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Filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2023
1933 Act Registration File No. 333-17391
1940 Act File No. 811-07959
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
| | | | | |
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 | [X] |
Pre‑Effective Amendment No. | [ ] |
Post‑Effective Amendment No. 1125 | [X] |
and | |
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 | [X] |
Amendment No. 1127 | [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) (626) 914-7363
Jeffrey T. Rauman, President and Chief Executive Officer
Advisors Series Trust
c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services
777 East Wisconsin Avenue, 5th Floor
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Copies to:
Domenick Pugliese, Esq.
Sullivan & Worcester LLP
1633 Broadway, 32nd Floor
New York, New York 10019
It is proposed that this filing will become effective
| | | | | |
[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. 1125 to the Registration Statement of Advisors Series Trust (the “Trust”) is being filed to add the audited financial statements and certain related financial information for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022, for the Trust’s series: PIA BBB Bond Fund, PIA MBS Bond Fund, PIA High Yield (MACS) Fund, PIA High Yield Fund, PIA Short-Term Securities Fund and PIA Short Duration Bond Fund.
P R O S P E C T U S
March 31, 2023
PIA BBB Bond Fund
Managed Account Completion Shares (MACS) (PBBBX)
PIA MBS Bond Fund
Managed Account Completion Shares (MACS) (PMTGX)
PIA High Yield (MACS) Fund
Managed Account Completion Shares (MACS) (PIAMX)
(Each a “Fund,” collectively, the “Funds”)
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these securities or determined if this Prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUMMARY SECTION
PIA BBB Bond Fund (“BBB Bond Fund” or the “Fund”)
Investment Objective
The BBB Bond Fund’s investment objective is to seek to provide a total rate of return that approximates that of bonds rated within the BBB category by credit rating agencies currently registered as nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (“NRSROs”).
Fees and Expenses of the Fund
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and example below.
| | | | | |
SHAREHOLDER FEES (fees paid directly from your investment) | None |
| |
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
Management Fees(1) | None |
Other Expenses | 0.15% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 0.15% |
(1)Pacific Income Advisers, Inc. (the “Adviser”) will not charge a fee for its advisory services to the BBB Bond Fund. However, investors in the Fund are clients of the Adviser and pay the Adviser an advisory fee to manage their assets, which include assets invested in the Fund.
Example
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the BBB Bond 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. 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 |
$15 | $48 | $85 | $192 |
Portfolio Turnover
The BBB Bond 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 10% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies of the Fund
Under normal market conditions, the BBB Bond Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in bonds rated BBB by S&P Global Ratings, Baa by Moody’s or BBB by Fitch. The BBB-rated bonds are defined by the Bloomberg index methodology. The Fund seeks to approximate returns of bonds rated within the BBB category by any credit rating agency currently registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) as NRSROs.
The weighted average duration of the BBB Bond Fund will generally range from four to eight years. Duration is a measure of a debt security’s price sensitivity. Higher duration indicates bonds that are more sensitive to interest rate changes. Bonds with shorter duration reduce the risk associated with
interest rates. Duration takes into account a debt security’s cash flows over time, including assumptions about the timing of how a debt security might be prepaid by the issuer or redeemed by the holder prior to its stated maturity date. In contrast, maturity measures only the time until final payment is due.
In selecting investments for the BBB Bond Fund, the Adviser will primarily consider credit quality, duration and yield.
The BBB Bond Fund may invest up to 50% of its total assets in securities of foreign issuers denominated in U.S. dollars, including issuers located in emerging markets.
In its effort to provide a total rate of return that approximates that of bonds rated within the BBB category as defined by the Bloomberg index methodology, the BBB Bond Fund may invest up to 10% of its net assets in futures, options and other derivatives. The Fund may sometimes use derivatives as a substitute for taking a position in bonds rated BBB or Baa and/or as part of a strategy designed to reduce or increase exposure to other risks, such as interest rate risk.
Principal Investment Risks
By itself, the Fund is not a complete, balanced investment plan. The Fund cannot guarantee that it will achieve its investment objectives. Losing all or a portion of your investment is a risk of investing in the Fund. The following risks are considered principal and could affect the value of your investment in the Fund:
•General Market Risk. Economies and financial markets throughout the world are becoming increasingly interconnected, which increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one country or region will adversely impact markets or issuers in other countries or regions. Securities in the Fund’s portfolio may underperform in comparison to securities in general financial markets, a particular financial market or other asset classes due to a number of factors, including: inflation (or expectations for inflation); interest rates; global demand for particular products or resources; natural disasters or events; pandemic diseases; terrorism; regulatory events; and government controls. U.S. and international markets have experienced significant periods of volatility in recent years and months due to a number of economic, political and global macro factors including the impact of COVID-19 as a global pandemic, which has resulted in a public health crisis, disruptions to business operations and supply chains, stress on the global healthcare system, growth concerns in the U.S. and overseas, staffing shortages and the inability to meet consumer demand, and widespread concern and uncertainty. The global recovery from COVID-19 is proceeding at slower than expected rates due to the emergence of variant strains and may last for an extended period of time. Continuing uncertainties regarding interest rates, rising inflation, political events, rising government debt in the U.S. and trade tensions also contribute to market volatility. As a result of continuing political tensions and armed conflicts, including the war between Ukraine and Russia, the U.S. and the European Union imposed sanctions on certain Russian individuals and companies, including certain financial institutions, and have limited certain exports and imports to and from Russia. The war has contributed to recent market volatility and may continue to do so.
•Management Risk. The BBB Bond Fund is an actively managed portfolio. The Adviser’s management practices and investment strategies might not work to produce the desired results.
•Interest Rate Risk. The value of the Fund’s investments in fixed-income securities will change based on changes in interest rates. If interest rates increase, the value of these investments generally declines. Securities with greater interest rate sensitivity and longer maturities generally are subject to greater fluctuations in value.
•Credit Risk. The issuers of the bonds and other debt securities held by the BBB Bond Fund may not be able to make interest or principal payments.
•Prepayment Risk. Issuers of securities held by the BBB Bond Fund may be able to prepay principal due on these securities, particularly during periods of declining interest rates. Securities subject to prepayment risk generally offer less potential for gains when interest rates decline, and may offer a greater potential for loss when interest rates rise. When debt obligations are prepaid or when securities are called, the Fund may have to reinvest in securities with a lower yield. Prepayment risk is a major risk of mortgage-backed securities.
•Liquidity Risk. Reduced liquidity in the bond markets can result from a number of events, such as limited trading activity, reductions in bond inventory, and rapid or unexpected changes in interest rates. Less liquid markets could lead to greater price volatility and limit the Fund’s ability to sell a holding at a suitable price.
•Derivatives Risk. Derivatives involve the risk of improper valuation, the risk of ambiguous documentation and the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate closely with the underlying security. Losses from a derivative instrument may be greater than the amount invested in the derivative instrument. Certain derivatives have the potential for unlimited losses, regardless of the size of the initial investment.
•Risks Associated with Inflation and Deflation. Inflation risk is the risk that increasing prices throughout the economy may erode the purchasing power of an investment over time. Deflation risk is the risk that prices throughout the economy decline over time — the opposite of inflation.
•High Yield Securities Risk. The BBB Bond Fund may hold high yield securities as a result of credit rating downgrades. Securities with ratings lower than BBB or Baa are known as “high yield” securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”). High yield securities typically carry higher coupon rates than investment grade securities, but also are considered as speculative and may be subject to greater market price fluctuations, less liquidity and greater risk of loss of income or principal including greater possibility of default and bankruptcy of the issuer of such instruments than more highly rated bonds and loans.
•Foreign and Emerging Market Securities Risk. Investments in foreign currencies and foreign issuers are subject to additional risks, including political and economic risks, greater volatility, civil conflicts and war, sanctions or other measures by the United States or other governments, liquidity risks, currency fluctuations, higher transaction costs, delayed settlement, possible foreign controls on investment, expropriation and nationalization risks, and less stringent investor protection and disclosure standards of foreign markets. Events and evolving conditions in certain economies or markets may alter the risks associated with investments tied to countries or regions that historically were perceived as comparatively stable becoming riskier and more volatile. These risks are magnified in countries in “emerging markets.” Emerging market countries typically have less-established market economies than developed countries and may face greater social, economic, regulatory and political uncertainties. In addition, emerging markets typically present greater illiquidity and price volatility concerns due to smaller or limited local capital markets and greater difficulty in determining market valuations of securities due to limited public information on issuers.
•Counterparty Risk. Fund transactions involving a counterparty are subject to the risk that the counterparty or a third party will not fulfill its obligation to the BBB Bond Fund. Counterparty risk may arise because of the counterparty’s financial condition (i.e., financial difficulties, bankruptcy, or insolvency), market activities and developments, or other reasons, whether foreseen or not. A counterparty’s inability to fulfill its obligation may result in significant financial loss to the Fund.
Performance
The following performance information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the BBB Bond Fund. The bar chart shows the annual returns for the Fund from year to year. The table shows how the Fund’s average annual returns for the one-year, five-year, ten-year and since inception periods compare with those of a broad measure of market performance. 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 www.pacificincome.com/mutual-funds or by calling the Fund toll-free at 1-800-251-1970.
Calendar Year Total Returns as of December 31
During the period shown on the bar chart, the BBB Bond Fund’s highest total return for a quarter was 10.26% (quarter ended June 30, 2020) and the lowest total return for a quarter was -8.02% (quarter ended June 30, 2022).
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Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended December 31, 2022) | 1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years | Since Inception (9/25/2003)(1) |
PIA BBB Bond Fund | | | | |
Return Before Taxes | -16.09% | 0.48% | 1.91% | 4.04% |
Return After Taxes on Distributions | -17.25% | -0.95% | 0.24% | 2.18% |
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | -9.51% | -0.19% | 0.77% | 2.44% |
Bloomberg U.S. Credit Baa Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | -15.94% | 0.70% | 2.17% | 4.52% |
(1) The BBB Bond Fund was invested primarily in U.S. Treasury securities on the inception date in September 2003 until mid-January 2004 when the Adviser’s clients commenced investing in the Fund and the Fund began pursuing fully its investment strategy. Therefore, performance prior to this time is not fully reflective of the Fund’s investment strategy.
The after-tax returns were 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 an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts (“IRAs”). The Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares is higher than other return figures when a capital loss occurs upon redemption and provides an assumed tax deduction that benefits the investor.
Management
Investment Adviser: Pacific Income Advisers, Inc. is the investment adviser of the BBB Bond Fund.
Portfolio Managers: The following individuals serve as the BBB Bond Fund’s portfolio managers:
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Portfolio Managers | Years of Service with the Fund | | Primary Title with the Adviser |
Rory Hargaden, CFA | 5 | | Vice President, Credit Research/Portfolio Manager |
Hsin Tong, CFA | 5 | | Vice President, Portfolio Manager |
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Eligible investors may purchase, exchange or redeem Fund shares on any business day by written request via mail (PIA BBB Bond Fund, c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, P.O. Box 701, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701), by telephone at 1-800-251-1970, or through a financial intermediary. You may also purchase or redeem Fund shares by wire transfer. Investors who wish to purchase, exchange or redeem Fund shares through a financial intermediary should contact the financial intermediary directly. The minimum initial and subsequent investment amounts are shown below.
| | | | | | | | |
Type of Account | To Open Your Account | To Add to Your Account |
Regular and Retirement Accounts | $1,000 | $50 |
Automatic Investment Plan (for Regular Accounts) | $1,000 | $50 |
Automatic Investment Plan (for IRAs) | $50 | $50 |
Tax Information
BBB Bond Fund distributions are taxable, and will be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you invest through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as an IRA or 401(k) plan. Distributions on investments made through tax-deferred arrangements may be taxed later upon withdrawal of assets from those accounts.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase the BBB Bond Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, the Fund and/or the Adviser may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
SUMMARY SECTION
PIA MBS Bond Fund (“MBS Bond Fund” or the “Fund”)
Investment Objective
The MBS Bond Fund’s investment objective is to seek to provide a total rate of return that exceeds the Bloomberg U.S. MBS Fixed Rate Index (the “MBS Index”).
Fees and Expenses of the Fund
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and example below.
| | | | | |
SHAREHOLDER FEES (fees paid directly from your investment) | None |
| |
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
Management Fees(1) | None |
Other Expenses | 0.43% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 0.43% |
Less: Expense Reimbursement(2) | -0.20% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Expense Reimbursement | 0.23% |
(1)Pacific Income Advisers, Inc. (the “Adviser”) will not charge a fee for its advisory services to the MBS Bond Fund. However, investors in the Fund are clients of the Adviser and pay the Adviser an advisory fee to manage their assets, which include assets invested in the Fund.
(2)The Adviser has agreed to temporarily pay for all operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses (“AFFE”) incurred by the Fund through at least March 29, 2024 to the extent necessary to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses for the Fund to 0.23% of the Fund’s average daily net assets (the “temporary expense limitation”). The temporary expense limitation may be discontinued at any time by the Board of Trustees. The Adviser may not recoup amounts subject to the temporary expense limitation in future periods. The table shows the net expenses of the Fund as 0.23% reflecting the fact that the Fund is used to implement certain fixed-income strategies that are offered to Eligible Investors (as such are defined in the statutory prospectus). Investors should carefully consider the separate fees charged in connection with investment in the Fund. AFFE are the indirect costs of investing in other investment companies, such as a money market funds.
Example
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the MBS Bond 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 temporary expense limitation only in the first year). 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 |
$24 | $118 | $221 | $523 |
Portfolio Turnover
The MBS Bond 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 146% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies of the Fund
Under normal market conditions, the MBS Bond Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in mortgage-backed securities, including commercial mortgage-backed securities. In pursuing its objective, the Adviser attempts to provide a return that exceeds the total rate of return of the MBS Index, although there is no guarantee that the Adviser will be able to do so. The MBS Index represents the universe of mortgage-backed securities issued by the Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”), Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”) and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”). The Adviser will primarily consider credit quality, effective duration and yield in selecting investments for the Fund’s portfolio. The duration of the Fund will generally be in a range of plus or minus 1.5 years of the effective duration of the MBS Index.
The MBS Bond Fund may invest up to 10% of its net assets in futures, options, other derivatives, and up to 20% in other investment companies, including exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”). The Fund may sometimes use derivatives as a substitute for taking positions in bonds and/or as part of a strategy designed to reduce exposure to other risks. The Fund may also utilize the “To Be Announced” (“TBA”) market for mortgage-backed securities for up to 100% of its net assets. The TBA market allows investors to gain exposure to mortgage-backed securities with certain broad characteristics (maturity, coupon, etc.) without taking delivery of the actual securities until the settlement day which is once every month. In addition, the Fund may utilize the dollar roll market, in which one sells, in the TBA market, the security for current month settlement, while simultaneously committing to buy a substantially similar TBA security for next month settlement. Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act permits the Fund to invest in TBA securities, notwithstanding the limitation on the issuance of senior securities in Section 18 of the 1940 Act, provided that the Fund intends to physically settle the transaction and the transaction will settle within 35 days of its trade date (the “Delayed-Settlement Securities Provision”). A TBA security that does not satisfy the Delayed-Settlement Securities Provision is treated as a derivatives transaction under Rule 18f-4. The Fund may utilize the dollar roll market for extended periods of time without taking delivery of the physical securities. The Fund may also invest up to 20% of its net assets in asset-backed securities.
The MBS Bond Fund’s annual portfolio turnover rate may exceed 100%.
Principal Investment Risks
By itself, the Fund is not a complete, balanced investment plan. The Fund cannot guarantee that it will achieve its investment objectives. Losing all or a portion of your investment is a risk of investing in the Fund. The following risks are considered principal and could affect the value of your investment in the Fund:
•General Market Risk. Economies and financial markets throughout the world are becoming increasingly interconnected, which increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one country or region will adversely impact markets or issuers in other countries or regions. Securities in the Fund’s portfolio may underperform in comparison to securities in general financial markets, a particular financial market or other asset classes due to a number of factors, including: inflation (or expectations for inflation); interest rates; global demand for particular products or resources; natural disasters or events; pandemic diseases; terrorism; regulatory events; and government controls. U.S. and international markets have experienced significant periods of volatility in recent years and months due to a number of economic, political and global macro factors including the impact of COVID-19 as a global pandemic, which has resulted in a public health crisis, disruptions to business operations and supply chains, stress on the global healthcare system, growth concerns in the U.S. and overseas, staffing shortages and the inability to meet consumer demand, and widespread concern and uncertainty. The global recovery from COVID-19 is proceeding at slower than expected rates due to the emergence of variant strains and may last for an extended period of time. Continuing uncertainties regarding interest rates, rising inflation, political events, rising government debt in the U.S. and trade
tensions also contribute to market volatility. As a result of continuing political tensions and armed conflicts, including the war between Ukraine and Russia, the U.S. and the European Union imposed sanctions on certain Russian individuals and companies, including certain financial institutions, and have limited certain exports and imports to and from Russia. The war has contributed to recent market volatility and may continue to do so.
•Management Risk. The MBS Bond Fund is an actively managed portfolio. The Adviser’s management practices and investment strategies might not work to produce the desired results.
•Interest Rate Risk. The value of the Fund’s investments in fixed-income securities will change based on changes in interest rates. If interest rates increase, the value of these investments generally declines. Securities with greater interest rate sensitivity and longer maturities generally are subject to greater fluctuations in value.
•Credit Risk. The issuers of the bonds and other debt securities held by the MBS Bond Fund may not be able to make interest or principal payments.
•Prepayment Risk. Issuers of securities held by the MBS Bond Fund may be able to prepay principal due on these securities, particularly during periods of declining interest rates. Securities subject to prepayment risk generally offer less potential for gains when interest rates decline, and may offer a greater potential for loss when interest rates rise. When debt obligations are prepaid or when securities are called, the Fund may have to reinvest in securities with a lower yield. Prepayment risk is a major risk of mortgage-backed securities.
•Extension Risk. An issuer may pay principal on an obligation held by the Fund (such as an asset-backed or mortgage-backed security) later than expected. This may happen during a period of rising interest rates. Under these circumstances, the value of the obligation will decrease.
•Risks Associated with Mortgage-Backed Securities. These risks include General Market Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Credit Risk, Prepayment Risk and Extension Risk (each described above). During periods of difficult or frozen credit markets, significant changes in interest rates, or deteriorating economic conditions, such securities may decline in value, face valuation difficulties, become more volatile and/or become illiquid.
•Risks Associated with Real Estate and Regulatory Actions. Although some of the securities in the Fund are expected to either have a U.S. government sponsored entity guarantee or be AAA rated by any NSRSO, if real estate experiences a significant price decline, this could adversely affect the prices of the securities the Fund owns. In addition, any adverse regulatory action could impact the prices of the securities the Fund owns.
•Liquidity Risk. Reduced liquidity in the bond markets can result from a number of events, such as limited trading activity, reductions in bond inventory, and rapid or unexpected changes in interest rates. Less liquid markets could lead to greater price volatility and limit the Fund’s ability to sell a holding at a suitable price.
•Derivatives Risk. Derivatives involve the risk of improper valuation, the risk of ambiguous documentation and the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate closely with the underlying security. Losses from a derivative instrument may be greater than the amount invested in the derivative instrument. Certain derivatives have the potential for unlimited losses, regardless of the size of the initial investment.
•ETF and Mutual Fund Risk. When the MBS Bond Fund invests in an ETF or mutual fund, it will bear additional expenses based on its pro rata share of the ETF’s or mutual fund’s operating expenses, including the potential duplication of management fees. The risk of owning an ETF or mutual fund generally reflects the risks of owning the underlying securities that the ETF or mutual fund holds. The Fund also will incur brokerage costs when it purchases ETFs.
•TBA Securities Risk. In a TBA transaction, a seller agrees to deliver a security at a future date, but does not specify the particular security to be delivered. Instead, the seller agrees to accept any security that meets specified terms. TBA transactions involve the risk that the securities received may have less favorable characteristics than what was anticipated when the Adviser entered into the transaction. Adviser accounts with TBA securities are also subject to counterparty risk and will be exposed to changes in the value of the underlying investments during the term of the agreement.
•Dollar Roll Risk. Dollar rolls involve the risk that the MBS Bond Fund’s counterparty will be unable to deliver the mortgage-backed securities underlying the dollar roll at the fixed time. If the buyer files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent, the buyer or its representative may ask for and receive an extension of time to decide whether to enforce the Fund’s repurchase obligation. In addition, the Fund earns interest by investing the transaction proceeds during the roll period. Dollar roll transactions may have the effect of creating leverage in the Fund’s portfolio.
•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. A high portfolio turnover rate also leads to higher transactions costs.
•Risks Associated with Inflation and Deflation. Inflation risk is the risk that increasing prices throughout the economy may erode the purchasing power of an investment over time. Deflation risk is the risk that prices throughout the economy decline over time — the opposite of inflation.
•Government-Sponsored Entities Risk. Securities issued or guaranteed by government-sponsored entities, including GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC, may not be guaranteed or insured by the U.S. government and may only be supported by the credit of the issuing agency.
•Asset-Backed Securities Risks. These risks include General Market Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Credit Risk, Prepayment Risk and Extension Risk (each described above). Asset-backed securities may decline in value when defaults on the underlying assets occur and may exhibit additional volatility in periods of changing interest rates.
•Counterparty Risk. Fund transactions involving a counterparty are subject to the risk that the counterparty or a third party will not fulfill its obligation to the MBS Bond Fund. Counterparty risk may arise because of the counterparty’s financial condition (i.e., financial difficulties, bankruptcy, or insolvency), market activities and developments, or other reasons, whether foreseen or not. A counterparty’s inability to fulfill its obligation may result in significant financial loss to the Fund.
Performance
The following performance information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the MBS Bond Fund. The bar chart shows the annual returns for the Fund from year to year. The table shows how the Fund’s average annual returns for the one-year, five-year, ten-year and since inception periods compare with those of a broad measure of market performance. 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 www.pacificincome.com/mutual-funds or by calling the Fund toll-free at 1-800-251-1970.
Calendar Year Total Returns as of December 31
During the period shown on the bar chart, the MBS Bond Fund’s highest total return for a quarter was 2.97% (quarter ended March 31, 2020) and the lowest total return for a quarter was -4.82% (quarter ended September 30, 2022).
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended December 31, 2022) | 1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years | Since Inception (2/28/2006) |
PIA MBS Bond Fund | | | | |
Return Before Taxes | -11.20% | -0.54% | 0.68% | 2.69% |
Return After Taxes on Distributions | -12.02% | -1.42% | -0.38% | 1.27% |
Return after Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | -6.62% | -0.75% | 0.07% | 1.55% |
Bloomberg U.S. MBS Fixed Rate Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | -11.81% | -0.53% | 0.75% | 2.81% |
The after-tax returns were 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 an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold shares of the MBS Bond Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts (“IRAs”). The Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares is higher than other return figures when a capital loss occurs upon redemption and provides an assumed tax deduction that benefits the investor.
Management
Investment Adviser: Pacific Income Advisers, Inc. is the investment adviser of the MBS Bond Fund.
Portfolio Managers: The following individuals serve as the MBS Bond Fund’s portfolio managers:
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio Manager | Years of Service with the Fund | Primary Title with the Adviser |
Austin Rutledge | 2 | Managing Director, Portfolio Manager |
Hsin Tong, CFA | 5 | Vice President, Portfolio Manager |
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Eligible investors may purchase, exchange or redeem MBS Bond Fund shares on any business day by written request via mail (PIA MBS Bond Fund, c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, P.O. Box 701, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701), by telephone at 1-800-251-1970, or through a financial intermediary. You may also purchase or redeem Fund shares by wire transfer. Investors who wish to
purchase, exchange or redeem Fund shares through a financial intermediary should contact the financial intermediary directly. The minimum initial and subsequent investment amounts are shown below.
| | | | | | | | |
Type of Account | To Open Your Account | To Add to Your Account |
Regular and Retirement Accounts | $1,000 | $50 |
Automatic Investment Plan (for Regular Accounts) | $1,000 | $50 |
Automatic Investment Plan (for IRAs) | $50 | $50 |
Tax Information
MBS Bond Fund distributions are taxable, and will be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you invest through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as an IRA or 401(k) plan. Distributions on investments made through tax-deferred arrangements may be taxed later upon withdrawal of assets from those accounts.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase the MBS Bond Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, the Fund and/or the Adviser may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
SUMMARY SECTION
PIA High Yield (MACS) Fund (“High Yield (MACS) Fund” or the “Fund”)
Investment Objectives
The High Yield (MACS) Fund’s primary objective is to seek a high level of current income. The Fund’s secondary objective is to seek capital growth when that is consistent with its primary objective.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and example below.
| | | | | |
SHAREHOLDER FEES (fees paid directly from your investment) | None |
| |
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
Management Fees(1) | None |
Other Expenses | 0.20% |
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses | 0.01% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(2) | 0.21% |
(1)Pacific Income Advisers, Inc. (the “Adviser”) will not charge a fee for its advisory services to the High Yield (MACS) Fund. However, investors in the Fund are clients of the Adviser and pay the Adviser an advisory fee to manage their assets, which includes assets invested in the Fund.
(2)Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the “Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets Before Fee Waivers” found in the Financial Highlights of the statutory prospectus, which reflects the Fund’s operating expenses and does not include expenses attributed to acquired fund fees and expenses (“AFFE”).
Example
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the High Yield (MACS) 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. 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 |
$22 | $68 | $118 | $268 |
Portfolio Turnover
The High Yield (MACS) 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 24% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies of the Fund
The High Yield (MACS) Fund invests, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in a diversified portfolio of domestic and foreign high yield instruments (“junk bonds”), defined as bonds, convertible securities, forward commitments, loan
participations and assignments, preferred stocks and Rule 144A securities. High yield instruments are securities rated below investment grade as defined by the Bloomberg index methodology, or, if unrated, determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality.
The remainder of the High Yield (MACS) Fund’s assets may be invested in investment grade instruments including bonds, debt securities, convertible securities and other similar instruments issued by various U.S. and non-U.S. public- or private-sector entities, and loan participations and assignments.
The average portfolio duration of the High Yield (MACS) Fund normally varies within two years (plus or minus) of the duration of the Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High-Yield Index at any point in time. The Bloomberg Index had a duration of 3.79 years as of January 31, 2023. Duration is a measure of the expected life of a fixed income security that is used to determine the sensitivity of a security’s price to changes in interest rates.
The Fund may invest up to 10% of its net assets in securities and instruments that are economically tied to emerging market countries.
The High Yield (MACS) Fund may invest up to 10% of its net assets in derivative instruments, such as options, futures contracts or swap agreements for both bona fide hedging purposes and for speculative purposes.
From time to time, the Fund may experience significant inflows; if this occurs, the Fund may, on a temporary or interim basis, invest these new assets (potentially in an amount which may approach up to 100% of the Fund’s total net assets if new flows were extremely large relative to the Fund’s current assets) in a combination of derivative instruments and other investment companies, including exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), until such time as the Adviser can identify and invest in appropriate high yield instruments in accordance with the Fund’s principal strategy. The Fund may purchase or sell securities on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward commitment basis. The Fund may, without limitation, seek to obtain market exposure to the securities in which it primarily invests by entering into a series of purchase and sale contracts or by using other investment techniques (such as buy backs or dollar rolls).
In selecting investments for the High Yield (MACS) Fund, the Adviser will consider the risks and opportunities presented by the industries within the high yield universe. The Adviser evaluates the bond issuers within the selected industries and identifies those investments which the Adviser believes have favorable risk reward characteristics and match the Adviser’s investing philosophy. The Adviser evaluates various criteria such as historical and future expected financial performance, management tenure and experience, capital structure, free cash flow generation, barriers to entry, security protections, yield and relative value, and ownership structure. Investments are targeted that have individual yield premiums which appear to be favorable and are viewed by the Adviser as having a comparable or lower probability of default and/or loss risk.
Principal Investment Risks
By itself, the Fund is not a complete, balanced investment plan. The Fund cannot guarantee that it will achieve its investment objectives. Losing all or a portion of your investment is a risk of investing in the Fund.
•High Yield Securities Risk. High yield securities (or “junk bonds”) entail greater risk of loss of principal because of their greater exposure to credit risk. High yield securities typically carry higher coupon rates than investment grade securities, but also are considered as speculative and may be subject to greater market price fluctuations, less liquidity and greater risk of loss of income or principal including greater possibility of default and bankruptcy of the issuer of such instruments than more highly rated bonds and loans.
•Counterparty Risk. Fund transactions involving a counterparty are subject to the risk that the counterparty or a third party will not fulfill its obligation to the High Yield (MACS) Fund. Counterparty risk may arise because of the counterparty’s financial condition (i.e., financial difficulties, bankruptcy, or insolvency), market activities and developments, or other reasons, whether foreseen or not. A counterparty’s inability to fulfill its obligation may result in significant financial loss to the Fund.
•Credit Risk. The issuers of the bonds and other instruments held by the High Yield (MACS) Fund may not be able to make interest or principal payments.
•General Market Risk. Economies and financial markets throughout the world are becoming increasingly interconnected, which increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one country or region will adversely impact markets or issuers in other countries or regions. Securities in the Fund’s portfolio may underperform in comparison to securities in general financial markets, a particular financial market or other asset classes due to a number of factors, including: inflation (or expectations for inflation); interest rates; global demand for particular products or resources; natural disasters or events; pandemic diseases; terrorism; regulatory events; and government controls. U.S. and international markets have experienced significant periods of volatility in recent years and months due to a number of economic, political and global macro factors including the impact of COVID-19 as a global pandemic, which has resulted in a public health crisis, disruptions to business operations and supply chains, stress on the global healthcare system, growth concerns in the U.S. and overseas, staffing shortages and the inability to meet consumer demand, and widespread concern and uncertainty. The global recovery from COVID-19 is proceeding at slower than expected rates due to the emergence of variant strains and may last for an extended period of time. Continuing uncertainties regarding interest rates, rising inflation, political events, rising government debt in the U.S. and trade tensions also contribute to market volatility. As a result of continuing political tensions and armed conflicts, including the war between Ukraine and Russia, the U.S. and the European Union imposed sanctions on certain Russian individuals and companies, including certain financial institutions, and have limited certain exports and imports to and from Russia. The war has contributed to recent market volatility and may continue to do so.
•Management Risk. The High Yield (MACS) Fund is an actively managed portfolio. The Adviser’s management practices and investment strategies might not work to produce the desired results.
•Interest Rate Risk. The value of the Fund’s investments in fixed-income securities will change based on changes in interest rates. If interest rates increase, the value of these investments generally declines. Securities with greater interest rate sensitivity and longer maturities generally are subject to greater fluctuations in value.
•Liquidity Risk. Reduced liquidity in the bond markets can result from a number of events, such as limited trading activity, reductions in bond inventory, and rapid or unexpected changes in interest rates. Less liquid markets could lead to greater price volatility and limit the Fund’s ability to sell a holding at a suitable price.
•Derivatives Risk. Derivatives involve the risk of improper valuation, the risk of ambiguous documentation and the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate closely with the underlying security. Losses from a derivative instrument may be greater than the amount invested in the derivative instrument. Certain derivatives have the potential for unlimited losses, regardless of the size of the initial investment.
•ETF and Mutual Fund Risk. When the High Yield (MACS) Fund invests in an ETF or mutual fund, it will bear additional expenses based on its pro rata share of the ETF’s or mutual fund’s operating expenses, including the potential duplication of management fees. The risk of owning an ETF or mutual fund generally reflects the risks of owning the underlying securities that the ETF or mutual fund holds. The Fund also will incur brokerage costs when it purchases ETFs.
•Preferred Stock Risk. Preferred stocks may be more volatile than fixed income securities and are more correlated with the issuer’s underlying common stock than fixed income securities. Additionally, the dividend on a preferred stock may be changed or omitted by the issuer.
•Foreign and Emerging Market Securities Risk. Investments in foreign currencies and foreign issuers are subject to additional risks, including political and economic risks, greater volatility, civil conflicts and war, sanctions or other measures by the United States or other governments, liquidity risks, currency fluctuations, higher transaction costs, delayed settlement, possible foreign controls on investment, expropriation and nationalization risks, and less stringent investor protection and disclosure standards of foreign markets. Events and evolving conditions in certain economies or markets may alter the risks associated with investments tied to countries or regions that historically were perceived as comparatively stable becoming riskier and more volatile. These risks are magnified in countries in “emerging markets.” Emerging market countries typically have less-established market economies than developed countries and may face greater social, economic, regulatory and political uncertainties. In addition, emerging markets typically present greater illiquidity and price volatility concerns due to smaller or limited local capital markets and greater difficulty in determining market valuations of securities due to limited public information on issuers.
•Loan Participation and Assignment Risk. Loan participations and assignments involve special types of risk, including credit risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk, and the risks of being a lender. Bank loans (i.e., loan participations and assignments), like other high yield corporate debt obligations, have a higher risk of default and may be less liquid and/or become illiquid.
•Rule 144A Securities Risk. The market for Rule 144A securities typically is less active than the market for publicly-traded securities. Rule 144A securities carry the risk that the liquidity of these securities may become impaired, making it more difficult for the Fund to sell these securities.
•Convertible Securities Risk. Convertible securities are subject to the risks of both debt securities and equity securities. The values of convertible securities tend to decline as interest rates rise and, due to the conversion feature, tend to vary with fluctuations in the market value of the underlying common or preferred stock.
•Risks Associated with Inflation and Deflation. Rising cost of living may erode the purchasing power of an investment over time. Deflation risk is the risk that prices throughout the economy decline over time — the opposite of inflation.
Performance
The following information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the High Yield (MACS) Fund. The bar chart shows the annual return for the Fund from year to year. The table shows how the Fund’s average annual returns for the one-year, five-year and since inception compare with those of a broad measure of market performance. 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 www.pacificincome.com/mutual-funds or by calling the Fund toll-free at 1-800-251-1970.
Calendar Year Total Returns as of December 31
During the period of time shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a calendar quarter was 10.66% (quarter ended June 30, 2020) and the lowest return for a calendar quarter was -13.35% (quarter ended March 31, 2020).
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended December 31, 2022) |
PIA High Yield (MACS) Fund | 1 Year | 5 Year | Since Inception (12/26/2017) |
Return Before Taxes | -10.31% | 2.94% | 2.95% |
Return After Taxes on Distributions | -13.25% | -0.14% | -0.13% |
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | -6.07% | 0.98% | 0.99% |
Bloomberg U.S. High Yield Corporate Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | -11.19% | 2.31% | 2.33% |
The after-tax returns were 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 an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts (“IRAs”). The Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares is higher than other return figures when a capital loss occurs upon redemption and provides an assumed tax deduction that benefits the investor.
Management
Investment Adviser: Pacific Income Advisers, Inc. is the investment adviser of the High Yield (MACS) Fund.
Portfolio Managers: The following individuals serve as the High Yield (MACS) Fund’s portfolio managers:
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio Manager | Years of Service with the Fund | Primary Title with the Adviser |
Lloyd McAdams | 5 | President/Portfolio Manager |
Michael Yean | 5 | Vice President, Portfolio Manager/Credit Research |
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
You may purchase, exchange, or redeem High Yield (MACS) Fund shares on any business day by written request via mail (PIA High Yield (MACS) Fund, c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, P.O. Box 701, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701), by telephone at 1-800-251-1970, or through a financial intermediary. You may also purchase and redeem Fund shares by wire transfer. Investors who wish to purchase, exchange or redeem Fund shares through a financial intermediary should contact the financial intermediary directly. The minimum initial and subsequent investment amounts are shown below.
| | | | | | | | |
Type of Account | To Open Your Account | To Add to Your Account |
Regular Accounts | $1,000 | $50 |
Retirement Accounts | $100 | $50 |
Automatic Investment Plan | $50 | $50 |
Tax Information
High Yield (MACS) Fund distributions are taxable and will be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you invest through an IRA, 401(k) plan, or other tax-deferred arrangement. Distributions on investments made through tax-deferred arrangements may be taxed later upon withdrawal of assets from those accounts.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase the High Yield (MACS) Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, the Fund and/or the Adviser may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES, RELATED RISKS AND PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION
PIA BBB Bond Fund
The BBB Bond Fund has a non-fundamental policy to normally invest at least 80% of its net assets, plus any borrowings for investment purposes, in BBB-rated bonds. The BBB-rated bonds are defined by the Bloomberg index methodology. If the Fund decides to change this policy, it will provide 60 days’ prior written notice of its decision to shareholders. The Fund considers a BBB-rated bond to be any debt instrument, other than a money market debt instrument, that has a rating of BBB as defined by the Bloomberg index methodology at the time of purchase. The Fund seeks to approximate returns of bonds rated within the BBB category by any credit rating agency currently registered with the SEC as NRSROs.
How We Invest Our Assets – First We Allocate Among Types of BBB-Rated Bonds
Bonds are represented by the industrial, utility, finance and non-corporate sectors. Non-corporate sectors include sovereign, supranational, foreign agency and foreign local government issuers. The BBB Bond Fund may invest up to 50% of its total assets in securities of foreign issuers denominated in U.S. dollars, including issuers located in emerging markets. In determining the relative investment attractiveness of the various BBB-rated bonds, the Adviser considers risk as well as yield. Usually investing in securities with a high yield involves more risk of loss than investing in securities with a low yield. The Adviser attempts to keep the Fund’s portfolio risk (or volatility) and allocations to the types of BBB-rated bonds approximately equal to that of the Bloomberg U.S. Credit Baa Bond Index over a full market cycle. A full market cycle is the time period from economic expansion to economic recession. The two principal components of risk of a BBB-rated bond are duration (a measure of a debt security’s price sensitivity) and credit quality.
How We Invest Our Assets – Next We Target Portfolio Duration
In assembling the BBB Bond Fund portfolio, the Adviser first determines a target duration for the Fund. The weighted average duration of the BBB Bond Fund will generally range from four to eight years. Duration is a measure of a debt security’s price sensitivity. Duration takes into account a debt security’s cash flows over time, including the assumptions about the timing of how a debt security might be prepaid by the issuer or redeemed by the holder prior to its stated maturity date. In contrast, maturity measures only the time until final payment is due. The following are examples of the relationship between a bond’s maturity and its duration. A 2.5% coupon bond having a ten-year maturity will have a duration of approximately 8.9 years. Similarly, a 2.5% coupon bond having a three-year maturity will have a duration of approximately 2.9 years.
How We Invest Our Assets – Finally We Select Individual Securities
After having determined the types of BBB-rated bonds in which to invest and the target duration, the Adviser looks for the most attractive yields in the various asset classes. For a number of reasons, bonds in one industry may have higher or lower yields, on a risk-adjusted basis, than bonds in another industry. The Adviser will attempt to take advantage of the yield differentials among industries.
The Adviser will sell a security as part of its overall investment decision to:
◦Remove an overvalued security; or
◦Reposition the BBB Bond Fund’s assets into a more attractive security.
PIA MBS Bond Fund
The MBS Bond Fund has a non-fundamental policy to normally invest at least 80% of its net assets, plus any borrowings for investment purposes, in mortgage-backed securities, including commercial mortgaged-backed securities. If the Fund decides to change this policy, it will provide 60 days’ prior written notice of its decision to shareholders. In pursuing its objective, the Adviser attempts to provide a return that exceeds the total rate of return of the MBS Index, although there is no guarantee that the Adviser will be able to do so. The Fund considers an MBS to be any debt instrument that is collateralized by residential mortgages and has the general characteristics in terms of maturity, coupon, etc. that would make it eligible for inclusion in the MBS Index. The Fund may also enter into TBA transactions for up to 100% of its net assets. A TBA transaction is a contract for the purchase or sale of an MBS for future settlement at an agreed upon date but does not include a specified pool number and number of pools or precise amount to be delivered. The parties to a TBA contract will agree on the issuer, type of mortgage, coupon, price, paramount and settlement date, but not the specific securities included for final delivery. Most Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae pools in the MBS Index can be traded either through a TBA contract or a specified trade. The Fund may also use the dollar roll market to postpone delivery when TBA investments are made.
How We Invest Our Assets – First We Allocate Among Types of MBS Rated Bonds
The MBS Bond Fund invests primarily in mortgage-backed securities, including residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities and those eligible to be included in the MBS Index. The first step in the investment process is to identify how to allocate the MBS Bond Fund’s assets amongst the types of mortgage-backed securities to achieve the MBS Bond Fund’s objective.
The MBS Index represents the universe of mortgage-backed securities issued by GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC. The MBS Index uses non-traded “generics” to track returns. Generics reflect the characteristics and/or experience of the total universe of a coupon of MBS sector type in contrast to a specific pool or collateral group, as in a specific CMO issue. Each of the hundreds of thousands of actual mortgage pools is mapped to a generic according to its program, origination year and coupon. The Fund decides to invest in a combination of actual pools and TBA contracts to structure a portfolio with overall characteristics that approximate those of the MBS Index. In determining the relative investment attractiveness of the various MBS, the Adviser considers risk as well as yield. Generally, investing in securities with a higher yield involves more risk of loss than investing in securities with a lower yield. The Adviser attempts to keep the Fund’s portfolio risk (or volatility) and allocations to the types of MBS similar to that of the MBS Index over a full market cycle. A full market cycle is the time period from economic expansion to economic recession. The two principal components of risk of an MBS are duration (a measure of a debt security’s price sensitivity) and negative convexity (a measure of the deviation of the security’s price sensitivity from that implied by its duration).
How We Invest Our Assets – Next We Target Portfolio Effective Duration
In assembling the MBS Bond Fund’s portfolio, the Adviser first determines a target effective duration for the Fund. Duration is a measure of a debt security’s price sensitivity. Higher duration indicates bonds are more sensitive to interest rate changes. Bonds with shorter duration reduce risk associated with interest rates. Effective duration takes into account a debt security’s cash flows over time, including the possibility that a debt security might be prepaid prior to its stated maturity date resulting in cash flows to the Fund sooner than scheduled. In contrast, maturity measures only the time until final payment is due. Following are examples of the relationship between a bond’s maturity and its duration. A new origination 5.0% coupon MBS having a thirty-year maturity will have an effective duration of approximately 2.6 years (as of January 31, 2023). Similarly, a new origination 4.0% coupon bond having a fifteen-year maturity will have an effective duration of approximately 3.0 years (as of January 31, 2023). The effective duration of the Fund will normally be in a range of plus or minus 1.5 years of the effective duration of the MBS Index.
How We Invest Our Assets – Finally We Select Individual Securities
After having determined the types of MBS bonds in which to invest and the target duration, the Adviser looks for the most attractive yields in the various asset classes, while attempting to approximate the MBS Index coupon distribution, as well as the distribution of other characteristics. For a number of reasons, bonds in one sector of the MBS Bond Fund may have higher or lower yields, on a risk-adjusted basis, and higher or lower allocations than bonds in the equivalent sector of the MBS Index. The Adviser will attempt to take advantage of additional strategies, such as dollar rolls, the use of cash enhancing investing, and the investment of up to 20% of the Fund’s net assets in asset-backed securities.
The Adviser may sell a security as part of its overall investment decision to:
•Remove an overvalued security; or
•Reposition the MBS Bond Fund’s assets into a more attractive security.
PIA High Yield (MACS) Fund
The High Yield (MACS) Fund invests, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in a diversified portfolio of domestic and foreign high yield instruments (“junk bonds”), defined as bonds, convertible securities, forward commitments, loan participations and assignments, preferred stocks and Rule 144A securities. High yield instruments are securities rated below investment grade as defined by the Bloomberg index methodology, or, if unrated, determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality. This non-fundamental policy may only be changed upon 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders.
The remainder of the High Yield (MACS) Fund’s assets may be invested in investment grade instruments including bonds, debt securities, convertible securities and other similar instruments issued by various U.S. and non-U.S. public- or private-sector entities, and loan participations and assignments.
The Fund may invest up to 10% of its net assets in securities and instruments that are economically tied to emerging market countries. The Adviser considers a security or instrument to be economically tied to an emerging market country if the issuer of such security or instrument is domiciled in an emerging market country or has its primary operations or principal trading markets in an emerging market country.
How We Invest Our Assets
In building a high yield portfolio, the Adviser considers the risk and opportunities presented by the industries within the high yield universe. Since default rates are frequently clustered by industry, the Adviser believes this top down approach is an important component in the creation of a high yield portfolio. The Adviser evaluates the bond issuers within the selected industries and identifies those securities which the Adviser believes have favorable risk reward characteristics and match the Adviser’s investing philosophy. The Adviser evaluates various criteria such as historical and future expected financial performance, management tenure and experience, capital structure, free cash flow generation, barriers to entry, security protections, yield and relative value, and ownership structure.
The Adviser favors investments where it perceives risk and reward characteristics to be attractive versus the high yield market. Investments are targeted that have individual yield premiums which appear to be favorable and are viewed by the Adviser as having a comparable or lower probability of default and/or loss risk. The Adviser believes these investments have the most opportunity for capital appreciation as the market over time begins to recognize this pricing inefficiency.
Duration is a measure of a debt security’s price sensitivity. Duration takes into account the timing of a debt security’s cash flows over time including the possibility that a debt security might be prepaid by the issuer or redeemed by the holder prior to its stated maturity date. The longer a security’s duration, the more sensitive it will be to changes in interest rates. Similarly, a fund with a longer average portfolio duration will be more sensitive to changes in interest rates than a fund with a shorter average portfolio duration. By way of example, the price of a bond fund with an average duration of five years would be expected to fall approximately 5% if interest rates rose by one percentage point. In contrast, maturity measures only the time until final payment is due. The following are examples of the relationship between a bond’s maturity and its duration. A 5% coupon bond having a ten-year maturity will have a duration of approximately 7.55 years. Similarly, a 5% coupon bond having a three-year maturity will have a duration of approximately 2.96 years. The weighted average duration of the High Yield (MACS) Fund will normally range within two years (plus or minus) of the duration of the Bloomberg Index which was 3.79 years as of January 31, 2023. The actual duration for the Fund is a function of the maturity and coupon of the bonds issued by the underlying companies that the Adviser wants to buy and hold.
All Funds
Temporary Defensive Investment Strategies
For temporary defensive purposes in response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Adviser may invest up to 100% of a Fund’s total assets in high-quality, short-term debt securities and money market instruments. These short-term debt securities and money market instruments include shares of other mutual funds, commercial paper, certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances, U.S. government securities and repurchase agreements. Taking a temporary defensive position may result in the Fund not achieving its investment objectives. Furthermore, to the extent that a Fund invests in money market mutual funds for its cash position, there will be some duplication of expenses because the Fund would bear its pro rata portion of such money market funds’ management fees and operational expenses.
Portfolio Turnover
The Adviser actively trades each Fund’s portfolio. It does so to take advantage of the inefficiencies of the markets for debt securities. The MBS Bond Fund’s portfolio turnover rate may exceed 100%. (Generally speaking, a turnover rate of 100% occurs when a Fund replaces securities valued at 100% of its average portfolio value within a one-year period.) Higher portfolio turnover (100% or more) will result in a Fund incurring more transaction costs such as mark-ups or mark-downs. Payment of these transaction costs reduces total return. Higher portfolio turnover could result in the payment by a Fund’s shareholders of increased taxes on realized gains. Distributions to a Fund’s shareholders, to the extent they are short-term capital gains, will be taxed at ordinary income tax rates for Federal income tax purposes, rather than at lower capital gains tax rates.
Risks
There are a number of risks associated with the various securities in which the Funds will at times invest. These include:
•General Market Risk. Economies and financial markets throughout the world are becoming increasingly interconnected, which increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one country or region will adversely impact markets or issuers in other countries or regions. Securities in the Fund’s portfolio may underperform in comparison to securities in general financial markets, a particular financial market or other asset classes due to a number of factors, including: inflation (or expectations for inflation); interest rates; global demand for particular products or resources; natural disasters or events; pandemic diseases; terrorism; regulatory events; and government controls. U.S. and international markets have experienced significant periods of volatility in recent years and months due to a number of economic, political and global macro factors including the impact of COVID-19 as a global pandemic, which has resulted in a public health crisis, disruptions to business operations and supply chains, stress on the global healthcare system, growth concerns in the U.S. and overseas, staffing shortages and the inability to meet consumer demand, and widespread concern and uncertainty. The global recovery from COVID-19 is proceeding at slower than expected rates due to the emergence of variant strains and may last for an extended period of time. Continuing uncertainties regarding interest rates, rising inflation, political events, rising government debt in the U.S. and trade tensions also contribute to market volatility. As a result of continuing political tensions and armed conflicts, including the war between Ukraine and Russia, the U.S. and the European Union imposed sanctions on certain Russian individuals and companies, including certain financial institutions, and have limited certain exports and imports to and from Russia. The war has contributed to recent market volatility and may continue to do so.
•Management Risk. The Funds are actively managed portfolios. The Adviser’s management practices and investment strategies might not work to produce the desired results.
•Interest Rate Risk. The value of a Fund’s investments in fixed-income securities will change based on changes in interest rates. If interest rates increase, the value of these investments generally declines. Securities with greater interest rate sensitivity and longer maturities generally are subject to greater fluctuations in value. Fixed-income instruments with longer durations tend to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates, making them more volatile than fixed-income instruments with shorter durations or floating or adjustable interest rates. Many factors can cause interest rates to rise, such as central bank monetary policies, inflation rates, general economic conditions and expectations about the foregoing. Over the past several years, the Federal Reserve has maintained the level of interest rates at or near historic lows. However, more recently, interest rates have begun to increase as a result of action that has been taken by the Federal Reserve, which has raised, and may continue to rate, interest rates. If interest rates rise, a Fund’s yield may not increase proportionately, and the maturities of fixed income securities that have the ability to be prepaid or called by the issuer may be extended. Changing interest rates may have unpredictable effects on the markets and a Fund’s investments. A general rise in interest rates may cause investors to move out of fixed income securities on a large scale, which could adversely affect the price and liquidity of fixed income securities. A Fund may be exposed to heightened interest rate risk as interest rates rise from historically low levels. Fluctuations in interest rates may also affect the liquidity of fixed income securities and instruments held by a Fund.
•Credit Risk. The issuers of the bonds and other debt securities held by the Funds may not be able to make interest or principal payments. Even if these issuers are able to make interest or principal payments, they may suffer adverse changes in financial condition that would lower the credit quality of the security, leading to greater volatility in the price of the security.
•Liquidity Risk. Certain fixed income securities or derivative instruments held by the Funds may be difficult (or impossible) to sell at the time and at the price the Adviser would like. As a result, a Fund may have to hold these securities or instruments longer than it would like and may forego other investment opportunities. There is the possibility that a Fund may lose money or be prevented from realizing capital gains if it cannot sell a security or instrument at a particular time and price.
•Derivatives Risk. The Funds’ use of derivative instruments involves risks greater than the risks associated with investing directly in the securities in which they primarily invest. Derivatives involve the risk of improper valuation, the risk of ambiguous documentation and the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate closely with the underlying security. Derivatives are also subject to Market and Regulatory Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Credit Risk, Counterparty Risk and Liquidity Risk. Losses from a derivative instrument may be greater than the amount invested in the derivative instrument. Certain derivatives have the potential for unlimited losses, regardless of the size of the initial investment. Also, suitable derivative transactions may not be available in all circumstances and there can be no assurance that the Funds will engage in these transactions to reduce exposure to other risks when that would be beneficial. In addition, the Funds’ use of derivatives may increase the taxes payable by shareholders.
•Risks Associated with Inflation and Deflation. The rising cost of living may erode the purchasing power of an investment over time. As inflation increases, the value of the Funds’ portfolio could decline. Deflation risk is the risk that prices throughout the economy decline over time — the opposite of inflation. Deflation may have an adverse effect on the creditworthiness of issuers and may make issuer defaults more likely, which may result in a decline in the value of the Funds’ portfolios.
•Counterparty Risk. Fund transactions involving a counterparty are subject to the risk that the counterparty or a third party will not fulfill its obligation to the Fund. Counterparty risk may arise because of the counterparty’s financial condition (i.e., financial difficulties, bankruptcy, or insolvency), market activities and developments, or other reasons, whether foreseen or not. A counterparty’s inability to fulfill its obligation may result in significant financial loss to the Fund. A Fund may be unable to recover its investment from the counterparty or may obtain a limited recovery,
and/or recovery may be delayed. The Fund may be exposed to counterparty risk through its investments in debt securities and derivatives, including various types of swaps, futures, and options. The Funds intend to enter into financial transactions with counterparties that the Adviser believes to be creditworthy at the time of the transaction. There is always the risk that the Adviser’s analysis of a counterparty’s creditworthiness is incorrect or may change due to market conditions. To the extent that a Fund focuses its transactions with a limited number of counterparties, it will have greater exposure to the risks associated with one or more counterparties.
PIA BBB Bond Fund and PIA MBS Bond Fund
•Prepayment Risk. Issuers of securities held by a Fund may be able to prepay principal due on these securities, particularly during periods of declining interest rates. Securities subject to prepayment risk generally offer less potential for gains when interest rates decline, and may offer a greater potential for loss when interest rates rise. Rising interest rates may cause prepayments to occur at a slower than expected rate thereby increasing the duration of the security and making the security more sensitive to interest rate changes. When debt obligations are prepaid or when securities are called, the Fund may have to reinvest in securities with a lower yield.
PIA BBB Bond Fund and PIA High Yield (MACS) Fund
•Foreign and Emerging Market Securities Risk. Foreign economies may differ from domestic companies in the same industry. Foreign companies or entities are frequently not subject to accounting and financial reporting standards applicable to U.S. companies, and there may be less information available about foreign issuers. Securities of foreign issuers are generally less liquid and more volatile than those of comparable domestic issuers. Investment in emerging markets involves risks in addition to those generally associated with investments in securities of foreign issuers, including less social, political and economic stability; smaller securities markets and lower trading volume, which may result in less liquidity and greater price volatility; national policies that may restrict an underlying fund’s investment opportunities, including restrictions on investments in issuers or industries, or expropriation or confiscation of assets or property; and less developed legal structures governing private or foreign investment.
PIA BBB Bond Fund
•High Yield Securities Risk (Non-Principal Risk). The BBB Bond Fund may purchase up to 5% in non-investment grade corporate securities. Securities with ratings lower than BBB- or Baa3 are known as “high yield” securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”). High yield securities provide greater income and a greater opportunity for gains than higher-rated securities, but entail greater risk of loss of principal. High yield securities typically carry higher coupon rates than investment grade bonds, but also are described as speculative and may be subject to greater market price fluctuations, less liquidity and greater risk of income or principal including greater possibility of default and bankruptcy of the issuer of such instruments than more highly rated bonds. Lower-rated bonds also are more likely to be sensitive to adverse economic or company developments and more subject to price fluctuations in response to changes in interest rates. The market for high yield securities is generally thinner and less active than the market for higher quality securities. This may limit the ability of the Fund to sell high yield securities at the prices at which they are being valued for purposes of calculating net asset value (“NAV”) per share.
PIA MBS Bond Fund
•Risks Associated with Mortgage-Backed Securities. These risks include Market and Regulatory Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Credit Risk Prepayment Risk and Extension Risk, as well as the risk that the
structure of certain mortgage-backed securities may make their reaction to interest rates and other factors difficult to predict, which may cause their prices to be very volatile.
•ETF and Mutual Fund Risk. ETFs are typically open-end investment companies that are bought and sold on a national securities exchange. When the MBS Bond Fund invests in an ETF, it will bear additional expenses based on its pro rata share of the ETF’s operating expenses, including the potential duplication of management fees. The risk of owning an ETF generally reflects the risks of owning the underlying securities it holds. Many ETFs seek to replicate a specific benchmark index. However, such ETF may not fully replicate the performance of its benchmark index for many reasons, including because of the temporary unavailability of certain index securities in the secondary market or discrepancies between the ETF and the index with respect to the weighting of securities or the number of stocks held. Lack of liquidity in an ETF could result in an ETF being more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities it holds. The Fund also will incur brokerage costs when it purchases ETFs. In addition, because of ETF expenses, compared to owning the underlying securities directly, it may be more costly to own an ETF.
If the Fund invests in shares of another mutual fund, shareholders will indirectly bear fees and expenses charged by the underlying mutual funds in which the Fund invests in addition to the Fund’s direct fees and expenses. Furthermore, investments in other mutual funds could affect the timing, amount and character of distributions to shareholders and therefore may increase the amount of taxes payable by investors in the Fund.
•Risks Associated with Real Estate and Regulatory Actions. Although some of the securities in the Fund are expected to either have a U.S. government sponsored entity guarantee or be AAA rated by any NRSRO, if real estate experiences a significant price decline, this could adversely affect the prices of the securities the Fund owns. In particular, events related to the U.S. housing market in recent years had a severe negative impact on the value of some MBS and resulted in an increased risk associated with investments in these securities. Default rates on mortgages underlying many MBS increased, which resulted in depressed valuations for the investments. Liquidity has also sometimes been impaired. Also, FNMA and FHLMC, the issuers for the majority of the securities the Fund is expected to own, are subject to government supervision and regulation but these securities are not insured or guaranteed by the U.S. government. Any adverse regulatory action could impact the prices of the securities the Fund owns.
•Extension Risk. An issuer may pay principal on an obligation held by the Fund (such as an asset-backed or mortgage-backed security) later than expected. This may happen during a period of rising interest rates. Under these circumstances, the value of the obligation will decrease.
•TBA Securities Risk. In a TBA transaction, a seller agrees to deliver a security at a future date, but does not specify the particular security to be delivered. Instead, the seller agrees to accept any security that meets specified terms. TBA transactions involve the risk that the securities received may have less favorable characteristics than what was anticipated when the Adviser entered into the transaction. Adviser accounts with TBA securities are also subject to counterparty risk and will be exposed to changes in the value of the underlying investments during the term of the agreement.
•Dollar Roll Risk. The MBS Bond Fund may enter into dollar roll transactions, in which the Fund sells mortgage-backed securities for delivery in the current month and simultaneously contracts to purchase substantially similar securities on a specified future date from the same party. The Fund may invest in dollar rolls in order to benefit from anticipated changes in pricing for the mortgage-backed securities during the term of the transaction, or for the purpose of creating investment leverage. The investor may assume some risk because the characteristics of the MBS delivered to the investor may be less favorable than the MBS the investor delivered to the dealer. Because the dealer is not obligated to return the identical MBS collateral that the investor has delivered, both parties
usually transact the dollar roll with generic Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae MBS pools that have the same or less value than the average TBA-eligible security.
•Government-Sponsored Entities Risk. Investments in U.S. government securities which may be backed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury or the full faith and credit of the U.S. may include U.S. Treasury bills, Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities, notes and bonds. These securities are guaranteed only as to the timely payment of interest and principal when held to maturity. The market prices for such securities are not guaranteed and will fluctuate. Not all U.S. government obligations are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Certain U.S. government agency securities are backed by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, or are supported only by the credit of the issuing agency or instrumentality (such as FNMA and FHLMC), and in some cases there may be some risk of default by the issuer. In addition, because many types of U.S. government obligations trade actively outside the United States, their prices may rise and fall as changes in global economic conditions affect the demand for these securities.
• Risks Associated with Asset-Backed Securities. These include Market and Regulatory Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Credit Risk, Prepayment Risk and Extension Risk. Asset-backed securities represent interests in “pools” of assets, including consumer loans or receivables held in trust. Rising interest rates tend to extend the duration of these securities, making them more sensitive to changes in interest rates. As a result, in a period of rising interest rates, these securities may exhibit additional volatility. These securities also are subject to risk of default on the underlying assets, particularly during a period of economic downturn.
•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. This may subject you to a higher tax liability. Distributions to shareholders of short-term capital gains are taxed as ordinary income under Federal tax laws. A high portfolio turnover rate also leads to higher transactions costs, which could negatively affect the Fund’s performance.
PIA High Yield (MACS) Fund
•High Yield Securities Risk. The Fund purchases non-investment grade bonds, also known as “high yield securities.” Securities with ratings lower than BBB- or Baa3 are known as “high yield” securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”). High yield securities provide greater income and a greater opportunity for gains than higher-rated securities but entail greater risk of loss of principal. High yield securities typically carry higher coupon rates than investment grade bonds, but also are described as speculative and may be subject to greater market price fluctuations, less liquidity and greater risk of income or principal including greater possibility of default and bankruptcy of the issuer of such instruments than more highly rated bonds. Lower-rated bonds also are more likely to be sensitive to adverse economic or company developments and more subject to price fluctuations in response to changes in interest rates. The market for high yield securities is generally thinner and less active than the market for higher quality securities. This may limit the ability of the High Yield (MACS) Fund to sell high yield securities at the prices at which they are being valued for purposes of calculating net asset value (“NAV”) per share.
•ETF and Mutual Fund Risk. ETFs are typically open-end investment companies that are bought and sold on a national securities exchange. When the High Yield (MACS) Fund invests in an ETF, it will bear additional expenses based on its pro rata share of the ETF’s operating expenses, including the potential duplication of management fees. The risk of owning an ETF generally reflects the risks of owning the underlying securities it holds. Many ETFs seek to replicate a specific benchmark index. However, such ETF may not fully replicate the performance of its benchmark index for many reasons, including because of the temporary unavailability of certain index securities in the secondary market or discrepancies between the ETF and the index with respect to the weighting of securities or
the number of stocks held. Lack of liquidity in an ETF could result in an ETF being more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities it holds. The Fund also will incur brokerage costs when it purchases ETFs. In addition, because of ETF expenses, compared to owning the underlying securities directly, it may be more costly to own an ETF.
If the Fund invests in shares of another mutual fund, shareholders will indirectly bear fees and expenses charged by the underlying mutual funds in which the Fund invests in addition to the Fund’s direct fees and expenses. Furthermore, investments in other mutual funds could affect the timing, amount and character of distributions to shareholders and therefore may increase the amount of taxes payable by investors in the Fund.
•Preferred Stock Risk. The risk that the value of preferred stocks, may decline due to general market conditions which are not specifically related to a particular company or to factors affecting a particular industry or industries. Preferred stocks may be more volatile than fixed income securities and are more correlated with the issuer’s underlying common stock than fixed income securities. While most preferred stocks pay a dividend, the High Yield (MACS) Fund may purchase preferred stock where the issuer has omitted, or is in danger of omitting, payment of its dividend.
•Loan Participation and Assignment Risk. Loan participations and assignments involve special types of risk, including credit risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk, and the risks of being a lender. Bank loans (i.e., loan participations and assignments), like other high yield corporate debt obligations, have a higher risk of default and may be less liquid and/or become illiquid. The High Yield (MACS) Fund, as a participant in a loan, has no direct claim on the loan and would be a creditor of the lender, and not the borrower, in the event of a borrower’s insolvency or default.
•Rule 144A Securities Risk. The market for Rule 144A securities typically is less active than the market for public securities. Rule 144A securities carry the risk that the trading market may not continue and a Fund might be unable to dispose of these securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty satisfying redemption requirements.
•Convertible Securities Risk. Convertible securities are debt securities that may be converted at either a stated price or stated rate into shares of common or preferred stock, and so are subject to the risks of investments in both debt securities and equity securities. Due to the conversion feature, convertible debt securities generally yield less than non-convertible securities of similar credit quality and maturity. The values of convertible securities tend to decline as interest rates rise. In addition, because of the conversion feature, the market values of convertible securities tend to vary with fluctuations in the market values of the underlying preferred and common stocks. The High Yield (MACS) Fund’s investment in convertible securities may at times include securities that have a mandatory conversion feature, pursuant to which the securities convert automatically into stock at a specified date and conversion ratio, or that are convertible at the option of the issuer. When conversion is not at the option of the holder, the Fund may be required to convert the security into the underlying stock even at times when the value of the underlying common stock has declined substantially or it would otherwise be disadvantageous to do so.
PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION
A complete description of the Funds’ policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Funds’ portfolio holdings is available in the Funds’ Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) and on the Funds’ website at www.pacificincome.com/mutual-funds.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS
Investment Adviser
Pacific Income Advisers, Inc., located at 2321 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 1260, El Segundo, California 90245, is the investment adviser to the Funds. The Adviser has been in business since 1987. As the investment adviser to the Funds, the Adviser manages the investment portfolios for the Funds. It makes the decisions as to which securities to buy and which securities to sell. The Funds do not pay the Adviser an annual investment management fee. However, investors in the Funds will be charged management fees by the Adviser and persons other than the Adviser, as described below. Only the following purchasers are eligible to invest in, or own the Funds (“Eligible Investors”): (a) investment advisory clients of the Adviser, (b) participants in “wrap-fee” programs sponsored by investment advisers unaffiliated with the Funds or the Adviser (“Sponsors”) that are advised by the Adviser, (c) clients of affiliated companies of the Adviser and (d) employees of the Adviser. For the purposes of the MBS Bond Fund, the term Eligible Investors shall include any other individual as permitted by the Adviser. For permission, please call (310) 255-4466. If no answer, please leave a message and call back number.
The Adviser receives an account-level investment management fee from its clients (as stated in clients’ investment management agreements) calculated as a percentage of client assets, which includes assets invested in the Funds. Certain clients (including ERISA plans) invested in the Funds will pay fees associated with the Funds’ operations, but will not pay additional investment management fees to PIA on those assets invested in the Fund. In addition, for clients invested in the Funds, PIA may choose to offset certain client fees, including but not limited to account-level fees, by the amount of the management fees received from the Funds. Clients of the Adviser should read carefully their investment advisory agreement with the Adviser, which will disclose the investment management fee charged by the Adviser. Participants in “wrap-fee” programs should read carefully the “wrap-fee” brochure for these programs provided by the Sponsor. The brochure is required to include information about the fees charged by the Sponsor and the fees paid by the Sponsor to the Adviser. Investors pay no additional fees or expenses to purchase shares of the Funds.
A discussion regarding the basis for the Trust’s Board of Trustees’ (the “Board’s”) approval of the Funds’ investment advisory agreement is available in the Funds’ most recent semi-annual reports to shareholders.
Portfolio Managers
The following individuals are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of each Fund’s portfolio. Each portfolio manager has individual discretion to buy and sell securities within their defined sectors of responsibility.
Lloyd McAdams, CFA, CEBS President (High Yield (MACS) Fund)
Mr. McAdams is President and portfolio manager at PIA, having previously served as Chief Investment Officer. Prior to joining PIA in 1986, Mr. McAdams held the position of President of Security Pacific Investment Managers, Inc., Senior Vice President of Trust Company of the West, and an Investment Officer with the State of Tennessee. Mr. McAdams has served as a Board member of the California Public Employees Retirement System (“CALPERS”) in the past. Mr. McAdam had also been the founder, Chairman and CEO of Anworth Mortgage Asset Corp., a NYSE listed company (“ANH”) that managed a portfolio of mortgage securities for its mostly institutional shareholders. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst Charter Holder, and a Certified Employee Benefit Specialist. Mr. McAdams holds a B.S. in Statistics from Stanford University and an M.B.A. from the University of Tennessee.
Michael Yean, Vice President, Credit Research Analyst, Portfolio Manager (PIA High Yield (MACS) Fund)
Mr. Yean is a member of the Investment Strategy Group and a Portfolio Manager responsible for the management of the firm’s high yield strategy. Mr. Yean is also a credit research analyst, where he specializes in the industrial sector. In 1998 Mr. Yean joined PIA as a portfolio manager and research analyst for the PIA Small-cap and Mid-cap Equity portfolios. In 2002, Michael transitioned to fixed income credit analyst as the Bond Department restructured toward greater emphasis in credit research. Prior to joining PIA, Michael served in the Consulting Department of Merrill Lynch and the Investment Department of M.J. Segal & Company. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics at University of California at Los Angeles.
Austin Rutledge, CFA, CIMA, AIF, Managing Director, Portfolio Manager (MBS Bond Fund)
Mr. Rutledge is a portfolio manager of the MBS Bond Fund. Mr. Rutledge is a Managing Director for the Adviser and a member of the firm’s Investment Strategy Group. He has been employed by the Adviser since 2000. He earned a BA Degree in Economics from Davidson College.
Hsin Tong, CFA, Vice President, Portfolio Manager (BBB Bond Fund and MBS Bond Fund)
Ms. Tong is a portfolio manager of the BBB Bond Fund and MBS Bond Fund. Ms. Tong is a portfolio manager and analyst of the Adviser focusing on institutional separately managed accounts. Ms. Tong has been an employee of the Adviser since 2005. She earned a MS degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the University of Southern California. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical and Electronics Engineering from Shantou University in China, where she was a four-year member of the Dean’s List.
Rory Hargaden, CFA, Vice President, Credit Research Analyst/Portfolio Manager (BBB Bond Fund)
Mr. Hargaden is a portfolio manager of the BBB Bond Fund. Mr. Hargaden is a portfolio manager and credit research analyst, where he specializes in the financial institution and utility sectors, asset-backed and commercial mortgage-backed securities and municipal bonds. Mr. Hargaden’s prior experience at PIA includes managing fixed income trading. Prior to joining PIA in 1989, Mr. Hargaden served in the Audit and Tax Services divisions of Ernst & Whinney and KPMG Peat Marwick. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and an M.B.A. from the University of Southern California.
The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers’ compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers’ ownership of securities in the Funds.
Fund Expenses
Each Fund is responsible for its own operating expenses. The Adviser has agreed, however, to temporarily pay expenses of the Funds to ensure that the total annual fund operating expenses for the Funds (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses) do not exceed the amounts shown below through at least March 29, 2024. The Adviser’s temporary expense limitation for each Fund may be discontinued at any time after March 29, 2024. Any payment of expenses made by the Adviser may not be recouped by the Adviser in subsequent fiscal years.
| | | | | |
Fund | Temporary Expense Cap |
BBB Bond Fund | 0.19 | % |
MBS Bond Fund | 0.23 | % |
High Yield (MACS) Fund | 0.25 | % |
FUNDS’ SHARE PRICE
The price at which investors purchase and redeem shares of the Funds is called its NAV per share. The Funds normally calculate their NAV per share as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) (generally, 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open for trading.
Shares of the Funds will not be priced and are not available for purchase when the NYSE and/or Federal Reserve are closed, including the following days: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday/Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The Funds calculate their NAVs based on the market prices or official closing price of the securities (other than money market instruments) they hold. Corporate bonds, including listed issues, are valued at market on the basis of valuations furnished by an independent pricing service which utilizes both dealer-supplied valuations and formula-based techniques. The pricing service may consider recently executed transactions in securities of the issuer or comparable issuers, market price quotations (where observable), bond spreads, and fundamental data relating to the issuer. U.S. government securities are normally valued using a model that incorporates market observable data such as reported sales of similar securities, broker quotes, yields, bids, offers, and reference data. Certain securities are valued principally using dealer quotations. U.S. government agency securities are comprised of two main categories consisting of agency issued debt and mortgage pass-throughs. Agency issued debt securities are generally valued in a manner similar to U.S. government securities. Mortgage pass-throughs include to-be-announced (“TBAs”) securities and mortgage pass-through certificates. TBA securities and mortgage pass-throughs are generally valued using dealer quotations. Investments in open-end mutual funds are valued at their net asset value per share. Short-term debt securities, including those securities having a maturity of 60 days or less, are valued at the evaluated mean between the bid and asked prices.
Purchase and redemption requests are priced at the next NAV per share calculated after receipt of such requests. The NAV is the value of a Fund’s securities, cash and other assets, minus all expenses and liabilities (assets – liabilities = NAV). NAV per share is determined by dividing NAV by the number of shares outstanding (NAV/ # of shares = NAV per share). The NAV takes into account the expenses and fees of a Fund, including management and administration fees, which are accrued daily.
In calculating the NAV, portfolio securities are valued using current market values or official closing prices, if available. Each security owned by a Fund that is listed on a securities exchange is valued at its last sale price on that exchange on the date as of which assets are valued. Where the security is listed on more than one exchange, a Fund will use the price of the exchange that it generally considers to be the principal exchange on which the security is traded.
When market quotations are not readily available, a security or other asset is valued at its fair value as determined under procedures adopted by the Adviser and approved by the Board. These fair value procedures will also be used to price a security when corporate events, events in the securities market and/or world events cause the Adviser to believe that a security’s last sale price may not reflect its actual market value. The intended effect of using fair value pricing procedures is to ensure that the Fund is accurately priced. The Board has designated the Adviser as its “valuation designee” under Rule 2a-5 of the 1940 Act, subject to its oversight.
Trading in Foreign Securities
In the case of foreign securities, the occurrence of certain events after the close of foreign markets, but prior to the time a Fund’s NAV per share is calculated (such as a significant surge or decline in the U.S. or other markets) often will result in an adjustment to the trading prices of foreign securities when foreign markets open on the following business day. If such events occur, a Fund will value foreign securities at fair value, taking into account such events, in calculating the NAV per share. In such cases, use of fair valuation can reduce an investor’s ability to seek to profit by estimating a Fund’s NAV per share in advance of the time the NAV per share is calculated. The Adviser anticipates that each Fund’s portfolio holdings will be fair valued when market quotations for those holdings are considered unreliable.
Once received in good order, the Funds will process purchase and redemption orders at the NAV per share next determined. Good order means that your purchase request includes (1) the name of the Fund,
(2) the dollar amount of shares to be purchased, (3) your account application, and (4) a check payable to the applicable Fund.
PURCHASING SHARES
Shares of the Funds are only offered to Eligible Investors either directly by the Adviser or through special arrangements entered into on behalf of the Funds with certain broker-dealers, financial institutions or other service providers (“Servicing Agents”). These Servicing Agents will become shareholders of record of the Funds and have established procedures that investors must follow in purchasing shares. Such procedures need not be identical among Servicing Agents. These procedures should be carefully reviewed by investors.
Servicing Agents may charge fees to their customers for the services they provide them. Also, the Funds and/or the Adviser may pay fees to Servicing Agents to compensate them for the services the Servicing Agents provide to their customers. Further, the Funds may authorize Servicing Agents to receive purchase orders on behalf of the Funds and to designate other Servicing Agents to receive purchase orders on the Funds’ behalf. This means that the Funds will process the purchase order at the NAV per share that is determined following the Servicing Agent’s (or its designee’s) acceptance of the purchase order. A Fund will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when a Servicing Agent or, if applicable, a Servicing Agent’s authorized designee, receives the order.
Investments in the Funds are subject to a $1,000 minimum initial investment, and subsequent investments are subject to a $50 minimum investment (other than subsequent investments pursuant to dividend reinvestment). Purchase orders placed with a Servicing Agent prior to the close of regular trading on the NYSE will be priced at the applicable NAV per share determined that day.
If you are purchasing shares through a Servicing Agent, it is the responsibility of the Servicing Agent to place your order with the Funds on a timely basis. If the Servicing Agent does not, or if it does not pay the purchase price to the Funds within the period specified in its agreement with the Funds, it may be held liable for any resulting fees or losses.
In compliance with the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, please note that the Funds’ transfer agent, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (the “Transfer Agent”) will verify certain information on your account application as part of the Trust’s Anti-Money Laundering Program. As requested on the account application, you must provide your full name, date of birth, social security number and permanent street address. If you are opening the account in the name of a legal entity (e.g., partnership, limited liability company, business trust, corporation, etc.), you must also supply the identity of the beneficial owners. Mailing addresses containing only a P.O. Box will not be accepted. Please contact the Transfer Agent at 1‑800‑251‑1970, 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. In the rare event that the Transfer Agent is unable to verify your identity, the Fund reserves the right to redeem your account at the current day’s net asset value. Accounts may only be opened by persons with a valid social security number or tax identification number and permanent U.S. street address.
Shares of the Funds have not been registered for sale outside of the United States. The Adviser 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.
All purchase checks must be in U.S. dollars drawn on a domestic financial institution. The Funds will not accept payment in cash or money orders. To prevent check fraud, the Funds will not accept third party checks, Treasury checks, credit card checks, traveler’s checks or starter checks for the purchase of shares. The Funds are unable to accept post-dated checks or any conditional order or payment.
In addition to cash purchases, Fund shares may be purchased by tendering payment in-kind in the form of bonds or other securities. Any securities used to buy Fund shares must be readily marketable, their acquisition consistent with a Fund’s objective and otherwise acceptable to the Adviser and the Board.
The Transfer Agent will charge a $25 fee against a shareholder’s account, in addition to any loss sustained by the Funds, for any payment that is returned. It is the policy of the Funds not to accept applications under certain circumstances or in amounts considered disadvantageous to shareholders. The Funds reserve the right to reject any application.
Investing directly by mail or by overnight delivery. If you are an investment advisory client of the Adviser and wish to invest by mail, simply complete the account application and mail it with a check (made payable to “PIA BBB Bond Fund,” “PIA MBS Bond Fund” or “PIA High Yield (MACS) Fund”) to:
| | | | | |
Regular Mail | Overnight Delivery |
PIA BBB Bond Fund | PIA BBB Bond Fund |
PIA MBS Bond Fund | PIA MBS Bond Fund |
PIA High Yield (MACS) Fund | PIA High Yield (MACS) Fund |
c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services | c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services |
P.O. Box 701 | 615 East Michigan Street, Third Floor |
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202 |
Note: The Funds do not consider the U.S. Postal Service or other independent delivery services to be their agents. Therefore, deposit in the mail or with such services, or receipt at U.S. Bank Global Fund Services’ post office box, of purchase orders or redemption requests does not constitute receipt by the Transfer Agent of the Funds. Receipt of purchase orders or redemption requests is based on when the order is received at the Transfer Agent’s office.
The Funds may reject any account application for any reason. The Funds will send investors a written confirmation for all purchases of shares.
Investing by wire. If you are making your first investment in the Funds, the Transfer Agent must have previously received a completed account application before you can send your wire purchase. You can mail or deliver overnight your account application to the Transfer Agent at the address indicated above. You may also fax the account application by calling the Transfer Agent at 1‑800‑251‑1970 for a fax number. Upon receipt of your completed account application, the Transfer Agent will establish an account for you. The account number assigned will be required as part of the instructions that should be given to your bank to send the wire payment. Your bank must include both the name of the Fund you are purchasing and your name and account number so that monies can be correctly applied. Your bank should transmit immediately available funds by wire to:
U.S. Bank N.A.
777 East Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
ABA No. 075000022
Credit: U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
Account No. 112-952-137
Further Credit: PIA Funds
[PIA BBB Bond Fund, PIA MBS Bond Fund or
PIA High Yield (MACS) Fund]
Shareholder Registration
Shareholder Account Number
If you are making a subsequent purchase, your bank should wire funds as indicated above. Before each wire purchase, please contact the Transfer Agent at 1‑800‑251‑1970 to advise them of your intent to wire funds. This will ensure prompt and accurate credit upon receipt of your investment. It is essential that your bank include complete information about your account in all wire transactions. If you have questions about how to invest by wire, please call the Transfer Agent. Your bank may charge you a fee for sending a wire to the Funds.
Wired funds must be received prior to 4:00 p.m., Eastern time to be eligible for same day pricing. Neither the Funds nor U.S. Bank N.A. is responsible for the consequences of delays resulting from the banking or Federal Reserve wire system or from incomplete wiring instructions.
Telephone Purchase
Investors may purchase additional shares of the Funds by calling 1-800-251-1970. If you have accepted telephone options on your account application, and your account has been open for at least seven business days, telephone orders will be accepted via electronic funds transfer from your bank account through the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) network. You must have submitted a voided check to have banking information established on your account prior to making a purchase. Each telephone purchase must be in the amount of $50 or more. There is a maximum purchase amount of $50,000 per day per Fund through the ACH network. Your shares will be purchased at the NAV per share calculated on the day your order is placed, provided that your order is received prior to 4:00 p.m., Eastern time. For security reasons, requests by telephone may be recorded. Once a telephone transaction has been placed, it cannot be cancelled or modified after the close of regular trading on the NYSE (generally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern time).
Automatic Investment Plan
Once your account has been opened with the initial minimum investment, you may make additional purchases of shares at regular intervals through the automatic investment plan (“AIP”). The AIP provides a convenient method to have monies deducted from your bank account, for investment into the Funds, on a monthly or quarterly basis. To begin participating in the AIP, please complete the Automatic Investment Plan section on the account application or call the Transfer Agent at 1-800-251-1970 for instructions.
•Automatic purchases of Fund shares can be made for as little as $50 per purchase.
•You may elect to have your automatic purchase made on any day of the month. If these dates fall on a weekend or legal holiday, purchases will be made on the following business day.
•The Funds do not currently charge a fee for an AIP, however, the Funds may charge a $25 fee if the automatic investment cannot be made for any reason.
•If you redeem an account with an AIP to a zero balance, the AIP will be discontinued.
•In order to participate in the AIP your bank must be a member of the ACH network.
•Any change or termination of the AIP should be provided to the Transfer Agent at least five calendar days prior to the next automatic investment date.
Householding
In an effort to decrease costs, the Funds intend to reduce the number of duplicate prospectuses, 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 the Transfer Agent reasonably believes are from the same family or household. Once implemented, if you would like to discontinue householding for your accounts, please call toll-free at 1-800-251-1970 to request individual copies of documents; if your shares are held through a financial intermediary, please contact them directly. Once the Transfer Agent receives notice to stop householding, the Transfer Agent will begin sending individual copies thirty days after receiving your request. This policy does not apply to account statements.
REDEEMING SHARES
How to Redeem (Sell) Shares
You or your Servicing Agent have the right to redeem all or any portion of your shares of the Funds at their NAV per share on each day the NYSE is open for trading. All redemption requests must be made directly or through the Servicing Agent from whom you purchased your shares. The Servicing Agents have established procedures that investors must follow in selling (redeeming) shares. Such procedures need not be identical among Servicing Agents. These procedures should be carefully reviewed by investors. As discussed below, you may receive proceeds of your sale in a check, ACH, or federal wire transfer. The Funds typically expect that they will take one to three days following the receipt of your redemption request in good order, to pay out redemption proceeds. “Good order” means your redemption request includes: (1) the name of the Fund, (2) the number of shares or dollar amount to be redeemed, (3) the account number and (4) signatures by all of the shareholders whose names appear on the account registration. However, while not expected, payment of redemption proceeds may take up to seven days if sending proceeds earlier could adversely affect the Funds.
The Funds typically expect that they will hold cash or cash equivalents to meet redemption requests. The Funds may also use the proceeds from the sale of portfolio securities to meet redemption requests if consistent with the management of the Funds. These redemption methods will be used regularly and may also be used in unusual market conditions.
The Funds reserve the right to redeem in-kind as described under “Redemption ‘In-Kind” below. Redemptions in-kind are typically used to meet redemption requests that represent a large percentage of a Fund’s net assets in order to minimize the effect of large redemptions on the Fund and its remaining shareholders. Redemptions in-kind are typically only used in unusual market conditions. The Funds have in place lines of credit that may be used to meet redemption requests during unusual market conditions.
Redemption requests placed with a Servicing Agent prior to the close of regular trading on the NYSE will be priced at the applicable NAV per share determined that day. If a Servicing Agent receives the redemption request after the close of regular trading on the NYSE, or on a holiday, weekend or a day the NYSE is closed, then the Servicing Agent will process the redemption on the next business day.
If any portion of the shares to be redeemed represents an investment made recently by check or electronic funds transfer through the ACH network, the Funds may delay the payment of redemption proceeds until the Transfer Agent is reasonably satisfied that the payment has been collected. This may take up to 15 calendar days from the purchase date. This delay will not apply if you purchased your shares via wire payment.
Signature Guarantees – Financial Transactions
A signature guarantee of each owner, from either a Medallion program member or non-Medallion program member, is required to redeem shares in the following situations:
•When ownership is being changed on your account;
•When redemption proceeds are payable or sent to any person, address or bank account not on record;
•When a redemption request is received by the Transfer Agent and the account address has changed within the last 15 calendar days;
•For all redemptions in excess of $50,000 from any shareholder account.
Non-financial transactions, including establishing or modifying certain services on an account, may require a signature guarantee, signature verification from a Signature Validation Program member, or other acceptable form of authentication from a financial institution source.
In addition to the situations described above, the Fund and/or the Transfer Agent may require a signature guarantee or signature validation program stamp in other instances based on the facts and circumstances. Signature guarantees will generally be accepted from domestic banks, brokers, dealers, credit unions, national securities exchanges, registered securities associations, clearing agencies and savings associations, as well as from participants in the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program and the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program. A notary public is not an acceptable signature guarantor.
Send the letter of instruction to:
PIA BBB Bond Fund
PIA MBS Bond Fund or
PIA High Yield (MACS) Fund
c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701
Other Redemption Considerations
When redeeming shares of the Funds, shareholders should consider the following:
1.The redemption may result in a taxable gain.
2.Shareholders who redeem shares held in an IRA must indicate on their written redemption request whether or not to withhold federal income taxes. If not, these redemptions will be subject to federal income tax withholding.
3.There are certain times when a shareholder may be unable to sell the Fund shares or receive proceeds. Specifically, the Funds 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 the Funds of securities owned by them is not reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably practicable for the Funds fairly to determine the value of their net assets; or (3) for such other periods as the SEC may permit for the protection of the Funds’ shareholders.
4.If your account balance falls below $500 because you redeem shares, you may be given 60 days to make additional investments so that your account balance is $500 or more. If you do not, the Funds may close your account and mail the redemption proceeds to you.
Redemption “In-Kind”
The Funds may pay redemption requests “in kind.” It is not expected that the Funds would do so except during unusual market conditions. This means that the Funds will pay redemption requests entirely or partially with securities rather than with cash. Specifically, if the amount you are redeeming is in excess of the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of a 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 Funds pay 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. A redemption, whether in cash or in-kind is a taxable event to you.
How to Redeem (Sell) Shares by Telephone
Redemptions by telephone. If you have accepted telephone options on the account application and your Fund shares are held directly in your name, you may redeem shares up to $50,000 directly on any business day the NYSE is open by calling the Transfer Agent at 1-800-251-1970 before the close of trading on the NYSE. This is generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time. Redemption proceeds will be mailed or wired, at your direction, on the next business day to the bank account you designated. Redemption proceeds may also be sent to your designated bank account via electronic funds transfer through the ACH network. To utilize the ACH network, you must have bank information on your account. There is no charge for this service. Proceeds are normally credited within three business days. The minimum amount that may be wired is $1,000. Wire charges will be deducted from redemption proceeds for complete redemptions. In the case of a partial redemption, the $15 fee will be deducted from the remaining account balance.
By using telephone redemption privileges, you authorize the Funds and their Transfer Agent to act upon the instruction of any person who makes the telephone call to redeem shares from your account and transfer the proceeds to the bank account designated in the account application. If an account has more than one owner or authorized person, the Fund will accept telephone instructions from any one owner or authorized person. The Funds and the Transfer Agent will use procedures to confirm that redemption instructions received by telephone are genuine, including recording of telephone instructions and requiring a form of personal identification before acting on these instructions. If these normal identification procedures are followed, neither the Funds nor the Transfer Agent will be liable for any loss, liability, or cost that results from acting upon instructions of a person believed to be a shareholder with respect to the telephone redemption privilege. The Funds may change, modify, or terminate these privileges at any time upon at least 60 days’ notice to shareholders.
Telephone trades must be received by or 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.
You may request telephone redemption privileges after your account is opened; however, the authorization form may require a separate signature guarantee, signature validation or other acceptable form of signature authentication from a financial institution. Once a telephone transaction request has been placed, it cannot be canceled or modified after the close or regular trading on the NYSE (generally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern time).
