed by taking into account any capital loss carryforward of the Fund.
 
 
At September 30, 2009, the Fund had capital loss carryforwards of $19,008,000, which expire in 2017. At September 30, 2009, the Fund deferred, on a tax basis, post-October losses of $24,720,763.

Distributions of net investment income and net short-term capital gains are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income.  For individual shareholders, a portion of the distributions paid by the Fund may be qualified dividends eligible for taxation at long-term capital gain rates to the extent the Fund designates the amount distributed as a qualifying dividend.  In the case of corporate shareholders, a portion of the distributions may qualify for the intercorporate dividends-received deduction to the extent the Fund designates the amount distributed as a qualifying dividend.  This designated amount cannot, however, exceed the aggregate amount of qualifying dividends received by the Fund for its taxable year.  In view of the Fund’s investment policies, it is expected that dividends from domestic corporations will be part of the Fund’s gross income and that, accordingly, part of the distributions by the Fund may be eligible for qualified dividend income treatment for individual shareholders and also for the dividends-received deduction for corporate shareholders.  However, the portion of the Fund’s gross income attributable to qualifying dividends is largely dependent on such Fund’s investment activities for a particular year and therefore cannot be predicted with any certainty.  The deduction may be reduced or eliminated if Fund shares held by an individual investor are held for less than 61 days, or if Fund shares held by a corporate investor are treated as debt-financed or are held for less than 46 days.

Any long-term capital gain distributions are taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gains regardless of the length of time shares have been held.  Capital gains distributions are not eligible for qualified dividend income treatment or the dividends-received deduction referred to in the previous paragraph.  Distributions of any net investment income and net realized capital gains will be taxable as described above, whether received in shares or in cash.  Shareholders who choose to receive distributions in the form of additional shares will have a cost basis for federal income tax purposes in each share so received equal to the NAV of a share on the reinvestment date.  Distributions are generally taxable when received.  However, distributions declared in October, November or December to shareholders of record on a date in such a month and paid the following January are taxable as if received on December 31.  Distributions are includable in alternative minimum taxable income in computing a shareholder’s liability for the alternative minimum tax.

Redemption of Fund shares may result in recognition of a taxable gain or loss.  Any loss realized upon redemption of shares within six months from the date of their purchase will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as distributions of long-term capital gains during such six-month period.  Any loss realized upon a redemption may be disallowed under certain wash sale rules to the extent shares of the same Fund are purchased (through reinvestment of distributions or otherwise) within 30 days before or after the redemption.
 
 
 
 
Under the Code, the Fund will be required to report to the Internal Revenue Service all distributions of taxable income and capital gains as well as gross proceeds from the redemption of Fund shares, except in the case of exempt shareholders, which includes most corporations.  Pursuant to the backup withholding provisions of the Code, distributions of any taxable income and capital gains and proceeds from the redemption of Fund shares may be subject to withholding of federal income tax in the case of non-exempt shareholders who fail to furnish the Fund with their taxpayer identification numbers and with required certifications regarding their status under the federal income tax law.  If the withholding provisions are applicable, any such distributions and proceeds, whether taken in cash or reinvested in additional shares, will be reduced by the amounts required to be withheld.  Corporate and other exempt shareholders should provide the Fund with their taxpayer identification numbers or certify their exempt status in order to avoid possible erroneous application of backup withholding.  The Fund reserves the right to refuse to open an account for any person failing to provide a certified taxpayer identification number.

The foregoing discussion of U.S. federal income tax law relates solely to the application of that law to U.S. citizens or residents and U.S. domestic corporations, partnerships, trusts and estates.  Each shareholder who is not a U.S. person should consider the U.S. and foreign tax consequences of ownership of shares of the Fund, including the possibility that such a shareholder may be subject to a U.S. withholding tax at a rate of 30% (or at a lower rate under an applicable income tax treaty) on amounts constituting ordinary income.

This discussion and the related discussion in the Prospectus have been prepared by Fund management.  The information above is only a summary of some of the tax considerations generally affecting the Fund and its shareholders.  No attempt has been made to discuss individual tax consequences and this discussion should not be construed as applicable to all shareholders’ tax situations.  Investors should consult their own tax advisors to determine the suitability of the Fund and the applicability of any state, local or foreign taxation.  Paul Hastings has expressed no opinion in respect thereof.


The Fund will receive income in the form of dividends and interest earned on its investments in securities.  This income, less the expenses incurred in its operations, is the Fund’s net investment income, substantially all of which will be declared as dividends to the Fund’s shareholders.