Systematic Withdrawal Plan
As another convenience, you may redeem your Fund shares through the Systematic Withdrawal Plan (“SWP”). If you elect this method of redemption, the applicable Fund will send you a check in a minimum amount of $100. You may choose to receive a check on any day of the month you designate on
the account application. If the day you designate falls on a weekend or legal holiday, the distribution will take place on the following business day. You may alternatively choose to receive a check each calendar quarter or annually. The Fund can also send payment via electronic funds transfer through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network, directly to your bank account. For payment through the ACH network, your bank must be an ACH member and your bank account information must be maintained on your Fund account. Your Fund account must have a value of at least $10,000 in order to participate in the SWP. The SWP may be terminated at any time by the Funds. You may also elect to change or terminate your participation in the SWP at any time by contacting the Transfer Agent at least five calendar days prior to the effective date of the next withdrawal by calling 1-800-251-1970 or writing to:
PIA BBB Bond Fund,
PIA MBS Bond Fund or
PIA High Yield MACS Fund
c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701
A withdrawal under the SWP involves a redemption of shares and may result in a gain or loss for federal income tax purposes. In addition, if the amount withdrawn exceeds the dividends credited to your account, the account ultimately may be depleted.
Exchange Privilege
As a shareholder, you have the privilege of exchanging shares of one PIA Fund for shares of another PIA Fund in the Trust, including those PIA Funds offered in separate prospectuses, without incurring any additional sales charges. However, you should note the following:
•Exchanges may only be made between like shares classes;
•You may only exchange between accounts that are registered in the same name, address, and taxpayer identification number;
•Before exchanging into another PIA Fund, read a description of the fund in its separate prospectus or in this Prospectus. A copy of the prospectus for each PIA Fund may be obtained by calling 1-800-251-1970;
•Exchanges are considered a sale and purchase of Fund shares for tax purposes and may be taxed as short-term or long-term capital gain or loss depending on the length of time shares are held, subject to certain limitations on the deductibility of losses;
•Each Fund reserves the right to refuse exchange purchases by any person or group if, in the Adviser’s judgment, the Fund would be unable to invest the money effectively in accordance with its investment objective and policies, or would otherwise potentially be adversely affected;
•If you have established telephone exchange privileges on your account, you can make a telephone request to exchange your shares for an additional $5 fee; and
•The minimum exchange amount between existing accounts invested in the PIA Funds is the minimum subsequent investment amount for your share class and your type of account.
You may make exchanges of your shares between the PIA Funds by telephone, in writing or through your broker or other financial intermediary.
Adviser’s Ability to Liquidate
The Funds may only be purchased by Eligible Investors (defined herein). Should a shareholder of a Fund, who is also a client of the Adviser, choose to terminate their relationship with the Adviser as investment
manager, the Adviser reserves the right to liquidate the shareholder’s Fund holdings upon or after termination. Should this occur, the Adviser will send a negative assent letter to the shareholder informing the shareholder that the Adviser intends to liquidate their position within a specified amount of time.
Lost Shareholders, Inactive Accounts and Unclaimed Property. It is important that the Funds maintain a correct address for each shareholder. An incorrect address may cause a shareholder’s account statements and other mailings to be returned to the Funds. Based upon statutory requirements for returned mail, the Funds will attempt to locate the shareholder or rightful owner of the account. If the Funds are unable to locate the shareholder, then it will determine whether the shareholder’s account can legally be considered abandoned. Your mutual fund account may be transferred to the state government of your state of residence if no activity occurs within your account during the “inactivity period” specified in your state’s abandoned property laws. The Funds are legally obligated to escheat (or transfer) abandoned property to the appropriate state’s unclaimed property administrator in accordance with statutory requirements. The shareholder’s last known address of record determines which state has jurisdiction. Please proactively contact the Transfer Agent toll-free at 1-800-251-1970 at least annually to ensure your account remains in active status.
If you are a resident of the state of Texas, you may designate a representative to receive notifications that, due to inactivity, your mutual fund account assets may be delivered to the Texas Comptroller. Please contact the Transfer Agent if you wish to complete a Texas Designation of Representative form.
Tools To Combat Frequent Transactions
The Board has adopted policies and procedures with respect to frequent purchases and redemptions of the Funds’ shares by Fund shareholders. The Funds may decide to restrict purchase and sale activity in their shares based on various factors, including whether frequent purchase and sale activity will disrupt portfolio management strategies and adversely affect a Fund’s performance or whether the shareholder has conducted four round trip transactions within a 12-month period. The Funds discourage excessive, short-term trading and other abusive trading practices that may disrupt portfolio management strategies and harm the Funds’ performance. The Funds take steps to reduce the frequency and effect of these activities. These steps include monitoring trading practices 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 Funds make efforts to identify and restrict frequent trading, the Funds receive 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 Funds seek to exercise their judgment in implementing these tools to the best of their ability in a manner that is consistent with shareholder interests.
Monitoring Trading Practices
The Funds monitor selected trades in an effort to detect excessive short-term trading activities. If, as a result of this monitoring, the Funds believe that a shareholder has engaged in excessive short-term trading, they may, in their discretion, ask the shareholder to stop such activities or refuse to process purchases in the shareholder’s accounts. In making such judgments, the Funds seek to act in a manner that they believe is consistent with the best interests of shareholders. Due to the complexity and subjectivity involved in identifying abusive trading activity and the volume of shareholder transactions the Funds handle, there can be no assurance that the Funds’ efforts will identify all trades or trading practices that may be considered abusive. In addition, the Funds’ ability to monitor trades that are placed by individual shareholders within group or omnibus accounts maintained by financial intermediaries is limited because they do not have simultaneous access to the underlying shareholder account information.
In compliance with Rule 22c-2 of the 1940 Act, Quasar Distributors, LLC, the Funds’ distributor, on behalf of the Funds, has entered into written agreements with each of the Funds’ financial intermediaries,
under which the intermediary must, upon request, provide the Funds with certain shareholder and identity trading information so that the Funds can enforce their market timing policies.
Fair Value Pricing
The Funds employ fair value pricing selectively to ensure greater accuracy in its daily NAV and to prevent dilution by frequent traders or market timers who seek to take advantage of temporary market anomalies. The Adviser has developed procedures which utilize fair value pricing when reliable market quotations are not readily available or the Funds’ pricing service, if applicable, does not provide a valuation (or provides a valuation that in the judgment of the Adviser to the Fund does not represent the security’s fair value), or when, in the judgment of the Adviser, events have rendered the market value unreliable. Valuing securities at fair value involves reliance on judgment. Fair value determinations are made in good faith in accordance with procedures adopted by the Adviser. There can be no assurance that a Fund will obtain the fair value assigned to a security if it were to sell the security at approximately the time at which a Fund determines its NAV per share. The Board has designated the Adviser as its “valuation designee” under Rule 2a-5 of the 1940 Act, subject to its oversight.
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 a Fund’s NAV 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, a Fund may value non-U.S. securities at fair value, taking into account such events, when it calculates its NAV. 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 Adviser 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 not a current market value quotation.
Service Fees – Other Payments to Third Parties
The Funds may pay service fees to intermediaries such as banks, broker-dealers, financial advisers or other financial institutions, 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 Funds have policies and procedures in place for the monitoring of payments to broker-dealers and other financial intermediaries for the following non-distribution activities: sub-transfer agent, administrative, and other shareholder servicing services.
The Adviser, out if its own resources, and without additional cost to the Funds or their shareholders, may provide additional cash payments or non-cash compensation to intermediaries who sell shares of the Funds. Such payments and compensation are in addition to service fees paid by the Funds. 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 Funds 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 Funds’ shareholders. The Adviser may also pay cash compensation in the form of finder’s fees that vary depending on the Fund and the dollar amount of the shares sold.
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
The Funds distribute substantially all of their net investment income monthly and substantially all of their capital gains annually. A Fund may make an additional payment of dividends or distributions if it deems it desirable at other times during any year. You have the following distribution options:
•Automatic Reinvestment Option – Both dividend and capital gains distributions will be reinvested in additional Fund shares.
•All Cash Option – Both dividend and capital gains distributions will be paid in cash.
•Select Reinvestment or Cash Option for either dividend and/or capital gains distributions.
You may make this election on the account application. You may change your election by writing to the Transfer Agent or by calling 1-800-251-1970 five days prior to the record date. Your distributions will be taxed in the same manner whether you reinvest them in additional Fund shares or receive your dividends and capital gain distributions in cash.
If you elect to receive dividends and capital gains paid in cash, and the U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver the check, or if a check remains outstanding for six months, the Funds reserve the right to reinvest the distribution check in your account, at a Fund’s current NAV per share, and to reinvest all subsequent distributions.
TAX CONSEQUENCES
Each Fund has elected and intends to continue to qualify to be taxed as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). As regulated investment companies, the Funds will not be subject to federal income tax if they distribute their income as required by the tax law and satisfy certain other requirements that are described in the SAI.
The Funds generally intend to operate in a manner such that they will not be liable for Federal income or excise taxes.
Generally, you will be taxed on a Fund’s distributions, regardless of whether you reinvest them or receive them in cash. Dividends are taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, depending on the source of such income to the Fund and the holding period of the Fund for its securities and of you for your Fund shares. Since the Funds do not expect to invest in dividend-paying corporate stocks, dividends from the Funds will not be eligible for the lower tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income. The rate you pay on capital gain distributions will depend on how long the Fund held the securities that generated the gains, not on how long you owned your Fund shares. An additional federal tax of 3.8% applies to net investment income (which generally will include dividends and capital gains from an investment in a Fund) to non-corporate shareholders with adjusted gross incomes of more than $200,000 for single filers and $250,000 for joint filers. Although distributions generally are taxable when received, certain distributions declared in October, November or December to shareholders of record on a specified date in such a month but paid in the following January are taxable as if received the prior December.
Sale of your Fund shares is a taxable event for you. You will recognize gain or loss on such transactions equal to the difference, if any, between the amount of your net sales proceeds and your tax basis in the Fund shares. You are responsible for any tax liabilities generated by your transaction and your investment in the Fund. The Code limits the deductibility of capital losses in certain circumstances.
Shareholders should be aware that the Funds may make taxable distributions of income and capital gains even when share values have declined.
By law, a Fund must withhold from your taxable distributions and redemption proceeds an amount as backup withholding determined at a rate as set forth under section 3406 of the Code 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 Internal Revenue Service instructs the Fund to do so.
Additional information concerning taxation of the Funds and their shareholders is contained in the SAI. Investors should consult their own tax advisers regarding the consequences to them of an investment in the Funds. Tax consequences are not the primary consideration of the Funds in making investment decisions.
INDEX DESCRIPTIONS
Please note that you cannot invest directly in an index.
Bloomberg U.S. Credit Baa Bond Index is an unmanaged index consisting of bonds rated Baa. The issues must be publicly traded and meet certain maturity and issue size requirements. Bonds are represented by the Industrial, Utility, Finance and non-corporate sectors. Non-corporate sectors include sovereign, supranational, foreign agency and foreign local government issuers.
Bloomberg U.S. MBS Fixed Rate Index tracks fixed-rate agency mortgage backed pass-through securities guaranteed by Ginnie Mae (GNMA), Fannie Mae (FNMA), and Freddie Mac (FHLMC). The index is constructed by grouping individual TBA-deliverable MBS pools into aggregates or generics based on program, coupon and vintage.
Bloomberg U.S. High Yield Corporate Index measures the U.S. dollar-denominated, high yield, fixed-rate corporate bond market. The index excludes emerging markets debt.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand the BBB Bond Fund’s and MBS Bond Fund’s financial performance for the past five years and PIA High Yield (MACS) Fund’s financial performance since its inception.Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the tables represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in a Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This information has been audited by Tait, Weller & Baker LLP, the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with the Funds’ financial statements are included in the annual report, which is available upon request.
PIA BBB Bond Fund
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year Ended November 30, |
| 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 | | | |
Per Share Operating Performance | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(For a fund share outstanding throughout each year) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of year | $ | 9.97 | | | $ | 10.32 | | | $ | 9.76 | | | $ | 8.67 | | | $ | 9.35 | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | 0.29 | | | 0.28 | | | 0.33 | | | 0.37 | | | 0.37 | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments | (1.87) | | | (0.35) | | | 0.56 | | | 1.09 | | | (0.68) | | | | |
Total from investment operations | (1.58) | | | (0.07) | | | 0.89 | | | 1.46 | | | (0.31) | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less Distributions: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Distributions from net investment income | (0.29) | | | (0.28) | | | (0.33) | | | (0.37) | | | (0.37) | | | | |
Total distributions | (0.29) | | | (0.28) | | | (0.33) | | | (0.37) | | | (0.37) | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of year | $ | 8.10 | | | $ | 9.97 | | | $ | 10.32 | | | $ | 9.76 | | | $ | 8.67 | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | -16.00 | % | | -0.61 | % | | 9.37 | % | | 17.10 | % | | -3.44 | % | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of year (in 000’s) | $ | 222,337 | | | $ | 296,682 | | | $ | 286,106 | | | $ | 142,283 | | | $ | 148,575 | | | | |
Ratio of expenses to average net assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net of expense reimbursement | 0.15 | % | | 0.15 | % | | 0.17 | % | | 0.19 | % | | 0.16 | % | | | |
Before expense reimbursement | 0.15 | % | | 0.15 | % | | 0.17 | % | | 0.20 | % | | 0.17 | % | | | |
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net of expense reimbursement | 3.26 | % | | 2.83 | % | | 3.41 | % | | 3.97 | % | | 3.97 | % | | | |
Before expense reimbursement | 3.26 | % | | 2.83 | % | | 3.41 | % | | 3.96 | % | | 3.96 | % | | | |
Portfolio turnover rate | 10 | % | | 20 | % | | 36 | % | | 20 | % | | 15 | % | | | |
PIA MBS Bond Fund
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year Ended November 30, |
| 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 | | | |
Per Share Operating Performance | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(For a fund share outstanding throughout each year) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of year | $ | 9.56 | | | $ | 9.71 | | | $ | 9.57 | | | $ | 9.17 | | | $ | 9.49 | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | 0.17 | | | 0.05 | | | 0.17 | | | 0.26 | | | 0.24 | | | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments | (1.23) | | | (0.12) | | | 0.19 | | | 0.42 | | | (0.31) | | | | |
Total from investment operations | (1.06) | | | (0.07) | | | 0.36 | | | 0.68 | | | (0.07) | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Less Distributions: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Distributions from net investment income | (0.18) | | | (0.08) | | | (0.22) | | | (0.28) | | | (0.25) | | | | |
Total distributions | (0.18) | | | (0.08) | | | (0.22) | | | (0.28) | | | (0.25) | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of year | $ | 8.32 | | | $ | 9.56 | | | $ | 9.71 | | | $ | 9.57 | | | $ | 9.17 | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | -11.12 | % | | -0.73 | % | | 3.77 | % | | 7.53 | % | | -0.72 | % | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of year (in 000’s) | $ | 54,313 | | | $ | 60,396 | | | $ | 74,863 | | | $ | 69,730 | | | $ | 60,204 | | | | |
Ratio of expenses to average net assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net of expense reimbursement | 0.23 | % | | 0.23 | % | | 0.23 | % | | 0.23 | % | | 0.21 | % | | | |
Before expense reimbursement | 0.43 | % | | 0.31 | % | | 0.36 | % | | 0.36 | % | | 0.34 | % | | | |
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net of expense reimbursement | 1.97 | % | | 0.56 | % | | 1.74 | % | | 2.73 | % | | 2.53 | % | | | |
Before expense reimbursement | 1.77 | % | | 0.48 | % | | 1.61 | % | | 2.60 | % | | 2.40 | % | | | |
Portfolio turnover rate | 146 | % | | 680 | % | | 171 | % | | 20 | % | | 239 | % | | | |
PIA High Yield (MACS) Fund
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year Ended November 30, | | December 26, 2017* through November 30, 2018 |
| 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 | | 2019 |
Per Share Operating Performance | | | | | | | | | | |
(For a fund share outstanding throughout each period) | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ | 9.67 | | | $ | 9.57 | | | $ | 9.42 | | | $ | 9.44 | | | $ | 10.00 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations: | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | 0.69 | | | 0.68 | | | 0.64 | | | 0.64 | | | 0.56 | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments | (1.48) | | | 0.10 | | | 0.15 | | | 0.02 | | | (0.56) | | |
Total from investment operations | (0.79) | | | 0.78 | | | 0.79 | | | 0.66 | | | 0.00 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Less Distributions: | | | | | | | | | | |
Distributions from net investment income | (0.70) | | | (0.68) | | | (0.64) | | | (0.64) | | | (0.56) | | |
Distributions from net realized gains on investments | (0.15) | | | — | | | (0.02) | | | (0.04) | | | — | | |
Total distributions | (0.85) | | | (0.68) | | | (0.66) | | | (0.68) | | | (0.56) | | |
Increase from payment made by affiliate and administrator due to operational error | — | | | — | | | 0.02 | | | — | | | — | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of period | $ | 8.03 | | | $ | 9.67 | | | $ | 9.57 | | | $ | 9.42 | | | $ | 9.44 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return | -8.50 | % | | 8.31 | % | | 9.25 | % | ^ | 7.21 | % | | -0.07 | % | ++ |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Ratio/Supplemental Data: | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s) | $ | 124,216 | | | $ | 131,815 | | | $ | 119,796 | | | $ | 79,915 | | | $ | 73,794 | | |
Ratio of expenses to average net assets: | | | | | | | | | | |
Net of expense reimbursement | 0.20 | % | | 0.20 | % | | 0.24 | % | | 0.25 | % | | 0.23 | % | + |
Before expense reimbursement | 0.20 | % | | 0.20 | % | | 0.24 | % | | 0.28 | % | | 0.30 | % | + |
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets: | | | | | | | | | | |
Net of expense reimbursement | 7.98 | % | | 6.91 | % | | 7.11 | % | | 6.72 | % | | 6.23 | % | + |
Before expense reimbursement | 7.98 | % | | 6.91 | % | | 7.11 | % | | 6.69 | % | | 6.16 | % | + |
Portfolio turnover rate | 24 | % | | 70 | % | | 51 | % | | 36 | % | | 22 | % | ++ |
*Commencement of operations.
+Annualized for periods less than one year.
++Not annualized for periods less than one year.
^Includes increase from payment made by affiliate and administrator due to operational error. On September 18, 2020, the High Yield (MACS) Fund received a reimbursement of $199,712 from the Adviser and Administrator related to a corporate action instruction error during the year ended November 30, 2020. Due to a miscommunication, the tender offer for the Martin
Midstream corporate action was not processed correctly. This resulted in the Fund’s position being tendered rather than exchanged. Had the Fund not received the payment, total return would have been 9.02%.
Investment Adviser
Pacific Income Advisers, Inc.
2321 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 1260
El Segundo, California 90245
Distributor
Quasar Distributors, LLC
111 East Kilbourn Avenue, Suite 2200
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
Custodian
U.S. Bank National Association
Custody Operations
1555 North RiverCenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212
Transfer Agent
U.S. Bank Global Fund Services
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Tait, Weller & Baker LLP
Two Liberty Place
50 South 16th Street, Suite 2900
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102
Legal Counsel
Sullivan & Worcester LLP
1633 Broadway, 32nd Floor
New York, New York 10019
PRIVACY NOTICE
The Funds collect 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 Funds. 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 Funds 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.
PIA BBB Bond Fund
PIA MBS Bond Fund
PIA High Yield (MACS) Fund
FOR MORE INFORMATION
To learn more about the Funds you may want to read the Funds’ Statement of Additional Information (or “SAI”) which contains additional information about the Funds. The Funds have incorporated by reference the SAI into the Prospectus. This means that you should consider the contents of the SAI to be part of the Prospectus.
Additional information about the Funds’ investments is available, without charge, upon request, in the Funds’ annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders (the “Shareholder Reports”). In the annual report you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the performance of the Funds during the Funds’ last fiscal year. The SAI and the Shareholder Reports are all available to shareholders and prospective investors without charge on the Funds’ website at www.pacificincome.com/mutual-funds.
Prospective investors and shareholders who have questions about the Funds may also call the following number or write to the following address:
PIA BBB Bond Fund,
PIA MBS Bond Fund, or
PIA High Yield (MACS) Fund
c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services
615 East Michigan Street, Third Floor
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
1-800-251-1970
Reports and other information about the Funds are also available on the EDGAR Database at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov and copies of this information may be obtained, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following E-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov.
(Investment Company Act file number is 811-07959.)
PIA BBB Bond Fund
MACS (PBBBX)
PIA MBS Bond Fund
MACS (PMTGX)
PIA High Yield (MACS) Fund
(PIAMX)
PROSPECTUSMarch 31, 2023
Statement of Additional Information
Dated March 31, 2023
PIA BBB Bond Fund
Managed Account Completion Shares (MACS) (PBBBX)
PIA MBS Bond Fund
Managed Account Completion Shares (MACS) (PMTGX)
PIA High Yield (MACS) Fund
Managed Account Completion Shares (MACS) (PIAMX)
(Each a “Fund,” together, the “Funds”)
Each Fund is a Series of
ADVISORS SERIES TRUST
This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) is not a prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus dated March 31, 2023 (the “Prospectus”) of Advisors Series Trust (the “Trust”) relating to the Funds. Pacific Income Advisers, Inc. (the “Adviser”) is the investment adviser to the Funds.
A copy of the Prospectus may be obtained by writing to the Funds c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, P.O. Box 701, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701, by calling toll-free at 1-800-251-1970, or on the Funds’ website at www.pacificincome.com/mutual-funds.
The financial statements, accompanying notes and report of independent registered public accounting firm of the PIA BBB Bond Fund, PIA MBS Bond Fund and PIA High Yield (MACS) Fund that are included in the annual report to shareholders for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022, have been incorporated by reference into this SAI. The annual report can be obtained in the same way as the Prospectus. This SAI has been incorporated by reference into the Funds’ Prospectus.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representations other than those contained in this SAI and the Prospectus dated March 31, 2023, and, if given or made, such information or representations may not be relied upon as having been authorized by the Trust or the Funds.
This SAI does not constitute an offer to sell securities.
FUND HISTORY AND CLASSIFICATION
The Trust is an open‑end management investment company organized as a Delaware statutory trust under the laws of the State of Delaware on October 3, 1996. 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 PIA BBB Bond Fund (the “BBB Bond Fund”), the PIA MBS Bond Fund (the “MBS Bond Fund”) and the PIA High Yield (MACS) Fund (the “High Yield (MACS) Fund”).
Registration with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) does not involve supervision of the management or policies of the Funds. The Prospectus and this SAI omit certain of the information contained in the Registration Statement filed with the SEC. Copies of such information may be obtained from the SEC upon payment of the prescribed fee.
The predecessor PIA BBB Bond Fund (“Predecessor Fund”) commenced operations on September 25, 2003, as a separate series of PIA Mutual Fund. PIA Mutual Fund was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on January 6, 1986. On December 23, 2004, the Predecessor Fund reorganized into the BBB Bond Fund, a newly formed series of the Trust. Before the reorganization the BBB Bond Fund had no assets or liabilities.
The MBS Bond Fund commenced operations on February 28, 2006, as a separate series of the Trust.
The High Yield (MACS) Fund commenced operations on December 26, 2017.
Diversification
The Funds are diversified. Under applicable federal securities laws, the diversification of a mutual fund’s holdings is measured at the time the Fund purchases a security. This means that, as to 75% of a Fund’s total assets (1) no more than 5% may be invested in the securities of a single issuer, and (2) the Fund may not hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of a single issuer. However, if a 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 a Fund, the Fund may have a greater percentage of its assets invested in securities of fewer issuers. In that case, the Fund would be 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 fund under applicable federal securities laws.
Percentage Limitations
Whenever an investment policy or limitation states a maximum percentage of a Fund’s assets that may be invested in any security or other asset, or sets forth a policy regarding quality standards, such standards or percentage limitation 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, any subsequent change 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 Funds, the Funds may receive stock, real estate or other investments that the Funds would not, or could not buy. If this happens the Fund would take such action as is reasonable given the Fund’s objective.
Market and Regulatory Risk
Events in the financial markets and economy may cause volatility and uncertainty and affect performance. Such adverse effect on performance could include a decline in the value and liquidity of securities held by the Fund, unusually high and unanticipated levels of redemptions, an increase in portfolio turnover, a decrease in net asset value (“NAV”), and an increase in Fund expenses. It may also be unusually difficult to identify both investment risks and opportunities, in which case investment objectives may not be met. Market events may affect a single issuer, industry, sector, or the market as a whole. Traditionally liquid investments may experience periods of diminished liquidity. During a general downturn in the financial markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value and the Fund may lose value, regardless of the individual results of the securities and other instruments in which the Fund invests. It is impossible to predict whether or for how long such market events will continue, particularly if they are unprecedented, unforeseen or widespread events or conditions, pandemics, epidemics and other similar circumstances in one or more countries or regions. Therefore, it is important to understand that the value of your investment may fall, sometimes sharply and for extended periods, and you could lose money.
Governmental and regulatory actions, including tax law changes, may also impair portfolio management and have unexpected or adverse consequences on particular markets, strategies, or investments. Policy and legislative changes in the United States and in other countries are affecting many aspects of financial regulation, and may in some instances contribute to decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the financial markets. The impact of these changes on the markets, and the practical implications for market participants, may not be fully known for some time. In addition, economies and financial markets throughout the world are becoming increasingly interconnected. As a result, whether or not the Fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to countries experiencing economic and financial difficulties, the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments may be negatively affected.
Loan Participations and Assignments – High Yield (MACS) Fund
The Fund may purchase participations in commercial loans. Such indebtedness may be secured or unsecured. Loan participations typically represent direct participation in a loan to a corporate borrower, and generally are offered by banks or other financial institutions or lending syndicates. The Fund may participate in such syndications, or can buy part of a loan, becoming a part lender. When purchasing loan participations, the Fund assumes the credit risk associated with the corporate borrower and may assume the credit risk associated with an interposed bank or other financial intermediary. The participation interests in which the Fund intends to invest may not be rated by any nationally recognized rating service. The Fund may invest in debtor-in-possession financings (commonly known as “DIP financings”). DIP financings are arranged when an entity seeks the protections of the bankruptcy court under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. These financings allow the entity to continue its business operations while reorganizing under Chapter 11. Such financings constitute senior liens on unencumbered security (i.e., security not subject to other creditors’ claims). There is a risk that the entity will not emerge from Chapter 11 and be forced to liquidate its assets under Chapter 7 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. In the event of liquidation, the Fund’s only recourse will be against the property securing the DIP financing. A loan is often administered by an agent bank acting as agent for all holders. The agent bank administers the terms of the loan, as specified in the loan agreement. In addition, the agent bank is normally responsible for the collection of principal and interest payments from the corporate borrower and the apportionment of these payments to the credit of all institutions which are parties to the loan agreement. Unless, under the terms of the loan or other indebtedness, the Fund has direct recourse against the corporate borrower, the Fund may have to rely on the agent bank or other financial intermediary to apply appropriate credit remedies against a corporate borrower. A financial institution’s employment as agent bank might be terminated in the event that it fails to observe a requisite standard of care or becomes insolvent. A
successor agent bank would generally be appointed to replace the terminated agent bank, and assets held by the agent bank under the loan agreement should remain available to holders of such indebtedness. However, if assets held by the agent bank for the benefit of the Fund were determined to be subject to the claims of the agent bank’s general creditors, the Fund might incur certain costs and delays in realizing payment on a loan or loan participation and could suffer a loss of principal and/or interest. In situations involving other interposed financial institutions (e.g., an insurance company or governmental agency) similar risks may arise. Purchasers of loans and other forms of direct indebtedness depend primarily upon the creditworthiness of the corporate borrower for payment of principal and interest. If the Fund does not receive scheduled interest or principal payments on such indebtedness, the Fund’s share price and yield could be adversely affected. Loans that are fully secured offer the Fund more protection than an unsecured loan in the event of non-payment of scheduled interest or principal. However, there is no assurance that the liquidation of collateral from a secured loan would satisfy the corporate borrower’s obligation, or that the collateral can be liquidated. The Fund may invest in loan participations with credit quality comparable to that of issuers of its securities investments. Indebtedness of companies whose creditworthiness is poor involves substantially greater risks, and may be highly speculative. Some companies may never pay off their indebtedness, or may pay only a small fraction of the amount owed. Consequently, when investing in indebtedness of companies with poor credit, the Fund bears a substantial risk of losing the entire amount invested.
The Fund is diversified and limits the amount of its total assets that it will invest in any one issuer and the Fund limits the amount of its total assets that it will invest in issuers within the same industry (see “Investment Restrictions”). For purposes of these limits, the Fund generally will treat the corporate borrower as the “issuer” of indebtedness held by the Fund. In the case of loan participations where a bank or other lending institution serves as a financial intermediary between the Fund and the corporate borrower, if the participation does not shift to the Fund the direct debtor-creditor relationship with the corporate borrower, SEC interpretations require the Fund to treat both the lending bank or other lending institution and the corporate borrower as “issuers.” Treating a financial intermediary as an issuer of indebtedness may restrict the Fund’s ability to invest in indebtedness related to a single financial intermediary, or a group of intermediaries engaged in the same industry, even if the underlying borrowers represent many different companies and industries. Loans and other types of direct indebtedness may not be readily marketable and may be subject to restrictions on resale. In some cases, negotiations involved in disposing of indebtedness may require weeks to complete. Consequently, some indebtedness may be difficult or impossible to dispose of readily at what the Adviser believes to be a fair price. In addition, valuation of illiquid indebtedness involves a greater degree of judgment in determining the Fund’s NAV than if that value were based on available market quotations, and could result in significant variations in the Fund’s daily share price. At the same time, some loan interests are traded among certain financial institutions and accordingly may be deemed liquid. As the market for different types of indebtedness develops, the liquidity of these instruments is expected to improve. In addition, the Fund currently intends to treat indebtedness for which there is no readily available market as illiquid for purposes of the Fund’s limitation on illiquid investments. Investments in loan participations are considered to be debt obligations for purposes of the Trust’s investment restriction relating to the lending of funds or assets by the Fund.
Investments in loans through a direct assignment of the financial institution’s interests with respect to the loan may involve additional risks to the Fund. For example, if a loan is foreclosed, the Fund could become part owner of any collateral, and would bear the costs and liabilities associated with owning and disposing of the collateral. In addition, it is conceivable that under emerging legal theories of lender liability, the Fund could be held liable as co-lender. It is unclear whether loans and other forms of direct indebtedness offer securities law protections against fraud and misrepresentation. In the absence of definitive regulatory guidance, the Fund relies upon the Adviser’s research in an attempt to avoid situations where fraud or misrepresentation could adversely affect the Fund.
Warrants to Purchase Securities
The Funds may invest in or acquire warrants to purchase equity securities. Warrants are instruments that give the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy a security at a specific price for a specific period of time. Changes in the value of a warrant do not necessarily correspond to changes in the value of its underlying security. The price of a warrant may be more volatile than the price of its underlying security, and a warrant may offer greater potential for capital appreciation as well as capital loss. Warrants do not entitle a holder to dividends or voting rights with respect to the underlying security and do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuing company. A warrant ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date. These factors can make warrants more speculative than other types of investments. Bonds with warrants attached to purchase equity securities have many characteristics of convertible bonds and their prices may, to some degree, reflect the performance of the underlying stock. Bonds also may be issued with warrants attached to purchase additional fixed income securities at the same coupon rate. A decline in interest rates would permit a Fund to buy additional bonds at the favorable rate or to sell the warrants at a profit. If interest rates rise, the warrants would generally expire with no value. The Fund will not invest more than 5% of their net assets in warrants to purchase securities. Warrants acquired in units or attached to securities will be deemed without value for purposes of this restriction.
Illiquid and Restricted Securities
Pursuant to Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act, the Fund may not acquire any “illiquid investment” if, immediately after the acquisition, the Fund would have invested more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments that are assets. An “illiquid investment” is any investment that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. The Fund has implemented a liquidity risk management program and related procedures to identify illiquid investments pursuant to Rule 22e-4. The 15% limits are applied as of the date the Fund purchases an illiquid investment. It is possible that the Fund’s holding of illiquid investment could exceed the 15% limit, for example as a result of market developments or redemptions.
The Fund may purchase certain restricted securities that can be resold to institutional investors and which may be determined not to be illiquid investments pursuant to the Fund’s liquidity risk management program. In many cases, those securities are traded in the institutional market pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”) and are called Rule 144A securities.
Investments in illiquid investments involve more risks than investments in similar securities that are readily marketable. Illiquid investments may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments. Investment of the Fund’s assets in illiquid investments may restrict the ability of the Fund to dispose of its investments in a timely fashion and for a fair price as well as its ability to take advantage of market opportunities. The risks associated with illiquidity will be particularly acute where the Fund’s operations require cash, such as when the Fund has net redemptions, and could result in the Fund borrowing to meet short-term cash requirements or incurring losses on the sale of illiquid investments. Restricted securities sold in private placement transactions between issuers and their purchasers are neither listed on an exchange nor traded in other established markets and may be illiquid. In many cases, the privately placed securities may not be freely transferable under the laws of the applicable jurisdiction or due to contractual restrictions on resale. To the extent privately placed securities may be resold in privately negotiated transactions, the prices realized from the sales could be less than those originally paid by the Fund or less than the fair value of the securities. A restricted security may be determined to be liquid under the Fund’s liquidity risk management program established pursuant to Rule 22e-4 depending on market, trading, or investment-specific considerations related to the restricted security. In addition, issuers whose securities are not publicly traded may not be subject to the disclosure and other investor protection requirements that may be applicable if their securities were publicly traded. If any privately
placed securities held by the Fund are required to be registered under the securities laws of one or more jurisdictions before being resold, the Fund may be required to bear the expenses of registration.
Private placement investments may involve investments in smaller, less seasoned issuers, which may involve greater risks than investments in more established companies. These issuers may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources, or they may be dependent on a limited management group. In making investments in private placement securities, the Fund may obtain access to material non-public information about an issuer of private placement securities, which may restrict the Fund’s ability to conduct transactions in those securities.
Leverage
From time to time the Funds may increase their ownership of securities by borrowing on a secured or unsecured basis at fixed and floating rates of interest and investing the borrowed funds (“leveraging”). Currently, the BBB Bond Fund and MBS Bond Fund do not intend to borrow amounts in excess of 10% of the value of their total assets for leveraging purposes. It is not anticipated that the High Yield (MACS) Fund will use its borrowing power to an extent greater than 25% of the value of its total assets. Borrowings will be made only from banks and only to the extent that the value of the assets of a Fund, less its liabilities other than borrowings, is equal to at least 300% of all borrowings, after giving effect to the proposed borrowing. If the value of the assets of a Fund so computed should fail to meet the 300% asset coverage requirement, the Fund is required within three days to reduce its bank debt to the extent necessary to meet such 300% coverage. Since substantially all of the assets of the Funds fluctuate in value, but borrowing obligations may be fixed, the NAV per share of the Funds will correspondingly tend to increase and decrease in value more than otherwise would be the case.
Lending Portfolio Securities
The Funds may, (although do not currently) to increase their income, lend their securities on a short- or long-term basis to brokers, dealers and financial institutions if (i) the loan is collateralized in accordance with applicable regulatory guidelines (the “Guidelines”) and (ii) after any loan, the value of the securities loaned does not exceed 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets. Under the present Guidelines (which are subject to change) the loan collateral must be, on each business day, at least equal to the value of the loaned securities and must consist of cash, bank letters of credit or U.S. government securities. To be acceptable as collateral, a letter of credit must obligate a bank to pay amounts demanded by the Funds if the demand meets the terms of the letter of credit. Such terms and the issuing bank would have to be satisfactory to the Funds. Any loan might be secured by any one or more of the three types of collateral. The Funds currently expect to invest the collateral received in government money market funds, agency securities, or the highest quality commercial paper.
The Funds receive amounts equal to the interest or other distributions on loaned securities and also receive one or more of the negotiated loan fees, interest on securities used as collateral or interest on the securities purchased with such collateral, either of which type of interest may be shared with the borrower. The Funds may also pay reasonable finder’s, custodian and administrative fees but only to persons not affiliated with the Trust. The Funds will not have the right to vote securities on loan, but the terms of the loan will permit the Funds to terminate the loan and thus reacquire the loaned securities on three days’ notice.
The primary risk in securities lending is a default by the borrower during a sharp rise in price of the borrowed security resulting in a deficiency in the collateral posted by the borrower. The Funds will seek to minimize this risk by requiring that the value of the securities loaned be computed each day and additional collateral be furnished each day if required. In addition, the Funds are exposed to the risk of delay in recovery of the loaned securities or possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower become insolvent. As well, all investments made with the collateral received are subject to the risks
associated with such investments. If such investments lose value, the Funds will have to cover the loss when repaying the collateral.
Hedging Instruments
The Funds may engage in hedging. Hedging may be used in an attempt to (i) protect against declines or possible declines in the market values of securities held in each Fund’s portfolio (“short hedging”) or (ii) establish a position in the securities markets as a substitute for the purchase of individual securities (“long hedging”). The Funds may engage in short hedging in an attempt to protect the Funds’ value against anticipated downward trends in the securities markets or engage in long hedging as a substitute for the purchase of securities, which may then be purchased in an orderly fashion. It is expected that when the Funds are engaging in long hedging, it would, in the normal course, purchase securities and terminate the hedging position, but under unusual market conditions such a hedging position may be terminated without the corresponding purchase of securities. The various hedging instruments which the Funds may use are discussed below.
Derivative Securities
A derivative is a financial instrument which has a value that is based on, or “derived from,” the values of other assets, reference rates, or indexes. Derivatives may relate to a wide variety of underlying references, such as commodities, stocks, bonds, interest rates, currency exchange rates and related indexes. Derivatives include futures contracts and options on futures contracts (see discussion below on “Debt Futures” and “Options on Debt Futures”), forward-commitment transactions (see discussion below on “When Issued and Delayed-Delivery Securities”), options on securities (see discussion below on “Options on Securities”), caps, floors, collars, swap agreements (see discussion below on “Swaps”), and other financial instruments. Some derivatives, such as futures contracts and certain options, are traded on U.S. commodity and securities exchanges, while other derivatives, such as swap agreements, are privately negotiated and entered into in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market. The risks associated with the use of derivatives are different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments. Derivatives are used by some investors for speculative purposes. Derivatives also may be used for a variety of purposes that do not constitute speculation, such as hedging, risk management, seeking to reduce transaction costs, and seeking to simulate an investment in equity or debt securities or other investments.
Derivative products are highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those associated with stocks, bonds, and other traditional investments. The use of a derivative requires an understanding not only of the underlying instrument but also of the derivative itself, without the benefit of observing the performance of the derivative under all possible market conditions.
The use of a derivative involves the risk that a loss may be sustained as a result of the insolvency or bankruptcy of the other party to the contract (usually referred to as a “counterparty”) or the failure of the counterparty to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of the contract. Additionally, the use of credit derivatives can result in losses if the Adviser does not correctly evaluate the creditworthiness of the issuer on which the credit derivative is based.
Derivatives may be subject to liquidity risk, which exists when a particular derivative is difficult to purchase or sell. If a derivative transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is illiquid (as is the case with many OTC derivatives), it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position at an advantageous time or price.
Derivatives may be subject to pricing or “basis” risk, which exists when a particular derivative becomes extraordinarily expensive relative to historical prices or the prices of corresponding cash market
instruments. Under certain market conditions, it may not be economically feasible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position in time to avoid a loss or take advantage of an opportunity.
Because many derivatives have a leverage or borrowing component, adverse changes in the value or level of the underlying asset, reference rate, or index can result in a loss substantially greater than the amount invested in the derivative itself. Certain derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the initial investment. Accordingly, certain derivative transactions may be considered to constitute borrowing transactions for purposes of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the “1940 Act”). Such a derivative transaction will not be considered to constitute the issuance of a “senior security” by the Funds, and therefore such transaction will not be subject to the 300% asset coverage requirement otherwise applicable to borrowings by the Funds, if the Funds cover the transaction or segregate sufficient liquid assets in accordance with the requirements, and subject to the risks, described above under the heading “Leverage.”
Like most other investments, derivative instruments are subject to the risk that the market value of the instrument will change in a way detrimental to the Funds’ interest. The Funds bear the risk that the Adviser will incorrectly forecast future market trends or the values of assets, reference rates, indexes, or other financial or economic factors in establishing derivative positions for the Funds. If the Adviser attempts to use a derivative as a hedge against, or as a substitute for, a portfolio investment, the Funds will be exposed to the risk that the derivative will have or will develop imperfect or no correlation with the portfolio investment. This could cause substantial losses for the Funds. While hedging strategies involving derivative instruments can reduce the risk of loss, they can also reduce the opportunity for gain or even result in losses by offsetting favorable price movements in other Fund investments. Many derivatives, in particular OTC derivatives, are complex and often valued subjectively. Improper valuations can result in increased cash payment requirements to counterparties or a loss of value to the Funds.
Options on Securities
An option is a legal contract that gives the buyer (who then becomes the holder) the right to buy, in the case of a call, or sell, in the case of a put, a specified amount of the underlying security at the option price at any time before the option expires. The buyer of a call obtains, in exchange for a premium that is paid to the seller, or “writer,” of the call, the right to purchase the underlying security. The buyer of a put obtains the right to sell the underlying security to the writer of the put, likewise in exchange for a premium. Options have standardized terms, including the exercise price and expiration time; listed options are traded on national securities exchanges that provide a secondary market in which holders or writers can close out their positions by offsetting sales and purchases. The premium paid to a writer is not a down payment; it is a nonrefundable payment from a buyer to a seller for the rights conveyed by the option. A premium has two components: the intrinsic value and the time value. The intrinsic value represents the difference between the current price of the securities and the exercise price at which the securities will be sold pursuant to the terms of the option. The time value is the sum of money investors are willing to pay for the option in the hope that, at some time before expiration, it will increase in value because of a change in the price of the underlying security.
One risk of any put or call that is held is that the put or call is a wasting asset. If it is not sold or exercised prior to its expiration, it becomes worthless. The time value component of the premium decreases as the option approaches expiration, and the holder may lose all or a large part of the premium paid. In addition, there can be no guarantee that a liquid secondary market will exist on a given exchange, in order for an option position to be closed out. Furthermore, if trading is halted in an underlying security, the trading of options is usually halted as well. In the event that an option cannot be traded, the only alternative to the holder is to exercise the option.
Call Options on Securities. When a Fund writes a call, it receives a premium and agrees to sell the related investments to the purchaser of the call during the call period (usually not more than nine months) at a fixed exercise price (which may differ from the market price of the related investments) regardless of market price changes during the call period. If the call is exercised, a Fund forgoes any gain from an increase in the market price over the exercise price.
To terminate its obligation on a call which it has written, a Fund may purchase a call in a “closing purchase transaction.” A profit or loss will be realized depending on the amount of option transaction costs and whether the premium previously received is more or less than the price of the call purchased. A profit may also be realized if the call lapses unexercised, because a Fund retains the premium received. All call options written by a Fund must be “covered.” For a call to be “covered” (i) a Fund must own the underlying security or have an absolute and immediate right to acquire that security without payment of additional cash consideration; (ii) a Fund must maintain cash or liquid securities adequate to purchase the security; or (iii) any combination of (i) or (ii).
When a Fund buys a call, it pays a premium and has the right to buy the related investments from the seller of the call during the call period at a fixed exercise price. A Fund benefits only if the market price of the related investment is above the call price plus the premium paid during the call period and the call is either exercised or sold at a profit. If the call is not exercised or sold (whether or not at a profit), it will become worthless at its expiration date and a Fund will lose its premium payment and the right to purchase the related investment.
Put Options on Securities. When a Fund buys a put, it pays a premium and has the right to sell the related investment to the seller of the put during the put period (usually not more than nine months) at a fixed exercise price. Buying a protective put permits a Fund to protect itself during the put period against a decline in the value of the related investment below the exercise price by having the right to sell the investment through the exercise of the put.
When a Fund writes a put option it receives a premium and has the same obligations to a purchaser of such a put as are indicated above as its rights when it purchases such a put. A profit or loss will be realized depending on the amount of option transaction costs and whether the premium previously received is more or less than the put purchased in a closing purchase transaction. A profit may also be realized if the put lapses unexercised, because a Fund retains the premium received. All put options written by a Fund must be “covered.” For a put to be “covered,” a Fund must maintain cash or liquid securities equal to the option price.
Options on Securities Indices. Each Fund may purchase and write (sell) covered call and put options on securities indices listed on U.S. securities exchanges or traded in the OTC market. A securities index option written by a Fund would obligate it, upon exercise of the options, to pay a case settlement, rather than to deliver or purchase actual securities, to the option holder. Although a Fund will not ordinarily own all of the securities comprising the indices on which it writes call and put options, such options will usually be written on those indices which correspond most closely to the composition of the Fund’s portfolio. Each Fund may purchase or sell call and put options in order to terminate its obligations under options it has written.
Debt Futures
The Funds may invest in futures contracts on debt securities (“Debt Futures”) or options on Debt Futures.
A futures contract is a commitment to buy or sell a specific product at a currently determined market price, for delivery at a predetermined future date. The futures contract is uniform as to quantity, quality and delivery time for a specified underlying product. The commitment is executed in a designated
contract market - a futures exchange - that maintains facilities for continuous trading. The buyer and seller of the futures contract are both required to make a deposit of cash or U.S. Treasury Bills with their brokers equal to a varying specified percentage of the contract amount; the deposit is known as initial margin. Since ownership of the underlying product is not being transferred, the margin deposit is not a down payment; it is a security deposit to protect against nonperformance of the contract. No credit is being extended, and no interest expense accrues on the non-margined value of the contract. The contract is marked to market every day, and the profits and losses resulting from the daily change are reflected in the accounts of the buyer and seller of the contract. A profit in excess of the initial deposit can be withdrawn, but a loss may require an additional payment, known as variation margin, if the loss causes the equity in the account to fall below an established maintenance level. The Funds will maintain cash or liquid securities sufficient to cover their obligations under each futures contract that they have entered into.
To liquidate a futures position before the contract expiration date, a buyer simply sells the contract, and the seller of the contract simply buys the contract, on the futures exchange. However, the entire value of the contract does not change hands; only the gains and losses on the contract since the preceding day are credited and debited to the accounts of the buyers and sellers, just as on every other preceding trading day, and the positions are closed out.
One risk in employing Debt Futures to attempt to protect against declines in the value of the securities held by the Funds is the possibility that the prices of Debt Futures will correlate imperfectly with the behavior of the market value of the Funds’ securities. The ordinary spreads between prices in the cash and futures markets, due to differences in those markets, are subject to distortions. First, all participants in the futures market are subject to margin deposit and maintenance requirements. Rather than meeting additional margin deposit requirements, investors may close futures contracts through off-setting transactions which could distort the normal relationship between the cash and futures markets. Second, the liquidity of the futures market depends on participants entering into offsetting transactions rather than making or taking delivery. To the extent participants decide to make or take delivery, liquidity in the futures market could be reduced, thus producing distortion. The liquidity of the Debt Futures being considered for purchase or sale by the Funds will be a factor in their selection by the Adviser.
Third, from the point of view of speculators the deposit requirements in the futures market are less onerous than margin requirements in the securities market. Therefore, increased participation by speculators in the futures market may cause temporary price distortions.
It is possible that, where the Funds have sold Debt Futures in a short hedge, the market may advance but the value of the securities held by the Funds may decline. If this occurred, the Funds would lose money on the Debt Future and also experience a decline in the value of their securities.
Where Debt Futures are purchased in a long hedge, it is possible that the market may decline; if the Funds then decide not to invest in securities at that time because of concern as to possible further market decline or for other reasons, the Funds will realize a loss on the Debt Future that is not offset by a reduction in the price of any securities purchased.
Options on Debt Futures
Options on Debt Futures are similar to options on securities, except that the related investment is not a security, but a Debt Future. Thus, the buyer of a call option obtains the right to purchase a Debt Future at a specified price during the life of the option, and the buyer of a put option obtains the right to sell a Debt Future at a specified price during the life of the option. The options are traded on an expiration cycle based on the expiration cycle of the underlying Debt Future. Each Fund may buy options on debt futures and may also write (sell) covered call and put options on debt futures.
The risks of options on Debt Futures are similar to those of options on securities and also include the risks inherent in the underlying Debt Futures.
Special Risks of Hedging Strategies
Participation in the options or futures markets involves investment risks and transactions costs to which the Funds would not be subject absent the use of these strategies. In particular, the loss from investing in futures contracts is potentially unlimited. If the Adviser’s prediction of movements in the securities and interest rate markets is inaccurate, the Funds could be in a worse position than if such strategies were not used. Risks inherent in the use of options, futures contracts and options on futures contracts include: (1) dependence on the Adviser’s ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of interest rates, securities prices and currency markets; (2) imperfect correlation between the price of options and futures contracts and options thereon and movements in the prices of the securities being hedged; (3) the fact that skills needed to use these strategies are different from those needed to select portfolio securities; and (4) the possible absence of a liquid secondary market for any particular instrument at any time.
Limitations on Options and Futures
Transactions in options by the Funds will be subject to limitations established by each of the exchanges governing the maximum number of options which may be written or held by a single investor or group of investors acting in concert, regardless of whether the options are written or held on the same or different exchanges or are written or held in one or more accounts or through one or more brokers. Thus, the number of options which the Funds may write or hold may be affected by options written or held by other investment advisory clients of the Adviser and its affiliates. Position limits also apply to Debt Futures. An exchange may order the liquidations of positions found to be in excess of these limits, and it may impose certain sanctions. The Funds may be required to establish segregated accounts when they enter into certain options or futures, in which they will maintain cash and/or liquid securities that are equal in value to the obligations in the applicable option or future.
The SEC adopted a final rule related to the use of derivatives, short sales, reverse repurchase agreements and certain other transactions by registered investment companies that rescinds and withdraws the guidance of the SEC and its staff regarding asset segregation and cover transactions. The final rule requires a Fund that trades derivatives and other transactions which create future payment or delivery obligations (except reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions) be subject to a value-at-risk (“VaR”) leverage limit and certain derivatives risk management program and reporting requirements. Generally, these requirements apply unless a Fund qualifies as a “limited derivatives user,” as defined in the final rule. Under the final rule, when a Fund trades reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions, including certain tender option bonds, it needs to aggregate the amount of indebtedness associated with the reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions with the aggregate amount of any other senior securities representing indebtedness when calculating the Fund’s asset coverage ratio or treat all such transactions as derivatives transactions. Reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions aggregated with other indebtedness do not need to be included in the calculation of whether a Fund is a limited derivatives user, but for Funds subject to the VaR testing, reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions must be included for purposes of such testing whether treated as derivatives transactions or not. These requirements may limit the ability of a Fund to use derivatives and reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions as part of its investment strategies. These requirements may increase the cost of a Fund’s investments and cost of doing business, which could adversely affect investors.
Each of the Funds is classified as a limited derivatives user under Rule 18f-4 of the 1940 Act. As a limited derivatives user each Fund’s derivatives exposure, excluding certain currency and interest rate hedging transactions, may not exceed 10% of its net assets. This restriction is not fundamental and may be changed by a Fund without a shareholder vote.
Temporary Investments
The Funds may invest in cash and money market securities. Money market securities include treasury bills, short-term investment-grade fixed income securities, bankers’ acceptances, commercial paper, commercial paper master notes and repurchase agreements. The Funds may do so to have assets available to pay expenses, satisfy redemption requests or take advantage of investment opportunities. The Funds may invest in shares of other investment companies. The Funds may invest in money market mutual funds in connection with their management of daily cash positions and for temporary defensive purposes. The Funds currently intend to limit their investments in securities issued by other investment companies (except for money market funds) so that not more than 3% of the outstanding voting stock of any one investment company will be owned by a Fund, or its affiliated persons, as a whole. In addition to the advisory and operational fees a Fund bears directly in connection with its own operation, the Funds would also bear their pro rata portions of each other investment company’s advisory and operational expenses.
The Funds may invest in commercial paper or commercial paper master notes rated, at the time of purchase, within the two highest rating categories by a nationally recognized securities rating organization.
The Funds may enter into repurchase agreements. A repurchase agreement transaction occurs when, at the time a Fund purchases a security, the Fund agrees to resell it to the vendor (normally a commercial bank or a broker-dealer) on an agreed upon date in the future. Such securities are referred to as the “Resold Securities.” The Adviser will consider the creditworthiness of any vendor of repurchase agreements. The resale price will be in excess of the purchase price in that it reflects an agreed upon market interest rate effective for the period of time during which the Fund’s money is invested in the Resold Securities. The majority of these transactions run from day to day, and the delivery pursuant to the resale typically will occur within one to five days of the purchase. A Fund’s risk is limited to the ability of the vendor to pay the agreed-upon sum upon the delivery date; in the event of bankruptcy or other default by the vendor, there may be possible delays and expenses in liquidating the instrument purchased, decline in its value and loss of interest. These risks are minimized when a Fund holds a perfected security interest in the Resold Securities and can therefore resell the instrument promptly. Repurchase agreements can be considered as loans “collateralized” by the Resold Securities, such agreements being defined as “loans” in the 1940 Act. The return on such “collateral” may be more or less than that from the repurchase agreement. The Resold Securities will be marked to market every business day so that the value of the “collateral” is at least equal to the value of the loan, including the accrued interest earned thereon. All Resold Securities will be held by the Funds’ custodian or another bank either directly or through a securities depository.
Investment Company Securities
The Funds may invest in shares of other investment companies or mutual funds, including exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”). For example, a Fund may invest in money market mutual funds in connection with its management of daily cash positions and for temporary defensive purposes. The Funds currently intend to limit their investments in securities issued by other investment companies (except for money market funds) so that not more than 3% of the outstanding voting shares of any one investment company will be owned by a Fund, or its affiliated persons, as a whole. A Fund may invest unlimited amounts in money market funds for management of its daily cash position, subject to certain conditions. In addition to the advisory and operational fees a Fund bears directly in connection with its own operation, the Fund would also bear its pro rata portions of each other investment company’s advisory and operational expenses.
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.
The Funds may rely on Section 12(d)(1)(F) and Rule 12d1-3 of the 1940 Act, which provide an exemption from Section 12(d)(1) that allows a Fund to invest all of its assets in other registered funds, including ETFs, if, among other conditions: (a) a Fund, together with its affiliates, acquires no more than 3% percent of the outstanding voting stock of any acquired fund, and (b) the sales load charged on the Fund’s shares is no greater than the limits set forth in Rule 2341 of the Conduct Rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) applicable to a fund of funds (e.g, 8.5%). In accordance with Rule 12d1-1 under the 1940 Act, the provisions of Section 12(d)(1) shall not apply to shares of money market funds purchased by a Fund, whether or not for temporary defensive purposes, provided that the Fund does not pay a sales charge, distribution fee or service fee as defined in Rule 2341 of the Conduct Rules of FINRA on acquired money market fund shares (or the Adviser must waive its advisory fees in amount necessary to offset any sales charge, distribution fee or service fee).
Rule 12d1-4 permits additional types of fund of fund arrangements without an exemptive order. The rule imposes certain conditions, including limits on control and voting of acquired funds’ shares, evaluations and findings by investment advisers, fund investment agreements, and limits on most three-tier fund structures.
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 index 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, a 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, a Fund’s investment in ETFs is also subject to its limitations on investments in investment companies discussed above. To the extent a 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 a 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 NAV per share.
As a purchaser of ETF shares on the secondary market, a 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. ETFs that seek to replicate a particular benchmark index are subject to “tracking risk” which is the risk that an ETF will not be able to replicate exactly the performance of the index it tracks. Unlike traditional mutual funds, shares of an ETF may also be purchased and redeemed directly from the ETFs only in large blocks and only through participating organizations that have entered into contractual agreements with the ETF. The Funds do not expect to enter into such agreements and therefore will not be able to purchase and redeem their ETF shares directly from the ETF.
U.S. Government Securities and Mortgage-Backed Securities
As used in this SAI, the term “U.S. government securities” means securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities.
Securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government include a variety of Treasury securities (i.e., securities issued by the U.S. government) that differ only in their interest rates, maturities and dates of issuance. Treasury Bills have maturities of one year or less. Treasury Notes have maturities of one to ten years, and Treasury Bonds generally have maturities of greater than ten years at the date of issuance.
Zero coupon Treasury securities consist of Treasury Notes and Bonds that have been stripped of their unmatured interest coupons.
U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities which issue or guarantee securities include, but are not limited to, the Federal Housing Administration, Federal National Mortgage Association, Farmers Home Administration, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Small Business Administration, Government National Mortgage Association, General Services Administration, Central Bank for Cooperatives, Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, Federal Land Banks, Maritime Administration, Tennessee Valley Authority, District of Columbia Armory Board, the Inter-American Development Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the Student Loan Marketing Association and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
Except for U.S. Treasury securities, obligations of U.S. government agencies and instrumentalities may or may not be supported by the full faith and credit of the United States. Some are backed by the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury; others by discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase the agencies’ obligations; while still others, such as the Student Loan Marketing Association, are supported only by the credit of the instrumentality. In the case of securities not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, the investor must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment, and may not be able to assert a claim against the United States itself in the event the agency or instrumentality does not meet its commitment. If the Funds elect to invest in U.S. government securities, then they will invest in securities of such instrumentality only when the Adviser is satisfied that the credit risk with respect to any instrumentality is acceptable.
Among the U.S. government securities that the Funds may purchase are “mortgage-backed securities” of the Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) and the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”). These mortgage-backed securities include “pass-through” securities and “participation certificates;” both are similar, representing pools of mortgages that are assembled, with interests sold in the pool; the assembly is made by an “issuer” which assembles the mortgages in the pool and passes through payments of principal and interest for a fee payable to it. Payments of principal and interest by individual mortgagors are “passed through” to the holders of the interest in the pool. Thus, the monthly or other regular payments on pass-through securities and participation certificates include payments of principal (including prepayments on mortgages in the pool) rather than only interest payments. Another type of mortgage-backed security is the “collateralized mortgage obligation” or “CMO,” which is similar to a conventional bond (in that it makes fixed interest payments and has an established maturity date) and is secured by groups of individual mortgages. Timely payment of principal and interest on Ginnie Mae pass-throughs is guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the United States, but their yield is not guaranteed. Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae are both instrumentalities of the U.S. government, but their obligations are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. It is possible that the availability and the marketability (i.e., liquidity) of these securities discussed in this paragraph could be adversely affected by actions of the U.S. government to tighten the availability of its credit or to affect adversely the tax effects of owning them.
Mortgage loans are subject to a variety of state and federal regulations designed to protect mortgagors, which may impair the ability of the mortgage lender to enforce its rights under the mortgage documents. These regulations include legal restraints on foreclosures, homeowner rights of redemption after foreclosure, federal and state bankruptcy and debtor relief laws, restrictions on enforcement of mortgage loan “due on sale” clauses and state usury laws. Even though the Funds may invest in Mortgage-Backed Securities which are U.S. government securities, these regulations may adversely affect the Funds’ investments by delaying the Funds’ receipt of payments derived from principal or interest on mortgage loans affected by such regulations.
Events Regarding Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Securities. On September 6, 2008, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (“FHFA”) placed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac into conservatorship. As the conservator, FHFA succeeded to all rights, titles, powers and privileges of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and of any stockholder, officer or director of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac with respect to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and the assets of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are continuing to operate as going concerns while in conservatorship and each remain liable for all of its obligations, including its guaranty obligations, associated with its mortgage-backed securities. The FHFA has indicated that the conservatorship of each enterprise will end when the director of FHFA determines that FHFA’s plan to restore the enterprise to a safe and solvent condition has been completed.
Under the Federal Housing Finance Regulatory Reform Act of 2008 (the “Reform Act”), which was included as part of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, FHFA, as conservator or receiver, has the power to repudiate any contract entered into by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac prior to FHFA’s appointment as conservator or receiver, as applicable, if FHFA determines, in its sole discretion, that performance of the contract is burdensome and that repudiation of the contract promotes the orderly administration of Fannie Mae’s or Freddie Mac’s affairs.
The Reform Act requires FHFA to exercise its right to repudiate any contract within a reasonable period of time after its appointment as conservator or receiver. FHFA, in its capacity as conservator, has indicated that it has no intention to repudiate the guaranty obligations of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac because FHFA views repudiation as incompatible with the goals of the conservatorship. However, in the event that FHFA, as conservator or if it is later appointed as receiver for Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, were to repudiate any such guaranty obligation, the conservatorship or receivership estate, as applicable, would be liable for actual direct compensatory damages in accordance with the provisions of the Reform Act. Any such liability could be satisfied only to the extent of Fannie Mae’s or Freddie Mac’s assets available therefor. In the event of repudiation, the payments of interest to holders of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac mortgage-backed securities would be reduced if payments on the mortgage loans represented in the mortgage loan groups related to such mortgage-backed securities are not made by the borrowers or advanced by the servicer. Any actual direct compensatory damages for repudiating these guaranty obligations may not be sufficient to offset any shortfalls experienced by such mortgage-backed security holders. Further, in its capacity as conservator or receiver, FHFA has the right to transfer or sell any asset or liability of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac without any approval, assignment or consent. Although FHFA has stated that it has no present intention to do so, if FHFA, as conservator or receiver, were to transfer any such guaranty obligation to another party, holders of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac mortgage-backed securities would have to rely on that party for satisfaction of the guaranty obligation and would be exposed to the credit risk of that party.
In addition, certain rights provided to holders of mortgage-backed securities issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac under the operative documents related to such securities may not be enforced against FHFA, or enforcement of such rights may be delayed, during the conservatorship or any future receivership. The operative documents for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac mortgage-backed securities may provide (or with respect to securities issued prior to the date of the appointment of the conservator may have provided) that upon the occurrence of an event of default on the part of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, in its capacity as guarantor, which includes the appointment of a conservator or receiver, holders of such mortgage-backed securities have the right to replace Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac as trustee if the requisite percentage of mortgage-backed securities holders consent. The Reform Act prevents mortgage-backed security holders from enforcing such rights if the event of default arises solely because a conservator or receiver has been appointed. The Reform Act also provides that no person may exercise any right or power to terminate, accelerate or declare an event of default under certain contracts to which Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac is a
party, or obtain possession of or exercise control over any property of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, or affect any contractual rights of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, without the approval of FHFA, as conservator or receiver, for a period of 45 or 90 days following the appointment of FHFA as conservator or receiver, respectively.
In October 2012, FHFA released a white paper, Building a New Infrastructure for the Secondary Mortgage Market, proposing a framework for a common securitization platform and an improved contractual and disclosure framework and requested public input. The white paper sought to identify the core components of mortgage securitization that will be needed in the housing finance system in the future. Along with the white paper, FHFA joined Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in outreach to a full range of stakeholders, including a variety of industry participants – small and large companies, trade groups, advocacy organizations, vendors, originators, servicers, investors, and mortgage issuers, among others. FHFA has worked with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to use the feedback gathered on the securitization platform prototype, to align key contractual features and practices, and address additional protections investors require.
FHFA has stated that long-term, continued operation in a government-run conservatorship is not sustainable for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac because each company lacks capital, cannot rebuild its capital base, and is operating on a remaining, finite line of capital from taxpayers. However, FHFA has stated that it will continue to carry out its responsibilities as conservator until Congress determines the future of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Investment Characteristics of MBS
The investment characteristics of adjustable and fixed rate mortgage-backed securities differ from those of traditional fixed income securities. The major differences include the payment of interest and principal on mortgage-backed securities on a more frequent (usually monthly) schedule, and the possibility that principal may be prepaid at any time due to prepayments on the underlying mortgage loans or other assets. These differences can result in significantly greater price and yield volatility than is the case with traditional fixed income securities. As a result, if the Funds purchase mortgage-backed securities at a premium, a faster than expected prepayment rate will reduce both the market value and the yield to maturity from those which were anticipated. A prepayment rate that is slower than expected will have the opposite effect of increasing yield to maturity and market value. Conversely, if the Funds purchase mortgage-backed securities at a discount, faster than expected prepayments will increase, while slower than expected prepayments will reduce, yield to maturity and market value.
Prepayments
Prepayments on a pool of mortgage loans are influenced by a variety of factors, including economic conditions, changes in mortgagors’ housing needs, job transfer, unemployment, mortgagors’ net equity in the mortgage properties and servicing decisions. The timing and level of prepayments cannot be predicted. Generally, however, prepayments on adjustable rate mortgage loans and fixed rate mortgage loans will increase during a period of falling mortgage interest rates and decrease during a period of rising mortgage interest rates. Accordingly, the amounts of prepayments available for reinvestment by the Funds are likely to be greater during a period of declining mortgage interest rates. If general interest rates also decline, such prepayments are likely to be reinvested at lower interest rates than the Funds were earning on the mortgage-backed securities that were prepaid.
Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loans
Certain mortgage loans underlying the mortgage-backed securities in which the Funds may invest will be adjustable rate mortgage loans (“ARMs”). ARMs eligible for inclusion in a mortgage pool will generally provide for a fixed initial mortgage interest rate for a specified period of time. Thereafter, the interest rates (the “Mortgage Interest Rates”) may be subject to periodic adjustment based on changes in the applicable index rate (the “Index Rate”). The adjusted rate would be equal to the Index Rate plus a gross margin, which is a fixed percentage spread over the Index Rate established for each ARM at the time of its origination.
There are two main categories of indexes which provide the basis for rate adjustments on ARMs: those based on U.S. Treasury securities and those derived from a calculated measure such as a cost of funds index or a moving average of mortgage rates. Commonly utilized indexes include the one-year, three-year and five-year constant maturity Treasury rates, the three-month Treasury Bill rate, the 180-day Treasury bill rate, rates on longer-term Treasury securities, the 11th District Federal Home Loan Bank Cost of Funds, the National Median Cost of Funds, the one-month, three-month, six-month or one year London Interbank Offered Rate, the prime rate of a specific bank, or commercial paper rates. Some indexes, such as the one-year constant maturity Treasury rate, closely mirror changes in market interest rate levels. Others, such as the 11th District Federal Home Loan Bank Cost of Funds index, tend to lag behind changes in market rate levels and tend to be somewhat less volatile. The degree of volatility in the market value of the Funds’ portfolios and therefore in the NAV per share of the Fund will be a function of the length of the interest rate reset periods and the degree of volatility in the applicable indexes.
Adjustable interest rates can cause payment increases that some mortgagors may find difficult to make. However, certain ARMs may provide that the Mortgage Interest Rate may not be adjusted to a rate above an applicable lifetime maximum rate or below an applicable lifetime minimum rate for such ARMs. Certain ARMs may also be subject to limitations on the maximum amount by which the Mortgage Interest Rate may adjust for any single adjustment period. Other ARMs (“Negatively Amortizing ARMs”) may provide instead or as well for limitations on changes in the monthly payment on such ARMs. Limitations on monthly payments can result in monthly payments which are greater or less than the amount necessary to amortize a Negatively Amortizing ARM by its maturity at the Mortgage Interest Rate in effect in any particular month. In the event that a monthly payment is not sufficient to pay the interest accruing on a Negatively Amortizing ARM, any such excess interest is added to the principal balance of the loan, causing negative amortization, and is repaid through future monthly payments. It may take borrowers under Negatively Amortizing ARMs longer periods of time to achieve equity and may increase the likelihood of default by such borrowers. In the event that a monthly payment exceeds the sum of the interest accrued at the applicable Mortgage Interest Rate and the principal payment which would have been necessary to amortize the outstanding principal balance over the remaining term of the loan, the excess (or “accelerated amortization”) further reduces the principal balance of the ARM. Negatively Amortizing ARMs do not provide for the extension of their original maturity to accommodate changes in their Mortgage Interest Rate. As a result, unless there is a periodic recalculation of the payment amount (which there generally is), the final payment may be substantially larger than the other payments. These limitations on periodic increases in interest rates and on changes in monthly payments protect borrowers from unlimited interest rate and payment increases.
The mortgage loans underlying other mortgage-backed securities in which the Funds may invest will be fixed rate mortgage loans. Generally, fixed rate mortgage loans eligible for inclusion in a mortgage pool will bear simple interest at fixed annual rates and have original terms to maturity ranging from 5 to 40 years. Fixed rate mortgage loans generally provide for monthly payments of principal and interest in substantially equal installments for the contractual term of the mortgage note in sufficient amounts to
fully amortize principal by maturity although certain fixed rate mortgage loans provide for a large final “balloon” payment upon maturity.
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (“CMO”)
CMOs are issued in multiple classes. Each class of CMOs, often referred to as a “tranche,” is issued at a specific adjustable or fixed interest rate and must be fully retired no later than its final distribution date. Principal prepayments on the mortgage loans or other assets (“Mortgage Assets”) underlying the CMOs may cause some or all of the class of CMOs to be retired substantially earlier than their final distribution dates. Generally, interest is paid or accrued on all classes of CMOs on a monthly basis.
The principal of and interest on the Mortgage Assets may be allocated among the several classes of CMOs in various ways. In certain structures (known as “sequential pay” CMOs), payments of principal, including any principal prepayments, on the Mortgage Assets generally are applied to the classes of CMOs in the order of their respective final distribution dates. Thus, no payment of principal will be made on any class of sequential pay CMOs until all other classes having an earlier final distribution date have been paid in full.
Additional structures of CMOs include, among others, “parallel pay” CMOs. Parallel pay CMOs are those which are structured to apply principal payments and prepayments of the Mortgage Assets to two or more classes concurrently on a proportionate or disproportionate basis. These simultaneous payments are taken into account in calculating the final distribution date of each class.
Stripped Mortgage-Backed U.S. Government Securities
The Funds may invest in stripped mortgage-backed U.S. government securities (“SMBS”). SMBS are usually structured with two classes that receive different proportions of the interest and principal distributions from a pool of Mortgage Assets. A common type of SMBS will have one class receiving all of the interest from the Mortgage Assets, while the other class will receive all of the principal. However, in some instances, one class will receive some of the interest and most of the principal while the other class will receive most of the interest and the remainder of the principal. If the underlying Mortgage Assets experience greater than anticipated prepayments of principal, the Funds may fail to fully recover their initial investment in these securities. Certain SMBS may not be readily marketable and will be considered illiquid for purposes of the Funds’ limitation on investments in illiquid securities. Whether SMBS are liquid or illiquid will be determined in accordance with guidelines established by the Board. The market value of the class consisting entirely of principal payments generally is unusually volatile in response to changes in interest rates. The yield on a class of SMBS that receives all or most of the interest from Mortgage Assets are generally higher than prevailing market yields on other mortgage-backed securities because their cash flow patterns are more volatile and there is a greater risk that the initial investment will not be fully recouped.
Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed Securities – High Yield (MACS) Fund
Mortgage-related securities include mortgage pass-through securities, collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”), commercial mortgage-backed securities, mortgage dollar rolls, CMO residuals, SMBSs and other securities that directly or indirectly represent a participation in, or are secured by and payable from, mortgage loans on real property.
The value of some mortgage- or asset-backed securities may be particularly sensitive to changes in prevailing interest rates. Early repayment of principal on some mortgage-related securities may expose a Fund to a lower rate of return upon reinvestment of principal. When interest rates rise, the value of a mortgage-related security generally will decline; however, when interest rates are declining, the value of
mortgage-related securities with prepayment features may not increase as much as other fixed income securities. The rate of prepayments on underlying mortgages will affect the price and volatility of a mortgage-related security, and may shorten or extend the effective maturity of the security beyond what was anticipated at the time of purchase. If unanticipated rates of prepayment on underlying mortgages increase the effective maturity of a mortgage-related security, the volatility of the security can be expected to increase. The value of these securities may fluctuate in response to the market’s perception of the creditworthiness of the issuers. Additionally, although mortgages and mortgage-related securities are generally supported by some form of government or private guarantee and/or insurance, there is no assurance that private guarantors or insurers will meet their obligations.
One type of SMBS has one class receiving all of the interest from the mortgage assets (the interest-only, or “IO” class), while the other class will receive all of the principal (the principal-only, or “PO” class). The yield to maturity on an IO class is extremely sensitive to the rate of principal payments (including prepayments) on the underlying mortgage assets, and a rapid rate of principal payments may have a material adverse effect on a Fund’s yield to maturity from these securities. The Fund may invest up to 5% of its total assets in any combination of mortgage-related or other asset-backed IO, PO, or inverse floater securities.
The Fund may invest in collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”), which includes collateralized bond obligations (“CBOs”), collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”) and other similarly structured securities. CBOs and CLOs are types of asset-backed securities. A CBO is a trust which is backed by a diversified pool of high-risk, below investment grade fixed-income securities. A CLO is a trust typically collateralized by a pool of loans, which may include, among others, domestic and foreign senior secured loans, senior unsecured loans, and subordinate corporate loans, including loans that may be rated below investment grade or equivalent unrated loans. The Fund may invest in other asset-backed securities that have been offered to investors.
Structured Notes – High Yield (MACS) Fund
The Fund may invest in structured notes and indexed securities whose value depends upon, or is derived from the value of an underlying asset, reference rate or index, and may relate to stocks, bonds, interest rates, currencies or currency exchange rates, commodities, and related indexes.
Structured notes are derivative debt securities, the interest rate or principal of which is determined by an unrelated indicator. Indexed securities include structured notes as well as securities other than debt securities, the interest rate or principal of which is determined by an unrelated indicator. Indexed securities may include a multiplier that multiplies the indexed element by a specified factor and, therefore, the value of such securities may be very volatile. Structured or indexed securities may be more volatile, less liquid, and more difficult to accurately price than less complex securities or more traditional debt securities. To the extent the Fund invests in these securities, however, the Adviser analyzes these securities in its overall assessment of the effective duration of a Fund’s portfolio in an effort to monitor each Fund’s interest rate risk.
Payment-in-Kind Securities – High Yield (MACS) Fund
The Fund may also purchase Payment-in-Kind (“PIK”) securities. PIK securities are financial instruments that pay investors in the form of additional securities rather than cash coupons. Like zero-coupon bonds, they give a company breathing room before having to make cash outlays, offering in return rich yields. PIKs can be bonds, notes, or preferred stocks with interest or dividends paid in securities rather than cash. The securities used to pay the interest or dividends are usually identical to the underlying securities, but occasionally they have different terms.
Municipal Bonds – High Yield (MACS) Fund
Municipal bonds are generally issued by states and local governments and their agencies, authorities and other instrumentalities. Municipal bonds are subject to interest rate, credit and market risk. The ability of an issuer to make payments could be affected by litigation, legislation or other political events or the bankruptcy of the issuer. Lower-rated municipal bonds are subject to greater credit and market risk than higher quality municipal bonds. The types of municipal bonds in which a Fund may invest include municipal lease obligations. The Fund may also invest in industrial development bonds, which are municipal bonds issued by a government agency on behalf of a private sector company and, in most cases, are not backed by the credit of the issuing municipality and may therefore involve more risk. The Fund may also invest in securities issued by entities whose underlying assets are municipal bonds.
The Fund may invest, without limitation, in residual interest bonds (“RIBs”), which brokers create by depositing municipal bonds in trusts. The trusts in turn issue variable rate securities and RIBs. The interest rate for the variable rate security is determined by an index or an auction process held approximately every 7 to 35 days, while the RIB holder receives the balance of the income from the underlying municipal bond less an auction fee. The market prices of RIBs may be highly sensitive to changes in market rates and may decrease significantly when market rates increase.
In a transaction in which a Fund purchases a RIB from a trust, and the underlying municipal bond was held by the Fund prior to being deposited into the trust, the Fund treats the transaction as a secured borrowing for financial reporting purposes. As a result, the Fund will incur a non-cash interest expense with respect to interest paid by the trust on the variable rate securities, and will recognize additional interest income in an amount directly corresponding to the non-cash interest expense. Therefore, the Fund’s NAV per share and performance are not affected by the non-cash interest expense. This accounting treatment does not apply to RIBs acquired by the Fund where the Fund did not previously own the underlying municipal bond.
Event-Linked Exposure – High Yield (MACS) Fund
The Fund may obtain event-linked exposure by investing in “event-linked bonds” or “event-linked swaps” or implement “event-linked strategies.” Event-linked exposure results in gains or losses that typically are contingent, or formulaically related to, defined trigger events. Examples of trigger events include hurricanes, earthquakes, weather-related phenomena, or statistics relating to such events. Some event-linked bonds are commonly referred to as “catastrophe bonds.” If a trigger event occurs, a Fund may lose a portion or its entire principal invested in the bond or notional amount on a swap. Event-linked exposure often provides for an extension of maturity to process and audit loss claims where a trigger event has, or possibly has, occurred. An extension of maturity may increase volatility. Event-linked exposure may also expose a Fund to certain unanticipated risks including credit risk, counterparty risk, adverse regulatory or jurisdictional interpretations, and adverse tax consequences. Event-linked exposures may also be subject to liquidity risk.
Preferred Stocks – High Yield (MACS) Fund
The Fund may invest in preferred stocks. A preferred stock blends the characteristics of a bond and common stock. It can offer the fixed dividends of a bond and the equity ownership of a common stock. Unlike common stock, its participation in the issuer’s growth may be limited. Preferred stock has priority claim over common stock: (a) in the receipt of dividends, and (b) should the issuer be dissolved, in any residual assets after payment to creditors. Although the dividend is set at a fixed annual rate, in some circumstances it can be changed or omitted by the issuer.
Convertible Securities – High Yield (MACS) Fund
The Fund may also invest in convertible securities. Convertible securities include corporate bonds, notes and preferred stocks that may be converted into or exchanged for common stock of the issuing company
within a certain period of time, for a specified number of shares, and other securities that also provide an opportunity for equity participation. These securities are convertible either at a stated price or a stated rate (that is, for a specific number of shares of common stock or other security). As with other fixed income securities, the price of a convertible security generally varies inversely with interest rates. While providing a fixed income stream, a convertible security also affords the investor an opportunity, through its conversion feature, to participate in the capital appreciation of the common stock into which it is convertible. As the market price of the underlying common stock declines, convertible securities tend to trade increasingly on a yield basis and so may not experience market value declines to the same extent as the underlying common stock. When the market price of the underlying common stock increases, the price of a convertible security tends to rise as a reflection of higher yield or capital appreciation. In such situations, the Fund may have to pay more for a convertible security than the value of the underlying common stock.
Foreign Securities – BBB Bond Fund and High Yield (MACS) Fund
The BBB Bond Fund may not invest more than 50% of its total assets in securities of foreign issuers denominated in U.S. dollars, including issuers in emerging markets. All foreign-issued securities owned by the BBB Bond Fund are U.S. dollar denominated and held by the Fund’s domestic custodian. The High Yield (MACS) Fund may also invest in foreign securities, including up to 5% of its net assets in securities denominated in foreign currencies. There are risks in investing in foreign securities. Foreign economies may differ from the U.S. economy; individual foreign companies may differ from domestic companies in the same industry; foreign currencies may be stronger or weaker than the U.S. dollar.
An investment may be affected by changes in currency rates and in exchange control regulations, and a Fund may incur transaction costs in exchanging currencies. For example, at times when the assets of a Fund are invested in securities denominated in foreign currencies, investors can expect that the value of such investments will tend to increase when the value of the U.S. dollar is decreasing against such currencies. Conversely, a tendency toward a decline in the value of such investments can be expected when the value of the U.S. dollar is increasing against such currencies.
Foreign companies or entities are frequently not subject to accounting and financial reporting standards applicable to domestic companies, and there may be less information available about foreign issuers. Securities of foreign issuers are generally less liquid and more volatile than those of comparable domestic issuers. There is frequently less government regulation of broker-dealers and issuers than in the United States. The costs associated with securities transactions are generally higher than in the United States. In addition, investments in foreign countries are subject to the possibility of expropriation, confiscatory taxation, political or social instability or diplomatic developments that could adversely affect the value of those investments.
Most foreign securities owned by a Fund are held by foreign sub-custodians that satisfy certain eligibility requirements. However, foreign sub-custodian arrangements are significantly more expensive than domestic custody. In addition, foreign settlement of securities transactions is subject to local law and custom that is not, generally, as well established or as reliable as U.S. regulation and custom applicable to settlements of securities transactions and, accordingly, there is generally perceived to be a greater risk of loss in connection with securities transactions in many foreign countries.
A Fund may invest in securities of companies in countries with emerging economies or securities markets (“Emerging Markets”). Investment in Emerging Markets involves risks in addition to those generally associated with investments in foreign securities. Political and economic structures in many Emerging Markets may be undergoing significant evolution and rapid development, and such countries may lack the social, political and economic stability characteristics of more developed countries. As a result, the risks described above relating to investments in foreign securities, including the risks of nationalization or
expropriation of assets may be heightened. In addition, unanticipated political or social developments may affect the values of the investments of a Fund and the availability to the Fund of additional investments in such Emerging Markets. The small size and inexperience of the securities markets in certain Emerging Markets and the limited volume of trading in securities in those markets may make the Fund’s investments in such countries less liquid and more volatile than investments in countries with more developed securities markets (such as the U.S., Japan and most Western European countries).
To manage the currency risk accompanying investments in foreign securities and to facilitate the purchase and sale of foreign securities, a Fund may engage in foreign currency transactions on a spot (cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market or through entering into contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies at a future date (“forward foreign currency” contracts or “forward” contracts).
A forward foreign currency contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. These contracts are principally traded in the inter-bank market conducted directly between currency traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers. A forward contract generally has no deposit requirement and no commissions are charged at any stage for trades.
When a Fund enters into a contract for the purchase or sale of a security denominated in a foreign currency, it may desire to “lock in” the U.S. dollar price of the security (transaction hedging). By entering into a forward contract for the purchase or sale of a fixed amount of U.S. dollars equal to the amount of foreign currency involved in the underlying security transaction, the Fund can protect itself against a possible loss, resulting from an adverse change in the relationship between the U.S. dollar and the subject foreign currency during the period between the date the security is purchased or sold and the date on which the payment is made or received.
When the Adviser believes that a particular foreign currency may suffer a substantial decline against the U.S. dollar, it may enter into a forward contract to sell a fixed amount of the foreign currency approximating the value of some or all of the portfolio securities of a Fund denominated in such foreign currency (position hedging). The precise matching of the forward contract amounts and the value of the securities involved will not generally be possible since the future value of such securities in foreign currencies will change as a consequence of market movements in the value of those securities between the date the forward contract is entered into and the date it matures. The projection of short-term currency market movement is extremely difficult and the successful execution of a short-term hedging strategy is highly uncertain. A Fund will not enter into such forward contracts or maintain a net exposure to such contracts where the consummation of the contracts would obligate the Fund to deliver an amount of foreign currency in excess of the value of the Fund’s securities or other assets denominated in that currency. Under normal circumstances, the Adviser considers the long-term prospects for a particular currency and incorporates the prospect into its overall long-term diversification strategies. The Adviser believes that it is important to have the flexibility to enter into such forward contracts when it determines that the best interests of a Fund will be served.
At the maturity of a forward contract, a Fund may either sell the portfolio securities and make delivery of the foreign currency, or it may retain the securities and terminate its contractual obligation to deliver the foreign currency by purchasing an “offsetting” contract obligating it to purchase, on the same maturity date, the same amount of foreign currency.
If a Fund retains the portfolio securities and engages in an offsetting transaction, the Fund will incur a gain or a loss to the extent that there has been movement in forward contract prices. If the Fund engages
in an offsetting transaction, it may subsequently enter into a forward contract to sell the foreign currency. Should forward prices decline during the period when the Fund entered into the forward contract for the sale of a foreign currency and the date it entered into an offsetting contract for the purchase of the foreign currency, the Fund will realize a gain to the extent the price of the currency it has agreed to sell exceeds the price of the currency it has agreed to purchase. Should forward prices increase, the Fund will suffer a loss to the extent that the price of the currency it has agreed to purchase exceeds the price of the currency it has agreed to sell.
Shareholders should note that: (1) foreign currency hedge transactions do not protect against or eliminate fluctuations in the prices of particular portfolio securities (i.e., if the price of such securities declines due to an issuer’s deteriorating credit situation); and (2) it is impossible to forecast with precision the market value of securities at the expiration of a forward contract. Accordingly, a Fund may have to purchase additional foreign currency on the spot market (and bear the expense of such purchase) if the market value of the Fund’s securities is less than the amount of the foreign currency upon expiration of the contract. Conversely, a Fund may have to sell some of its foreign currency received upon the sale of a portfolio security if the market value of the Fund’s securities exceeds the amount of foreign currency the Fund is obligated to deliver. Each Fund’s dealings in forward foreign currency exchange contracts will be limited to the transactions described above.
Although each Fund values its assets daily in terms of U.S. dollars, it does not intend to convert its holdings of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars on a daily basis. A Fund will do so from time to time and investors should be aware of the costs of currency conversion. Although foreign exchange dealers do not charge a fee for conversion, they realize a profit based on the difference (the “spread”) between the prices at which they are buying and selling various currencies. Thus, a dealer may offer to sell a foreign currency to the Fund at one rate, while offering a lesser rate of exchange should the Fund desire to resell that currency to the dealer.
A Fund may own a bond denominated in U.S. dollars and purchase a currency futures contract to increase its exposure to different foreign currencies. It may also sell a currency futures contract on the U.S. dollar to increase its exposure to various foreign currencies. The uses and risks of currency options and futures are similar to options and futures relating to securities or indexes, as discussed above. Currency futures contracts are similar to forward foreign currency contracts, except that they are traded on exchanges (and have margin requirements) and are standardized as to contract size and delivery date. Most currency futures contracts call for payment or delivery in U.S. dollars. The underlying instrument of a currency option may be a foreign currency, which generally is purchased or delivered in exchange for U.S. dollars, or may be a futures contract. The purchaser of a currency call obtains the right to purchase the underlying currency and the purchaser of a currency put obtains the right to sell the underlying currency.
Currency futures and options values can be expected to correlate with exchange rates, but may not reflect other factors that affect the value of a Fund’s investments. A currency hedge, for example, should protect a Yen-dominated security from a decline in the Yen, but will not protect a Fund against a price decline resulting from deterioration in the issuer’s creditworthiness. Because the value of a Fund’s foreign-denominated investments change in response to many factors other than exchange rates, it may not be possible to match the amount of currency options and futures to the value for a Fund’s investments exactly over time.
Brexit. In a June 2016 referendum, citizens of the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union (“EU”). In March 2017, the United Kingdom formally notified the European Council of its intention to withdraw from the EU (commonly known as “Brexit”) by invoking Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union, which triggered a two-year period of negotiations on the terms of Brexit. Brexit has resulted in volatility in European and global markets and may also lead to weakening in political, regulatory, consumer, corporate and financial confidence in the markets of the United Kingdom and throughout
Europe. The longer term economic, legal, political, regulatory and social framework to be put in place between the United Kingdom and the EU remains unclear and may lead to ongoing political, regulatory and economic uncertainty and periods of exacerbated volatility in both the United Kingdom and in wider European markets for some time. Additionally, the decision made in the British referendum may lead to a call for similar referenda in other European jurisdictions, which may cause increased economic volatility in European and global markets. The mid-to long-term uncertainty may have an adverse effect on the economy generally and on the value of a Fund’s investments. This may be due to, among other things: fluctuations in asset values and exchange rates; increased illiquidity of investments located, traded or listed within the United Kingdom, the EU or elsewhere; changes in the willingness or ability of counterparties to enter into transactions at the price and terms on which a Fund is prepared to transact; and/or changes in legal and regulatory regimes to which certain of a Fund’s assets are or become subject. Fluctuations in the value of the British Pound and/or the Euro, along with the potential downgrading of the United Kingdom’s sovereign credit rating, may also have an impact on the performance of a Fund’s assets or investments economically tied to the United Kingdom or Europe.
The U.K. left the EU (“Brexit”) on January 31, 2020. The U.K. and EU have reached an agreement on the terms of their future trading relationship effective January 1, 2021, which principally relates to the trading of goods rather than services, including financial services. Further discussions are to be held between the U.K. and the EU in relation to matters not covered by the trade agreement, such as financial services. The Fund will face risks associated with the potential uncertainty and consequences that may follow Brexit, including with respect to volatility in exchange rates and interest rates. Brexit could adversely affect European or worldwide political, regulatory, economic or market conditions and could contribute to instability in global political institutions, regulatory agencies and financial markets. Brexit has also led to legal uncertainty and could lead to politically divergent national laws and regulations as a new relationship between the U.K. and EU is defined and the U.K. determines which EU laws to replace or replicate. Any of these effects of Brexit could adversely affect any of the companies to which the Fund has exposure and any other assets in which the Fund invests. The political, economic and legal consequences of Brexit are not yet fully known. In the short term, financial markets may experience heightened volatility, particularly those in the U.K. and Europe, but possibly worldwide. The U.K. and Europe may be less stable than they have been in recent years, and investments in the U.K. and the EU may be difficult to value, or subject to greater or more frequent volatility. In the longer term, there is likely to be a period of significant political, regulatory and commercial uncertainty as the U.K. continues to negotiate the terms of its future trading relationships.
Trust Preferred Securities – BBB Bond Fund and High Yield (MACS) Fund
The Funds may purchase trust preferred securities, also known as “trust preferreds” or “hybrid preferreds,” which are preferred stocks issued by a special purpose trust subsidiary backed by subordinated debt of the corporate parent. An issuer creates trust preferred securities by creating a trust and issuing debt to the trust. The trust in turn issues trust preferred securities. Trust preferred securities are hybrid securities with characteristics of both subordinated debt and preferred stock. Such characteristics include long maturities (typically 30 years or more), early redemption by the issuer, periodic fixed or variable interest payments, and maturities at face value. In addition, trust preferred securities may allow deferral of interest payments for up to five years. However, during the deferral period the interest accrues and is taxable for the holder. Holders of trust preferred securities have limited voting rights to control the activities of the trust and no voting rights with respect to the parent company.
When Issued and Delayed-Delivery Securities
To ensure the availability of suitable securities for their portfolios, the Funds may purchase when-issued or delayed delivery securities. When-issued transactions arise when securities are purchased by the Funds with payment and delivery taking place in the future in order to secure what is considered to be an advantageous price and yield to the Funds at the time of entering into the transaction. When-issued securities represent securities that have been authorized but not yet issued. The Funds may also purchase securities on a forward commitment or delayed delivery basis. In a forward commitment transaction, the Funds contract to purchase securities for a fixed price at a future date beyond customary settlement time.
The Funds are required to hold and maintain until the settlement date, cash or other liquid assets in an amount sufficient to meet the purchase price. Alternatively, the Funds may enter into offsetting contracts for the forward sale of other securities that they own. The purchase of securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis involves a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines prior to the settlement date. Although the Funds would generally purchase securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis with the intention of actually acquiring securities for their portfolios, they may dispose of a when-issued security or forward commitment prior to settlement if the Adviser deems it appropriate to do so.
Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act permits the Funds to invest in securities on a when-issued or forward-settling basis, or with a non-standard settlement cycle, notwithstanding the limitation on the issuance of senior securities in Section 18 of the 1940 Act, provided that a Fund intends to physically settle the transaction and the transaction will settle within 35 days of its trade date (the “Delayed-Settlement Securities Provision”). A when-issued, forward-settling, or non-standard settlement cycle security that does not satisfy the Delayed-Settlement Securities Provision is treated as a derivatives transaction under Rule 18f-4.
The Funds may enter into mortgage “dollar rolls” in which the Funds sell mortgage-backed securities for delivery in the current month and simultaneously contract to repurchase substantially similar (same type, coupon and maturity) securities on a specified future date. During the roll period, the Funds forgo principal and interest paid on the mortgage-backed securities. The Funds are compensated by the difference between the current sales price and the lower forward price for the future purchase (often referred to as the “drop”) as well as by the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the initial sale. A “covered roll” is a specific type of dollar roll for which there is an offsetting cash position or a cash equivalent security position which matures on or before the forward settlement date of the dollar roll transaction. The Funds will only enter into covered rolls. Covered rolls are not treated as a borrowing or other senior security.
Limited Partnerships – High Yield (MACS) Fund
The Fund can hold limited partnership interests that it acquires from a preexisting bond participation in a reorganization. A limited partnership is a business model in which at least one general partner and at least one limited partner share a business’ ownership. In a limited partnership, the general partner does not usually invest any capital, but has management authority and unlimited liability. That is, the general partner runs the business and, in the event of a bankruptcy, is responsible for all debts not paid or discharged. The limited partners have no management authority and confine their participation to their capital investment. Limited partners invest a certain amount of money and have nothing else to do with the business. The liability of limited partners is limited to the amount of the investment. In the worst case scenario for a limited partner, he or she loses what he or she invested. Profits are divided between general and limited partners according to an arrangement formed at the creation of the partnership.
Swaps
Credit Default Swaps. Each Fund may enter into credit default swap agreements. The credit default swap agreement may have as a reference obligation one or more securities that are not currently held by a Fund. The buyer in a credit default swap agreement is obligated to pay the seller a periodic fee, typically expressed in basis points on the principal amount of the underlying obligation (the “notional” amount), over the term of the agreement in return for a contingent payment upon the occurrence of a credit event with respect to the underlying reference obligation. A credit event is typically a default, restructuring or bankruptcy.
Each Fund may be either the buyer or seller in the transaction. As a seller, the Fund receives a fixed rate of income throughout the term of the agreement, which typically is between one month and five years,
provided that no credit event occurs. If a credit event occurs, the Fund typically must pay the contingent payment to the buyer, which is typically the par value (full notional value) of the reference obligation. The contingent payment may be a cash settlement or by physical delivery of the reference obligation in return for payment of the face amount of the obligation. If the Fund is a buyer and no credit event occurs, the Fund may lose its investment and recover nothing. However, if a credit event occurs, the buyer typically receives full notional value for a reference obligation that may have little or no value.
Credit default swaps may involve greater risks than if a Fund had invested in the reference obligation directly. Credit default swaps are subject to general market risk, liquidity risk and credit risk. If the Fund is a buyer in a credit default swap agreement and no credit event occurs, then it will lose its investment. In addition, the value of the reference obligation received by the Fund as a seller if a credit event occurs, coupled with the periodic payments previously received, may be less than the full notional value it pays to the buyer, resulting in a loss of value to the Fund.
Each Fund may also invest in credit default swap index products and in options on credit default swap index products. The individual credits underlying these credit default swap indices may be rated above BBB- or below BBB-. These instruments are designed to track representative segments of the credit default swap market and provide investors with exposure to specific “baskets” of issuers of bonds or loans. Such investments are subject to liquidity risks as well as other risks associated with investments in credit default swaps discussed above. The Funds reserve the right to invest in similar instruments that may become available in the future.
High Yield and Other Securities – BBB Bond Fund and High Yield (MACS) Fund
The High Yield (MACS) Fund and BBB Bond Fund may invest in debt securities, including bonds and debentures (which are long-term) and notes (which may short- or long-term) that are rated below investment grade or non-rated.
Investments in high yield securities (i.e., less than investment grade), while providing greater income and opportunity for gain than investments in higher-rated securities, entail relatively greater risk of loss of income or principal. Lower-grade obligations are commonly referred to as “junk bonds.” Market prices of high-yield, lower-grade obligations may fluctuate more than market prices of higher-rated securities. Lower grade, fixed income securities tend to reflect short-term corporate and market developments to a greater extent than higher-rated obligations which, assuming no change in their fundamental quality, react primarily to fluctuations in the general level of interest rates.
The High Yield (MACS) Fund and BBB Bond Fund may purchase unrated securities. Unrated securities may be less liquid than comparable rated securities and involve the risk that the portfolio manager may not accurately evaluate the securities comparative credit rating.
The high yield market at times is subject to substantial volatility. An economic downturn or increase in interest rates may have a more significant effect on high yield securities and their markets, as well as on the ability of a security’s issuer to repay principal and interest. Issuers of high yield securities may be of low creditworthiness and the high yield securities may be subordinated to the claims of senior lenders. During periods of economic downturn or rising interest rates the issuers of high yield securities may have greater potential for insolvency and a higher incidence of high yield bond defaults may be experienced.
The prices of high yield securities have been found to be less sensitive to interest rate changes than higher-rated investments but are more sensitive to adverse economic changes or individual corporate developments. During an economic downturn or substantial period of rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers may experience financial stress which would adversely affect their ability to service their principal and interest payment obligations, to meet projected business goals, and to obtain additional
financing. If the issuer of a high yield security owned by a Fund defaults the Fund may incur additional expenses in seeking recovery. Periods of economic uncertainty and changes can be expected to result in increased volatility of the market prices of high yield securities and a Fund’s NAV per share. Yields on high yield securities will fluctuate over time. Furthermore, in the case of high yield securities structured as zero coupon or pay-in-kind securities, their market prices are affected to a greater extent by interest rate changes and therefore tend to be more volatile than the market prices of securities which pay interest periodically and in cash.
Certain securities held by a Fund, including high yield securities may contain redemption or call provisions. If an issuer exercises these provisions in a declining interest rate market, a Fund would have to replace the security with a lower yielding security, resulting in a decreased return for the investor. Conversely, a high yield security’s value will decrease in a rising interest rate market, as will a Fund’s NAV per share.
The secondary market for high yield securities may at times become less liquid or respond to adverse publicity or investor perceptions making it more difficult for a Fund to accurately value high yield securities or dispose of them. To the extent a Fund owns or may acquire illiquid or restricted high yield securities, these securities may involve special registration responsibilities, liabilities and costs, and liquidity difficulties and judgment will play a greater role in valuation because there is less reliable and objective data available.
Special tax considerations are associated with investing in high yield bonds structured as zero coupon or pay-in-kind securities. A Fund will report the interest on these securities as income even though it receives no cash interest until the security’s maturity or payment date. Further, the Fund must distribute substantially all of its income to its shareholders to qualify for pass-through treatment under the tax law. Accordingly, a Fund may have to dispose of its portfolio securities under disadvantageous circumstances to generate cash or may have to borrow to satisfy distribution requirements.
Credit ratings evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments, not the market value risk of high yield securities. Since credit rating agencies may fail to timely change the credit ratings to reflect subsequent events, the Adviser monitors the issuers of securities in the portfolio to determine if the issuers will have sufficient cash flow and profits to meet required principal and interest payments, and to attempt to assure the security’s liquidity so the Fund can meet redemption requests. To the extent that a Fund has investments in high yield securities, the achievement of its investment objective may be more dependent on the Adviser’s credit analysis than would be the case for higher quality bonds. The Funds may retain a portfolio security whose rating has been changed.
To Be Announced (TBA) Market – MBS Bond Fund
The MBS Bond Fund may purchase MBS in the TBA Market. Most Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae MBS are eligible to be sold in the TBA market. The TBA market allows mortgage lenders to sell the loans they intend to fund before the loans are closed. A TBA trade represents a contract for purchase or sale of MBS to be delivered at a future agreed-upon date. In the TBA market, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae MBS are traded on a forward or delayed delivery basis with settlement up to 180 days later. The Fund records the transaction when it agrees to buy the securities and continually reflects their value in determining the price of its shares.
The parties to TBA contracts will agree on the type of MBS, the type of mortgage, coupon or interest rate, the total dollar amount of the MBS, price and settlement date. The purchaser will contract to acquire a specified dollar amount of MBS, which may be satisfied when the seller delivers one or more MBS pools at settlement. Forty-eight hours before settlement, the seller specifies or allocates the identity and number
of mortgage pools by the specific pool numbers and CUSIPs to be delivered to satisfy the TBA trade. When a seller in the TBA market sells an MBS before the underlying mortgage is closed, the purchaser bears the risk that commitments for the mortgage loans will not close. The TBA market reduces this risk by pooling MBS together according to similar characteristics that are based on guidelines established by the TBA Market. The seller is able to deliver any mortgage pool that satisfies the TBA trade and meets the TBA market’s delivery requirements. The purchaser assumes the risk that the characteristics of the mortgage-backed security delivered to the purchaser may be less favorable.
TBA-eligible MBS may be traded through generic, stipulated or specified trades. Generic TBA trades are trades that meet the delivery requirement of the TBA market. The Fund trades on a generic basis through the TBA market process. Stipulated TBA trades are trades that meet the TBA delivery requirements which have characteristics that have been requested by the investor. The most common stipulated terms are number of pools that can be delivered, the principal dollar amount variance, maturity year, weighted average loan age of the mortgage loans in the pool, and geographic location of the underlying properties. In generic and stipulated TBA trades, there is no specific security identified at the time the parties enter into the trade. Investors that wish to purchase a particular mortgage pool will engage in a specified trade. The purchaser identifies the actual pool they wish to purchase by pool and CUSIP number.
Dollar Rolls
TBA market participants trade TBA pools using “dollar rolls” as their financing vehicles. Dollar rolls are a form of collateralized short-term financing where the collateral consists of mortgage securities and performs a function analogous to a reverse repurchase agreement. Unlike a reverse repurchase agreement, which requires redelivery of exactly the same securities, a dollar roll is a simultaneous purchase and sale of substantially similar TBA securities for different settlement dates. The dealer (purchaser), who is said to “roll in” the securities received, is not required to deliver the identical securities, only securities that meet the TBA market’s good delivery guidelines (which establishes standard notification and settlement dates for TBA securities). The investor may assume some risk because the characteristics of the MBS delivered to the investor may be less favorable than the MBS the investor delivered to the dealer. Because the dealer is not obligated to return the identical MBS collateral that the investor has delivered, both parties usually transact the dollar roll with generic Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae MBS pools that have the same or less value than the average TBA-eligible security.
A dollar roll transaction transfers prepayment risk to the dealer. Dollar rolls offer the dealer a convenient way to obtain promised mortgage securities, avoiding much of the cost of failing to make timely delivery. The dealer is willing to pay up to the cost of failure to deliver for the short-term opportunity to borrow or purchase securities required to meet a delivery commitment. For this reason most dollar rolls are transacted close to the monthly settlement date for MBS.
Temporary Investments
The Funds may invest in cash and money market securities. Money market securities include treasury bills, short-term investment-grade fixed income securities, bankers’ acceptances, commercial paper, commercial paper master notes and repurchase agreements. The Funds may do so to have assets available to pay expenses, satisfy redemption requests or take advantage of investment opportunities. The Funds may invest in shares of other investment companies. The Funds may invest in money market mutual funds in connection with their management of daily cash positions and for temporary defensive purposes. The Funds currently intend to limit their investments in securities issued by other investment companies (except for money market funds) so that not more than 3% of the outstanding voting stock of any one investment company will be owned by a Fund, or its affiliated persons, as a whole. In addition to the advisory and operational fees a Fund bears directly in connection with its own operation, the Funds would also bear their pro rata portions of each other investment company’s advisory and operational expenses.
The Funds may invest in commercial paper or commercial paper master notes rated, at the time of purchase, within the two highest rating categories by a nationally recognized securities rating organization.
The Funds may enter into repurchase agreements. A repurchase agreement transaction occurs when, at the time a Fund purchases a security, the Fund agrees to resell it to the vendor (normally a commercial bank or a broker-dealer) on an agreed upon date in the future. Such securities are referred to as the “Resold Securities.” The Adviser will consider the creditworthiness of any vendor of repurchase agreements. The resale price will be in excess of the purchase price in that it reflects an agreed upon market interest rate effective for the period of time during which the Fund’s money is invested in the Resold Securities. The majority of these transactions run from day to day, and the delivery pursuant to the resale typically will occur within one to five days of the purchase. A Fund’s risk is limited to the ability of the vendor to pay the agreed-upon sum upon the delivery date; in the event of bankruptcy or other default by the vendor, there may be possible delays and expenses in liquidating the instrument purchased, decline in its value and loss of interest. These risks are minimized when a Fund holds a perfected security interest in the Resold Securities and can therefore resell the instrument promptly. Repurchase agreements can be considered as loans “collateralized” by the Resold Securities, such agreements being defined as “loans” in the 1940 Act. The return on such “collateral” may be more or less than that from the repurchase agreement. The Resold Securities will be marked to market every business day so that the value of the “collateral” is at least equal to the value of the loan, including the accrued interest earned thereon. All Resold Securities will be held by the Funds’ custodian or another bank either directly or through a securities depository.
Special Risks Related to Cyber Security
The Funds and their service providers are susceptible to cyber security risks that include, among other things, theft, unauthorized monitoring, release, misuse, loss, destruction or corruption of confidential and highly restricted data; denial of service attacks; unauthorized access to relevant systems, compromises to networks or devices that the Funds and their service providers use to service the Funds’ operations; or operational disruption or failures in the physical infrastructure or operating systems that support the Funds and their service providers. Cyber attacks against or security breakdowns of the Funds or their service providers may adversely impact the Funds and their shareholders, potentially resulting in, among other things, financial losses; the inability of Fund shareholders to transact business and the Funds to process transactions; inability to calculate a Fund’s NAV; violations of applicable privacy and other laws; regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs; and/or additional compliance costs. The Funds may incur additional costs for cyber security risk management and remediation purposes. In addition, cyber security risks may also impact issuers of securities in which the Funds invest, which may cause a Fund’s investment in such issuers to lose value. There can be no assurance that the Funds or their service providers will not suffer losses relating to cyber attacks or other information security breaches in the future.
Portfolio Turnover
The portfolio turnover of the Funds may vary significantly from year to year. The Funds’ annual portfolio turnover rate may exceed 100%. High portfolio turnover (100% or more) would result in the Funds incurring more transaction costs such as mark-ups or mark-downs. Payment of these transaction costs could reduce the Funds’ total return. High portfolio turnover could also result in the payment by the Funds’ shareholders of increased taxes on realized gains. The Funds’ portfolio turnover rates for the fiscal years shown below were as follows:
Portfolio Turnover Rate
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For the Fiscal Year Ended November 30, |
| 2022 | 2021 |
BBB Bond Fund | 10% | 20% |
MBS Bond Fund(1) | 146% | 680% |
High Yield (MACS) Fund(2) | 24% | 70% |
(1) The MBS Bond Fund had a decrease in portfolio turnover for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022, due to the decreased use of dollar roll transactions.
(2) The High Yield (MACS) Fund had a decrease in portfolio turnover for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022 due to less trading as a result of our long-term investment thesis and market volatility..
Investment Restrictions
Each Fund with respect to 75% of its total assets may not purchase any security, other than U.S. government securities, if as a result (a) more than 5% of such Fund’s total assets (taken at current value) would then be invested in securities of a single issuer; or (b) it would hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer; provided, however, that 25% of the total assets of the Fund may be invested without regard to this restriction.
The Trust has adopted the following restrictions applicable to the Funds as fundamental policies, which may not be changed without the approval of the holders of a “majority,” as defined in the 1940 Act, of the shares of the Fund as to which the policy change is being sought. Under the 1940 Act, approval of the holders of a “majority” of a Fund’s outstanding voting securities means the affirmative vote of the holders of the lesser of (i) 67% of its shares represented at a meeting at which more than 50% of its outstanding shares are represented or (ii) more than 50% of its outstanding shares.
Each Fund may not:
1.Make loans to others, except (a) through the purchase of debt securities in accordance with its investment objectives and policies, (b) to the extent the entry into a repurchase agreement is deemed to be a loan.
2.Borrow (for temporary or emergency purposes and not for the purpose of leveraging its investments) in an amount exceeding 33 1/3% of the value of its total assets, and, in the event that market conditions or other factors result in a Fund’s borrowed amounts exceeding 33 1/3% of its total assets (including amounts borrowed), a Fund will reduce the amount of its borrowing to an extent and in such a manner required by the 1940 Act.
3.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 a 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.
4.Invest 25% or more of the value of its net assets in the securities of companies engaged in any one industry (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities or securities of other investment companies).
5.Issue senior securities, such as shares having priority over other shares as to the payment of dividends, or as defined in the 1940 Act, except that this restriction shall not be deemed to
prohibit a Fund from (a) making any permitted borrowings, mortgages or pledges, or (b) entering into options, futures, currency contract or repurchase transactions.
6.Purchase or sell real estate; however, a Fund may invest in debt securities secured by real estate or interests therein or issued by companies which invest in real estate or interests therein, including real estate investment trusts.
7.Act as an underwriter except to the extent a Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter when disposing of securities it owns or when selling its own shares.
Each Fund observes the following policies, which are deemed non-fundamental and which may be changed without shareholder vote. Each Fund may not:
1.Hold, in the aggregate, more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments that are assets pursuant to Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act. Illiquid investments are investments that cannot be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven business days at approximately the value at which they are being carried on a Fund’s books.
2.Purchase more than 3% of any other investment company’s voting securities or make any other investment in other investment companies except as permitted by the 1940 Act.
3.Make any change in its investment policy of investing at least 80% of its net assets in the investments suggested by the Fund’s name without first providing the Fund’s shareholders with at least 60 days’ prior notice.
Except with respect to borrowing and illiquid securities, if a percentage restriction described in the Prospectus or in this SAI is adhered to at the time of investment, a subsequent increase or decrease in a percentage resulting from a change in the values of assets will not constitute a violation of that restriction.
MANAGEMENT
The overall management of the business and affairs of the Trust is vested with its Board. The Board approves all significant agreements between the Trust and persons or companies furnishing services to it, including the agreements with the Adviser, Administrator, Custodian and Transfer Agent (each as defined herein). The day-to-day operations of the Trust are delegated to its officers, subject to the Funds’ investment objectives, strategies, and policies and to general supervision by the Board.
The Trustees and officers of the Trust, their ages, positions with the Trust, term of office with the Trust and length of time served, their business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years and other directorships held are listed in the table below.
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Independent Trustees(1) |
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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 During Past Five Years(3) |
David G. Mertens (age 62) 615 E. Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202 | Trustee | Indefinite term; since March 2017. | Partner and Head of Business Development Ballast Equity Management, LLC (a privately-held investment advisory firm) (February 2019 to present); Managing Director and Vice President, Jensen Investment Management, Inc. (a privately-held investment advisory firm) (2002 to 2017). | 6 | Trustee, Advisors Series Trust (for series not affiliated with the Funds). |
Joe D. Redwine (age 75) 615 E. Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202 | Trustee | Indefinite term; since September 2008. | Retired, formerly Manager, President, CEO, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC and its predecessors, (May 1991 to July 2017). | 6 | Trustee, Advisors Series Trust (for series not affiliated with the Funds). |
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Independent Trustees(1) |
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Raymond B. Woolson (age 64) 615 E. Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202 | Chairman of Board; Trustee | Indefinite term; since January 2020 Indefinite term; since January 2016. | President, Apogee Group, Inc. (financial consulting firm) (1998 to present). | 6 | Trustee, Advisors Series Trust (for series not affiliated with the Funds); Independent Trustee, DoubleLine Funds Trust (an open-end investment company with 19 portfolios), DoubleLine Opportunistic Credit Fund, DoubleLine Income Solutions Fund, and DoubleLine Yield Opportunities Fund from 2010 to present; Independent Trustee, DoubleLine ETF Trust (an open-end investment company with 2 portfolios) from March 2022 to present. |
Michele Rackey (age 64) 615 E. Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
| Trustee | Indefinite term; since January 2023. | Chief Executive Officer, Government Employees Benefit Association (GEBA) (benefits and wealth management organization) (2004 to 2020); Board Member, Association Business Services Inc. (ABSI) (for-profit subsidiary of the American Society of Association Executives) (2019 to 2020). | 6 | Trustee, Advisors Series Trust (for series not affiliated with the Funds). |
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Officers | | | |
Name, Address and Age | Position Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served | Principal Occupation During Past Five Years |
Jeffrey T. Rauman (age 54) 615 E. Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
| President, Chief Executive Officer and Principal Executive Officer | Indefinite term; since December 2018. | Senior Vice President, Compliance and Administration, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (February 1996 to present). |
Kevin J. Hayden (age 51) 615 E. Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
| Vice President, Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer | Indefinite term; since January 2023. | Vice President, Compliance and Administration, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (June 2005 to present). |
Cheryl L. King (age 61) 615 E. Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
| Assistant Treasurer | Indefinite term; since January 2023. | Vice President, Compliance and Administration, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (October 1998 to present). |
Richard R. Conner (age 40) 615 E. Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
| Assistant Treasurer | Indefinite term; since December 2018. | Assistant Vice President, Compliance and Administration, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (July 2010 to present). |
Michael L. Ceccato (age 65) 615 E. Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
| Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer and AML Officer | Indefinite term; since September 2009. | Senior Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services and Senior Vice President, U.S. Bank N.A. (February 2008 to present). |
Elaine E. Richards (age 54) 2020 E. Financial Way, Suite 100 Glendora, CA 91741
| Vice President and Secretary | Indefinite term; since September 2019. | Senior Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (July 2007 to present). |
* The Trustees have designated a mandatory retirement age of 75, such that each Trustee, serving as such on the date he or she reaches the age of 75, shall submit his or her resignation not later than the last day of the calendar year in which his or her 75th birthday occurs (“Retiring Trustee”). Upon request, the Board may, by vote of a majority of Trustees eligible to vote on such matter, determine whether or not to extend such Retiring Trustee’s term and on the length of a one-time extension of up to three additional years. At a meeting held December 7-8, 2022, by vote of the majority of Trustees (not including Mr. Redwine), Mr. Redwine’s term as Trustee was extended for three additional years.
(1)The Trustees of the Trust who are not “interested persons” of the Trust as defined under the 1940 Act (“Independent Trustees”).
(2)As of February 28, 2023, the Trust was comprised of 35 active portfolios managed by unaffiliated investment advisers. The term “Fund Complex” applies only to the Funds, the PIA High Yield Fund, the PIA Short-Term Securities Fund and the PIA Short Duration Bond Fund (collectively, the “PIA Funds”) and not any other series of the Trust. The Funds do not hold themselves out as related to any other series within the Trust for investment purposes, nor do they share the same investment adviser with any other series.
(3)“Other Directorships Held” includes only directorships of companies required to register or file reports with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (that is, “public companies”) or other investment companies registered under the 1940 Act.
Compensation
Effective January 1, 2023, the Independent Trustees each receive an annual retainer of $102,500 per year allocated among each of the various portfolios comprising the Trust, an additional $6,000 per regularly scheduled Board meeting, and an additional $500 per special meeting, paid by the Trust or applicable advisors/portfolios, as well as reimbursement for expenses incurred in connection with attendance at Board meetings. Prior to January 1, 2023, the annual retainer was $100,000. The Trust Chairman, Chairman of the Audit Committee, and Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee each receive a separate annual fee of $10,000, $5,000, and $3,000, respectively, provided that the separate fee for the Chairman of the Audit
Committee will be waived if the same individual serves as both Trust Chairman and Audit Committee Chairman. The Trust has no pension or retirement plan. No other entity affiliated with the Trust pays any compensation to the Trustees. Set forth below is the compensation received by the Independent Trustees from the Fund for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Aggregate Compensation from the BBB Bond Fund | Aggregate Compensation from the MBS Bond Fund | Aggregate Compensation from the High Yield (MACS) Fund | Pension or Retirement Benefits Accrued as Part of Funds Expenses | Estimated Annual Benefits Upon Retirement | Total Compensation from Funds Complex Paid to Trustees(1) |
|
Independent Trustee |
Gail S. Duree(2) | $167 | $167 | $167 | None | None | $835 |
David G. Mertens | $3,890 | $3,890 | $3,890 | None | None | $19,450 |
Raymond B. Woolson | $4,094 | $4,094 | $4,094 | None | None | $20,470 |
Joe D. Redwine | $4,016 | $4,016 | $4,016 | None | None | $20,080 |
Michele Rackey(3) | None | None | None | None | None | None |
(1)There are currently numerous series comprising the Trust. The term “Fund Complex” refers only to the PIA Funds, including Funds presented in other SAIs, and not to any other series of the Trust. For the Funds’ fiscal year ended November 30, 2022, aggregate Independent Trustees’ fees for the Trust were $415,500.
(2)Ms. Duree retired from the Board on December 31, 2021.
(3)Ms. Rackey began serving as an Independent Trustee of the Trust effective January 1, 2023.
Additional Information Concerning Our Board of Trustees
The Role of the Board
The Board provides oversight of the management and operations of the Trust. Like all mutual funds, the day-to-day responsibility for the management and operations of the Trust is the responsibility of various service providers to the Trust, such as the Trust’s investment advisers, distributor, administrator, custodian, and transfer agent, each of whom are discussed in greater detail in this SAI. The Board approves all significant agreements between the Trust and its service providers, including the agreements with the investment advisers, distributor, administrator, custodian and transfer agent. The Board has appointed various senior individuals of certain of these service providers as officers of the Trust, with responsibility to monitor and report to the Board on the Trust’s day-to-day operations. In conducting this oversight, the Board receives regular reports from these officers and service providers regarding the Trust’s operations. The Board has appointed a Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) who administers the Trust’s compliance program and regularly reports to the Board as to compliance matters. Some of these reports are provided as part of formal “Board Meetings” which are typically held quarterly, in person, and involve the Board’s review of recent Trust operations. From time to time one or more members of the Board may also meet with Trust officers in less formal settings, between formal “Board Meetings,” to discuss various topics. In all cases, however, the role of the Board and of any individual Trustee is one of oversight and not of management of the day-to-day affairs of the Trust and its oversight role does not make the Board a guarantor of the Trust’s investments, operations or activities.
Board Leadership Structure
The Board has structured itself in a manner that it believes allows it to effectively perform its oversight function. It has established three standing committees, an Audit Committee, a Nominating and Governance Committee and a Qualified Legal Compliance Committee (the “QLCC”), which are discussed in greater detail under “Board Committees,” below. Currently, all of the members of the Board are Independent Trustees, which are Trustees that are not affiliated with the Adviser or its affiliates or any other investment adviser in the Trust or with its principal underwriter. The Independent Trustees have engaged their own independent counsel to advise them on matters relating to their responsibilities in connection with the Trust.
The President, Chief Executive Officer and Principal Executive Officer of the Trust is not a Trustee, but rather is a senior employee of the Administrator who routinely interacts with the unaffiliated investment advisers of
the Trust and comprehensively manages the operational aspects of the Funds in the Trust. The Trust has appointed Raymond Woolson, an Independent Trustee, as Chairman of the Board, and he acts as a liaison with the Trust’s service providers, officers, legal counsel, and other Trustees between meetings, helps to set Board meeting agendas, and serves as Chairman during executive sessions of the Independent Trustees.
The Board reviews its structure annually. The Trust has determined that it is appropriate to separate the Principal Executive Officer and Board Chairman positions because the day-to day responsibilities of the Principal Executive Officer are not consistent with the oversight role of the Trustees and because of the potential conflict of interest that may arise from the Administrator’s duties with the Trust. Given the specific characteristics and circumstances of the Trust as described above, the Trust has determined that the Board’s leadership structure is appropriate.
Board Oversight of Risk Management
As part of its oversight function, the Board receives and reviews various risk management reports and assessments and discusses these matters with appropriate management and other personnel. Because risk management is a broad concept comprised of many elements (such as, for example, investment risk, issuer and counterparty risk, compliance risk, operational risks, business continuity risks, etc.) the oversight of different types of risks is handled in different ways. For example, the Nominating and Governance Committee meets regularly with the CCO to discuss compliance and operational risks and the Audit Committee meets with the Treasurer and the Trust’s independent public accounting firm to discuss, among other things, the internal control structure of the Trust’s financial reporting function. The full Board receives reports from the Adviser and portfolio managers as to investment risks as well as other risks that may be also discussed in Audit Committee.
Information about Each Trustee’s Qualification, Experience, Attributes or Skills
The Board believes that each of the Trustees has the qualifications, experience, attributes and skills (“Trustee Attributes”) appropriate to their continued service as Trustees of the Trust in light of the Trust’s business and structure. Each of the Trustees has substantial business and professional backgrounds that indicate they have the ability to critically review, evaluate and access information provided to them. Certain of these business and professional experiences are set forth in detail in the table above. In addition, the majority of the Trustees have served on boards for organizations other than the Trust, as well as having served on the Board of the Trust for a number of years. They therefore have substantial board experience and, in their service to the Trust, have gained substantial insight as to the operation of the Trust. The Board annually conducts a ‘self-assessment’ wherein the effectiveness of the Board and individual Trustees is reviewed.
In addition to the information provided in the table above, below is certain additional information concerning each particular Trustee and certain of their Trustee Attributes. The information provided below, and in the table above, is not all-inclusive. Many Trustee Attributes involve intangible elements, such as intelligence, integrity, work ethic, the ability to work together, the ability to communicate effectively, the ability to exercise judgment, the ability to ask incisive questions, and commitment to shareholder interests. In conducting its annual self-assessment, the Board has determined that the Trustees have the appropriate attributes and experience to continue to serve effectively as Trustees of the Trust.
David G. Mertens. Mr. Mertens has substantial mutual fund experience and is experienced with financial, accounting, investment and regulatory matters. He currently serves as Partner and Head of Business Development of Ballast Equity Management, LLC, a privately-held investment advisory firm. Mr. Mertens also gained substantial mutual fund experience through his tenure as Managing Director and Vice President of Jensen Investment Management, Inc. (“Jensen”) from 2002 to 2017. Prior to Jensen, Mr. Mertens held various roles in sales and marketing management with Berger Financial Group, LLC from 1995 to 2002, ending as Senior Vice President of Institutional Marketing for Berger Financial Group and President of its limited purpose broker-dealer, Berger Distributors.
Joe D. Redwine. Mr. Redwine has substantial mutual fund experience and is experienced with financial, accounting, investment and regulatory matters through his experience as President and CEO of U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, (now known as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services), a full-service provider to mutual funds and alternative investment products. In addition, he has extensive experience consulting with investment advisers regarding the legal structure of mutual funds, distribution channel analysis and actual distribution of those funds. Mr. Redwine serves as an Audit Committee Financial Expert for the Trust.
Raymond B. Woolson. Mr. Woolson has served on a number of mutual fund boards and is experienced with financial, accounting, investment and regulatory matters through his experience as Lead Independent Trustee and Audit Committee Chairman for the DoubleLine Funds as well as through his service as President of Apogee Group, Inc., a company providing financial consulting services. Mr. Woolson also has substantial mutual fund operations, financial and investment experience through his prior service in senior and management positions in the mutual fund industry, including service as Senior Managing Director in Investment Management for Mass Mutual Life Insurance Company, where he oversaw fund accounting, fund administration and client services and also served as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer for various funds and other investment products. Mr. Woolson has also served as a consultant for Coopers & Lybrand (now known as, “PricewaterhouseCoopers” or “PWC”) where he provided management consulting services to the mutual fund industry and the investment management areas of the banking and insurance industries.
Michele Rackey. Ms. Rackey has substantial experience in mutual funds and investment management through her experience as CEO of Government Employees Benefits Association (GEBA) and also with The ARK Funds. Ms. Rackey is experienced with financial, accounting, investment and regulatory matters and serves as an Audit Committee Financial Expert for the Trust. Ms. Rackey was CEO of GEBA for 17 years and Chief Operating Officer of the ARK Funds for 9 years. Ms. Rackey has a BS in Business Administration from the University of Illinois at Chicago and has an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management in Chicago. Ms. Rackey previously held FINRA series 6, 7 and 63 licenses as well as a Maryland Life and Health License.
Board Committees
The Trust has established the following three standing committees and the membership of each committee to assist in its oversight functions, including its oversight of the risks the Trust faces: the Audit Committee, the QLCC, and the Nominating and Governance Committee. There is no assurance, however, that the Board’s committee structure will prevent or mitigate risks in actual practice. The Trust’s committee structure is specifically not intended or designed to prevent or mitigate each Fund’s investment risks. Each Fund is designed for investors that are prepared to accept investment risk, including the possibility that as yet unforeseen risks may emerge in the future.
The Audit Committee is comprised of all of the Independent Trustees. Mr. Redwine is the Chairman of the Audit Committee. 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 Funds during the Funds’ fiscal year ended November 30, 2022.
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 did not meet with respect to the Funds during the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022.
The Nominating and Governance Committee is comprised of all, and only of, the Independent Trustees. The Nominating and Governance 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 and Governance Committee will consider nominees recommended by shareholders for vacancies on the Board. Recommendations for consideration by the Nominating and Governance 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 between 120 and 150 days prior to the shareholder meeting at which any such nominee would be voted on.
The Nominating and Governance Committee meets regularly with respect to the various series of the Trust. The Nominating and Governance Committee is also responsible for, among other things, assisting the Board in its oversight of the Trust’s compliance program under Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act, reviewing and making recommendations regarding Independent Trustee compensation and the Trustees’ annual “self-assessment.” Mr. Mertens is the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee. The Nominating and Governance Committee did not meet with respect to the Trust during the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022.
Trustee Ownership of Fund Shares and Other Interests
The following table shows the amount of shares in the Funds and the amount of shares in other portfolios of the Trust owned by the Trustees as of the calendar year ended December 31, 2022.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Independent Trustees | Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the BBB Fund | Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the MBS Fund | Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the HY (MACS) Fund | Aggregate Dollar Range of Fund Shares in the Trust |
(None, $1-$10,000, $10,001-$50,000, $50,001-$100,000, Over $100,000) |
|
David G. Mertens | None | None | None | Over $100,000 |
Raymond B. Woolson | None | None | None | $50,001 - $100,000 |
Joe D. Redwine | None | None | None | $50,001 - $100,000 |
Michele Rackey(1) | None | None | None | None |
(1) Ms. Rackey began serving as an Independent Trustee of the Trust effective January 1, 2023.
As of December 31, 2022, 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.
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 a Fund. For control persons only, if a control person is a company, the table also indicates the control person’s parent, if any, and the jurisdiction under the laws of which the control person is organized.
As of March 6, 2023, the following shareholders were considered to be either a control person or principal shareholder of the Funds:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
PIA BBB Bond Fund | | | | |
Name and Address | Parent Company | Jurisdiction | % Ownership | Type of Ownership |
Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC Special Custody Account for the Exclusive Benefit of Customer 2801 Market St. Saint Louis, MO 63103-2523 | Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC | DE | 45.00% | Record |
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, LLC 1 New York Plaza, Floor 12 New York, NY 10004-1901 | N/A | N/A | 19.67% | Record |
Pershing LLC 1 Pershing Plaza, Floor 14 Jersey City, NJ 07399-2052 | N/A | N/A | 6.48% | Record |
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Special Custody Account for the Benefit of Customers 211 Main Street San Francisco, CA 94105-1905 | N/A | N/A | 5.90% | Record |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
PIA MBS Bond Fund | | | | |
Name and Address | Parent Company | Jurisdiction | % Ownership | Type of Ownership |
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, LLC 1 New York Plaza, Floor 12 New York, NY 10004-1901 | Morgan Stanley | DE | 40.87% | Record |
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Special Custody Account for the Benefit of Customers 211 Main Street San Francisco, CA 94105-1905 | N/A | N/A | 20.12% | Record |
DA Davidson & Company 8 3rd St. N Great Falls, MT 59401-3155 | N/A | N/A | 6.39% | Record |
SEI Private Trust Company One Freedom Valley Drive Oaks, PA 19456-9989 | N/A | N/A | 6.02% | Record |
International United Auto Workers Strike Fund c/o State Street Bank 2 Avenue de Lafayette Boston, MA 02111-1750 | N/A | N/A | 5.77% | Record |
| | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
PIA High Yield (MACS) Fund | | | | |
Name and Address | Parent Company | Jurisdiction | % Ownership | Type of Ownership |
SEI Private Trust Company c/o First Hawaiian Bank One Freedom Value Drive Oaks, PA 19456-9989 | N/A | N/A | 93.25% | Record |
| | | | |
Management Ownership Information. As of March 6, 2023, the Trustees and Officers of the Trust, as a group, beneficially owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of either Fund.
Investment Adviser
Pacific Income Advisers, Inc., located at 2321 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 1260, El Segundo, California, 90245, is the investment adviser to the Funds pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”). Joseph Lloyd McAdams, Jr. and Heather U. Baines collectively control the Adviser due to their ownership of a majority of the outstanding stock of the Adviser. Mr. McAdams is also a portfolio manager of the High Yield (MACS) Fund. Subject to such policies as the Board may determine, the Adviser is ultimately responsible for investment decisions for the Funds. Pursuant to the terms of the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser provides the Funds with such investment advice and supervision as it deems necessary for the proper supervision of the Funds’ investments.
The Advisory Agreement, if not terminated will continue automatically for successive annual periods, provided that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually (i) by a majority vote of the Independent Trustees cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval and (ii) by the Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Funds. The Advisory Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Trust on behalf of the Funds on 60 days’ written notice when authorized either by a majority vote of the Funds’ shareholders or by a vote of a majority of the
Board, or by the Adviser on 60 days’ written notice, and will automatically terminate in the event of its “assignment” (as defined in the 1940 Act). The Advisory Agreement provides that the Adviser 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 Funds, except for willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence in the performance of its duties, or by reason of reckless disregard of its obligations and duties thereunder.
Under the current Advisory Agreement applicable to the Funds, the Adviser is not paid a fee by the Funds. Only eligible investors (as defined in the Prospectus) are eligible to invest in the Funds. These clients pay the Adviser a separate fee to manage their assets, including assets invested in the Funds.
The Funds are responsible for their 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 each 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 Funds’ shareholders and the Board that are properly payable by the Funds; compensation and fees and expenses of members of the Board who are not members of, affiliated with or interested persons of the Adviser or Administrator; insurance premiums on property or personnel of the Funds 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 Funds 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 Funds); 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 Funds, 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 Funds, in a manner proportionate to the net assets of each Fund, on a transactional basis, or on such other basis as the Board deems equitable.
The Adviser has temporarily agreed to pay each Fund’s expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses (“AFFE”)), through at least March 29, 2023, to the extent necessary to ensure that the Funds’ expenses do not exceed 0.19%, 0.23%, and 0.25%, respectively, for the BBB Bond Fund, MBS Bond Fund and High Yield (MACS) Fund. The Adviser may not recoup expense payments under the temporary expense limitations in future periods. Expense payment obligations are calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate expressed as a percentage of each Fund’s average daily net assets.
As a result of the temporary expense limitations, the following payments were made by the Adviser to the Funds:
Expense Payments by Adviser for Fiscal Years Ended November 30,
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
BBB Bond Fund | $0 | $0 | $0 |
MBS Bond Fund | $114,009 | $70,922 | $92,025 |
High Yield (MACS) Fund | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Portfolio Managers
Ms. Hsin Tong and Mr. Rory Hargaden serve as the portfolio managers for the BBB Bond Fund. Mr. Austin Rutledge and Ms. Tong serve as the portfolio managers for the MBS Bond Fund. Mr. McAdams and Mr. Michael Yean serve as the portfolio managers for the High Yield (MACS) Fund. The portfolio managers are responsible for the day-to-day management of each Fund’s portfolio. The following table shows the number of other accounts (not including the Funds) managed by the portfolio managers and the total assets in the accounts managed within various categories as of November 30, 2022.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Rory Hargaden | | | | |
| | | With Management Fee Based on Performance |
Type of Accounts | Number of Accounts (excluding the Fund) | Total Assets | Number of Accounts | Total Assets |
Registered Investment Companies | 1 | $131 million | 0 | $0 |
Other Pooled Investments | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
Other Accounts | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Lloyd McAdams | | | | |
| | | With Management Fee Based on Performance |
Type of Accounts | Number of Accounts (excluding the Funds) | Total Assets | Number of Accounts | Total Assets |
Registered Investment Companies | 1 | $50 million | 0 | $0 |
Other Pooled Investments | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
Other Accounts | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Austin Rutledge | | | | |
| | | With Management Fee Based on Performance |
Type of Accounts | Number of Accounts (excluding the Fund) | Total Assets | Number of Accounts | Total Assets |
Registered Investment Companies | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
Other Pooled Investments | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
Other Accounts | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Hsin Tong | | | | |
| | | With Management Fee Based on Performance |
Type of Accounts | Number of Accounts (excluding the Fund) | Total Assets | Number of Accounts | Total Assets |
Registered Investment Companies | 1 | $131 million | 0 | $0 |
Other Pooled Investments | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
Other Accounts | 45 | $659 million | 0 | $0 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Michael Y. Yean | | | | |
| | | With Management Fee Based on Performance |
Type of Accounts | Number of Accounts (excluding the Fund) | Total Assets | Number of Accounts | Total Assets |
Registered Investment Companies | 1 | $50 million | 0 | $0 |
Other Pooled Investments | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
Other Accounts | 2 | $8 million | 0 | $0 |
Material Conflict of Interest. No material strategy conflicts currently exist. When the same securities are being bought or sold on the same day by a portfolio manager, the portfolio manager allocates the transaction on a pro rata basis as long as it is in the best interests of the clients. Where conflicts of interest arise between the Funds and other accounts managed by the portfolio manager, the portfolio manager will proceed in a manner that ensures that the Funds will not be treated materially less favorably. There may be instances where similar portfolio transactions may be executed for the same security for numerous accounts managed by each portfolio management team. In such instances, securities will be allocated in accordance with the Adviser’s trade allocation policy.
Compensation. The portfolio managers’ total compensation includes a base salary, bonus, employee benefits, a 401(k) plan with matching contributions. The year-end bonus represents a subjective calculation of an individual’s contribution to the portfolio management group’s success.
Securities Owned in the Funds by Portfolio Managers. The portfolio managers beneficially owned the following amounts of the Funds as of November 30, 2022.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio Manager | Dollar Range of Securities Owned (None, $1-$10,000, $10,001-$50,000, $50,001-$100,000, $100,001 - $500,000, $500,001 - $1,000,000, Over $1,000,000) |
BBB Bond Fund | MBS Bond Fund | High Yield (MACS) Fund |
Lloyd McAdams | $500,001 - $1,000,000 | $10,001 - $50,000 | None |
Michael Yean | None | None | None |
Austin Rutledge | None | None | None |
Hsin Tong | None | None | None |
Rory Hargaden | None | None | None |
SERVICE PROVIDERS
Administrator
Pursuant to an Administration Agreement (the “Administration Agreement”), U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, doing business at U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (“Fund Services”), 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, acts as administrator for the Funds. Fund Services provides certain administrative services to the Funds, including, among other responsibilities, coordinating the negotiation of contracts and fees with, and the monitoring of performance and billing of, the Funds’ 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 Funds with applicable laws and regulations excluding those of the securities laws of various states; arranging for the computation of performance data, including NAV per share and yield; responding to shareholder inquiries; and arranging for the maintenance of books and records of the Funds, and providing, at its own expense, office facilities, equipment and personnel necessary to carry out its duties. In this capacity, Fund Services does not have any responsibility or authority for the management of the Funds, the determination of investment policy, or for any matter pertaining to the distribution of Fund shares. Additionally, Fund Services provides CCO services to the Trust under a separate agreement. The cost for the CCO services is charged to the Funds and approved by the Board annually.
The Administration Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Trust on behalf of the Funds or by the Administrator on 60 days’ written notice (as defined in the 1940 Act). The Administration Agreement also provides that neither Fund Services 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 Funds, except for willful misconduct, bad faith or negligence in the performance of its or their duties under the Administration Agreement.
During the fiscal years shown below, the Funds paid the following amounts to Fund Services for administration services:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Fiscal Years Ended November 30, |
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
BBB Bond Fund | $102,460 | $91,431 | $52,502 |
MBS Bond Fund | $97,724 | $57,454 | $48,873 |
High Yield (MACS) Fund | $98,390 | $65,889 | $48,597 |
Distributor
The Trust has entered into a Distribution Agreement (the “Distribution Agreement”) with Quasar Distributors, LLC, 111 East Kilbourn Avenue, Suite 2200, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202 (the “Distributor”), pursuant to which the Distributor acts as the Funds’ distributor, provides certain administration services and promotes and arranges for the sale of the Funds’ shares. The offering of the Funds’ shares is continuous.
The Distribution Agreement 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 Funds’ 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 Funds on 60 days’ written notice when authorized either by
a majority vote of the Funds’ 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).
Sub-Accounting Service Fees
In addition to the fees that the Funds may pay to the Transfer Agent, the Board has authorized the Funds to pay service fees, at the annual rate of up to 0.15% of applicable average net assets or $20 per account, to intermediaries such as banks, broker-dealers, financial advisers or other financial institutions, for sub-administration, sub-transfer agency, recordkeeping (collectively, “sub-accounting services”) and other shareholder services associated with shareholders whose shares are held of record in omnibus, networked, or other group accounts or accounts traded through registered securities clearing agents. Any sub-accounting fees paid by the Fund are included in the total amount of “Other Expenses” listed in the Fund’s Fees and Expenses table in the Prospectus.
Fund Accountant and Transfer Agent
Fund Services also serves as fund accountant, transfer agent (the “Transfer Agent”) and dividend disbursing agent under separate agreements.
Custodian
U.S. Bank National Association, located at 1555 North RiverCenter Drive, Suite 302, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212, acts as custodian (“Custodian”) of the securities and other assets of the Funds. The Custodian holds the Funds’ portfolio securities in safekeeping and keeps all necessary records and documents relating to its duties. The Custodian is compensated with an asset-based fee plus transaction fees and is reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses. The Custodian and Transfer Agent do not participate in decisions relating to the purchase and sale of securities by the Funds. The Custodian, Transfer Agent and Administrator are all affiliated entities under the common control of U.S. Bancorp. The Custodian and its affiliates may participate in revenue sharing arrangements with service providers of mutual funds in which the Funds may invest.
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Tait, Weller & Baker LLP (“Tait”), Two Liberty Place, 50 South 16th Street, Suite 2900, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, is the independent registered public accounting firm for the Funds whose services include auditing each Fund’s financial statements and the performance of related tax services.
Trust Counsel
Sullivan & Worcester LLP (“Sullivan & Worcester”), 1633 Broadway, 32nd Floor, New York, New York 10019, is counsel to the Trust and provides counsel on legal matters relating to the Funds. Sullivan & Worcester also serves as independent legal counsel to the Board of Trustees.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE
Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser determines which securities are to be purchased and sold by the Funds and which broker-dealers are eligible to execute the Funds’ portfolio transactions.
Purchases of portfolio securities for the Funds 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 Funds 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. Explicit brokerage commissions are not paid on these transactions. However, commissions will be paid on the Funds’ futures and options transactions. The purchase price of portfolio securities purchased from an underwriter or dealer may include underwriting commissions and dealer spreads.
During the fiscal periods indicated below, the Funds paid the following amounts in brokerage commissions: | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Aggregate Brokerage Commissions Paid During Fiscal Periods Ended November 30, |
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
BBB Fund | $0 | $0 | $0 |
MBS Fund | $0 | $0 | $0 |
HY (MACS) Fund | $0 | $0 | $2,160 |
In placing portfolio transactions, the Adviser 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 and the firm’s risk in positioning a block of securities. 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, as it is defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and statistical information to the Adviser that they may lawfully and appropriately use in their investment advisory capacities, as well as provide other services in addition to execution services. The Adviser considers such information, which is in addition to and not in lieu of the services required to be performed by it under its Advisory Agreement with the Funds, to be useful in varying degrees, but of indeterminable value. Portfolio transactions may be placed with broker-dealers who sell shares of the Funds subject to policies developed by the Board and to rules adopted by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) and the SEC. The Adviser is also a registered broker-dealer and may place portfolio transactions for the Funds with its own registered representatives.
While it is the Adviser’s general policy to seek best execution in selecting a broker-dealer to execute portfolio transactions for the Funds, when it is determined that one or more broker-dealers can deliver best execution, weight is also given to the ability of a broker-dealer to furnish brokerage and research services to the Funds or to the Adviser, even if the specific services are not directly useful to the Funds and may be useful to the Adviser in advising other clients. In negotiating commissions with a broker or evaluating the spread to be paid to a dealer, the Funds may therefore pay a higher commission or spread than would be the case if no weight was 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 Adviser to be reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and/or research services provided by such broker-dealer. The standard of reasonableness is to be measured in light of the Adviser’s overall responsibilities to the Funds. Additionally, the Adviser may direct transactions to a broker-dealer with which it has an affiliation.
Investment decisions for the Funds are made independently from those of other client accounts that may be managed or advised by the Adviser. Nevertheless, it is possible that at times identical securities will be acceptable for both the Funds and one or more of such client accounts. In such event, the position of the Funds 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 Funds at the same time, the Funds 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 Funds 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 Funds are purchasing or selling, each day’s transactions in such security will be allocated between the Funds and all such client accounts in a manner deemed equitable by the Adviser, 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 Funds are concerned. In other cases, however, it is believed that the ability of the Funds to participate in volume transactions may produce better executions for the Funds.
The Funds do not effect securities transactions through brokers in accordance with any formula, nor do they effect securities transactions through brokers for selling shares of the Funds. However, as stated above, broker-dealers who execute brokerage transactions may effect purchase of shares of the Funds for their customers.
The research services discussed above may be in written form or through direct contact with individuals and may include information as to particular companies and securities as well as market, economic or institutional ideas and information assisting the Funds in the valuation of their investments.
The Trust is required to identify any securities of its “regular brokers or dealers” that the Funds have acquired during its most recent fiscal year. The BBB Bond Fund held the following amounts for its regular brokers or dealers as of November 30, 2022:
| | | | | |
Broker | Amount |
Citigoup, Inc. | $2,131,709 | |
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. | $1,015,172 | |
Nomura Holdings, Inc. | $822,535 | |
Barclays Bank PLC | $1,867,719 | |
Morgan Stanley | $296,560 | |
Deutsche Bank AG | $953,453 | |
Credit Suisse Group AG | $911,916 | |
| |
PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS POLICY
The Adviser and the Funds maintain portfolio holdings disclosure policies that govern the timing and circumstances of disclosure to shareholders and third parties of information regarding the portfolio investments held by a Fund. These portfolio holdings disclosure policies have been approved by the Board. Disclosure of a 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 Part F of Form N-PORT. These reports are available, free of charge, on the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
Pursuant to the Trust’s portfolio holdings disclosure policies, information about a 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 Funds, including, but not limited to U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (“Fund Services”) and the Trust’s Board of Trustees, 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 prior written 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 Funds’ portfolio holdings on an ongoing basis. The Funds believe that these third parties have legitimate objectives in requesting such portfolio holdings information and operate in the best interest of a Fund’s shareholders. These persons include:
▪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; Standard & Poor’s; Bloomberg; Vickers-Stock Research Corporation; Thomson Financial; and Capital-Bridge, all of which currently receive such information no later than 15 calendar days following the end of a calendar quarter; or
▪Internal parties involved in the investment process, administration, operation or custody of the Funds, specifically: Fund Services; the Trust’s Board of Trustees; and the Trust’s attorneys and accountants (currently, Sullivan & Worcester LLP (“Sullivan & Worcester”) 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 Trust’s Policy and Procedures Regarding Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings.
The CCO or designated officer of the Trust will approve the furnishing of non-public portfolio holdings to a third party only if they consider the furnishing of such information to be in the best interest of the Funds and their shareholders and if no material conflict of interest exists regarding such disclosure between shareholders interest and those of the Adviser, Distributor or any affiliated person of the Funds. No consideration may be received by the Funds, the Adviser, any affiliate of the Adviser or their employees in connection with the disclosure of portfolio holdings information. The Board receives and reviews annually a list of the persons who receive non-public portfolio holdings information and the purpose for which it is furnished.
The Board exercises continuing oversight of the disclosure of the Funds’ portfolio holdings by (1) overseeing the implementation and enforcement of the Policies, Codes of Ethics and other relevant policies of the Funds and their service providers by the Trust’s CCO, (2) 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) considering approval of 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.
In the event of a conflict between the interests of the Funds and the interests of the Adviser or an affiliated person of the Adviser, the CCO of the Adviser, in consultation with the Trust’s CCO, shall make a determination in the best interests of the Funds, and shall report such determination to the Adviser’s Board of Directors and to the Board at the end of the quarter in which such determination was made. Any employee of the Adviser who suspects a breach of this obligation must report the matter immediately to the Adviser’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 Funds to each of the following entities which, by explicit agreement or by virtue of their respective duties to the Funds, are required to maintain the confidentiality of the information disclosed: Fund Administrator, Fund Accountant, Custodian, Transfer Agent, auditors, counsel to the Funds 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 Funds’ website may only be provided to additional third parties, in accordance with the Policies, when the Funds have a legitimate business purpose and the third-party recipient is subject to a confidentiality agreement.
There can be no assurance that the Disclosure Policies and these procedures will protect the Funds from potential misuse of that information by individuals or entities to which it is disclosed.
PROXY VOTING POLICY
The Board has adopted Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (the “Proxy Policies”) on behalf of the Trust which delegate the responsibility for voting proxies to the Adviser, subject to the Board’s continuing oversight. The Proxy Policies require that the Adviser vote proxies received in a manner consistent with the best interests of the Funds and their shareholders. The Proxy Policies also require the Adviser to present to the Board, at least annually, the Adviser’s Proxy Policies and a record of each proxy voted by the Adviser on behalf of a Fund, including a report on the resolution of all proxies identified by the Adviser as involving a conflict of interest. A copy of the Adviser’s Proxy Voting Policy can be found in the Appendix.
Conflict of Interest. Where a proxy proposal raises a material conflict between the Adviser’s interests and a Fund’s interests, the Adviser will disclose the conflict to the Board and may resolve the conflict by voting in accordance with the Proxy Policies or the Adviser will abstain from voting the securities held by the Fund, depending on the circumstances.
Proxy Voting Records. The Trust is required to annually file Form N-PX, which lists the Funds’ complete proxy voting record for the 12-month period ending June 30. The Funds’ proxy voting records are available without charge, upon request by calling 1-800-251-1970 and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
MARKETING AND SUPPORT PAYMENTS
The Adviser, out of its own resources and without additional cost to the Funds or their shareholders, may provide additional cash payments or other compensation to certain financial intermediaries who sell shares of the Funds. Such payments may be divided into categories as follows:
Support Payments. Payments may be made by the Adviser to certain financial intermediaries in connection with the eligibility of the Funds to be offered in certain programs and/or in connection with meetings between the Funds’ representatives and financial intermediaries and their sales representatives. Such meetings may be held for various purposes, including providing education and training about the
Funds and other general financial topics to assist financial intermediaries’ sales representatives in making informed recommendations to, and decisions on behalf of, their clients.
Entertainment, Conferences and Events. The Adviser also may pay cash or non-cash compensation to sales representatives of financial intermediaries in the form of (i) occasional gifts; (ii) occasional meals, tickets or other entertainments; and/or (iii) sponsorship support for the Financial Intermediary’s client seminars and cooperative advertising. In addition, the Adviser pays for exhibit space or sponsorships at regional or national events of financial intermediaries.
The prospect of receiving, or the receipt of additional payments or other compensation as described above by financial intermediaries may provide such intermediaries and/or their salespersons with an incentive to favor sales of shares of the Funds, and other mutual funds whose affiliates make similar compensation available, over sale of shares of mutual funds (or non-mutual fund investments) not making such payments. You may wish to take such payment arrangements into account when considering and evaluating any recommendations relating to the Fund shares.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The NAV per share of the Funds will be determined as of the close of regular trading (generally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time) on each day the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) is open for business. The NYSE is open for trading Monday through Friday except New Year’s Day, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday/Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Additionally, if any of the aforementioned holidays falls on a Saturday, the NYSE will not be open for trading on the preceding Friday and when any such holiday falls on a Sunday, the NYSE will not be open for trading on the succeeding Monday, unless unusual business conditions exist, such as the ending of a monthly or the yearly accounting period. Each Fund reserves the right to close if the primary trading markets of a Fund’s portfolio instruments are closed and the Fund’s management believes that there is not an adequate market to meet purchase, redemption or exchange requests. On any business day when the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association recommends that the securities markets close trading early, the Funds may close trading early.
Purchase orders for Fund shares will be accepted only on days on which a Fund is open for business. If a purchase order is received by the Distributor on a day when the Fund is not open for business, it will be processed on the next succeeding day a Fund is open for business (according to the succeeding day’s NAV).
The NAV per share is computed by dividing the value of the securities held by each 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 interests in each Fund outstanding at such time, as shown below:
| | | | | | | | |
Net Assets | = | NAV per share |
Shares Outstanding |
In determining the NAV per share of a Fund’s shares, common stocks that are listed on national securities exchanges are valued at the last sale price as of the close of trading, or, in the absence of recorded sales, at the average of readily available closing bid and asked prices on such exchanges. Securities primarily traded in the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation (“Nasdaq”) Global Market System 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. Unlisted securities held by a Fund that are not included in the Nasdaq Stock Market are valued at the average of the quoted bid and asked prices in the over-the-counter market. Securities and other assets for which market quotations are not readily available are valued by appraisal at their fair value as determined in good faith by the Adviser under procedures established by and under the general supervision and responsibility of the Board.
Debt securities are valued on the basis of valuations provided by independent third-party pricing services, approved by the Adviser, or at fair value as determined in good faith by procedures approved by the Adviser. Any such pricing service, in determining value, will use information with respect to transactions in the securities being valued, quotations from dealers, market transactions in comparable securities, analyses and evaluations of various relationships between securities and yield to maturity information.
An option that is written by the Funds or purchased by the Funds is generally valued using composite pricing. Composite pricing uses the National Best Bid and Offer quotes (“NBBO”). NBBO consists of the highest bid price and lowest ask price across any of the options exchanges on which an option is quoted. Specifically, composite pricing looks at the last trades on the exchanges where the options are traded. If there are no trades for the option on a given business day, as of closing, composite option pricing calculates the mean of the highest bid price and lowest ask price across the exchanges where the option is traded.
When a Fund writes a call or a put, an amount equal to the premium received is included in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as an asset, and an equivalent amount is included in the liability section. This amount is “marked-to-market” to reflect the current market value of the call or put. If a call a Fund wrote is exercised, the proceeds it receives on the sale of the related investment by it are increased by the amount of the premium it received. If a put a Fund wrote is exercised, the amount it pays to purchase the related investment is decreased by the amount of the premium received. If a call a Fund purchased is exercised by it, the amount it pays to purchase the related investment is increased by the amount of the premium it paid. If a put a Fund purchased is exercised by it, the amount it receives on its sale of the related investment is reduced by the amount of the premium it paid. If a call or put written by a Fund expires, it has a gain in the amount of the premium; if a Fund enters into a closing transaction, it will have a gain or loss depending on whether the premium was more or less than the cost of the closing transaction.
U.S. government securities are normally valued using a model that incorporates market observable data such as reported sales of similar securities, broker quotes, yields, bids, offers, and reference data. Certain securities are valued principally using dealer quotations. U.S. government agency securities are comprised of two main categories consisting of agency issued debt and mortgage pass-throughs. Agency issued debt securities are generally valued in a manner similar to U.S. government securities. Mortgage pass-throughs include to-be-announced (TBAs”) securities and mortgage pass-through certificates. TBA securities and mortgage pass-throughs are generally valued using dealer quotations. Short-term debt securities, including those securities having a maturity of 60 days or less, are valued at the evaluated mean between the bid and asked prices.
The Funds price foreign securities in terms of U.S. dollars at the official exchange rate. Alternatively, they may price these securities at the average of the current bid and asked price of such currencies against the dollar last quoted by a major bank that is a regular participant in the foreign exchange market, or on the basis of a pricing service that takes into account the quotes provided by a number of such major banks. If the Funds do not have either of these alternatives available to them or the alternatives do not provide a suitable method for converting a foreign currency into U.S. dollars, the Adviser in good faith will establish a conversion rate for such currency.
Foreign securities trading may not take place on all days when the NYSE is open, or may take place on Saturdays and other days when the NYSE is not open and a Fund’s NAV per share is not calculated. When determining NAV per share, the Fund values foreign securities primarily listed and/or traded in foreign markets at their market value as of the close of the last primary market where the securities traded. Securities trading in European countries and Pacific Rim countries are normally completed well before 4:00 P.M., Eastern Time. It is currently the policy of a Fund that events affecting the valuation of Fund securities occurring between the time its NAV per share is determined and the close of the NYSE, if material, may be reflected in such NAV per share.
The Funds reserve the right to suspend or postpone redemptions during any period when: (a) trading on the NYSE is restricted, as determined by the SEC, or that the NYSE is closed for other than customary weekend and holiday closings; (b) the SEC has by order permitted such suspension; or (c) an emergency, as determined by the SEC, exists, making disposal of portfolio securities or valuation of net assets of the Funds not reasonably practicable.
All other assets of the Funds are valued in accordance with procedures adopted by the Adviser.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
Systematic Withdrawal Plan. A Systematic Withdrawal Plan is available for shareholders having shares of the Fund with a minimum value of $10,000, based upon the NAV per share with respect to the Fund. The Systematic Withdrawal Plan provides for monthly, quarterly, or annual redemptions in any amount not less than $100 (which amount is not necessarily recommended).
The Transfer Agent acts as agent for the shareholder in redeeming sufficient full and fractional shares to provide the amount of the periodic withdrawal payment. The Systematic Withdrawal Plan may be terminated at any time, and, while no fee is currently charged, the Fund reserves the right to initiate a fee of up to $5 per withdrawal, upon 30 days’ written notice to the shareholder.
Withdrawal payments should not be considered as dividends, yield, or income. If periodic withdrawals continuously exceed reinvested dividends and capital gains distributions, the shareholder’s original investment will be correspondingly reduced and ultimately exhausted.
Furthermore, each withdrawal constitutes a redemption of shares, and any gain or loss realized must be recognized for federal income tax purposes. The shareholder may purchase additional shares when participating in the Systematic Withdrawal Plan.
Automatic Investment Plan. A shareholder who wishes to make additional investments in the Fund on a regular basis may do so by authorizing the Transfer Agent to deduct a fixed amount each month from the shareholder’s checking or savings account at his or her bank. This amount will automatically be invested in the Fund on the same day that the preauthorized debit is issued. The shareholder will receive a confirmation from the Fund, and the bank account statement will show the amount charged. In order to participate in the Automatic Investment Plan, please complete this section of the Account Application or contact the Transfer Agent for the form necessary to begin this service. The form necessary to begin this service is available from the Transfer Agent.
Tax Sheltered Retirement Plans. Through the Distributor, retirement plans are either available or expected to be available for use by the self‑employed (Keogh Plans), Individual Retirement Accounts (including SEP-IRAs) and “tax‑sheltered accounts” under Section 403(b)(7) of the Code. Adoption of such plans should be on advice of legal counsel or tax advisers.
For further information regarding plan administration, custodial fees and other details, investors should contact the Distributor.
ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING PROGRAM
The Trust has established an Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Program (the “AML 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 AML 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 AML Program.
Procedures to implement the AML Program include, but are not limited to, determining that the 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 Funds will not transact business with any person or entity whose identity cannot be adequately verified under the provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act.
TAXES
General
Each Fund has elected to be treated and intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The discussion that follows is not intended to be a complete discussion of present or proposed federal income tax laws and the effect of such laws on an investor. Investors are urged to consult with their tax advisers for a complete review of the tax consequences of an investment in the Funds.
If a Fund fails to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code in any fiscal year, it will be treated as a regular corporation for federal income tax purposes. As such, that Fund would be required to pay income taxes on its net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, at the rates generally applicable to corporations. Distributions to shareholders, whether from that Fund’s net investment income or net realized capital gains, would be treated as taxable dividends to the extent of current or accumulated earnings and profits of that Fund.
The Funds' policy is to distribute to its shareholders all of its net investment 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 a Fund will not be subject to any federal income or excise taxes. The Funds can give no assurances that distributions will be sufficient to eliminate all taxes. To avoid the non-deductible excise tax, a Fund must 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 98.2% 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 no federal income tax was paid by a Fund. If, as expected, a Fund qualifies as a regulated investment company, dividends from a Fund’s net investment income, including short-term capital gains, are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income, while distributions of net capital gains are taxable as long-term capital gains regardless of the shareholder’s holding period for the shares. Such dividends and distributions are taxable to shareholders whether received in cash or reinvested in additional shares. Since all or substantially all of the income of each Fund is derived from interest payments to it, none of the dividends of the Fund are
expected to qualify for the intercorporate dividends-received deduction or the reduced rate for qualified dividend income.
In order to qualify as a regulated investment company, a Fund must, among other things, derive at least 90% of its gross income each year from dividends, interest, payments with respect to loans of stock and securities, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock or securities, foreign currency gains related to investments in stock or securities, or other income (generally including gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to the business of investing in stock, securities or currency, and net income derived from an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership. A Fund also must satisfy the following two asset diversification tests. At the end of each quarter of each taxable year, (i) at least 50% of the value of the Fund’s total assets must be represented by cash and cash items (including receivables), U.S. government securities, the securities of other regulated investment companies, and other securities, with such other securities being limited in respect of any one issuer to an amount not greater than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets and not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets may be invested in the securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. government securities or the securities of other regulated investment companies), the securities of any two or more issuers (other than the securities of other regulated investment companies) that the Fund controls (by owning 20% or more of their outstanding voting stock) and that are determined to be engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses or related trades or businesses, or the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships. A Fund also must distribute each taxable year sufficient dividends to its shareholders to claim a dividends paid deduction equal to at least the sum of 90% of the Fund’s dividends, interest, and the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss) and 90% of the Fund’s net tax-exempt interest, if any.
Any dividend or capital gain distribution paid shortly after a purchase of shares of a Fund will have the effect of reducing the NAV per share of such shares by the amount of the dividend or distribution. Furthermore, if the NAV per share of a Fund immediately after a dividend or distribution is less than the cost of such shares to the shareholder, the dividend or distribution will be taxable to the shareholder even though economically it results in a return of capital to him.
As of November 30, 2022, the BBB Bond Fund, the MBS Bond Fund, and the High Yield (MACS) Fund had tax short-term capital losses and/or tax long term capital losses, which may be carried over indefinitely to offset future gains, as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| BBB Bond Fund | MBS Bond Fund | High Yield (MACS) Fund |
Short-term capital losses | $1,737,988 | $1,485,808 | $300,557 |
Long-term capital losses | $3,612,017 | $354,883 | $3,084,039 |
Redemptions of shares generally will result in a capital gain or loss for income tax purposes. Such capital gain or loss will be long-term or short-term, depending upon the shareholder’s holding period for the shares. However, if a loss is realized on shares held for six months or less, and the investor received a capital gain distribution during that period, then such loss is treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of the capital gain distribution received.
For taxable years beginning after 2017 and before 2025, non-corporate taxpayers generally may deduct 20% of “qualified business income” derived either directly or through partnerships or S corporations. For this purpose, “qualified business income” generally includes dividends paid by a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) and certain income from publicly traded partnerships. Regulations recently adopted by the United States Treasury allow non-corporate shareholders of a Fund to benefit from the 20% deduction
with respect to net REIT dividends received by the Fund if the Fund meets certain reporting requirements. There is currently no mechanism for a Fund, to the extent that a Fund invests in MLPs, to pass through to non-corporate shareholders the character of income derived from MLP investments so as to allow such shareholders to claim this deduction. It is uncertain whether future legislation or other guidance will enable a Fund to pass through to non-corporate shareholders the ability to claim this deduction.
Rule 17a-7 Transactions
The Trust has adopted procedures pursuant to Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act pursuant to which the Funds may effect a purchase and sale transaction with an affiliated person of the Funds (or an affiliated person of such an affiliated person) in which the Funds issue their shares in exchange for cash payments. For purposes of determining the number of shares to be issued, the securities involved in the exchange will be valued in accordance with Rule 17a-7. Certain of the transactions may be tax-free with the result that the Funds acquire unrealized appreciation. Most Rule 17a-7 transactions will not be tax-free.
Taxation of Hedging Instruments
If a call option written by a Fund expires, the amount of the premium received by the Fund for the option will be short-term capital gain. If a Fund enters into a closing transaction with respect to the option, any gain or loss realized by a Fund as a result of the transaction will be short-term capital gain or loss. If the holder of a call option exercises the holder’s right under the option, any gain or loss realized by the Fund upon the sale of the underlying security or futures contract pursuant to such exercise will be short-term or long-term capital gain or loss to the Fund depending on the Fund’s holding period for the underlying security or futures contract, and the amount of the premium received will be added to the proceeds of sale for purposes of determining the amount of the capital gain or loss.
With respect to call options purchased by a Fund, the Fund will realize short-term or long-term capital gain or loss if such option is sold and will realize short-term or long-term capital loss if the option is allowed to expire depending on the Fund’s holding period for the call option. If such a call option is exercised, the amount paid by a Fund for the option will be added to the basis of the security or futures contract so acquired.
Gains and losses resulting from the expiration, exercise or closing of futures contracts will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss to the extent of 60% thereof and short-term capital gain or loss to the extent of 40% thereof (hereinafter “blended gain or loss”) for determining the character of distributions. In addition, futures contracts held by a Fund on the last day of a fiscal year will be treated as sold for market value (“marked to market”) on that date, and gain or loss recognized as a result of such deemed sale will be blended gain or loss. The realized gain or loss on the ultimate disposition of the futures contract will be increased or decreased to take into consideration the prior marked to market gains and losses.
Each Fund may acquire put options. Under the Code, put options on securities are taxed similar to short sales. If a Fund owns the underlying security or acquires the underlying security before closing the option position, the option position may be subject to certain modified short sale rules. If a Fund exercises or allows a put option to expire, the Fund will be considered to have closed a short sale. A Fund will generally have a short-term gain or loss on the closing of an option position. The determination of the length of the holding period is dependent on the holding period of the security used to exercise that put option. If a Fund sells the put option without exercising it, its holding period will be the holding period of the option.
Foreign Taxes – BBB Bond Fund and High Yield (MACS) Fund
The BBB Bond Fund and the High Yield (MACS) Fund may be subject to foreign taxes on income and gains derived from their investments outside the U.S. Such taxes would reduce the return on a Fund’s investments. Tax treaties between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes. If more than 50% of the value of a Fund’s total assets at the close of any taxable year consist of securities of foreign corporations, the Fund may elect, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, to treat any foreign country income or withholding taxes paid by the Fund that can be treated as income taxes under U.S. income tax principles as paid by its shareholders subject to certain exceptions for qualified fund of funds structures. For any year that a Fund makes such an election, each of its shareholders will be required to include in his income (in addition to taxable dividends actually received) his allocable share of such taxes paid by the Fund and will be entitled, subject to certain limitations, to credit his portion of these foreign taxes against his U.S. federal income tax due, if any, or to deduct it (as an itemized deduction) from his U.S. taxable income, if any. Generally, credit for foreign taxes is subject to the limitation that it may not exceed the shareholder’s U.S. tax attributable to his foreign source taxable income.
If the pass through election described above is made, the source of a Fund’s income flows through to its shareholders. Certain gains from the sale of securities and currency fluctuations will not be treated as foreign source taxable income. In addition, this foreign tax credit limitation must be applied separately to certain categories of foreign source income, one of which is foreign source “passive income.” For this purpose, foreign “passive income” includes dividends, interest, capital gains and certain foreign currency gains. As a consequence, certain shareholders may not be able to claim a foreign tax credit for the full amount of their proportionate share of the foreign tax paid by a Fund.
If a Fund does not make the pass through election described above, the foreign taxes it pays will reduce its income, and distributions by the Fund will be treated as U.S. source income.
Each shareholder will be notified within 60 days after the close of a Fund’s taxable year whether, pursuant to the election described above, the foreign taxes paid by the Fund will be treated as paid by its shareholders for that year and, if so, such notification will report: (i) such shareholder’s portion of the foreign taxes paid; and (ii) the portion of the Fund’s dividends and distributions that represent income derived from foreign sources.
Foreign shareholders, including shareholders who are nonresident alien individuals, may be subject to U.S. withholding tax on certain distributions at a rate of 30% or such lower rate as may be prescribed by any applicable treaty. In addition, if the requirements of the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”) are not met, the United States may impose a 30% U.S. withholding tax on certain foreign financial institutions and other foreign entities with respect to ordinary income distributions on shares of the Funds. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors regarding the possible implications of this legislation as well as the other U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of an investment in shares.
Backup Withholding
Federal law requires the Funds to withhold from a non-corporate shareholder’s reportable payments (which include dividends, capital gains distributions and redemption proceeds) an amount as backup withholding determined at a rate as set forth in Section 3406 of the Code, for shareholders who have not properly certified that the social security or other taxpayer identification number they provide is correct and that the shareholder is not subject to backup withholding, or if such shareholder or the Internal Revenue Service notifies the Funds that backup withholding is required. Backup withholding is not an
additional tax and any amounts withheld may be credited against a shareholder’s ultimate federal income tax liability if proper documentation is provided.
The foregoing discussion relates only to federal income tax law applicable to U.S. persons (i.e., U.S. citizens and residents and U.S. domestic corporations, estates, the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source, and trusts that (1) are subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (2) have a valid election in effect under applicable United States Treasury regulations to be treated as a United States person). Distributions by a Fund also may be subject to state and local taxes, and the treatment of distributions under state and local income tax laws may differ from the federal income tax treatment. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors with respect to particular questions of federal, state and local taxation. Shareholders who are not U.S. persons should consult their tax advisors regarding U.S. and foreign tax consequences of ownership of shares of a Fund, including the likelihood that distributions to them would be subject to withholding of U.S. tax at a rate of 30% (or at a lower rate under a tax treaty if one applies).
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Declaration of Trust permits the Board 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 Funds. Each share represents an interest in the Fund proportionately equal to the interest of each other share. Upon a 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 Funds, 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, each Fund has only one class of shares – the Managed Account Completion Shares (MACS).
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. 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 Board, 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.
In addition to cash purchases, Fund shares may be purchased by tendering payment in-kind in the form of bonds or other securities. Any securities used to buy Fund shares must be readily marketable, their acquisition consistent with a Fund’s objective and otherwise acceptable to the Adviser and the Board.
Redemptions In-Kind
The Trust has elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act so that the Funds are obligated to redeem their shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of its net asset value during any 90-day period for any shareholder of the Funds. Each Fund has reserved the right to pay the redemption price of its shares in excess of $250,000 or l% of its net asset value either totally or partially, by a distribution in-kind of portfolio securities or loans (instead of cash). The securities or loans so distributed would be valued at the same amount as that assigned to them in calculating the NAV per share for the shares being sold. If a shareholder receives a distribution in-kind, the shareholder could incur brokerage or other charges in converting the securities or loans to cash. A redemption, whether in cash or in-kind, is a taxable event for you.
Each Fund does not intend to hold any significant percentage of its portfolio in illiquid securities, although a Fund, like virtually all mutual funds, may from time to time hold a small percentage of securities that are illiquid. In the unlikely event a Fund were to elect to make an in-kind redemption, the Fund expects that it would follow the Trust protocol of making such distribution by way of a pro rata distribution of securities that are traded on a public securities market or are otherwise considered liquid pursuant to the Fund’s liquidity policies and procedures. Except as otherwise may be approved by the Trustees, the securities that would not be included in an in-kind distribution include (1) unregistered securities which, if distributed, would be required to be registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “1933 Act”), as amended; (2) securities issued by entities in countries which (a) restrict or prohibit the
holding of securities by non-nationals other than through qualified investment vehicles, such as a fund, or (b) permit transfers of ownership of securities to be effected only by transactions conducted on a local stock exchange; and (3) certain Fund assets that, although they may be liquid and marketable, must be traded through the marketplace or with the counterparty to the transaction in order to effect a change in beneficial ownership.
CODES OF ETHICS
The Trust and Adviser have each adopted separate Codes of Ethics under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act. These Codes permit, subject to certain conditions, access persons of the Adviser to invest in securities that may be purchased or held by the Funds. The Distributor, relies on the principal underwriter’s exception under Rule 17j-1(c)(3), of the 1940 Act, specifically where the Distributor is not affiliated with the Trust or the Adviser, and no officer, director or general partner of the Distributor serves as an officer, director or general partner of the Trust or the Adviser.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The annual report to shareholders for the Funds for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022, is a separate document supplied with this SAI, and the financial statements, accompanying notes and report of independent registered public accounting firm appearing therein are incorporated by reference into this SAI.
PIA Manual Effective January, 2020
Pacific Income Advisers, Inc.
Proxy Voting Policy
Effective January, 2020
PIA Manual Effective January, 2020
PACIFIC INCOME ADVISERS, INC.
POLICIES & PROCEDURES MANUAL
All contents are the confidential and exclusive property of Pacific Income Advisers, Inc. (“PIA”).
For internal use only.
Copyright © 2020 by Pacific Income Advisers, Inc.
All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced, transmitted or transcribed in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, now known or hereafter invented, including but not limited to photocopying and recording or by any information storage or retrieval system, except as expressly permitted by the copyright owner.
H. PROXY VOTING POLICY
On January 31, 2003, the Securities and Exchange Commission approved proxy voting regulations for investment advisers registered with the SEC under the Advisers Act. The regulations require investment advisers to disclose their proxy voting policies and procedures to their clients.
1. VOTING PROXIES FOR NON-ERISA ACCOUNTS
In this regard, it is PIA’s policy to vote proxies for portfolio securities in accordance with the best economic interests of each client unless that client explicitly retains responsibility for proxy voting.
2. VOTING OF PROXIES FOR ERISA ACCOUNTS
The Department of Labor (“DOL”) takes the position that the fiduciary act of managing plan assets which are held as shares of corporate stock includes the obligation to vote proxies appurtenant to those shares of stock. Section 403(a) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) requires plan trustees to have exclusive authority and responsibility for voting proxies, unless:
•The plan expressly provides that the trustees are subject to the discretion of a named fiduciary who is not a trustee (in which case the trustees are subject to proper directions made in accordance with the terms of the plan and not contrary to ERISA); and
•The authority to manage, acquire or dispose of assets of the plan is delegated to one or more investment managers pursuant to Section 402 of ERISA.
3. PROCEDURES
PIA has adopted the following procedures in relation to the voting of proxies:
•At the opening of each client relationship, an IAR will determine whether PIA will have proxy voting responsibility and if so, whether the client has any specific guidelines or policies it require PIA to comply with.
•All investment advisory agreements with clients specify whether PIA, the client or (in the case of ERISA accounts) the plan trustees or a named fiduciary have proxy voting authority. All agreements with wrap-fee sponsors provide that PIA has proxy voting authority unless the client explicitly retains responsibility for proxy voting in writing.
•All proxy voting materials received by PIA will be forwarded to Operations whose responsibilities will include but not be limited to:
(i) Reconciliation of proxies received against securities held and obtaining any missing proxy materials/ballots prior to the voting deadline.
(ii) Forwarding all applicable proxy materials to those clients who have retained authority to vote proxies.
(iii) Voting proxies in accordance with the Portfolio Manager’s recommendations and guidelines, or those of the Compliance Committee.
(iv) Transmitting voted proxies to the appropriate issuers.
(v) Recording how each proxy was voted for PIA clients.
(vi) Maintaining appropriate proxy voting records by issuer and for clients.
(vii) Preparing and providing proxy voting reports to the CCO upon request.
•If any conflict or potential conflict of interest arises in the execution of PIA’s proxy voting responsibilities, including the Mutual Fund votes, Operations will refer the matter to the Compliance Committee who will review and resolve any such conflict in the best interests of all affected clients. The Compliance Committee will either instruct Operations to vote the affected proxies in accordance with the Compliance Committee’s specific instructions or provided that the client is not an ERISA client, either request the client to vote their own proxies or abstain from any voting. In all cases the Compliance Committee will disclose the conflict to all affected clients and notify them of the specific action taken.
•The CCO is responsible for ensuring that an accurate summary of PIA’s proxy voting procedures is included in PIA’s client disclosure document and on its website at all times.
•PIA will maintain adequate records to document the voting process for all clients.
•PIA will collect and vote Fund proxies and maintain the records of the vote, in accordance with Form N-PX filing requirement.
•PIA’s Disclosure Brochure contains detailed information regarding proxy voting practices and how its clients may obtain information on how their securities were voted.
P R O S P E C T U S
March 31, 2023
PIA High Yield Fund
Class A (Not available for purchase)
(the “Fund”)
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these securities or determined if this Prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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SUMMARY SECTION | |
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PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RELATED RISKS | |
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PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION | |
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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND | |
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FUND’S SHARE PRICE | |
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PURCHASING SHARES | |
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REDEEMING SHARES | |
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DISTRIBUTION OF FUND SHARES | |
|
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS | |
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TAX CONSEQUENCES | |
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INDEX DESCRIPTION | |
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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | |
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PRIVACY NOTICE | |
SUMMARY SECTION
PIA High Yield Fund (the “Fund”)
Investment Objectives
The Fund’s primary objective is to seek a high level of current income. The Fund’s secondary objective is to seek capital growth when that is consistent with its primary objective.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and example below. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $25,000 in the Fund. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in the “More About Class A Shares” section on page 14 of the Fund’s statutory Prospectus and the “Breakpoints/Volume Discounts and Sales Charge Waivers” section on page 49 of the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”).
| | | | | | | | |
SHAREHOLDER FEES (fees paid directly from your investment) | | Class A |
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) | 4.00% |
|
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) | | |
Management Fees | | 0.55% |
Distribution and Service (Rule 12b-1) Fees | | 0.25% |
Other Expenses (includes 0.15% Shareholder Servicing Plan Fee) | | 0.66% |
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses | | 0.00% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | | 1.46% |
Less: Fee Waiver(1) | | -0.20% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver | | 1.26% |
(1)Pacific Income Advisers, Inc. (the “Adviser”) has agreed to temporarily pay for all operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses (“AFFE”), interest, taxes, extraordinary expenses, Rule 12b-1 fees, shareholder servicing fees and any other class-specific expenses) incurred by the Fund through at least March 29, 2024 to the extent necessary to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses for the Fund to 0.86% of the average daily net assets for the Fund (the “temporary expense limitation”). The temporary expense limitation may be discontinued at any time by the Board of Trustees. The Adviser may not recoup amounts subject to the temporary expense limitation in future periods. AFFE are the indirect costs of investing in other investment companies, such as a money market funds.
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 temporary expense limitation only in the first year). 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 |
Class A | $523 | $824 | $1,147 | $2,060 |
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 23% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies of the Fund
The Fund invests, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in a diversified portfolio of domestic and foreign high yield instruments (“junk bonds”), defined as bonds, convertible securities, forward commitments, loan participations and assignments, preferred stocks and Rule 144A securities. High yield instruments are securities rated below investment grade by as defined by the Bloomberg index methodology, or equivalently rated by S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”) or Fitch, Inc. (“Fitch”), or, if unrated, determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality.
The remainder of the Fund’s assets may be invested in investment grade instruments including bonds, debt securities, convertible securities, and other similar instruments issued by various U.S. and non-U.S. public- or private-sector entities, and loan participations and assignments.
The average portfolio duration of the Fund normally varies within two years (plus or minus) of the duration of the Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High-Yield Index (the “Bloomberg Index”) at any point in time. The Bloomberg Index had a duration of 3.79 years as of January 31, 2023. Duration is a measure of the expected life of a fixed income security that is used to determine the sensitivity of a security’s price to changes in interest rates.
The Fund may invest up to 10% of its net assets in securities and instruments that are economically tied to emerging market countries.