The amount of income dividend payments by the Fund is dependent upon the amount of net investment income received by the Fund from its portfolio holdings, is not guaranteed and is subject to the discretion of the Board. The Fund does not pay “interest” or guarantee any fixed rate of return on an investment in its shares.

The Fund also may derive capital gains or losses in connection with sales or other dispositions of its portfolio securities.  Any net gain the Fund may realize from transactions involving investments held less than the period required for long-term capital gain or loss recognition or otherwise producing short-term capital gains and losses (taking into account any carryover of capital losses from the eight previous taxable years), although a distribution from capital gains, will be distributed to shareholders with and as a part of dividends giving rise to ordinary income.  If during any year the Fund realizes a net capital gain on transactions involving investments held more than the period required for long-term gain or loss recognition or otherwise producing long-term capital gains and losses, the Fund will have a net long-term capital gain.  After deduction of the amount of any net short-term capital loss, the balance (to the extent not offset by any capital losses carried over from the eight previous taxable years) will be distributed and treated as long-term capital gains in the hands of the shareholders regardless of the length of time the Fund’s shares may have been held by the shareholders.  For more information concerning applicable capital gains tax rates, see your tax advisor.
 
 
 
Any dividend or distribution paid by the Fund reduces the Fund’s NAV per share on the date paid by the amount of the dividend or distribution per share.  Accordingly, a dividend or distribution paid shortly after a purchase of shares by a shareholder would represent, in substance, a partial return of capital (to the extent it is paid on the shares so purchased), even though it would be subject to income taxes.

Dividends and other distributions will be made in the form of additional shares of the Fund unless the shareholder has otherwise indicated.  Investors have the right to change their elections with respect to the reinvestment of dividends and distributions by notifying the Transfer Agent in writing, but any such change will be effective only as to dividends and other distributions for which the record date is seven or more business days after the Transfer Agent has received the written request.


The Declaration of Trust permits the Trustees to issue an unlimited number of full and fractional shares of beneficial interest and to divide or combine the shares into a greater or lesser number of shares without thereby changing the proportionate beneficial interest in the Fund.  Each share represents an interest in the Fund proportionately equal to the interest of each other share.  Upon the Fund’s liquidation, all shareholders would share pro rata in the net assets of the Fund available for distribution to shareholders.

With respect to the Fund, the Trust may offer more than one class of shares.  The Trust has reserved the right to create and issue additional series or classes.  Each share of a series or class represents an equal proportionate interest in that series or class with each other share of that series or class.  Currently, the Fund has only one class of shares.

The shares of each series or class participate equally in the earnings, dividends and assets of the particular series or class.  Expenses of the Trust which are not attributable to a specific series or class are allocated among all the series in a manner believed by management of the Trust to be fair and equitable.  Shares have no pre-emptive or conversion rights.  Shares when issued are fully paid and non-assessable, except as set forth below.  Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each share held. Shares of each series or class generally vote together, except when required under federal securities laws to vote separately on matters that only affect a particular class, such as the approval of distribution plans for a particular class.

The Trust is not required to hold annual meetings of shareholders but will hold special meetings of shareholders of a series or class when, in the judgment of the Trustees, it is necessary or desirable to submit matters for a shareholder vote.  Shareholders have, under certain circumstances, the right to communicate with other shareholders in connection with requesting a meeting of shareholders for the purpose of removing one or more Trustees.  Shareholders also have, in certain circumstances, the right to remove one or more Trustees without a meeting.  No material amendment may be made to the Declaration of Trust without the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of each portfolio affected by the amendment.  The Declaration of Trust provides that, at any meeting of shareholders of the Trust or of any series or class, a Shareholder Servicing Agent may vote any shares as to which such Shareholder Servicing Agent is the agent of record and which are not represented in person or by proxy at the meeting, proportionately in accordance with the votes cast by holders of all shares of that portfolio otherwise represented at the meeting in person or by proxy as to which such Shareholder Servicing Agent is the agent of record. Any shares so voted by a Shareholder Servicing Agent will be deemed represented at the meeting for purposes of quorum requirements. Shares have no preemptive or conversion rights.  Shares, when issued, are fully paid and non-assessable, except as set forth below.  Any series or class may be terminated (i) upon the merger or consolidation with, or the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of its assets to, another entity, if approved by the vote of the holders of two-thirds of its outstanding shares, except that if the Board recommends such merger, consolidation or sale or disposition of assets, the approval by vote of the holders of a majority of the series’ or class’ outstanding shares will be sufficient, or (ii) by the vote of the holders of a majority of its outstanding shares, or (iii) by the Board by written notice to the series’ or class’ shareholders.  Unless each series and class is so terminated, the Trust will continue indefinitely.
 