From time to time, the Fund may experience significant inflows; if this occurs, the Fund may, on a temporary or interim basis, invest these new assets (potentially in an amount which may approach up to 50% of the Fund’s total net assets if new flows were extremely large relative to the Fund’s current assets) in other investment companies, including exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), until such time as the Adviser can identify and invest in appropriate high yield instruments in accordance with the Fund’s principal strategy. The Fund may purchase or sell securities on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward commitment basis. The Fund may, without limitation, seek to obtain market exposure to the securities in which it primarily invests by entering into a series of purchase and sale contracts or by using other investment techniques (such as buy backs or dollar rolls).
In selecting investments for the Fund, the Adviser will consider the risks and opportunities presented by the industries within the high yield universe. The Adviser evaluates the bond issuers within the selected industries and identifies those investments which the Adviser believes have favorable risk reward characteristics and match the Adviser’s investing philosophy. The Adviser evaluates various criteria such as historical and future expected financial performance, management tenure and experience, capital structure, free cash flow generation, barriers to entry, security protections, yield and relative value, and ownership structure. Investments are targeted that have individual yield premiums which appear to be favorable and are viewed by the Adviser as having a comparable or lower probability of default and/or loss risk.
Principal Investment Risks
By itself, the Fund is not a complete, balanced investment plan. The Fund cannot guarantee that it will achieve its investment objectives. Losing all or a portion of your investment is a risk of investing in the Fund.
•High Yield Securities Risk. High yield securities (or “junk bonds”) entail greater risk of loss of principal because of their greater exposure to credit risk. High yield securities typically carry
higher coupon rates than investment grade securities, but also are considered as speculative and may be subject to greater market price fluctuations, less liquidity and greater risk of loss of income or principal including greater possibility of default and bankruptcy of the issuer of such instruments than more highly rated bonds and loans.
•Counterparty Risk. Fund transactions involving a counterparty are subject to the risk that the counterparty or a third party will not fulfill its obligation to the Fund. Counterparty risk may arise because of the counterparty’s financial condition (i.e., financial difficulties, bankruptcy, or insolvency), market activities and developments, or other reasons, whether foreseen or not. A counterparty’s inability to fulfill its obligation may result in significant financial loss to the Fund.
•Credit Risk. The issuers of the bonds and other instruments held by the Fund may not be able to make interest or principal payments.
•General Market Risk. Economies and financial markets throughout the world are becoming increasingly interconnected, which increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one country or region will adversely impact markets or issuers in other countries or regions. Securities in the Fund’s portfolio may underperform in comparison to securities in general financial markets, a particular financial market or other asset classes due to a number of factors, including: inflation (or expectations for inflation); interest rates; global demand for particular products or resources; natural disasters or events; pandemic diseases; terrorism; regulatory events; and government controls. U.S. and international markets have experienced significant periods of volatility in recent years and months due to a number of economic, political and global macro factors including the impact of COVID-19 as a global pandemic, which has resulted in a public health crisis, disruptions to business operations and supply chains, stress on the global healthcare system, growth concerns in the U.S. and overseas, staffing shortages and the inability to meet consumer demand, and widespread concern and uncertainty. The global recovery from COVID-19 is proceeding at slower than expected rates due to the emergence of variant strains and may last for an extended period of time. Continuing uncertainties regarding interest rates, rising inflation, political events, rising government debt in the U.S. and trade tensions also contribute to market volatility. As a result of continuing political tensions and armed conflicts, including the war between Ukraine and Russia, the U.S. and the European Union imposed sanctions on certain Russian individuals and companies, including certain financial institutions, and have limited certain exports and imports to and from Russia. The war has contributed to recent market volatility and may continue to do so.
•Management Risk. The Fund is an actively managed portfolio. The Adviser’s management practices and investment strategies might not work to produce the desired results.
•Interest Rate Risk. The value of the Fund’s investments in fixed income securities will change based on changes in interest rates. If interest rates increase, the value of these investments generally declines. Securities with greater interest rate sensitivity and longer maturities generally are subject to greater fluctuations in value.
•Liquidity Risk. Reduced liquidity in the bond markets can result from a number of events, such as limited trading activity, reductions in bond inventory, and rapid or unexpected changes in interest rates. Less liquid markets could lead to greater price volatility and limit the Fund’s ability to sell a holding at a suitable price.
•ETF and Mutual Fund Risk. When the Fund invests in an ETF or mutual fund, it will bear additional expenses based on its pro rata share of the ETF’s or mutual fund’s operating expenses, including the potential duplication of management fees. The risk of owning an ETF or mutual fund generally reflects the risks of owning the underlying securities that the ETF or mutual fund holds. The Fund also will incur brokerage costs when it purchases ETFs.
•Preferred Stock Risk. Preferred stocks may be more volatile than fixed income securities and are more correlated with the issuer’s underlying common stock than fixed income securities. Additionally, the dividend on a preferred stock may be changed or omitted by the issuer.
•Foreign and Emerging Market Securities Risk. Investments in foreign currencies and foreign issuers are subject to additional risks, including political and economic risks, greater volatility, civil conflicts and war, sanctions or other measures by the United States or other governments, liquidity risks, currency fluctuations, higher transaction costs, delayed settlement, possible foreign controls on investment, expropriation and nationalization risks, and less stringent investor protection and disclosure standards of foreign markets. Events and evolving conditions in certain economies or markets may alter the risks associated with investments tied to countries or regions that historically were perceived as comparatively stable becoming riskier and more volatile. These risks are magnified in countries in “emerging markets.” Emerging market countries typically have less-established market economies than developed countries and may face greater social, economic, regulatory and political uncertainties. In addition, emerging markets typically present greater illiquidity and price volatility concerns due to smaller or limited local capital markets and greater difficulty in determining market valuations of securities due to limited public information on issuers.
•Loan Participation and Assignment Risk. Loan participations and assignments involve special types of risk, including credit risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk, and the risks of being a lender. Bank loans (i.e., loan participations and assignments), like other high yield corporate debt obligations, have a higher risk of default and may be less liquid and/or become illiquid.
•Rule 144A Securities Risk. The market for Rule 144A securities typically is less active than the market for publicly-traded securities. Rule 144A securities carry the risk that the liquidity of these securities may become impaired, making it more difficult for the Fund to sell these securities.
•Convertible Securities Risk. Convertible securities are subject to the risks of both debt securities and equity securities. The values of convertible securities tend to decline as interest rates rise and, due to the conversion feature, tend to vary with fluctuations in the market value of the underlying common or preferred stock.
Performance
The following performance information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart shows the annual returns for the Fund from year to year. The table shows how the Fund’s average annual total returns for the 1-year, 5-year, 10 year and since inception periods compare with those of a broad measure of market performance. As of the date of this Prospectus, Class A shares had not commenced operations. For that reason, the performance information below is that of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares. Effective at the close of business on December 31, 2014, the former Investor Class shares of the Fund were re-designated as Institutional Class shares. 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 www.pacificincome.com/mutual-funds or by calling the Fund toll-free at 1-800-251-1970.
Calendar Year Total Return as of December 31 – Institutional Class
During the period shown on the bar chart, the Fund’s Institutional Class highest total return for a quarter was 11.80% (quarter ended June 30, 2020) and the lowest total return for a quarter was -14.97% (quarter ended March 31, 2020).
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended December 31, 2022) | 1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years | Since Inception (12/31/2010) |
Institutional Class Shares(1) | | | | |
Return before Taxes | -11.16% | 2.16% | 4.13% | 4.91% |
Return after Taxes on Distributions | -13.91% | -0.59% | 1.33% | 2.20% |
Return after Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | -6.56% | 0.52% | 1.94% | 2.63% |
Bloomberg U.S. High Yield Corporate Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | -11.19% | 2.31% | 4.03% | 5.04% |
(1)The former Investor Class shares were re-designated as Institutional Class shares at the close of business on December 31, 2014. Performance shown prior to January 1, 2015 of the Institutional Class reflects the performance of the former Investor Class and includes expenses that are not applicable to and are higher than those of the Institutional Class. Both the Institutional Class and Class A shares of the Fund are invested in the same portfolio of securities. Annual returns will differ only to the extent the expenses of the classes differ. Class A shares may have higher expenses and thus returns would be lower than those shown in the table.
The after-tax returns were 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 an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts (“IRAs”). The Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares is higher than other return figures when a capital loss occurs upon redemption and provides an assumed tax deduction that benefits the investor.
Management
Investment Adviser: Pacific Income Advisers, Inc. is the investment adviser of the Fund.
Portfolio Managers: The following individuals serve as the High Yield Fund’s portfolio managers:
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio Manager | Years of Service with the Fund | Primary Title with the Adviser |
Lloyd McAdams | 9 | President/Portfolio Manager |
Michael Yean | 5 | Vice President, Portfolio Manager/Credit Research |
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
You may purchase, exchange, or redeem Fund shares on any business day by written request via mail (PIA High Yield Fund, c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, P.O. Box 701, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701), by telephone at 1-800-251-1970, or through a financial intermediary. You may also purchase and redeem Fund shares by wire transfer. Investors who wish to purchase or redeem Fund shares through a financial intermediary should contact the financial intermediary directly. The minimum initial and subsequent investment amounts for Class A shares are shown below.
| | | | | | | | |
Type of Account | To Open Your Account | To Add to Your Account |
Regular Accounts | $1,000 | $50 |
Retirement Accounts | $100 | $50 |
Automatic Investment Plan | $50 | $50 |
Tax Information
Fund distributions are taxable and will be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you invest through an IRA, 401(k) plan, or other tax-deferred arrangement. Distributions on investments made through tax-deferred arrangements may be taxed later upon withdrawal of assets from those accounts.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, the Fund and/or the Adviser may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RELATED RISKS
The Fund invests, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in a diversified portfolio of domestic and foreign high yield instruments (“junk bonds”), defined as bonds, convertible securities, forward commitments, loan participations and assignments, preferred stocks and Rule 144A securities. High yield instruments are securities rated below investment grade as defined by the Bloomberg index methodology, or equivalently rated by S&P or Fitch, or, if unrated, determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality. This non-fundamental policy may only be changed upon 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders.
Please remember that an investment objective is not a guarantee and there is no assurance that the Fund’s investment objectives can be achieved. An investment in the Fund might not earn income and investors could lose money.
The remainder of the Fund’s assets may be invested in investment grade instruments including bonds, debt securities, convertible securities, and other similar instruments issued by various U.S. and non-U.S. public- or private-sector entities, and loan participations and assignments.
The Fund may invest up to 10% of its net assets in securities and instruments that are economically tied to emerging market countries. The Adviser considers a security or instrument to be economically tied to an emerging market country if the issuer of such security or instrument is domiciled in an emerging market country or has its primary operations or principal trading markets in an emerging market country.
How We Invest Our Assets
In building a high yield portfolio, the Adviser considers the risk and opportunities presented by the industries within the high yield universe. Since default rates are frequently clustered by industry, the Adviser believes this top down approach is an important component in the creation of a high yield portfolio. The Adviser evaluates the bond issuers within the selected industries and identifies those securities which the Adviser believes have favorable risk reward characteristics and match the Adviser’s investing philosophy. The Adviser evaluates various criteria such as historical and future expected financial performance, management tenure and experience, capital structure, free cash flow generation, barriers to entry, security protections, yield and relative value, and ownership structure.
The Adviser favors investments where it perceives risk and reward characteristics to be attractive versus the high yield market. Investments are targeted that have individual yield premiums which appear to be favorable and are viewed by the Adviser as having a comparable or lower probability of default and/or loss risk. The Adviser believes these investments have the most opportunity for capital appreciation as the market over time begins to recognize this pricing inefficiency.
Duration is a measure of a debt security’s price sensitivity. Duration takes into account the timing of a debt security’s cash flows over time including the possibility that a debt security might be prepaid by the issuer or redeemed by the holder prior to its stated maturity date. The longer a security’s duration, the more sensitive it will be to changes in interest rates. Similarly, a fund with a longer average portfolio duration will be more sensitive to changes in interest rates than a fund with a shorter average portfolio duration. By way of example, the price of a bond fund with an average duration of five years would be expected to fall approximately 5% if interest rates rose by one percentage point. In contrast, maturity measures only the time until final payment is due. The following are examples of the relationship between a bond’s maturity and its duration. A 5% coupon bond having a ten-year maturity will have a duration of approximately 7.55 years. Similarly, a 5% coupon bond having a three-year maturity will have a duration of approximately 2.96 years. The weighted average duration of the Fund will normally range within two years (plus or minus) of the duration of the Barclays Index which was 3.79 years as of January 31, 2023.
The actual duration for the Fund is a function of the maturity and coupon of the bonds issued by the underlying companies that the Adviser wants to buy and hold.
Temporary Defensive Investment Strategies
For temporary defensive purposes in response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Adviser may invest up to 100% of the Fund’s total assets in high-quality, short-term debt securities and money market instruments. These short-term debt securities and money market instruments include shares of other mutual funds, commercial paper, certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances, U.S. Government securities and repurchase agreements. Taking a temporary defensive position may result in the Fund not achieving its investment objectives. Furthermore, to the extent that a Fund invests in money market mutual funds for its cash position, there will be some duplication of expenses because the Fund would bear its pro rata portion of such money market funds’ management fees and operational expenses.
Risks
There are a number of risks associated with the various securities in which the Fund will at times invest. These include:
•High Yield Securities Risk. High yield securities (or “junk bonds”) entail greater risk of loss of principal because of their greater exposure to credit risk. High yield securities typically carry higher coupon rates than investment grade bonds, but also are described as speculative and may be subject to greater market price fluctuations, less liquidity and greater risk of income or principal including greater possibility of default and bankruptcy of the issuer of such instruments than more highly rated bonds. Lower-rated bonds also are more likely to be sensitive to adverse economic or company developments and more subject to price fluctuations in response to changes in interest rates. The market for high yield securities is generally thinner and less active than the market for higher quality securities. This may limit the ability of the Fund to sell high yield securities at the prices at which they are being valued for purposes of calculating net asset value (“NAV”) per share.
•Counterparty Risk. Fund transactions involving a counterparty are subject to the risk that the counterparty or a third party will not fulfill its obligation to the Fund. Counterparty risk may arise because of the counterparty’s financial condition (i.e., financial difficulties, bankruptcy, or insolvency), market activities and developments, or other reasons, whether foreseen or not. A counterparty’s inability to fulfill its obligation may result in significant financial loss to the Fund. The Fund may be unable to recover its investment from the counterparty or may obtain a limited recovery, and/or recovery may be delayed. The Fund may be exposed to counterparty risk through its investments in debt securities and derivatives, including various types of swaps, futures, and options. The Fund intends to enter into financial transactions with counterparties that the Adviser believes to be creditworthy at the time of the transaction. There is always the risk that the Adviser’s analysis of a counterparty’s creditworthiness is incorrect or may change due to market conditions. To the extent that the Fund focuses its transactions with a limited number of counterparties, it will have greater exposure to the risks associated with one or more counterparties.
•Credit Risk. The issuers of the bonds and other fixed income instruments held by the Fund may not be able to make interest or principal payments. Even if these issuers are able to make interest or principal payments, they may suffer adverse changes in financial condition that would lower the credit quality of the security, leading to greater volatility in the price of the security.
•General Market Risk. Economies and financial markets throughout the world are becoming increasingly interconnected, which increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one country or region will adversely impact markets or issuers in other countries or regions. Securities in the Fund’s portfolio may underperform in comparison to securities in general financial markets, a particular financial market or other asset classes due to a number of factors, including: inflation (or expectations
for inflation); interest rates; global demand for particular products or resources; natural disasters or events; pandemic diseases; terrorism; regulatory events; and government controls. U.S. and international markets have experienced significant periods of volatility in recent years and months due to a number of economic, political and global macro factors including the impact of COVID-19 as a global pandemic, which has resulted in a public health crisis, disruptions to business operations and supply chains, stress on the global healthcare system, growth concerns in the U.S. and overseas, staffing shortages and the inability to meet consumer demand, and widespread concern and uncertainty. The global recovery from COVID-19 is proceeding at slower than expected rates due to the emergence of variant strains and may last for an extended period of time. Continuing uncertainties regarding interest rates, rising inflation, political events, rising government debt in the U.S. and trade tensions also contribute to market volatility. As a result of continuing political tensions and armed conflicts, including the war between Ukraine and Russia, the U.S. and the European Union imposed sanctions on certain Russian individuals and companies, including certain financial institutions, and have limited certain exports and imports to and from Russia. The war has contributed to recent market volatility and may continue to do so.
•Management Risk. The Fund is an actively managed portfolio. The Adviser’s management practices and investment strategies might not work to produce the desired results.
•Interest Rate Risk. The value of the Fund’s investments in fixed-income securities will change based on changes in interest rates. If interest rates increase, the value of these investments generally declines. Securities with greater interest rate sensitivity and longer maturities generally are subject to greater fluctuations in value. Fixed-income instruments with longer durations tend to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates, making them more volatile than fixed-income instruments with shorter durations or floating or adjustable interest rates. Many factors can cause interest rates to rise, such as central bank monetary policies, inflation rates, general economic conditions and expectations about the foregoing. Over the past several years, the Federal Reserve has maintained the level of interest rates at or near historic lows. However, more recently, interest rates have begun to increase as a result of action that has been taken by the Federal Reserve, which has raised, and may continue to rate, interest rates. If interest rates rise, the Fund’s yield may not increase proportionately, and the maturities of fixed income securities that have the ability to be prepaid or called by the issuer may be extended. Changing interest rates may have unpredictable effects on the markets and the Fund’s investments. A general rise in interest rates may cause investors to move out of fixed income securities on a large scale, which could adversely affect the price and liquidity of fixed income securities. The Fund may be exposed to heightened interest rate risk as interest rates rise from historically low levels. Fluctuations in interest rates may also affect the liquidity of fixed income securities and instruments held by the Fund.
•Liquidity Risk. Certain fixed income securities or derivative instruments held by the Fund may be difficult (or impossible) to sell at the time and at the price the Adviser would like. As a result, the Fund may have to hold these securities or instruments longer than it would like and may forego other investment opportunities. There is the possibility that the Fund may lose money or be prevented from realizing capital gains if it cannot sell a security or instrument at a particular time and price.
•ETF and Mutual Fund Risk. ETFs are typically open-end investment companies that are bought and sold on a national securities exchange. When the Fund invests in an ETF, it will bear additional expenses based on its pro rata share of the ETF’s operating expenses, including the potential duplication of management fees. The risk of owning an ETF generally reflects the risks of owning the underlying securities it holds. Many ETFs seek to replicate a specific benchmark index. However, such ETF may not fully replicate the performance of its benchmark index for many reasons, including because of the temporary unavailability of certain index securities in the secondary market or discrepancies between the ETF and the index with respect to the weighting of securities or the number of stocks held. Lack of liquidity in an ETF could result in an ETF being more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities it holds. The Fund also will incur brokerage costs when it
purchases ETFs. In addition, because of ETF expenses, compared to owning the underlying securities directly, it may be more costly to own an ETF.
If the Fund invests in shares of another mutual fund, shareholders will indirectly bear fees and expenses charged by the underlying mutual funds in which the Fund invests in addition to the Fund’s direct fees and expenses. Furthermore, investments in other mutual funds could affect the timing, amount and character of distributions to shareholders and therefore may increase the amount of taxes payable by investors in the Fund.
•Preferred Stock Risk. The value of preferred stocks may decline due to general market conditions which are not specifically related to a particular company or to factors affecting a particular industry or industries. Preferred stocks may be more volatile than fixed income securities and are more correlated with the issuer’s underlying common stock than fixed income securities. While most preferred stocks pay a dividend, the Fund may purchase preferred stock where the issuer has omitted, or is in danger of omitting, payment of its dividend.
•Foreign Securities and Emerging Markets Risk. Foreign companies or entities are frequently not subject to accounting and financial reporting standards applicable to U.S. companies, and there may be less information available about foreign issuers. Securities of foreign issuers are generally less liquid and more volatile than those of comparable domestic issuers. Investment in emerging markets involves risks in addition to those generally associated with investments in securities of foreign issuers, including less social, political and economic stability; smaller securities markets and lower trading volume, which may result in less liquidity and greater price volatility; national policies that may restrict the Fund’s investment opportunities, including restrictions on investments in issuers or industries, or expropriation or confiscation of assets or property; and less developed legal structures governing private or foreign investment.
•Loan Participation and Assignment Risk. Loan participations and assignments involve special types of risk, including credit risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk, and the risks of being a lender. Bank loans (i.e., loan participations and assignments), like other high yield corporate debt obligations, have a higher risk of default and may be less liquid and/or become illiquid. The Fund, as a participant in a loan, has no direct claim on the loan and would be a creditor of the lender, and not the borrower, in the event of a borrower’s insolvency or default.
•Rule 144A Securities Risk. The market for Rule 144A securities typically is less active than the market for public securities. Rule 144A securities carry the risk that the trading market may not continue and a Fund might be unable to dispose of these securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty satisfying redemption requirements.
•Convertible Securities Risk. Convertible securities are debt securities that may be converted at either a stated price or stated rate into shares of common or preferred stock, and so are subject to the risks of investments in both debt securities and equity securities. Due to the conversion feature, convertible debt securities generally yield less than non-convertible securities of similar credit quality and maturity. The values of convertible securities tend to decline as interest rates rise. In addition, because of the conversion feature, the market values of convertible securities tend to vary with fluctuations in the market values of the underlying preferred and common stocks. The Fund’s investment in convertible securities may at times include securities that have a mandatory conversion feature, pursuant to which the securities convert automatically into stock at a specified date and conversion ratio, or that are convertible at the option of the issuer. When conversion is not at the option of the holder, the Fund may be required to convert the security into the underlying stock even at times when the value of the underlying common stock has declined substantially or it would otherwise be disadvantageous to do so.
PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION
A complete description of the Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings is available in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) and on the Fund’s website at www.pacificincome.com/mutual-funds.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
Investment Adviser
Pacific Income Advisers, Inc., located at 2321 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 1260, El Segundo, California 90245, is the investment adviser to the Fund. The Adviser has been in business since 1986. As the investment adviser to the Fund, the Adviser manages the investment portfolio for the Fund. It makes the decisions as to which securities to buy and which securities to sell. For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022, the Adviser received net management fees as a percentage of average daily net assets of 0.35% from the Fund, after any waivers.
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the Fund’s investment advisory agreement is included in the Fund’s semi-annual report for the period ended May 31, 2022.
Portfolio Managers
The following individuals are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio. Each portfolio manager has individual discretion to buy and sell securities within their defined sectors of responsibility.
Lloyd McAdams, CFA, CEBS
Mr. McAdams is President and portfolio manager at PIA, having previously served as Chief Investment Officer. Prior to joining PIA in 1986, Mr. McAdams held the position of President of Security Pacific Investment Managers, Inc., Senior Vice President of Trust Company of the West, and an Investment Officer with the State of Tennessee. Mr. McAdams has served as a Board member of the California Public Employees Retirement System (“CALPERS”) in the past. Mr. McAdam had also been the founder, Chairman and CEO of Anworth Mortgage Asset Corp., a NYSE listed company (“ANH”) that managed a portfolio of mortgage securities for its mostly institutional shareholders. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst Charter Holder, and a Certified Employee Benefit Specialist. Mr. McAdams holds a B.S. in Statistics from Stanford University and an M.B.A. from the University of Tennessee.
Michael Yean, Vice President, Credit Research Analyst, Portfolio Manager
Mr. Yean is responsible for the management of the firm’s high yield and convertible bond strategies. Mr. Yean is also a credit research analyst, where he specializes in the industrial sector. In 1998, Mr. Yean joined PIA as a Portfolio Manager and Research Analyst for the PIA Small-Cap Fund and PIA Mid-Cap Equity Portfolios. In 2002, Mr. Yean transitioned to fixed income credit analyst as the Bond Department restructured toward greater emphasis in credit research. Prior to joining PIA, Mr. Yean served in the Consulting Department of Merrill Lynch and the Investment Department of M.J. Segal & Company. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics at University of California at Los Angeles.
The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers’ compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers’ ownership of shares in the Fund.
Fund Expenses
The Fund is responsible for its own operating expenses. However, the Adviser has agreed to temporarily waive all or a portion of its management fees and pay Fund expenses (excluding AFFE, interest, taxes, extraordinary expenses, Rule 12b-1 fees, shareholder servicing fees and any other class-specific expenses)
in order to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses to 0.86% of average daily net assets for the Fund’s Class A shares through at least March 29, 2024. The Adviser’s temporary expense limitation for the Fund may be discontinued at any time after March 29, 2024. Any waiver in management fees or payment of Fund expenses made by the Adviser under the temporary expense limitation may not be recouped by the Adviser in subsequent fiscal periods. However, any fees waived or Fund expenses paid by the Adviser under the Fund’s written operating expenses limitation agreement may be recouped by the Adviser in subsequent fiscal periods if the aggregate amount actually paid by the Fund toward operating expenses for such fiscal period (taking into account the recoupment) does not exceed the then applicable expense limitation, including the temporary expense limitation, on Fund expenses, as further explained below.
FUND’S SHARE PRICE
Shares of the Fund are sold based on the NAV per share. The Fund normally calculates its NAV per share as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) (generally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time) on each day the NYSE is open for trading. Shares of the Fund will not be priced and are not available for purchase when the NYSE and/or Federal Reserve are closed, including the following days: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday/Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
The Fund will process purchase orders that it receives in good order and accept and redeem orders that it receives in good order prior to the close of regular trading on a day in which the NYSE is open at the NAV per share determined later that day. The Fund will process purchase orders that it receives and accept and redeem orders that it receives after the close of regular trading at the NAV per share determined at the close of regular trading on the next day the NYSE is open.
Good order means that your purchase request includes (1) the name of the Fund, (2) the dollar amount of shares to be purchased, (3) your account application, and (4) a check payable to the Fund.
Purchase and redemption requests are priced based on the next NAV per share calculated after receipt of such requests. The NAV is the value of the Fund’s securities, cash and other assets, minus all expenses and liabilities (assets – liabilities = NAV). NAV per share is determined by dividing NAV by the number of shares outstanding (NAV/ # of shares = NAV per share). The NAV takes into account the expenses and fees of the Fund, including management and administration fees, which are accrued daily.
In calculating the NAV, portfolio securities are valued using current market values or official closing prices, if available. Equity securities owned by the Fund that are listed on a securities exchange, except securities traded on the NASDAQ Global Market System (“NASDAQ”) are valued at the last sale price on that exchange on the date as of which assets are valued. Where the security is listed on more than one exchange, the Fund will use the price of the exchange that the Fund generally considers to be the principal exchange on which the security is traded. Securities primarily traded on NASDAQ will be valued using the NASDAQ official closing price. Corporate bonds, including listed issues, are valued at market on the basis of valuations furnished by an independent pricing service which utilizes both dealer-supplied valuations and formula-based techniques.
When market quotations are not readily available, a security or other asset is valued at its fair value as determined under procedures approved by the Adviser. These fair value procedures will also be used to price a security when corporate events, events in the securities market and/or world events cause the Adviser to believe that a security’s last sale price may not reflect its actual market value. The intended effect of using fair value pricing procedures is to ensure that the Fund is accurately priced. The Board has designated the Adviser as its “valuation designee” under Rule 2a-5 of the 1940 Act, subject to its oversight.
Trading in Foreign Securities
In the case of foreign securities, the occurrence of certain events after the close of foreign markets, but prior to the time the Fund’s NAV per share is calculated (such as a significant surge or decline in the U.S. or other markets) often will result in an adjustment to the trading prices of foreign securities when foreign markets open on the following business day. If such events occur, the Fund will value foreign securities at fair value, taking into account such events, in calculating the NAV per share. In such cases, use of fair valuation can reduce an investor’s ability to seek to profit by estimating the Fund’s NAV per share in advance of the time the NAV per share is calculated. The Adviser anticipates that the Fund’s portfolio holdings will be fair valued when market quotations for those holdings are considered unreliable.
PURCHASING SHARES
Description of Classes
The Trust has adopted a multiple class plan that allows the Fund to offer one or more classes of shares. The Fund has registered two classes of shares – Class A and Institutional Class. Institutional Class shares are offered in a separate prospectus. The different classes of shares represent investments in the same portfolio of securities, but the classes are subject to different expenses as outlined below and may have different share prices:
•Class A shares are charged a front-end sales load. Class A shares are also charged a 0.25% Rule 12b-1 distribution and servicing fee as well as a 0.15% shareholder servicing plan fee. Class A shares do not have a CDSC except that a charge of 0.75% applies to certain redemptions made within twelve months following purchases of $1,000,000 or more without an initial sales charge.
•Institutional Class shares do not impose a front-end sales charge, contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”), Rule 12b-1 distribution servicing fee or a shareholder servicing plan fee. If you purchase Institutional Class shares, you will pay the NAV per share next determined after the order is received.
More About Class A Shares
Class A shares of the Fund are retail shares that require that you pay a sales charge when you invest in the Fund unless you qualify for a reduction or waiver of the sales charge. As described earlier, Class A shares are also subject to Rule 12b-1 fees (or distribution and service fees) and a shareholder servicing plan fee of 0.25% and 0.15%, respectively, of average daily net assets, which are assessed against the shares of the Fund, and in certain situations, a CDSC.
If you purchase Class A shares of the Fund you will pay the public offering price (“POP”), which is the NAV next determined after your order is received plus a sales charge (shown in percentages below) depending on the amount of your investment. Since sales charges are reduced for Class A share purchases above certain dollar amounts, known as “breakpoint thresholds,” the POP is lower for these purchases. The dollar amount of the sales charge is the difference between the POP of the shares purchased (based on the applicable sales charge in the table below) and the NAV of those shares. Because of rounding in the calculation of the POP, the actual sales charge you pay may be more or less than that calculated using the percentages shown below. The sales charge is calculated as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
Your Investment | Sales Charge as a % of Offering Price(1) | Sales Charge as a % of Your Investment(1) |
Less than $25,000 | 4.00% | 4.17% |
$25,000 but less than $100,000 | 3.75% | 3.90% |
$100,000 but less than $250,000 | 3.50% | 3.63% |
$250,000 but less than $500,000 | 2.50% | 2.56% |
$500,000 but less than $750,000 | 2.00% | 2.04% |
$750,000 but less than $1 Million | 1.50% | 1.52% |
$1 million and above(2) | 0.00% | 0.00% |
(1)Offering price includes the front-end sales load. The sales charge you pay may differ slightly from the amount set forth above because of rounding that occurs in the calculation used to determine your sales charge.
(2)The Transfer Agent will assess a 0.75% CDSC on purchases of $1,000,000 or more if they are redeemed within twelve months of purchase, unless the dealer of record waived its commission. The CDSC will be based on the value of your shares at the time of original purchase or their current market value, whichever is less.
The Fund’s Distributor (defined below) will receive all initial sales charges for the purchase of Class A shares of the Fund without a dealer of record.
For Class A shares, a CDSC of 0.75% is imposed on purchases of $1,000,000 or more that are redeemed within 12 months of purchase, unless the dealer of record waived its commission. The CDSC will be applied to the NAV of the shares on the date of original purchase or on the date of redemption, whichever is less. For example, if you purchased $1,000,000 worth of shares, which due to market fluctuation have appreciated to $1,500,000, the CDSC will be assessed on your $1,000,000 purchase. If that same $1,000,000 purchase has depreciated to $500,000, the CDSC will be assessed on the $500,000 value. For purpose of calculating the CDSC, the start of the 12 month holding period is the first day of the month in which the purchase was made. The Fund will use the “first in first out” method when calculating the CDSC.
Reducing Your Sales Charge
You may be able to reduce the sales charge on Class A shares of the Fund based on the combined market value of your accounts. If you believe you are eligible for any of the following reductions or waivers, it is up to you to ask the selling agent or shareholder servicing agent for the reduction and to provide appropriate proof of eligibility.
•You pay no sales charges on Fund shares you buy with reinvested distributions.
•You pay a lower sales charge if you are investing an amount over a specific breakpoint level as indicated by the above table.
•You pay no sales charges on Fund shares you purchase with the proceeds of a redemption of Class A shares of the Fund within 30 days of the date of the redemption.
•By signing a Letter of Intent (“LOI”) prior to purchase, you pay a lower sales charge now in exchange for promising to invest an amount over a specified breakpoint within the next 13 months. Any shares purchased within 90 days of the date you sign the letter of intent may be used as a credit toward completion, but the reduced sales charge will only apply to new purchases made on or after that date. Reinvested dividends and capital gains do not count as purchases made during this period. We will hold in escrow shares equal to approximately 4.00% of the amount you say you intend to buy. If you do not invest the amount specified in the LOI before the expiration date, we will redeem enough escrowed shares to pay the difference between the reduced sales load you paid and the sales load you would have paid based on the total amount actually invested in Class A shares on the expiration date. Otherwise, we will release the escrowed shares when you have invested the agreed amount.
•Rights of Accumulation (“ROA”) allow you to combine Class A shares of the Fund you already own in order to reach breakpoint levels and to qualify for sales load discounts on subsequent purchases of Class A shares. The purchase amount used in determining the sales charge on your purchase will be calculated by multiplying the maximum public offering price by the number of Class A shares of the Fund already owned and adding the dollar amount of your current purchase.
Eligible Accounts
Certain accounts may be aggregated for ROA eligibility, including your current investment in the Fund, and previous investments you and members of your primary household group have made in the Fund, provided your investment was subject to a sales charge. (Your primary household group consists of you, your spouse and children under age 21 living at home.) Specifically, the following accounts are eligible to be included in determining the sales charge on your purchase, if a sales charge has been paid on those purchases:
•Individual or joint accounts held in your name;
•Coverdell Savings Accounts and UGMA/UTMA accounts for which you or your spouse is parent or guardian of the minor child;
•Trust accounts for which you or a member of your primary household group, individually, is the beneficiary;
•Accounts held in the name of you or your spouse’s sole proprietorship or single owner limited liability company or S corporation; and
•Investors who purchase shares that are to be included in certain retirement, benefit, pension, trust or investment “wrap accounts” or through an omnibus account maintained with the Fund by a broker-dealer.
Waiving Your Sales Charge
The Adviser reserves the right to waive the sales charges for certain groups or classes of shareholders. If you fall into any of the following categories, you can buy Class A shares at NAV without a sales charge:
•Current and retired employees, directors/trustees and officers of:
◦The Trust;
◦The Adviser and its affiliates; and
◦Family members (spouse, domestic partner, parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren and siblings (including step and in-law)) of any of the above.
•Current employees of:
◦The Transfer Agent;
◦Broker-dealers who act as selling agents for the Fund/Trust; and
◦Family members (spouse, domestic partner, parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren and siblings (including step and in-law)) of any of the above.
•Qualified registered investment advisers who buy through a broker-dealer or service agent who has entered into an agreement with the Distributor that allows for load-waived Class A shares purchases.
•Qualified broker-dealers who have entered into an agreement with the Fund’s distributor that allows for load-waived Class A purchases.
The Fund also reserves the right to enter into agreements that reduce or eliminate sales charges for groups or classes of shareholders, or for Fund shares included in other investment plans such as “wrap accounts.” If you own Fund shares as part of another account or package, such as an IRA or a sweep account, you should read the terms and conditions that apply for that account. Those terms and conditions may supersede the terms and conditions discussed here. Contact your selling agent for further information.
Additional information regarding the Fund’s sales charges, breakpoint thresholds and waivers is available in the SAI and free of charge on the Fund’s website: www.pacificincome.com/mutual-funds by clicking on “Breakpoints and Sales Loads.”
How to Purchase Shares from the Fund
Read this Prospectus carefully. Determine how much you want to invest, keeping in mind the following minimums:
| | | | | |
New accounts |
IRAs and qualified retirement plans | $100 |
Automatic Investment Plan | $50 |
All other accounts | $1,000 |
|
Existing accounts |
Dividend reinvestment | No Minimum |
All accounts | $50 |
The Fund’s minimum investment requirements may be waived from time to time by the Adviser, and for the following types of shareholders:
•current and retired employees, directors/trustees and officers of the Trust, the Adviser and its affiliates and certain family members of each of them (i.e., spouse, domestic partner, child, parent, sibling, grandchild and grandparent, in each case including in-law, step and adoptive relationships);
•any trust, pension, profit sharing or other benefit plan for current and retired employees, directors/trustees and officers of the Adviser and its affiliates;
•current employees of the Transfer Agent, broker-dealers who act as selling agents for the Fund, intermediaries that have marketing agreements in place with the Adviser and the immediate family members of any of them;
•existing clients of the Adviser, their employees and immediate family members of such employees;
•registered investment advisers who buy through a broker-dealer or service agent who has entered into an agreement with the Fund’s distributor; and
•qualified broker-dealers who have entered into an agreement with the Fund’s distributor.
Complete the account application carefully following the instructions. For additional investments, please use the stub from an account statement or prepare a brief letter stating the registration of your account, the name of the Fund and your account number. If you have any questions, please call 1-800-251-1970.
Investing directly by mail or by overnight delivery. If you do not have a broker or your broker is not familiar with the Fund, you may invest directly by mail. You may obtain an account application by
contacting the call center at 1-800-251-1970. Simply mail the account application with a check (made payable to the Fund) to the Fund’s transfer agent, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (the “Transfer Agent”), at the address below.
All purchase checks must be in U.S. dollars drawn on a domestic financial institution. The Fund will not accept payment in cash or money orders. To prevent check fraud, the Fund will not accept third party checks, Treasury checks, credit card checks, traveler’s checks or starter checks for the purchase of shares. We are unable to accept post-dated checks or any conditional order or payment.
If your check is returned for any reason, a $25 fee will be assessed against your account. You will also be responsible for any losses suffered by the Fund as a result.
In addition to cash purchases, Fund shares may be purchased by tendering payment in-kind in the form of bonds or other securities. Any securities used to buy Fund shares must be readily marketable, their acquisition consistent with the Fund’s objective and otherwise acceptable to the Adviser and the Board.
In compliance with the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, please note that 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 must provide your full name, date of birth, social security number and permanent street address. If you are opening the account in the name of a legal entity (e.g., partnership, limited liability company, business trust, corporation, etc.), you must also supply the identity of the beneficial owners. Mailing addresses containing only a P.O. Box will not be accepted. Please contact the Transfer Agent at 1-800-251-1970, 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 application will be rejected or the investor will not be allowed to perform a transaction on the account until such information is received. In the rare event that the Transfer Agent is unable to verify your identity, the Fund reserves the right to redeem your account at the current day’s net asset value. Accounts may only be opened by persons with a valid social security number or tax identification number and permanent U.S. street address.
Shares of the Fund have not been registered for sale outside of the United States. The Trust 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.
If you wish to invest by mail, simply complete the account application and mail it with a check (made payable to “PIA High Yield Fund”) to:
| | | | | |
Regular Mail | Overnight Delivery |
PIA High Yield Fund | PIA High Yield Fund |
c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services | c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services |
P.O. Box 701 | 615 East Michigan Street, Third Floor |
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202 |
Note: The Fund does not consider the U.S. Postal Service or other independent delivery services to be its agents. Therefore, deposit in the mail or with such services, or receipt at the post office box, of purchase orders or redemption requests does not constitute receipt by the Transfer Agent. Receipt of purchase orders or redemption requests is based on when the order is received at the Transfer Agent’s office.
Investing by wire. If you are making your first investment in the Fund, the Transfer Agent must have previously received a completed account application before you can send your wire purchase. You can
mail or deliver overnight your account application to the Transfer Agent at the above address. Upon receipt of your completed account application, the Transfer Agent will establish an account for you. Once your account is established, you may instruct your bank to send the wire payment. Your bank must include both the name of the Fund you are purchasing and your name and account number so that monies can be correctly applied. Your bank should transmit immediately available funds by wire to:
U.S. Bank N.A.
777 East Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
ABA No. 075000022
Credit: U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
Account No. 112-952-137
Further Credit: PIA High Yield Fund
Shareholder Registration
Shareholder Account Number
If you are making a subsequent purchase, your bank should wire funds as indicated above. Before each wire purchase, please contact the Transfer Agent at 1-800-251-1970 to advise them of your intent to wire funds. This will ensure prompt and accurate credit upon receipt of your investment. It is essential that your bank include complete information about your account in all wire transactions. If you have questions about how to invest by wire, please call the Transfer Agent. Your bank may charge you a fee for sending a wire to the Fund.
Wired funds must be received prior to 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time to be eligible for same day pricing. Neither the Fund nor U.S. Bank N.A. is responsible for the consequences of delays resulting from the banking or Federal Reserve wire system or from incomplete wiring instructions.
Telephone Purchase
Investors may purchase additional shares of the Fund by calling 1-800-251-1970. If you have accepted telephone options on your account application, and your account has been open for at least seven business days, telephone orders will be accepted via electronic funds transfer from your bank account through the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) network. You must have submitted a voided check to have banking information established on your account prior to making a purchase. Each telephone purchase must be in the amount of $50 or more. There is a maximum purchase amount of $50,000 per Fund per day through the ACH network. Your shares will be purchased at the NAV per share, plus any applicable sales charge, calculated on the day your order is placed, provided that your order is received prior to 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. For security reasons, requests by telephone may be recorded. Once a telephone transaction has been placed, it cannot be cancelled or modified after the close of regular trading on the NYSE (generally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time).
Subsequent Investments
You may purchase additional shares of the Fund through your investment broker or dealer. You can also send a check, with the stub from an account statement, to the Fund at the address noted above under “How to Purchase Shares from the Fund.” Please also write your account number on the check. If you do not have a stub from an account statement, you can write your name, address and account number on a separate piece of paper and enclose it with your check. If you want to send additional money for investment by wire, it is important for you to call the Fund at 1-800-251-1970.
Purchasing Shares from Broker-Dealers, Financial Institutions and Others
Some broker-dealers may sell shares of the Fund. These broker-dealers may charge investors a fee either at the time of purchase or redemption. The fee, if charged, is retained by the broker-dealer and not remitted to the Fund or the Adviser.
The Fund may enter into agreements with broker-dealers, financial institutions or other service providers (“Servicing Agents”) that may include the Fund as an investment alternative in the programs they offer or administer. Servicing agents may:
1.Become shareholders of record of the Fund. This means all requests to purchase additional shares and all redemption requests must be sent through the Servicing Agent. This also means that purchases made through Servicing Agents are not subject to the Fund’s minimum purchase requirement;
2.Use procedures and impose restrictions that may be in addition to, or different from, those applicable to investors purchasing shares directly from the Fund;
3.Charge fees to their customers for the services they provide them. Also, the Fund and/or the Adviser may pay fees to Servicing Agents to compensate them for the services they provide their customers; and/or
4.Be authorized to accept purchase and redemption orders on behalf of the Fund (and designate other Servicing Agents to accept purchase and redemption orders on the Fund’s behalf). This means that the Fund will process the order at the NAV per share which is determined following the Servicing Agent’s (or its designee’s) acceptance of the customer’s order. A Fund will be deemed to have received an order when a Servicing Agent or, if applicable, a Servicing Agent’s authorized designee, receives the order.
If you decide to purchase shares through Servicing Agents, please carefully review the program materials provided to you by the Servicing Agent. When you purchase shares through a Servicing Agent, it is the responsibility of the Servicing Agent to place your order with the Fund on a timely basis. If the Servicing Agent does not pay the purchase price to the Fund within the period specified in its agreement with the Fund, it may be held liable for any resulting fees or losses.
Householding
In an effort to decrease costs, the Fund intends to reduce the number of duplicate prospectuses, supplements, and certain other shareholder documents, you receive by sending only one copy of each to those addresses shared by two or more accounts and to shareholders the Transfer Agent reasonably believes are from the same family or household. Once implemented, if you would like to discontinue householding for your accounts, please call toll-free at 1-800-251-1970 to request individual copies of documents; if your shares are held through a financial intermediary, please contact them directly. Once the Transfer Agent receives notice to stop householding, the Transfer Agent will begin sending individual copies thirty days after receiving your request. This policy does not apply to account statements.
Automatic Investment Plan
The Fund offers an automatic investment plan (“AIP”) allowing shareholders to make purchases on a regular and convenient basis.
•Automatic purchases of Fund shares can be made for as little as $50 per purchase.
•You may elect to have your automatic purchase made on any day of the month. If these dates fall on a weekend or legal holiday, purchases will be made on the following business day.
•The Fund does not currently charge a fee for an AIP, however, the Fund may charge a $25 fee if the automatic investment cannot be made for any reason.
•If you redeem an account with an AIP to a zero balance, the AIP will be discontinued.
•In order to participate in the AIP your bank must be a member of the ACH network.
•Any change or termination of the AIP should be provided to the Transfer Agent at least five calendar days prior to the next automatic investment date.
Other Information about Purchasing Shares of the Fund
Please note that your account application will be returned if any information is missing. The Fund may reject any account application for any reason. Shares of the Fund are generally available in all states. The Fund will send investors a written confirmation for all purchases of shares. The Fund offers the following retirement plans:
| | | | | |
•Traditional IRA | •SEP IRA |
•Roth IRA | •SIMPLE IRA |
Investors can obtain further information about the IRAs by calling the Fund at 1-800-251-1970. The Fund recommends that investors consult with a financial and tax adviser regarding the IRAs before investing through them.
REDEEMING SHARES
How to Redeem (Sell) Shares
You or your Servicing Agent have the right to redeem all or any portion of your shares of the Fund at its NAV per share on each day the NYSE is open for trading. As discussed below, you may receive proceeds of your sale in a check, ACH, or federal wire transfer. The Fund typically expects that they will take one to three days following the receipt of your redemption request in good order, to pay out redemption proceeds. However, while not expected, payment of redemption proceeds may take up to seven days if sending proceeds earlier could adversely affect the Fund.
If you purchased shares by check or electronic funds transfer through the ACH network, before selling recently purchased shares, please note that if the Transfer Agent has not yet collected payment for the shares you are selling, it may delay sending the proceeds until the payment is collected, which may take up to 15 calendar days from the purchase date. This delay will not apply if you purchased your shares via wire payment.
The Fund typically expects that the Fund will hold cash or cash equivalents to meet redemption requests. The Fund may also use the proceeds from the sale of portfolio securities to meet redemption requests if consistent with the management of the Fund. These redemption methods will be used regularly and may also be used in unusual market conditions.
The Fund reserves the right to redeem in-kind as described under “Redemption “In-Kind” below. Redemptions in-kind are typically used to meet redemption requests that represent a large percentage of the Fund’s net assets in order to minimize the effect of large redemptions on the Fund and its remaining shareholders. Redemptions in-kind are typically only used in unusual market conditions. The Fund has in place a line of credit that may be used to meet redemption requests during unusual market conditions.
Redemptions through Servicing Agents
If you own your shares through a Servicing Agent, you will have to contact your Servicing Agent to redeem your shares. The NAV per share for a redemption is that next calculated after receipt of the order from the Servicing Agent. The Servicing Agent is responsible for forwarding any documents required in connection with a redemption, including a signature guarantee, and the Fund may cancel the order if these documents are not received promptly. Your Servicing Agent may charge you a fee for handling your redemption transaction.
Redemptions for Direct Accounts
If you own your shares directly in your name through the Transfer Agent, you may redeem your shares by simply sending a written request to the Fund. You should give your account number and state whether you want all or part of your shares redeemed.
The letter should be signed exactly as the shares are registered by all of the shareholders whose names appear on the account registration and sent to:
| | | | | |
Regular Mail | Overnight Delivery |
PIA High Yield Fund | PIA High Yield Fund |
c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services | c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services |
P.O. Box 701 | 615 East Michigan Street, Third Floor |
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202 |
Signature Guarantees – Financial Transactions
A signature guarantee of each owner, from either a Medallion program member or non-Medallion program member, is required to redeem shares in the following situations:
•When ownership is being changed on your account;
•When redemption proceeds are payable or sent to any person, address or bank account not on record;
•When a redemption request is received by the Transfer Agent and the account address has changed within the last 15 calendar days;
•For all redemptions in excess of $50,000 from any shareholder account.
Non-financial transactions, including establishing or modifying certain services on an account, may require a signature guarantee, signature verification from a Signature Validation Program member, or other acceptable form of authentication from a financial institution source.
In addition to the situations described above, the Fund and/or the Transfer Agent may require a signature guarantee or signature validation program stamp in other instances based on the facts and circumstances.
Signature guarantees will generally be accepted from domestic banks, brokers, dealers, credit unions, national securities exchanges, registered securities associations, clearing agencies and savings associations, as well as from participants in the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program and the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program. A notary public is not an acceptable signature guarantor.
Send the letter of instruction to:
PIA High Yield Fund
c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701
How to Redeem (Sell) Shares by Telephone
Redemptions by telephone. If you have accepted telephone options on the account application and your Fund shares are held directly in your name, you may redeem shares up to $50,000 directly on any business day the NYSE is open by calling the Transfer Agent at 1-800-251-1970 before 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. Redemption proceeds will be mailed or wired, at your direction, on the next business day to the bank account you designated. Redemption proceeds may also be sent to your designated bank account via electronic funds transfer through the ACH network. To utilize the ACH network, you must have bank information on your account. There is no charge for this service. Proceeds are normally credited within three business days. The minimum amount that may be wired is $1,000. Wire charges will be deducted from redemption proceeds for complete redemptions. In the case of a partial redemption, the $15 fee will be deducted from the remaining account balance.
By using telephone redemption privileges, you authorize the Fund and its Transfer Agent to act upon the instruction of any person who makes the telephone call to redeem shares from your account and transfer the proceeds to the bank account designated in the account application. If an account has more than one owner or authorized person, the Fund will accept telephone instructions from any one owner or authorized person. The Fund and the Transfer Agent will use procedures to confirm that redemption instructions received by telephone are genuine, including recording of telephone instructions and requiring a form of personal identification before acting on these instructions. If these normal identification procedures are followed, neither the Fund nor the Transfer Agent will be liable for any loss, liability, or cost that results from acting upon instructions of a person believed to be a shareholder with respect to the telephone redemption privilege. The Fund may change, modify, or terminate these privileges at any time upon at least 60 days’ notice to shareholders.
Telephone trades must be received by or 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.
You may request telephone redemption privileges after your account is opened; however, the authorization form may require a separate signature guarantee, signature validation or other acceptable form of signature authentication from a financial institution. Once a telephone transaction request has been placed, it cannot be canceled or modified after the close or regular trading on the NYSE (generally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time).
Systematic Withdrawal Plan
As another convenience, you may redeem your Fund shares through the Systematic Withdrawal Plan (“SWP”). If you elect this method of redemption, the Fund will send you a check in a minimum amount of $100. You may choose to receive a check on any day of the month you designate on the account application. If the day you designate falls on a weekend or legal holiday, the distribution will take place on the following business day. You may alternatively choose to receive a check each calendar quarter or annually. The Fund can also send payment via electronic funds transfer through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network, directly to your bank account. For payment through the ACH network, your bank must be an ACH member and your bank account information must be maintained on your Fund account. Your Fund account must have a value of at least $10,000 in order to participate in the SWP. The SWP may be terminated at any time by the Fund. You may also elect to change or terminate your participation
in the SWP at any time by contacting the Transfer Agent at least five days prior to the effective date of the next withdrawal by calling 1-800-251-1970 or writing to:
PIA High Yield Fund
c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701
A withdrawal under the SWP involves a redemption of shares and may result in a gain or loss for federal income tax purposes. In addition, if the amount withdrawn exceeds the dividends credited to your account, the account ultimately may be depleted.
Other Redemption Considerations
When redeeming shares of the Fund, shareholders should consider the following:
1.The redemption may result in a taxable gain;
2.Shareholders who redeem shares held in an IRA must indicate on their written redemption request whether or not to withhold federal income taxes. If not, these redemptions will be subject to federal income tax withholding; and
3.If your account balance falls below $500 because you redeem shares, you will be given 60 days to make additional investments so that your account balance is $500 or more. If you do not, the Fund may close your account and mail the redemption proceeds to you.
Redemption “In-Kind”
The Fund may pay redemption requests “in kind.” It is not expected that the Fund would do so except during unusual market conditions. This means that the Fund will pay redemption requests entirely or partially with securities rather than with cash. Specifically, if the amount you are redeeming is in excess of the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of a 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. A redemption, whether in cash or in-kind, is a taxable event to you.
Exchange Privilege
As a shareholder, you have the privilege of exchanging shares of one PIA Fund for shares of another PIA Fund in the Trust, which are offered in separate prospectuses, without incurring any additional sales charges. However, you should note the following:
•Exchange may only be made between like share classes;
•You may only exchange between accounts that are registered in the same name, address, and taxpayer identification number;
•Before exchanging into another PIA Fund, read a description of the fund in its separate prospectus. A copy of the prospectus for each PIA Fund may be obtained by calling 1-800-251-1970;
•Exchanges are considered a sale and purchase of Fund shares for tax purposes and may be taxed as short-term or long-term capital gain or loss depending on the period shares are held, subject to certain limitations on the deductibility of losses;
•The Fund reserves the right to refuse exchange purchases by any person or group if, in the Adviser’s judgment, the Fund would be unable to invest the money effectively in accordance with its investment objective and policies, or would otherwise potentially be adversely affected;
•If you have accepted telephone options on your account application, you can make a telephone request to exchange your shares for an additional $5 fee; and
•The minimum exchange amount between existing accounts invested in the PIA Funds is the minimum subsequent investment amount for your share class and your type of account.
You may make exchanges of your shares between the PIA Funds by telephone, in writing or through your Broker or other financial intermediary.
Lost Shareholders, Inactive Accounts and Unclaimed Property. It is important that the Fund maintain a correct address for each shareholder. An incorrect address may cause a shareholder’s account statements and other mailings to be returned to the Fund. Based upon statutory requirements for returned mail, the Fund will attempt to locate the shareholder or rightful owner of the account. If the Fund is unable to locate the shareholder, then it will determine whether the shareholder’s account can legally be considered abandoned. Your mutual fund account may be transferred to the state government of your state of residence if no activity occurs within your account during the “inactivity period” specified in your state’s abandoned property laws. The Fund is legally obligated to escheat (or transfer) abandoned property to the appropriate state’s unclaimed property administrator in accordance with statutory requirements. The shareholder’s last known address of record determines which state has jurisdiction. Please proactively contact the Transfer Agent toll-free at 1-877-291-7827 at least annually to ensure your account remains in active status.
If you are a resident of the state of Texas, you may designate a representative to receive notifications that, due to inactivity, your mutual fund account assets may be delivered to the Texas Comptroller. Please contact the Transfer Agent if you wish to complete a Texas Designation of Representative form.
Tools to Combat Frequent Transactions
The Board has adopted policies and procedures with respect to frequent purchases and redemptions of the Fund’s 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 may decide to restrict purchase and sale activity in its shares based on various factors, including whether frequent purchase and sale activity will disrupt portfolio management strategies and adversely affect the Fund’s performance or whether the shareholder has conducted four round trip transactions within a 12-month period. The Fund takes steps to reduce the frequency and effect of these activities. These steps include monitoring trading practices 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 their judgment in implementing these tools to the best of their ability in a manner that is consistent with shareholder interests.
Monitoring Trading Practices
The Fund monitors selected trades in an effort to detect excessive short-term trading activities. If, as a result of this monitoring, the Fund believes that a shareholder has engaged in excessive short-term trading, they may, in their 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 they believe is consistent with the best interests 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 they do not have simultaneous access to the underlying shareholder account information.
In compliance with Rule 22c-2 of the 1940 Act, 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 market timing policies.
Fair Value Pricing
The Fund employs fair value pricing selectively to ensure greater accuracy in their daily NAV per share and to prevent dilution by frequent traders or market timers who seek to take advantage of temporary market anomalies. The Adviser 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 Adviser does not represent the security’s fair value), or when, in the judgment of the Adviser, events have rendered the market value unreliable. Valuing securities at fair value involves reliance on judgment. Fair value determinations are made in good faith in accordance with procedures adopted by the Adviser. There can be no assurance 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 they calculate their 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 not frequently traded and/or the market price of which the Adviser 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 not a current market value quotation.
DISTRIBUTION OF FUND SHARES
Distribution (Rule 12b-1) Fees
The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan under Rule 12b-1 (the “Rule 12b-1 Plan”) under the 1940 Act for its Class A shares. This Rule 12b-1 Plan allows the Fund to use part of its assets (up to 0.25% of the Fund’s Class A shares’ average daily net assets) to pay sales, distribution and other fees for the sale of its shares and for services provided to investors. Because these fees are paid out of the Fund’s assets, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
Shareholder Servicing Plan
The Fund has adopted a shareholder servicing plan for its Class A shares. Under the shareholder servicing plan, the Fund will pay service fees of up to 0.15% of average daily net assets of the Fund’s Class A shares to intermediaries such as banks, broker-dealers, financial advisers or other financial institutions 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. As these fees are paid out of the Fund’s assets, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
Service Fees – Other Payments to Third Parties
The Fund may pay service fees to intermediaries such as banks, broker-dealers, financial advisers or other financial institutions, 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 Fund has policies and procedures in place for the monitoring of payments to broker-dealers and other financial intermediaries for distribution-related activities and the following non-distribution activities: sub-transfer agent, administrative, and other shareholder servicing services.
The Adviser, out if 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 Adviser may also pay cash compensation in the form of finder’s fees that vary depending on the Fund and the dollar amount of the shares sold.
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
The Fund distributes substantially all of its net investment income monthly and substantially all of its capital gains annually. The Fund may make an additional payment of dividends or distributions if it deems it desirable at other times during any year. You have following distribution options:
•Automatic Reinvestment Option – Both dividend and capital gains distributions will be reinvested in additional Fund shares.
•All Cash Option – Both dividend and capital gains distributions will be paid in cash.
•Select Reinvestment or Cash Option – for either dividend and/or capital gains distributions.
You may make this election on the account application. You may change your election by writing to the Transfer Agent or by calling 1-800-251-1970 five days prior to the record date. Your distributions will be taxed in the same manner whether you reinvest them in additional Fund shares or receive your dividends and capital gain distributions in cash.
If you elect to receive distributions and/or capital gains paid in cash, and the U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver the check, or if a check remains outstanding for six months, the Fund reserves the right to reinvest the distribution check in your account, at the Fund’s current net asset value, and to reinvest all subsequent distributions.
TAX CONSEQUENCES
The Fund has elected to be treated and intends to continue to qualify to be taxed as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code. As a regulated investment company, the Fund will not be subject to federal income tax if it distributes its income as required by the tax law and satisfies certain other requirements that are described in the SAI.
Generally, you will be taxed on the Fund’s distributions, regardless of whether you reinvest them or receive them in cash. Dividends are taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, depending on the source of such income to the Fund and the holding period of the Fund for its securities. Since the Fund does not expect to invest in dividend-paying corporate stocks, dividends from the Fund will not be eligible for the lower tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income. The rate you pay on capital gain distributions will depend on how long the Fund held the securities that generated the gains, not on how long you owned your Fund shares. An additional federal tax of 3.8% applies to net investment income (which generally will include dividends and capital gains from an investment in the Fund) to non-corporate shareholders with adjusted gross incomes of more than $200,000 for single filers and $250,000 for joint filers. Although distributions generally are taxable when received, certain distributions declared in October, November or December to shareholders of record on a specified date in such a month but paid in the following January are taxable as if received the prior December.
Sale of your Fund shares is a taxable event for you. You will recognize gain or loss on such transactions equal to the difference, if any, between the amount of your net sales proceeds and your tax basis in Fund shares. You are responsible for any tax liabilities generated by your transaction and your investment in the Fund. The Code limits the deductibility of capital losses in certain circumstances.
In managing the Fund, the Adviser does not consider the tax effects of its investment decisions to be of primary importance in implementing the Fund’s investment objectives. Shareholders should be aware that the Fund may make taxable distributions of income and capital gains even when share values have declined.
By law, the Fund must withhold as backup withholding from your taxable distributions and redemption proceeds an amount determined at a rate as set forth in Section 3406 of the Code, 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 Internal Revenue Service instructs the Fund to do so.
Additional information concerning taxation of the Fund and its shareholders is contained in the SAI. Investors should consult their own tax advisers regarding the consequences to them of an investment in the Fund.
INDEX DESCRIPTION
Please note that you cannot invest directly in an index.
The Bloomberg U.S. High Yield Corporate Bond Index measures the market of USD-denominated, non-investment grade, fixed-rate, taxable corporate bonds. The index excludes emerging markets debt.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Fund’s financial performance since its commencement of operations. However, because the Fund’s Class A shares have not yet commenced operations, there are no related financial highlights. The table below illustrates the financial performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares for the periods shown as the information would be substantially the same for Class A shares since such shares are invested in the same portfolio of securities as Institutional Class shares. The annual returns for each class would differ only to the extent that the classes do not have the same fees and expenses. The actual performance of Class A shares would have been lower than Institutional Class shares due to the lower fees and expenses of Institutional Class shares. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). The 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, are included in the annual report, which is available upon request. Financial highlights are not available at this time for Class A shares since Class A had not commenced operations prior to the date of this Prospectus.
PIA High Yield Fund – Institutional Class
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year Ended November 30, |
2022 | 2021 | 2020 | | 2019 | 2018 |
Per Share Operating Performance (For a fund share outstanding throughout each year) | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of year | $ | 9.85 | | $ | 9.71 | | $ | 9.61 | | | $ | 9.67 | | $ | 10.33 | |
| | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations: | | | | | | |
Net investment income | 0.68 | | 0.61 | | 0.63 | | | 0.64 | | 0.60 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments | (1.57) | | 0.14 | | 0.08 | | | (0.06) | | (0.66) | |
Total from investment operations | (0.89) | | 0.75 | | 0.71 | | | 0.58 | | (0.06) | |
| | | | | | |
Less Distributions: | | | | | | |
Distributions from net investment income | (0.68) | | (0.61) | | (0.63) | | | (0.64) | | (0.60) | |
Distributions from net realized gains | — | | — | | (0.01) | | | — | | — | |
Total distributions | (0.68) | | (0.61) | | (0.64) | | | (0.64) | | (0.60) | |
Increase from payment by affiliate and administrator due to operational error | — | | — | | 0.03 | | | — | | — | |
Net asset value, end of year | $ | 8.28 | | $ | 9.85 | | $ | 9.71 | | | $ | 9.61 | | $ | 9.67 | |
| | | | | | |
Total Return | -9.26 | % | 7.85 | % | 8.36 | % | ^ | 6.14 | % | -0.63 | % |
| | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data: | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of year (in 000’s) | $ | 50,004 | | $ | 60,396 | | $ | 55,110 | | | $ | 52,086 | | $ | 57,278 | |
Ratio of expenses to average net assets: | | | | | | |
Net of fee waivers | 0.86 | % | 0.86 | % | 0.86 | % | | 0.86 | % | 0.82 | % |
Before fee waivers | 1.06 | % | 0.97 | % | 1.11 | % | | 1.03 | % | 0.99 | % |
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets: | | | | | | |
Net of fee waivers | 7.50 | % | 6.13 | % | 6.80 | % | | 6.53 | % | 5.95 | % |
Before fee waivers | 7.30 | % | 6.02 | % | 6.55 | % | | 6.36 | % | 5.78 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | 23 | % | 72 | % | 51 | % | | 63 | % | 48 | % |
^ Includes increase from payment made by affiliate and administrator due to the corporate action operational error. On September 18, 2020, the Fund received a reimbursement of $153,625 from the Adviser and Administrator related to a corporate action instruction error during the year ended November 30, 2020. Due to a miscommunication, the tender offer for the Martin Midstream corporate action was not processed correctly. This resulted in the Fund’s position being tendered rather than exchanged. Had the Fund not received the payment, total return would have been 8.03%.
Investment Adviser
Pacific Income Advisers, Inc.
2321 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 1260
El Segundo, California 90245
Distributor
Quasar Distributors, LLC
111 East Kilbourn Avenue, Suite 2200
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
Custodian
U.S. Bank National Association
Custody Operations
1555 North RiverCenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212
Transfer Agent
U.S. Bank Global Fund Services
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Tait, Weller & Baker LLP
Two Liberty Place
50 South 16th Street, Suite 2900
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102
Legal Counsel
Sullivan & Worcester LLP
1633 Broadway, 32nd Floor
New York, New York 10019
PRIVACY NOTICE
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
•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.
PIA High Yield Fund
FOR MORE INFORMATION
To learn more about the Fund, you may want to read the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) which contains additional information about the Fund. The Fund has incorporated by reference the SAI into the Prospectus. This means that you should consider the contents of the SAI to be part of the Prospectus.
Additional information about the Fund’s investments is available, without charge, upon request, in the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders (collectively, the “Shareholder Reports”). In the Fund’s annual report you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the performance of the Fund during its last fiscal year.
The SAI and the Shareholder Reports are all available to shareholders and prospective investors without charge on the Fund’s website at www.pacificincome.com/mutual-funds.
Prospective investors and shareholders who have questions about the Fund may also call the following number or write to the following address:
PIA High Yield Fund
c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services
615 East Michigan Street, Third Floor
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
1-800-251-1970
Reports and other information about the Fund are also available on the EDGAR Database at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov and copies of this information may be obtained, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following E-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov.
(Investment Company Act file number is 811-07959.)
PIA High Yield Fund
Class A (Not available for purchase)
PROSPECTUS
March 31, 2023
P R O S P E C T U S
March 31, 2023
PIA High Yield Fund
Institutional Class (PHYSX)
(the “Fund”)
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these securities or determined if this Prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUMMARY SECTION
PIA High Yield Fund (the “Fund”)
Investment Objectives
The Fund’s primary objective is to seek a high level of current income. The Fund’s secondary objective is to seek capital growth when that is consistent with its primary objective.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and example below.
| | | | | |
| Institutional Class |
SHAREHOLDER FEES (fees paid directly from your investment) | None |
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
Management Fees | 0.55% |
Distribution and Service (Rule 12b-1) Fees | None |
Other Expenses | 0.51% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 1.06% |
Less: Fee Waiver(1) | -0.20% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver | 0.86% |
(1)Pacific Income Advisers, Inc. (the “Adviser”) has agreed to temporarily pay for all operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses (“AFFE”), interest, taxes, extraordinary expenses, Rule 12b-1 fees, shareholder servicing fees and any other class-specific expenses) incurred by the Fund through at least March 29, 2024 to the extent necessary to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses for the Fund to 0.86% of the average daily net assets of the Institutional Class shares (the “temporary expense limitation”). The temporary expense limitation may be discontinued at any time by the Board of Trustees. The Adviser may not recoup amounts subject to the temporary expense limitation in future periods. AFFE are the indirect costs of investing in other investment companies, such as a money market funds.
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 temporary expense limitation only in the first year). You may be required to pay brokerage commissions on your purchases and sales of Institutional Class shares of the Fund, which are not reflected in this table. 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 |
Institutional Class | $88 | $317 | $565 | $1,276 |
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 23% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies of the Fund
The Fund invests, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in a diversified portfolio of domestic and foreign high yield instruments (“junk bonds”), defined as bonds, convertible securities, forward commitments, loan participations and assignments, preferred stocks and Rule 144A securities. High yield instruments are securities rated below investment grade as defined by the Bloomberg index methodology, or Bond rating services currently registered as Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations (“NRSROs”) or, if unrated, determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality.
The remainder of the Fund’s assets may be invested in investment grade instruments including bonds, debt securities, convertible securities, and other similar instruments issued by various U.S. and non-U.S. public- or private-sector entities, and loan participations and assignments.
The average portfolio duration of the Fund normally varies within two years (plus or minus) of the duration of the Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High-Yield Index (the “Bloomberg Index”) at any point in time. The Bloomberg Index had a duration of 3.79 years as of January 31, 2023. Duration is a measure of the expected life of a fixed income security that is used to determine the sensitivity of a security’s price to changes in interest rates.
The Fund may invest up to 10% of its net assets in securities and instruments that are economically tied to emerging market countries.
From time to time, the Fund may experience significant inflows; if this occurs, the Fund may, on a temporary or interim basis, invest these new assets (potentially in an amount which may approach up to 50% of the Fund’s total net assets if new flows were extremely large relative to the Fund’s current assets) in other investment companies, including exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), until such time as the Adviser can identify and invest in appropriate high yield instruments in accordance with the Fund’s principal strategy. The Fund may purchase or sell securities on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward commitment basis. The Fund may, without limitation, seek to obtain market exposure to the securities in which it primarily invests by entering into a series of purchase and sale contracts or by using other investment techniques (such as buy backs or dollar rolls).
In selecting investments for the Fund, the Adviser will consider the risks and opportunities presented by the industries within the high yield universe. The Adviser evaluates the bond issuers within the selected industries and identifies those investments which the Adviser believes have favorable risk reward characteristics and match the Adviser’s investing philosophy. The Adviser evaluates various criteria such as historical and future expected financial performance, management tenure and experience, capital structure, free cash flow generation, barriers to entry, security protections, yield and relative value, and ownership structure. Investments are targeted that have individual yield premiums which appear to be favorable and are viewed by the Adviser as having a comparable or lower probability of default and/or loss risk.
Principal Investment Risks
By itself, the Fund is not a complete, balanced investment plan. The Fund cannot guarantee that it will achieve its investment objectives. Losing all or a portion of your investment is a risk of investing in the Fund. The following risks are considered principal and could affect the value of your investment in the Fund:
•High Yield Securities Risk. High yield securities (or “junk bonds”) entail greater risk of loss of principal because of their greater exposure to credit risk. High yield securities typically carry higher coupon rates than investment grade securities, but also are considered as speculative and may be subject to greater market price fluctuations, less liquidity and greater risk of loss of income or
principal including greater possibility of default and bankruptcy of the issuer of such instruments than more highly rated bonds and loans.
•Counterparty Risk. Fund transactions involving a counterparty are subject to the risk that the counterparty or a third party will not fulfill its obligation to the Fund. Counterparty risk may arise because of the counterparty’s financial condition (i.e., financial difficulties, bankruptcy, or insolvency), market activities and developments, or other reasons, whether foreseen or not. A counterparty’s inability to fulfill its obligation may result in significant financial loss to the Fund.
•Credit Risk. The issuers of the bonds and other instruments held by the Fund may not be able to make interest or principal payments.
•General Market Risk. Economies and financial markets throughout the world are becoming increasingly interconnected, which increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one country or region will adversely impact markets or issuers in other countries or regions. Securities in the Fund’s portfolio may underperform in comparison to securities in general financial markets, a particular financial market or other asset classes due to a number of factors, including: inflation (or expectations for inflation); interest rates; global demand for particular products or resources; natural disasters or events; pandemic diseases; terrorism; regulatory events; and government controls. U.S. and international markets have experienced significant periods of volatility in recent years and months due to a number of economic, political and global macro factors including the impact of COVID-19 as a global pandemic, which has resulted in a public health crisis, disruptions to business operations and supply chains, stress on the global healthcare system, growth concerns in the U.S. and overseas, staffing shortages and the inability to meet consumer demand, and widespread concern and uncertainty. The global recovery from COVID-19 is proceeding at slower than expected rates due to the emergence of variant strains and may last for an extended period of time. Continuing uncertainties regarding interest rates, rising inflation, political events, rising government debt in the U.S. and trade tensions also contribute to market volatility. As a result of continuing political tensions and armed conflicts, including the war between Ukraine and Russia, the U.S. and the European Union imposed sanctions on certain Russian individuals and companies, including certain financial institutions, and have limited certain exports and imports to and from Russia. The war has contributed to recent market volatility and may continue to do so.
•Management Risk. The Fund is an actively managed portfolio. The Adviser’s management practices and investment strategies might not work to produce the desired results.
•Interest Rate Risk. The value of the Fund’s investments in fixed-income securities will change based on changes in interest rates. If interest rates increase, the value of these investments generally declines. Securities with greater interest rate sensitivity and longer maturities generally are subject to greater fluctuations in value.
•Liquidity Risk. Reduced liquidity in the bond markets can result from a number of events, such as limited trading activity, reductions in bond inventory, and rapid or unexpected changes in interest rates. Less liquid markets could lead to greater price volatility and limit the Fund’s ability to sell a holding at a suitable price.
•ETF and Mutual Fund Risk. When the Fund invests in an ETF or mutual fund, it will bear additional expenses based on its pro rata share of the ETF’s or mutual fund’s operating expenses, including the potential duplication of management fees. The risk of owning an ETF or mutual fund generally reflects the risks of owning the underlying securities that the ETF or mutual fund holds. The Fund also will incur brokerage costs when it purchases ETFs.
•Preferred Stock Risk. Preferred stocks may be more volatile than fixed income securities and are more correlated with the issuer’s underlying common stock than fixed income securities. Additionally, the dividend on a preferred stock may be changed or omitted by the issuer.
•Foreign and Emerging Market Securities Risk. Investments in foreign currencies and foreign issuers are subject to additional risks, including political and economic risks, greater volatility, civil conflicts and war, sanctions or other measures by the United States or other governments, liquidity risks, currency fluctuations, higher transaction costs, delayed settlement, possible foreign controls on investment, expropriation and nationalization risks, and less stringent investor protection and disclosure standards of foreign markets. Events and evolving conditions in certain economies or markets may alter the risks associated with investments tied to countries or regions that historically were perceived as comparatively stable becoming riskier and more volatile. These risks are magnified in countries in “emerging markets.” Emerging market countries typically have less-established market economies than developed countries and may face greater social, economic, regulatory and political uncertainties. In addition, emerging markets typically present greater illiquidity and price volatility concerns due to smaller or limited local capital markets and greater difficulty in determining market valuations of securities due to limited public information on issuers.
•Loan Participation and Assignment Risk. Loan participations and assignments involve special types of risk, including credit risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk, and the risks of being a lender. Bank loans (i.e., loan participations and assignments), like other high yield corporate debt obligations, have a higher risk of default and may be less liquid and/or become illiquid.
•Rule 144A Securities Risk. The market for Rule 144A securities typically is less active than the market for publicly-traded securities. Rule 144A securities carry the risk that the liquidity of these securities may become impaired, making it more difficult for the Fund to sell these securities.
•Convertible Securities Risk. Convertible securities are subject to the risks of both debt securities and equity securities. The values of convertible securities tend to decline as interest rates rise and, due to the conversion feature, tend to vary with fluctuations in the market value of the underlying common or preferred stock.
Performance
The following performance information indicates some of the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart shows the annual returns for the Fund from year to year. The table shows how the Fund’s average annual total returns for the 1-year, 5-year, 10-year and since inception periods compare with those of a broad measure of market performance. Effective at the close of business on December 31, 2014, the former Investor Class shares were re-designated as Institutional Class shares. The performance shown below reflects the performance of the former Investor Class and includes expenses that are not applicable to and are higher than those of the Institutional Class. The performance for the Institutional Class shares would differ only to the extent that the Institutional Class shares have different expenses than the former Investor Class shares. 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 www.pacificincome.com/mutual-funds or by calling the Fund toll-free at 1-800-251-1970.
Calendar Year Total Return as of December 31 – Institutional Class
During the period shown on the bar chart, the Fund’s Institutional Class highest total return for a quarter was 11.80% (quarter ended June 30, 2020) and the lowest total return for a quarter was -14.97% (quarter ended March 31, 2020).
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended December 31, 2022) | 1 Year | 5 Year | 10 Year | Since Inception (12/31/2010) |
Institutional Class Shares(1) | | | | |
Return before Taxes | -11.16% | 2.16% | 4.13% | 4.91% |
Return after Taxes on Distributions | -13.91% | -0.59% | 1.33% | 2.20% |
Return after Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | -6.56% | 0.52% | 1.94% | 2.63% |
Bloomberg U.S. High Yield Corporate Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | -11.19% | 2.31% | 4.03% | 5.04% |
(1)The former Investor Class shares were re-designated as Institutional Class shares at the close of business on December 31, 2014. Performance shown prior to January 1, 2015 reflects the performance of the former Investor Class and includes expenses that are not applicable to and are higher than those of the Institutional Class.
The after-tax returns were 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 an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts (“IRAs”). The Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares is higher than other return figures when a capital loss occurs upon redemption and provides an assumed tax deduction that benefits the investor.
Management
Investment Adviser: Pacific Income Advisers, Inc. is the investment adviser of the Fund.
Portfolio Managers: The following individuals serve as the High Yield Fund’s portfolio managers:
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio Manager | Years of Service with the Fund | Primary Title with the Adviser |
Lloyd McAdams | 9 | President/Portfolio Manager |
Michael Yean | 5 | Vice President, Portfolio Manager/Credit Research |
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
You may purchase, exchange, or redeem Fund shares on any business day by written request via mail (PIA High Yield Fund, c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, P.O. Box 701, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701), by telephone at 1-800-251-1970, or through a financial intermediary. You may also purchase and redeem Fund shares by wire transfer. Investors who wish to purchase, exchange or redeem Fund shares through a financial intermediary should contact the financial intermediary directly. The minimum initial and subsequent investment amounts for Institutional Class shares are shown below.
| | | | | | | | |
Type of Account | To Open Your Account | To Add to Your Account |
Regular Accounts | $1,000 | $50 |
Retirement Accounts | $100 | $50 |
Automatic Investment Plan | $50 | $50 |
Tax Information
Fund distributions are taxable and will be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you invest through an IRA, 401(k) plan, or other tax-deferred arrangement. Distributions on investments made through tax-deferred arrangements may be taxed later upon withdrawal of assets from those accounts.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, the Fund and/or the Adviser may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RELATED RISKS
The Fund invests, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in a diversified portfolio of domestic and foreign high yield instruments (“junk bonds”), defined as bonds, convertible securities, forward commitments, loan participations and assignments, preferred stocks and Rule 144A securities. High yield instruments are securities rated below investment grade as defined by the Bloomberg index methodology, or, if unrated, determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality. This non-fundamental policy may only be changed upon 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders.
Please remember that an investment objective is not a guarantee and there is no assurance that the Fund’s investment objectives can be achieved. An investment in the Fund might not earn income and investors could lose money.
The remainder of the Fund’s assets may be invested in investment grade instruments including bonds, debt securities, convertible securities, and other similar instruments issued by various U.S. and non-U.S. public- or private-sector entities, and loan participations and assignments.
The Fund may invest up to 10% of its net assets in securities and instruments that are economically tied to emerging market countries. The Adviser considers a security or instrument to be economically tied to an emerging market country if the issuer of such security or instrument is domiciled in an emerging market country or has its primary operations or principal trading markets in an emerging market country.
How We Invest Our Assets
In building a high yield portfolio, the Adviser considers the risk and opportunities presented by the industries within the high yield universe. Since default rates are frequently clustered by industry, the Adviser believes this top down approach is an important component in the creation of a high yield portfolio. The Adviser evaluates the bond issuers within the selected industries and identifies those securities which the Adviser believes have favorable risk reward characteristics and match the Adviser’s investing philosophy. The Adviser evaluates various criteria such as historical and future expected financial performance, management tenure and experience, capital structure, free cash flow generation, barriers to entry, security protections, yield and relative value, and ownership structure.
The Adviser favors investments where it perceives risk and reward characteristics to be attractive versus the high yield market. Investments are targeted that have individual yield premiums which appear to be favorable and are viewed by the Adviser as having a comparable or lower probability of default and/or loss risk. The Adviser believes these investments have the most opportunity for capital appreciation as the market over time begins to recognize this pricing inefficiency.
Duration is a measure of a debt security’s price sensitivity. Duration takes into account the timing of a debt security’s cash flows over time including the possibility that a debt security might be prepaid by the issuer or redeemed by the holder prior to its stated maturity date. The longer a security’s duration, the more sensitive it will be to changes in interest rates. Similarly, a fund with a longer average portfolio duration will be more sensitive to changes in interest rates than a fund with a shorter average portfolio duration. By way of example, the price of a bond fund with an average duration of five years would be expected to fall approximately 5% if interest rates rose by one percentage point. In contrast, maturity measures only the time until final payment is due. The following are examples of the relationship between a bond’s maturity and its duration. A 5% coupon bond having a ten-year maturity will have a duration of approximately 7.55 years. Similarly, a 5% coupon bond having a three-year maturity will have a duration of approximately 2.96 years. The weighted average duration of the Fund will normally range within two years (plus or minus) of the duration of the Bloomberg Index which was 3.79 years as of
January 31, 2023. The actual duration for the Fund is a function of the maturity and coupon of the bonds issued by the underlying companies that the Adviser wants to buy and hold.
Temporary Defensive Investment Strategies
For temporary defensive purposes in response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Adviser may invest up to 100% of the Fund’s total assets in high-quality, short-term debt securities and money market instruments. These short-term debt securities and money market instruments include shares of other mutual funds, commercial paper, certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances, U.S. Government securities and repurchase agreements. Taking a temporary defensive position may result in the Fund not achieving its investment objectives. Furthermore, to the extent that a Fund invests in money market mutual funds for its cash position, there will be some duplication of expenses because the Fund would bear its pro rata portion of such money market funds’ management fees and operational expenses.
Risks
There are a number of risks associated with the various securities in which the Fund will at times invest. These include:
•High Yield Securities Risk. High yield securities (or “junk bonds”) entail greater risk of loss of principal because of their greater exposure to credit risk. High yield securities typically carry higher coupon rates than investment grade bonds, but also are described as speculative and may be subject to greater market price fluctuations, less liquidity and greater risk of income or principal including greater possibility of default and bankruptcy of the issuer of such instruments than more highly rated bonds. Lower-rated bonds also are more likely to be sensitive to adverse economic or company developments and more subject to price fluctuations in response to changes in interest rates. The market for high yield securities is generally thinner and less active than the market for higher quality securities. This may limit the ability of the Fund to sell high yield securities at the prices at which they are being valued for purposes of calculating net asset value (“NAV”) per share.
•Counterparty Risk. Fund transactions involving a counterparty are subject to the risk that the counterparty or a third party will not fulfill its obligation to the Fund. Counterparty risk may arise because of the counterparty’s financial condition (i.e., financial difficulties, bankruptcy, or insolvency), market activities and developments, or other reasons, whether foreseen or not. A counterparty’s inability to fulfill its obligation may result in significant financial loss to the Fund. The Fund may be unable to recover its investment from the counterparty or may obtain a limited recovery, and/or recovery may be delayed. The Fund may be exposed to counterparty risk through its investments in debt securities and derivatives, including various types of swaps, futures, and options. The Fund intends to enter into financial transactions with counterparties that the Adviser believes to be creditworthy at the time of the transaction. There is always the risk that the Adviser’s analysis of a counterparty’s creditworthiness is incorrect or may change due to market conditions. To the extent that the Fund focuses its transactions with a limited number of counterparties, it will have greater exposure to the risks associated with one or more counterparties.
•Credit Risk. The issuers of the bonds and other fixed income instruments held by the Fund may not be able to make interest or principal payments. Even if these issuers are able to make interest or principal payments, they may suffer adverse changes in financial condition that would lower the credit quality of the security, leading to greater volatility in the price of the security.
•General Market Risk. Economies and financial markets throughout the world are becoming increasingly interconnected, which increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one country or region will adversely impact markets or issuers in other countries or regions. Securities in the Fund’s portfolio may underperform in comparison to securities in general financial markets, a particular financial market or other asset classes due to a number of factors, including: inflation (or expectations
for inflation); interest rates; global demand for particular products or resources; natural disasters or events; pandemic diseases; terrorism; regulatory events; and government controls. U.S. and international markets have experienced significant periods of volatility in recent years and months due to a number of economic, political and global macro factors including the impact of COVID-19 as a global pandemic, which has resulted in a public health crisis, disruptions to business operations and supply chains, stress on the global healthcare system, growth concerns in the U.S. and overseas, staffing shortages and the inability to meet consumer demand, and widespread concern and uncertainty. The global recovery from COVID-19 is proceeding at slower than expected rates due to the emergence of variant strains and may last for an extended period of time. Continuing uncertainties regarding interest rates, rising inflation, political events, rising government debt in the U.S. and trade tensions also contribute to market volatility. As a result of continuing political tensions and armed conflicts, including the war between Ukraine and Russia, the U.S. and the European Union imposed sanctions on certain Russian individuals and companies, including certain financial institutions, and have limited certain exports and imports to and from Russia. The war has contributed to recent market volatility and may continue to do so.
•Management Risk. The Fund is an actively managed portfolio. The Adviser’s management practices and investment strategies might not work to produce the desired results.
•Interest Rate Risk. The value of the Fund’s investments in fixed-income securities will change based on changes in interest rates. If interest rates increase, the value of these investments generally declines. Securities with greater interest rate sensitivity and longer maturities generally are subject to greater fluctuations in value. Fixed-income instruments with longer durations tend to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates, making them more volatile than fixed-income instruments with shorter durations or floating or adjustable interest rates. Many factors can cause interest rates to rise, such as central bank monetary policies, inflation rates, general economic conditions and expectations about the foregoing. Over the past several years, the Federal Reserve has maintained the level of interest rates at or near historic lows. However, more recently, interest rates have begun to increase as a result of action that has been taken by the Federal Reserve, which has raised, and may continue to rate, interest rates. If interest rates rise, the Fund’s yield may not increase proportionately, and the maturities of fixed income securities that have the ability to be prepaid or called by the issuer may be extended. Changing interest rates may have unpredictable effects on the markets and the Fund’s investments. A general rise in interest rates may cause investors to move out of fixed income securities on a large scale, which could adversely affect the price and liquidity of fixed income securities. The Fund may be exposed to heightened interest rate risk as interest rates rise from historically low levels. Fluctuations in interest rates may also affect the liquidity of fixed income securities and instruments held by the Fund.
•Liquidity Risk. Certain fixed income securities or derivative instruments held by the Fund may be difficult (or impossible) to sell at the time and at the price the Adviser would like. As a result, the Fund may have to hold these securities or instruments longer than it would like and may forego other investment opportunities. There is the possibility that the Fund may lose money or be prevented from realizing capital gains if it cannot sell a security or instrument at a particular time and price.
•ETF and Mutual Fund Risk. ETFs are typically open-end investment companies that are bought and sold on a national securities exchange. When the Fund invests in an ETF, it will bear additional expenses based on its pro rata share of the ETF’s operating expenses, including the potential duplication of management fees. The risk of owning an ETF generally reflects the risks of owning the underlying securities it holds. Many ETFs seek to replicate a specific benchmark index. However, such ETF may not fully replicate the performance of its benchmark index for many reasons, including because of the temporary unavailability of certain index securities in the secondary market or discrepancies between the ETF and the index with respect to the weighting of securities or the number of stocks held. Lack of liquidity in an ETF could result in an ETF being more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities it holds. The Fund also will incur brokerage costs when it
purchases ETFs. In addition, because of ETF expenses, compared to owning the underlying securities directly, it may be more costly to own an ETF.
If the Fund invests in shares of another mutual fund, shareholders will indirectly bear fees and expenses charged by the underlying mutual funds in which the Fund invests in addition to the Fund’s direct fees and expenses. Furthermore, investments in other mutual funds could affect the timing, amount and character of distributions to shareholders and therefore may increase the amount of taxes payable by investors in the Fund.
•Preferred Stock Risk. The value of preferred stocks may decline due to general market conditions which are not specifically related to a particular company or to factors affecting a particular industry or industries. Preferred stocks may be more volatile than fixed income securities and are more correlated with the issuer’s underlying common stock than fixed income securities. While most preferred stocks pay a dividend, the Fund may purchase preferred stock where the issuer has omitted, or is in danger of omitting, payment of its dividend.
•Foreign Securities and Emerging Markets Risk. Foreign companies or entities are frequently not subject to accounting and financial reporting standards applicable to U.S. companies, and there may be less information available about foreign issuers. Securities of foreign issuers are generally less liquid and more volatile than those of comparable domestic issuers. Investment in emerging markets involves risks in addition to those generally associated with investments in securities of foreign issuers, including less social, political and economic stability; smaller securities markets and lower trading volume, which may result in less liquidity and greater price volatility; national policies that may restrict the Fund’s investment opportunities, including restrictions on investments in issuers or industries, or expropriation or confiscation of assets or property; and less developed legal structures governing private or foreign investment.
•Loan Participation and Assignment Risk. Loan participations and assignments involve special types of risk, including credit risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk, and the risks of being a lender. Bank loans (i.e., loan participations and assignments), like other high yield corporate debt obligations, have a higher risk of default and may be less liquid and/or become illiquid. The Fund, as a participant in a loan, has no direct claim on the loan and would be a creditor of the lender, and not the borrower, in the event of a borrower’s insolvency or default.
•Rule 144A Securities Risk. The market for Rule 144A securities typically is less active than the market for public securities. Rule 144A securities carry the risk that the trading market may not continue and a Fund might be unable to dispose of these securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty satisfying redemption requirements.
•Convertible Securities Risk. Convertible securities are debt securities that may be converted at either a stated price or stated rate into shares of common or preferred stock, and so are subject to the risks of investments in both debt securities and equity securities. Due to the conversion feature, convertible debt securities generally yield less than non-convertible securities of similar credit quality and maturity. The values of convertible securities tend to decline as interest rates rise. In addition, because of the conversion feature, the market values of convertible securities tend to vary with fluctuations in the market values of the underlying preferred and common stocks. The Fund’s investment in convertible securities may at times include securities that have a mandatory conversion feature, pursuant to which the securities convert automatically into stock at a specified date and conversion ratio, or that are convertible at the option of the issuer. When conversion is not at the option of the holder, the Fund may be required to convert the security into the underlying stock even at times when the value of the underlying common stock has declined substantially or it would otherwise be disadvantageous to do so.
PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION
A complete description of the Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings is available in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) and on the Fund’s website at www.pacificincome.com/mutual-funds.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
Investment Adviser
Pacific Income Advisers, Inc., located at 2321 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 1260, El Segundo, California 90245, is the investment adviser to the Fund. The Adviser has been in business since 1986. As the investment adviser to the Fund, the Adviser manages the investment portfolio for the Fund. It makes the decisions as to which securities to buy and which securities to sell. For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022, the Adviser received net management fees as a percentage of average daily net assets of 0.35% from the Fund, after any waivers.
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the Fund’s investment advisory agreement is included in the Fund’s semi-annual report for the period ended May 31, 2022.
Portfolio Managers
The following individuals are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio. Each portfolio manager has individual discretion to buy and sell securities within their defined sectors of responsibility.
Lloyd McAdams, CFA, CEBS
Mr. McAdams is President and portfolio manager at PIA, having previously served as Chief Investment Officer. Prior to joining PIA in 1986, Mr. McAdams held the position of President of Security Pacific Investment Managers, Inc., Senior Vice President of Trust Company of the West, and an Investment Officer with the State of Tennessee. Mr. McAdams has served as a Board member of the California Public Employees Retirement System (“CALPERS”) in the past. Mr. McAdam had also been the founder, Chairman and CEO of Anworth Mortgage Asset Corp., a NYSE listed company (“ANH”) that managed a portfolio of mortgage securities for its mostly institutional shareholders. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst Charter Holder, and a Certified Employee Benefit Specialist. Mr. McAdams holds a B.S. in Statistics from Stanford University and an M.B.A. from the University of Tennessee.
Michael Yean, Vice President, Credit Research Analyst, Portfolio Manager
Mr. Yean is a member of the Investment Strategy Group and a Portfolio Manager responsible for the management of the firm’s high yield strategy. Mr. Yean is also a credit research analyst, where he specializes in the industrial sector. In 1998, Mr. Yean joined PIA as a portfolio manager and research analyst for the PIA Small-cap and Mid-cap Equity portfolios. In 2002, Michael transitioned to fixed income credit analyst as the Bond Department restructured toward greater emphasis in credit research. Prior to joining PIA, Michael served in the Consulting Department of Merrill Lynch and the Investment Department of M.J. Segal & Company. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics at University of California at Los Angeles.
The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers’ compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers’ ownership of shares in the Fund.
Fund Expenses
The Fund is responsible for its own operating expenses. However, the Adviser has agreed to temporarily waive all or a portion of its management fee and pay Fund expenses (excluding AFFE, interest, taxes and
extraordinary expenses) in order to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses to 0.86% of average daily net assets for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares through at least March 29, 2024. The Adviser’s temporary expense limitation for the Fund may be discontinued at any time after March 29, 2024. Any waiver in management fees or payment of Fund expenses made by the Adviser under the temporary expense limitation may not be recouped by the Adviser in subsequent periods. However, any fees waived or Fund expenses paid by the Adviser under the Fund’s written operating expenses limitation agreement may be recouped by the Adviser in subsequent fiscal periods if the aggregate amount actually paid by the Fund toward operating expenses for such fiscal period (taking into account the recoupment) does not exceed the then applicable expense limitation, including the temporary expense limitation, on Fund expenses, as further explained below.
FUND’S SHARE PRICE
Shares of the Fund are sold based on the NAV per share and before imposition of a commission, if any, on Institutional Class shares. The Fund normally calculates its NAV per share as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) (generally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time) on each day the NYSE is open for trading. Shares of the Fund will not be priced and are not available for purchase when the NYSE and/or Federal Reserve are closed, including the following days: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday/Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
The Fund will process purchase orders that it receives in good order and accept and redeem orders that it receives in good order prior to the close of regular trading on a day in which the NYSE is open at the NAV per share determined later that day. The Fund will process purchase orders that it receives and accept and redeem orders that it receives after the close of regular trading at the NAV per share determined at the close of regular trading on the next day the NYSE is open.
Good order means that your purchase request includes (1) the name of the Fund, (2) the dollar amount of shares to be purchased, (3) your account application, and (4) a check payable to the Fund.
Purchase and redemption requests are priced based on the next NAV per share calculated after receipt of such requests. The NAV is the value of the Fund’s securities, cash and other assets, minus all expenses and liabilities (assets – liabilities = NAV). NAV per share is determined by dividing NAV by the number of shares outstanding (NAV/ # of shares = NAV per share). The NAV takes into account the expenses and fees of the Fund, including management and administration fees, which are accrued daily.
In calculating the NAV, portfolio securities are valued using current market values or official closing prices, if available. Equity securities owned by the Fund that are listed on a securities exchange, except securities traded on the NASDAQ Global Market System (“NASDAQ”) are valued at the last sale price on that exchange on the date as of which assets are valued. Where the security is listed on more than one exchange, the Fund will use the price of the exchange that the Fund generally considers to be the principal exchange on which the security is traded. Securities primarily traded on NASDAQ will be valued using the NASDAQ official closing price. Corporate bonds, including listed issues, are valued at market on the basis of valuations furnished by an independent pricing service which utilizes both dealer-supplied valuations and formula-based techniques.
When market quotations are not readily available, a security or other asset is valued at its fair value as determined under procedures approved by the Adviser. These fair value procedures will also be used to price a security when corporate events, events in the securities market and/or world events cause the Adviser to believe that a security’s last sale price may not reflect its actual market value. The intended effect of using fair value pricing procedures is to ensure that the Fund is accurately priced. The Board has
designated the Adviser as its “valuation designee” under Rule 2a-5 of the 1940 Act, subject to its oversight.
Trading in Foreign Securities
In the case of foreign securities, the occurrence of certain events after the close of foreign markets, but prior to the time the Fund’s NAV per share is calculated (such as a significant surge or decline in the U.S. or other markets) often will result in an adjustment to the trading prices of foreign securities when foreign markets open on the following business day. If such events occur, the Fund will value foreign securities at fair value, taking into account such events, in calculating the NAV per share. In such cases, use of fair valuation can reduce an investor’s ability to seek to profit by estimating the Fund’s NAV per share in advance of the time the NAV per share is calculated. The Adviser anticipates that the Fund’s portfolio holdings will be fair valued when market quotations for those holdings are considered unreliable.
PURCHASING SHARES
Description of Classes
The Trust has adopted a multiple class plan that allows the Fund to offer one or more classes of shares. The Fund has registered two classes of shares – Institutional Class and Class A. Class A shares are offered in a separate prospectus. The different classes of shares represent investments in the same portfolio of securities, but the classes are subject to different expenses as outlined below and may have different share prices:
•Institutional Class shares do not impose a front-end sales charge, contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”), Rule 12b-1 distribution and servicing fee or a shareholder servicing plan fee. If you purchase Institutional Class shares, you will pay the NAV per share next determined after the order is received.
•Class A shares are charged a front-end sales load. Class A shares are also charged a 0.25% Rule 12b-1 distribution and servicing fee as well as a 0.15% shareholder servicing plan fee. Class A shares do not have a CDSC except that a charge of 0.75% applies to certain redemptions made within twelve months following purchases of $1,000,000 or more without an initial sales charge.
More About Institutional Class Shares
Institutional Class shares of the Fund may be purchased as described in this Prospectus. If you purchase Institutional Class shares through a specific financial intermediary, certain financial intermediaries may charge brokerage commissions on your purchases and sales of Institutional Class shares. An investor transacting in Institutional Class shares in specific financial intermediary programs may be required to pay a commission and/or other forms of compensation to the broker.
The Fund does not subject purchases of Institutional Class shares to a front-end sales charge.
How to Purchase Shares from the Fund
Read this Prospectus carefully. Determine how much you want to invest, keeping in mind the following minimums:
| | | | | |
New accounts | |
IRAs and qualified retirement plans | $100 |
Automatic Investment Plan | $50 |
All other accounts | $1,000 |
| |
Existing accounts | |
Dividend reinvestment | No Minimum |
All accounts | $50 |
The Fund’s minimum investment requirements may be waived from time to time by the Adviser, and for the following types of shareholders:
•current and retired employees, directors/trustees and officers of the Trust, the Adviser and its affiliates and certain family members of each of them (i.e., spouse, domestic partner, child, parent, sibling, grandchild and grandparent, in each case including in-law, step and adoptive relationships);
•any trust, pension, profit sharing or other benefit plan for current and retired employees, directors/trustees and officers of the Adviser and its affiliates;
•current employees of the Transfer Agent, broker-dealers who act as selling agents for the Fund, intermediaries that have marketing agreements in place with the Adviser and the immediate family members of any of them;
•existing clients of the Adviser, their employees and immediate family members of such employees;
•registered investment advisers who buy through a broker-dealer or service agent who has entered into an agreement with the Fund’s distributor; and
•qualified broker-dealers who have entered into an agreement with the Fund’s distributor.
Complete the account application carefully following the instructions. For additional investments, please use the stub from an account statement or prepare a brief letter stating the registration of your account, the name of the Fund and your account number. If you have any questions, please call 1-800-251-1970.
Investing directly by mail or by overnight delivery. If you do not have a broker or your broker is not familiar with the Fund, you may invest directly by mail. You may obtain an account application by contacting the call center at 1-800-251-1970. Simply mail the account application with a check (made payable to the Fund) to the Fund’s transfer agent, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (the “Transfer Agent”), at the address below.
All purchase checks must be in U.S. dollars drawn on a domestic financial institution. The Fund will not accept payment in cash or money orders. To prevent check fraud, the Fund will not accept third party checks, Treasury checks, credit card checks, traveler’s checks or starter checks for the purchase of shares. We are unable to accept post-dated checks or any conditional order or payment.
If your check is returned for any reason, a $25 fee will be assessed against your account. You will also be responsible for any losses suffered by the Fund as a result.
In addition to cash purchases, Fund shares may be purchased by tendering payment in-kind in the form of bonds or other securities. Any securities used to buy Fund shares must be readily marketable, their acquisition consistent with the Fund’s objective and otherwise acceptable to the Adviser and the Board.
In compliance with the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, please note that 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 must provide your full name, date of birth, social security number and permanent street address. If you are opening the account in the name of a legal entity (e.g., partnership, limited liability company, business trust, corporation, etc.), you must also supply the identity of the beneficial owners. Mailing addresses containing only a P.O. Box will not be accepted. Please contact the Transfer Agent at 1-800-251-1970, 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 application will be rejected or the investor will not be allowed to perform a transaction on the account until such information is received. In the rare event that the Transfer Agent is unable to verify your identity, the Fund reserves the right to redeem your account at the current day’s net asset value. Accounts may only be opened by persons with a valid social security number or tax identification number and permanent U.S. street address.
Shares of the Fund have not been registered for sale outside of the United States. The Trust 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.
If you wish to invest by mail, simply complete the account application and mail it with a check (made payable to “PIA High Yield Fund”) to:
| | | | | |
Regular Mail | Overnight Delivery |
PIA High Yield Fund | PIA High Yield Fund |
c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services | c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services |
P.O. Box 701 | 615 East Michigan Street, Third Floor |
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202 |
Note: The Fund does not consider the U.S. Postal Service or other independent delivery services to be its agents. Therefore, deposit in the mail or with such services, or receipt at the post office box, of purchase orders or redemption requests does not constitute receipt by the Transfer Agent. Receipt of purchase orders or redemption requests is based on when the order is received at the Transfer Agent’s office.
Investing by wire. If you are making your first investment in the Fund the Transfer Agent must have previously received a completed account application before you can send your wire purchase. You can mail or deliver overnight your account application to the Transfer Agent at the above address. Upon receipt of your completed account application, the Transfer Agent will establish an account for you. Once your account is established, you may instruct your bank to send the wire payment. Your bank must include both the name of the Fund you are purchasing and your name and account number so that monies can be correctly applied. Your bank should transmit immediately available funds by wire to:
U.S. Bank N.A.
777 East Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
ABA No. 075000022
Credit: U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
Account No. 112-952-137
Further Credit: PIA High Yield Fund
Shareholder Registration
Shareholder Account Number
If you are making a subsequent purchase, your bank should wire funds as indicated above. Before each wire purchase, please contact the Transfer Agent at 1-800-251-1970 to advise them of your intent to wire funds. This will ensure prompt and accurate credit upon receipt of your investment. It is essential that your bank include complete information about your account in all wire transactions. If you have questions about how to invest by wire, please call the Transfer Agent. Your bank may charge you a fee for sending a wire to the Fund.
Wired funds must be received prior to 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time to be eligible for same day pricing. Neither the Fund nor U.S. Bank N.A. is responsible for the consequences of delays resulting from the banking or Federal Reserve wire system or from incomplete wiring instructions.
Telephone Purchase
Investors may purchase additional shares of the Fund by calling 1-800-251-1970. If you have accepted Telephone Options on your account application, and your account has been open for at least seven business days, telephone orders will be accepted via electronic funds transfer from your bank account through the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) network. You must have submitted a voided check to have banking information established on your account prior to making a purchase. Each telephone purchase must be in the amount of $50 or more. There is a maximum purchase amount of $50,000 per Fund per day through the ACH network. Your shares will be purchased at the NAV per share, calculated on the day your order is placed, provided that your order is received prior to 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. For security reasons, requests by telephone may be recorded. Once a telephone transaction has been placed, it cannot be cancelled or modified after the close of regular trading on the NYSE (generally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time).
Subsequent Investments
You may purchase additional shares of the Fund through your investment broker or dealer. You can also send a check, with the stub from an account statement, to the Fund at the address noted above under “How to Purchase Shares from the Fund.” Please also write your account number on the check. If you do not have a stub from an account statement, you can write your name, address and account number on a separate piece of paper and enclose it with your check. If you want to send additional money for investment by wire, it is important for you to call the Fund at 1-800-251-1970.
Purchasing Shares from Broker-Dealers, Financial Institutions and Others
Some broker-dealers may sell shares of the Fund. These broker-dealers may charge investors a fee either at the time of purchase or redemption. The fee, if charged, is retained by the broker-dealer and not remitted to the Fund or the Adviser.
The Fund may enter into agreements with broker-dealers, financial institutions or other service providers (“Servicing Agents”) that may include the Fund as an investment alternative in the programs they offer or administer. Servicing agents may:
1.Become shareholders of record of the Fund. This means all requests to purchase additional shares and all redemption requests must be sent through the Servicing Agent. This also means that purchases made through Servicing Agents are not subject to the Fund’s minimum purchase requirement;
2.Use procedures and impose restrictions that may be in addition to, or different from, those applicable to investors purchasing shares directly from the Fund;
3.Charge fees to their customers for the services they provide them. Also, the Fund and/or the Adviser may pay fees to Servicing Agents to compensate them for the services they provide their customers; and/or
4.Be authorized to accept purchase and redemption orders on behalf of the Fund (and designate other Servicing Agents to accept purchase and redemption orders on the Fund’s behalf). This means that the Fund will process the order at the NAV per share which is determined following the Servicing Agent’s (or its designee’s) acceptance of the customer’s order. A Fund will be deemed to have received an order when a Servicing Agent or, if applicable, a Servicing Agent’s authorized designee, receives the order.
If you decide to purchase shares through Servicing Agents, please carefully review the program materials provided to you by the Servicing Agent. When you purchase shares through a Servicing Agent, it is the responsibility of the Servicing Agent to place your order with the Fund on a timely basis. If the Servicing Agent does not pay the purchase price to the Fund within the period specified in its agreement with the Fund, it may be held liable for any resulting fees or losses.
Householding
In an effort to decrease costs, the Fund intends to reduce the number of duplicate prospectuses, supplements, and certain other shareholder documents, you receive by sending only one copy of each to those addresses shared by two or more accounts and to shareholders the Transfer Agent reasonably believes are from the same family or household. Once implemented, if you would like to discontinue householding for your accounts, please call toll-free at 1-800-251-1970 to request individual copies of documents; if your shares are held through a financial intermediary, please contact them directly. Once the Transfer Agent receives notice to stop householding, the Transfer Agent will begin sending individual copies thirty days after receiving your request. This policy does not apply to account statements.
Automatic Investment Plan
The Fund offers an automatic investment plan (“AIP”) allowing shareholders to make purchases on a regular and convenient basis
•Automatic purchases of Fund shares can be made for as little as $50 per purchase after an initial $50 investment.
•You may elect to have your automatic purchase made on any day of the month. If these dates fall on a weekend or legal holiday, purchases will be made on the following business day.
•The Fund does not currently charge a fee for an AIP, however, the Fund may charge a $25 fee if the automatic investment cannot be made for any reason.
•If you redeem an account with an AIP to a zero balance, the AIP will be discontinued.
•In order to participate in the AIP your bank must be a member of the ACH network.
•Any change or termination of the AIP should be provided to the Transfer Agent at least five calendar days prior to the next automatic investment date.
Other Information about Purchasing Shares of the Fund
Please note that your account application will be returned if any information is missing. The Fund may reject any account application for any reason. Shares of the Fund are generally available in all states. The Fund will send investors a written confirmation for all purchases of shares. The Fund offers the following retirement plans:
| | | | | |
•Traditional IRA | •SEP IRA |
•Roth IRA | •SIMPLE IRA |
Investors can obtain further information about the IRAs by calling the Fund at 1-800-251-1970. The Fund recommends that investors consult with a financial and tax adviser regarding the IRAs before investing through them.
REDEEMING SHARES
How to Redeem (Sell) Shares
You or your Servicing Agent have the right to redeem all or any portion of your shares of the Fund at its NAV per share on each day the NYSE is open for trading. As discussed below, you may receive proceeds of your sale in a check, ACH, or federal wire transfer. The Fund typically expects that they will take one to three days following the receipt of your redemption request in good order, to pay out redemption proceeds. However, while not expected, payment of redemption proceeds may take up to seven days if sending proceeds earlier could adversely affect the Fund. If you purchased shares by check or electronic funds transfer through the ACH network, before selling recently purchased shares, please note that if the Transfer Agent has not yet collected payment for the shares you are selling, it may delay sending the proceeds until the payment is collected, which may take up to 15 calendar days from the purchase date. This delay will not apply if you purchased your shares via wire payment.
The Fund typically expects that the Fund will hold cash or cash equivalents to meet redemption requests. The Fund may also use the proceeds from the sale of portfolio securities to meet redemption requests if consistent with the management of the Fund. These redemption methods will be used regularly and may also be used in unusual market conditions.
The Fund reserves the right to redeem in-kind as described under “Redemption ‘In-Kind” below. Redemptions in-kind are typically used to meet redemption requests that represent a large percentage of the Fund’s net assets in order to minimize the effect of large redemptions on the Fund and its remaining shareholders. Redemptions in-kind are typically only used in unusual market conditions. The Fund has in place a line of credit that may be used to meet redemption requests during unusual market conditions.
Redemptions through Servicing Agents
If you own your shares through a Servicing Agent, you will have to contact your Servicing Agent to redeem your shares. The NAV per share for a redemption is that next calculated after receipt of the order from the Servicing Agent. The Servicing Agent is responsible for forwarding any documents required in connection with a redemption, including a signature guarantee, and the Fund may cancel the order if these documents are not received promptly. Your Servicing Agent may charge you a fee for handling your redemption transaction.
Redemptions for Direct Accounts
If you own your shares directly in your name through the Transfer Agent, you may redeem your shares by simply sending a written request to the Fund. You should give your account number and state whether you want all or part of your shares redeemed.
The letter should be signed exactly as the shares are registered by all of the shareholders whose names appear on the account registration and sent to:
| | | | | |
Regular Mail | Overnight Delivery |
PIA High Yield Fund | PIA High Yield Fund |
c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services | c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services |
P.O. Box 701 | 615 East Michigan Street, Third Floor |
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202 |
Signature Guarantees – Financial Transactions
A signature guarantee of each owner, from either a Medallion program member or non-Medallion program member, is required to redeem shares in the following situations:
•When ownership is being changed on your account;
•When redemption proceeds are payable or sent to any person, address or bank account not on record;
•When a redemption request is received by the Transfer Agent and the account address has changed within the last 15 calendar days;
•For all redemptions in excess of $50,000 from any shareholder account.
Non-financial transactions, including establishing or modifying certain services on an account, may require a signature guarantee, signature verification from a Signature Validation Program member, or other acceptable form of authentication from a financial institution source.
In addition to the situations described above, the Fund and/or the Transfer Agent may require a signature guarantee or signature validation program stamp in other instances based on the facts and circumstances.
Signature guarantees will generally be accepted from domestic banks, brokers, dealers, credit unions, national securities exchanges, registered securities associations, clearing agencies and savings associations, as well as from participants in the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program and the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program. A notary public is not an acceptable signature guarantor.
Send the letter of instruction to:
PIA High Yield Fund
c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701
How to Redeem (Sell) Shares by Telephone
Redemptions by telephone. If you have accepted Telephone Options on the account application and your Fund shares are held directly in your name, you may redeem shares up to $50,000 directly on any business day the NYSE is open by calling the Transfer Agent at 1-800-251-1970 before 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. Redemption proceeds will be mailed or wired, at your direction, on the next business day to the bank account you designated. Redemption proceeds may also be sent to your designated bank account via electronic funds transfer through the ACH network. To utilize the ACH network, you must have bank information on your account. There is no charge for this service. Proceeds are normally credited within three business days. The minimum amount that may be wired is $1,000. Wire charges will be deducted from redemption proceeds for complete redemptions. In the case of a partial redemption, the $15 fee will be deducted from the remaining account balance.
By using telephone redemption privileges, you authorize the Fund and its Transfer Agent to act upon the instruction of any person who makes the telephone call to redeem shares from your account and transfer the proceeds to the bank account designated in the account application. If an account has more than one owner or authorized person, the Fund will accept telephone instructions from any one owner or authorized person. The Fund and the Transfer Agent will use procedures to confirm that redemption instructions received by telephone are genuine, including recording of telephone instructions and requiring a form of personal identification before acting on these instructions. If these normal identification procedures are followed, neither the Fund nor the Transfer Agent will be liable for any loss, liability, or cost that results from acting upon instructions of a person believed to be a shareholder with respect to the telephone redemption privilege. The Fund may change, modify, or terminate these privileges at any time upon at least 60 days’ notice to shareholders.
Telephone trades must be received by or 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.
You may request telephone redemption privileges after your account is opened; however, the authorization form may require a separate signature guarantee, signature validation or other acceptable form of signature authentication from a financial institution. Once a telephone transaction request has been placed, it cannot be canceled or modified after the close or regular trading on the NYSE (generally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time).
Systematic Withdrawal Plan
As another convenience, you may redeem your Fund shares through the Systematic Withdrawal Plan (“SWP”). If you elect this method of redemption, the Fund will send you a check in a minimum amount of $100. You may choose to receive a check on any day of the month you designate on the account application. If the day you designate falls on a weekend or legal holiday, the distribution will take place on the following business day. You may alternatively choose to receive a check each calendar quarter or annually. The Fund can also send payment via electronic funds transfer through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network, directly to your bank account. For payment through the ACH network, your bank must be an ACH member and your bank account information must be maintained on your Fund account. Your Fund account must have a value of at least $10,000 in order to participate in the SWP. The SWP may be terminated at any time by the Fund. You may also elect to change or terminate your participation
in the SWP at any time by contacting the Transfer Agent at least five days prior to the effective date of the next withdrawal by calling 1-800-251-1970 or writing to:
PIA High Yield Fund
c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701
A withdrawal under the SWP involves a redemption of shares and may result in a gain or loss for federal income tax purposes. In addition, if the amount withdrawn exceeds the dividends credited to your account, the account ultimately may be depleted.
Other Redemption Considerations
When redeeming shares of the Fund, shareholders should consider the following:
1.The redemption may result in a taxable gain;
2.Shareholders who redeem shares held in an IRA must indicate on their redemption request whether or not to withhold federal income taxes. If not, these redemptions will be subject to federal income tax withholding; and
3.If your account balance falls below $500 because you redeem shares, you will be given 60 days to make additional investments so that your account balance is $500 or more. If you do not, the Fund may close your account and mail the redemption proceeds to you.
Redemption “In-Kind”
The Fund may pay redemption requests “in kind.” It is not expected that the Fund would do so except during unusual market conditions. This means that the Fund will pay redemption requests entirely or partially with securities rather than with cash. Specifically, if the amount you are redeeming is in excess of the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of a 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. A redemption, whether in cash or in-kind, is a taxable event to you.
Exchange Privilege
As a shareholder, you have the privilege of exchanging shares of one PIA Fund for shares of another PIA Fund in the Trust, which are offered in separate prospectuses, without incurring any additional sales charges. However, you should note the following:
•Exchanges may only be made between like shares classes;
•You may only exchange between accounts that are registered in the same name, address, and taxpayer identification number;
•Before exchanging into another PIA Fund, read a description of the fund in its separate prospectus. A copy of the prospectus for each PIA Fund may be obtained by calling 1-800-251-1970;
•Exchanges are considered a sale and purchase of Fund shares for tax purposes and may be taxed as short-term or long-term capital gain or loss depending on the period shares are held, subject to certain limitations on the deductibility of losses;
•The Fund reserves the right to refuse exchange purchases by any person or group if, in the Adviser’s judgment, the Fund would be unable to invest the money effectively in accordance with its investment objective and policies, or would otherwise potentially be adversely affected;
•If you have accepted telephone options on your account application, you can make a telephone request to exchange your shares for an additional $5 fee; and
•The minimum exchange amount between existing accounts invested in the PIA Funds is the minimum subsequent investment amount for your share class and your type of account.
You may make exchanges of your shares between the PIA Funds by telephone, in writing or through your Broker or other financial intermediary.
Lost Shareholders, Inactive Accounts and Unclaimed Property. It is important that the Fund maintain a correct address for each shareholder. An incorrect address may cause a shareholder’s account statements and other mailings to be returned to the Fund. Based upon statutory requirements for returned mail, the Fund will attempt to locate the shareholder or rightful owner of the account. If the Fund is unable to locate the shareholder, then it will determine whether the shareholder’s account can legally be considered abandoned. Your mutual fund account may be transferred to the state government of your state of residence if no activity occurs within your account during the “inactivity period” specified in your state’s abandoned property laws. The Fund is legally obligated to escheat (or transfer) abandoned property to the appropriate state’s unclaimed property administrator in accordance with statutory requirements. The shareholder’s last known address of record determines which state has jurisdiction. Please proactively contact the Transfer Agent toll-free at 1-800-251-1970 at least annually to ensure your account remains in active status.
If you are a resident of the state of Texas, you may designate a representative to receive notifications that, due to inactivity, your mutual fund account assets may be delivered to the Texas Comptroller. Please contact the Transfer Agent if you wish to complete a Texas Designation of Representative form.
Tools to Combat Frequent Transactions
The Board has adopted policies and procedures with respect to frequent purchases and redemptions of the Fund’s 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 may decide to restrict purchase and sale activity in their shares based on various factors, including whether frequent purchase and sale activity will disrupt portfolio management strategies and adversely affect the Fund’s performance or whether the shareholder has conducted four round trip transactions within a 12-month period. The Fund takes steps to reduce the frequency and effect of these activities. These steps include monitoring trading practices 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 their judgment in implementing these tools to the best of their ability in a manner that is consistent with shareholder interests.
Monitoring Trading Practices
The Fund monitors selected trades in an effort to detect excessive short-term trading activities. If, as a result of this monitoring, the Fund believes that a shareholder has engaged in excessive short-term trading, they may, in their 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 they believe is consistent with the best interests 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 they do not have simultaneous access to the underlying shareholder account information.
In compliance with Rule 22c-2 of the 1940 Act, 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 market timing policies.
Fair Value Pricing
The Fund employs fair value pricing selectively to ensure greater accuracy in their daily NAV per share and to prevent dilution by frequent traders or market timers who seek to take advantage of temporary market anomalies. The Adviser 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 Adviser does not represent the security’s fair value), or when, in the judgment of the Adviser, events have rendered the market value unreliable. Valuing securities at fair value involves reliance on judgment. Fair value determinations are made in good faith in accordance with procedures adopted by the Adviser. There can be no assurance 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 they calculate their 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 not frequently traded and/or the market price of which the Adviser 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 not a current market value quotation.
DISTRIBUTION OF FUND SHARES
Service Fees – Other Payments to Third Parties
The Fund may pay service fees to intermediaries such as banks, broker-dealers, financial advisers or other financial institutions, 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 Fund has policies and procedures in place for the monitoring of payments to broker-dealers and other financial intermediaries for the following non-distribution activities: sub-transfer agent, administrative, and other shareholder servicing services.
The Adviser, out if 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 Adviser may also pay cash compensation in the form of finder’s fees that vary depending on the Fund and the dollar amount of the shares sold.
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
The Fund distributes substantially all of its net investment income monthly and substantially all of its capital gains annually. The Fund may make an additional payment of dividends or distributions if it deems it desirable at other times during any year. You have the following distribution options:
•Automatic Reinvestment Option – Both dividend and capital gains distributions will be reinvested in additional Fund shares.
•All Cash Option – Both dividend and capital gains distributions will be paid in cash.
•Select Reinvestment or Cash Option – for either dividend and/or capital gains distributions.
You may make this election on the account application. You may change your election by writing to the Transfer Agent or by calling 1-800-251-1970 five days prior to the record date. Your distributions will be taxed in the same manner whether you reinvest them in additional Fund shares or receive your dividends and capital gain distributions in cash.
If you elect to receive distributions and/or capital gains paid in cash, and the U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver the check, or if a check remains outstanding for six months, the Fund reserves the right to reinvest the distribution check in your account, at the Fund’s current net asset value, and to reinvest all subsequent distributions.
TAX CONSEQUENCES
The Fund has elected to be treated and intends to continue to qualify to be taxed as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code. As a regulated investment company, the Fund will not be subject to federal income tax if it distributes its income as required by the tax law and satisfies certain other requirements that are described in the SAI.
Generally, you will be taxed on the Fund’s distributions, regardless of whether you reinvest them or receive them in cash. Dividends are taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, depending on the source of such income to the Fund and the holding period of the Fund for its securities. Since the Fund does not expect to invest in dividend-paying corporate stocks, dividends from the Fund will not be eligible for the lower tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income. The rate you pay on capital gain distributions will depend on how long the Fund held the securities that generated the gains, not on how long you owned your Fund shares. An additional federal tax of 3.8% applies to net investment income (which generally will include dividends and capital gains from an investment in the Fund) to non-corporate shareholders with adjusted gross incomes in excess of $200,000 for single filers and $250,000 for joint filers. Although distributions generally are taxable when received, certain distributions declared in October, November or December to shareholders of record on a specified date in such a month but paid in the following January are taxable as if received the prior December.
Sale of your Fund shares is a taxable event for you. You will recognize a gain or loss on such transactions equal to the difference, if any, between the amount of your net sales proceeds and your tax basis in Fund shares. You are responsible for any tax liabilities generated by your transaction and your investment in the Fund. The Code limits the deductibility of capital losses in certain circumstances.
In managing the Fund, the Adviser does not consider the tax effects of its investment decisions to be of primary importance in implementing the Fund’s investment objective. Shareholders should be aware that the Fund may make taxable distributions of income and capital gains even when share values have declined.
By law, the Fund must withhold as backup withholding from your taxable distributions and redemption proceeds an amount determined at a rate as set forth in Section 3406 of the Code, 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 Internal Revenue Service instructs the Fund to do so.
Additional information concerning taxation of the Fund and its shareholders is contained in the SAI. Investors should consult their own tax advisers regarding the consequences to them of an investment in the Fund.
INDEX DESCRIPTION
Please note that you cannot invest directly in an index.
The Bloomberg U.S. High-Yield Corporate Bond Index measures the market of USD-denominated, non-investment grade, fixed-rate, taxable corporate bonds. The index excludes emerging markets debt.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Fund’s financial performance for Institutional Class shares since its commencement of operations. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). The 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, are included in the annual report, which is available upon request.
PIA High Yield Fund – Institutional Class
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year Ended November 30, |
2022 | 2021 | 2020 | | 2019 | 2018 |
Per Share Operating Performance (For a fund share outstanding throughout each year) | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of year | $9.85 | $9.71 | $9.61 | | $9.67 | $10.33 |
| | | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations: | | | | | | |
Net investment income | 0.68 | 0.61 | 0.63 | | 0.64 | 0.60 |
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments | (1.57) | 0.14 | 0.08 | | (0.06) | (0.66) |
Total from investment operations | (0.89) | 0.75 | 0.71 | | 0.58 | (0.06) |
| | | | | | |
Less Distributions: | | | | | | |
Distributions from net investment income | (0.68) | (0.61) | (0.63) | | (0.64) | (0.60) |
Distributions from net realized gains | — | — | (0.01) | | — | — |
Total distributions | (0.68) | (0.61) | (0.64) | | (0.64) | (0.60) |
| | | | | | |
Increase from payment by affiliate and administrator due to operational error | — | — | 0.03 | | — | — |
Net asset value, end of year | $8.28 | $9.85 | $9.71 | | $9.61 | $9.67 |
| | | | | | |
Total Return | -9.26% | 7.85% | 8.36% | ^ | 6.14% | -0.63% |
| | | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data: | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of year (in 000’s) | $50,004 | $60,396 | $55,110 | | $52,086 | $57,278 |
Ratio of expenses to average net assets: | | | | | | |
Net of fee waivers | 0.86% | 0.86% | 0.86% | | 0.86% | 0.82% |
Before fee waivers | 1.06% | 0.97% | 1.11% | | 1.03% | 0.99% |
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets: | | | | | | |
Net of fee waivers | 7.50% | 6.13% | 6.80% | | 6.53% | 5.95% |
Before fee waivers | 7.30% | 6.02% | 6.55% | | 6.36% | 5.78% |
Portfolio turnover rate | 23% | 72% | 51% | | 63% | 48% |
^ Includes increase from payment made by affiliate and administrator due to the corporate action operational error. On September 18, 2020, the Fund received a reimbursement of $153,625 from the Adviser and Administrator related to a corporate action instruction error during the year ended November 30, 2020. Due to a miscommunication, the tender offer for the Martin Midstream corporate action was not processed correctly. This resulted in the Fund’s position being tendered rather than exchanged. Had the Fund not received the payment, total return would have been 8.03%.
Investment Adviser
Pacific Income Advisers, Inc.
2321 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 1260
El Segundo, California 90245
Distributor
Quasar Distributors, LLC
111 East Kilbourn Avenue, Suite 2200
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
Custodian
U.S. Bank National Association
Custody Operations
1555 North RiverCenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212
Transfer Agent
U.S. Bank Global Fund Services
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Tait, Weller & Baker LLP
Two Liberty Place
50 South 16th Street, Suite 2900
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102
Legal Counsel
Sullivan & Worcester LLP
1633 Broadway, 32nd Floor
New York, New York 10019
PRIVACY NOTICE
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
•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.
PIA High Yield Fund
FOR MORE INFORMATION
To learn more about the Fund, you may want to read the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) which contains additional information about the Fund. The Fund has incorporated by reference the SAI into the Prospectus. This means that you should consider the contents of the SAI to be part of the Prospectus.
Additional information about the Fund’s investments is available, without charge, upon request, in the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders (collectively, the “Shareholder Reports”). In the Fund’s annual report you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the performance of the Fund during its last fiscal year.
The SAI and the Shareholder Reports are all available to shareholders and prospective investors without charge on the Fund’s website at www.pacificincome.com/mutual-funds.
Prospective investors and shareholders who have questions about the Fund may also call the following number or write to the following address:
PIA High Yield Fund
c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services
615 East Michigan Street, Third Floor
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
1-800-251-1970
Reports and other information about the Fund are also available on the EDGAR Database at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov and copies of this information may be obtained, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following E-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov.
(Investment Company Act file number is 811-07959.)
PIA High Yield Fund
Institutional Class (PHYSX)
PROSPECTUS
March 31, 2023
Statement of Additional Information
Dated March 31, 2023
PIA High Yield Fund
Institutional Class (PHYSX)
Class A (Not available for purchase)
(the “Fund”)
A Series of
ADVISORS SERIES TRUST
This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) is not a prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectuses dated March 31, 2023 (the “Prospectuses”) of Advisors Series Trust (the “Trust”) relating to the Fund. Pacific Income Advisers, Inc. (the “Adviser”) is the investment adviser to the Fund. Copies of the Prospectuses may be obtained by writing to the Fund, c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, by calling toll-free at 1-800-251-1970, or on the Fund’s website at www.pacificincome.com/mutual-funds.
The PIA High Yield Fund’s audited financial statements and notes thereto for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022 are contained in the Fund’s 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 above or by visiting the Fund’s website at www.pacificincome.com/mutual-funds.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representations other than those contained in this SAI and the Prospectuses dated March 31, 2023 and, if given or made, such information or representations may not be relied upon as having been authorized by the Trust or the Fund.
This SAI does not constitute an offer to sell securities.
FUND HISTORY AND CLASSIFICATION
The Trust is an open‑end management investment company organized as a Delaware statutory trust under the laws of the State of Delaware on October 3, 1996. 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.
Registration with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) does not involve supervision of the management or policies of the Fund. The Prospectuses and this SAI omit certain of the information contained in the 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 December 31, 2010. Effective at the close of business on December 31, 2014, the former Investor Class shares of the Fund were re-designated as Institutional Class shares.
Diversification
The Fund is diversified. Under applicable federal securities laws, the diversification of a mutual fund’s holdings is measured at the time the Fund purchases a security. This means that, as to 75% of the Fund’s total assets (1) no more than 5% may be invested in the securities of a single issuer, and (2) the Fund may not hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of a single issuer. 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. In that case, the Fund would be 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 fund under applicable federal securities 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 standards or percentage limitation 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 any subsequent change 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 the Fund would not, or could not buy. If this happens the Fund would take such action as is reasonable given the Fund’s objective.
Market and Regulatory Risk
Events in the financial markets and economy may cause volatility and uncertainty and affect performance. These events have included, but are not limited to: bankruptcies, corporate restructurings, and other events related to the sub-prime mortgage crisis; governmental efforts to limit short selling and high frequency trading; measures to address U.S. federal and state budget deficits; social, political, and economic instability in Europe; economic stimulus by the Japanese central bank; steep declines in oil prices; dramatic changes in currency exchange rates; pandemics, epidemics and other similar
circumstances in one or more countries or regions; and China’s economic slowdown. Interconnected global economies and financial markets increase the possibility that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact issuers in a different country or region. Such adverse effect on performance could include a decline in the value and liquidity of securities held by the Fund, unusually high and unanticipated levels of redemptions, an increase in portfolio turnover, a decrease in net asset value (“NAV”), and an increase in Fund expenses. It may also be unusually difficult to identify both investment risks and opportunities, in which case investment objectives may not be met. Market events may affect a single issuer, industry, sector, or the market as a whole. Traditionally liquid investments may experience periods of diminished liquidity. During a general downturn in the financial markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value and the Fund may lose value, regardless of the individual results of the securities and other instruments in which the Fund invests. It is impossible to predict whether or for how long such market events will continue, particularly if they are unprecedented, unforeseen or widespread events or conditions. Therefore, it is important to understand that the value of your investment may fall, sometimes sharply and for extended periods, and you could lose money.
Governmental and regulatory actions, including tax law changes, may also impair portfolio management and have unexpected or adverse consequences on particular markets, strategies, or investments. Policy and legislative changes in the United States and in other countries are affecting many aspects of financial regulation, and may in some instances contribute to decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the financial markets. The impact of these changes on the markets, and the practical implications for market participants, may not be fully known for some time. In addition, economies and financial markets throughout the world are becoming increasingly interconnected. As a result, whether or not the Fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to countries experiencing economic and financial difficulties, the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments may be negatively affected.
Exclusion from Definition of Commodity Pool Operator
Pursuant to amendments by the CFTC to Rule 4.5 under the Commodity Exchange Act (“CEA”), the Adviser has filed a notice of exemption from registration as a “commodity pool operator” with respect to the Fund. The Fund and the Adviser are therefore not subject to registration or regulation as a pool operator under the CEA. To claim the Rule 4.5 exemption, the Fund is significantly limited in its ability to invest in commodity futures, options and swaps (including securities futures, broad-based stock index futures and financial futures contracts). These limitations may have a negative impact on the ability of the Adviser to manage the Fund, and on the Fund’s performance.
The discussion below supplements information contained in the Fund’s Prospectuses as to investment policies of the Fund.
High Yield and Other Securities
The Fund will invest in debt securities, including bonds and debentures (which are long-term) and notes (which may be short- or long-term). The Fund will invest in securities that are rated below investment grade or non-rated. Investments in high yield securities (i.e., less than investment grade), while providing greater income and opportunity for gain than investments in higher-rated securities, entail relatively greater risk of loss of income or principal. Lower-grade obligations are commonly referred to as “junk bonds.” Market prices of high-yield, lower-grade obligations may fluctuate more than market prices of higher-rated securities. Lower grade, fixed income securities tend to reflect short-term corporate and market developments to a greater extent than higher-rated obligations which, assuming no change in their fundamental quality, react primarily to fluctuations in the general level of interest rates.
The Fund may purchase unrated securities. Unrated securities may be less liquid than comparable rated securities and involve the risk that the portfolio manager may not accurately evaluate the securities comparative credit rating.
The high yield market at times is subject to substantial volatility. An economic downturn or increase in interest rates may have a more significant effect on high yield securities and their markets, as well as on the ability of securities’ issuers to repay principal and interest. Issuers of high yield securities may be of low creditworthiness and the high yield securities may be subordinated to the claims of senior lenders. During periods of economic downturn or rising interest rates the issuers of high yield securities may have greater potential for insolvency and a higher incidence of high yield bond defaults may be experienced.
The prices of high yield securities have been found to be less sensitive to interest rate changes than higher-rated investments but are more sensitive to adverse economic changes or individual corporate developments. During an economic downturn or substantial period of rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers may experience financial stress which would adversely affect their ability to service their principal and interest payment obligations, to meet projected business goals, and to obtain additional financing. If the issuer of a high yield security owned by the Fund defaults the Fund may incur additional expenses in seeking recovery. Periods of economic uncertainty and changes can be expected to result in increased volatility of the market prices of high yield securities and the Fund’s NAV per share. Yields on high yield securities will fluctuate over time. Furthermore, in the case of high yield securities structured as zero coupon or pay-in-kind securities, their market prices are affected to a greater extent by interest rate changes and therefore tend to be more volatile than the market prices of securities which pay interest periodically and in cash.
Certain securities held by the Fund including high yield securities, may contain redemption or call provisions. If an issuer exercises these provisions in a declining interest rate market, the Fund would have to replace the security with a lower yielding security, resulting in a decreased return for the investor. Conversely, a high yield security’s value will decrease in a rising interest rate market, as will the Fund’s net assets.
The secondary market for high yield securities may at times become less liquid or respond to adverse publicity or investor perceptions making it more difficult for the Fund to accurately value high yield securities or dispose of them. To the extent the Fund owns or may acquire illiquid or restricted high yield securities, these securities may involve special registration responsibilities, liabilities and costs, liquidity difficulties, and judgment will play a greater role in valuation because there is less reliable and objective data available.
Special tax considerations are associated with investing in high yield bonds structured as zero coupon or pay-in-kind securities. The Fund will report the interest on these securities as income even though it receives no cash interest until the security’s maturity or payment date. Further, the Fund must distribute substantially all of its income to its shareholders to qualify for pass-through treatment under the tax law. Accordingly, the Fund may have to dispose of its portfolio securities under disadvantageous circumstances to generate cash or may have to borrow to satisfy distribution requirements.
Credit ratings evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments, not the market value risk of high yield securities. Since credit rating agencies may fail to timely change the credit ratings to reflect subsequent events, the Adviser monitors the issuers of high yield securities in the portfolio to determine if the issuers will have sufficient cash flow and profits to meet required principal and interest payments, and to attempt to assure the securities’ liquidity so the Fund can meet redemption requests. To the extent that the Fund invests in high yield securities, the achievement of its investment objective may be more
dependent on the Adviser’s credit analysis than would be the case for higher quality bonds. The Fund may retain a portfolio security whose rating has been changed.
Loan Participations and Assignments
The Fund may purchase participations in commercial loans. Such indebtedness may be secured or unsecured. Loan participations typically represent direct participation in a loan to a corporate borrower, and generally are offered by banks or other financial institutions or lending syndicates. The Fund may participate in such syndications, or can buy part of a loan, becoming a part lender. When purchasing loan participations, the Fund assumes the credit risk associated with the corporate borrower and may assume the credit risk associated with an interposed bank or other financial intermediary. The participation interests in which the Fund intends to invest may not be rated by any nationally recognized rating service. The Fund may invest in debtor-in-possession financings (commonly known as “DIP financings”). DIP financings are arranged when an entity seeks the protections of the bankruptcy court under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. These financings allow the entity to continue its business operations while reorganizing under Chapter 11. Such financings constitute senior liens on unencumbered security (i.e., security not subject to other creditors’ claims). There is a risk that the entity will not emerge from Chapter 11 and be forced to liquidate its assets under Chapter 7 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. In the event of liquidation, the Fund’s only recourse will be against the property securing the DIP financing. A loan is often administered by an agent bank acting as agent for all holders. The agent bank administers the terms of the loan, as specified in the loan agreement. In addition, the agent bank is normally responsible for the collection of principal and interest payments from the corporate borrower and the apportionment of these payments to the credit of all institutions which are parties to the loan agreement. Unless, under the terms of the loan or other indebtedness, the Fund has direct recourse against the corporate borrower, the Fund may have to rely on the agent bank or other financial intermediary to apply appropriate credit remedies against a corporate borrower. A financial institution’s employment as agent bank might be terminated in the event that it fails to observe a requisite standard of care or becomes insolvent. A successor agent bank would generally be appointed to replace the terminated agent bank, and assets held by the agent bank under the loan agreement should remain available to holders of such indebtedness. However, if assets held by the agent bank for the benefit of the Fund were determined to be subject to the claims of the agent bank’s general creditors, the Fund might incur certain costs and delays in realizing payment on a loan or loan participation and could suffer a loss of principal and/or interest. In situations involving other interposed financial institutions (e.g., an insurance company or governmental agency) similar risks may arise.
Purchasers of loans and other forms of direct indebtedness depend primarily upon the creditworthiness of the corporate borrower for payment of principal and interest. If the Fund does not receive scheduled interest or principal payments on such indebtedness, the Fund’s share price and yield could be adversely affected. Loans that are fully secured offer the Fund more protection than an unsecured loan in the event of non-payment of scheduled interest or principal. However, there is no assurance that the liquidation of collateral from a secured loan would satisfy the corporate borrower’s obligation, or that the collateral can be liquidated. The Fund may invest in loan participations with credit quality comparable to that of issuers of its securities investments. Indebtedness of companies whose creditworthiness is poor involves substantially greater risks, and may be highly speculative. Some companies may never pay off their indebtedness, or may pay only a small fraction of the amount owed. Consequently, when investing in indebtedness of companies with poor credit, the Fund bears a substantial risk of losing the entire amount invested.
The Fund is diversified and limits the amount of its total assets that it will invest in any one issuer and the Fund limits the amount of its total assets that it will invest in issuers within the same industry (see “Investment Restrictions”). For purposes of these limits, the Fund generally will treat the corporate
borrower as the “issuer” of indebtedness held by the Fund. In the case of loan participations where a bank or other lending institution serves as a financial intermediary between the Fund and the corporate borrower, if the participation does not shift to the Fund the direct debtor-creditor relationship with the corporate borrower, SEC interpretations require the Fund to treat both the lending bank or other lending institution and the corporate borrower as “issuers.” Treating a financial intermediary as an issuer of indebtedness may restrict the Fund’s ability to invest in indebtedness related to a single financial intermediary, or a group of intermediaries engaged in the same industry, even if the underlying borrowers represent many different companies and industries. Loans and other types of direct indebtedness may not be readily marketable and may be subject to restrictions on resale. In some cases, negotiations involved in disposing of indebtedness may require weeks to complete. Consequently, some indebtedness may be difficult or impossible to dispose of readily at what PIA believes to be a fair price. In addition, valuation of illiquid indebtedness involves a greater degree of judgment in determining the Fund’s NAV than if that value were based on available market quotations, and could result in significant variations in the Fund’s daily share price. At the same time, some loan interests are traded among certain financial institutions and accordingly may be deemed liquid. As the market for different types of indebtedness develops, the liquidity of these instruments is expected to improve. In addition, the Fund currently intends to treat indebtedness for which there is no readily available market as illiquid for purposes of the Fund’s limitation on illiquid investments. Investments in loan participations are considered to be debt obligations for purposes of the Trust’s investment restriction relating to the lending of funds or assets by the Fund.
Investments in loans through a direct assignment of the financial institution’s interests with respect to the loan may involve additional risks to the Fund. For example, if a loan is foreclosed, the Fund could become part owner of any collateral, and would bear the costs and liabilities associated with owning and disposing of the collateral. In addition, it is conceivable that under emerging legal theories of lender liability, the Fund could be held liable as co-lender. It is unclear whether loans and other forms of direct indebtedness offer securities law protections against fraud and misrepresentation. In the absence of definitive regulatory guidance, the Fund relies upon the Adviser’s research in an attempt to avoid situations where fraud or misrepresentation could adversely affect the Fund.
Warrants to Purchase Securities
The Fund may invest in or acquire warrants to purchase equity securities. Warrants are instruments that give the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy a security at a specific price for a specific period of time. Changes in the value of a warrant do not necessarily correspond to changes in the value of its underlying security. The price of a warrant may be more volatile than the price of its underlying security, and a warrant may offer greater potential for capital appreciation as well as capital loss. Warrants do not entitle a holder to dividends or voting rights with respect to the underlying security and do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuing company. A warrant ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date. These factors can make warrants more speculative than other types of investments. Bonds with warrants attached to purchase equity securities have many characteristics of convertible bonds and their prices may, to some degree, reflect the performance of the underlying stock. Bonds also may be issued with warrants attached to purchase additional fixed income securities at the same coupon rate. A decline in interest rates would permit the Fund to buy additional bonds at the favorable rate or to sell the warrants at a profit. If interest rates rise, the warrants would generally expire with no value. The Fund will not invest more than 5% of its net assets in warrants to purchase securities. Warrants acquired in units or attached to securities will be deemed without value for purposes of this restriction.
Illiquid and Restricted Securities
Pursuant to Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act, the Fund may not acquire any “illiquid investment” if, immediately after the acquisition, the Fund would have invested more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid
investments that are assets. An “illiquid investment” is any investment that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. The Fund has implemented a liquidity risk management program and related procedures to identify illiquid investments pursuant to Rule 22e-4. The 15% limits are applied as of the date the Fund purchases an illiquid investment. It is possible that the Fund’s holding of illiquid investment could exceed the 15% limit, for example as a result of market developments or redemptions.
The Fund may purchase certain restricted securities that can be resold to institutional investors and which may be determined not to be illiquid investments pursuant to the Fund’s liquidity risk management program. In many cases, those securities are traded in the institutional market pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”) and are called Rule 144A securities.
Investments in illiquid investments involve more risks than investments in similar securities that are readily marketable. Illiquid investments may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments. Investment of the Fund’s assets in illiquid investments may restrict the ability of the Fund to dispose of its investments in a timely fashion and for a fair price as well as its ability to take advantage of market opportunities. The risks associated with illiquidity will be particularly acute where the Fund’s operations require cash, such as when the Fund has net redemptions, and could result in the Fund borrowing to meet short-term cash requirements or incurring losses on the sale of illiquid investments. Restricted securities sold in private placement transactions between issuers and their purchasers are neither listed on an exchange nor traded in other established markets and may be illiquid. In many cases, the privately placed securities may not be freely transferable under the laws of the applicable jurisdiction or due to contractual restrictions on resale. To the extent privately placed securities may be resold in privately negotiated transactions, the prices realized from the sales could be less than those originally paid by the Fund or less than the fair value of the securities. A restricted security may be determined to be liquid under the Fund’s liquidity risk management program established pursuant to Rule 22e-4 depending on market, trading, or investment-specific considerations related to the restricted security. In addition, issuers whose securities are not publicly traded may not be subject to the disclosure and other investor protection requirements that may be applicable if their securities were publicly traded. If any privately placed securities held by the Fund are required to be registered under the securities laws of one or more jurisdictions before being resold, the Fund may be required to bear the expenses of registration.
Private placement investments may involve investments in smaller, less seasoned issuers, which may involve greater risks than investments in more established companies. These issuers may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources, or they may be dependent on a limited management group. In making investments in private placement securities, the Fund may obtain access to material non-public information about an issuer of private placement securities, which may restrict the Fund’s ability to conduct transactions in those securities.
Leverage
From time to time the Fund may increase its ownership of securities by borrowing on a secured or unsecured basis at fixed and floating rates of interest and investing the borrowed funds. It is not anticipated that the Fund will use its borrowing power to an extent greater than 25% of the value of its total assets. Borrowings will be made only from banks and only to the extent that the value of the assets of the Fund, less its liabilities other than borrowings, is equal to at least 300% of all borrowings, after giving effect to the proposed borrowing. If the value of the assets of the Fund so computed should fail to meet the 300% asset coverage requirement, the Fund is required within three days to reduce its bank debt to the extent necessary to meet such 300% coverage. Since substantially all of the assets of the Fund
fluctuate in value, but borrowing obligations may be fixed, the NAV per share of the Fund will correspondingly tend to increase and decrease in value more than otherwise would be the case.
Lending Portfolio Securities
The Fund may (although does not currently), to increase the income, lend its securities on a short- or long-term basis to brokers, dealers and financial institutions if (i) the loan is collateralized in accordance with applicable regulatory guidelines (the “Guidelines”) and (ii) after any loan, the value of the securities loaned does not exceed 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets. Under the present Guidelines (which are subject to change) the loan collateral must be, on each business day, at least equal to the value of the loaned securities and must consist of cash, bank letters of credit or U.S. government securities. To be acceptable as collateral, a letter of credit must obligate a bank to pay amounts demanded by the Fund if the demand meets the terms of the letter of credit. Such terms and the issuing bank would have to be satisfactory to the Fund. Any loan might be secured by any one or more of the three types of collateral. The Fund currently expects to invest the collateral received in government money market funds, agency securities, or the highest quality commercial paper.
The Fund receives amounts equal to the interest or other distributions on loaned securities and also receives one or more of the negotiated loan fees, interest on securities used as collateral or interest on the securities purchased with such collateral, either of which type of interest may be shared with the borrower. The Fund may also pay reasonable finder’s, custodian and administrative fees but only to persons not affiliated with the Trust. The Fund will not have the right to vote securities on loan, but the terms of the loan will permit the Fund to terminate the loan and thus reacquire the loaned securities on three days’ notice.
The primary risk in securities lending is a default by the borrower during a sharp rise in price of the borrowed security resulting in a deficiency in the collateral posted by the borrower. The Fund will seek to minimize this risk by requiring that the value of the securities loaned be computed each day and additional collateral be furnished each day if required. In addition, the Fund is exposed to the risk of delay in recovery of the loaned securities or possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower become insolvent. As well, all investments made with the collateral received are subject to the risks associated with such investments. If such investments lose value, the Fund will have to cover the loss when repaying the collateral.
Hedging Instruments
The Fund may engage in hedging. Hedging may be used in an attempt to (i) protect against declines or possible declines in the market values of securities held in the Fund’s portfolio (“short hedging”) or (ii) establish a position in the securities markets as a substitute for the purchase of individual securities (“long hedging”). The Fund so authorized may engage in short hedging in an attempt to protect that Fund’s value against anticipated downward trends in the securities markets or engage in long hedging as a substitute for the purchase of securities, which may then be purchased in an orderly fashion. It is expected that when the Fund is engaging in long hedging, it would, in the normal course, purchase securities and terminate the hedging position, but under unusual market conditions such a hedging position may be terminated without the corresponding purchase of securities. The various hedging instruments which the Fund may use are discussed below.
Options on Securities
An option is a legal contract that gives the buyer (who then becomes the holder) the right to buy, in the case of a call, or sell, in the case of a put, a specified amount of the underlying security at the option price
at any time before the option expires. The buyer of a call obtains, in exchange for a premium that is paid to the seller, or “writer,” of the call, the right to purchase the underlying security. The buyer of a put obtains the right to sell the underlying security to the writer of the put, likewise in exchange for a premium. Options have standardized terms, including the exercise price and expiration time; listed options are traded on national securities exchanges that provide a secondary market in which holders or writers can close out their positions by offsetting sales and purchases. The premium paid to a writer is not a down payment; it is a nonrefundable payment from a buyer to a seller for the rights conveyed by the option. A premium has two components: the intrinsic value and the time value. The intrinsic value represents the difference between the current price of the securities and the exercise price at which the securities will be sold pursuant to the terms of the option. The time value is the sum of money investors are willing to pay for the option in the hope that, at some time before expiration, it will increase in value because of a change in the price of the underlying security.
One risk of any put or call that is held is that the put or call is a wasting asset. If it is not sold or exercised prior to its expiration, it becomes worthless. The time value component of the premium decreases as the option approaches expiration, and the holder may lose all or a large part of the premium paid. In addition, there can be no guarantee that a liquid secondary market will exist on a given exchange, in order for an option position to be closed out. Furthermore, if trading is halted in an underlying security, the trading of options is usually halted as well. In the event that an option cannot be traded, the only alternative to the holder is to exercise the option.
Call Options on Securities. When the Fund writes a call, it receives a premium and agrees to sell the related investments to the purchaser of the call during the call period (usually not more than nine months) at a fixed exercise price (which may differ from the market price of the related investments) regardless of market price changes during the call period. If the call is exercised, the Fund forgoes any gain from an increase in the market price over the exercise price.
To terminate its obligation on a call which it has written, the Fund that wrote the call may purchase a call in a “closing purchase transaction.” A profit or loss will be realized depending on the amount of option transaction costs and whether the premium previously received is more or less than the price of the call purchased. A profit may also be realized if the call lapses unexercised, because the Fund that wrote the call retains the premium received. All call options written by the Fund must be “covered.” For a call to be “covered” (i) the Fund must own the underlying security or have an absolute and immediate right to acquire that security without payment of additional cash consideration; (ii) the Fund must maintain cash or liquid securities adequate to purchase the security; or (iii) any combination of (i) or (ii).
When the Fund buys a call, it pays a premium and has the right to buy the related investments from the seller of the call during the call period at a fixed exercise price. The Fund that bought the call benefits only if the market price of the related investment is above the call price plus the premium paid during the call period and the call is either exercised or sold at a profit. If the call is not exercised or sold (whether or not at a profit), it will become worthless at its expiration date and that Fund will lose its premium payment and the right to purchase the related investment.
Put Options on Securities. When the Fund buys a put, it pays a premium and has the right to sell the related investment to the seller of the put during the put period (usually not more than nine months) at a fixed exercise price. Buying a protective put permits the Fund to protect itself during the put period against a decline in the value of the related investment below the exercise price by having the right to sell the investment through the exercise of the put.
When the Fund writes a put option it receives a premium and has the same obligations to a purchaser of such a put as are indicated above as its rights when it purchases such a put. A profit or loss will be
realized depending on the amount of option transaction costs and whether the premium previously received is more or less than the put purchased in a closing purchase transaction. A profit may also be realized if the put lapses unexercised, because the Fund retains the premium received. All put options written by the Fund must be “covered.” For a put to be “covered,” the Fund must maintain cash or liquid securities equal to the option price.
Options on Securities Indices. The Fund may purchase and write (sell) covered call and put options on securities indices listed on U.S. securities exchange or traded in the OTC market. A securities index option written by the Fund would obligate it, upon exercise of the options, to pay a cash settlement, rather than to deliver or purchase actual securities, to the option holder. Although the Fund will not ordinarily own all of the securities comprising the indices on which it writes call and put options, such options will usually be written on those indices which correspond most closely to the composition of the Fund’s portfolio. The Fund may purchase or sell call and put options in order to terminate its obligations under options it has written.
Debt Futures
The Fund may invest in futures contracts on debt securities (“Debt Futures” or “Futures”) or options on Debt Futures.
A futures contract is a commitment to buy or sell a specific product at a currently determined market price, for delivery at a predetermined future date. The futures contract is uniform as to quantity, quality and delivery time for a specified underlying product. The commitment is executed in a designated contract market – a futures exchange – that maintains facilities for continuous trading. The buyer and seller of the futures contract are both required to make a deposit of cash or U.S. Treasury Bills with their brokers equal to a varying specified percentage of the contract amount; the deposit is known as initial margin. Since ownership of the underlying product is not being transferred, the margin deposit is not a down payment; it is a security deposit to protect against nonperformance of the contract. No credit is being extended, and no interest expense accrues on the non‑margined value of the contract. The contract is marked to market every day, and the profits and losses resulting from the daily change are reflected in the accounts of the buyer and seller of the contract. A profit in excess of the initial deposit can be withdrawn, but a loss may require an additional payment, known as variation margin, if the loss causes the equity in the account to fall below an established maintenance level. The Fund will maintain cash or liquid securities sufficient to cover its obligations under each futures contract that it has entered into.
To liquidate a futures position before the contract expiration date, a buyer simply sells the contract, and the seller of the contract simply buys the contract, on the futures exchange. However, the entire value of the contract does not change hands; only the gains and losses on the contract since the preceding day are credited and debited to the accounts of the buyers and sellers, just as on every other preceding trading day, and the positions are closed out.
One risk in employing Futures to attempt to protect against declines in the value of the securities held by the Fund is the possibility that the prices of Futures will correlate imperfectly with the behavior of the market value of that Fund’s securities. The ordinary spreads between prices in the cash and futures markets, due to differences in those markets, are subject to distortions. First, all participants in the futures market are subject to margin deposit and maintenance requirements. Rather than meeting additional margin deposit requirements, investors may close futures contracts through off‑setting transactions which could distort the normal relationship between the cash and futures markets. Second, the liquidity of the futures market depends on participants entering into offsetting transactions rather than making or taking delivery. To the extent participants decide to make or take delivery, liquidity in the futures market could be reduced, thus producing distortion. The liquidity of the Futures being considered for purchase or sale
by the Fund will be a factor in their selection by the Adviser. Third, from the point of view of speculators the deposit requirements in the futures market are less onerous than margin requirements in the securities market. Therefore, increased participation by speculators in the futures market may cause temporary price distortions.
It is possible that, where the Fund has sold Futures in a short hedge, the market may advance but the value of the securities held by the Fund may decline. If this occurred, that Fund would lose money on the Future and also experience a decline in the value of its securities. Where Futures are purchased in a long hedge, it is possible that the market may decline; if the Fund then decides not to invest in securities at that time because of concern as to possible further market decline or for other reasons, that Fund will realize a loss on the Future that is not offset by a reduction in the price of any securities purchased.
Options on Debt Futures
Options on Futures are similar to options on securities, except that the related investment is not a security, but a Future. Thus, the buyer of a call option obtains the right to purchase a Future at a specified price during the life of the option, and the buyer of a put option obtains the right to sell a Future at a specified price during the life of the option. The options are traded on an expiration cycle based on the expiration cycle of the underlying Future. The Fund may buy options on debt futures and may also write (sell) covered call and put options on debt futures.
The risks of options on Futures are similar to those of options on securities and also include the risks inherent in the underlying Futures.
Special Risks of Hedging Strategies
Participation in the options or futures markets involves investment risks and transactions costs to which the Fund would not be subject absent the use of these strategies. In particular, the loss from investing in futures contracts is potentially unlimited. If the Adviser’s prediction of movements in the securities and interest rate markets is inaccurate, the Fund could be in a worse position than if such strategies were not used. Risks inherent in the use of options, futures contracts and options on futures contracts include: (1) dependence on the Adviser’s ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of interest rates, securities prices and currency markets; (2) imperfect correlation between the price of options and futures contracts and options thereon and movements in the prices of the securities being hedged; (3) the fact that skills needed to use these strategies are different from those needed to select portfolio securities; and (4) the possible absence of a liquid secondary market for any particular instrument at any time.
Limitations on Options and Futures
Transactions in options by the Fund will be subject to limitations established by each of the exchanges governing the maximum number of options which may be written or held by a single investor or group of investors acting in concert, regardless of whether the options are written or held on the same or different exchanges or are written or held in one or more accounts or through one or more brokers. Thus, the number of options which the Fund may write or hold may be affected by options written or held by other investment advisory clients of the Adviser and its affiliates. Position limits also apply to Futures. An exchange may order the liquidations of positions found to be in excess of these limits, and it may impose certain sanctions.
Swaps
Credit Default Swaps. The Fund may enter into credit default swap agreements. The credit default swap agreement may have as a reference obligation one or more securities that are not currently held by the Fund. The buyer in a credit default swap agreement is obligated to pay the seller a periodic fee, typically expressed in basis points on the principal amount of the underlying obligation (the “notional” amount), over the term of the agreement in return for a contingent payment upon the occurrence of a credit event with respect to the underlying reference obligation. A credit event is typically a default, restructuring or bankruptcy.
The Fund may be either the buyer or seller in the transaction. As a seller, the Fund receives a fixed rate of income throughout the term of the agreement, which typically is between one month and five years, provided that no credit event occurs. If a credit event occurs, the Fund typically must pay the contingent payment to the buyer, which is typically the par value (full notional value) of the reference obligation. The contingent payment may be a cash settlement or by physical delivery of the reference obligation in return for payment of the face amount of the obligation. If the Fund is a buyer and no credit event occurs, the Fund may lose its investment and recover nothing. However, if a credit event occurs, the buyer typically receives full notional value for a reference obligation that may have little or no value.
Credit default swaps may involve greater risks than if the Fund had invested in the reference obligation directly. Credit default swaps are subject to general market risk, liquidity risk and credit risk. If the Fund is a buyer in a credit default swap agreement and no credit event occurs, then it will lose its investment. In addition, the value of the reference obligation received by the Fund as a seller if a credit event occurs, coupled with the periodic payments previously received, may be less than the full notional value it pays to the buyer, resulting in a loss of value to the Fund.
The Fund may also invest in credit default swap index products and in options on credit default swap index products. These instruments are designed to track representative segments of the credit default swap market and provide investors with exposure to specific “baskets” of issuers of bonds or loans. Such investments are subject to liquidity risks as well as other risks associated with investments in credit default swaps discussed above. The Fund reserves the right to invest in similar instruments that may become available in the future.
The Fund may also use credit default swap indices. The individual credits underlying these credit default swap indices may be rated above BBB, below BBB or non-rated.
Regulation of Derivatives
The SEC adopted a final rule related to the use of derivatives, short sales, reverse repurchase agreements and certain other transactions by registered investment companies that rescinds and withdraws the guidance of the SEC and its staff regarding asset segregation and cover transactions. The final rule requires a Fund that trades derivatives and other transactions which create future payment or delivery obligations (except reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions) subject to a value-at-risk (“VaR”) leverage limit and certain derivatives risk management program and reporting requirements. Generally, these requirements apply unless a Fund qualifies as a “limited derivatives user,” as defined in the final rule. Under the final rule, when a Fund trades reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions, including certain tender option bonds, it needs to aggregate the amount of indebtedness associated with the reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions with the aggregate amount of any other senior securities representing indebtedness when calculating the Fund’s asset coverage ratio or treat all such transactions as derivatives transactions. Reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions aggregated with other indebtedness do not need to be included in the calculation of whether a Fund is a limited derivatives user, but for Funds subject to the
VaR testing, reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions must be included for purposes of such testing whether treated as derivatives transactions or not. These requirements may limit the ability of a Fund to use derivatives and reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions as part of its investment strategies. These requirements may increase the cost of a Fund’s investments and cost of doing business, which could adversely affect investors.
The Fund is classified as a limited derivatives user under Rule 18f-4 of the 1940 Act. As a limited derivatives user the Fund’s derivatives exposure, excluding certain currency and interest rate hedging transactions, may not exceed 10% of its net assets. This restriction is not fundamental and may be changed by the Fund without a shareholder vote.
U.S. Government Securities and Mortgage-Backed Securities
As used in this SAI, the term “U.S. government securities” means securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities.
Securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government include a variety of Treasury securities (i.e., securities issued by the U.S. government) that differ only in their interest rates, maturities and dates of issuance. Treasury Bills have maturities of one year or less. Treasury Notes have maturities of one to ten years, and Treasury Bonds generally have maturities of greater than ten years at the date of issuance. Zero coupon Treasury securities consist of Treasury Notes and Bonds that have been stripped of their unmatured interest coupons.
U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities which issue or guarantee securities include, but are not limited to, the Federal Housing Administration, Federal National Mortgage Association, Farmers Home Administration, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Small Business Administration, Government National Mortgage Association, General Services Administration, Central Bank for Cooperatives, Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, Federal Land Banks, Maritime Administration, Tennessee Valley Authority, District of Columbia Armory Board, the Inter-American Development Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the Student Loan Marketing Association and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
Except for U.S. Treasury securities, obligations of U.S. government agencies and instrumentalities may or may not be supported by the full faith and credit of the United States. Some are backed by the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury; others by discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase the agencies’ obligations; while still others, such as the Student Loan Marketing Association, are supported only by the credit of the instrumentality. In the case of securities not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, the investor must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment, and may not be able to assert a claim against the United States itself in the event the agency or instrumentality does not meet its commitment. The Fund investing in U.S. government securities will invest in securities of such instrumentality only when the Adviser is satisfied that the credit risk with respect to any instrumentality is acceptable.
Among the U.S. government securities that the Fund investing in U.S. government securities may purchase are “mortgage-backed securities” of the Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) and the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”). These mortgage-backed securities include “pass-through” securities and “participation certificates;” both are similar, representing pools of mortgages that are assembled, with interests sold in the pool; the assembly is made by an “issuer” which assembles the mortgages in the pool and passes through payments of principal and interest for a fee payable to it. Payments of principal and interest by individual mortgagors are “passed through” to the holders of the interest in the pool. Thus, the monthly or other regular payments on pass-through securities and
participation certificates include payments of principal (including prepayments on mortgages in the pool) rather than only interest payments. Another type of mortgage-backed security is the “collateralized mortgage obligation” or “CMO,” which is similar to a conventional bond (in that it makes fixed interest payments and has an established maturity date) and is secured by groups of individual mortgages. Timely payment of principal and interest on Ginnie Mae pass-throughs is guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the United States, but their yield is not guaranteed. Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae are both instrumentalities of the U.S. government, but their obligations are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. It is possible that the availability and the marketability (i.e., liquidity) of these securities discussed in this paragraph could be adversely affected by actions of the U.S. government to tighten the availability of its credit or to affect adversely the tax effects of owning them.
Mortgage loans are subject to a variety of state and federal regulations designed to protect mortgagors, which may impair the ability of the mortgage lender to enforce its rights under the mortgage documents. These regulations include legal restraints on foreclosures, homeowner rights of redemption after foreclosure, federal and state bankruptcy and debtor relief laws, restrictions on enforcement of mortgage loan “due on sale” clauses and state usury laws. Even though the Fund will invest in mortgage-backed securities which are U.S. government securities, these regulations may adversely affect the Fund’s investments by delaying the Fund’s receipt of payments derived from principal or interest on mortgage loans affected by such regulations.
Events Regarding Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Securities. On September 6, 2008, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (“FHFA”) placed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac into conservatorship. As the conservator, FHFA succeeded to all rights, titles, powers and privileges of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and of any stockholder, officer or director of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac with respect to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and the assets of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are continuing to operate as going concerns while in conservatorship and each remain liable for all of its obligations, including its guaranty obligations, associated with its mortgage-backed securities. The FHFA has indicated that the conservatorship of each enterprise will end when the director of FHFA determines that FHFA’s plan to restore the enterprise to a safe and solvent condition has been completed.
Under the Federal Housing Finance Regulatory Reform Act of 2008 (the “Reform Act”), which was included as part of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, FHFA, as conservator or receiver, has the power to repudiate any contract entered into by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac prior to FHFA’s appointment as conservator or receiver, as applicable, if FHFA determines, in its sole discretion, that performance of the contract is burdensome and that repudiation of the contract promotes the orderly administration of Fannie Mae’s or Freddie Mac’s affairs.
The Reform Act requires FHFA to exercise its right to repudiate any contract within a reasonable period of time after its appointment as conservator or receiver. FHFA, in its capacity as conservator, has indicated that it has no intention to repudiate the guaranty obligations of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac because FHFA views repudiation as incompatible with the goals of the conservatorship. However, in the event that FHFA, as conservator or if it is later appointed as receiver for Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, were to repudiate any such guaranty obligation, the conservatorship or receivership estate, as applicable, would be liable for actual direct compensatory damages in accordance with the provisions of the Reform Act. Any such liability could be satisfied only to the extent of Fannie Mae’s or Freddie Mac’s assets available therefor. In the event of repudiation, the payments of interest to holders of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac mortgage-backed securities would be reduced if payments on the mortgage loans represented in the mortgage loan groups related to such mortgage-backed securities are not made by the borrowers or advanced by the servicer. Any actual direct compensatory damages for repudiating these
guaranty obligations may not be sufficient to offset any shortfalls experienced by such mortgage-backed security holders. Further, in its capacity as conservator or receiver, FHFA has the right to transfer or sell any asset or liability of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac without any approval, assignment or consent. Although FHFA has stated that it has no present intention to do so, if FHFA, as conservator or receiver, were to transfer any such guaranty obligation to another party, holders of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac mortgage-backed securities would have to rely on that party for satisfaction of the guaranty obligation and would be exposed to the credit risk of that party.
In addition, certain rights provided to holders of mortgage-backed securities issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac under the operative documents related to such securities may not be enforced against FHFA, or enforcement of such rights may be delayed, during the conservatorship or any future receivership. The operative documents for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac mortgage-backed securities may provide (or with respect to securities issued prior to the date of the appointment of the conservator may have provided) that upon the occurrence of an event of default on the part of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, in its capacity as guarantor, which includes the appointment of a conservator or receiver, holders of such mortgage-backed securities have the right to replace Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac as trustee if the requisite percentage of mortgage-backed securities holders consent. The Reform Act prevents mortgage-backed security holders from enforcing such rights if the event of default arises solely because a conservator or receiver has been appointed. The Reform Act also provides that no person may exercise any right or power to terminate, accelerate or declare an event of default under certain contracts to which Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac is a party, or obtain possession of or exercise control over any property of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, or affect any contractual rights of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, without the approval of FHFA, as conservator or receiver, for a period of 45 or 90 days following the appointment of FHFA as conservator or receiver, respectively.
In addition, in a February 2011 report to Congress from the Treasury Department and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Obama administration provided a plan to reform America’s housing finance market. The plan would reduce the role of and eventually eliminate FNMA and FHLMC. Notably, the plan does not propose similar significant changes to GNMA, which guarantees payments on mortgage-related securities backed by federally insured or guaranteed loans such as those issued by the Federal Housing Association or guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The report also identified three proposals for Congress and the administration to consider for the long-term structure of the housing finance markets after the elimination of FNMA and FHLMC, including implementing: (i) a privatized system of housing finance that limits government insurance to very limited groups of creditworthy low- and moderate-income borrowers; (ii) a privatized system with a government backstop mechanism that would allow the government to insure a larger share of the housing finance market during a future housing crisis; and (iii) a privatized system where the government would offer reinsurance to holders of certain highly-rated mortgage-related securities insured by private insurers and would pay out under the reinsurance arrangements only if the private mortgage insurers were insolvent.
The conditions attached to the financial contribution made by the Treasury to FHLMC and FNMA and the issuance of senior preferred stock place significant restrictions on the activities of FHLMC and FNMA. FHLMC and FNMA must obtain the consent of the Treasury to, among other things, (i) make any payment to purchase or redeem its capital stock or pay any dividend other than in respect of the senior preferred stock, (ii) issue capital stock of any kind, (iii) terminate the conservatorship of the FHFA except in connection with a receivership, or (iv) increase its debt beyond certain specified levels. In addition, significant restrictions are placed on the maximum size of each of FHLMC’s and FNMA’s respective portfolios of mortgages and mortgage-backed securities, and the purchase agreements entered into by FHLMC and FNMA provide that the maximum size of their portfolios of these assets must decrease by a specified percentage each year. The future status and role of FHLMC and FNMA could be impacted by (among other things) the actions taken and restrictions placed on FHLMC and FNMA by the FHFA in its
role as conservator, the restrictions placed on FHLMC’s and FNMA’s operations and activities as a result of the senior preferred stock investment made by the U.S. Treasury, market responses to developments at FHLMC and FNMA, and future legislative and regulatory action that alters the operations, ownership, structure and/or mission of these institutions, each of which may, in turn, impact the value of, and cash flows on, any mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by FHLMC and FNMA, including any such mortgage-backed securities held by the Fund.
On June 3, 2019, under the FHFA’s “Single Security Initiative,” FHLMC and FNMA entered into a joint initiative to develop a common securitization platform for the issuance of a “uniform mortgage-backed security” or “UMBS,” in place of their separate offerings of “to be announced” (TBA)-eligible mortgage-backed securities. The Single Security Initiative seeks to generally align the characteristics of FHLMC and FNMA mortgage-backed securities. The effects it may have on the market for mortgage-backed securities are uncertain and the issuance of UMBS may not achieve the intended results and may have unanticipated or adverse effects on the market for mortgage-backed securities.
The Fund’s ability to invest in UMBS to the same degree that the Fund currently invests in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac mortgage-backed securities is uncertain. While Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have taken steps for a smooth transition to the issuance of UMBS, there may be factors that affect the timing of the transition to UMBS or the ability of market participants, including the Fund, to adapt to the issuance of UMBS. The Fund may need to consider the tax and accounting issues raised by investments in UMBS and/or the exchange of legacy Freddie Mac securities for UMBS. Additionally, there could be divergence in prepayment rates of UMBS issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which could lead to differences in the prices of Fannie Mae- and Freddie Mac-issued UMBS if Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac fail to align programs, policies and practices that affect prepayments.
Investment Characteristic of MBS
The investment characteristics of adjustable and fixed rate mortgage-backed securities differ from those of traditional fixed income securities. The major differences include the payment of interest and principal on mortgage-backed securities on a more frequent (usually monthly) schedule, and the possibility that principal may be prepaid at any time due to prepayments on the underlying mortgage loans or other assets. These differences can result in significantly greater price and yield volatility than is the case with traditional fixed income securities. As a result, if the Fund purchases mortgage-backed securities at a premium, a faster than expected prepayment rate will reduce both the market value and the yield to maturity from those which were anticipated. A prepayment rate that is slower than expected will have the opposite effect of increasing yield to maturity and market value. Conversely, if the Fund purchases mortgage-backed securities at a discount, faster than expected prepayments will increase, while slower than expected prepayments will reduce, yield to maturity and market value.
Prepayments
Prepayments on a pool of mortgage loans are influenced by a variety of factors, including economic conditions, changes in mortgagors’ housing needs, job transfer, unemployment, mortgagors’ net equity in the mortgage properties and servicing decisions. The timing and level of prepayments cannot be predicted. Generally, however, prepayments on adjustable rate mortgage loans and fixed rate mortgage loans will increase during a period of falling mortgage interest rates and decrease during a period of rising mortgage interest rates. Accordingly, the amounts of prepayments available for reinvestment by the Fund are likely to be greater during a period of declining mortgage interest rates. If general interest rates also decline, such prepayments are likely to be reinvested at lower interest rates than the Fund was earning on the mortgage-backed securities that were prepaid.
Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loans
Certain mortgage loans underlying the mortgage-backed securities in which the Fund may invest will be adjustable rate mortgage loans (“ARMs”). ARMs eligible for inclusion in a mortgage pool will generally provide for a fixed initial mortgage interest rate for a specified period of time. Thereafter, the interest rates (the “Mortgage Interest Rates”) may be subject to periodic adjustment based on changes in the applicable index rate (the “Index Rate”). The adjusted rate would be equal to the Index Rate plus a gross margin, which is a fixed percentage spread over the Index Rate established for each ARM at the time of its origination.
There are two main categories of indexes which provide the basis for rate adjustments on ARMs: those based on U.S. Treasury securities and those derived from a calculated measure such as a cost of funds index or a moving average of mortgage rates. Commonly utilized indexes include the one-year, three-year and five-year constant maturity Treasury rates, the three-month Treasury Bill rate, the 180-day Treasury Bill rate, rates on longer-term Treasury securities, the 11th District Federal Home Loan Bank Cost of Funds, the National Median Cost of Funds, the one-month, three-month, six-month or one year London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), the prime rate of a specific bank, or commercial paper rates. Some indexes, such as the one-year constant maturity Treasury rate, closely mirror changes in market interest rate levels. Others, such as the 11th District Federal Home Loan Bank Cost of Funds index, tend to lag behind changes in market rate levels and tend to be somewhat less volatile. The degree of volatility in the market value of the Fund’s portfolio and therefore in the NAV per share of the Fund will be a function of the length of the interest rate reset periods and the degree of volatility in the applicable indexes.
Adjustable interest rates can cause payment increases that some mortgagors may find difficult to make. However, certain ARMs may provide that the Mortgage Interest Rate may not be adjusted to a rate above an applicable lifetime maximum rate or below an applicable lifetime minimum rate for such ARMs. Certain ARMs may also be subject to limitations on the maximum amount by which the Mortgage Interest Rate may adjust for any single adjustment period (the Maximum Adjustment). Other ARMs (“Negatively Amortizing ARMs”) may provide instead or as well for limitations on changes in the monthly payment on such ARMs. Limitations on monthly payments can result in monthly payments which are greater or less than the amount necessary to amortize a Negatively Amortizing ARM by its maturity at the Mortgage Interest Rate in effect in any particular month. In the event that a monthly payment is not sufficient to pay the interest accruing on a Negatively Amortizing ARM, any such excess interest is added to the principal balance of the loan, causing negative amortization, and is repaid through future monthly payments. It may take borrowers under Negatively Amortizing ARMs longer periods of time to achieve equity and may increase the likelihood of default by such borrowers. In the event that a monthly payment exceeds the sum of the interest accrued at the applicable Mortgage Interest Rate and the principal payment which would have been necessary to amortize the outstanding principal balance over the remaining term of the loan, the excess (or accelerated amortization) further reduces the principal balance of the ARM. Negatively Amortizing ARMs do not provide for the extension of their original maturity to accommodate changes in their Mortgage Interest Rate. As a result, unless there is a periodic recalculation of the payment amount (which there generally is), the final payment may be substantially larger than the other payments. These limitations on periodic increases in interest rates and on changes in monthly payments protect borrowers from unlimited interest rate and payment increases.
The mortgage loans underlying other mortgage-backed securities in which the Fund may invest will be fixed rate mortgage loans. Generally, fixed rate mortgage loans eligible for inclusion in a mortgage pool will bear simple interest at fixed annual rates and have original terms to maturity ranging from 5 to 40 years. Fixed rate mortgage loans generally provide for monthly payments of principal and interest in substantially equal installments for the contractual term of the mortgage note in sufficient amounts to
fully amortize principal by maturity although certain fixed rate mortgage loans provide for a large final “balloon” payment upon maturity.
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (“CMO”)
CMOs are issued in multiple classes. Each class of CMOs, often referred to as a “tranche,” is issued at a specific adjustable or fixed interest rate and must be fully retired no later than its final distribution date. Principal prepayments on the mortgage loans or other assets (“Mortgage Assets”) underlying the CMOs may cause some or all of the class of CMOs to be retired substantially earlier than their final distribution dates. Generally, interest is paid or accrued on all classes of CMOs on a monthly basis.
The principal of and interest on the Mortgage Assets may be allocated among the several classes of CMOs in various ways. In certain structures (known as “sequential pay” CMOs), payments of principal, including any principal prepayments, on the Mortgage Assets generally are applied to the classes of CMOs in the order of their respective final distribution dates. Thus, no payment of principal will be made on any class of sequential pay CMOs until all other classes having an earlier final distribution date have been paid in full.
Additional structures of CMOs include, among others, “parallel pay” CMOs. Parallel pay CMOs are those which are structured to apply principal payments and prepayments of the Mortgage Assets to two or more classes concurrently on a proportionate or disproportionate basis. These simultaneous payments are taken into account in calculating the final distribution date of each class.
The Fund may invest in stripped mortgage-backed U.S. government securities (“SMBS”). SMBS are usually structured with two classes that receive different proportions of the interest and principal distributions from a pool of Mortgage Assets. A common type of SMBS will have one class receiving all of the interest from the Mortgage Assets, while the other class will receive all of the principal. However, in some instances, one class will receive some of the interest and most of the principal while the other class will receive most of the interest and the remainder of the principal. If the underlying Mortgage Assets experience greater than anticipated prepayments of principal, the Fund may fail to fully recover its initial investment in these securities. Certain SMBS may not be readily marketable and will be considered illiquid for purposes of the Fund’s limitation on holdings in illiquid securities. Whether SMBS are liquid or illiquid will be determined in accordance with guidelines established by the Board. The market value of the class consisting entirely of principal payments generally is unusually volatile in response to changes in interest rates. The yield on a class of SMBS that receives all or most of the interest from Mortgage Assets are generally higher than prevailing market yields on other mortgage-backed securities because their cash flow patterns are more volatile and there is a greater risk that the initial investment will not be fully recouped.
Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed Securities
Mortgage-related securities include mortgage pass-through securities, CMOs, commercial mortgage-backed securities, mortgage dollar rolls, CMO residuals, SMBSs and other securities that directly or indirectly represent a participation in, or are secured by and payable from, mortgage loans on real property.
The value of some mortgage- or asset-backed securities may be particularly sensitive to changes in prevailing interest rates. Early repayment of principal on some mortgage-related securities may expose the Fund to a lower rate of return upon reinvestment of principal. When interest rates rise, the value of a mortgage-related security generally will decline; however, when interest rates are declining, the value of mortgage-related securities with prepayment features may not increase as much as other fixed income
securities. The rate of prepayments on underlying mortgages will affect the price and volatility of a mortgage-related security, and may shorten or extend the effective maturity of the security beyond what was anticipated at the time of purchase. If unanticipated rates of prepayment on underlying mortgages increase the effective maturity of a mortgage-related security, the volatility of the security can be expected to increase. The value of these securities may fluctuate in response to the market’s perception of the creditworthiness of the issuers. Additionally, although mortgages and mortgage-related securities are generally supported by some form of government or private guarantee and/or insurance, there is no assurance that private guarantors or insurers will meet their obligations.