 
 
The Declaration of Trust also provides that the Trust shall maintain appropriate insurance (for example, fidelity bonding and errors and omissions insurance) for the protection of the Trust, its shareholders, Trustees, officers, employees and agents covering possible tort and other liabilities. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which both inadequate insurance existed and the Trust itself was unable to meet its obligations.

The Declaration of Trust does not require the issuance of stock certificates.  If stock certificates are issued, they must be returned by the registered owners prior to the transfer or redemption of shares represented by such certificates.

Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act provides that as to any investment company which has two or more series outstanding and as to any matter required to be submitted to shareholder vote, such matter is not deemed to have been effectively acted upon unless approved by the holders of a “majority” (as defined in the Rule) of the voting securities of each series affected by the matter.  Such separate voting requirements do not apply to the election of Trustees or the ratification of the selection of accountants.  The Rule contains special provisions for cases in which an advisory contract is approved by one or more, but not all, series.  A change in investment policy may go into effect as to one or more series whose holders so approve the change even though the required vote is not obtained as to the holders of other affected series.


The Trust, the Advisor and the Distributor have each adopted a Code of Ethics under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act.  These Codes permit, subject to certain conditions, access persons of the Advisor and Distributor to invest in securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund.


The Annual Report for the Fund for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, is a separate document supplied upon request and the financial statements and accompanying notes of the independent registered public accounting firm appearing therein are incorporated by reference in this SAI.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

SHORT-TERM RATINGS

Standard & Poor’s Short-Term Issue Credit Ratings

A Standard & Poor’s issue credit rating is a current opinion of 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 evaluates the obligor’s capacity and willingness to meet its financial commitments as they come due, and may assess terms, such as collateral security and subordination, which could affect ultimate payment in the event of default.  The issue credit rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell, or hold a financial obligation, inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or suitability for a particular investor.

Issue credit ratings are based on current information furnished by the obligors or obtained by Standard & Poor’s from other sources it considers reliable. Standard & Poor’s does not perform an audit in connection with any credit rating and may, on occasion, rely on unaudited financial information. Credit ratings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a result of changes in, or unavailability of, such information, or based on other circumstances.

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. In the U.S., for example, that means obligations with an original maturity of no more than 365 days including commercial paper. Short-term ratings are also used to indicate the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to put features on long-term obligations. The result is a dual rating, in which the short-term rating addresses the put feature, in addition to the usual long-term rating. Medium-term notes are assigned long-term ratings.

Short-Term Issue Credit Ratings

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

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

A-3
A short-term obligation rated ‘A-3’ exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
 
 
 
B
A short-term obligation rated ‘B’ is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. Ratings of ‘B-1’, ‘B-2’, and ‘B-3’ may be assigned to indicate finer distinctions within the ‘B’ category. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

B-1
A short-term obligation rated ‘B-1’ is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics, but the obligor has a relatively stronger capacity to meet its financial commitments over the short-term compared to other speculative-grade obligors.

B-2
A short-term obligation rated ‘B-2’ is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics, and the obligor has an average speculative-grade capacity to meet its financial commitments over the short-term compared to other speculative-grade obligors.

B-3
A short-term obligation rated ‘B-3’ is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics, and the obligor has a relatively weaker capacity to meet its financial commitments over the short-term compared to other speculative-grade obligors.

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

D
A short-term obligation rated ‘D’ is in payment default. The ‘D’ rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor’s believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The ‘D’ rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.

Dual Ratings
Standard & Poor’s assigns “dual” ratings to all debt issues that have a put option or demand feature as part of their structure. The first rating addresses the likelihood of repayment of principal and interest as due, and the second rating addresses only the demand feature. The long-term rating symbols are used for bonds to denote the long-term maturity and the short-term rating symbols for the put option (for example, ‘AAA/A-1+’). With U.S. municipal short-term demand debt, note rating symbols are used with the short-term issue credit rating symbols (for example, ‘SP-1+/A-1+’).

Local Currency and Foreign Currency Risks
Country risk considerations are a standard part of Standard & Poor’s analysis for credit ratings on any issuer or issue. Currency of repayment is a key factor in this analysis. An obligor’s capacity to repay foreign currency obligations may be lower than its capacity to repay obligations in its local currency due to the sovereign government’s own relatively lower capacity to repay external versus domestic debt. These sovereign risk considerations are incorporated in the debt ratings assigned to specific issues. Foreign currency issuer ratings are also distinguished from local currency issuer ratings to identify those instances where sovereign risks make them different for the same issuer.
 