One type of SMBS has one class receiving all of the interest from the mortgage assets (the interest-only, or “IO” class), while the other class will receive all of the principal (the principal-only, or “PO” class). The yield to maturity on an IO class is extremely sensitive to the rate of principal payments (including prepayments) on the underlying mortgage assets, and a rapid rate of principal payments may have a material adverse effect on the Fund’s yield to maturity from these securities. The Fund may invest up to 5% of its total assets in any combination of mortgage-related or other asset-backed IO, PO, or inverse floater securities.
The Fund may invest in collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”), which includes collateralized bond obligations (“CBOs”), collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”) and other similarly structured securities. CBOs and CLOs are types of asset-backed securities. A CBO is a trust which is backed by a diversified pool of high-risk, below investment grade fixed-income securities. A CLO is a trust typically collateralized by a pool of loans, which may include, among others, domestic and foreign senior secured loans, senior unsecured loans, and subordinate corporate loans, including loans that may be rated below investment grade or equivalent unrated loans. The Fund may invest in other asset-backed securities that have been offered to investors.
Structured Notes
The Fund may invest in structured notes and indexed securities whose value depends upon, or is derived from the value of an underlying asset, reference rate or index, and may relate to stocks, bonds, interest rates, currencies or currency exchange rates, commodities, and related indexes.
Structured notes are derivative debt securities, the interest rate or principal of which is determined by an unrelated indicator. Indexed securities include structured notes as well as securities other than debt securities, the interest rate or principal of which is determined by an unrelated indicator. Indexed securities may include a multiplier that multiplies the indexed element by a specified factor and, therefore, the value of such securities may be very volatile. Structured or indexed securities may be more volatile, less liquid, and more difficult to accurately price than less complex securities or more traditional debt securities. To the extent the Fund invests in these securities, however, the Adviser analyzes these securities in its overall assessment of the effective duration of the Fund’s portfolio in an effort to monitor the Fund’s interest rate risk.
Payment-in-Kind Securities
The Fund may also purchase Payment-in-Kind (“PIK”) securities. PIK securities are financial instruments that pay investors in the form of additional securities rather than cash coupons. Like zero-coupon bonds, they give a company breathing room before having to make cash outlays, offering in return rich yields. PIKs can be bonds, notes, or preferred stocks with interest or dividends paid in securities rather than cash. The securities used to pay the interest or dividends are usually identical to the underlying securities, but occasionally they have different terms.
Trust Preferred Securities
The Fund may purchase trust preferred securities, also known as “trust preferreds” or “hybrid preferreds,” which are preferred stocks issued by a special purpose trust subsidiary backed by subordinated debt of the corporate parent. An issuer creates trust preferred securities by creating a trust and issuing debt to the trust. The trust in turn issues trust preferred securities. Trust preferred securities are hybrid securities with characteristics of both subordinated debt and preferred stock. Such characteristics include long maturities (typically 30 years or more), early redemption by the issuer, periodic fixed or variable interest payments, and maturities at face value. In addition, trust preferred securities may allow deferral of interest payments for up to five years. However, during the deferral period the interest accrues and is taxable for the holder. Holders of trust preferred securities have limited voting rights to control the activities of the trust and no voting rights with respect to the parent company.
When Issued and Delayed-Delivery Securities
To ensure the availability of suitable securities for its portfolio, the Fund may purchase when-issued or delayed delivery securities. When-issued transactions arise when securities are purchased by the Fund with payment and delivery taking place in the future in order to secure what is considered to be an advantageous price and yield to the Fund at the time of entering into the transaction. When-issued securities represent securities that have been authorized but not yet issued. The Fund may also purchase securities on a forward commitment or delayed delivery basis. In a forward commitment transaction, the Fund contracts to purchase securities for a fixed price at a future date beyond customary settlement time. The Fund is required to hold and maintain until the settlement date, cash or other liquid assets in an amount sufficient to meet the purchase price. Alternatively, the Fund may enter into offsetting contracts for the forward sale of other securities that it owns. The purchase of securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis involves a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines prior to the settlement date. Although the Fund would generally purchase securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis with the intention of actually acquiring securities for its portfolio, it may dispose of a when-issued security or forward commitment prior to settlement if the Adviser deems it appropriate to do so.
Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act permits the Fund to invest in securities on a when-issued or forward-settling basis, or with a non-standard settlement cycle, notwithstanding the limitation on the issuance of senior securities in Section 18 of the 1940 Act, provided that the Fund intends to physically settle the transaction and the transaction will settle within 35 days of its trade date (the “Delayed-Settlement Securities Provision”). A when-issued, forward-settling, or non-standard settlement cycle security that does not satisfy the Delayed-Settlement Securities Provision is treated as a derivatives transaction under Rule 18f-4. See “Regulation of Derivatives” above.
The Fund may enter into mortgage “dollar rolls” in which the Fund sells mortgage-backed securities for delivery in the current month and simultaneously contracts to repurchase substantially similar (same type, coupon and maturity) securities on a specified future date. During the roll period, the Fund forgoes principal and interest paid on the mortgage-backed securities. The Fund is compensated by the difference between the current sales price and the lower forward price for the future purchase (often referred to as the “drop”) as well as by the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the initial sale. A “covered roll” is a specific type of dollar roll for which there is an offsetting cash position or a cash equivalent security position which matures on or before the forward settlement date of the dollar roll transaction. The Fund will only enter into covered rolls. Covered rolls are not treated as a borrowing or other senior security.
Limited Partnerships
The Fund can hold limited partnership interests that it acquires from a preexisting bond participation in a reorganization. A limited partnership is a business model in which at least one general partner and at
least one limited partner share a business’ ownership. In a limited partnership, the general partner does not usually invest any capital, but has management authority and unlimited liability. That is, the general partner runs the business and, in the event of a bankruptcy, is responsible for all debts not paid or discharged. The limited partners have no management authority and confine their participation to their capital investment. Limited partners invest a certain amount of money and have nothing else to do with the business. The liability of limited partners is limited to the amount of the investment. In the worst case scenario for a limited partner, he or she loses what he or she invested. Profits are divided between general and limited partners according to an arrangement formed at the creation of the partnership.
Municipal Bonds
Municipal bonds are generally issued by states and local governments and their agencies, authorities and other instrumentalities. Municipal bonds are subject to interest rate, credit and market risk. The ability of an issuer to make payments could be affected by litigation, legislation or other political events or the bankruptcy of the issuer. Lower-rated municipal bonds are subject to greater credit and market risk than higher quality municipal bonds. The types of municipal bonds in which the Fund may invest include municipal lease obligations. The Fund may also invest in industrial development bonds, which are municipal bonds issued by a government agency on behalf of a private sector company and, in most cases, are not backed by the credit of the issuing municipality and may therefore involve more risk. The Fund may also invest in securities issued by entities whose underlying assets are municipal bonds.
The Fund may invest, without limitation, in residual interest bonds (“RIBs”), which brokers create by depositing municipal bonds in trusts. The trusts in turn issue variable rate securities and RIBs. The interest rate for the variable rate security is determined by an index or an auction process held approximately every 7 to 35 days, while the RIB holder receives the balance of the income from the underlying municipal bond less an auction fee. The market prices of RIBs may be highly sensitive to changes in market rates and may decrease significantly when market rates increase.
In a transaction in which the Fund purchases a RIB from a trust, and the underlying municipal bond was held by the Fund prior to being deposited into the trust, the Fund treats the transaction as a secured borrowing for financial reporting purposes. As a result, the Fund will incur a non-cash interest expense with respect to interest paid by the trust on the variable rate securities, and will recognize additional interest income in an amount directly corresponding to the non-cash interest expense. Therefore, the Fund’s NAV per share and performance are not affected by the non-cash interest expense. This accounting treatment does not apply to RIBs acquired by the Fund where the Fund did not previously own the underlying municipal bond.
Event-Linked Exposure
The Fund may obtain event-linked exposure by investing in “event-linked bonds” or “event-linked swaps” or implement “event-linked strategies.” Event-linked exposure results in gains or losses that typically are contingent, or formulaically related to, defined trigger events. Examples of trigger events include hurricanes, earthquakes, weather-related phenomena, or statistics relating to such events. Some event-linked bonds are commonly referred to as “catastrophe bonds.” If a trigger event occurs, the Fund may lose a portion or its entire principal invested in the bond or notional amount on a swap. Event-linked exposure often provides for an extension of maturity to process and audit loss claims where a trigger event has, or possibly has, occurred. An extension of maturity may increase volatility. Event-linked exposure may also expose the Fund to certain unanticipated risks including credit risk, counterparty risk, adverse regulatory or jurisdictional interpretations, and adverse tax consequences. Event-linked exposures may also be subject to liquidity risk.
Preferred Stocks
The Fund may invest in preferred stocks. A preferred stock blends the characteristics of a bond and common stock. Preferred stock generally does not carry voting rights. It can offer the fixed dividends of a bond and the equity ownership of a common stock. Unlike common stock, its participation in the issuer’s growth may be limited. Preferred stock has priority claim over common stock: (a) in the receipt of dividends, and (b) should the issuer be dissolved, in any residual assets after payment to creditors. Although the dividend is set at a fixed annual rate, in some circumstances it can be changed or omitted by the issuer.
Convertible Securities
The Fund may invest in convertible securities. Convertible securities include corporate bonds, notes and preferred stocks that may be converted into or exchanged for common stock of the issuing company within a certain period of time, for a specified number of shares, and other securities that also provide an opportunity for equity participation. These securities are convertible either at a stated price or a stated rate (that is, for a specific number of shares of common stock or other security). As with other fixed income securities, the price of a convertible security generally varies inversely with interest rates. While providing a fixed income stream, a convertible security also affords the investor an opportunity, through its conversion feature, to participate in the capital appreciation of the common stock into which it is convertible. As the market price of the underlying common stock declines, convertible securities tend to trade increasingly on a yield basis and so may not experience market value declines to the same extent as the underlying common stock. When the market price of the underlying common stock increases, the price of a convertible security tends to rise as a reflection of higher yield or capital appreciation. In such situations, the Fund may have to pay more for a convertible security than the value of the underlying common stock.
Foreign Securities
The Fund may also invest in foreign securities. There are risks in investing in foreign securities. Foreign economies may differ from the U.S. economy; individual foreign companies may differ from domestic companies in the same industry; foreign currencies may be stronger or weaker than the U.S. dollar.
An investment may be affected by changes in currency rates and in exchange control regulations, and the Fund may incur transaction costs in exchanging currencies. For example, at times when the assets of the Fund are invested in securities denominated in foreign currencies, investors can expect that the value of such investments will tend to increase when the value of the U.S. dollar is decreasing against such currencies. Conversely, a tendency toward a decline in the value of such investments can be expected when the value of the U.S. dollar is increasing against such currencies.
Non-U.S. companies are frequently not subject to accounting and financial reporting standards applicable to domestic companies, and there may be less information available about foreign issuers. Foreign securities are generally less liquid and more volatile than those of comparable domestic issuers. There is frequently less government regulation of broker-dealers and issuers than in the United States. The costs associated with securities transactions are generally higher than in the United States. In addition, investments in foreign countries are subject to the possibility of expropriation, confiscatory taxation, political or social instability or diplomatic developments that could adversely affect the value of those investments.
Most foreign securities owned by the Fund are held by foreign sub-custodians that satisfy certain eligibility requirements. However, foreign sub-custodian arrangements are significantly more expensive
than domestic custody. In addition, foreign settlement of securities transactions is subject to local law and custom that is not, generally, as well established or as reliable as U.S. regulation and custom applicable to settlements of securities transactions and, accordingly, there is generally perceived to be a greater risk of loss in connection with securities transactions in many foreign countries.
The Fund may invest in securities of companies in countries with emerging economies or securities markets (“Emerging Markets”). Investment in Emerging Markets involves risks in addition to those generally associated with investments in foreign securities. Political and economic structures in many Emerging Markets may be undergoing significant evolution and rapid development, and such countries may lack the social, political and economic stability characteristics of more developed countries. As a result, the risks described above relating to investments in foreign securities, including the risks of nationalization or expropriation of assets may be heightened. In addition, unanticipated political or social developments may affect the values of the investments of the Fund and the availability to the Fund of additional investments in such Emerging Markets. The small size and inexperience of the securities markets in certain Emerging Markets and the limited volume of trading in securities in those markets may make the Fund’s investments in such countries less liquid and more volatile than investments in countries with more developed securities markets (such as the U.S., Japan and most Western European countries).
To manage the currency risk accompanying investments in foreign securities and to facilitate the purchase and sale of foreign securities, the Fund may engage in foreign currency transactions on a spot (cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market or through entering into contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies at a future date (“forward foreign currency” contracts or “forward” contracts).
A forward foreign currency contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. These contracts are principally traded in the inter-bank market conducted directly between currency traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers. A forward contract generally has no deposit requirement and no commissions are charged at any stage for trades.
When the Fund enters into a contract for the purchase or sale of a security denominated in a foreign currency, it may desire to “lock in” the U.S. dollar price of the security (transaction hedging). By entering into a forward contract for the purchase or sale of a fixed amount of U.S. dollars equal to the amount of foreign currency involved in the underlying security transaction, the Fund can protect itself against a possible loss, resulting from an adverse change in the relationship between the U.S. dollar and the subject foreign currency during the period between the date the security is purchased or sold and the date on which the payment is made or received.
When the Adviser believes that a particular foreign currency may suffer a substantial decline against the U.S. dollar, it may enter into a forward contract to sell a fixed amount of the foreign currency approximating the value of some or all of the portfolio securities of the Fund denominated in such foreign currency (position hedging). The precise matching of the forward contract amounts and the value of the securities involved will not generally be possible since the future value of such securities in foreign currencies will change as a consequence of market movements in the value of those securities between the date the forward contract is entered into and the date it matures. The projection of short-term currency market movement is extremely difficult and the successful execution of a short-term hedging strategy is highly uncertain. The Fund will not enter into such forward contracts or maintain a net exposure to such contracts where the consummation of the contracts would obligate the Fund to deliver an amount of foreign currency in excess of the value of the Fund’s securities or other assets denominated in that currency. Under normal circumstances, the Adviser considers the long-term prospects for a particular
currency and incorporates the prospect into its overall long-term diversification strategies. The Adviser believes that it is important to have the flexibility to enter into such forward contracts when it determines that the best interests of the Fund will be served.
At the maturity of a forward contract, the Fund may either sell the portfolio securities and make delivery of the foreign currency, or it may retain the securities and terminate its contractual obligation to deliver the foreign currency by purchasing an “offsetting” contract obligating it to purchase, on the same maturity date, the same amount of foreign currency.
If the Fund retains the portfolio securities and engages in an offsetting transaction, the Fund will incur a gain or a loss to the extent that there has been movement in forward contract prices. If the Fund engages in an offsetting transaction, it may subsequently enter into a forward contract to sell the foreign currency. Should forward prices decline during the period when the Fund entered into the forward contract for the sale of a foreign currency and the date it entered into an offsetting contract for the purchase of the foreign currency, the Fund will realize a gain to the extent the price of the currency it has agreed to sell exceeds the price of the currency it has agreed to purchase. Should forward prices increase, the Fund will suffer a loss to the extent that the price of the currency it has agreed to purchase exceeds the price of the currency it has agreed to sell.
Shareholders should note that: (1) foreign currency hedge transactions do not protect against or eliminate fluctuations in the prices of particular portfolio securities (i.e., if the price of such securities declines due to an issuer’s deteriorating credit situation); and (2) it is impossible to forecast with precision the market value of securities at the expiration of a forward contract. Accordingly, the Fund may have to purchase additional foreign currency on the spot market (and bear the expense of such purchase) if the market value of the Fund’s securities is less than the amount of the foreign currency upon expiration of the contract. Conversely, the Fund may have to sell some of its foreign currency received upon the sale of a portfolio security if the market value of the Fund’s securities exceeds the amount of foreign currency the Fund is obligated to deliver. The Fund’s dealings in forward foreign currency exchange contracts will be limited to the transactions described above.
Although the Fund values its assets daily in terms of U.S. dollars, it does not intend to convert its holdings of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars on a daily basis. The Fund will do so from time to time and investors should be aware of the costs of currency conversion. Although foreign exchange dealers do not charge a fee for conversion, they realize a profit based on the difference (the “spread”) between the prices at which they are buying and selling various currencies. Thus, a dealer may offer to sell a foreign currency to the Fund at one rate, while offering a lesser rate of exchange should the Fund desire to resell that currency to the dealer.
The Fund may own a bond denominated in U.S. dollars and purchase a currency futures contract to increase its exposure to different foreign currencies. It may also sell a currency futures contract on the U.S. dollar to increase its exposure to various foreign currencies. The uses and risks of currency options and futures are similar to options and futures relating to securities or indexes, as discussed above. Currency futures contracts are similar to forward foreign currency contracts, except that they are traded on exchanges (and have margin requirements) and are standardized as to contract size and delivery date. Most currency futures contracts call for payment or delivery in U.S. dollars. The underlying instrument of a currency option may be a foreign currency, which generally is purchased or delivered in exchange for U.S. dollars, or may be a futures contract. The purchaser of a currency call obtains the right to purchase the underlying currency and the purchaser of a currency put obtains the right to sell the underlying currency.
Currency futures and options values can be expected to correlate with exchange rates, but may not reflect other factors that affect the value of the Fund’s investments. A currency hedge, for example, should protect a Yen-dominated security from a decline in the Yen, but will not protect the Fund against a price decline resulting from deterioration in the issuer’s creditworthiness. Because the value of the Fund’s foreign-denominated investments change in response to many factors other than exchange rates, it may not be possible to match the amount of currency options and futures to the value for the Fund’s investments exactly over time.
Brexit. The U.K. left the EU (“Brexit”) on January 31, 2020. The U.K. and EU have reached an agreement on the terms of their future trading relationship effective January 1, 2021, which principally relates to the trading of goods rather than services, including financial services. Further discussions are to be held between the U.K. and the EU in relation to matters not covered by the trade agreement, such as financial services. The Fund will face risks associated with the potential uncertainty and consequences that may follow Brexit, including with respect to volatility in exchange rates and interest rates. Brexit could adversely affect European or worldwide political, regulatory, economic or market conditions and could contribute to instability in global political institutions, regulatory agencies and financial markets. Brexit has also led to legal uncertainty and could lead to politically divergent national laws and regulations as a new relationship between the U.K. and EU is defined and the U.K. determines which EU laws to replace or replicate. Any of these effects of Brexit could adversely affect any of the companies to which the Fund has exposure and any other assets in which the Fund invests. The political, economic and legal consequences of Brexit are not yet fully known. In the short term, financial markets may experience heightened volatility, particularly those in the U.K. and Europe, but possibly worldwide. The U.K. and Europe may be less stable than they have been in recent years, and investments in the U.K. and the EU may be difficult to value, or subject to greater or more frequent volatility. In the longer term, there is likely to be a period of significant political, regulatory and commercial uncertainty as the U.K. continues to negotiate the terms of its future trading relationships.
Temporary or Interim Investments
For temporary defensive purposes in response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Adviser may invest up to 100% of the Fund’s total assets in high-quality, short-term debt securities and money market instruments. These short-term debt securities and money market instruments include shares of other mutual funds, commercial paper, certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances, U.S. government securities and repurchase agreements.
Additionally, should the Fund experience a significant inflow, the Fund may, on a temporary or interim basis, invest these new assets (potentially in an amount which may approach up to 50% of the Fund’s total net assets if new flows were extremely large relative to the Fund’s current assets) in a combination of derivative instruments and other investment companies, including exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), until such time as the Adviser can identify and invest in appropriate high yield instruments in accordance with the Fund’s principal strategy.
The Fund may invest in cash and money market securities. The Fund may do so to have assets available to pay expenses, satisfy redemption requests or take advantage of investment opportunities. Money market securities include treasury bills, short-term investment-grade fixed income securities, bankers’ acceptances, money market funds, commercial paper, commercial paper master notes and repurchase agreements.
The Fund may invest in commercial paper or commercial paper master notes rated, at the time of purchase, within the two highest rating categories by a nationally recognized securities rating organization (“NRSRO”).
Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements. A repurchase agreement transaction occurs when, at the time the Fund purchases a security, that Fund agrees to resell it to the vendor (normally a commercial bank or a broker‑dealer) on an agreed upon date in the future. Such securities are referred to as the “Resold Securities.” The Adviser will consider the creditworthiness of any vendor of repurchase agreements. The resale price will be in excess of the purchase price in that it reflects an agreed upon market interest rate effective for the period of time during which the Fund’s money is invested in the Resold Securities. The majority of these transactions run from day to day, and the delivery pursuant to the resale typically will occur within one to five days of the purchase. The Fund’s risk is limited to the ability of the vendor to pay the agreed‑upon sum upon the delivery date; in the event of bankruptcy or other default by the vendor, there may be possible delays and expenses in liquidating the instrument purchased, decline in its value and loss of interest. These risks are minimized when the Fund holds a perfected security interest in the Resold Securities and can therefore resell the instrument promptly. Repurchase agreements can be considered as loans “collateralized” by the Resold Securities, such agreements being defined as “loans” in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The return on such “collateral” may be more or less than that from the repurchase agreement. The Resold Securities will be marked to market every business day so that the value of the “collateral” is at least equal to the value of the loan, including the accrued interest earned thereon. All Resold Securities will be held by the Fund’s custodian or another bank either directly or through a securities depository.
Investment Company Securities. The Fund may invest in shares of other investment companies and ETFs. The Fund may invest in money market mutual funds in connection with its management of daily cash positions and for temporary defensive purposes. The Fund currently intends to limit its investments in securities issued by other investment companies (except for money market funds) so that not more than 3% of the outstanding voting stock of any one investment company will be owned by the Fund, or its affiliated persons, as a whole. In addition to the advisory and operational fees the Fund bears directly in connection with its own operation, the Fund would also bear its pro rata portions of each other investment company’s advisory and operational expenses.
Investment Company Securities. The Fund may invest in shares of other investment companies or mutual funds, including exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”). For example, the Fund may invest in money market mutual funds in connection with its management of daily cash positions and for temporary defensive purposes. The Fund currently intends to limit its investments in securities issued by other investment companies (except for money market funds) so that not more than 3% of the outstanding voting shares of any one investment company will be owned by the Fund, or its affiliated persons, as a whole. The Fund may invest unlimited amounts in money market funds for management of its daily cash position, subject to certain conditions. In addition to the advisory and operational fees the Fund bears directly in connection with its own operation, the Fund would also bear its pro rata portions of each other investment company’s advisory and operational expenses.
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.
The Fund may rely on Section 12(d)(1)(F) and Rule 12d1-3 of the 1940 Act, which provide an exemption from Section 12(d)(1) that allows the Fund to invest all of its assets in other registered funds, including ETFs, if, among other conditions: (a) the Fund, together with its affiliates, acquires no more than 3% percent of the outstanding voting stock of any acquired fund, and (b) the sales load charged on the Fund’s shares is no greater than the limits set forth in Rule 2341 of the Conduct Rules of the Financial Industry
Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) applicable to a fund of funds (e.g, 8.5%). In accordance with Rule 12d1-1 under the 1940 Act, the provisions of Section 12(d)(1) shall not apply to shares of money market funds purchased by the Fund, whether or not for temporary defensive purposes, provided that the Fund does not pay a sales charge, distribution fee or service fee as defined in Rule 2341 of the Conduct Rules of FINRA on acquired money market fund shares (or the Adviser must waive its advisory fees in amount necessary to offset any sales charge, distribution fee or service fee).
Rule 12d1-4 permits additional types of fund of fund arrangements without an exemptive order. The rule imposes certain conditions, including limits on control and voting of acquired funds’ shares, evaluations and findings by investment advisers, fund investment agreements, and limits on most three-tier fund structures.
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 index 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 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. ETFs that seek to replicate a particular benchmark index are subject to “tracking risk” which is the risk that an ETF will not be able to replicate exactly the performance of the index it tracks. Unlike traditional mutual funds, shares of an ETF may also be purchased and redeemed directly from the ETFs only in large blocks 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.
Special Risks Related to Cyber Security
The Fund and its service providers are susceptible to cyber security risks that include, among other things, theft, unauthorized monitoring, release, misuse, loss, destruction or corruption of confidential and highly restricted data; denial of service attacks; unauthorized access to relevant systems, compromises to networks or devices that the Fund and its service providers use to service the Fund’s operations; or operational disruption or failures in the physical infrastructure or operating systems that support the Fund and its service providers. Cyber attacks against or security breakdowns of the Fund or its service providers may adversely impact the Fund and its shareholders, potentially resulting in, among other things, financial losses; the inability of Fund shareholders to transact business and the Fund to process transactions; inability to calculate the Fund’s NAV; violations of applicable privacy and other laws; regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs; and/or additional compliance costs. The Fund may incur additional costs for cyber security risk management and remediation purposes. In addition, cyber security risks may also impact issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, which may cause the Fund’s investment in such issuers to lose value. There can be no assurance that the Fund or its service providers will not suffer losses relating to cyber attacks or other information security breaches in the future.
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund’s portfolio turnover may vary significantly from year to year. The Fund’s annual portfolio turnover rate may exceed 100%. High portfolio turnover (100% or more) would result in the Fund incurring more transaction costs such as mark-ups or mark-downs. Payment of these transaction costs could reduce the Fund’s total return. High portfolio turnover could also result in the payment by the Fund’s shareholders of increased taxes on realized gains. The Fund’s portfolio turnover rates for the fiscal years shown below were as follows:
Portfolio Turnover Rates
| | | | | |
For the Fiscal Year Ended November 30, |
2022 | 2021 |
23% | 72% |
Investment Restrictions
The Trust has adopted the following restrictions applicable to the Fund as fundamental policies, which may not be changed without the approval of the holders of a “majority,” as defined in the 1940 Act, of the shares of the Fund as to which the policy change is being sought. Under the 1940 Act, approval of the holders of a “majority” of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities means the affirmative vote of the holders of the lesser of (i) 67% of its shares represented at a meeting at which more than 50% of its outstanding shares are represented or (ii) more than 50% of its outstanding shares.
The Fund with respect to 75% of its total assets may not purchase any security, other than U.S. government securities, if as a result (a) more than 5% of the Fund’s total assets (taken at current value) would then be invested in securities of a single issuer or (b) it would hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer.
The Fund may not:
1.Make loans to others, except (a) through the purchase of debt securities in accordance with its investment objectives and policies, (b) to the extent the entry into a repurchase agreement is deemed to be a loan.
2.Borrow (for temporary or emergency purposes and not for the purpose of leveraging its investments) in an amount exceeding 33 1/3% of the value of its total assets, and, in the event that market conditions or other factors result in the Fund’s borrowed amounts exceeding 33 1/3% of its total assets (including amounts borrowed), the Fund will reduce the amount of its borrowing to an extent and in such a manner required by the 1940 Act.
3.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.
4.Invest 25% or more of the value of its net assets in the securities of companies engaged in any one industry (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities or securities of other investment companies).
5.Issue senior securities, such as shares having priority over other shares as to the payment of dividends, or as defined in the 1940 Act, except that this restriction shall not be deemed to prohibit
the Fund from (a) making any permitted borrowings, mortgages or pledges, or (b) entering into options, futures, currency contracts or repurchase transactions.
6.Purchase or sell real estate; however, the Fund may invest in debt securities secured by real estate or interests therein or issued by companies which invest in real estate or interests therein, including real estate investment trusts.
7.Act as an underwriter except to the extent the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter when disposing of securities it owns or when selling its own shares.
The Fund observes the following policies, which are deemed non-fundamental and which may be changed without shareholder vote. The Fund may not:
1.Hold, in the aggregate, more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments that are assets pursuant to Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act. Illiquid investments are investments that cannot be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven business days at approximately the value at which they are being carried on the Fund’s books.
2.Purchase more than 3% of any other investment company’s voting securities or make any other investment in other investment companies except as permitted by the 1940 Act.
3.Make any change in its investment policy of investing at least 80% of its net assets in the investments suggested by the Fund’s name without first providing the Fund’s shareholders with at least 60 days’ prior notice.
Except with respect to borrowing, if a percentage restriction described in the Prospectus or in this SAI is adhered to at the time of investment, a subsequent increase or decrease in a percentage resulting from a change in the values of assets will not constitute a violation of that restriction.
MANAGEMENT
The overall management of the business and affairs of the Trust is vested with its Board. The Board approves all significant agreements between the Trust and persons or companies furnishing services to it, including the agreements with the Adviser, Administrator, Custodian and Transfer Agent (each as defined herein). The day-to-day operations of the Trust are delegated to its officers, subject to the Fund’s investment objectives, strategies, and policies and to general supervision by the Board. The Trustees and officers of the Trust, their ages, positions with the Trust, term of office with the Trust and length of time served, their business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years and other directorships held are listed in the table below.
Independent Trustees(1)
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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 During Past Five Years(3) |
David G. Mertens (age 62) 615 E. Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202 | Trustee | Indefinite term; since March 2017. | Partner and Head of Business Development Ballast Equity Management, LLC (a privately-held investment advisory firm) (February 2019 to present); Managing Director and Vice President, Jensen Investment Management, Inc. (a privately-held investment advisory firm) (2002 to 2017). | 6 | Trustee, Advisors Series Trust (for series not affiliated with the Funds). |
Joe D. Redwine (age 75) 615 E. Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202 | Trustee | Indefinite term; since September 2008. | Retired; formerly Manager, President, CEO, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, and its predecessors, (May 1991 to July 2017). | 6 | Trustee, Advisors Series Trust (for series not affiliated with the Funds). |
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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 During Past Five Years(3) |
Raymond B. Woolson (age 64) 615 E. Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202 | Chairman of the Board
Trustee | Indefinite term; since January 2020.
Indefinite term; since January 2016. | President, Apogee Group, Inc. (financial consulting firm) (1998 to present). | 6 | Trustee, Advisors Series Trust (for series not affiliated with the Funds); Independent Trustee, DoubleLine Funds Trust (an open-end investment company with 19 portfolios), DoubleLine Opportunistic Credit Fund, DoubleLine Income Solutions Fund, and DoubleLine Yield Opportunities Fund from 2010 to present; Independent Trustee, DoubleLine ETF Trust (an open-end investment company with 2 portfolios) from March 2022 to present. |
Michele Rackey (age 64) 615 E. Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
| Trustee | Indefinite term; since January 2023. | Chief Executive Officer, Government Employees Benefit Association (GEBA) (benefits and wealth management organization) (2004 to 2020); Board Member, Association Business Services Inc. (ABSI) (for-profit subsidiary of the American Society of Association Executives) (2019 to 2020). | 6 | Trustee, Advisors Series Trust (for series not affiliated with the Funds). |
Officers
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Name, Address and Age | Position Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served | Principal Occupation During Past Five Years |
Jeffrey T. Rauman (age 54) 615 E. Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
| President, Chief Executive Officer and Principal Executive Officer | Indefinite term; since December 2018. | Senior Vice President, Compliance and Administration, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (February 1996 to present). |
Kevin J. Hayden (age 51) 615 E. Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
| Vice President, Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer | Indefinite term; since January 2023. | Vice President, Compliance and Administration, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (June 2005 to present). |
Cheryl L. King (age 61) 615 E. Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
| Assistant Treasurer | Indefinite term; since January 2023. | Vice President, Compliance and Administration, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (October 1998 to present). |
Richard R. Conner (age 40) 615 E. Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
| Assistant Treasurer | Indefinite term; since December 2018. | Assistant Vice President, Compliance and Administration, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (July 2010 to present). |
Michael L. Ceccato (age 65) 615 E. Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
| Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer and AML Officer | Indefinite term; since September 2009. | Senior Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services and Senior Vice President, U.S. Bank N.A. (February 2008 to present). |
Elaine E. Richards (age 54) 2020 E. Financial Way, Suite 100 Glendora, CA 91741
| Vice President and Secretary | Indefinite term; since September 2019. | Senior Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (July 2007 to present). |
* The Trustees have designated a mandatory retirement age of 75, such that each Trustee, serving as such on the date he or she reaches the age of 75, shall submit his or her resignation not later than the last day of the calendar year in which his or her 75th birthday occurs (“Retiring Trustee”). Upon request, the Board may, by vote of a majority of Trustees eligible to vote on such matter, determine whether or not to extend such Retiring Trustee’s term and on the length of a one-time extension of up to three additional years. At a meeting held December 7-8, 2022, by vote of the majority of Trustees (not including Mr. Redwine), Mr. Redwine’s term as Trustee was extended for three additional years.
(1)The Trustees of the Trust who are not “interested persons” of the Trust as defined under the 1940 Act (“Independent Trustees”).
(2)As of February 28, 2023, the Trust is comprised of 35 active portfolios managed by unaffiliated investment advisers. The term “Fund Complex” applies only to the Fund and the PIA BBB Bond Fund, PIA MBS Bond Fund, PIA Short-Term Securities Fund, PIA High Yield (MACS) Fund, and PIA Short Duration Bond Fund (collectively, the “PIA Funds”) and not to any other series of the Trust. The PIA Funds do not hold themselves out as related to any other series within the Trust for investment purposes, nor do they share the same investment adviser with any other series, except as noted above.
(3)“Other Directorships Held” includes only directorships of companies required to register or file reports with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (that is, “public companies”) or other investment companies registered under the 1940 Act.
Compensation
Effective January 1, 2023, the Independent Trustees each receive an annual retainer of $102,500 per year allocated among each of the various portfolios comprising the Trust, an additional $6,000 per regularly scheduled Board meeting, and an additional $500 per special meeting, paid by the Trust or applicable advisors/portfolios, as well as reimbursement for expenses incurred in connection with attendance at Board meetings. Prior to January 1, 2023, the annual retainer was $100,000. The Trust Chairman, Chairman of the Audit Committee, and Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee each
receive a separate annual fee of $10,000, $5,000, and $3,000, respectively, provided that the separate fee for the Chairman of the Audit Committee will be waived if the same individual serves as both Trust Chairman and Audit Committee Chairman. The Trust has no pension or retirement plan. No other entity affiliated with the Trust pays any compensation to the Trustees. Set forth below is the compensation received by the Independent Trustees from the Fund for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022.
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| Aggregate Compensation from the High Yield Fund | Pension or Retirement Benefits Accrued as Part of Fund Expenses | Estimated Annual Benefits Upon Retirement | Total Compensation from Fund Complex Paid to Trustees(1) | |
Independent Trustee | | | | | |
Gail S. Duree(2) | $167 | None | None | $835 | |
David G. Mertens | $3,890 | None | None | $19,450 | |
Raymond B. Woolson | $4,094 | None | None | $20,470 | |
Joe D. Redwine | $4,016 | None | None | $20,080 | |
Michele Rackey(3) | None | None | None | None | |
(1)There are currently numerous series comprising the Trust. The term “Fund Complex” refers only to the PIA Funds, including the Funds presented in different SAIs, and not to any other series of the Trust. For the PIA Funds’ fiscal year ended November 30, 2022, the aggregate Independent Trustees’ fees for the Trust were 415,500.
(2)Ms. Duree retired from the Board on December 31, 2021.
(3)Ms. Rackey began serving as an Independent Trustee of the Trust effective January 1, 2023.
Additional Information Concerning Our Board of Trustees
The Role of the Board
The Board provides oversight of the management and operations of the Trust. Like all mutual funds, the day-to-day responsibility for the management and operations of the Trust is the responsibility of various service providers to the Trust, such as the Trust’s investment advisers, distributor, administrator, custodian, and transfer agent, each of whom are discussed in greater detail in this SAI. The Board approves all significant agreements between the Trust and its service providers, including the agreements with the investment advisers, distributor, administrator, custodian and transfer agent. The Board has appointed various senior individuals of certain of these service providers as officers of the Trust, with responsibility to monitor and report to the Board on the Trust’s day-to-day operations. In conducting this oversight, the Board receives regular reports from these officers and service providers regarding the Trust’s operations. The Board has appointed a Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) who administers the Trust’s compliance program and regularly reports to the Board as to compliance matters. Some of these reports are provided as part of formal “Board Meetings” which are typically held quarterly, in person, and involve the Board’s review of recent Trust operations. From time to time one or more members of the Board may also meet with Trust officers in less formal settings, between formal “Board Meetings,” to discuss various topics. In all cases, however, the role of the Board and of any individual Trustee is one of oversight and not of management of the day-to-day affairs of the Trust and its oversight role does not make the Board a guarantor of the Trust’s investments, operations or activities.
Board Leadership Structure
The Board has structured itself in a manner that it believes allows it to effectively perform its oversight function. It has established three standing committees, an Audit Committee, a Nominating and Governance Committee and a Qualified Legal Compliance Committee (the “QLCC”), which are discussed in greater detail under “Board Committees,” below. Currently, all of the members of the Board
are Independent Trustees, which are Trustees that are not affiliated with the Adviser or its affiliates or any other investment adviser in the Trust or with its principal underwriter. The Independent Trustees have engaged their own independent counsel to advise them on matters relating to their responsibilities in connection with the Trust.
The President, Chief Executive Officer and Principal Executive Officer of the Trust is not a Trustee, but rather is a senior employee of the Administrator who routinely interacts with the unaffiliated investment advisers of the Trust and comprehensively manages the operational aspects of the Funds in the Trust. The Trust has appointed Raymond Woolson, an Independent Trustee, as Chairman of the Board, and he acts as a liaison with the Trust’s service providers, officers, legal counsel, and other Trustees between meetings, helps to set Board meeting agendas, and serves as Chairman during executive sessions of the Independent Trustees.
The Board reviews its structure annually. The Trust has determined that it is appropriate to separate the Principal Executive Officer and Board Chairman positions because the day-to day responsibilities of the Principal Executive Officer are not consistent with the oversight role of the Trustees and because of the potential conflict of interest that may arise from the Administrator’s duties with the Trust. Given the specific characteristics and circumstances of the Trust as described above, the Trust has determined that the Board’s leadership structure is appropriate.
Board Oversight of Risk Management
As part of its oversight function, the Board receives and reviews various risk management reports and assessments and discusses these matters with appropriate management and other personnel. Because risk management is a broad concept comprised of many elements (such as, for example, investment risk, issuer and counterparty risk, compliance risk, operational risks, business continuity risks, etc.) the oversight of different types of risks is handled in different ways. For example, the Nominating and Governance Committee meets regularly with the CCO to discuss compliance and operational risks and the Audit Committee meets with the Treasurer and the Trust’s independent public accounting firm to discuss, among other things, the internal control structure of the Trust’s financial reporting function. The full Board receives reports from the Adviser and portfolio managers as to investment risks as well as other risks that may be also discussed in Audit Committee.
Information about Each Trustee’s Qualification, Experience, Attributes or Skills
The Board believes that each of the Trustees has the qualifications, experience, attributes and skills (“Trustee Attributes”) appropriate to their continued service as Trustees of the Trust in light of the Trust’s business and structure. Each of the Trustees has substantial business and professional backgrounds that indicate they have the ability to critically review, evaluate and access information provided to them. Certain of these business and professional experiences are set forth in detail in the table above. In addition, the majority of the Trustees have served on boards for organizations other than the Trust, as well as having served on the Board of the Trust for a number of years. They therefore have substantial board experience and, in their service to the Trust, have gained substantial insight as to the operation of the Trust. The Board annually conducts a ‘self-assessment’ wherein the effectiveness of the Board and individual Trustees is reviewed.
In addition to the information provided in the table above, below is certain additional information concerning each particular Trustee and certain of their Trustee Attributes. The information provided below, and in the table above, is not all-inclusive. Many Trustee Attributes involve intangible elements, such as intelligence, integrity, work ethic, the ability to work together, the ability to communicate effectively, the ability to exercise judgment, the ability to ask incisive questions, and commitment to
shareholder interests. In conducting its annual self-assessment, the Board has determined that the Trustees have the appropriate attributes and experience to continue to serve effectively as Trustees of the Trust.
David G. Mertens. Mr. Mertens has substantial mutual fund experience and is experienced with financial, accounting, investment and regulatory matters. He currently serves as Partner and Head of Business Development of Ballast Equity Management, LLC, a privately-held investment advisory firm. Mr. Mertens also gained substantial mutual fund experience through his tenure as Managing Director and Vice President of Jensen Investment Management, Inc. (“Jensen”) from 2002 to 2017. Prior to Jensen, Mr. Mertens held various roles in sales and marketing management with Berger Financial Group, LLC from 1995 to 2002, ending as Senior Vice President of Institutional Marketing for Berger Financial Group and President of its limited purpose broker-dealer, Berger Distributors.
Joe D. Redwine. Mr. Redwine has substantial mutual fund experience and is experienced with financial, accounting, investment and regulatory matters through his experience as President and CEO of U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, (now known as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services), a full-service provider to mutual funds and alternative investment products. In addition, he has extensive experience consulting with investment advisers regarding the legal structure of mutual funds, distribution channel analysis and actual distribution of those funds. Mr. Redwine serves as an Audit Committee Financial Expert for the Trust.
Raymond B. Woolson. Mr. Woolson has served on a number of mutual fund boards and is experienced with financial, accounting, investment and regulatory matters through his experience as Lead Independent Trustee and Audit Committee Chairman for the DoubleLine Funds as well as through his service as President of Apogee Group, Inc., a company providing financial consulting services. Mr. Woolson also has substantial mutual fund operations, financial and investment experience through his prior service in senior and management positions in the mutual fund industry, including service as Senior Managing Director in Investment Management for Mass Mutual Life Insurance Company, where he oversaw fund accounting, fund administration and client services and also served as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer for various funds and other investment products. Mr. Woolson has also served as a consultant for Coopers & Lybrand (now known as, “PricewaterhouseCoopers” or “PWC”) where he provided management consulting services to the mutual fund industry and the investment management areas of the banking and insurance industries.
Michele Rackey. Ms. Rackey has substantial experience in mutual funds and investment management through her experience as CEO of Government Employees Benefits Association (GEBA) and also with The ARK Funds. Ms. Rackey is experienced with financial, accounting, investment and regulatory matters and serves as an Audit Committee Financial Expert for the Trust. Ms. Rackey was CEO of GEBA for 17 years and Chief Operating Officer of the ARK Funds for 9 years. Ms. Rackey has a BS in Business Administration from the University of Illinois at Chicago and has an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management in Chicago. Ms. Rackey previously held FINRA series 6, 7 and 63 licenses as well as a Maryland Life and Health License.
Board Committees
The Trust has established the following three standing committees and the membership of each committee to assist in its oversight functions, including its oversight of the risks the Trust faces: the Audit Committee, the QLCC, and the Nominating and Governance Committee. There is no assurance, however, that the Board’s committee structure will prevent or mitigate risks in actual practice. The Trust’s committee structure is specifically not intended or designed to prevent or mitigate the Fund’s investment
risks. The Fund is designed for investors that are prepared to accept investment risk, including the possibility that as yet unforeseen risks may emerge in the future.
The Audit Committee is comprised of all of the Independent Trustees. Mr. Redwine is the Chairman of the Audit Committee. 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 the 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 November 30, 2022.
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 did not meet with respect to the Fund during the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022.
The Nominating and Governance Committee is comprised of all, and only of, the Independent Trustees. The Nominating and Governance 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 and Governance Committee will consider nominees recommended by shareholders for vacancies on the Board. Recommendations for consideration by the Nominating and Governance 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 between 120 and 150 days prior to the shareholder meeting at which any such nominee would be voted on.
The Nominating and Governance Committee meets regularly with respect to the various series of the Trust. The Nominating and Governance Committee is also responsible for, among other things, assisting the Board in its oversight of the Trust’s compliance program under Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act, reviewing and making recommendations regarding Independent Trustee compensation and the Trustees’ annual “self-assessment.” Mr. Mertens is the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee.
The Nominating and Governance Committee did not meet with respect to the Fund during the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022.
Trustee Ownership of Fund Shares and Other Interests
The following table shows the amount of shares in the Funds and the amount of shares in other portfolios of the Trust owned by the Trustees as of the calendar year ended December 31, 2022.
| | | | | | | | |
Independent Trustees | Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the High Yield Fund | Aggregate Dollar Range of Fund Shares in the Trust |
(None, $1-$10,000, $10,001-$50,000, $50,001-$100,000, Over $100,000) |
|
David G. Mertens | None | Over $100,000 |
Raymond B. Woolson | None | $50,001-$100,000 |
Joe D. Redwine | None | $50,001-$100,000 |
Michele Rackey(1) | None | None |
(1) Ms. Rackey began serving as an Independent Trustee of the Trust effective January 1, 2023.
As of December 31, 2022, 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.
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. For control persons only, if a control person is a company, the table also indicates the control person’s parent, if any, and the jurisdiction under the laws of which the control person is organized.
As of March 6, 2023, the following shareholders were considered to be either a control person or principal shareholder of the Fund’s Institutional Class:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Name and Address | Parent Company | Jurisdiction | % Ownership | Type of Ownership |
International Union UAW Strike Trust 1200 Crown Colony Dr. Quincy, MA 02169-0938 | N/A | N/A | 57.74% | Record |
National Financial Services LLC 499 Washington Boulevard, Floor 4 Jersey City, NJ 07310-1995 | N/A | N/A | 17.13% | Record |
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Special Custody A/C FBO Customers 211 Main Street San Francisco, CA 94105-1905 | N/A | N/A | 9.93% | Record |
| | | | |
Since the Fund’s Class A was not operational prior to the date of this SAI there were no principal shareholders or control persons of the Fund’s Class A shares.
Management Ownership Information. As of March 6, 2023, the Trustees and Officers of the Trust, as a group, beneficially owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of any class of the Fund.
Investment Adviser
Pacific Income Advisers, Inc., located at 2321 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 1260, El Segundo, California 90245, is the investment adviser to the Fund. Joseph Lloyd McAdams, Jr. and Heather U. Baines collectively control the Adviser due to their ownership of a majority of the outstanding stock of the Adviser. Subject to such policies as the Board may determine, the Adviser is ultimately responsible for investment decisions for the Fund. Pursuant to the terms of the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser provides the Fund with such investment advice and supervision as it deems necessary for the proper supervision of the Fund’s investments.
The Advisory Agreement, if not terminated will continue automatically for successive annual periods, provided that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually (i) by a majority vote of the Independent Trustees cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval and (ii) by the Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. The Advisory 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 a vote of a majority of the Board, or by the Adviser on 60 days’ written notice, and will automatically terminate in the event of its “assignment” (as defined in the 1940 Act). The Advisory Agreement provides that the Adviser 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 negligence in the performance of its duties, or by reason of reckless disregard of its obligations and duties thereunder.
Under the Advisory Agreement for the Fund, the Adviser is paid a fee computed daily and payable monthly, at an annual rate of 0.55%, expressed as a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
In addition to the fees payable to the Adviser, 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 Adviser or Administrator; insurance premiums on property or personnel of the Fund which inure to its 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 their 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 its 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 Adviser has agreed to temporarily waive a portion or all of its management fee (excluding AFFE, interest, taxes, extraordinary expenses, Rule 12b-1 expenses, shareholder servicing expenses and any other class-specific expenses) and pay Fund expenses through at least March 29, 2024, to the extent necessary to permit the Fund to maintain the expense limitations set forth in the table below. The Adviser may not recoup fee waivers and expense payments made under the temporary expense limitation in future periods. Fee waiver and expense payment obligations are calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate expressed as a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
| | | | | |
Fund | Temporary Expense Limitation |
PIA High Yield Fund | 0.86% |
| |
For the fiscal years shown below, the Fund paid the following in management fees to the Adviser:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Management Fees Paid During Fiscal Year Ended November 30, |
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
Management Fees Accrued | $290,789 | $347,532 | $259,007 |
Management Fees Waived (contractual waiver) | $105,856 | $70,083 | $60,048 |
Managed Fees Waived (voluntary waiver) | $0 | $0 | $56,511 |
Net Management Fees Paid to Adviser | $184,933 | $277,449 | $142,448 |
Portfolio Managers
Mr. Lloyd McAdams and Mr. Michael Yean serve as co-portfolio manager of the Fund. The portfolio managers are responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio. The following table shows the number of other accounts (not including the Fund) managed by the portfolio managers and the total assets in the accounts managed within various categories as of November 30, 2022.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Lloyd McAdams | | | | |
| | | With Management Fee Based on Performance |
Type of Accounts | Number of Accounts (excluding the Fund) | Total Assets | Number of Accounts | Total Assets |
Registered Investment Companies | 1 | $124 million | 0 | $0 |
Other Pooled Investments | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
Other Accounts | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Michael Yean | | | | |
| | | With Management Fee Based on Performance |
Type of Accounts | Number of Accounts (excluding the Fund) | Total Assets | Number of Accounts | Total Assets |
Registered Investment Companies | 1 | $124 million | 0 | $0 |
Other Pooled Investments | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
Other Accounts | 2 | $8 million | 0 | $0 |
Material Conflict of Interest. No material strategy conflicts currently exist. When the same securities are being bought or sold on the same day by the portfolio managers, the portfolio managers allocate the transactions on a pro rata basis as long as it is in the best interests of the clients. Where conflicts of interest arise between the Fund and other accounts managed by the portfolio managers, the portfolio managers will proceed in a manner that the Fund will not be treated materially less favorably. There may be instances where similar portfolio transactions may be executed for the same security for numerous accounts managed by each portfolio management team. In such instances, securities will be allocated in accordance with the Adviser’s trade allocation policy
Compensation. The portfolio managers’ total compensation includes a base salary, bonus, employee benefits, a 401(k) plan with matching contributions. The general year-end bonus represents a subjective calculation of an individual’s contribution to the portfolio management group’s success. With respect to management of other accounts, the portfolio managers also receive a salary.
Securities Owned in the Fund by Portfolio Managers. As of the date of this SAI, the portfolio managers did not beneficially own any shares of the Fund’s Class A shares as it had not commenced operations. The portfolio managers beneficially owned the following amounts of the Fund’s Institutional Class as of November 30, 2022:
| | | | | |
Name of Portfolio Manager | Dollar Range of Equity Securities Beneficially Owned in the High Yield 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) |
Lloyd McAdams | Over $1,000,000 |
Michael Yean | None |
SERVICE PROVIDERS
Administrator
Pursuant to an Administration Agreement (the “Administration Agreement”), U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (the “Administrator” or “Fund Services”), doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (“Fund Services”), 777 East Wisconsin Avenue, 6th Floor, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, acts as administrator for the Fund. Fund Services 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 per share 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, Fund Services 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’s shares. Additionally, Fund Services provides CCO services to the Trust under a separate agreement. The cost for the CCO services is charged to the Fund and approved by the Board annually.
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 Fund Services 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.
During the fiscal years shown below, the Fund paid the following amounts to Fund Services for administration services:
| | | | | | | | |
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, |
2022(1) | 2021 | 2020 |
$97,804 | $55,295 | $47,008 |
(1) Effective December 2021, the PIA Funds’ minimum annual fee was increased to $84,000 for Fund Administration and Fund Accounting Services. This combined fee is now shown in the table.
Distributor
The Trust has entered into a Distribution Agreement (the “Distribution Agreement”) with Quasar Distributors, LLC, 111 East Kilbourn Avenue, Suite 2200, 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 the Fund’s shares. The offering of the Fund’s shares is continuous.
The Distribution Agreement 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).
Fund Accountant and Transfer Agent
Fund Services also serves as fund accountant, transfer agent (“Transfer Agent”) and dividend disbursing agent under separate agreements.
Custodian
U.S. Bank National Association, located at 1555 N. RiverCenter Drive, Suite 302, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212, serves as custodian (“Custodian”) of the securities and other assets of the Fund. The Custodian holds the Fund’s portfolio securities in safekeeping and keeps all necessary records and documents relating to its duties. The Custodian is compensated with an asset-based fee plus transaction fees and is
reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses. The Custodian and Transfer Agent do not participate in decisions relating to the purchase and sale of securities by the Fund. The Custodian, Transfer Agent and Administrator are all affiliated entities under the common control of U.S. Bancorp. 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
Tait, Weller & Baker LLP, Two Liberty Place, 50 South 16th Street, Suite 2900, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, 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.
Trust Counsel
Sullivan & Worcester LLP (“Sullivan & Worcester”), 1633 Broadway, 32nd Floor, New York, New York 10019, serves as legal counsel to the Trust and provides counsel on legal matters relating to the Fund. Sullivan & Worcester also serves as independent legal counsel to the Board of Trustees.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE
Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser 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 directly with a “market-maker” unless, in the opinion of the Adviser, a better price and execution can otherwise be obtained 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. Explicit brokerage commissions are not paid on these transactions. However, commissions will be paid on the Fund’s futures and options transactions. The purchase price of portfolio securities purchased from an underwriter or dealer may include underwriting commissions and dealer spreads.
In placing portfolio transactions, the Adviser seeks 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, as it is defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and statistical information to the Adviser that they may lawfully and appropriately use in their investment advisory capacities, as well as provide other services in addition to execution services. The Adviser considers such information, which is in addition to and not in lieu of the services required to be performed by them under their Advisory 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 procedures adopted by the Trust and rules adopted by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) and SEC.
While it is the Adviser’s general policy to seek best execution in selecting a broker-dealer to execute portfolio transactions for the Fund, when it is determined that one or more broker-dealer can deliver best execution, weight is also given to the ability of a broker-dealer to furnish brokerage and research services to the Fund or to the Adviser, even if the specific services are not directly useful to the Fund and may be useful to the Adviser in advising other clients. 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 was 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 Adviser to be reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and/or research services provided by such broker-dealer. The standard of reasonableness is to be measured in light of the Adviser’s overall responsibilities to the Fund. Additionally, the Adviser may direct transactions to a broker-dealer with which it has an affiliation.
Investment decisions for the Fund are made independently from those of other client accounts that may be managed or advised by the Adviser. 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 Adviser, 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 is 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 does it effect securities transactions through brokers for selling shares of the Fund. However, as stated above, broker-dealers who execute brokerage transactions may effect purchases of shares of the Fund for their customers.
The research services discussed above may be in written form or through direct contact with individuals and may include information as to particular companies and securities as well as market, economic or institutional ideas and information assisting the Fund in the valuation of its investments.
During the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022, the Fund paid $0 in brokerage commissions. The Adviser did not direct the Fund’s brokerage transactions to a broker because of research services during the Fund’s fiscal year ended November 30, 2022. The Fund did not acquire securities of its regular brokers or dealers during the Fund’s fiscal year ended November 30, 2022.
PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS POLICY
The Adviser and the Fund maintain portfolio holdings 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 portfolio holdings 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 Part F of Form N-PORT. These reports are available, free of charge, on the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
Pursuant to the Trust’s portfolio holdings 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 U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (“Fund Services”) and the Trust’s Board of Trustees, 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 prior written 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 include:
▪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; Standard & Poor’s; Bloomberg; Vickers-Stock Research Corporation; Thomson Financial; and Capital-Bridge, all of which currently receive such information no later than 15 calendar days following the end of a calendar quarter; or
▪Internal parties involved in the investment process, administration, operation or custody of the Fund, specifically: Fund Services; the Trust’s Board of Trustees; and the Trust’s attorneys and accountants (currently, Sullivan & Worcester LLP (“Sullivan & Worcester”) 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 Trust’s Policy and Procedures Regarding Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings.
The CCO or designated officer of the Trust will approve the furnishing of non-public portfolio holdings to a third party only if they consider the furnishing of such information to be in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders and if no material conflict of interest exists regarding such disclosure between shareholders interest and those of the Adviser, Distributor or any affiliated person of the Fund. No consideration may be received by the Fund, the Adviser, any affiliate of the Adviser or their employees in connection with the disclosure of portfolio holdings information. The Board receives and reviews annually a list of the persons who receive non-public portfolio holdings information and the purpose for which it is furnished.
Any disclosures to additional parties not described above are made with the approval of either the Trust’s CCO or his or her designee, pursuant to the Fund’s 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) 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) 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.
In the event of a conflict between the interests of the Fund and the interests of the Adviser or an affiliated person of the Adviser, the CCO of the Adviser, in consultation with the Trust’s CCO, shall make a determination in the best interests of the Fund, and shall report such determination to the Adviser’s Board of Directors and to the Board at the end of the quarter in which such determination was made. Any employee of the Adviser who suspects a breach of this obligation must report the matter immediately to the Adviser’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 or 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 Disclosure Policies, when the Fund have a legitimate business purpose and the third party recipient is subject to a confidentiality agreement.
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.
PROXY VOTING POLICY
The Board has adopted Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (the “Proxy Policies”) on behalf of the Trust which delegate the responsibility for voting proxies to the Adviser, subject to the Board’s continuing oversight. The Proxy Policies require that the Adviser vote proxies received in a manner consistent with the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders. The Proxy Policies also require the Adviser to present to the Board, at least annually, the Adviser’s Proxy Policies and a record of each proxy voted by the Adviser on behalf of the Fund, including a report on the resolution of all proxies identified by the Adviser as involving a conflict of interest. A copy of the Adviser’s Proxy Voting Policy can be found in Appendix A.
Conflict of Interest. Where a proxy proposal raises a material conflict between the Adviser’s interests and the Fund’s interests, the Adviser will disclose the conflict to the Board and may resolve the conflict by voting in accordance with the Adviser’s Proxy Policies or the Adviser will abstain from voting the securities held by the Fund, depending on the circumstances.
Proxy Voting Records. 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 1-800-251-1970 and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN
The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the “Rule 12b-1 Plan”) for the Class A shares. The Rule 12b-1 Plan provides that the Fund’s Class A shares will compensate the Distributor or other intermediary at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s Class A shares which may be paid for a distribution fee and for certain shareholder services to shareholders of the Fund’s Class A shares. The Board has determined that there is a reasonable likelihood that the Rule 12b-1 Plan will benefit the Fund’s Class A shares and its shareholders. None of the Officers or Trustees of the Trust has any direct or indirect financial interest in the Rule 12b-1 Plan.
The Rule 12b-1 Plan, unless terminated as hereinafter provided, shall continue in effect from year to year only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Board of Trustees and its Independent Trustees cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such continuance. The Rule 12b-1 Plan may be terminated with respect to the Fund’s Class A shares at any time by a vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees or by the vote of the holders of a “majority” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund’s Class A shares. The Rule 12b-1 Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount of payments to be made without shareholder approval, as set forth in (ii) above, and all amendments must be and have been approved in the manner set forth under (i) above.
There were no distribution related expenses for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022 because the Fund’s Class A shares have not been offered for sale to investors prior to the date of this SAI.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICING PLAN
In addition, the Fund has adopted a Shareholder Servicing Plan (the “Servicing Plan”) with respect to the Class A shares of the Fund which is separate and distinct from the Rule 12b-1 Plan and under which the Adviser will arrange for others to provide certain specified shareholder services. Such services may include: (a) establishing and maintaining accounts and records relating to shareholders who invest in the Fund; (b) aggregating and processing orders involving the shares of the Fund; (c) processing dividend and other distribution payments from the Fund on behalf of shareholders; (d) providing information to shareholders as to their ownership of Fund shares or about other aspects of the operations of the Fund; (e) preparing tax reports or forms on behalf of shareholders; (f) forwarding communications from the Fund to shareholders; (g) assisting shareholders in changing the Fund’s records as to their addresses, dividend options, account registrations or other data; (h) providing sub-accounting with respect to Fund shares beneficially owned by shareholders, or the information to a Fund necessary for sub-accounting; (i) responding to shareholder inquiries relating to the services performed; and (j) providing shareholders with a service that invests the assets of their accounts in shares pursuant to specific or pre-authorized instructions.
As compensation for the provision of shareholder services, the Fund will pay the Adviser a monthly fee at an annual rate of 0.15% of the average daily net assets of the Class A shares of the Fund. The Adviser will then pay certain banks, trust companies, broker-dealers and other financial intermediaries (each, a “Participating Organization”) out of the fees the Adviser receives from the Fund under the Servicing Plan to the extent that the Participating Organization performs shareholder servicing functions for the Fund’s shares owned by its customers.
Sub-Accounting Service Fees
In addition to the fees that the Fund may pay to the Transfer Agent, the Board has authorized the Fund’s Institutional Class shares to pay service fees, at the annual rate of up to 0.15% of applicable average net
assets or $20 per account, to intermediaries such as banks, broker-dealers, financial advisers or other financial institutions, for sub-administration, sub-transfer agency, recordkeeping (collectively, “sub-accounting services”) and other shareholder services associated with shareholders whose shares are held of record in omnibus, networked, or other group accounts or accounts traded through registered securities clearing agents.
Any sub-accounting fees paid by the Fund’s Institutional Class shares are included in the total amount of “Other Expenses” listed in the Fund’s Fees and Expenses table in the Prospectus.
MARKETING AND SUPPORT PAYMENTS
The Adviser, out of its own resources and without additional cost to the Fund or its shareholders, may provide additional cash payments or other compensation to certain financial intermediaries who sell shares of the Fund. Such payments may be divided into categories as follows:
Support Payments. Payments may be made by the Adviser to certain financial intermediaries in connection with the eligibility of the Fund to be offered in certain programs and/or in connection with meetings between the Fund’s representatives and financial intermediaries and their sales representatives. Such meetings may be held for various purposes, including providing education and training about the Fund and other general financial topics to assist financial intermediaries’ sales representatives in making informed recommendations to, and decisions on behalf of, their clients.
Entertainment, Conferences and Events. The Adviser also may pay cash or non-cash compensation to sales representatives of financial intermediaries in the form of (i) occasional gifts; (ii) occasional meals, tickets or other entertainments; and/or (iii) sponsorship support for the Financial Intermediary’s client seminars and cooperative advertising. In addition, the Adviser pays for exhibit space or sponsorships at regional or national events of financial intermediaries.
The prospect of receiving, or the receipt of additional payments or other compensation as described above by financial intermediaries may provide such intermediaries and/or their salespersons with an incentive to favor sales of shares of the Fund and other mutual funds whose affiliates make similar compensation available, over sales of shares of mutual funds (or non-mutual fund investments) not making such payments. You may wish to take such payment arrangements into account when considering and evaluating any recommendations relating to the Fund shares.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The Fund’s NAV per share (before imposition of a commission, if any, on Institutional Class shares) will be determined as of the close of regular trading (generally, 4:00 P.M., Eastern Time) on each day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open for business. The NYSE is open for trading Monday through Friday except New Year’s Day, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday/Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Additionally, if any of the aforementioned holidays falls on a Saturday, the NYSE will not be open for trading on the preceding Friday and when any such holiday falls on a Sunday, the NYSE will not be open for trading on the succeeding Monday, unless unusual business conditions exist, such as the ending of a monthly or the yearly accounting period. The Fund reserves the right to close if the primary trading markets of the Fund’s portfolio instruments are closed and the Fund’s management believes that there is not an adequate market to meet purchase, redemption or exchange requests. On any business day when the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association recommends that the securities markets close trading early, the Fund may close trading early.
Purchase orders for Fund shares will be accepted only on days on which the Fund is open for business. If a purchase order is received by the Distributor on a day when the Fund is not open for business, it will be processed on the next succeeding day the Fund is open for business (according to the succeeding day’s NAV).
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 interests in the Fund outstanding at such time, as shown below:
| | | | | | | | |
Net Assets | = | NAV per share |
Shares Outstanding | | |
In determining the Fund’s NAV per share, securities that are listed on national securities exchanges are valued at the last sale price as of the close of trading, or in the absence of recorded sales, at the average of readily available closing bid and asked prices on such exchanges. NASDAQ Global Market securities are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price (“NOCP”). If an NOCP is not issued for a given day, these securities are valued at the average of readily available closing bid and asked prices. Unlisted securities held by the Fund that are not included in the NASDAQ Stock Market are valued at the average of the quoted bid and asked prices in the over‑the‑counter market. Securities and other assets for which market quotations are not readily available are valued by appraisal at their fair value as determined in good faith by the Fund’s valuation designee pursuant to procedures adopted by the Adviser. The Board has designated the Adviser as its “valuation designee” under Rule 2a-5 of the 1940 Act, subject to its oversight.
Debt securities are similarly valued under the valuation designee’s procedures, which may include independent third-party pricing services. Any such pricing service, in determining value, will use information with respect to transactions in the securities being valued, quotations from dealers, market transactions in comparable securities, analyses and evaluations of various relationships between securities and yield to maturity information. Corporate bonds, including listed issues, are valued at market on the basis of valuations furnished by an independent pricing service which utilizes both dealer-supplied valuations and formula-based techniques. Short-term debt securities, includes those having a maturity of 60 days of less, are valued at the mean between the bid and asked prices.
An option that is written by the Fund or purchased by the Fund is generally valued using composite pricing. Composite pricing uses the National Best Bid and Offer quotes (“NBBO”). NBBO consists of the highest bid price and lowest ask price across any of the options exchanges on which an option is quoted. Specifically, composite pricing looks at the last trades on the exchanges where the options are traded. If there are no trades for the option on a given business day, as of closing, composite option pricing calculates the mean of the highest bid price and lowest ask price across the exchanges where the option is traded.
When the Fund writes a call or a put, an amount equal to the premium received is included in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as an asset, and an equivalent amount is included in the liability section. This amount is “marked‑to‑market” to reflect the current market value of the call or put. If a call the Fund wrote is exercised, the proceeds it receives on the sale of the related investment by it are increased by the amount of the premium it received. If a put the Fund wrote is exercised, the amount it pays to purchase the related investment is decreased by the amount of the premium received. If a call the Fund purchased is exercised by it, the amount it pays to purchase the related investment is increased by the amount of the premium it paid. If a put the Fund purchased is exercised by it, the amount it receives on its sale of the related investment is reduced by the amount of the premium it paid. If a call or put written by the Fund expires, it has a gain in the amount of the premium; if that Fund enters into a closing
transaction, it will have a gain or loss depending on whether the premium was more or less than the cost of the closing transaction.
The Fund prices foreign securities in terms of U.S. dollars at the official exchange rate. Alternatively, the Fund may price these securities at the average of the current bid and asked price of such currencies against the dollar last quoted by a major bank that is a regular participant in the foreign exchange market, or on the basis of a pricing service that takes into account the quotes provided by a number of such major banks. If the Fund does not have either of these alternatives available to it or the alternatives do not provide a suitable method for converting a foreign currency into U.S. dollars, the Adviser in good faith will establish a conversion rate for such currency.
Generally, U.S. government securities are valued using a model that incorporates market observable data such as reported sales of similar securities brokers quotes yields bids, offer, and reference data. Certain securities are valued principally using dealer quotations.
Foreign securities trading may not take place on all days when the NYSE is open, or may take place on Saturdays and other days when the NYSE is not open and the Fund’s NAV per share is not calculated. When determining NAV per share, the Fund values foreign securities primarily listed and/or traded in foreign markets at their market value as of the close of the last primary market where the securities traded. Securities trading in European countries and Pacific Rim countries are normally completed well before 4:00 P.M., Eastern Time. It is currently the policy of the Fund that events affecting the valuation of Fund securities occurring between the time its NAV per share is determined and the close of the NYSE, if material, may be reflected in such NAV per share.
The Fund reserves the right to suspend or postpone redemptions during any period when: (a) trading on the NYSE is restricted, as determined by the SEC, or that the NYSE is closed for other than customary weekend and holiday closings; (b) the SEC has by order permitted such suspension; or (c) an emergency, as determined by the SEC, exists, making disposal of portfolio securities or valuation of net assets of the Fund not reasonably practicable.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
Systematic Withdrawal Plan. A Systematic Withdrawal Plan is available for shareholders having shares of the Fund with a minimum value of $10,000, based upon the NAV per share with respect to the Fund. The Systematic Withdrawal Plan provides for monthly, quarterly, or annual redemptions in any amount not less than $100 (which amount is not necessarily recommended).
The Transfer Agent acts as agent for the shareholder in redeeming sufficient full and fractional shares to provide the amount of the periodic withdrawal payment. The Systematic Withdrawal Plan may be terminated at any time, and, while no fee is currently charged, the Fund reserves the right to initiate a fee of up to $5 per withdrawal, upon 30 days’ written notice to the shareholder.
Withdrawal payments should not be considered as dividends, yield, or income. If periodic withdrawals continuously exceed reinvested dividends and capital gains distributions, the shareholder’s original investment will be correspondingly reduced and ultimately exhausted.
Furthermore, each withdrawal constitutes a redemption of shares, and any gain or loss realized must be recognized for federal income tax purposes. The shareholder may purchase additional shares when participating in the Systematic Withdrawal Plan.
Automatic Investment Plan. A shareholder who wishes to make additional investments in the Fund on a regular basis may do so by authorizing the Transfer Agent to deduct a fixed amount each month from the shareholder’s checking or savings account at his or her bank. This amount will automatically be invested in that Fund on the same day that the preauthorized debit is issued. The shareholder will receive a confirmation from the Fund, and the bank account statement will show the amount charged. In order to participate in the Automatic Investment Plan, please complete this section of the Account Application or contact the Transfer Agent for the form necessary to begin this service. The form necessary to begin this service is available from the Transfer Agent.
Tax Sheltered Retirement Plans. Through the Distributor, retirement plans are either available or expected to be available for use by the self‑employed (Keogh Plans), Individual Retirement Accounts (including SEP-IRAs) and “tax‑sheltered accounts” under Section 403(b)(7) of the Code. Adoption of such plans should be on advice of legal counsel or tax advisers.
For further information regarding plan administration, custodial fees and other details, investors should contact the Distributor.
Sales Charges and Dealer Reallowance
Class A shares of the Fund are retail shares that require that you pay a sales charge when you invest unless you qualify for a reduction or waiver of the sales charge. Class A shares are also subject to Rule 12b-1 fees (or distribution and service fees) of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets that are assessed against the shares of the Fund.
If you purchase Class A shares of the Fund you will pay the NAV next determined after your order is received plus a sales charge (shown in percentages below) depending on the amount of your investment. The sales charge does not apply to shares purchased with reinvested dividends. The sales charge is calculated as follows and the dealer reallowance is as shown in the far-right column:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Your Investment | Sales Charge as a % of Offering Price(1) | Sales Charge as a % of Your Investment(1) | Dealer Compensation as a % of Offering Price |
Less than $25,000 | 4.00% | 4.17% | 4.00% |
$25,000 but less than $100,000 | 3.75% | 3.90% | 3.75% |
$100,000 but less than $250,000 | 3.50% | 3.63% | 3.50% |
$250,000 but less than $500,000 | 2.50% | 2.56% | 2.50% |
$500,000 but less than $750,000 | 2.00% | 2.04% | 2.00% |
$750,000 but less than $1 million | 1.50% | 1.52% | 1.50% |
$1 million and above(2) | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
(1)Offering price includes the front-end sales load. The sales charge you pay may differ slightly from the amount set forth above because of rounding that occurs in the calculation used to determine your sales charge.
(2)The Transfer Agent will assess a 0.75% CDSC on purchases of $1,000,000 or more if they are redeemed within twelve months of purchase, unless the dealer of record waived its commission. The CDSC will be based on the value of your shares at the time of original purchase or their current market value, whichever is less.
For Class A shares, a CDSC of 0.75% is imposed on purchases of $1,000,000 or more that are redeemed within 12 months of purchase, unless the dealer of record waived its commission. The CDSC will be applied to the NAV of the shares on the date of original purchase or on the date of redemption, whichever is less. For example, if you purchased $1,000,000 worth of shares, which due to market fluctuation have appreciated to $1,500,000, the CDSC will be assessed on your $1,000,000 purchase. If that same $1,000,000 purchase has depreciated to $500,000, the CDSC will be assessed on the $500,000 value. For
purpose of calculating the CDSC, the start of the 12-month holding period is the first day of the month in which the purchase was made. The Fund will use the “first in first out” method when calculating the CDSC.
Breakpoints/Volume Discounts and Sales Charge Waivers
Reducing Your Sales Charge. You may be able to reduce the sales charge on Class A shares of the Fund based on the combined market value of your accounts. If you believe you are eligible for any of the following reductions or waivers, it is up to you to ask the selling agent or shareholder servicing agent for the reduction and to provide appropriate proof of eligibility.
•You pay no sales charges on Fund shares you buy with reinvested distributions.
•You pay a lower sales charge if you are investing an amount over a specific breakpoint level as indicated by the above table.
•You pay no sales charges on Fund shares you purchase with the proceeds of a redemption of Class A shares of the Fund within 30 days of the date of the redemption.
•By signing a Letter of Intent (“LOI”) prior to purchase, you pay a lower sales charge now in exchange for promising to invest an amount over a specified breakpoint within the next 13 months. Reinvested dividends and capital gains do not count as purchases made during this period. We will hold in escrow shares equal to approximately 4.00% of the amount you say you intend to buy. If you do not invest the amount specified in the LOI before the expiration date, we will redeem enough escrowed shares to pay the difference between the reduced sales load you paid and the sales load you would have paid based on the total amount actually invested in Class A shares on the expiration date. Otherwise, we will release the escrowed shares when you have invested the agreed amount. For example, an investor has $20,000 to invest in the Fund, but intends to invest an additional $5,000 per month for the next 13 months for an additional $65,000. Based on the above breakpoint schedule, by signing the LOI, the investor pays a front-end load of 3.75% rather than 4.00%. If the investor fails to meet the intended LOI amount in the 13‑month period, however, the Fund will charge the 4.00% sales load retroactively.
•Rights of Accumulation (“ROA”) allow you to combine Class A shares of the Fund you already own in order to reach breakpoint levels and to qualify for sales load discounts on subsequent purchases of Class A shares. The purchase amount used in determining the sales charge on your purchase will be calculated by multiplying the maximum public offering price by the number of Class A shares of the Fund already owned and adding the dollar amount of your current purchase. For example, an individual has a $20,000 investment in the Fund, which was sold with a 4.00% front-end load. The investor intends to open a second account and purchase $20,000 of the Fund. Using ROA, the new $20,000 investment is combined with the existing $20,000 investment to reach the $25,000 breakpoint, and the sales charge on the new investment is 3.75% (rather than the 4.00% for a single transaction amount).
Eligible Accounts
Certain accounts may be aggregated for ROA eligibility, including your current investment in the Fund, and previous investments you and members of your primary household group have made in the Fund, provided your investment was subject to a sales charge. (Your primary household group consists of you, your spouse and children under age 21 living at home.) Specifically, the following accounts are eligible to be included in determining the sales charge on your purchase, if a sales charge has been paid on those purchases:
•Individual or joint accounts held in your name;
•Coverdell Savings Accounts and UGMA/UTMA accounts for which you or your spouse is parent or guardian of the minor child;
•Trust accounts for which you or a member of your primary household group, individually, is the beneficiary;
•Accounts held in the name of you or your spouse’s sole proprietorship or single owner limited liability company or S corporation; and
•Investors who purchase shares that are to be included in certain retirement, benefit, pension, trust or investment “wrap accounts” or through an omnibus account maintained with the Fund by a broker-dealer.
Waiving Your Sales Charge
The Fund reserves the right to waive the sales charges for certain groups or classes of shareholders. If you fall into any of the following categories, you can buy Class A shares at NAV without a sales charge:
•Current and retired employees, directors/trustees and officers of:
◦The Trust;
◦The Adviser and its affiliates; and
◦Family members (spouse, domestic partner, parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren and siblings (including step and in-law)) of any of the above.
•Current employees of:
◦The Transfer Agent;
◦Broker-dealers who act as selling agents for the Fund/Trust; and
◦Family members (spouse, domestic partner, parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren and siblings (including step and in-law)) of any of the above.
•Qualified registered investment advisers who buy through a broker-dealer or service agent who has entered into an agreement with the Distributor that allows for load-waived Class A shares purchases.
•Qualified broker-dealers who have entered into an agreement with the Fund’s distributor that allows for load-waived Class A purchases.
The Fund also reserves the right to enter into agreements that reduce or eliminate sales charges for groups or classes of shareholders, or for Fund shares included in other investment plans such as “wrap accounts.” If you own Fund shares as part of another account or package, such as an IRA or a sweep account, you should read the terms and conditions that apply for that account. Those terms and conditions may supersede the terms and conditions discussed here. Contact your selling agent for further information.
ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING PROGRAM
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 Fund will not transact business with any person or entity whose identity cannot be adequately verified under the provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act.
TAXES
General
The Fund has elected to be treated and intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The discussion that follows is not intended to be a complete discussion of present or proposed federal income tax laws and the effect of such laws on an investor. Investors are urged to consult their tax advisers for a complete review of the tax consequences of an investment in the Fund.
If the Fund fails to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code in any fiscal year, it will be treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes. As such, the Fund would be required to pay income tax on its net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, at the rates generally applicable to corporations. Distributions to shareholders, whether from the Fund’s net investment income or net realized capital gains, would be treated as taxable dividends to the extent of current or accumulated earnings and profits of the Fund.
The Fund's policy is to distribute to its shareholders all of its net investment 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. The Fund can give no assurances that distributions will be sufficient to eliminate all taxes. To avoid the non-deductible excise tax, the Fund must 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 98.2% 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 no federal income tax was paid by the Fund.
If, as expected, the Fund qualifies as a regulated investment company, dividends from the Fund’s net investment income, including short-term capital gains, are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income, while distributions of net capital gains are taxable as long-term capital gains regardless of the shareholder’s holding period for the shares. Such dividends and distributions are taxable to shareholders whether received in cash or reinvested in additional shares. Since all or substantially all of the income of the Fund is derived from interest payments to it, none of the dividends of the Fund are expected to qualify for the intercorporate dividends-received deduction or the reduced rate for qualified dividend income.
In order to qualify as a regulated investment company, the Fund must, among other things, derive at least 90% of its gross income each year from dividends, interest, payments with respect to loans of stock and securities, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock or securities or foreign currency gains related to investments in stock or securities, or other income (generally including gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to the business of investing in stock, securities or currency, and net income derived from an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership. The Fund must also satisfy the following two asset diversification tests. At the end of each quarter of each taxable year, (i) at least 50% of the value of the Fund’s total assets must be represented by cash and cash items (including receivables), U.S. government securities, the securities of other regulated investment companies and other
securities, with such other securities being limited in respect of any one issuer to an amount not greater than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets and not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets may be invested in the securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. government securities or the securities of other regulated investment companies), the securities of any two or more issuers (other than the securities of other regulated investment companies) that the Fund controls (by owning 20% or more of their outstanding voting stock) and that are determined to be engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses or related trades or businesses, or the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships. The Fund must also distribute each taxable year sufficient dividends to its shareholders to claim a dividends paid deduction equal to at least the sum of 90% of the Fund’s dividends, interest, and the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss and 90% of the Fund’s net tax-exempt interest, if any.
Any dividend or capital gain distribution paid shortly after a purchase of shares of the Fund will have the effect of reducing the NAV per share of such shares by the amount of the dividend or distribution. Furthermore, if the NAV per share of the Fund immediately after a dividend or distribution is less than the cost of such shares to the shareholder, the dividend or distribution will be taxable to the shareholder even though economically it results in a return of capital to him.
Redemptions of shares generally will result in a capital gain or loss for income tax purposes. Such capital gain or loss will be long term or short term, depending upon the shareholder’s holding period for the shares. However, if a loss is realized on shares held for six months or less, and the investor received a capital gain distribution during that period, then such loss is treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of the capital gain distribution received.
As of November 30, 2022, the Fund had tax capital losses which may be carried over to offset future gains. Such losses expire as follows:
| | | | | | | | | |
| Short-Term Indefinite | Long-Term Indefinite | Total |
| $105,122 | $2,345,653 | $2,450,775 |
For taxable years beginning after 2017 and before 2025, non-corporate taxpayers generally may deduct 20% of “qualified business income” derived either directly or through partnerships or S corporations. For this purpose, “qualified business income” generally includes dividends paid by a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) and certain income from publicly traded partnerships. Regulations recently adopted by the United States Treasury allow non-corporate shareholders of the Fund to benefit from the 20% deduction with respect to net REIT dividends received by the Fund if the Fund meets certain reporting requirements. There is currently no mechanism for the Fund, to the extent that the Fund invests in MLPs, to pass through to non-corporate shareholders the character of income derived from MLP investments so as to allow such shareholders to claim this deduction. It is uncertain whether future legislation or other guidance will enable the Fund to pass through to non-corporate shareholders the ability to claim this deduction.
Rule 17a-7 Transactions
The Trust has adopted procedures pursuant to Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act (“Rule 17a-7”) pursuant to which the Fund may effect a purchase and sale transaction with an affiliated person of the Fund (or an affiliated person of such an affiliated person) in which the Fund issues its shares in exchange for cash payments. For purposes of determining the number of shares to be issued, the securities involved in the exchange will be valued in accordance with Rule 17a-7. Certain of the transactions may be tax-free with the result that the Fund acquires unrealized appreciation. Most Rule 17a‑7 transactions will be taxable.
Taxation of Hedging Instruments
If a call option written by the Fund expires, the amount of the premium received by the Fund for the option will be short-term capital gain. If the Fund enters into a closing transaction with respect to the option, any gain or loss realized by the Fund as a result of the transaction will be short-term capital gain or loss. If the holder of a call option exercises the holder’s right under the option, any gain or loss realized by the Fund upon the sale of the underlying security or futures contract pursuant to such exercise will be short-term or long-term capital gain or loss to the Fund depending on the Fund’s holding period for the underlying security or futures contract, and the amount of the premium received will be added to the proceeds of sale for purposes of determining the amount of the capital gain or loss.
With respect to call options purchased by the Fund, the Fund will realize short-term or long-term capital gain or loss if such option is sold and will realize short-term or long-term capital loss if the option is allowed to expire depending on the Fund’s holding period for the call option. If such a call option is exercised, the amount paid by the Fund for the option will be added to the basis of the security or futures contract so acquired.
Gains and losses resulting from the expiration, exercise or closing of futures contracts will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss to the extent of 60% thereof and short-term capital gain or loss to the extent of 40% thereof (hereinafter “blended gain or loss”) for determining the character of distributions. In addition, futures contracts held by the Fund on the last day of a fiscal year will be treated as sold for market value (“marked to market”) on that date, and gain or loss recognized as a result of such deemed sale will be blended gain or loss. The realized gain or loss on the ultimate disposition of the futures contract will be increased or decreased to take into consideration the prior marked to market gains and losses.
The Fund may acquire put options. Under the Code, put options on securities are taxed similar to short sales. If the Fund owns the underlying security or acquires the underlying security before closing the option position, the option positions may be subject to certain modified short sale rules. If the Fund exercises or allows a put option to expire, the Fund will be considered to have closed a short sale. The Fund will generally have a short-term gain or loss on the closing of an option position. The determination of the length of the holding period is dependent on the holding period of the security used to exercise that put option. If the Fund sells the put option without exercising it, its holding period will be the holding period of the option.
Foreign Taxes
The Fund may be subject to taxes on income and gains derived from its investments outside the United States. Such taxes would reduce the return on the Fund’s investments. Tax treaties between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes. If more than 50% of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the close of any taxable year consist of securities of foreign corporations, the Fund may elect, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, to treat any foreign country income or withholding taxes paid by the Fund that can be treated as income taxes under U.S. income tax principles as paid by its shareholders subject to certain exceptions for qualified fund of funds structures. For any year that the Fund makes such an election, each of its shareholders will be required to include in his income (in addition to taxable dividends actually received) his allocable share of such taxes paid by the Fund and will be entitled, subject to certain limitations, to credit his portion of these foreign taxes against his U.S. federal income tax due, if any, or to deduct it (as an itemized deduction) from his U.S. taxable income, if any. Generally, credit for foreign taxes is subject to the limitation that it may not exceed the shareholder’s U.S. tax attributable to his foreign source taxable income.
If the pass-through election described above is made, the source of the Fund’s income flows through to its shareholders. Certain gains from the sale of securities and currency fluctuations will not be treated as foreign source taxable income. In addition, this foreign tax credit limitation must be applied separately to certain categories of foreign source income, one of which is foreign source “passive income.” For this purpose, foreign “passive income” includes dividends, interest, capital gains and certain foreign currency gains. As a consequence, certain shareholders may not be able to claim a foreign tax credit for the full amount of their proportionate share of the foreign tax paid by the Fund.
If the Fund does not make the pass through election described above, the foreign taxes it pays will reduce its income, and distributions by the Fund will be treated as U.S. source income.
Each shareholder will be notified within 60 days after the close of the Fund’s taxable year whether, pursuant to the election described above, the foreign taxes paid by the Fund will be treated as paid by its shareholders for that year and, if so, such notification will report: (i) such shareholder’s portion of the foreign taxes paid; and (ii) the portion of the Fund’s dividends and distributions that represent income derived from foreign sources.
Foreign shareholders, including shareholders who are nonresident alien individuals, may be subject to U.S. withholding tax on certain distributions at a rate of 30% or such lower rate as may be prescribed by any applicable treaty. In addition, if the requirements of the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”) are not met, the United States may impose a 30% U.S. withholding tax on certain foreign financial institutions and other foreign entities with respect to ordinary income distributions on shares of the Fund. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors regarding the possible implications of this legislation as well as the other U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of an investment in our shares.
Backup Withholding
Federal law requires the Fund to withhold from a non-corporate shareholder’s reportable payments (which include dividends, capital gains distributions and redemption proceeds) an amount as backup withholding determined at a rate as set forth in Section 3406 of the Code, for shareholders who have not properly certified that the Social Security or other taxpayer identification number they provide is correct and that the shareholder is not subject to backup withholding, or if such shareholder or the Internal Revenue Service notifies the Fund that backup withholding is required. Backup withholding is not an additional tax and any amounts withheld may be credited against the shareholder’s ultimate federal income tax liability if proper documentation is provided.
The foregoing discussion relates only to federal income tax law as applicable to U.S. persons (i.e., U.S. citizens and residents and U.S. domestic corporations, estates the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source, and trusts that (1) are subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (2) have a valid election in effect under applicable United States Treasury regulations to be treated as a United States person). Distributions by the Fund also may be subject to state and local taxes, and the treatment of distributions under state and local income tax laws may differ from the federal income tax treatment. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors with respect to particular questions of federal, state and local taxation. Shareholders who are not U.S. persons should consult their tax advisors regarding U.S. and foreign tax consequences of ownership of shares of the Fund, including the likelihood that distributions to them would be subject to withholding of U.S. tax at a rate of 30% (or at a lower rate under a tax treaty if one applies), as described above.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Declaration of Trust permits the Board 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 two classes 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. 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 (the “Rule”) 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.
In addition to cash purchases, Fund shares may be purchased by tendering payment in-kind in the form of bonds or other securities. Any securities used to buy Fund shares must be readily marketable, their acquisition consistent with the Fund’s objective and otherwise acceptable to the Adviser and the Board.
Redemptions In-Kind
The Trust has elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act so that the Fund is obligated to redeem its shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of its net asset value during any 90-day period for any shareholder of the Fund. The Fund has reserved the right to pay the redemption price of its shares in excess of $250,000 or l% of its net asset value either totally or partially, by a distribution in-kind of portfolio securities or loans (instead of cash). The securities or loans so distributed would be valued at the same amount as that assigned to them in calculating the NAV per share for the shares being sold. If a shareholder receives a distribution in-kind, the shareholder could incur brokerage or other charges in converting the securities or loans to cash. A redemption, whether in cash or in-kind, is a taxable event for you.
The Fund does not intend to hold any significant percentage of its portfolio in illiquid securities, although the Fund, like virtually all mutual funds, may from time to time hold a small percentage of securities that are illiquid. In the unlikely event the Fund were to elect to make an in-kind redemption, the Fund expects that it would follow the Trust protocol of making such distribution by way of a pro rata distribution of securities that are traded on a public securities market or are otherwise considered liquid pursuant to the Fund’s liquidity policies and procedures. Except as otherwise may be approved by the Trustees, the securities that would not be included in an in-kind distribution include (1) unregistered securities which, if distributed, would be required to be registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “1933 Act”), as amended; (2) securities issued by entities in countries which (a) restrict or prohibit the holding of securities by non-nationals other than through qualified investment vehicles, such as a fund, or (b) permit transfers of ownership of securities to be effected only by transactions conducted on a local stock exchange; and (3) certain Fund assets that, although they may be liquid and marketable, must be traded through the marketplace or with the counterparty to the transaction in order to effect a change in beneficial ownership.
CODES OF ETHICS
The Trust and Adviser have each adopted separate Codes of Ethics under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act. These Codes permit, subject to certain conditions, access persons of the Adviser to invest in securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund. The Distributor, relies on the principal underwriter’s exception under Rule 17j-1(c)(3), of the 1940 Act, specifically where the Distributor is not affiliated with the Trust
or the Adviser, and no officer, director or general partner of the Distributor serves as an officer, director or general partner of the Trust or the Adviser.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The annual report to shareholders for the Fund for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022, is a separate document supplied with this SAI, and the financial statements, accompanying notes and report of independent registered public accounting firm appearing therein are incorporated by reference into this SAI.
PIA Manual Effective January, 2020
Pacific Income Advisers, Inc.
Proxy Voting Policy
Effective January, 2020
PIA Manual Effective January, 2020
PACIFIC INCOME ADVISERS, INC.
POLICIES & PROCEDURES MANUAL
All contents are the confidential and exclusive property of Pacific Income Advisers, Inc. (“PIA”).
For internal use only.
Copyright © 2020 by Pacific Income Advisers, Inc.
All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced, transmitted or transcribed in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, now known or hereafter invented, including but not limited to photocopying and recording or by any information storage or retrieval system, except as expressly permitted by the copyright owner.
H. PROXY VOTING POLICY
On January 31, 2003, the Securities and Exchange Commission approved proxy voting regulations for investment advisers registered with the SEC under the Advisers Act. The regulations require investment advisers to disclose their proxy voting policies and procedures to their clients.
1. VOTING PROXIES FOR NON-ERISA ACCOUNTS
In this regard, it is PIA’s policy to vote proxies for portfolio securities in accordance with the best economic interests of each client unless that client explicitly retains responsibility for proxy voting.
2. VOTING OF PROXIES FOR ERISA ACCOUNTS
The Department of Labor (“DOL”) takes the position that the fiduciary act of managing plan assets which are held as shares of corporate stock includes the obligation to vote proxies appurtenant to those shares of stock. Section 403(a) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) requires plan trustees to have exclusive authority and responsibility for voting proxies, unless:
•The plan expressly provides that the trustees are subject to the discretion of a named fiduciary who is not a trustee (in which case the trustees are subject to proper directions made in accordance with the terms of the plan and not contrary to ERISA); and
•The authority to manage, acquire or dispose of assets of the plan is delegated to one or more investment managers pursuant to Section 402 of ERISA.
3. PROCEDURES
PIA has adopted the following procedures in relation to the voting of proxies:
•At the opening of each client relationship, an IAR will determine whether PIA will have proxy voting responsibility and if so, whether the client has any specific guidelines or policies it require PIA to comply with.
•All investment advisory agreements with clients specify whether PIA, the client or (in the case of ERISA accounts) the plan trustees or a named fiduciary have proxy voting authority. All agreements with wrap-fee sponsors provide that PIA has proxy voting authority unless the client explicitly retains responsibility for proxy voting in writing.
•All proxy voting materials received by PIA will be forwarded to Operations whose responsibilities will include but not be limited to:
(i) Reconciliation of proxies received against securities held and obtaining any missing proxy materials/ballots prior to the voting deadline.
(ii) Forwarding all applicable proxy materials to those clients who have retained authority to vote proxies.
(iii) Voting proxies in accordance with the Portfolio Manager’s recommendations and guidelines, or those of the Compliance Committee.
(iv) Transmitting voted proxies to the appropriate issuers.
(v) Recording how each proxy was voted for PIA clients.
(vi) Maintaining appropriate proxy voting records by issuer and for clients.
(vii) Preparing and providing proxy voting reports to the CCO upon request.
•If any conflict or potential conflict of interest arises in the execution of PIA’s proxy voting responsibilities, including the Mutual Fund votes, Operations will refer the matter to the Compliance Committee who will review and resolve any such conflict in the best interests of all affected clients. The Compliance Committee will either instruct Operations to vote the affected proxies in accordance with the Compliance Committee’s specific instructions or provided that the client is not an ERISA client, either request the client to vote their own proxies or abstain from any voting. In all cases the Compliance Committee will disclose the conflict to all affected clients and notify them of the specific action taken.
•The CCO is responsible for ensuring that an accurate summary of PIA’s proxy voting procedures is included in PIA’s client disclosure document and on its website at all times.
•PIA will maintain adequate records to document the voting process for all clients.
•PIA will collect and vote Fund proxies and maintain the records of the vote, in accordance with Form N-PX filing requirement.
PIA’s Disclosure Brochure contains detailed information regarding proxy voting practices and how its clients may obtain information on how their securities were voted.
P R O S P E C T U S
March 31, 2023
PIA Short-Term Securities Fund
Advisor Class (PIASX)
(the “Fund”)
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these securities or determined if this Prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUMMARY SECTION
PIA Short-Term Securities Fund (the “Fund”)
Investment Objective
The Fund’s investment objective is to seek a high level of current income, consistent with low volatility of principal through investing in short-term investment grade debt securities.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and example below.
| | | | | | | | |
SHAREHOLDER FEES (fees paid directly from your investment) | None | |
| | |
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) | |
Management Fees | 0.20 | % | |
Other Expenses | 0.23 | % | |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 0.43 | % | |
Less: Fee Waiver(1) | -0.04 | % | |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver | 0.39 | % | |
(1)Pacific Income Advisers, Inc. (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its management fees and pay expenses of the Fund to the extent necessary to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses for the Fund (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses (“AFFE”), interest, taxes, extraordinary expenses, Rule 12b-1 fees, shareholder servicing fees and any other class-specific expenses) to 0.39% of the Fund’s average daily net assets (the “Expense Cap”). The Expense Cap will remain in effect through at least March 29, 2024, and may be terminated only by Board of Trustees (the “Board” or the “Trustees”). The Adviser may request recoupment of previously waived fees and paid expenses from the Fund for 36 months from the date they were waived or paid, subject to the Expense Cap at the time such amounts were waived or at the time of recoupment, whichever is lower. AFFE are the indirect costs of investing in other investment companies, such as a money market funds.
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 Expense Cap only in the first year). You may be required to pay brokerage commissions on your purchases and sales of Advisor Class shares of the Fund, which are not reflected in this table. 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 |
$40 | $134 | $237 | $538 |
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 25% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies of the Fund
The Fund is a diversified investment company that normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in short-term securities having a duration of less than three years. Under normal market conditions, the Fund purchases securities rated BBB- and/or Baa3 or better by a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization (“NRSRO”).
The Fund primarily invests in securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government and its agencies (including U.S. Treasury Notes), investment grade mortgage-backed securities (including commercial mortgage-backed securities and residential mortgage-backed securities), and investment grade debt securities (including corporate debt securities, asset-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations). The Fund may also invest in Rule 144A securities.
The Fund may invest up to 10% of its net assets in other investment companies (mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”)), including in any mutual fund advised by the Adviser (a “PIA Fund”), provided that investment in an investment company that predominantly invests in high yield (‘junk bond”) securities will count towards the Fund’s limitation of no more than 5% of the Fund’s net assets invested in high yield securities. To the extent that the Fund invests in a PIA Fund, the Adviser will waive any management fee charged by the PIA Fund.
Duration is a measure of a debt security’s price sensitivity. Higher duration indicates bonds that are more sensitive to interest rate changes. Bonds with shorter duration have lower risk associated with interest rates. Duration takes into account a debt security’s cash flows over time including the possibility that a debt security might be prepaid by the issuer or redeemed by the holder prior to its stated maturity date. In contrast, maturity measures only the time until final payment is due. The weighted average duration of the Fund portfolio will generally range from six months on the short end to three years on the long end.
In selecting investments for the Fund, the Adviser primarily will consider credit quality, duration and yield.
Principal Investment Risks
By itself, the Fund is not a complete, balanced investment plan. The Fund cannot guarantee that it will achieve its investment objectives. Losing all or a portion of your investment is a risk of investing in the Fund. The following risks are considered principal and could affect the value of your investment in the Fund:
•General Market Risk. Economies and financial markets throughout the world are becoming increasingly interconnected, which increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one country or region will adversely impact markets or issuers in other countries or regions. Securities in the Fund’s portfolio may underperform in comparison to securities in general financial markets, a particular financial market or other asset classes due to a number of factors, including: inflation (or expectations for inflation); interest rates; global demand for particular products or resources; natural disasters or events; pandemic diseases; terrorism; regulatory events; and government controls. U.S. and international markets have experienced significant periods of volatility in recent years and months due to a number of economic, political and global macro factors including the impact of COVID-19 as a global pandemic, which has resulted in a public health crisis, disruptions to business operations and supply chains, stress on the global healthcare system, growth concerns in the U.S. and overseas, staffing shortages and the inability to meet consumer demand, and widespread concern and uncertainty. The global recovery from COVID-19 is proceeding at slower than expected rates due to the emergence of variant strains and may last for an extended period of time. Continuing uncertainties regarding interest rates, rising inflation, political events, rising government debt in the U.S. and trade tensions also contribute to market volatility. As a result of continuing political tensions and armed
conflicts, including the war between Ukraine and Russia, the U.S. and the European Union imposed sanctions on certain Russian individuals and companies, including certain financial institutions, and have limited certain exports and imports to and from Russia. The war has contributed to recent market volatility and may continue to do so.
•U.S. Government Securities Risk. Some U.S. government securities, such as Treasury bills, notes, and bonds and mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), are supported by the full faith and credit of the United States; others are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; others are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase the agency’s obligations; still others are supported only by the credit of the issuing agency, instrumentality, or enterprise. Although U.S. government-sponsored enterprises may be chartered or sponsored by Congress, they are not funded by Congressional appropriations, and their securities are not issued by the U.S. Treasury, their obligations are not supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, and so investments in their securities or obligations issued by them involve greater risk than investments in other types of U.S. government securities. In addition, certain governmental entities have been subject to regulatory scrutiny regarding their accounting policies and practices and other concerns that may result in legislation, changes in regulatory oversight and/or other consequences that could adversely affect the credit quality, availability or investment character of securities issued or guaranteed by these entities.
•Management Risk. The Fund is an actively managed portfolio. The Adviser’s management practices and investment strategies might not work to produce the desired results.
•Counterparty Risk. Fund transactions involving a counterparty are subject to the risk that the counterparty or a third party will not fulfill its obligation to the Fund. Counterparty risk may arise because of the counterparty’s financial condition (i.e., financial difficulties, bankruptcy, or insolvency), market activities and developments, or other reasons, whether foreseen or not. A counterparty’s inability to fulfill its obligation may result in significant financial loss to the Fund.
•Interest Rate Risk. The value of the Fund’s investments in fixed-income securities will change based on changes in interest rates. If interest rates increase, the value of these investments generally declines. Securities with greater interest rate sensitivity and longer maturities generally are subject to greater fluctuations in value.
•Credit Risk. The issuers of the bonds and other debt securities held by the Fund may not be able to make interest or principal payments.
•Prepayment Risk. Issuers of securities held by the Fund may be able to prepay principal due on these securities, particularly during periods of declining interest rates. Securities subject to prepayment risk generally offer less potential for gains when interest rates decline, and may offer a greater potential for loss when interest rates rise. When debt obligations are prepaid or when securities are called, the Fund may have to reinvest in securities with a lower yield. Prepayment risk is a major risk of mortgage-backed securities.
•Extension Risk. An issuer may pay principal on an obligation held by the Fund (such as an asset-backed or mortgage-backed security) later than expected. This may happen during a period of rising interest rates. Under these circumstances, the value of the obligation will decrease.
•Risks Associated with Asset-Backed Securities. These include General Market Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Credit Risk, Prepayment Risk and Extension Risk (each described above). During periods of difficult or frozen credit markets, significant changes in interest rates, or deteriorating economic conditions, such securities may decline in value, face valuation difficulties, become more volatile and/or become illiquid.
•Risks Associated with Mortgage-Backed Securities. These include General Market Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Credit Risk, Prepayment Risk and Extension Risk (each described above) as well as the
risk that the structure of certain mortgage-backed securities may make their reaction to interest rates and other factors difficult to predict, making their prices very volatile.
•Liquidity Risk. Reduced liquidity in the bond markets can result from a number of events, such as limited trading activity, reductions in bond inventory, and rapid or unexpected changes in interest rates. Less liquid markets could lead to greater price volatility and limit the Fund’s ability to sell a holding at a suitable price.
•Rule 144A Securities Risk. The market for Rule 144A securities typically is less active than the market for publicly-traded securities. Rule 144A securities carry the risk that the liquidity of these securities may become impaired, making it more difficult for the Fund to sell these securities.
•Adjustable Rate and Floating Rate Securities Risks. Although the fluctuations in value of adjustable and floating rate instruments should be minimized as a result of changes in market interest rates compared to fixed-rate debt instruments, because such floating rates only reset periodically, changes in prevailing interest rates can still be expected to cause some fluctuation in the value of the Fund.
•Risks Associated with Inflation and Deflation. Inflation risk is the risk that increasing prices throughout the economy may erode the purchasing power of an investment over time. Deflation risk is the risk that prices throughout the economy decline over time – the opposite of inflation.
•ETF and Mutual Fund Risk. When the Fund invests in an ETF or mutual fund, it will bear additional expenses based on its pro rata share of the ETF’s or mutual fund’s operating expenses, including the potential duplication of management fees. The risk of owning an ETF or mutual fund generally reflects the risks of owning the underlying securities that the ETF or mutual fund holds. The Fund also will incur brokerage costs when it purchases ETFs.
•High Yield Securities Risk. Securities with ratings lower than BBB- or Baa3 are known as “high yield” securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”). High yield securities typically carry higher coupon rates than investment grade securities, but also are considered as speculative and may be subject to greater market price fluctuations, less liquidity and greater risk of loss of income or principal including greater possibility of default and bankruptcy of the issuer of such instruments than more highly rated bonds and loans.
Performance
The following performance information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart shows the annual returns for the Fund from year to year. The table shows how the Fund’s average annual returns for the 1-year, 5-year and 10-year periods compare with those of a broad measure of market performance. 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 www.pacificincome.com/mutual-funds or by calling the Fund toll-free at 1-800-251-1970.
Calendar Year Total Returns as of December 31
During the period shown on the bar chart, the Fund’s highest total return for a quarter was 1.36% (quarter ended June 30, 2020) and the lowest total return for a quarter was -1.40% (quarter ended March 31, 2022).
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Average Annual Total Returns (for the periods ended December 31, 2022) | 1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years |
PIA Short-Term Securities Fund | | | |
Return Before Taxes | -1.04% | 1.02% | 0.84% |
Return After Taxes on Distributions | -1.58% | 0.44% | 0.36% |
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | -0.60% | 0.54% | 0.43% |
ICE BofA 1-Year U.S. Treasury Note Index (1) (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | -1.02% | 1.09% | 0.74% |
(1) In previous years, the Fund utilized the same benchmark “without transactions costs.” Going forward, the Fund will compare its returns to the index “with transactions costs.” Index returns include transactions costs, which may be higher or lower than the actual transaction costs incurred by the Fund.
The after-tax returns were 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 an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns are not relevant to investors who hold shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts (“IRAs”). The Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares is higher than other return figures when a capital loss occurs upon redemption and provides an assumed tax deduction that benefits the investor.
Management
Investment Adviser: Pacific Income Advisers, Inc. is the investment adviser of the Fund.
Portfolio Managers: The following individuals serve as the Fund’s portfolio managers:
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio Managers | Years of Service with the Fund | Primary Title with the Adviser |
Lloyd McAdams, CFA, CEBS | 15 | President |
Hsin Tong | 5 | Vice President, Portfolio Manager |
Rory Hargaden | 5 | Vice President, Credit Research/Portfolio Manager |
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
You may purchase or redeem Fund shares on any business day by written request via mail (PIA Short-Term Securities Fund, c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, P.O. Box 701, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701), by telephone at 1-800-251-1970, or through a financial intermediary. You may also purchase or redeem Fund shares by wire transfer. Investors who wish to purchase, exchange or redeem Fund shares through a financial intermediary should contact the financial intermediary directly. The minimum initial and subsequent investment amounts are shown below.
| | | | | | | | |
Type of Account | To Open Your Account | To Add to Your Account |
Regular | $1,000 | $50 |
Retirement Accounts | $100 | $50 |
Automatic Investment Plan | $50 | $50 |
Tax Information
Fund distributions are taxable, and will be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you invest through a tax-deferred arrangement such as an IRA or 401(k) plan. Distributions on investments made through tax-deferred arrangements may be taxed later upon withdrawal of assets from those accounts.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, the Fund and/or the Adviser may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RELATED RISKS
The Fund will normally invest at least 80% of its net assets in short-term securities having a duration of less than three years. This non-fundamental policy may only be changed upon 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders.
The Fund considers a bond to be any debt instrument other than a money market debt instrument. Please remember that an investment objective is not a guarantee and there is no assurance that the Fund’s investment objectives can be achieved. An investment in the Fund might not earn income and investors could lose money.
How We Invest Our Assets – First We Target Portfolio Duration
In assembling the Fund’s portfolio, the Adviser first determines a target duration for the Fund. Duration is a measure of a debt security’s price sensitivity. Duration takes into account a debt security’s cash flows over time including the possibility that a debt security might be prepaid by the issuer or redeemed by the holder prior to its stated maturity date. In contrast, maturity measures only the time until final payment is due. The following are examples of the relationship between a bond’s maturity and its duration. A 5% coupon bond having a ten-year maturity will have a duration of approximately 7.8 years. Similarly, a 5% coupon bond having a three-year maturity will have a duration of approximately 2.8 years. The weighted average duration of the Fund’s portfolio will generally range from six months to three years. The actual duration for the Fund will depend on the Adviser’s outlook on the shape of the yield curve of fixed income securities.
How We Invest our Assets – Next We Allocate Among Asset Classes
The Fund primarily invests in securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government and its agencies (including U.S. Treasury Notes), investment grade mortgage-backed securities (including commercial mortgage-backed securities and residential mortgage-backed securities), and investment grade debt securities, such as corporate debt securities, asset-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations. The Fund may also invest in Rule 144A securities. The Adviser will allocate the Fund’s assets between these broad asset classes depending on the relative investment attractiveness of these classes. Among the U.S. government securities that the Fund may purchase are “mortgage-backed securities” of the Government National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) and the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”). Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae are both instrumentalities of the U.S. government, but their obligations are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States.
How We Invest Our Assets – Finally We Select Individual Securities
After having determined the target duration and allocation among asset classes for the Fund, the Adviser looks for the most attractive yields in the various asset classes. Within each of the broad asset classes, there are numerous sectors. For a number of reasons, securities of one sector may have higher or lower yields, on a risk-adjusted basis, than securities of another sector. The Adviser will attempt to take advantage of the yield differentials among sectors.
The Adviser may sell a security as part of its overall investment decision to reposition assets into a more attractive security or to implement a change in maturity and quality to the overall portfolio.
Other Investment Companies
The Fund may invest up to 10% of its net assets in other investment companies (mutual funds and ETFs), including in any PIA Fund, provided that investment in an investment company that predominantly invests in high yield securities will count towards the Fund’s limitation of no more than 5% of the Fund’s net assets invested in high yield securities. To the extent that the Fund invests in a PIA Fund, the Adviser will waive any management fee charged by the PIA Fund.
Temporary Defensive Investment Strategies
For temporary defensive purposes, in response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Adviser may invest up to 100% of the Fund’s total assets in high-quality, short-term debt securities and money market instruments. These short-term debt securities and money market instruments include shares of other mutual funds, commercial paper, certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances, U.S. government securities and repurchase agreements. Taking a temporary defensive position may result in the Fund not achieving its investment objectives. Furthermore, to the extent that the Fund invests in money market mutual funds for its cash position, there will be some duplication of expenses because the Fund would bear its pro rata portion of such money market funds’ management fees and operational expenses.
Portfolio Turnover
The Adviser actively trades the Fund’s portfolio. It does so to take advantage of the inefficiencies of the markets for debt securities. The Fund’s annual portfolio turnover rate may exceed 100%. (Generally speaking, a turnover rate of 100% occurs when the Fund replaces securities valued at 100% of its average portfolio value within a one-year period.) Higher portfolio turnover (100% or more) will result in the Fund incurring more transaction costs such as mark-ups or mark-downs. Payment of these transaction costs reduces total return. Higher portfolio turnover could result in the payment by the Fund’s shareholders of increased taxes on realized gains. Distributions to the Fund’s shareholders, to the extent they are short-term capital gains, will be taxed at ordinary income tax rates for Federal income tax purposes, rather than at lower capital gains tax rates.
Risks
There are a number of risks associated with the various securities in which the Fund will at times invest. These include:
•General Market Risk. Economies and financial markets throughout the world are becoming increasingly interconnected, which increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one country or region will adversely impact markets or issuers in other countries or regions. Securities in the Fund’s portfolio may underperform in comparison to securities in general financial markets, a particular financial market or other asset classes due to a number of factors, including: inflation (or expectations for inflation); interest rates; global demand for particular products or resources; natural disasters or events; pandemic diseases; terrorism; regulatory events; and government controls. U.S. and international markets have experienced significant periods of volatility in recent years and months due to a number of economic, political and global macro factors including the impact of COVID-19 as a global pandemic, which has resulted in a public health crisis, disruptions to business operations and supply chains, stress on the global healthcare system, growth concerns in the U.S. and overseas, staffing shortages and the inability to meet consumer demand, and widespread concern and uncertainty. The global recovery from COVID-19 is proceeding at slower than expected rates due to the emergence of variant strains and may last for an extended period of time. Continuing uncertainties regarding interest rates, rising inflation, political events, rising government debt in the U.S. and trade
tensions also contribute to market volatility. As a result of continuing political tensions and armed conflicts, including the war between Ukraine and Russia, the U.S. and the European Union imposed sanctions on certain Russian individuals and companies, including certain financial institutions, and have limited certain exports and imports to and from Russia. The war has contributed to recent market volatility and may continue to do so.
•Management Risk. The Fund is an actively managed portfolio. The Adviser’s management practices and investment strategies might not work to produce the desired results.
•U.S. Government Securities Risk. Some U.S. government securities, such as Treasury bills, notes, and bonds and mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), are supported by the full faith and credit of the United States; others are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; others are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase the agency’s obligations; still others are supported only by the credit of the issuing agency, instrumentality, or enterprise. Although U.S. government-sponsored enterprises may be chartered or sponsored by Congress, they are not funded by Congressional appropriations, and their securities are not issued by the U.S. Treasury, their obligations are not supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, and so investments in their securities or obligations issued by them involve greater risk than investments in other types of U.S. government securities. In addition, certain governmental entities have been subject to regulatory scrutiny regarding their accounting policies and practices and other concerns that may result in legislation, changes in regulatory oversight and/or other consequences that could adversely affect the credit quality, availability or investment character of securities issued or guaranteed by these entities.
Events surrounding the United States federal government debt ceiling and future downgrades of the credit ratings on the United States by ratings agencies could increase volatility in both stock and bond markets, result in higher interest rates and lower Treasury prices and increase the costs of all kinds of debt. These events and similar events in other areas of the world could have significant adverse effects on the economy generally and could result in significant adverse impacts on issuers of securities held by the Fund and the Fund itself. The Adviser cannot predict the effects of these or similar events in the future on the United States economy and securities markets or on the Fund’s portfolio. The Adviser may not timely anticipate or manage existing, new or additional risks, contingencies or developments.
In recent periods, the values of U.S. government securities have been affected substantially by increased demand for them around the world. Changes in the demand for U.S. government securities may occur at any time and may result in increased volatility in the values of those securities.
•Counterparty Risk. Fund transactions involving a counterparty are subject to the risk that the counterparty or a third party will not fulfill its obligation to the Fund. Counterparty risk may arise because of the counterparty’s financial condition (i.e., financial difficulties, bankruptcy, or insolvency), market activities and developments, or other reasons, whether foreseen or not. A counterparty’s inability to fulfill its obligation may result in significant financial loss to the Fund. The Fund may be unable to recover its investment from the counterparty or may obtain a limited recovery, and/or recovery may be delayed. The Fund may be exposed to counterparty risk through its investments in debt securities and derivatives, including various types of swaps, futures, and options. The Fund intends to enter into financial transactions with counterparties that the Adviser believes to be creditworthy at the time of the transaction. There is always the risk that the Adviser’s analysis of a counterparty’s creditworthiness is incorrect or may change due to market conditions. To the extent that the Fund focuses its transactions with a limited number of counterparties, it will have greater exposure to the risks associated with one or more counterparties.
•Interest Rate Risk. The value of the Fund’s investments in fixed-income securities will change based on changes in interest rates. If interest rates increase, the value of these investments generally declines. Fixed-income instruments with longer durations tend to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates, making them more volatile than fixed-income instruments with shorter durations or floating or adjustable interest rates. Many factors can cause interest rates to rise, such as central bank monetary policies, inflation rates, general economic conditions and expectations about the foregoing. Over the past several years, the Federal Reserve has maintained the level of interest rates at or near historic lows. However, more recently, interest rates have begun to increase as a result of action that has been taken by the Federal Reserve, which has raised, and may continue to raise, interest rates. If interest rates rise, the Fund’s yield may not increase proportionately, and the maturities of fixed income securities that have the ability to be prepaid or called by the issuer may be extended. Changing interest rates may have unpredictable effects on the markets and the Fund’s investments. A general rise in interest rates may cause investors to move out of fixed income securities on a large scale, which could adversely affect the price and liquidity of fixed income securities. The Fund may be exposed to heightened interest rate risk as interest rates rise from historically low levels. Fluctuations in interest rates may also affect the liquidity of fixed income securities and instruments held by the Fund.
•Credit Risk. The issuers of the bonds and other debt securities held by the Fund may not be able to make interest or principal payments. Even if these issuers are able to make interest or principal payments, they may suffer adverse changes in financial condition that would lower the credit quality of the security, leading to greater volatility in the price of the security.
•Prepayment Risk. Issuers of securities held by the Fund may be able to prepay principal due on securities, particularly during periods of declining interest rates. Securities subject to prepayment risk generally offer less potential for gains when interest rates decline, and may offer a greater potential for loss when interest rates rise. Rising interest rates may cause prepayments to occur at a slower than expected rate thereby increasing the duration of the security and making the security more sensitive to interest rate changes. When debt obligations are prepaid or when securities are called, the Fund may have to reinvest in securities with a lower yield. Prepayment risk is a major risk of mortgage-backed securities.
•Extension Risk. An issuer may pay principal on an obligation held by the Fund (such as an asset-backed or mortgage-backed security) later than expected. This may happen during a period of rising interest rates. Under these circumstances, the value of the obligation will decrease.
•Risks Associated with Asset-Backed Securities. These include Market and Regulatory Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Credit Risk, Prepayment Risk and Extension Risk (each described above). Asset-backed securities represent interests in “pools” of assets, including consumer loans or receivables held in trust. Rising interest rates tend to extend the duration of these securities, making them more sensitive to changes in interest rates. As a result, in a period of rising interest rates, these securities may exhibit additional volatility. These securities also are subject to risk of default on the underlying assets, particularly during a period of economic downturn.
•Risks Associated with Mortgage-Backed Securities. These include Market and Regulatory Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Credit Risk, Prepayment Risk and Extension Risk (each described above) as well as the risk that the structure of certain mortgage-backed securities may make their reaction to interest rates and other factors difficult to predict, making their prices very volatile.
•Rule 144A Securities Risk. The market for Rule 144A securities typically is less active than the market for public securities. Rule 144A securities carry the risk that the trading market may not continue and a Fund might be unable to dispose of these securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty satisfying redemption requirements.
•Liquidity Risk. Certain fixed income securities or derivative instruments held by the Fund may be difficult (or impossible) to sell at the time and at the price the Adviser would like. As a result, the Fund may have to hold these securities or instruments longer than it would like and may forego other investment opportunities. There is the possibility that the Fund may lose money or be prevented from realizing capital gains if it cannot sell a security or instrument at a particular time and price.
•Adjustable Rate and Floating Rate Securities Risks. Although adjustable and floating rate debt securities tend to be less volatile than fixed-rate debt securities, they nevertheless fluctuate in value. A sudden and extreme increase in prevailing interest rates may cause adjustable and fixed-rate debt securities to decline in value because:
◦There may be a time lag between the increases in market rates and an increase in the interest paid on the adjustable or floating rate security;
◦There may be limitations on the permitted increases in the interest paid on the adjustable or floating rate security so that the interest paid does not keep pace with increases in market interest rates; or
◦The duration of adjustable rate securities which are mortgage-backed securities may increase because of slowing of prepayments causing investors to consider these securities to be longer term securities.
•Risks Associated with Inflation and Deflation. Inflation risk is the risk that increasing prices throughout the economy may erode the purchasing power of an investment over time. As inflation increases, the value of the Fund’s portfolio could decline. Deflation risk is the risk that prices throughout the economy decline over time — the opposite of inflation. Deflation may have an adverse affect on the creditworthiness of issuers and may make issuer defaults more likely, which may result in a decline in the value of the Fund’s portfolio.
•ETF and Mutual Fund Risk. ETFs are typically open-end investment companies that are bought and sold on a national securities exchange. When the Fund invests in an ETF, it will bear additional expenses based on its pro rata share of the ETF’s operating expenses, including the potential duplication of management fees. The risk of owning an ETF generally reflects the risks of owning the underlying securities it holds. Many ETFs seek to replicate a specific benchmark index. However, such ETF may not fully replicate the performance of its benchmark index for many reasons, including because of the temporary unavailability of certain index securities in the secondary market or discrepancies between the ETF and the index with respect to the weighting of securities or the number of stocks held. Lack of liquidity in an ETF could result in an ETF being more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities it holds. The Fund also will incur brokerage costs when it purchases ETFs. In addition, because of ETF expenses, compared to owning the underlying securities directly, it may be more costly to own an ETF.
If the Fund invests in shares of another mutual fund, shareholders will indirectly bear fees and expenses charged by the underlying mutual funds in which the Fund invests in addition to the Fund’s direct fees and expenses. Furthermore, investments in other mutual funds could affect the timing, amount and character of distributions to shareholders and therefore may increase the amount of taxes payable by investors in the Fund.
•High Yield Securities Risk. High yield securities (or “junk bonds”) provide greater income and opportunity for gains than higher-rated securities but entail greater risk of loss of principal. High yield securities typically carry higher coupon rates than investment grade bonds, but also are described as speculative and may be subject to greater market price fluctuations, less liquidity and greater risk of income or principal including greater possibility of default and bankruptcy of the issuer of such instruments than more highly rated bonds. Lower-rated bonds also are more likely to be
sensitive to adverse economic or company developments and more subject to price fluctuations in response to changes in interest rates. The market for high yield securities is generally thinner and less active than the market for higher quality securities. This may limit the ability of the Fund to sell high yield securities at the prices at which they are being valued for purposes of calculating net asset value per share.
PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION
A complete description of the Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings is available in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) and on the Fund’s website at www.pacificincome.com/mutual-funds.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
Investment Adviser
Pacific Income Advisers, Inc., located at 2321 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 1260, El Segundo, California 90245, is the investment adviser to the Fund. The Adviser has been in business since 1987. As the investment adviser to the Fund, the Adviser manages the investment portfolio for the Fund, making the decisions as to which securities to buy and which securities to sell. The Fund is contractually obligated to pay the Adviser an annual investment management fee equal to 0.20% of average daily net assets.
For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022, the Adviser received net management fees (after management fee waivers) as a percentage of average daily net assets of 0.16% from the Fund.
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the Fund’s investment advisory agreement is included in the Fund’s most recent semi-annual report to shareholders.
Portfolio Managers
The following individuals are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio.
Rory Hargaden, CFA, Vice President, Credit Research Analyst/Portfolio Manager
Mr. Hargaden is a portfolio manager of the Fund. Mr. Hargaden is a portfolio manager and credit research analyst, where he specializes in the financial institution and utility sectors, asset-backed and commercial mortgage-backed securities and municipal bonds. Mr. Hargaden’s prior experience at PIA includes managing fixed income trading. Prior to joining PIA in 1989, Mr. Hargaden served in the Audit and Tax Services divisions of Ernst & Whinney and KPMG Peat Marwick. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and an M.B.A. from the University of Southern California.
Lloyd McAdams, CFA, CEBS, President
Mr. McAdams is President and portfolio manager at PIA, having previously served as Chief Investment Officer. Prior to joining PIA in 1986, Mr. McAdams held the position of President of Security Pacific Investment Managers, Inc., Senior Vice President of Trust Company of the West, and an Investment Officer with the State of Tennessee. Mr. McAdams has served as a Board member of the California Public Employees Retirement System (“CALPERS”) in the past. Mr. McAdam had also been the founder, Chairman and CEO of Anworth Mortgage Asset Corp., a NYSE listed company (“ANH”) that managed a portfolio of mortgage securities for its mostly institutional shareholders. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst Charter Holder, and a Certified Employee Benefit Specialist. Mr. McAdams holds a B.S. in Statistics from Stanford University and an M.B.A. from the University of Tennessee.
Hsin Tong, CFA, Vice President, Portfolio Manager
Ms. Tong is a portfolio manager of the Fund. Ms. Tong is a portfolio manager and analyst of the Adviser focusing on institutional separately managed accounts. Ms. Tong has been an employee of the Adviser since 2005. She earned a MS degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the University of Southern California. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical and Electronics Engineering from Shantou University in China, where she was a four-year member of the Dean’s List.
The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers’ compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers’ ownership of shares in the Fund.
Fund Expenses
The Fund is responsible for its own operating expenses. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its management fee and pay Fund expenses (excluding AFFE, interest, taxes, extraordinary expenses, Rule 12b-1 fees, shareholder servicing fees, and any other class-specific expenses) in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses to 0.39% of average daily net assets for the Fund through at least March 29, 2024. The term of the Fund’s operating expense limitation agreement is indefinite, and it can only be terminated by the Board. The Adviser may request recoupment of previously waived fees and paid expenses in any subsequent month in the 36-month period from the date of the management fee reduction and expense payment if the aggregate amount actually paid by the Fund toward the operating expenses for such fiscal year (taking into account the reimbursement) will not cause the Fund to exceed the lesser of: (1) the expense limitation in place at the time of the management fee reduction and expense payment; or (2) the expense limitation in place at the time of the reimbursement. Any such recoupment is contingent upon the subsequent review and approval of the recouped amounts by the Board.
FUND’S SHARE PRICE
Shares of the Fund are sold based on the NAV per share and before imposition of a commission, if any, on Advisor Class shares. The Fund normally calculate its NAV per share as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) (generally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open for trading. Shares of the Fund will not be priced and are not available for purchase when the NYSE and/or Federal Reserve are closed, including the following days: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday/Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The Fund calculates its NAV based on the market prices or official closing price of the securities (other than money market instruments) that it holds. Corporate bonds, including listed issues, are valued at market on the basis of valuations furnished by an independent pricing service which utilizes both dealer-supplied valuations and formula-based techniques. The pricing service may consider recently executed transactions in securities of the issuer or comparable issuers, market price quotations (where observable), bond spreads, and fundamental data relating to the issuer. Mortgage- and asset-backed securities are normally valued by pricing service providers that use broker-dealer quotations or valuation estimates from their internal pricing models. U.S. government securities are normally valued using a model that incorporates market observable data such as reported sales of similar securities, broker quotes, yields, bids, offers, and reference data. Certain securities are valued principally using dealer quotations. Investment is open-end mutual funds valued at their net asset value per share.
NAV per share is determined by dividing the Fund’s NAV by its shares outstanding. Securities for which current market values are not readily available are valued at fair value, as determined under procedures adopted by the Adviser and approved by the Board. These fair value procedures will also be used to price a security when corporate events, events in the securities market and/or world events cause the Adviser to believe that a security’s last sale price may not reflect its actual market value. The intended effect of
using fair value pricing procedures is to ensure that the Fund is accurately priced. The Board has designated the Adviser as its “valuation designee” under Rule 2a-5 of the 1940 Act, subject to its oversight.
Trading in Foreign Securities
In the case of foreign securities, the occurrence of certain events after the close of foreign markets, but prior to the time a Fund’s NAV per share is calculated (such as a significant surge or decline in the U.S. or other markets) often will result in an adjustment to the trading prices of foreign securities when foreign markets open on the following business day. If such events occur, the Fund will value foreign securities at fair value, taking into account such events, in calculating the NAV per share. In such cases, use of fair valuation can reduce an investor’s ability to seek to profit by estimating the Fund’s NAV per share in advance of the time the NAV per share is calculated. The Adviser anticipates that the Fund’s portfolio holdings will be fair valued when market quotations for those holdings are considered unreliable.
Once received in good order, the Fund will process purchase and redemption orders at the NAV per share next determined. Good order means that your purchase request includes (1) the name of the Fund, (2) the dollar amount of shares to be purchased, (3) your account application, and (4) a check payable to the Fund.
PURCHASING SHARES
How to Purchase Shares from the Fund
Read this Prospectus carefully. Determine how much you want to invest, keeping in mind the following minimums:
| | | | | |
New accounts |
IRAs and qualified retirement plans | $100 | |
Automatic Investment Plan | $50 | |
All other accounts | $1,000 | |
| |
Existing accounts |
Dividend reinvestment | No Minimum |
All accounts | $50 | |
The Fund’s minimum investment requirements may be waived from time to time by the Adviser, and for the following types of shareholders:
•current and retired employees, directors/trustees and officers of the Trust, the Adviser and its affiliates and certain family members of each of them (i.e., spouse, domestic partner, child, parent, sibling, grandchild and grandparent, in each case including in-law, step and adoptive relationships);
•any trust, pension, profit sharing or other benefit plan for current and retired employees, directors/trustees and officers of the Adviser and its affiliates;
•current employees of the Transfer Agent, broker-dealers who act as selling agents for the Fund, intermediaries that have marketing agreements in place with the Adviser and the immediate family members of any of them;
•existing clients of the Adviser, their employees and immediate family members of such employees;
•registered investment advisers who buy through a broker-dealer or service agent who has entered into an agreement with the Fund’s distributor; and
•qualified broker-dealers who have entered into an agreement with the Fund’s distributor.
Complete the account application carefully following the instructions. For additional investments, please use the stub from an account statement or prepare a brief letter stating the registration of your account, the name of the Fund and your account number. If you have any questions, please call 1-800-251-1970.
More About Advisor Class Shares
Advisor Class shares of the Fund may be purchased as described in this Prospectus. If you purchase Advisor Class shares through a specific financial intermediary, certain financial intermediaries may charge brokerage commissions on your purchases and sales of Advisor Class shares. An investor transacting in Advisor Class shares in specific financial intermediary programs may be required to pay a commission and/or other forms of compensation to the broker.
The Fund does not subject purchases of Advisor Class shares to a front-end sales charge.
Investing directly by mail or by overnight delivery. If you do not have a broker or your broker is not familiar with the Fund, you may invest directly by mail. You may obtain an account application by contacting the call center at 1-800-251-1970. Simply mail the account application with a check (made payable to the Fund) to the Fund’s transfer agent, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (the “Transfer Agent”), at the address below.
All purchase checks must be in U.S. dollars drawn on a domestic financial institution. The Fund will not accept payment in cash or money orders. To prevent check fraud, the Fund will not accept third party checks, Treasury checks, credit card checks, traveler’s checks or starter checks for the purchase of shares. We are unable to accept post-dated checks or any conditional order or payment.
If your check is returned for any reason, a $25 fee will be assessed against your account. You will also be responsible for any losses suffered by the Fund as a result.
In addition to cash purchases, Fund shares may be purchased by tendering payment in-kind in the form of bonds or other securities. Any securities used to buy Fund shares must be readily marketable, their acquisition consistent with the Fund’s objective and otherwise acceptable to the Adviser and the Board.
In compliance with the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, please note that 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 must provide your full name, date of birth, social security number and permanent street address. If you are opening the account in the name of a legal entity (e.g., partnership, limited liability company, business trust, corporation, etc.), you must also supply the identity of the beneficial owners. Mailing addresses containing only a P.O. Box will not be accepted. Please contact the Transfer Agent at 1-800-251-1970, 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 application will be rejected or the investor will not be allowed to perform a transaction on the account until such information is received. In the rare event that the Transfer Agent is unable to verify your identity, the Fund reserves the right to redeem your account at the current day’s net asset value. Accounts may only be opened by persons with a valid social security number or tax identification number and permanent U.S. street address.
Shares of the Fund have not been registered for sale outside of the United States. The Adviser 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.
If you wish to invest by mail, simply complete the account application and mail it with a check (made payable to “PIA Short-Term Securities Fund”) to:
| | | | | |
Regular Mail | Overnight Delivery |
PIA Short-Term Securities Fund | PIA Short-Term Securities Fund |
c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services | c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services |
P.O. Box 701 | 615 East Michigan Street, Third Floor |
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202 |
Note: The Fund does not consider the U.S. Postal Service or other independent delivery services to be its agents. Therefore, deposit in the mail or with such services, or receipt at U.S. Bank Global Fund Services’s post office box, of purchase orders or redemption requests does not constitute receipt by the
Transfer Agent of the Fund. Receipt of purchase orders or redemption requests is based on when the order is received at the Transfer Agent’s office.
Investing by wire. If you are making your first investment in the Fund, the Transfer Agent must have a completed account application before you can send in your wire purchase. You can mail or deliver overnight your account application to the Transfer Agent at the above address. Upon receipt of your completed account application, the Transfer Agent will establish an account for you. Once your account is established, you may instruct your bank to send the wire payment. Your bank must include both the name of the Fund you are purchasing and your name and account number so that monies can be correctly applied. Your bank should transmit immediately available funds by wire to:
U.S. Bank N.A.
777 East Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
ABA #075000022
Credit: U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
A/C #112-952-137
FFC: PIA Funds [PIA Short-Term Securities Fund]
Shareholder Registration
Shareholder Account Number
If you are making a subsequent purchase, your bank should wire funds as indicated above. Before the wire purchase, please contact the Transfer Agent at 1-800-251-1970 to advise it of your intent to wire funds. This will ensure prompt and accurate credit upon receipt of your investment. It is essential that your bank include complete information about your account in all wire transactions. If you have questions about how to invest by wire, please call the Transfer Agent. Your bank may charge you a fee for sending a wire to the Fund.
Wired funds must be received prior to 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, to be eligible for same day pricing. Neither the Fund nor U.S. Bank N.A. is responsible for the consequences of delays resulting from the banking or Federal Reserve wire system or from incomplete wiring instructions.
Telephone Purchase
Investors may purchase additional shares of the Fund by calling 1-800-251-1970. If you have accepted telephone options on your account application, and your account has been open for at least seven business days, telephone orders will be accepted via electronic funds transfer from your bank account through the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) network. You must have submitted a voided check to have banking information established on your account prior to making a purchase. The telephone purchase must be in the amount of $50 or more. There is a maximum purchase amount of $50,000 for the Fund per day through the ACH network. Your shares will be purchased at the NAV per share calculated on the day your order is placed, provided that your order is received prior to 4:00 p.m., Eastern time. For security reasons, requests by telephone may be recorded. Once a telephone transaction has been placed, it cannot be cancelled or modified after the close of regular trading on the NYSE (generally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern time).
Subsequent Investments
You may purchase additional shares of the Fund through your investment broker or dealer. You can also send a check, with the stub from an account statement, to the Fund at the address noted above under “How to Purchase Shares from the Fund.” Please also write your account number on the check. If you do not have a stub from an account statement, you can write your name, address and account number on a
separate piece of paper and enclose it with your check. If you want to send additional money for investment by wire, it is important for you to call the Fund at 1-800-251-1970.
Purchasing Shares from Broker-Dealers, Financial Institutions and Others
Some broker-dealers may sell shares of the Fund. These broker-dealers may charge investors a fee either at the time of purchase or redemption. The fee, if charged, is retained by the broker-dealer and not remitted to the Fund or the Adviser.
The Fund may enter into agreements with broker-dealers, financial institutions or other service providers (“Servicing Agents”) that may include the Fund as an investment alternative in the programs they offer or administer. Servicing agents may:
1.Become shareholders of record of the Fund. This means all requests to purchase additional shares and all redemption requests must be sent through the Servicing Agent. This also means that purchases made through Servicing Agents are not subject to the Fund’s minimum purchase requirement;
2.Use procedures and impose restrictions that may be in addition to, or different from, those applicable to investors purchasing shares directly from the Fund;
3.Charge fees to their customers for the services they provide them. Also, the Fund and/or the Adviser may pay fees to Servicing Agents to compensate them for the services they provide their customers; and/or
4.Be authorized to accept purchase and redemption orders on behalf of the Fund (and designate other Servicing Agents to accept purchase and redemption orders on the Fund’s behalf). This means that the Fund will process the order at the NAV per share which is determined following the Servicing Agent’s (or its designee’s) acceptance of the customer’s order. A Fund will be deemed to have received an order when a Servicing Agent or, if applicable, a Servicing Agent’s authorized designee, receives the order.
If you decide to purchase shares through Servicing Agents, please carefully review the program materials provided to you by the Servicing Agent. When you purchase shares through a Servicing Agent, it is the responsibility of the Servicing Agent to place your order with the Fund on a timely basis. If the Servicing Agent does not pay the purchase price to the Fund within the period specified in its agreement with the Fund, it may be held liable for any resulting fees or losses.
Householding
In an effort to decrease costs, the Fund intends to reduce the number of duplicate prospectuses, supplements, and certain other shareholder documents, you receive by sending only one copy of each to those addresses shared by two or more accounts and to shareholders the Transfer Agent reasonably believes are from the same family or household. Once implemented, if you would like to discontinue householding for your accounts, please call toll-free at 1-800-251-1970 to request individual copies of documents; if your shares are held through a financial intermediary, please contact them directly. Once the Transfer Agent receives notice to stop householding, the Transfer Agent will begin sending individual copies thirty days after receiving your request. This policy does not apply to account statements.
Automatic Investment Plan
The Fund offers an automatic investment plan (“AIP”) allowing shareholders to make purchases on a regular and convenient basis.
•Automatic purchases of Fund shares can be made for as little as $50 per purchase.
•You may elect to have your automatic purchase made on any day of the month or quarter. If these dates fall on a weekend or legal holiday, purchases will be made on the following business day.
•The Fund does not currently charge a fee for an AIP, however, the Fund may charge a $25 fee if the automatic investment cannot be made for any reason.
•If you redeem an account with an AIP to a zero balance, the AIP will be discontinued.
•In order to participate in the AIP your bank must be a member of the ACH network.
•Any change or termination of the AIP should be provided to the Transfer Agent at least five calendar days prior to the next automatic investment date.
Other Information about Purchasing Shares of the Fund
Please note that your account application will be returned if any information is missing. The Fund may reject any account application for any reason. Shares of the Fund are generally available in all states. The Fund will send investors a written confirmation for all purchases of shares. The Fund offers the following retirement plans:
| | | | | |
•Traditional IRA | •SEP IRA |
•Roth IRA | •SIMPLE IRA |
Investors can obtain further information about the IRAs by calling the Fund at 1-800-251-1970. The Fund recommends that investors consult with a financial and tax adviser regarding the IRAs before investing in the Fund.
REDEEMING SHARES
How to Redeem (Sell) Shares
You or your Servicing Agent have the right to redeem all or any portion of your shares of the Fund at its NAV per share on each day the NYSE is open for trading. As discussed below, you may receive proceeds of your sale in a check, ACH, or federal wire transfer. The Fund typically expects that they will take one to three days following the receipt of your redemption request in good order, to pay out
redemption proceeds. However, while not expected, payment of redemption proceeds may take up to seven days if sending proceeds earlier could adversely affect the Fund.
If you purchased shares by check or electronic funds transfer through the ACH network before selling recently purchased shares, please note that if the Transfer Agent has not yet collected payment for the shares you are selling, it may delay sending the proceeds until the payment is collected, which may take up to 15 calendar days from the purchase date. This delay will not apply if you purchased your shares via wire payment.
The Fund typically expects that the Fund will hold cash or cash equivalents to meet redemption requests. The Fund may also use the proceeds from the sale of portfolio securities to meet redemption requests if consistent with the management of the Fund. These redemption methods will be used regularly and may also be used in unusual market conditions.
The Fund reserves the right to redeem in-kind as described under “Redemption ‘In-Kind” below. Redemptions in-kind are typically used to meet redemption requests that represent a large percentage of the Fund’s net assets in order to minimize the effect of large redemptions on the Fund and its remaining shareholders. Redemptions in-kind are typically only used in unusual market conditions. The Fund has in place a line of credit that may be used to meet redemption requests during unusual market conditions.
Redemptions through Servicing Agents
If you own your shares through a Servicing Agent, you will have to contact your Servicing Agent to redeem your shares. The NAV per share for a redemption is that next calculated after receipt of the order from the Servicing Agent. The Servicing Agent is responsible for forwarding any documents required in connection with a redemption, including a signature guarantee, and the Fund may cancel the order if these documents are not received promptly. Your Servicing Agent may charge you a fee for handling your redemption transaction.
Redemptions for Direct Accounts
If you own your shares directly in your name through the Transfer Agent, you may redeem your shares by simply sending a written request to the Fund. You should give your account number and state whether you want all or part of your shares redeemed.
The letter should be signed exactly as the shares are registered by all of the shareholders whose names appear on the account registration and sent to:
| | | | | |
Regular Mail | Overnight Delivery |
PIA Short-Term Securities Fund | PIA Short-Term Securities Fund |
c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services | c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services |
P.O. Box 701 | 615 East Michigan Street, Third Floor |
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202 |
Signature Guarantees – Financial Transactions
A signature guarantee of each owner, from either a Medallion program member or non-Medallion program member, is required to redeem shares in the following situations:
•When ownership is being changed on your account;
•When redemption proceeds are payable or sent to any person, address or bank account not on record;
•When a redemption request is received by the Transfer Agent and the account address has changed within the last 15 calendar days;
•For all redemptions in excess of $50,000 from any shareholder account.
Non-financial transactions, including establishing or modifying certain services on an account, may require a signature guarantee, signature verification from a Signature Validation Program member, or other acceptable form of authentication from a financial institution source.
In addition to the situations described above, the Fund and/or the Transfer Agent may require a signature guarantee or signature validation program stamp in other instances based on the facts and circumstances.
Signature guarantees will generally be accepted from domestic banks, brokers, dealers, credit unions, national securities exchanges, registered securities associations, clearing agencies and savings associations, as well as from participants in the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program and the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program. A notary public is not an acceptable signature guarantor.
Send the letter of instruction to:
PIA Short-Term Securities Fund
c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701
How to Redeem (Sell) Shares by Telephone
Redemptions by telephone. If you have accepted Telephone Options on the account application and your Fund shares are held directly in your name, you may redeem shares up to $50,000 directly on any business day the NYSE is open by calling the Transfer Agent at 1-800-251-1970 before the close of trading on the NYSE. This is normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern time. Redemption proceeds will be mailed or wired, at your direction, on the next business day to the bank account you designated. Redemption proceeds may also be sent to your designated bank account via electronic funds transfer through the ACH network. To utilize the ACH network, you must have bank information on your account. There is no charge for this service. Proceeds are normally credited within three business days. The minimum amount that may be wired is $1,000. Wire charges will be deducted from redemption proceeds for complete redemptions. In the case of a partial redemption, the $15 fee will be deducted from the remaining account balance.
By using telephone redemption privileges, you authorize the Fund and the Transfer Agent to act upon the instruction of any person who makes the telephone call to redeem shares from your account and transfer the proceeds to the bank account designated in the account application. If an account has more than one owner or authorized person, the Fund will accept telephone instructions from any one owner or authorized person. The Fund and the Transfer Agent will use procedures to confirm that redemption instructions received by telephone are genuine, including recording of telephone instructions and requiring a form of personal identification before acting on these instructions. If these normal identification procedures are followed, neither the Fund nor the Transfer Agent will be liable for any loss, liability, or cost that results from acting upon instructions of a person believed to be a shareholder with respect to the telephone redemption privilege. The Fund may change, modify, or terminate these privileges at any time upon at least 60 days’ notice to shareholders.
Telephone trades must be received by or 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.
You may request telephone redemption privileges after your account is opened; however, the authorization form may require a separate signature guarantee, signature validation or other acceptable form of signature authentication from a financial institution. Once a telephone transaction has been placed, it cannot be canceled or modified after the close of regular trading on the NYSE (generally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern time).
Systematic Withdrawal Plan
As another convenience, you may redeem your Fund shares through the Systematic Withdrawal Plan (“SWP”). If you elect this method of redemption, the Fund will send you a check in a minimum amount of $100. You may choose to receive a check on any day of the month you designate on the account application. If the day you designate falls on a weekend or legal holiday, the distribution will take place on the following business day. You may alternatively choose to receive a check each calendar quarter or annually. The Fund can also send payment via electronic funds transfer through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network, directly to your bank account. For payment through the ACH network, your bank must be an ACH member and your bank account information must be maintained on your Fund account. Your Fund account must have a value of at least $10,000 in order to participate in the SWP. The SWP may be terminated at any time by the Fund. You may also elect to change or terminate your participation in the SWP at any time by contacting the Transfer Agent at least five days prior to the effective date of the next withdrawal by calling 1-800-251-1970 or writing to:
PIA Short-Term Securities Fund
c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701
A withdrawal under the SWP involves a redemption of shares and may result in a gain or loss for federal income tax purposes. In addition, if the amount withdrawn exceeds the dividends credited to your account, the account ultimately may be depleted.
Other Redemption Considerations
When redeeming shares of the Fund, shareholders should consider the following:
1.The redemption may result in a taxable gain;
2.Shareholders who redeem shares held in an IRA must indicate on their redemption request whether or not to withhold federal income taxes. If not, these redemptions will be subject to federal income tax withholding; and
3.If your account balance falls below $500 because you redeem shares, you may be given 60 days to make additional investments so that your account balance is $500 or more. If you do not, the Fund may close your account and mail the redemption proceeds to you.
Redemption “In-Kind”
The Fund may pay redemption requests “in-kind.” It is not expected that the Fund would do so except during unusual market conditions. This means that the Fund will pay redemption requests entirely or partially with securities rather than with cash. Specifically, if the amount you are redeeming is in excess
of the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of a 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. Distributions, whether in cash or in-kind, are generally subject to federal and state income taxes.
Lost Shareholders, Inactive Accounts and Unclaimed Property. It is important that the Fund maintains a correct address for each shareholder. An incorrect address may cause a shareholder’s account statements and other mailings to be returned to the Fund. Based upon statutory requirements for returned mail, the Fund will attempt to locate the shareholder or rightful owner of the account. If the Fund is unable to locate the shareholder, then it will determine whether the shareholder’s account can legally be considered abandoned. Your mutual fund account may be transferred to the state government of your state of residence if no activity occurs within your account during the “inactivity period” specified in your state’s abandoned property laws. The Fund is legally obligated to escheat (or transfer) abandoned property to the appropriate state’s unclaimed property administrator in accordance with statutory requirements. The shareholder’s last known address of record determines which state has jurisdiction. Please proactively contact the Transfer Agent toll-free at 1-800-251-1970 at least annually to ensure your account remains in active status.
If you are a resident of the state of Texas, you may designate a representative to receive notifications that, due to inactivity, your mutual fund account assets may be delivered to the Texas Comptroller. Please contact the Transfer Agent if you wish to complete a Texas Designation of Representative form.
Tools to Combat Frequent Transactions
The Board has adopted policies and procedures with respect to frequent purchases and redemptions of the Fund’s 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 may decide to restrict purchase and sale activity in their shares based on various factors, including whether frequent purchase and sale activity will disrupt portfolio management strategies and adversely affect the Fund’s performance or whether the shareholder has conducted four round trip transactions within a 12-month period. The Fund takes steps to reduce the frequency and effect of these activities. These steps include monitoring trading practices 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 is consistent with shareholder interests.
Monitoring Trading Practices
The Fund monitors selected trades in an effort to detect excessive short-term trading activities. 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 interests 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 it does not have simultaneous access to the underlying shareholder account information.
In compliance with Rule 22c-2 of the 1940 Act, 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 market timing policies.
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 Adviser 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 Adviser does not represent the security’s fair value), or when, in the judgment of the Adviser, events have rendered the market value unreliable. Valuing securities at fair value involves reliance on judgment. Fair value determinations are made in good faith in accordance with procedures adopted by the Adviser. There can be no assurance 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 not frequently traded and/or the market price of which the Adviser 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 not a current market value quotation.
Service Fees – Other Payments to Third Parties
In addition to paying fees under the Fund’s Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan, the Fund may pay service fees to intermediaries such as banks, broker-dealers, financial advisers or other financial institutions, 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 Fund has policies and procedures in place for the monitoring of payments to broker-dealers and other financial intermediaries for distribution-related activities and the following non-distribution activities: sub-transfer agent, administrative, and other shareholder servicing services.
The Adviser, out if 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 Adviser may also pay cash compensation in the form of finder’s fees that vary depending on the Fund and the dollar amount of the shares sold.
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
The Fund distributes substantially all of its net investment income monthly and substantially all of its capital gains annually. The Fund may make an additional payment of dividends or distributions if it deems it desirable at other times during any year. You have the following distribution options:
•Automatic Reinvestment Option – Both dividend and capital gains distributions will be reinvested in additional Fund shares.
•All Cash Option – Both dividend and capital gains distributions will be paid in cash.
•Select Reinvestment or Cash Option for either dividend and/or capital gains distributions.
You may make this election on the account application. You may change your election by writing to the Transfer Agent or by calling 1-800-251-1970 five days prior to the record date. Your distributions will be taxed in the same manner whether you reinvest them in additional Fund shares or receive your dividends and capital gain distributions in cash.
If you elect to receive dividends and capital gains paid in cash, and the U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver the check, or if a check remains outstanding for six months, the Fund reserves the right to reinvest the distribution check in your account, at the Fund’s current NAV per share, and to reinvest all subsequent distributions.
TAX CONSEQUENCES
The Fund has elected to be treated and intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). As a regulated investment company, the Fund will not be subject to federal income tax if it distributes its income as required by the tax law and satisfies certain other requirements that are described in the SAI.
The Fund generally intends to operate in a manner such that it will not be liable for Federal income or excise taxes.
Generally, you will be taxed on the Fund’s distributions regardless of whether you reinvest them or receive them in cash. Dividends are taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, depending on the source of such income to the Fund and the holding period of the Fund for its securities. The rate you pay on capital gain distributions will depend on how long the Fund held the securities that generated the gains, not on how long you owned your Fund shares. An additional federal tax of 3.8% applies to net investment income (which generally will include dividends and capital gains from an investment in a Fund) to non-corporate shareholders with adjusted gross incomes in excess of $200,000 for single filers and $250,000 for married joint filers. Although distributions generally are taxable when received, certain distributions declared in October, November or December to shareholders of record on a specified date in such a month but paid in the following January are taxable as if received the prior December.
Sale of your Fund shares is a taxable event for you. You will recognize gain or loss on such transactions equal to the difference, if any, between the amount of your net sales proceeds and your tax basis in the Fund shares. You are responsible for any tax liabilities generated by your transaction and your investment in the Fund. The Code limits the deductibility of capital losses in certain circumstances.
The Fund’s distributions, whether received in cash or reinvested in additional shares of the Fund, may be subject to federal, state and local income tax. If you purchase Fund shares shortly before a distribution, such distribution will be taxable to you even though the Fund may have earned such income prior to your purchase and, economically, the distribution may be considered a return of capital to you. In managing the Fund, the Adviser considers the tax effects of its investment decisions to be of secondary importance. Shareholders should note that the Fund may make taxable distributions of income and capital gains even when share values have declined. Additional information concerning taxation of the Fund and its shareholders is contained in the SAI. Investors should consult their own tax advisers regarding the consequences to them of an investment in the Fund.
By law, the Fund must withhold as backup withholding from your taxable distributions and redemption proceeds an amount as backup withholding determined at a rate as set forth in Section 3406 of the Code, 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 Internal Revenue Service instructs the Fund to do so.
INDEX DESCRIPTIONS
Please note that you cannot invest directly in an index.
ICE BofA 1-Year U.S. Treasury Note Index is an unmanaged index, which is comprised of a single U.S. Treasury issue with approximately one year to final maturity purchased at the beginning of each month and held for one full month. At the end of the month, that issue is sold and rolled into a newly selected issue.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Fund’s financial performance for the past five years. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. 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). The 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 statement, is included in the annual report, which is available upon request.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Year Ended November 30, |
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
Per Share Operating Performance | | | | | |
(For a fund share outstanding throughout each year) | | | | | |
| | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of year | $10.05 | | $10.12 | | $10.07 | | $9.97 | | $10.00 | |
| | | | | |
Income From Investment Operations: | | | | | |
Net investment income | 0.12 | | 0.06 | | 0.13 | | 0.20 | | 0.15 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments | (0.27) | | (0.05) | | 0.06 | | 0.10 | | (0.03) | |
Total from investment operations | (0.15) | | 0.01 | | 0.19 | | 0.30 | | 0.12 | |
| | | | | |
Less Distributions: | | | | | |
Distributions from net investment income | (0.12) | | (0.08) | | (0.14) | | (0.20) | | (0.15) | |
Total distributions | (0.12) | | (0.08) | | (0.14) | | (0.20) | | (0.15) | |
| | | | | |
Net asset value, end of year | $9.78 | | $10.05 | | $10.12 | | $10.07 | | $9.97 | |
| | | | | |
Total Return | -1.49 | % | 0.11 | % | 1.95 | % | 3.04 | % | 1.23 | % |
| | | | | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data: | | | | | |
Net assets, end of year (in 000’s) | $130,493 | $141,947 | $200,329 | $163,481 | $165,329 |
Ratio of expenses to average net assets: | | | | | |
Net of fee waivers | 0.39 | % | 0.39 | % | 0.39 | % | 0.39 | % | 0.39 | % |
Before fee waivers | 0.43 | % | 0.43 | % | 0.42 | % | 0.45 | % | 0.42 | % |
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets: | | | | | |
Net of fee waivers | 1.20 | % | 0.66 | % | 1.23 | % | 2.00 | % | 1.53 | % |
Before fee waivers | 1.16 | % | 0.62 | % | 1.20 | % | 1.94 | % | 1.50 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate | 25 | % | 44 | % | 58 | % | 48 | % | 28 | % |
Investment Adviser
Pacific Income Advisers, Inc.
2321 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 1260
El Segundo, California 90245
Distributor
Quasar Distributors, LLC
111 East Kilbourn Avenue, Suite 2200
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
Custodian
U.S. Bank National Association
Custody Operations
1555 North RiverCenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212
Transfer Agent
U.S. Bank Global Fund Services
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Tait, Weller & Baker LLP
Two Liberty Place
50 South 16th Street, Suite 2900
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102
Legal Counsel
Sullivan & Worcester LLP
1633 Broadway, 32nd Floor
New York, New York 10019
PRIVACY NOTICE
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.
PIA Short-Term Securities Fund
FOR MORE INFORMATION
To learn more about the Fund you may want to read the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) which contains additional information about the Fund. The Fund has incorporated by reference the SAI into the Prospectus. This means that you should consider the contents of the SAI to be part of the Prospectus.
Additional information about the Fund’s investments is available, without charge, upon request, in the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders (collectively, the “Shareholder Reports”). In the Fund’s annual report you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the performance of the Fund during its last fiscal year. The SAI and the Shareholder Reports are all available to shareholders and prospective investors without charge on the Fund’s website at www.pacificincome.com/mutual-funds.
Prospective investors and shareholders who have questions about the Fund may also call the following number or write to the following address:
PIA Short-Term Securities Fund
c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services
615 East Michigan Street, Third Floor
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
1-800-251-1970
Reports and other information about the Fund is also available on the EDGAR Database at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov and copies of this information may be obtained, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following E-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov.
(Investment Company Act file number is 811-07959.)
PIA Short-Term Securities Fund
Advisor Class (PIASX)
PROSPECTUS
March 31, 2023
Statement of Additional Information
Dated March 31, 2023
PIA Short-Term Securities Fund
Advisor Class Shares (PIASX)
(the “Fund”)
The Fund is a Series of
ADVISORS SERIES TRUST
This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) is not a prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus dated March 31, 2023 (the “Prospectus”) of Advisors Series Trust (the “Trust”) relating to the Fund. Pacific Income Advisers, Inc. (the “Adviser”) is the investment adviser to the Fund. A copy of the Prospectus may be obtained by writing to the Fund, c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, by calling toll-free at 1-800-251-1970, or on the Fund’s website at www.pacificincome.com/mutual-funds.
The financial statements, accompanying notes and report of independent registered public accounting firm of the Fund that are included in the annual report to shareholders for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022, have been incorporated by reference into this SAI. The annual report can be obtained in the same way as the Prospectus. This SAI has been incorporated by reference into the Fund’s Prospectus.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representations other than those contained in this SAI and the Prospectus dated March 31, 2023, and, if given or made, such information or representations may not be relied upon as having been authorized by the Trust or the Fund.
This SAI does not constitute an offer to sell securities.
FUND HISTORY AND CLASSIFICATION
The Trust is an open‑end management investment company organized as a Delaware statutory trust under the laws of the State of Delaware on October 3, 1996. 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 U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) does not involve supervision of the management or policies of the Fund. The Prospectus and this SAI omit certain of the information contained in the Registration Statement filed with the SEC. Copies of such information may be obtained from the SEC upon payment of the prescribed fee.
The predecessor PIA Short-Term Government Securities Fund (the “Predecessor Fund”) commenced operations on April 22, 1994 as a separate series of PIA Mutual Fund, an open-end management investment company. PIA Mutual Fund was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on January 6, 1984. On December 23, 2004, the Predecessor Fund reorganized into the Fund, a newly formed series of the Trust. Before the reorganization the Fund had no assets or liabilities. On March 30, 2007, the PIA Short-Term Government Securities Fund changed its name to PIA Short-Term Securities Fund.
Diversification
The Fund is a diversified mutual fund. Under applicable federal securities laws, the diversification of a mutual fund’s holdings is measured at the time the mutual fund purchases a security. This means that, as to 75% of the Fund’s total assets (1) no more than 5% may be invested in the securities of a single issuer, and (2) the Fund may not hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of a single issuer. 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. In that case, the Fund would be 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 fund under applicable federal securities 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 standards or percentage limitation 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, any subsequent change 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 the Fund 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.
Market and Regulatory Risk
Events in the financial markets and economy may cause volatility and uncertainty and affect performance. Such adverse effect on performance could include a decline in the value and liquidity of securities held by the Fund, unusually high and unanticipated levels of redemptions, an increase in portfolio turnover, a decrease in net asset value (“NAV”), and an increase in Fund expenses. It may also be unusually difficult to identify both investment risks and opportunities, in which case investment objectives may not be met. Market events may affect a single issuer, industry, sector, or the market as a whole. Traditionally liquid investments may experience periods of diminished liquidity. During a general downturn in the financial markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value and the Fund may lose value, regardless of the individual results of the securities and other instruments in which the Fund invests. It is impossible to predict whether or for how long such market events will continue, particularly if they are unprecedented, unforeseen or widespread events or conditions, pandemics, epidemics and other similar circumstances in one or more countries or regions. Therefore, it is important to understand that the value of your investment may fall, sometimes sharply and for extended periods, and you could lose money.
Governmental and regulatory actions, including tax law changes, may also impair portfolio management and have unexpected or adverse consequences on particular markets, strategies, or investments. Policy and legislative changes in the United States and in other countries are affecting many aspects of financial regulation, and may in some instances contribute to decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the financial markets. The impact of these changes on the markets, and the practical implications for market participants, may not be fully known for some time. In addition, economies and financial markets throughout the world are becoming increasingly interconnected. As a result, whether or not the Fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to countries experiencing economic and financial difficulties, the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments may be negatively affected.
The discussion below supplements information contained in the Fund’s Prospectus as to investment policies of the Fund.
Illiquid and Restricted Securities
Pursuant to Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act, the Fund may not acquire any “illiquid investment” if, immediately after the acquisition, the Fund would have invested more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments that are assets. An “illiquid investment” is any investment that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. The Fund has implemented a liquidity risk management program and related procedures to identify illiquid investments pursuant to Rule 22e-4. The 15% limits are applied as of the date the Fund purchases an illiquid investment. It is possible that the Fund’s holding of illiquid investment could exceed the 15% limit, for example as a result of market developments or redemptions.
The Fund may purchase certain restricted securities that can be resold to institutional investors and which may be determined not to be illiquid investments pursuant to the Fund’s liquidity risk management program. In many cases, those securities are traded in the institutional market pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”) and are called Rule 144A securities.
Investments in illiquid investments involve more risks than investments in similar securities that are readily marketable. Illiquid investments may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments. Investment of the Fund’s assets in illiquid investments may restrict the ability of the Fund to dispose of its investments in a timely fashion and for a fair price as well as its ability to take advantage of market opportunities. The risks associated with illiquidity will be particularly acute where the Fund’s operations require cash, such as when the Fund has net redemptions, and could result in the Fund
borrowing to meet short-term cash requirements or incurring losses on the sale of illiquid investments. Restricted securities sold in private placement transactions between issuers and their purchasers are neither listed on an exchange nor traded in other established markets and may be illiquid. In many cases, the privately placed securities may not be freely transferable under the laws of the applicable jurisdiction or due to contractual restrictions on resale. To the extent privately placed securities may be resold in privately negotiated transactions, the prices realized from the sales could be less than those originally paid by the Fund or less than the fair value of the securities. A restricted security may be determined to be liquid under the Fund’s liquidity risk management program established pursuant to Rule 22e-4 depending on market, trading, or investment-specific considerations related to the restricted security. In addition, issuers whose securities are not publicly traded may not be subject to the disclosure and other investor protection requirements that may be applicable if their securities were publicly traded. If any privately placed securities held by the Fund are required to be registered under the securities laws of one or more jurisdictions before being resold, the Fund may be required to bear the expenses of registration.
Private placement investments may involve investments in smaller, less seasoned issuers, which may involve greater risks than investments in more established companies. These issuers may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources, or they may be dependent on a limited management group. In making investments in private placement securities, the Fund may obtain access to material non-public information about an issuer of private placement securities, which may restrict the Fund’s ability to conduct transactions in those securities.
Leverage
From time to time the Fund may increase its ownership of securities by borrowing on a secured or unsecured basis at fixed and floating rates of interest and investing the borrowed funds. It is not anticipated that the Fund will use its borrowing power to an extent greater than 25% of the value of its assets. Borrowings will be made only from banks and only to the extent that the value of the assets of the Fund, less its liabilities other than borrowings, is equal to at least 300% of all borrowings, after giving effect to the proposed borrowing. If the value of the assets of the Fund so computed should fail to meet the 300% asset coverage requirement, the Fund is required within three days to reduce its bank debt to the extent necessary to meet such 300% coverage. Since substantially all of the assets of the Fund fluctuate in value, but borrowing obligations may be fixed, the NAV per share of the Fund will correspondingly tend to increase and decrease in value more than otherwise would be the case.
Lending Portfolio Securities
The Fund may, (although does not currently) to increase its income, lend its securities on a short- or long-term basis to brokers, dealers and financial institutions if (i) the loan is collateralized in accordance with applicable regulatory guidelines (the “Guidelines”) and (ii) after any loan, the value of the securities loaned does not exceed 25% of the value of their total assets. Under the present Guidelines (which are subject to change) the loan collateral must be, on each business day, at least equal to the value of the loaned securities and must consist of cash, bank letters of credit or U.S. government securities. To be acceptable as collateral, a letter of credit must obligate a bank to pay amounts demanded by the Fund if the demand meets the terms of the letter of credit. Such terms and the issuing bank would have to be satisfactory to the Fund. Any loan might be secured by any one or more of the three types of collateral. The Fund currently expects to invest the collateral received in government money market funds, agency securities, or the highest quality commercial paper.
The Fund receives an amount equal to the interest or other distributions on loaned securities and also receives one or more of the negotiated loan fees, interest on securities used as collateral or interest on the securities purchased with such collateral, either of which type of interest may be shared with the
borrower. The Fund may also pay reasonable finder’s, custodian and administrative fees but only to persons not affiliated with the Trust. The Fund will not have the right to vote securities on loan, but the terms of the loan will permit the Fund to terminate the loan and thus reacquire the loaned securities on three days’ notice.
The primary risk in securities lending is a default by the borrower during a sharp rise in price of the borrowed security resulting in a deficiency in the collateral posted by the borrower. The Fund will seek to minimize this risk by requiring that the value of the securities loaned be computed each day and additional collateral be furnished each day if required. In addition, the Fund is exposed to the risk of delay in recovery of the loaned securities or possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower become insolvent. As well, all investments made with the collateral received are subject to the risks associated with such investments. If such investments lose value, the Fund will have to cover the loss when repaying the collateral.
Hedging Instruments
The Fund may engage in hedging. Hedging may be used in an attempt to (i) protect against declines or possible declines in the market values of securities held in the Fund’s portfolio (“short hedging”) or (ii) establish a position in the securities markets as a substitute for the purchase of individual securities (“long hedging”). The Fund so authorized may engage in short hedging in an attempt to protect the Fund’s value against anticipated downward trends in the securities markets or engage in long hedging as a substitute for the purchase of securities, which may then be purchased in an orderly fashion. It is expected that when the Fund is engaging in long hedging, it would, in the normal course, purchase securities and terminate the hedging position, but under unusual market conditions such a hedging position may be terminated without the corresponding purchase of securities. The various hedging instruments which the Fund may use are discussed below.
Options on Securities
An option is a legal contract that gives the buyer (who then becomes the holder) the right to buy, in the case of a call, or sell, in the case of a put, a specified amount of the underlying security at the option price at any time before the option expires. The buyer of a call obtains, in exchange for a premium that is paid to the seller, or “writer,” of the call, the right to purchase the underlying security. The buyer of a put obtains the right to sell the underlying security to the writer of the put, likewise in exchange for a premium. Options have standardized terms, including the exercise price and expiration time; listed options are traded on national securities exchanges that provide a secondary market in which holders or writers can close out their positions by offsetting sales and purchases. The premium paid to a writer is not a down payment; it is a nonrefundable payment from a buyer to a seller for the rights conveyed by the option. A premium has two components: the intrinsic value and the time value. The intrinsic value represents the difference between the current price of the securities and the exercise price at which the securities will be sold pursuant to the terms of the option. The time value is the sum of money investors are willing to pay for the option in the hope that, at some time before expiration, it will increase in value because of a change in the price of the underlying security.
One risk of any put or call that is held is that the put or call is a wasting asset. If it is not sold or exercised prior to its expiration, it becomes worthless. The time value component of the premium decreases as the option approaches expiration, and the holder may lose all or a large part of the premium paid. In addition, there can be no guarantee that a liquid secondary market will exist on a given exchange, in order for an option position to be closed out. Furthermore, if trading is halted in an underlying security, the trading of options is usually halted as well. In the event that an option cannot be traded, the only alternative to the holder is to exercise the option.
Call Options on Securities. When the Fund writes a call, it receives a premium and agrees to sell the related investments to the purchaser of the call during the call period (usually not more than nine months) at a fixed exercise price (which may differ from the market price of the related investments) regardless of market price changes during the call period. If the call is exercised, the Fund forgoes any gain from an increase in the market price over the exercise price.
To terminate its obligation on a call which it has written, the Fund which wrote the call may purchase a call in a “closing purchase transaction.” A profit or loss will be realized depending on the amount of option transaction costs and whether the premium previously received is more or less than the price of the call purchased. A profit may also be realized if the call lapses unexercised, because the Fund which wrote the call retains the premium received. All call options written by the Fund must be “covered.” For a call to be “covered” (i) the Fund must own the underlying security or have an absolute and immediate right to acquire that security without payment of additional cash consideration; (ii) the Fund must maintain cash or liquid securities adequate to purchase the security; or (iii) any combination of (i) or (ii).
When the Fund buys a call, it pays a premium and has the right to buy the related investments from the seller of the call during the call period at a fixed exercise price. The Fund which bought the call benefits only if the market price of the related investment is above the call price plus the premium paid during the call period and the call is either exercised or sold at a profit. If the call is not exercised or sold (whether or not at a profit), it will become worthless at its expiration date and the Fund will lose its premium payment and the right to purchase the related investment.
Put Options on Securities. When the Fund buys a put, it pays a premium and has the right to sell the related investment to the seller of the put during the put period (usually not more than nine months) at a fixed exercise price. Buying a protective put permits the Fund to protect itself during the put period against a decline in the value of the related investment below the exercise price by having the right to sell the investment through the exercise of the put.
When the Fund writes a put option it receives a premium and has the same obligations to a purchaser of such a put as are indicated above as its rights when it purchases such a put. A profit or loss will be realized depending on the amount of option transaction costs and whether the premium previously received is more or less than the put purchased in a closing purchase transaction. A profit may also be realized if the put lapses unexercised, because the Fund retains the premium received. All put options written by the Fund must be “covered.” For a put to be “covered,” the Fund must maintain cash or liquid securities equal to the option price.
Options on Securities Indices. The Fund may purchase and write (sell) covered call and put options on securities indices listed on U.S. securities exchanges or traded on the OTC market. A securities index option written by the Fund would obligate it, upon exercise of the options, to pay a cash settlement, rather than to deliver or purchase actual securities, to the option holder. Although the Fund will not ordinarily own all of the securities comprising the indices on which it writes call and put options, such options will usually be written on those indices which correspond most closely to the composition of the Fund’s portfolio. The Fund may purchase or sell call and put options in order to terminate its obligations under options it has written.
Futures Contracts
A futures contract is a standardized agreement between two parties to buy or sell a specific quantity of an underlying instrument at a specific price at a specific future time (the “settlement date”). Futures contracts may be based on a specified security (securities futures), a specified debt security or reference rate (interest rate futures), the value of a specified securities index (index futures) or the value of a foreign
currency (forward contracts and currency futures). The value of a futures contract tends to increase and decrease in tandem with the value of the underlying instrument. The buyer of a futures contract agrees to purchase the underlying instrument on the settlement date and is said to be “long” the contract. The seller of a futures contract agrees to sell the underlying instrument on the settlement date and is said to be “short” the contract. Futures contracts differ from options in that they are bilateral agreements, with both the purchaser and the seller equally obligated to complete the transaction. Futures contracts call for settlement only on the expiration date and cannot be “exercised” at any other time during their term.
Depending on the terms of the particular contract, futures contracts are settled through either physical delivery of the underlying instrument on the settlement date (such as in the case of securities futures and interest rate futures based on a specified debt security) or by payment of a cash settlement amount on the settlement date (such as in the case of futures contracts relating to interest rates, foreign currencies and broad-based securities indexes). In the case of cash settled futures contracts, the settlement amount is equal to the difference between the reference instrument’s price on the last trading day of the contract and the reference instrument’s price at the time the contract was entered into. Most futures contracts, particularly futures contracts requiring physical delivery, are not held until the settlement date, but instead are offset before the settlement date through the establishment of an opposite and equal futures position (buying a contract that had been sold, or selling a contract that had been purchased). All futures transactions (except currency forward contracts) are effected through a clearinghouse associated with the exchange on which the futures are traded.
The buyer and seller of a futures contract are not required to deliver or pay for the underlying commodity unless the contract is held until the settlement date. However, both the buyer and seller are required to deposit “initial margin” with a futures commodities merchant when the futures contract is entered into. Initial margin deposits are typically calculated as a percentage of the contract’s market value. If the value of either party’s position declines, the party will be required to make additional “variation margin” payments to settle the change in value on a daily basis. The process is known as “marking-to-market.” Upon the closing of a futures position through the establishment of an offsetting position, a final determination of variation margin will be made and additional cash will be paid by or released to the Fund.
In addition, the Fund may be required to maintain segregated liquid assets in order to cover futures transactions. The Fund will segregate liquid assets in an amount equal to the difference between the market value of a futures contract entered into by the Fund and the aggregate value of the initial and variation margin payments made by the Fund with respect to such contract.
Additional Risk of Futures Transactions. The risks associated with futures contract transactions are different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in the underlying instruments. Futures are highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those associated with other portfolio investments. The use of futures requires an understanding not only of the underlying instrument but also of the futures contract itself. Futures may be subject to the risk factors generally applicable to derivatives transactions described herein, and may also be subject to certain additional risk factors, including:
•The risk of loss in buying and selling futures contracts can be substantial. Small price movements in the commodity underlying a futures position may result in immediate and substantial loss (or gain) to the Fund.
•Buying and selling futures contracts may result in losses in excess of the amount invested in the position in the form of initial margin. In the event of adverse price movements in the underlying commodity, security, index, currency or instrument, the Fund would be required to make daily cash payments to maintain its required margin. The Fund may be required to sell portfolio
securities in order to meet daily margin requirements at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so. The Fund could lose margin payments deposited with a futures commodities merchant if the futures commodities merchant breaches its agreement with the Fund, becomes insolvent or declares bankruptcy.
•Most exchanges limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in futures contract prices during any single trading day. Once the daily limit has been reached in a particular futures contract, no trades may be made on that day at prices beyond that limit. If futures contract prices were to move to the daily limit for several trading days with little or no trading, the Fund could be prevented from prompt liquidation of a futures position and subject to substantial losses. The daily limit governs only price movements during a single trading day and therefore does not limit the Fund’s potential losses.
Index futures based upon a narrower index of securities may present greater risks than futures based on broad market indexes, as narrower indexes are more susceptible to rapid and extreme fluctuations as a result of changes in value of a small number of securities.
Debt Futures
The Fund may invest in futures contracts on debt securities (“Debt Futures”) or options on Debt Futures.
A futures contract is a commitment to buy or sell a specific product at a currently determined market price, for delivery at a predetermined future date. The futures contract is uniform as to quantity, quality and delivery time for a specified underlying product. The commitment is executed in a designated contract market – a futures exchange – that maintains facilities for continuous trading. The buyer and seller of the futures contract are both required to make a deposit of cash or U.S. Treasury Bills with their brokers equal to a varying specified percentage of the contract amount; the deposit is known as initial margin. Since ownership of the underlying product is not being transferred, the margin deposit is not a down payment; it is a security deposit to protect against nonperformance of the contract. No credit is being extended, and no interest expense accrues on the non‑margined value of the contract. The contract is marked to market every day, and the profits and losses resulting from the daily change are reflected in the accounts of the buyer and seller of the contract. A profit in excess of the initial deposit can be withdrawn, but a loss may require an additional payment, known as variation margin, if the loss causes the equity in the account to fall below an established maintenance level. The Fund will maintain cash or liquid securities sufficient to cover its obligations under each futures contract that it has entered into.
To liquidate a futures position before the contract expiration date, a buyer simply sells the contract, and the seller of the contract simply buys the contract, on the futures exchange. Stock Index Futures are settled at maturity, not by delivery of the stocks making up the index, but by cash settlement. However, the entire value of the contract does not change hands; only the gains and losses on the contract since the preceding day are credited and debited to the accounts of the buyers and sellers, just as on every other preceding trading day, and the positions are closed out.
One risk in employing Futures to attempt to protect against declines in the value of the securities held by the Fund is the possibility that the prices of Futures will correlate imperfectly with the behavior of the market value of the Fund’s securities. The ordinary spreads between prices in the cash and futures markets, due to differences in those markets, are subject to distortions. First, all participants in the futures market are subject to margin deposit and maintenance requirements. Rather than meeting additional margin deposit requirements, investors may close futures contracts through off‑setting transactions which could distort the normal relationship between the cash and futures markets. Second, the liquidity of the futures market depends on participants entering into offsetting transactions rather than making or taking delivery. To the extent participants decide to make or take delivery, liquidity in the futures market could
be reduced, thus producing distortion. The liquidity of the Futures being considered for purchase or sale by the Fund will be a factor in their selection by the Adviser. Third, from the point of view of speculators the deposit requirements in the futures market are less onerous than margin requirements in the securities market. Therefore, increased participation by speculators in the futures market may cause temporary price distortions.
It is possible that, where the Fund has sold Futures in a short hedge, the market may advance but the value of the securities held by the Fund may decline. If this occurred, the Fund would lose money on the Future and also experience a decline in the value of its securities. Where Futures are purchased in a long hedge, it is possible that the market may decline; if the Fund then decides not to invest in securities at that time because of concern as to possible further market decline or for other reasons, the Fund will realize a loss on the Future that is not offset by a reduction in the price of any securities purchased.
Options on Debt Futures
Options on Futures are similar to options on securities, except that the related investment is not a security, but a Future. Thus, the buyer of a call option obtains the right to purchase a Future at a specified price during the life of the option, and the buyer of a put option obtains the right to sell a Future at a specified price during the life of the option. The options are traded on an expiration cycle based on the expiration cycle of the underlying Future. The Fund may buy options on debt futures and may also write (sell) covered call and put options on debt futures.
The risks of options on Futures are similar to those of options on securities and also include the risks inherent in the underlying Futures.
Special Risks of Hedging Strategies
Participation in the options or futures markets involves investment risks and transactions costs to which the Fund would not be subject absent the use of these strategies. In particular, the loss from investing in futures contracts is potentially unlimited. If the Adviser’s prediction of movements in the securities and interest rate markets is inaccurate, the Fund could be in a worse position than if such strategies were not used. Risks inherent in the use of options, futures contracts and options on futures contracts include: (1) dependence on the Adviser’s ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of interest rates, securities prices and currency markets; (2) imperfect correlation between the price of options and futures contracts and options thereon and movements in the prices of the securities being hedged; (3) the fact that skills needed to use these strategies are different from those needed to select portfolio securities; and (4) the possible absence of a liquid secondary market for any particular instrument at any time.
Limitations on Options and Futures
Transactions in options by the Fund will be subject to limitations established by each of the exchanges governing the maximum number of options which may be written or held by a single investor or group of investors acting in concert, regardless of whether the options are written or held on the same or different exchanges or are written or held in one or more accounts or through one or more brokers. Thus, the number of options which the Fund may write or hold may be affected by options written or held by other investment advisory clients of the Adviser and its affiliates. Position limits also apply to Futures. An exchange may order the liquidations of positions found to be in excess of these limits, and it may impose certain sanctions.
Swaps
Credit Default Swaps. The Fund may enter into credit default swap agreements. The credit default swap agreement may have as a reference obligation one or more securities that are not currently held by the Fund. The buyer in a credit default swap agreement is obligated to pay the seller a periodic fee, typically expressed in basis points on the principal amount of the underlying obligation (the “notional” amount), over the term of the agreement in return for a contingent payment upon the occurrence of a credit event with respect to the underlying reference obligation. A credit event is typically a default, restructuring or bankruptcy.