 
 
Moody’s Short-Term Debt Ratings

Short-Term Ratings

Moody’s short-term ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to honor short-term financial obligations. Ratings may be assigned to issuers, short-term programs or to individual short-term debt instruments. Such obligations generally have an original maturity not exceeding thirteen months, unless explicitly noted.

Moody’s employs the following designations to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:

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

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

Prime-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.

Note: Canadian issuers rated P-1 or P-2 have their short-term ratings enhanced by the senior-most long-term rating of the issuer, its guarantor or support-provider.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART C
(Rigel Mutual Funds)

OTHER INFORMATION

Item 23.  Exhibits.

(a)
Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated October 3, 1996, was previously filed with the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A on December 6, 1996, and is incorporated herein by reference.

(b)
By-laws. Amended and Restated By-Laws dated June 27, 2002, were previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 113 to the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A on January 28, 2003, and are incorporated herein by reference.

(c)
Instruments Defining Rights of Security Holders are incorporated by reference into the Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust and Amended and Restated By-Laws.

(d)
Investment Advisory Agreement was previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 221 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A on May 31, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference.

(e)
Distribution Agreement was previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 275 to the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A on January 23, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference.

   
(1)
Amendment to Distribution Agreement was previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 253 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A on December 28, 2007, and is incorporated herein by reference.

(f)
Bonus or Profit Sharing Contracts – not applicable.

(g)
Custody Agreement was previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 222 to the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A on June 28, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 
(i)
Amendment to Custody Agreement was previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 275 to the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A on January 23, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference.

(h)
Other Material Contracts.

 
(i)
Fund Administration Servicing Agreement was previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 222 to the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A on June 28, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference.

   
(1)
Amendment to Fund Administration Servicing Agreement was previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 275 to the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A on January 23, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 
(ii)
Transfer Agent Servicing Agreement was previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 222 to the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A on June 28, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
C-1

 
   
(1)
Amendment to Transfer Agent Servicing Agreement was previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 275 to the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A on January 23, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 
(iii)
Fund Accounting Servicing Agreement was previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 222 to the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A on June 28, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference.

   
(1)
Amendment to Fund Accounting Servicing Agreement was previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 275 to the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A on January 23, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 
(iv)
Operating Expenses Limitation Agreement was previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 221 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A on May 31, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 
(v)
Power of Attorney was previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 275 to the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A on January 23, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference.

(i)
Legal Opinion was previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 235 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A on January 26, 2007, and is incorporated herein by reference.

(j)
Other Opinions.  Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm – filed herewith.

(k)
Omitted Financial Statements – not applicable.

(l)
Subscription Agreements were previously filed with Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A on February 28, 1997, and are incorporated herein by reference.

(m)
Rule 12b-1 Plan – not applicable.

(n)
Rule 18f-3 Plan – not applicable.

(o)
Reserved.

(p)
Codes of Ethics.

 
(i)
Code of Ethics (Registrant) dated December 2007, was previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 257 to the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A on January 28, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 
(ii)
Code of Ethics (Advisor) dated February 4, 2009 was previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 299 to the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A on November 24, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 
(iii)
Code of Ethics for Access Persons of Quasar Distributors, LLC dated September 1, 2005, was previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 257 to the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A on January 28, 2008, and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
C-2

 
Item 24.  Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with Registrant.

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

Item 25.  Indemnification.

Reference is made to Article VII of the Registrant’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust, Article VI of Registrant’s By-Laws and Paragraph 7 of the Distribution Agreement.

Pursuant to Rule 484 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Registrant furnishes the following undertaking:  “Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Act”) may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that, in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.  In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a trustee, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such trustee, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.”

Item 26.  Business and Other Connections of the Investment Adviser

With respect to the Advisor, the response to this Item is incorporated by reference to the Advisor’s Uniform Application for Investment Adviser Registration (Form ADV) on file with the SEC (File No. 801-62266), dated October 22, 2009.  The Advisor’s Form ADV may be obtained, free of charge, at the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.

Item 27. Principal Underwriter.

(a)
Quasar Distributors, LLC, the Registrant’s principal underwriter, acts as principal underwriter for the following investment companies:

Academy Funds Trust
Jensen Portfolio, Inc.
Advis ors Series Trust
Keystone Mutual Funds
Allied Asset Advisors Funds
Kiewit Investment Fund, LLLP
Alpine Equity Trust
Kirr Marbach Partners Funds, Inc.
Alpine Income Trust
LKCM Funds
Alpine Series Trust
Masters' Select Funds Trust
Artio Global Funds
Matrix Advisors Value Fund, Inc.
Brandes Investment Trust
Monetta Fund, Inc.
Brandywine Blue Funds, Inc.
Monetta Trust
Brazos Mutual Funds
MP63 Fund, Inc.
Bridges Investment Fund, Inc.
Nicholas Family of Funds, Inc.
Buffalo Funds
Permanent Portfolio Family of Funds, Inc.
Country Mutual Funds Trust
Perritt Funds, Inc.
Empiric Funds, Inc.
Perritt Microcap Opportunities Fund, Inc.
First American Funds, Inc.
PRIMECAP Odyssey Funds
First American Investment Funds, Inc.
Professionally Managed Portfolios
First American Strategy Funds, Inc.
Prospector Funds, Inc.
Fort Pitt Capital Funds
Purisima Funds
 
 
C-3

 
Glenmede Fund, Inc.
Quaker Investment Trust
Glenmede Portfolios
Rainier Investment Management Mutual Funds
Greenspring Fund, Inc.
Rockland Funds Trust
Guinness Atkinson Funds
Thompson Plumb Funds, Inc.
Harding Loevner Funds, Inc.
TIFF Investment Program, Inc.
Hennessy Funds Trust
Trust for Professional Managers
Hennessy Funds, Inc.
USA Mutuals Funds
Hennessy Mutual Funds, Inc.
Wexford Trust
Hotchkis & Wiley Funds
Wisconsin Capital Funds, Inc.
Intrepid Capital Management Funds Trust
WY Funds
Jacob Internet Fund, Inc.
 

(b)
To the best of Registrant’s knowledge, the directors and executive officers of Quasar Distributors, LLC are as follows:

Name and Principal Business Address
Position and Offices with Quasar
Distributors, LLC
Positions and Offices
with Registrant
 James R. Schoenike(1)
 President, Board Member
 None
 Andrew M. Strnad(2)
 Secretary
 None
 Joe D. Redwine(1)
 Board Member
 None
 Robert Kern(1)
 Board Member
 None
 Eric W. Falkeis(1)
 Board Member
 None
Susan LaFond(1)
Treasurer
None
 Teresa Cowan(1)
 Assistant Secretary
 None
(1)This individual is located at 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53202.
(2)This individual is located at 6602 East 75th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46250.

(c)
Not applicable.

Item 28.  Location of Accounts and Records.

The books and records required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 are maintained at the following locations:
 
Records Relating to:
Are located at:
Registrant’s Fund Administrator and Fund Accountant and Transfer Agent
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
615 East Michigan Street, 3rd Floor
Milwaukee, Wisconsin  53202
 
Registrant’s Custodian
U.S. Bank National Association
1555 N. River Center Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, WI 53212
 
Registrant’s Investment Advisor
Rigel Capital LLC
3930 Two Union Square
601 Union Street
Seattle, WA 98101
 
Registrant’s Distributor
Quasar Distributors, LLC
615 East Michigan Street, 4th Floor
Milwaukee, WI 53202
 
 
 
C-4

 
Item 29.  Management Services Not Discussed in Parts A and B.

Not Applicable.

Item 30.  Undertakings.

Not Applicable.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
C-5

 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant certifies that this Post-Effective Amendment No. 308 to its Registration Statement meets all the requirements for effectiveness pursuant to Rule 485(b) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Registrant has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 308 to its Registration Statement on Form N-1A to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Milwaukee and State of Wisconsin, on the 28th day of January, 2010.

  Advisors Series Trust

By: /s/ Douglas G. Hess
             Douglas G. Hess
             President

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Post-Effective Amendment No. 308 to its Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature
 
Title
Date
       
Michael D. LeRoy*
 
Trustee
January 28, 2010
Michael D. LeRoy
     
       
Donald E. O’Connor*
 
Trustee
January 28, 2010
Donald E. O’Connor
     
       
George J. Rebhan*
 
Trustee
January 28, 2010
George J. Rebhan
     
       
George T. Wofford*
 
Trustee
January 28, 2010
George T. Wofford
     
       
Joe D. Redwine*
 
Trustee, Chairman and Chief
January 28, 2010
Joe D. Redwine
 
Executive Officer
 
       
/s/ Cheryl L. King
 
Treasurer and Principal
January 28, 2010
Cheryl L. King
 
Financial Officer
 
       
/s/ Douglas G. Hess
 
President and Principal
January 28, 2010
Douglas G. Hess
 
Executive Officer
 
       
*By: /s/ Douglas G. Hess
     
Douglas G. Hess
Attorney-In Fact pursuant to
Power of Attorney
     
 
 
 
C-6


 
EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
Exhibit No.
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
EX-99.j.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 C-7