The Fund may be either the buyer or seller in the transaction. As a seller, the Fund receives a fixed rate of income throughout the term of the agreement, which typically is between one month and five years, provided that no credit event occurs. If a credit event occurs, the Fund typically must pay the contingent payment to the buyer, which is typically the par value (full notional value) of the reference obligation. The contingent payment may be a cash settlement or by physical delivery of the reference obligation in return for payment of the face amount of the obligation. If the Fund is a buyer and no credit event occurs, the Fund may lose its investment and recover nothing. However, if a credit event occurs, the buyer typically receives full notional value for a reference obligation that may have little or no value.
Credit default swaps may involve greater risks than if the Fund had invested in the reference obligation directly. Credit default swaps are subject to general market risk, liquidity risk and credit risk. If the Fund is a buyer in a credit default swap agreement and no credit event occurs, then it will lose its investment. In addition, the value of the reference obligation received by the Fund as a seller if a credit event occurs, coupled with the periodic payments previously received, may be less than the full notional value it pays to the buyer, resulting in a loss of value to the Fund.
The Fund may also invest in credit default swap index products and in options on credit default swap index products. These instruments are designed to track representative segments of the credit default swap market and provide investors with exposure to specific “baskets” of issuers of bonds or loans. Such investments are subject to liquidity risks as well as other risks associated with investments in credit default swaps discussed above. The Fund reserves the right to invest in similar instruments that may become available in the future.
The Fund may also use credit default swap indices. The individual credits underlying these credit default swap indices may be rated above BBB- or below BBB-.
Regulation of Derivatives
The SEC adopted a final rule related to the use of derivatives, short sales, reverse repurchase agreements and certain other transactions by registered investment companies that rescinds and withdraws the guidance of the SEC and its staff regarding asset segregation and cover transactions. The final rule requires a Fund that trades derivatives and other transactions which create future payment or delivery obligations (except reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions) subject to a value-at-risk (“VaR”) leverage limit and certain derivatives risk management program and reporting requirements. Generally, these requirements apply unless a Fund qualifies as a “limited derivatives user,” as defined in the final rule. Under the final rule, when a Fund trades reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions, including certain tender option bonds, it needs to aggregate the amount of indebtedness associated with the reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions with the aggregate amount of any other senior securities representing indebtedness when calculating the Fund’s asset coverage ratio or treat all such transactions as derivatives transactions. Reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions aggregated with other indebtedness do not need to be included in the calculation of whether a Fund is a limited derivatives user, but for Funds subject to the
VaR testing, reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions must be included for purposes of such testing whether treated as derivatives transactions or not. These requirements may limit the ability of a Fund to use derivatives and reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions as part of its investment strategies. These requirements may increase the cost of a Fund’s investments and cost of doing business, which could adversely affect investors.
The Fund is classified as a limited derivatives user under Rule 18f-4 of the 1940 Act. As a limited derivatives user the Fund’s derivatives exposure, excluding certain currency and interest rate hedging transactions, may not exceed 10% of its net assets. This restriction is not fundamental and may be changed by the Fund without a shareholder vote.
U.S. Government Securities and Mortgage-Backed Securities
As used in this SAI, the term “U.S. government securities” means securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities.
Securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government include a variety of Treasury securities (i.e., securities issued by the U.S. government) that differ only in their interest rates, maturities and dates of issuance. Treasury Bills have maturities of one year or less. Treasury Notes have maturities of one to ten years, and Treasury Bonds generally have maturities of greater than ten years at the date of issuance. Zero coupon Treasury securities consist of Treasury Notes and Bonds that have been stripped of their unmatured interest coupons.
U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities which issue or guarantee securities include, but are not limited to, the Federal Housing Administration, Federal National Mortgage Association, Farmers Home Administration, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Small Business Administration, Government National Mortgage Association, General Services Administration, Central Bank for Cooperatives, Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, Federal Land Banks, Maritime Administration, Tennessee Valley Authority, District of Columbia Armory Board, the Inter-American Development Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the Student Loan Marketing Association and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
Except for U.S. Treasury securities, obligations of U.S. government agencies and instrumentalities may or may not be supported by the full faith and credit of the United States. Some are backed by the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury; others by discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase the agencies’ obligations; while still others, such as the Student Loan Marketing Association, are supported only by the credit of the instrumentality. In the case of securities not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, the investor must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment, and may not be able to assert a claim against the United States itself in the event the agency or instrumentality does not meet its commitment. The Fund investing in U.S. government securities will invest in securities of such instrumentality only when the Adviser is satisfied that the credit risk with respect to any instrumentality is acceptable.
Among the U.S. government securities that the Fund may purchase are “mortgage-backed securities” of the Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) and the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”). These mortgage-backed securities include “pass-through” securities and “participation certificates;” both are similar, representing pools of mortgages that are assembled, with interests sold in the pool; the assembly is made by an “issuer” which assembles the mortgages in the pool and passes through payments of principal and interest for a fee payable to it. Payments of principal and interest by individual mortgagors are “passed through” to the holders of the interest in the pool. Thus, the monthly or other regular payments on pass-through securities and participation certificates include payments of principal
(including prepayments on mortgages in the pool) rather than only interest payments. Another type of mortgage-backed security is the “collateralized mortgage obligation” or “CMO,” which is similar to a conventional bond (in that it makes fixed interest payments and has an established maturity date) and is secured by groups of individual mortgages. Timely payment of principal and interest on Ginnie Mae pass-throughs is guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the United States, but their yield is not guaranteed. Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae are both instrumentalities of the U.S. government, but their obligations are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. It is possible that the availability and the marketability (i.e., liquidity) of these securities discussed in this paragraph could be adversely affected by actions of the U.S. government to tighten the availability of its credit or to affect adversely the tax effects of owning them.
Mortgage loans are subject to a variety of state and federal regulations designed to protect mortgagors, which may impair the ability of the mortgage lender to enforce its rights under the mortgage documents. These regulations include legal restraints on foreclosures, homeowner rights of redemption after foreclosure, federal and state bankruptcy and debtor relief laws, restrictions on enforcement of mortgage loan “due on sale” clauses and state usury laws. Even though the Fund will invest in mortgage-backed securities which are U.S. government securities, these regulations may adversely affect the Fund’s investments by delaying the Fund’s receipt of payments derived from principal or interest on mortgage loans affected by such regulations.
Events Regarding Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Securities. On September 6, 2008, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (“FHFA”) placed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac into conservatorship. As the conservator, FHFA succeeded to all rights, titles, powers and privileges of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and of any stockholder, officer or director of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac with respect to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and the assets of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are continuing to operate as going concerns while in conservatorship and each remain liable for all of its obligations, including its guaranty obligations, associated with its mortgage-backed securities. The FHFA has indicated that the conservatorship of each enterprise will end when the director of FHFA determines that FHFA’s plan to restore the enterprise to a safe and solvent condition has been completed.
Under the Federal Housing Finance Regulatory Reform Act of 2008 (the “Reform Act”), which was included as part of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, FHFA, as conservator or receiver, has the power to repudiate any contract entered into by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac prior to FHFA’s appointment as conservator or receiver, as applicable, if FHFA determines, in its sole discretion, that performance of the contract is burdensome and that repudiation of the contract promotes the orderly administration of Fannie Mae’s or Freddie Mac’s affairs.
The Reform Act requires FHFA to exercise its right to repudiate any contract within a reasonable period of time after its appointment as conservator or receiver. FHFA, in its capacity as conservator, has indicated that it has no intention to repudiate the guaranty obligations of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac because FHFA views repudiation as incompatible with the goals of the conservatorship. However, in the event that FHFA, as conservator or if it is later appointed as receiver for Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, were to repudiate any such guaranty obligation, the conservatorship or receivership estate, as applicable, would be liable for actual direct compensatory damages in accordance with the provisions of the Reform Act. Any such liability could be satisfied only to the extent of Fannie Mae’s or Freddie Mac’s assets available therefor. In the event of repudiation, the payments of interest to holders of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac mortgage-backed securities would be reduced if payments on the mortgage loans represented in the mortgage loan groups related to such mortgage-backed securities are not made by the borrowers or advanced by the servicer. Any actual direct compensatory damages for repudiating these
guaranty obligations may not be sufficient to offset any shortfalls experienced by such mortgage-backed security holders. Further, in its capacity as conservator or receiver, FHFA has the right to transfer or sell any asset or liability of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac without any approval, assignment or consent. Although FHFA has stated that it has no present intention to do so, if FHFA, as conservator or receiver, were to transfer any such guaranty obligation to another party, holders of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac mortgage-backed securities would have to rely on that party for satisfaction of the guaranty obligation and would be exposed to the credit risk of that party.
In addition, certain rights provided to holders of mortgage-backed securities issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac under the operative documents related to such securities may not be enforced against FHFA, or enforcement of such rights may be delayed, during the conservatorship or any future receivership. The operative documents for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac mortgage-backed securities may provide (or with respect to securities issued prior to the date of the appointment of the conservator may have provided) that upon the occurrence of an event of default on the part of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, in its capacity as guarantor, which includes the appointment of a conservator or receiver, holders of such mortgage-backed securities have the right to replace Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac as trustee if the requisite percentage of mortgage-backed securities holders consent. The Reform Act prevents mortgage-backed security holders from enforcing such rights if the event of default arises solely because a conservator or receiver has been appointed. The Reform Act also provides that no person may exercise any right or power to terminate, accelerate or declare an event of default under certain contracts to which Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac is a party, or obtain possession of or exercise control over any property of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, or affect any contractual rights of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, without the approval of FHFA, as conservator or receiver, for a period of 45 or 90 days following the appointment of FHFA as conservator or receiver, respectively.
In addition, in a February 2011 report to Congress from the Treasury Department and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Obama administration provided a plan to reform America’s housing finance market. The plan would reduce the role of and eventually eliminate FNMA and FHLMC. Notably, the plan does not propose similar significant changes to GNMA, which guarantees payments on mortgage-related securities backed by federally insured or guaranteed loans such as those issued by the Federal Housing Association or guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The report also identified three proposals for Congress and the administration to consider for the long-term structure of the housing finance markets after the elimination of FNMA and FHLMC, including implementing: (i) a privatized system of housing finance that limits government insurance to very limited groups of creditworthy low- and moderate-income borrowers; (ii) a privatized system with a government backstop mechanism that would allow the government to insure a larger share of the housing finance market during a future housing crisis; and (iii) a privatized system where the government would offer reinsurance to holders of certain highly-rated mortgage-related securities insured by private insurers and would pay out under the reinsurance arrangements only if the private mortgage insurers were insolvent.
The conditions attached to the financial contribution made by the Treasury to FHLMC and FNMA and the issuance of senior preferred stock place significant restrictions on the activities of FHLMC and FNMA. FHLMC and FNMA must obtain the consent of the Treasury to, among other things, (i) make any payment to purchase or redeem its capital stock or pay any dividend other than in respect of the senior preferred stock, (ii) issue capital stock of any kind, (iii) terminate the conservatorship of the FHFA except in connection with a receivership, or (iv) increase its debt beyond certain specified levels. In addition, significant restrictions are placed on the maximum size of each of FHLMC’s and FNMA’s respective portfolios of mortgages and mortgage-backed securities, and the purchase agreements entered into by FHLMC and FNMA provide that the maximum size of their portfolios of these assets must decrease by a specified percentage each year. The future status and role of FHLMC and FNMA could be impacted by (among other things) the actions taken and restrictions placed on FHLMC and FNMA by the FHFA in its
role as conservator, the restrictions placed on FHLMC’s and FNMA’s operations and activities as a result of the senior preferred stock investment made by the U.S. Treasury, market responses to developments at FHLMC and FNMA, and future legislative and regulatory action that alters the operations, ownership, structure and/or mission of these institutions, each of which may, in turn, impact the value of, and cash flows on, any mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by FHLMC and FNMA, including any such mortgage-backed securities held by the Fund.
On June 3, 2019, under the FHFA’s “Single Security Initiative,” FHLMC and FNMA entered into a joint initiative to develop a common securitization platform for the issuance of a “uniform mortgage-backed security” or “UMBS,” in place of their separate offerings of “to be announced” (TBA)-eligible mortgage-backed securities. The Single Security Initiative seeks to generally align the characteristics of FHLMC and FNMA mortgage-backed securities. The effects it may have on the market for mortgage-backed securities are uncertain and the issuance of UMBS may not achieve the intended results and may have unanticipated or adverse effects on the market for mortgage-backed securities.
The Fund’s ability to invest in UMBS to the same degree that the Fund currently invests in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac mortgage-backed securities is uncertain. While Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have taken steps for a smooth transition to the issuance of UMBS, there may be factors that affect the timing of the transition to UMBS or the ability of market participants, including the Fund, to adapt to the issuance of UMBS. The Fund may need to consider the tax and accounting issues raised by investments in UMBS and/or the exchange of legacy Freddie Mac securities for UMBS. Additionally, there could be divergence in prepayment rates of UMBS issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which could lead to differences in the prices of Fannie Mae- and Freddie Mac-issued UMBS if Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac fail to align programs, policies and practices that affect prepayments.
Investment Characteristics of MBS
The investment characteristics of adjustable and fixed rate mortgage-backed securities differ from those of traditional fixed income securities. The major differences include the payment of interest and principal on mortgage-backed securities on a more frequent (usually monthly) schedule, and the possibility that principal may be prepaid at any time due to prepayments on the underlying mortgage loans or other assets. These differences can result in significantly greater price and yield volatility than is the case with traditional fixed income securities. As a result, if the Fund purchases mortgage-backed securities at a premium, a faster than expected prepayment rate will reduce both the market value and the yield to maturity from those which were anticipated. A prepayment rate that is slower than expected will have the opposite effect of increasing yield to maturity and market value. Conversely, if the Fund purchases mortgage-backed securities at a discount, faster than expected prepayments will increase, while slower than expected prepayments will reduce, yield to maturity and market value.
Prepayments
Prepayments on a pool of mortgage loans are influenced by a variety of factors, including economic conditions, changes in mortgagors’ housing needs, job transfer, unemployment, mortgagors’ net equity in the mortgage properties and servicing decisions. The timing and level of prepayments cannot be predicted. Generally, however, prepayments on adjustable rate mortgage loans and fixed rate mortgage loans will increase during a period of falling mortgage interest rates and decrease during a period of rising mortgage interest rates. Accordingly, the amounts of prepayments available for reinvestment by the Fund are likely to be greater during a period of declining mortgage interest rates. If general interest rates also decline, such prepayments are likely to be reinvested at lower interest rates than the Fund was earning on the mortgage-backed securities that were prepaid.
Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loans
Certain mortgage loans underlying the mortgage-backed securities in which the Fund may invest will be adjustable rate mortgage loans (“ARMs”). ARMs eligible for inclusion in a mortgage pool will generally provide for a fixed initial mortgage interest rate for a specified period of time. Thereafter, the interest rates (the “Mortgage Interest Rates”) may be subject to periodic adjustment based on changes in the applicable index rate (the “Index Rate”). The adjusted rate would be equal to the Index Rate plus a gross margin, which is a fixed percentage spread over the Index Rate established for each ARM at the time of its origination.
There are two main categories of indexes which provide the basis for rate adjustments on ARMs: those based on U.S. Treasury securities and those derived from a calculated measure such as a cost of funds index or a moving average of mortgage rates. Commonly utilized indexes include the one-year, three-year and five-year constant maturity Treasury rates, the three-month Treasury Bill rate, the 180-day Treasury Bill rate, rates on longer-term Treasury securities, the 11th District Federal Home Loan Bank Cost of Funds, the National Median Cost of Funds, the one-month, three-month, six-month or one year London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), the prime rate of a specific bank, or commercial paper rates. Some indexes, such as the one-year constant maturity Treasury rate, closely mirror changes in market interest rate levels. Others, such as the 11th District Federal Home Loan Bank Cost of Funds index, tend to lag behind changes in market rate levels and tend to be somewhat less volatile. The degree of volatility in the market value of the Fund’s portfolio and therefore in the NAV per share of the Fund will be a function of the length of the interest rate reset periods and the degree of volatility in the applicable indexes.
Adjustable interest rates can cause payment increases that some mortgagors may find difficult to make. However, certain ARMs may provide that the Mortgage Interest Rate may not be adjusted to a rate above an applicable lifetime maximum rate or below an applicable lifetime minimum rate for such ARMs. Certain ARMs may also be subject to limitations on the maximum amount by which the Mortgage Interest Rate may adjust for any single adjustment period (the Maximum Adjustment). Other ARMs (“Negatively Amortizing ARMs”) may provide instead or as well for limitations on changes in the monthly payment on such ARMs. Limitations on monthly payments can result in monthly payments which are greater or less than the amount necessary to amortize a Negatively Amortizing ARM by its maturity at the Mortgage Interest Rate in effect in any particular month. In the event that a monthly payment is not sufficient to pay the interest accruing on a Negatively Amortizing ARM, any such excess interest is added to the principal balance of the loan, causing negative amortization, and is repaid through future monthly payments. It may take borrowers under Negatively Amortizing ARMs longer periods of time to achieve equity and may increase the likelihood of default by such borrowers. In the event that a monthly payment exceeds the sum of the interest accrued at the applicable Mortgage Interest Rate and the principal payment which would have been necessary to amortize the outstanding principal balance over the remaining term of the loan, the excess (or accelerated amortization) further reduces the principal balance of the ARM. Negatively Amortizing ARMs do not provide for the extension of their original maturity to accommodate changes in their Mortgage Interest Rate. As a result, unless there is a periodic recalculation of the payment amount (which there generally is), the final payment may be substantially larger than the other payments. These limitations on periodic increases in interest rates and on changes in monthly payments protect borrowers from unlimited interest rate and payment increases.
The mortgage loans underlying other mortgage-backed securities in which the Fund may invest will be fixed rate mortgage loans. Generally, fixed rate mortgage loans eligible for inclusion in a mortgage pool will bear simple interest at fixed annual rates and have original terms to maturity ranging from 5 to 40 years. Fixed rate mortgage loans generally provide for monthly payments of principal and interest in substantially equal installments for the contractual term of the mortgage note in sufficient amounts to
fully amortize principal by maturity although certain fixed rate mortgage loans provide for a large final “balloon” payment upon maturity.
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (“CMO”)
CMOs are issued in multiple classes. Each class of CMOs, often referred to as a “tranche,” is issued at a specific adjustable or fixed interest rate and must be fully retired no later than its final distribution date. Principal prepayments on the mortgage loans or other assets (“Mortgage Assets”) underlying the CMOs may cause some or all of the class of CMOs to be retired substantially earlier than their final distribution dates. Generally interest is paid or accrued on all classes of CMOs on a monthly basis.
The principal of and interest on the Mortgage Assets may be allocated among the several classes of CMOs in various ways. In certain structures (known as “sequential pay” CMOs), payments of principal, including any principal prepayments, on the Mortgage Assets generally are applied to the classes of CMOs in the order of their respective final distribution dates. Thus no payment of principal will be made on any class of sequential pay CMOs until all other classes having an earlier final distribution date have been paid in full.
Additional structures of CMOs include, among others, “parallel pay” CMOs. Parallel pay CMOs are those which are structured to apply principal payments and prepayments of the Mortgage Assets to two or more classes concurrently on a proportionate or disproportionate basis. These simultaneous payments are taken into account in calculating the final distribution date of each class.
Stripped Mortgage-Backed U.S. Government Securities
The Fund may invest in stripped mortgage-backed U.S. government securities (“SMBS”). SMBS are usually structured with two classes that receive different proportions of the interest and principal distributions from a pool of Mortgage Assets. A common type of SMBS will have one class receiving all of the interest from the Mortgage Assets, while the other class will receive all of the principal. However, in some instances, one class will receive some of the interest and most of the principal while the other class will receive most of the interest and the remainder of the principal. If the underlying Mortgage Assets experience greater than anticipated prepayments of principal, the Fund may fail to fully recover its initial investment in these securities. Certain SMBS may not be readily marketable and will be considered illiquid for purposes of the Fund’s limitation on investments in illiquid securities. Whether SMBS are liquid or illiquid will be determined in accordance with guidelines established by the Board. The market value of the class consisting entirely of principal payments generally is unusually volatile in response to changes in interest rates. The yield on a class of SMBS that receives all or most of the interest from Mortgage Assets are generally higher than prevailing market yields on other mortgage-backed securities because their cash flow patterns are more volatile and there is a greater risk that the initial investment will not be fully recouped.
Asset-Backed Securities
Asset-backed securities represent interests in “pools” of assets, including consumer loans or receivables held in trust. Rising interest rates tend to extend the duration of these securities, making them more sensitive to changes in interest rates. As a result, in a period of rising interest rates, these securities may exhibit additional volatility. This is known as extension risk. In addition, these securities are subject to prepayment risk, which is the risk that when interest rates decline or are low but are expected to rise, borrowers may pay off their debts sooner than expected. This can reduce the returns of the Fund because the Fund will have to reinvest that money at the lower prevailing interest rates. This is also known as
contraction risk. These securities also are subject to risk of default on the underlying assets, particularly during a period of economic downturn.
High Yield and Other Securities
The Fund may invest in debt securities, including bonds and debentures (which are long-term) and notes (which may be short- or long-term). These debt securities may be rated investment grade by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (“NRSRO”). Securities rated BBB- by an NRSRO, although investment grade, exhibit speculative characteristics and are more sensitive than higher rated securities to changes in economic conditions. The Fund may invest in securities that are rated below investment grade. Investments in high yield securities (i.e., less than investment grade), while providing greater income and opportunity for gain than investments in higher-rated securities, entail relatively greater risk of loss of income or principal. Lower-grade obligations are commonly referred to as “junk bonds.” Market prices of high-yield, lower-grade obligations may fluctuate more than market prices of higher-rated securities. Lower grade, fixed income securities tend to reflect short-term corporate and market developments to a greater extent than higher-rated obligations which, assuming no change in their fundamental quality, react primarily to fluctuations in the general level of interest rates.
The Fund may purchase unrated securities (which are not rated by a rating agency) if its portfolio manager determines that the security is of comparable quality to a rated security that the Fund may purchase. Unrated securities may be less liquid than comparable rated securities and involve the risk that the portfolio manager may not accurately evaluate the securities comparative credit rating.
The Fund may invest in structured notes and indexed securities whose value depends upon, or is derived from the value of an underlying asset, reference rate or index, and may relate to stocks, bonds, interest rates, currencies or currency exchange rates, commodities, and related indexes.
Structured notes are derivative debt securities, the interest rate or principal of which is determined by an unrelated indicator. Indexed securities include structured notes as well as securities other than debt securities, the interest rate or principal of which is determined by an unrelated indicator. Indexed securities may include a multiplier that multiplies the indexed element by a specified factor and, therefore, the value of such securities may be very volatile. Structured or indexed securities may be more volatile, less liquid, and more difficult to accurately price than less complex securities or more traditional debt securities. To the extent the Fund invests in these securities, however, the Adviser analyzes these securities in its overall assessment of the effective duration of the Fund’s portfolio in an effort to monitor the Fund’s interest rate risk.
The Fund may also invest in convertible securities or preferred stocks. Convertible securities are bonds or preferred stocks that may be converted (exchanged) into common stock of the issuing company within a certain period of time, for a specified number of shares.
The high yield market at times is subject to substantial volatility. An economic downturn or increase in interest rates may have a more significant effect on high yield securities and their markets, as well as on the ability of securities’ issuers to repay principal and interest. Issuers of high yield securities may be of low creditworthiness and the high yield securities may be subordinated to the claims of senior lenders. During periods of economic downturn or rising interest rates the issuers of high yield securities may have greater potential for insolvency and a higher incidence of high yield bond defaults may be experienced.
The prices of high yield securities have been found to be less sensitive to interest rate changes than higher-rated investments but are more sensitive to adverse economic changes or individual corporate developments. During an economic downturn or substantial period of rising interest rates, highly
leveraged issuers may experience financial stress which would adversely affect their ability to service their principal and interest payment obligations, to meet projected business goals, and to obtain additional financing. If the issuer of a high yield security owned by the Fund defaults the Fund may incur additional expenses in seeking recovery. Periods of economic uncertainty and changes can be expected to result in increased volatility of the market prices of high yield securities and the Fund’s NAV per share. Yields on high yield securities will fluctuate over time. Furthermore, in the case of high yield securities structured as zero coupon or pay-in-kind securities, their market prices are affected to a greater extent by interest rate changes and therefore tend to be more volatile than the market prices of securities which pay interest periodically and in cash.
Certain securities held by the Fund including high yield securities, may contain redemption or call provisions. If an issuer exercises these provisions in a declining interest rate market, the Fund would have to replace the security with a lower yielding security, resulting in a decreased return for the investor. Conversely, a high yield security’s value will decrease in a rising interest rate market, as will the Fund’s net assets.
The secondary market for high yield securities may at times become less liquid or respond to adverse publicity or investor perceptions making it more difficult for the Fund to value accurately high yield securities or dispose of them. To the extent the Fund owns or may acquire illiquid or restricted high yield securities, these securities may involve special registration responsibilities, liabilities and costs, and liquidity difficulties, and judgment will play a greater role in valuation because there is less reliable and objective data available.
Special tax considerations are associated with investing in high yield bonds structured as zero coupon or pay-in-kind securities. The Fund will report the interest on these securities as income even though it receives no cash interest until the security’s maturity or payment date. Further, the Fund must distribute substantially all of its income to its shareholders to qualify for pass-through treatment under the tax law. Accordingly, the Fund may have to dispose of its portfolio securities under disadvantageous circumstances to generate cash or may have to borrow to satisfy distribution requirements.
Credit ratings evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments, not the market value risk of high yield securities. Since credit rating agencies may fail to timely change the credit ratings to reflect subsequent events, the Adviser monitors the issuers of high yield securities in the portfolio to determine if the issuers will have sufficient cash flow and profits to meet required principal and interest payments, and to attempt to assure the securities’ liquidity so the Fund can meet redemption requests. To the extent that the Fund invests in high yield securities, the achievement of its investment objective may be more dependent on the Adviser’s credit analysis than would be the case for higher quality bonds. The Fund may retain a portfolio security whose rating has been changed.
When Issued and Delayed-Delivery Securities
To ensure the availability of suitable securities for the portfolio, the Fund may purchase when-issued or delayed delivery securities. When-issued transactions arise when securities are purchased by the Fund with payment and delivery taking place in the future in order to secure what is considered to be an advantageous price and yield to the Fund at the time of entering into the transaction. When-issued securities represent securities that have been authorized but not yet issued. The Fund may also purchase securities on a forward commitment or delayed delivery basis. In a forward commitment transaction, the Fund contracts to purchase securities for a fixed price at a future date beyond customary settlement time. The Fund is required to hold and maintain until the settlement date, cash or other liquid assets in an amount sufficient to meet the purchase price. Alternatively, the Fund may enter into offsetting contracts for the forward sale of other securities that it owns. The purchase of securities on a when-issued or
forward commitment basis involves a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines prior to the settlement date. Although the Fund would generally purchase securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis with the intention of actually acquiring securities for its portfolio, they may dispose of a when-issued security or forward commitment prior to settlement if the Adviser deems it appropriate to do so.
Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act permits the Fund to invest in securities on a when-issued or forward-settling basis, or with a non-standard settlement cycle, notwithstanding the limitation on the issuance of senior securities in Section 18 of the 1940 Act, provided that the Fund intends to physically settle the transaction and the transaction will settle within 35 days of its trade date (the “Delayed-Settlement Securities Provision”). A when-issued, forward-settling, or non-standard settlement cycle security that does not satisfy the Delayed-Settlement Securities Provision is treated as a derivatives transaction under Rule 18f-4. See “Regulation of Derivatives” above.
The Fund may enter into mortgage “dollar rolls” in which the Fund sells mortgage-backed securities for delivery in the current month and simultaneously contracts to repurchase substantially similar (same type, coupon and maturity) securities on a specified future date. During the roll period, the Fund forgoes principal and interest paid on the mortgage-backed securities. The Fund is compensated by the difference between the current sales price and the lower forward price for the future purchase (often referred to as the “drop”) as well as by the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the initial sale. A “covered roll” is a specific type of dollar roll for which there is an offsetting cash position or a cash equivalent security position which matures on or before the forward settlement date of the dollar roll transaction. The Fund will only enter into covered rolls. Covered rolls are not treated as a borrowing or other senior security.
Foreign Securities
The Fund may invest in securities of non-U.S. issuers (“foreign securities”) denominated in U.S. dollars and issued in the U.S. There are risks in investing in foreign securities. Foreign economies may differ from the U.S. economy; individual foreign companies may differ from domestic companies in the same industry; foreign currencies may be stronger or weaker than the U.S. dollar.
Non-U.S. companies are frequently not subject to accounting and financial reporting standards applicable to domestic companies, and there may be less information available about foreign issuers. Foreign securities are generally less liquid and more volatile than those of comparable domestic issuers. There is frequently less government regulation of broker-dealers and issuers than in the United States. The costs associated with securities transactions are generally higher than in the United States. In addition, investments in foreign countries are subject to the possibility of expropriation, confiscatory taxation, political or social instability or diplomatic developments that could adversely affect the value of those investments.
Brexit. The U.K. left the EU (“Brexit”) on January 31, 2020. The U.K. and EU have reached an agreement on the terms of their future trading relationship effective January 1, 2021, which principally relates to the trading of goods rather than services, including financial services. Further discussions are to be held between the U.K. and the EU in relation to matters not covered by the trade agreement, such as financial services. The Fund will face risks associated with the potential uncertainty and consequences that may follow Brexit, including with respect to volatility in exchange rates and interest rates. Brexit could adversely affect European or worldwide political, regulatory, economic or market conditions and could contribute to instability in global political institutions, regulatory agencies and financial markets. Brexit has also led to legal uncertainty and could lead to politically divergent national laws and regulations as a new relationship between the U.K. and EU is defined and the U.K. determines which EU laws to replace or replicate. Any of these effects of Brexit could adversely affect any of the companies to which the Fund has exposure and any other assets in which the Fund invests. The political, economic and
legal consequences of Brexit are not yet fully known. In the short term, financial markets may experience heightened volatility, particularly those in the U.K. and Europe, but possibly worldwide. The U.K. and Europe may be less stable than they have been in recent years, and investments in the U.K. and the EU may be difficult to value, or subject to greater or more frequent volatility. In the longer term, there is likely to be a period of significant political, regulatory and commercial uncertainty as the U.K. continues to negotiate the terms of its future trading relationships.
Investment Company Securities. The Fund may invest in shares of other investment companies or mutual funds, including exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”). For example, the Fund may invest in money market mutual funds in connection with its management of daily cash positions and for temporary defensive purposes. The Fund currently intends to limit its investments in securities issued by other investment companies (except for money market funds) so that not more than 3% of the outstanding voting shares of any one investment company will be owned by the Fund, or its affiliated persons, as a whole. The Fund may invest unlimited amounts in money market funds for management of its daily cash position, subject to certain conditions. In addition to the advisory and operational fees the Fund bears directly in connection with its own operation, the Fund would also bear its pro rata portions of each other investment company’s advisory and operational expenses.
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.
The Fund may rely on Section 12(d)(1)(F) and Rule 12d1-3 of the 1940 Act, which provide an exemption from Section 12(d)(1) that allows the Fund to invest all of its assets in other registered funds, including ETFs, if, among other conditions: (a) the Fund, together with its affiliates, acquires no more than 3% percent of the outstanding voting stock of any acquired fund, and (b) the sales load charged on the Fund’s shares is no greater than the limits set forth in Rule 2341 of the Conduct Rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) applicable to a fund of funds (e.g, 8.5%). In accordance with Rule 12d1-1 under the 1940 Act, the provisions of Section 12(d)(1) shall not apply to shares of money market funds purchased by the Fund, whether or not for temporary defensive purposes, provided that the Fund does not pay a sales charge, distribution fee or service fee as defined in Rule 2341 of the Conduct Rules of FINRA on acquired money market fund shares (or the Adviser must waive its advisory fees in amount necessary to offset any sales charge, distribution fee or service fee).
Rule 12d1-4 permits additional types of fund of fund arrangements without an exemptive order. The rule imposes certain conditions, including limits on control and voting of acquired funds’ shares, evaluations and findings by investment advisers, fund investment agreements, and limits on most three-tier fund structures.
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 index 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 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. ETFs that seek to replicate a particular benchmark index are subject to “tracking risk” which is the risk that an ETF will not be able to replicate exactly the performance of the index it tracks. Unlike traditional mutual funds, shares of an ETF may also be purchased and redeemed directly from the ETFs only in large blocks 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.
Temporary Investments
The Fund may invest in cash and money market securities. The Fund may do so to have assets available to pay expenses, satisfy redemption requests or take advantage of investment opportunities. Money market securities include treasury bills, short-term investment-grade fixed income securities, bankers’ acceptances, money market funds, commercial paper, commercial paper master notes and repurchase agreements.
The Fund may invest in commercial paper or commercial paper master notes rated, at the time of purchase, within the two highest rating categories by a nationally recognized securities rating organization (“NRSRO”).
The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements. A repurchase agreement transaction occurs when, at the time the Fund purchases a security, the Fund agrees to resell it to the vendor (normally a commercial bank or a broker‑dealer) on an agreed upon date in the future. Such securities are referred to as the “Resold Securities.” The Adviser will consider the creditworthiness of any vendor of repurchase agreements. The resale price will be in excess of the purchase price in that it reflects an agreed upon market interest rate effective for the period of time during which the Fund’s money is invested in the Resold Securities. The majority of these transactions run from day to day, and the delivery pursuant to the resale typically will occur within one to five days of the purchase. The Fund’s risk is limited to the ability of the vendor to pay the agreed‑upon sum upon the delivery date; in the event of bankruptcy or other default by the vendor, there may be possible delays and expenses in liquidating the instrument purchased, decline in its value and loss of interest. These risks are minimized when the Fund holds a perfected security interest in the Resold Securities and can therefore resell the instrument promptly. Repurchase agreements can be considered as loans “collateralized” by the Resold Securities, such agreements being defined as “loans” in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the “1940 Act”). The return on such “collateral” may be more or less than that from the repurchase agreement. The Resold Securities will be marked to market every business day so that the value of the “collateral” is at least equal to the value of the loan, including the accrued interest earned thereon. All Resold Securities will be held by the Fund’s custodian or another bank either directly or through a securities depository.
The Fund may invest in shares of other investment companies. The Fund may invest in money market mutual funds in connection with its management of daily cash positions and for temporary defensive purposes. The Fund currently intends to limit its investments in securities issued by other investment companies (except for money market funds) so that not more than 3% of the outstanding voting stock of any one investment company will be owned by the Fund, or its affiliated persons, as a whole. In addition to the advisory and operational fees the Fund bears directly in connection with its own operation, the Fund would also bear its pro rata portions of each other investment company’s advisory and operational expenses.
Special Risks Related to Cyber Security
The Fund and its service providers are susceptible to cyber security risks that include, among other things, theft, unauthorized monitoring, release, misuse, loss, destruction or corruption of confidential and highly restricted data; denial of service attacks; unauthorized access to relevant systems, compromises to networks or devices that the Fund and its service providers use to service the Fund’s operations; or operational disruption or failures in the physical infrastructure or operating systems that support the Fund and its service providers. Cyber attacks against or security breakdowns of the Fund or its service providers may adversely impact the Fund and its shareholders, potentially resulting in, among other things, financial losses; the inability of Fund shareholders to transact business and the Fund to process transactions; inability to calculate the Fund’s NAV; violations of applicable privacy and other laws; regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs; and/or additional compliance costs. The Fund may incur additional costs for cyber security risk management and remediation purposes. In addition, cyber security risks may also impact issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, which may cause the Fund’s investment in such issuers to lose value. There can be no assurance that the Fund or its service providers will not suffer losses relating to cyber attacks or other information security breaches in the future.
Portfolio Turnover
The portfolio turnover of the Fund may vary significantly from year to year. The Fund’s annual portfolio turnover rate may exceed 100%. High portfolio turnover (100% or more) would result in the Fund incurring more transaction costs such as mark-ups or mark-downs. Payment of these transaction costs could reduce the Fund’s total return. High portfolio turnover could also result in the payment by the Fund’s shareholders of increased taxes on realized gains. The Fund’s portfolio turnover rates for the fiscal years shown below were as follows:
Portfolio Turnover Rates
| | | | | |
For the Fiscal Year Ended November 30, |
2022 | 2021 |
25% | 44% |
Investment Restrictions
The Fund with respect to 75% of its total assets may not purchase any security, other than U.S. government securities, if as a result (a) more than 5% of the Fund’s total assets (taken at current value) would then be invested in securities of a single issuer or (b) it would hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer.
The Trust has adopted the following restrictions applicable to the Fund as fundamental policies, which may not be changed without the approval of the holders of a “majority,” as defined in the 1940 Act, of the shares of the Fund as to which the policy change is being sought. Under the 1940 Act, approval of the holders of a “majority” of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities means the affirmative vote of the holders of the lesser of (i) 67% of its shares represented at a meeting at which more than 50% of its outstanding shares are represented or (ii) more than 50% of its outstanding shares.
The Fund may not:
1.Make loans to others, except (a) through the purchase of debt securities in accordance with its investment objectives and policies, (b) to the extent the entry into a repurchase agreement is deemed to be a loan.
2.Borrow (for temporary or emergency purposes and not for the purpose of leveraging its investments) in an amount exceeding 33 1/3% of the value of its total assets, and, in the event that market conditions or other factors result in the Fund’s borrowed amounts exceeding 33 1/3% of its total assets (including amounts borrowed), the Fund will reduce the amount of its borrowing to an extent and in such a manner required by the 1940 Act.
3.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.
4.Invest 25% or more of the value of its net assets in the securities of companies engaged in any one industry (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities or securities of other investment companies).
5.Issue senior securities, such as shares having priority over other shares as to the payment of dividends, or as defined in the 1940 Act, except that this restriction shall not be deemed to prohibit the Fund from (a) making any permitted borrowings, mortgages or pledges, or (b) entering into options, futures, currency contract or repurchase transactions.
6.Purchase or sell real estate; however, the Fund may invest in debt securities secured by real estate or interests therein or issued by companies which invest in real estate or interests therein, including real estate investment trusts.
7.Act as an underwriter except to the extent the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter when disposing of securities it owns or when selling its own shares.
The Fund observes the following policies, which are deemed non-fundamental and which may be changed without shareholder vote. The Fund may not:
1.Hold, in the aggregate, more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments that are assets pursuant to Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act. Illiquid investments are investments that cannot be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven business days at approximately the value at which they are being carried on the Fund’s books.
2.Purchase more than 3% of any other investment company’s voting securities or make any other investment in other investment companies except as permitted by the 1940 Act.
3.Make any change in its investment policy of investing at least 80% of its net assets in the investments suggested by the Fund’s name without first providing the Fund’s shareholders with at least 60 days’ prior notice.
Except with respect to borrowing and illiquid securities, if a percentage restriction described in the Prospectus or in this SAI is adhered to at the time of investment, a subsequent increase or decrease in a percentage resulting from a change in the values of assets will not constitute a violation of that restriction.
MANAGEMENT
The overall management of the business and affairs of the Trust is vested with its Board. The Board approves all significant agreements between the Trust and persons or companies furnishing services to it,
including the agreements with the Adviser, Administrator, Custodian and Transfer Agent (each as defined herein). The day-to-day operations of the Trust are delegated to its officers, subject to the Fund’s investment objectives, strategies, and policies and to general supervision by the Board. The Trustees and officers of the Trust, their ages, positions with the Trust, term of office with the Trust and length of time served, their business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years and other directorships held are listed in the table below.
Independent Trustees(1)
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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 During Past Five Years(3) |
David G. Mertens (age 62) 615 E. Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202 | Trustee | Indefinite term; since March 2017. | Partner and Head of Business Development Ballast Equity Management, LLC (a privately-held investment advisory firm) (February 2019 to present); Managing Director and Vice President, Jensen Investment Management, Inc. (a privately-held investment advisory firm) (2002 to 2017). | 6 | Trustee, Advisors Series Trust (for series not affiliated with the Funds). |
Joe D. Redwine (age 75) 615 E. Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202 | Trustee | Indefinite term; since September 2008. | Retired; formerly Manager, President, CEO, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, and its predecessors, (May 1991 to July 2017). | 6 | Trustee, Advisors Series Trust (for series not affiliated with the Funds). |
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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 During Past Five Years(3) |
Raymond B. Woolson (age 64) 615 E. Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202 | Chairman of the Board
Trustee | Indefinite term; since January 2020.
Indefinite term; since January 2016. | President, Apogee Group, Inc. (financial consulting firm) (1998 to present). | 6 | Trustee, Advisors Series Trust (for series not affiliated with the Funds); Independent Trustee, DoubleLine Funds Trust (an open-end investment company with 19 portfolios), DoubleLine Opportunistic Credit Fund, DoubleLine Income Solutions Fund, and DoubleLine Yield Opportunities Fund from 2010 to present; Independent Trustee, DoubleLine ETF Trust (an open-end investment company with 2 portfolios) from March 2022 to present. |
Michele Rackey (age 64) 615 E. Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
| Trustee | Indefinite term; since January 2023. | Chief Executive Officer, Government Employees Benefit Association (GEBA) (benefits and wealth management organization) (2004 to 2020); Board Member, Association Business Services Inc. (ABSI) (for-profit subsidiary of the American Society of Association Executives) (2019 to 2020). | 6 | Trustee, Advisors Series Trust (for series not affiliated with the Funds). |
Officers
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Name, Address and Age | Position Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served | Principal Occupation During Past Five Years |
Jeffrey T. Rauman (age 54) 615 E. Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
| President, Chief Executive Officer and Principal Executive Officer | Indefinite term; since December 2018. | Senior Vice President, Compliance and Administration, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (February 1996 to present). |
Kevin J. Hayden (age 51) 615 E. Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
| Vice President, Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer | Indefinite term; since January 2023. | Vice President, Compliance and Administration, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (June 2005 to present). |
Cheryl L. King (age 61) 615 E. Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
| Assistant Treasurer | Indefinite term; since January 2023. | Vice President, Compliance and Administration, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (October 1998 to present). |
Richard R. Conner (age 40) 615 E. Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
| Assistant Treasurer | Indefinite term; since December 2018. | Assistant Vice President, Compliance and Administration, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (July 2010 to present). |
Michael L. Ceccato (age 65) 615 E. Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
| Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer and AML Officer | Indefinite term; since September 2009. | Senior Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services and Senior Vice President, U.S. Bank N.A. (February 2008 to present). |
Elaine E. Richards (age 54) 2020 E. Financial Way, Suite 100 Glendora, CA 91741
| Vice President and Secretary | Indefinite term; since September 2019. | Senior Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (July 2007 to present). |
* The Trustees have designated a mandatory retirement age of 75, such that each Trustee, serving as such on the date he or she reaches the age of 75, shall submit his or her resignation not later than the last day of the calendar year in which his or her 75th birthday occurs (“Retiring Trustee”). Upon request, the Board may, by vote of a majority of Trustees eligible to vote on such matter, determine whether or not to extend such Retiring Trustee’s term and on the length of a one-time extension of up to three additional years. At a meeting held December 7-8, 2022, by vote of the majority of Trustees (not including Mr. Redwine), Mr. Redwine’s term as Trustee was extended for three additional years.
(1)The Trustees of the Trust who are not “interested persons” of the Trust as defined under the 1940 Act (“Independent Trustees”).
(2)As of February 28, 2023, the Trust is comprised of 35 active portfolios managed by unaffiliated investment advisers. The term “Fund Complex” applies only to the Fund and the PIA BBB Bond Fund, the PIA MBS Bond, the PIA Short Duration Bond Fund, the PIA High Yield Fund and the PIA High Yield (MACS) Fund (collectively, the “PIA Funds”) and not to any other series of the Trust. The PIA Funds do not hold themselves out as related to any other series within the Trust for investment purposes, nor do they share the same investment adviser with any other series.
(3)“Other Directorships Held” includes only directorships of companies required to register or file reports with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (that is, “public companies”) or other investment companies registered under the 1940 Act.
Compensation
Effective January 1, 2023, the Independent Trustees each receive an annual retainer of $102,500 per year allocated among each of the various portfolios comprising the Trust, an additional $6,000 per regularly scheduled Board meeting, and an additional $500 per special meeting, paid by the Trust or applicable advisors/portfolios, as well as reimbursement for expenses incurred in connection with attendance at Board meetings. Prior to January 1, 2023, the annual retainer was $100,000. The Trust Chairman, Chairman of the Audit Committee, and Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee each receive a separate annual fee of $10,000, $5,000, and $3,000, respectively, provided that the separate fee
for the Chairman of the Audit Committee will be waived if the same individual serves as both Trust Chairman and Audit Committee Chairman. The Trust has no pension or retirement plan. No other entity affiliated with the Trust pays any compensation to the Trustees. Set forth below is the compensation received by the Independent Trustees from the Fund for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022.
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Independent Trustee | Aggregate Compensation from the Fund | Pension or Retirement Benefits Accrued as Part of Fund Expenses | Estimated Annual Benefits Upon Retirement | Total Compensation from Fund Complex Paid to Trustees(1) |
Gail S. Duree(2) | $167 | None | None | $835 |
David Mertens | $3,890 | None | None | $19,450 |
Raymond B. Woolson | $4,094 | None | None | $20,470 |
Joe D. Redwine | $4,016 | None | None | $20,080 |
Michele Rackey(3) | None | None | None | None |
(1)There are currently numerous series comprising the Trust. The term “Fund Complex” refers only to the PIA Funds, including Funds presented in other SAIs, and not to any other series of the Trust. For the Funds’ fiscal year ended November 30, 2022, aggregate Independent Trustees’ fees for the Trust were $415,500.
(2)Ms. Duree retired from the Board on December 31, 2021.
(3)Ms. Rackey began serving as an Independent Trustee of the Trust effective January 1, 2023.
Additional Information Concerning Our Board of Trustees
The Role of the Board
The Board provides oversight of the management and operations of the Trust. Like all mutual funds, the day-to-day responsibility for the management and operations of the Trust is the responsibility of various service providers to the Trust, such as the Trust’s investment advisers, distributor, administrator, custodian, and transfer agent, each of whom are discussed in greater detail in this SAI. The Board approves all significant agreements between the Trust and its service providers, including the agreements with the investment advisers, distributor, administrator, custodian and transfer agent. The Board has appointed various senior individuals of certain of these service providers as officers of the Trust, with responsibility to monitor and report to the Board on the Trust’s day-to-day operations. In conducting this oversight, the Board receives regular reports from these officers and service providers regarding the Trust’s operations. The Board has appointed a Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) who administers the Trust’s compliance program and regularly reports to the Board as to compliance matters. Some of these reports are provided as part of formal “Board Meetings” which are typically held quarterly, in person, and involve the Board’s review of recent Trust operations. From time to time one or more members of the Board may also meet with Trust officers in less formal settings, between formal “Board Meetings,” to discuss various topics. In all cases, however, the role of the Board and of any individual Trustee is one of oversight and not of management of the day-to-day affairs of the Trust and its oversight role does not make the Board a guarantor of the Trust’s investments, operations or activities.
Board Leadership Structure
The Board has structured itself in a manner that it believes allows it to effectively perform its oversight function. It has established three standing committees, an Audit Committee, a Nominating and Governance Committee and a Qualified Legal Compliance Committee (the “QLCC”), which are discussed in greater detail under “Board Committees,” below. Currently, all of the members of the Board are Independent Trustees, which are Trustees that are not affiliated with the Adviser or its affiliates or any
other investment adviser in the Trust or with its principal underwriter. The Independent Trustees have engaged their own independent counsel to advise them on matters relating to their responsibilities in connection with the Trust.
The President, Chief Executive Officer and Principal Executive Officer of the Trust is not a Trustee, but rather is a senior employee of the Administrator who routinely interacts with the unaffiliated investment advisers of the Trust and comprehensively manages the operational aspects of the Funds in the Trust. The Trust has appointed Raymond Woolson, an Independent Trustee, as Chairman of the Board, and he acts as a liaison with the Trust’s service providers, officers, legal counsel, and other Trustees between meetings, helps to set Board meeting agendas, and serves as Chairman during executive sessions of the Independent Trustees.
The Board reviews its structure annually. The Trust has determined that it is appropriate to separate the Principal Executive Officer and Board Chairman positions because the day-to day responsibilities of the Principal Executive Officer are not consistent with the oversight role of the Trustees and because of the potential conflict of interest that may arise from the Administrator’s duties with the Trust. Given the specific characteristics and circumstances of the Trust as described above, the Trust has determined that the Board’s leadership structure is appropriate.
Board Oversight of Risk Management
As part of its oversight function, the Board receives and reviews various risk management reports and assessments and discusses these matters with appropriate management and other personnel. Because risk management is a broad concept comprised of many elements (such as, for example, investment risk, issuer and counterparty risk, compliance risk, operational risks, business continuity risks, etc.) the oversight of different types of risks is handled in different ways. For example, the Nominating and Governance Committee meets regularly with the CCO to discuss compliance and operational risks and the Audit Committee meets with the Treasurer and the Trust’s independent public accounting firm to discuss, among other things, the internal control structure of the Trust’s financial reporting function. The full Board receives reports from the Adviser and portfolio managers as to investment risks as well as other risks that may be also discussed in Audit Committee.
Information about Each Trustee’s Qualification, Experience, Attributes or Skills
The Board believes that each of the Trustees has the qualifications, experience, attributes and skills (“Trustee Attributes”) appropriate to their continued service as Trustees of the Trust in light of the Trust’s business and structure. Each of the Trustees has substantial business and professional backgrounds that indicate they have the ability to critically review, evaluate and access information provided to them. Certain of these business and professional experiences are set forth in detail in the table above. In addition, the majority of the Trustees have served on boards for organizations other than the Trust, as well as having served on the Board of the Trust for a number of years. They therefore have substantial board experience and, in their service to the Trust, have gained substantial insight as to the operation of the Trust. The Board annually conducts a ‘self-assessment’ wherein the effectiveness of the Board and individual Trustees is reviewed.
In addition to the information provided in the table above, below is certain additional information concerning each particular Trustee and certain of their Trustee Attributes. The information provided below, and in the table above, is not all-inclusive. Many Trustee Attributes involve intangible elements, such as intelligence, integrity, work ethic, the ability to work together, the ability to communicate effectively, the ability to exercise judgment, the ability to ask incisive questions, and commitment to shareholder interests. In conducting its annual self-assessment, the Board has determined that the
Trustees have the appropriate attributes and experience to continue to serve effectively as Trustees of the Trust.
David G. Mertens. Mr. Mertens has substantial mutual fund experience and is experienced with financial, accounting, investment and regulatory matters. He currently serves as Partner and Head of Business Development of Ballast Equity Management, LLC, a privately-held investment advisory firm. Mr. Mertens also gained substantial mutual fund experience through his tenure as Managing Director and Vice President of Jensen Investment Management, Inc. (“Jensen”) from 2002 to 2017. Prior to Jensen, Mr. Mertens held various roles in sales and marketing management with Berger Financial Group, LLC from 1995 to 2002, ending as Senior Vice President of Institutional Marketing for Berger Financial Group and President of its limited purpose broker-dealer, Berger Distributors.
Joe D. Redwine. Mr. Redwine has substantial mutual fund experience and is experienced with financial, accounting, investment and regulatory matters through his experience as President and CEO of U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, (now known as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services), a full-service provider to mutual funds and alternative investment products. In addition, he has extensive experience consulting with investment advisers regarding the legal structure of mutual funds, distribution channel analysis and actual distribution of those funds. Mr. Redwine serves as an Audit Committee Financial Expert for the Trust.
Raymond B. Woolson. Mr. Woolson has served on a number of mutual fund boards and is experienced with financial, accounting, investment and regulatory matters through his experience as Lead Independent Trustee and Audit Committee Chairman for the DoubleLine Funds as well as through his service as President of Apogee Group, Inc., a company providing financial consulting services. Mr. Woolson also has substantial mutual fund operations, financial and investment experience through his prior service in senior and management positions in the mutual fund industry, including service as Senior Managing Director in Investment Management for Mass Mutual Life Insurance Company, where he oversaw fund accounting, fund administration and client services and also served as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer for various funds and other investment products. Mr. Woolson has also served as a consultant for Coopers & Lybrand (now known as, “PricewaterhouseCoopers” or “PWC”) where he provided management consulting services to the mutual fund industry and the investment management areas of the banking and insurance industries.
Michele Rackey. Ms. Rackey has substantial experience in mutual funds and investment management through her experience as CEO of Government Employees Benefits Association (GEBA) and also with The ARK Funds. Ms. Rackey is experienced with financial, accounting, investment and regulatory matters and serves as an Audit Committee Financial Expert for the Trust. Ms. Rackey was CEO of GEBA for 17 years and Chief Operating Officer of the ARK Funds for 9 years. Ms. Rackey has a BS in Business Administration from the University of Illinois at Chicago and has an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management in Chicago. Ms. Rackey previously held FINRA series 6, 7 and 63 licenses as well as a Maryland Life and Health License.
Board Committees
The Trust has established the following three standing committees and the membership of each committee to assist in its oversight functions, including its oversight of the risks the Trust faces: the Audit Committee, the QLCC, and the Nominating and Governance Committee. There is no assurance, however, that the Board’s committee structure will prevent or mitigate risks in actual practice. The Trust’s committee structure is specifically not intended or designed to prevent or mitigate the Fund’s investment risks. The Fund is designed for investors that are prepared to accept investment risk, including the possibility that as yet unforeseen risks may emerge in the future.
The Audit Committee is comprised of all of the Independent Trustees. Mr. Redwine is the Chairman of the Audit Committee. 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 the 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 November 30, 2022.
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 did not meet with respect to the Trust during the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022.
The Nominating and Governance Committee is comprised of all, and only of, the Independent Trustees. The Nominating and Governance 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 and Governance Committee will consider nominees recommended by shareholders for vacancies on the Board. Recommendations for consideration by the Nominating and Governance 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 between 120 and 150 days prior to the shareholder meeting at which any such nominee would be voted on.
The Nominating and Governance Committee meets regularly with respect to the various series of the Trust. The Nominating and Governance Committee is also responsible for, among other things, assisting the Board in its oversight of the Trust’s compliance program under Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act, reviewing and making recommendations regarding Independent Trustee compensation and the Trustees’ annual “self-assessment.” Mr. Mertens is the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee.
The Nominating and Governance Committee did not meet with respect to the Trust during the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022.
Trustee Ownership of Fund Shares and Other Interests
The following table shows the amount of shares in the Funds and the amount of shares in other portfolios of the Trust owned by the Trustees as of the calendar year ended December 31, 2022.
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Independent Trustees | Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Short-Term Securities Fund | Aggregate Dollar Range of Fund Shares in the Trust |
(None, $1-$10,000, $10,001-$50,000, $50,001-$100,000, Over $100,000) |
|
David G. Mertens | None | Over $100,000 |
Raymond B. Woolson | $10,001-$50,000 | $50,001 - $100,000 |
Joe D. Redwine | None | $50,001-$100,000 |
Michele Rackey(1) | None | None |
(1) Ms. Rackey began serving as an Independent Trustee of the Trust effective January 1, 2023.
As of December 31, 2022, 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.
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 March 6, 2023, the following shareholders were considered to be either a control person or principal shareholder of the Fund:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Name and Address | Parent Company | Jurisdiction | % Ownership | Type of Ownership |
National Financial Services, LLC 499 Washington Blvd., Floor 4 Jersey City, NJ 07310-1995 | N/A | N/A | 12.24% | Record |
Pershing LLC 1 Pershing Plaza, Floor 14 Jersey City, NJ 07399-2052 | N/A | N/A | 9.31% | Record |
Food Employers & Bakery & Conference Workers Benefit Fund of Southern California Doyle Townson & Stefanie Gusha Trustees 1325 N. Grand Avenue, Suite 200 Covina, CA 91724-4049 | N/A | N/A | 8.31% | Record |
| | | | |
Management Ownership Information. As of March 6, 2023, the Trustees and Officers of the Trust, as a group, beneficially owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.
Investment Adviser
Pacific Income Advisers, Inc., located at 2321 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 1260, El Segundo, California, 90245, is the investment adviser to the Fund. Joseph Lloyd McAdams, Jr. and Heather U. Baines collectively control the Adviser due to their ownership of a majority of the outstanding stock of the Adviser. Mr. McAdams is a portfolio manager of the Fund. Prior to December 31, 1996, Monitrend Investment Management, Inc. was investment adviser to the Predecessor Fund. Subject to such policies as the Board may determine, the Adviser is ultimately responsible for investment decisions for the Fund. Pursuant to the terms of the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser provides the Fund with such investment advice and supervision as it deems necessary for the proper supervision of the Fund’s investments.
The Advisory Agreement, if not terminated will continue automatically for successive annual periods, provided that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually (i) by a majority vote of the Independent Trustees cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval and (ii) by the Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. The Advisory 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 a vote of a majority of the Board, or by the Adviser on 60 days’ written notice, and will automatically terminate in the event of its “assignment” (as defined in the 1940 Act). The Advisory Agreement provides that the Adviser 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 negligence in the performance of its duties, or by reason of reckless disregard of its obligations and duties thereunder.
Under the Advisory Agreement applicable to the Fund, the Adviser is paid a management fee computed daily and payable monthly, at an annual rate expressed as a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The Adviser’s management fee is 0.20% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
In addition to the fees payable to the Adviser, the Fund is responsible for their 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 Adviser 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 Adviser has contractually agreed to waive a portion or all of the management fees payable to it by the Fund and to pay Fund operating expenses to the extent necessary to limit the Fund’s aggregate annual operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, interest, taxes, extraordinary expenses, Rule 12b-1 fees, shareholder servicing fees and any other class-specific expenses) through at least March 29, 2024, to the extent necessary to permit the Fund to maintain an expense limitation of 0.39% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. Expense payment obligations are calculated daily and paid monthly at an annual rate expressed as a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The Adviser may request recoupment of previously waived fees and paid expenses in any subsequent month in the 36-month period from the date of the management fee reduction and expense payment if the aggregate amount actually paid by the Funds toward the operating expenses for such fiscal year (taking into account the reimbursement) will not cause the Funds to exceed the lesser of: (1) the expense limitation in place at the time of the management fee reduction and expense payment; or (2) the expense limitation in place at the time of the reimbursement. Any such recoupment is also contingent upon the Board’s subsequent review and ratification of the recouped amounts. Such recoupment may not be paid prior to the Fund’s payment of current ordinary operating expenses.
For the years indicated, the Fund paid the following management fees to the Adviser and the Adviser waived management fees as shown:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, | Management Fees Accrued | Management Fees Waived | Net Management Fees Paid to Adviser |
2022 | $272,930 | $47,800 | $225,130 |
2021 | $328,634 | $73,303 | $255,331 |
2020 | $365,854 | $44,112 | $321,742 |
Portfolio Managers
Mr. Lloyd McAdams, Ms. Hsin Tong and Mr. Rory Hargaden serve as the portfolio managers for the Fund. The portfolio managers are responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio. The following table shows the number of other accounts (not including the Fund) managed by the portfolio managers and the total assets in the accounts managed within various categories as of November 30, 2022.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Rory Hargaden | | | | |
| | | With Management Fee Based on Performance |
Type of Accounts | Number of Accounts (excluding the Fund) | Total Assets in millions | Number of Accounts | Total Assets |
Registered Investment Companies | 2 | $222 | 0 | $0 |
Other Pooled Investments | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
Other Accounts | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Lloyd McAdams | | | | |
| | | With Management Fee Based on Performance |
Type of Accounts | Number of Accounts (excluding the Fund) | Total Assets in millions | Number of Accounts | Total Assets |
Registered Investment Companies | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
Other Pooled Investments | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
Other Accounts | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Hsin Tong | | | | |
| | | With Management Fee Based on Performance |
Type of Accounts | Number of Accounts (excluding the Fund) | Total Assets in millions | Number of Accounts | Total Assets |
Registered Investment Companies | 2 | $276 | 0 | $0 |
Other Pooled Investments | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
Other Accounts | 45 | $661 | 0 | $0 |
Material Conflict of Interest. No material strategy conflicts currently exist. When the same securities are being bought or sold on the same day by the portfolio managers, the portfolio managers allocate the transactions on a pro rata basis as long as it is in the best interests of the clients. Where conflicts of interest arise between the Fund and other accounts managed by the portfolio managers, the portfolio managers will proceed in a manner that the Fund will not be treated materially less favorably. There may be instances where similar portfolio transactions may be executed for the same security for numerous accounts managed by each portfolio management team. In such instances, securities will be allocated in accordance with the Adviser’s trade allocation policy.
Compensation. The portfolio managers’ total compensation includes a base salary, bonus, employee benefits and 401(k) plan with matching contributions. The year-end bonus represents a subjective calculation of an individual’s contribution to the portfolio management group’s success. Mr. McAdams receives compensation from his position as Managing Member at Anworth Management, LLC as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer.
Securities Owned in the Fund by Portfolio Managers. As of November 30, 2022, the portfolio managers owned the following securities in the Fund:
| | | | | |
Portfolio Manager | Dollar Range of Securities in the Fund Managed (None, $1-$10,000, $10,001-$50,000, $50,001-$100,000, $100,001 - $500,000, $500,001 - $1,000,000, or Over $1,000,000) |
Mr. Lloyd McAdams | Over $1,000,000 |
Ms. Hsin Tong | None |
Mr. Rory Hargaden | None |
SERVICE PROVIDERS
Administrator
Pursuant to an Administration Agreement (the “Administration Agreement”), U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (the “Administrator”), doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (“Fund Services”) 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, acts as administrator for the Fund. Fund Services 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 per share 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, Fund Services 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, Fund Services provides CCO services to the Trust under a separate agreement. The cost for the CCO services is charged to the Fund and approved by the Board annually.
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 Fund Services 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.
During the fiscal years shown below, the Fund paid the following amounts to Fund Services for administration services:
| | | | | | | | |
Fiscal Years Ended November 30, |
2022(1) | 2021 | 2020 |
$97,595 | $69,910 | $55,354 |
(1) Effective December 2021, the PIA Funds’ minimum annual fee was increased to $84,000 for Fund Administration and Fund Accounting Services. This combined fee is now shown in the table.
Distributor
The Trust has entered into a Distribution Agreement (the “Distribution Agreement”) with Quasar Distributors, LLC, 111 East Kilbourn Avenue, Suite 2200, 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 the Fund’s shares. The offering of the Fund’s shares is continuous.
The Distribution Agreement 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).
Sub-Accounting Service Fees
In addition to the fees that the Fund may pay to the Transfer Agent, the Board has authorized the Fund to pay service fees, at the annual rate of up to 0.15% of applicable average net assets or $20 per account, to intermediaries such as banks, broker-dealers, financial advisers or other financial institutions, for sub-administration, sub-transfer agency, recordkeeping (collectively, “sub-accounting services”) and other shareholder services associated with shareholders whose shares are held of record in omnibus, networked, or other group accounts or accounts traded through registered securities clearing agents. Any sub-accounting fees paid by the Fund are included in the total amount of “Other Expenses” listed in the Fund’s Fees and Expenses table in the Prospectus.
Fund Accountant and Transfer Agent
Fund Services also serves as fund accountant, transfer agent (“Transfer Agent”) and dividend disbursing agent under separate agreements.
Custodian
U.S. Bank National Association, located at 1555 N. RiverCenter Drive, Suite 302, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212, serves as custodian (“Custodian”) of the securities and other assets of the Fund. The Custodian holds the Fund’s portfolio securities in safekeeping and keeps all necessary records and documents relating to its duties. The Custodian is compensated with an asset-based fee plus transaction fees and is reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses. The Custodian and Transfer Agent do not participate in decisions relating to the purchase and sale of securities by the Fund. The Custodian, Transfer Agent and Administrator are all affiliated entities under the common control of U.S. Bancorp. 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
Tait, Weller & Baker LLP (“Tait”), Two Liberty Place, 50 South 16th Street, Suite 2900, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, 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.
Trust Counsel
Sullivan & Worcester LLP (“Sullivan & Worcester”), 1633 Broadway, 32nd Floor, New York, New York 10019, serves as legal counsel to the Trust and provides counsel on legal matters relating to the Fund. Sullivan & Worcester also serves as independent legal counsel to the Board of Trustees.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE
Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser 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 directly with a “market-maker” unless, in the opinion of the Adviser, a better price and execution can otherwise be obtained 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. Explicit brokerage
commissions are not paid on these transactions. However, commissions will be paid on the Fund’s futures and options transactions. The purchase price of portfolio securities purchased from an underwriter or dealer may include underwriting commissions and dealer spreads.
For the fiscal years ended November 30, 2022, 2021 and 2020, the Fund did not pay brokerage commissions. The Adviser did not direct the Fund’s brokerage transactions to a broker because of research services during the Fund’s fiscal year ended November 30, 2022.
In placing portfolio transactions, the Adviser seeks 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, as it is defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and statistical information to the Adviser that they may lawfully and appropriately use in their investment advisory capacities, as well as provide other services in addition to execution services. The Adviser considers such information, which is in addition to and not in lieu of the services required to be performed by them under their Advisory 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 procedures adopted by the Trust and rules adopted by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) and SEC. The Adviser is also a registered broker-dealer and may place portfolio transactions for the Fund with its own registered representatives.
While it is the Adviser’s general policy to seek best execution in selecting a broker-dealer to execute portfolio transactions for the Fund, when it is determined that one or more broker-dealer can deliver best execution, weight is also given to the ability of a broker-dealer to furnish brokerage and research services to the Fund or to the Adviser, even if the specific services are not directly useful to the Fund and may be useful to the Adviser in advising other clients. 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 was 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 Adviser to be reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and/or research services provided by such broker-dealer. The standard of reasonableness is to be measured in light of the Adviser’s overall responsibilities to the Fund. Additionally, the Adviser may direct transactions to a broker-dealer with which it has an affiliation.
Investment decisions for the Fund are made independently from those of other client accounts that may be managed or advised by the Adviser. 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 Adviser, 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 is 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 purchases of shares of the Fund for their customers.
The research services discussed above may be in written form or through direct contact with individuals and may include information as to particular companies and securities as well as market, economic or institutional ideas and information assisting the Fund in the valuation of their investments.
The Trust is required to identify any securities of its “regular brokers or dealers” that the Fund has acquired during its most recent fiscal year. The Fund held the following amounts for its regular brokers or dealers as of November 30, 2022:
| | | | | |
Broker | Amount |
Morgan Stanley | $984,304 |
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. | $982,263 |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | $492,722 |
| |
PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS POLICY
The Adviser and the Fund maintain portfolio holdings 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 portfolio holdings 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 Part F of Form N-PORT. These reports are available, free of charge, on the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
Pursuant to the Trust’s portfolio holdings 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 U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (“Fund Services”) and the Trust’s Board of Trustees, 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 prior written 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 include:
▪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; Standard & Poor’s; Bloomberg; Vickers-Stock Research Corporation; Thomson Financial; and Capital-Bridge, all of which currently receive such information no later than 15 calendar days following the end of a calendar quarter; or
▪Internal parties involved in the investment process, administration, operation or custody of the Fund, specifically: Fund Services; the Trust’s Board of Trustees; and the Trust’s attorneys and accountants (currently, Sullivan & Worcester LLP (“Sullivan & Worcester”) 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 Trust’s Policy and Procedures Regarding Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings.
The CCO or designated officer of the Trust will approve the furnishing of non-public portfolio holdings to a third party only if they consider the furnishing of such information to be in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders and if no material conflict of interest exists regarding such disclosure between shareholders interest and those of the Adviser, Distributor or any affiliated person of the Fund. No consideration may be received by the Fund, the Adviser, any affiliate of the Adviser or their employees in connection with the disclosure of portfolio holdings information. The Board receives and reviews annually a list of the persons who receive non-public portfolio holdings information and the purpose for which it is furnished.
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 their service providers by the Trust’s CCO, (2) 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) 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.
In the event of a conflict between the interests of the Fund and the interests of the Adviser or an affiliated person of the Adviser, the CCO of the Adviser, in consultation with the Trust’s CCO, shall make a determination in the best interests of the Fund, and shall report such determination to the Adviser’s Board of Directors and to the Board at the end of the quarter in which such determination was made. Any employee of the Adviser who suspects a breach of this obligation must report the matter immediately to the Adviser’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 or 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 Disclosure Policies, when the Fund has a legitimate business purpose and the third party recipient is subject to a confidentiality agreement.
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.
PROXY VOTING POLICY
The Board has adopted Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (the “Proxy Policies”) on behalf of the Trust which delegate the responsibility for voting proxies to the Adviser, subject to the Board’s continuing oversight. The Proxy Policies require that the Adviser vote proxies received in a manner consistent with the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders. The Proxy Policies also require the Adviser to present to the Board, at least annually, the Adviser’s Proxy Policies and a record of each proxy voted by the Adviser on behalf of the Fund, including a report on the resolution of all proxies identified by the Adviser as involving a conflict of interest.
Conflict of Interest. Where a proxy proposal raises a material conflict between the Adviser’s interests and the Fund’s interests, the Adviser will disclose the conflict to the Board and may resolve the conflict by voting in accordance with the Adviser’s Proxy Policies or the Advisor will abstain from voting the securities held by the Fund, depending on the circumstances.
Proxy Voting Records. 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 records are available without charge, upon request by calling 1-800-251-1970 and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
MARKETING AND SUPPORT PAYMENTS
The Adviser, out of its own resources and without additional cost to the Fund or its shareholders, may provide additional cash payments or other compensation to certain financial intermediaries who sell shares of the Fund. Such payments may be divided into categories as follows:
Support Payments. Payments may be made by the Adviser to certain financial intermediaries in connection with the eligibility of the Fund to be offered in certain programs and/or in connection with meetings between the Fund’s representatives and financial intermediaries and their sales representatives. Such meetings may be held for various purposes, including providing education and training about the Fund and other general financial topics to assist financial intermediaries’ sales representatives in making informed recommendations to, and decisions on behalf of, their clients.
Entertainment, Conferences and Events. The Adviser also may pay cash or non-cash compensation to sales representatives of financial intermediaries in the form of (i) occasional gifts; (ii) occasional meals, tickets or other entertainments; and/or (iii) sponsorship support for the Financial Intermediary’s client seminars and cooperative advertising. In addition, the Adviser pays for exhibit space or sponsorships at regional or national events of financial intermediaries.
The prospect of receiving, or the receipt of additional payments or other compensation as described above by financial intermediaries may provide such intermediaries and/or their salespersons with an incentive to favor sales of shares of the Fund, and other mutual funds whose affiliates make similar compensation available, over sale of shares of mutual funds (or non-mutual fund investments) not making such payments. You may wish to take such payment arrangements into account when considering and evaluating any recommendations relating to the Fund shares.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The NAV per share (before imposition of a commission, if any, on Advisor Class shares) of the Fund will be determined as of the close of regular trading (generally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time) on each day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open for business. The NYSE is open for trading Monday through Friday except New Year’s Day, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday/Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Additionally, if any of the aforementioned holidays falls on a Saturday, the NYSE will not be open for trading on the preceding Friday and when any such holiday falls on a Sunday, the NYSE will not be open for trading on the succeeding Monday, unless unusual business conditions exist, such as the ending of a monthly or the yearly accounting period. The Fund reserves the right to close if the primary trading markets of the Fund’s portfolio instruments are closed and the Fund’s management believes that there is not an adequate market to meet purchase, redemption or exchange requests. On any business day when the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association recommends that the securities markets close trading early, the Fund may close trading early.
Purchase orders for Fund shares will be accepted only on days on which the Fund is open for business. If a purchase order is received by the Distributor on a day when the Fund is not open for business, it will be processed on the next succeeding day the Fund is open for business (according to the succeeding day’s NAV).
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 interests in the Fund outstanding at such time, as shown below:
| | | | | | | | |
Net Assets | = | NAV per share |
Shares Outstanding | |
In determining the NAV per share of the Fund, common stocks that are listed on national securities exchanges are valued at the last sale price as of the close of trading, or in the absence of recorded sales, at the average of readily available closing bid and asked prices on such exchanges. Nasdaq Global Market securities are valued at the Nasdaq Official Closing Price (“NOCP”). If a NOCP is not issued for a given day, these securities are valued at the average of readily available closing bid and asked prices. Unlisted securities held by the Fund that are not included in the Nasdaq Stock Market are valued at the average of the quoted bid and asked prices in the over‑the‑counter market. Securities and other assets for which market quotations are not readily available are valued by appraisal at their fair value as determined in good faith by the Fund’s valuation designee pursuant to procedures adopted by the Adviser. The Board has designated the Adviser as its “valuation designee” under Rule 2a-5 of the 1940 Act, subject to its oversight.
Debt securities are similarly valued under the valuation designee’s procedures, which may include independent third-party pricing services. Any such pricing service, in determining value, will use information with respect to transactions in the securities being valued, quotations from dealers, market transactions in comparable securities, analyses and evaluations of various relationships between securities and yield to maturity information.
Corporate bonds, including listed issues, are valued at market on the basis of valuations furnished by an independent pricing service which utilizes both dealer-supplied valuations and formula-based techniques. The pricing service may consider recently executed transactions in securities of the issuer or comparable issuers, market price quotations (where observable), bond spreads, and fundamental data relating to the
issuer. Mortgage- and asset-backed securities are normally valued by pricing service providers that use broker-dealer quotations or valuation estimates from their internal pricing models. U.S. government securities are normally valued using a model that incorporates market observable data such as reported sales of similar securities, broker quotes, yields, bids, offers, and reference data. Certain securities are valued principally using dealer quotations. Investments in open-end mutual funds are valued at their net asset value per share.
An option that is written by the Fund or purchased by the Fund is generally valued using composite pricing. Composite pricing uses the National Best Bid and Offer quotes (“NBBO”). NBBO consists of the highest bid price and lowest ask price across any of the options exchanges on which an option is quoted. Specifically, composite pricing looks at the last trades on the exchanges where the options are traded. If there are no trades for the option on a given business day, as of closing, composite option pricing calculates the mean of the highest bid price and lowest ask price across the exchanges where the option is traded.
When the Fund writes a call or a put, an amount equal to the premium received is included in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as an asset, and an equivalent amount is included in the liability section. This amount is “marked‑to‑market” to reflect the current market value of the call or put. If a call the Fund wrote is exercised, the proceeds it receives on the sale of the related investment by it are increased by the amount of the premium it received. If a put the Fund wrote is exercised, the amount it pays to purchase the related investment is decreased by the amount of the premium received. If a call the Fund purchased is exercised by it, the amount it pays to purchase the related investment is increased by the amount of the premium it paid. If a put the Fund purchased is exercised by it, the amount it receives on its sale of the related investment is reduced by the amount of the premium it paid. If a call or put written by the Fund expires, it has a gain in the amount of the premium; if the Fund enters into a closing transaction, it will have a gain or loss depending on whether the premium was more or less than the cost of the closing transaction.
The Fund prices foreign securities in terms of U.S. dollars at the official exchange rate. Alternatively, the Fund may price these securities at the average of the current bid and asked price of such currencies against the dollar last quoted by a major bank that is a regular participant in the foreign exchange market, or on the basis of a pricing service that takes into account the quotes provided by a number of such major banks. If the Fund does not have either of these alternatives available to it or the alternatives do not provide a suitable method for converting a foreign currency into U.S. dollars, the Adviser in good faith will establish a conversion rate for such currency.
Foreign securities trading may not take place on all days when the NYSE is open, or may take place on Saturdays and other days when the NYSE is not open and the Fund’s NAV per share is not calculated. When determining NAV per share, the Fund values foreign securities primarily listed and/or traded in foreign markets at their market value as of the close of the last primary market where the securities traded. Securities trading in European countries and Pacific Rim countries are normally completed well before 4:00 P.M., Eastern Time. It is currently the policy of the Fund that events affecting the valuation of Fund securities occurring between the time its NAV per share is determined and the close of the NYSE, if material, may be reflected in such NAV per share.
The Fund reserves the right to suspend or postpone redemptions during any period when: (a) trading on the NYSE is restricted, as determined by the SEC, or that the NYSE is closed for other than customary weekend and holiday closings; (b) the SEC has by order permitted such suspension; or (c) an emergency, as determined by the SEC, exists, making disposal of portfolio securities or valuation of net assets of the Fund not reasonably practicable.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
Systematic Withdrawal Plan. A Systematic Withdrawal Plan is available for shareholders having shares of the Fund with a minimum value of $10,000, based upon the NAV per share with respect to the Fund. The Systematic Withdrawal Plan provides for monthly, quarterly, or annual redemptions in any amount not less than $100 (which amount is not necessarily recommended).
The Transfer Agent acts as agent for the shareholder in redeeming sufficient full and fractional shares to provide the amount of the periodic withdrawal payment. The Systematic Withdrawal Plan may be terminated at any time, and, while no fee is currently charged, the Fund reserves the right to initiate a fee of up to $5 per withdrawal, upon 30 days’ written notice to the shareholder.
Withdrawal payments should not be considered as dividends, yield, or income. If periodic withdrawals continuously exceed reinvested dividends and capital gains distributions, the shareholder’s original investment will be correspondingly reduced and ultimately exhausted.
Furthermore, each withdrawal constitutes a redemption of shares, and any gain or loss realized must be recognized for federal income tax purposes. The shareholder may purchase additional shares when participating in the Systematic Withdrawal Plan.
Automatic Investment Plan. A shareholder who wishes to make additional investments in the Fund on a regular basis may do so by authorizing the Transfer Agent to deduct a fixed amount each month from the shareholder’s checking or savings account at his or her bank. This amount will automatically be invested in the Fund on the same day that the preauthorized debit is issued. The shareholder will receive a confirmation from the Fund, and the bank account statement will show the amount charged. In order to participate in the Automatic Investment Plan, please complete this section of the Account Application or contact the Transfer Agent for the form necessary to begin this service. The form necessary to begin this service is available from the Transfer Agent.
Tax Sheltered Retirement Plans. Through the Distributor, retirement plans are either available or expected to be available for use by the self‑employed (Keogh Plans), Individual Retirement Accounts (including SEP-IRAs) and “tax‑sheltered accounts” under Section 403(b)(7) of the Code. Adoption of such plans should be on advice of legal counsel or tax advisers.
For further information regarding plan administration, custodial fees and other details, investors should contact the Distributor.
ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING PROGRAM
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 Fund will not transact business with any person or entity whose identity cannot be adequately verified under the provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act.
TAXES
General
The Fund has elected and intends to continue to qualify to be taxed as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The discussion that follows is not intended to be a complete discussion of present or proposed federal income tax laws and the effect of such laws on an investor. Investors are urged to consult with their tax advisers for a complete review of the tax consequences of an investment in the Fund.
If the Fund fails to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code in any fiscal year, it will be treated as a regular corporation for federal income tax purposes. As such, the Fund would be required to pay income taxes on its net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, at the rates generally applicable to corporations. Distributions to shareholders, whether from the Fund’s net investment income or net realized capital gains, would be treated as taxable dividends to the extent of current or accumulated earnings and profits of the Fund.
The Fund's policy is to distribute to its shareholders all of its net investment 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. The Fund can give no assurances that distributions will be sufficient to eliminate all taxes. To avoid the non-deductible excise tax, the Fund must 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 98.2% 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 no federal income tax was paid by the Fund.
If, as expected, the Fund qualifies as a regulated investment company, dividends from the Fund’s net investment income, including short-term capital gains, are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income, while distributions of net capital gains are taxable as long-term capital gains regardless of the shareholder’s holding period for the shares. Such dividends and distributions are taxable to shareholders whether received in cash or reinvested in additional shares. Since all or substantially all of the income of the Fund is derived from interest payments to it, none of the dividends of the Fund are expected to qualify for the intercorporate dividends-received deduction or the reduced rate for qualified dividend income.
In order to qualify as a regulated investment company, the Fund must, among other things, derive at least 90% of its gross income each year from dividends, interest, payments with respect to loans of stock and securities, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock or securities or foreign currency gains related to investments in stock or securities, or other income (generally including gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to the business of investing in stock, securities or currency, and net income derived from an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership. The Fund also must satisfy the following two asset diversification tests. At the end of each quarter of each taxable year, (i) at least 50% of the value of the Fund’s total assets must be represented by cash and cash items (including receivables), U.S. government securities, the securities of other regulated investment companies, and other securities, with such other securities being limited in respect of any one issuer to an amount not greater than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets and not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets may be invested in the securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. government securities or the securities of
other regulated investment companies), the securities of any two or more issuers (other than the securities of other regulated investment companies) that the Fund controls (by owning 20% or more of their outstanding voting stock) and that are determined to be engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses or related trades or businesses, or the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships. The Fund also must distribute each taxable year sufficient dividends to its shareholders to claim a dividends paid deduction equal to at least the sum of 90% of the Fund’s net ordinary income (which generally includes dividends, interest, and the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss) and 90% of the Fund’s net tax-exempt interest, if any.
Any dividend or capital gain distribution paid shortly after a purchase of shares of the Fund will have the effect of reducing the NAV per share of such shares by the amount of the dividend or distribution. Furthermore, if the NAV per share of the Fund immediately after a dividend or distribution is less than the cost of such shares to the shareholder, the dividend or distribution will be taxable to the shareholder even though it results in a return of capital to him.
As of November 30, 2022, the Fund had tax capital losses which may be carried over to offset future gains. Such losses expire as follows:
| | | | | | | | | |
| Short-Term Indefinite | Long-Term Indefinite | Total |
| $233,053 | $264,871 | $497,924 |
Capital losses sustained will not expire and may be carried over by the Fund without limitation.
Redemptions of shares generally will result in a capital gain or loss for income tax purposes. Such capital gain or loss will be long term or short term, depending upon the shareholder’s holding period for the shares. However, if a loss is realized on shares held for six months or less, and the investor received a capital gain distribution during that period, then such loss is treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of the capital gain distribution received.
For taxable years beginning after 2017 and before 2025, non-corporate taxpayers generally may deduct 20% of “qualified business income” derived either directly or through partnerships or S corporations. For this purpose, “qualified business income” generally includes dividends paid by a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) and certain income from publicly traded partnerships. Regulations recently adopted by the United States Treasury allow non-corporate shareholders of the Fund to benefit from the 20% deduction with respect to net REIT dividends received by the Fund if the Fund meets certain reporting requirements. There is currently no mechanism for the Fund, to the extent that the Fund invests in MLPs, to pass through to non-corporate shareholders the character of income derived from MLP investments so as to allow such shareholders to claim this deduction. It is uncertain whether future legislation or other guidance will enable the Fund to pass through to non-corporate shareholders the ability to claim this deduction.
Rule 17a-7 Transactions
The Trust has adopted procedures pursuant to Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act pursuant to which the Fund may effect a purchase and sale transaction with an affiliated person of the Fund (or an affiliated person of such an affiliated person) in which the Fund issues its shares in exchange for cash payments. For purposes of determining the number of shares to be issued, the securities involved in the exchange will be valued in accordance with Rule 17a-7. Certain of the transactions may be tax-free with the result that the Fund acquires unrealized appreciation. Most Rule 17a-7 transactions will not be tax-free.
Taxation of Hedging Instruments
If a call option written by the Fund expires, the amount of the premium received by the Fund for the option will be short-term capital gain. If the Fund enters into a closing transaction with respect to the option, any gain or loss realized by the Fund as a result of the transaction will be short-term capital gain or loss. If the holder of a call option exercises the holder’s right under the option, any gain or loss realized by the Fund upon the sale of the underlying security or futures contract pursuant to such exercise will be short-term or long-term capital gain or loss to the Fund depending on the Fund’s holding period for the underlying security or futures contract, and the amount of the premium received will be added to the proceeds of sale for purposes of determining the amount of the capital gain or loss.
With respect to call options purchased by the Fund, the Fund will realize short-term or long-term capital gain or loss if such option is sold and will realize short-term or long-term capital loss if the option is allowed to expire depending on the Fund’s holding period for the call option. If such a call option is exercised, the amount paid by the Fund for the option will be added to the basis of the security or futures contract so acquired.
Gains and losses resulting from the expiration, exercise or closing of futures contracts will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss to the extent of 60% thereof and short-term capital gain or loss to the extent of 40% thereof (hereinafter “blended gain or loss”) for determining the character of distributions. In addition, futures contracts held by the Fund on the last day of a fiscal year will be treated as sold for market value (“marked to market”) on that date, and gain or loss recognized as a result of such deemed sale will be blended gain or loss. The realized gain or loss on the ultimate disposition of the futures contract will be increased or decreased to take into consideration the prior marked to market gains and losses.
The Fund may acquire put options. Under the Code, put options on securities are taxed similar to short sales. If the Fund owns the underlying security or acquires the underlying security before closing the option position, the option positions may be subject to certain modified short sale rules. If the Fund exercises or allows a put option to expire, the Fund will be considered to have closed a short sale. The Fund will generally have a short-term gain or loss on the closing of an option position. The determination of the length of the holding period is dependent on the holding period of the security used to exercise that put option. If the Fund sells the put option without exercising it, its holding period will be the holding period of the option.
Foreign Taxes
The Fund may be subject to foreign taxes on income and gains derived from its investments outside the U.S. Such taxes would reduce the return on the Fund’s investments. Tax treaties between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes. If more than 50% of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the close of any taxable year consists of securities of foreign corporations, the Fund may elect, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, to treat any foreign country income or withholding taxes paid by the Fund that can be treated as income taxes under U.S. income tax principles as paid by its shareholders subject to certain exceptions for qualified fund of funds structures. For any year that the Fund makes such an election, each of its shareholders will be required to include in his income (in addition to taxable dividends actually received) his allocable share of such taxes paid by the Fund and will be entitled, subject to certain limitations, to credit his portion of these foreign taxes against his U.S. federal income tax due, if any, or to deduct it (as an itemized deduction) from his U.S. taxable income, if any. Generally, credit for foreign taxes may not exceed the shareholder’s U.S. tax attributable to his foreign source taxable income.
If the pass through election described above is made, the source of the Fund’s income flows through to its shareholders. Certain gains from the sale of securities and currency fluctuations will not be treated as foreign source taxable income. In addition, this foreign tax credit limitation must be applied separately to certain categories of foreign source income, one of which is foreign source “passive income.” For this purpose, foreign “passive income” includes dividends, interest, capital gains and certain foreign currency gains. As a consequence, certain shareholders may not be able to claim a foreign tax credit for the full amount of their proportionate share of the foreign tax paid by the Fund.
If the Fund does not make the pass through election described above, the foreign taxes it pays will reduce its income, and distributions by the Fund will be treated as U.S. source income.
Each shareholder will be notified within 60 days after the close of the Fund’s taxable year whether, pursuant to the election described above, the foreign taxes paid by the Fund will be treated as paid by its shareholders for that year and, if so, such notification will report: (i) such shareholder’s portion of the foreign taxes paid; and (ii) the portion of the Fund’s dividends and distributions that represent income derived from foreign sources.
Foreign shareholders, including shareholders who are nonresident alien individuals, may be subject to U.S. withholding tax on certain distributions at a rate of 30% or such lower rate as may be prescribed by any applicable treaty. In addition, if the requirements of the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”) are not met, the United States may impose a 30% U.S. withholding tax on certain foreign financial institutions and other foreign entities with respect to ordinary income distributions on shares of the Fund. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors regarding the possible implications of this legislation as well as the other U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of an investment in our shares.
Backup Withholding
Federal law requires the Fund to withhold from a non-corporate shareholder’s reportable payments (which include dividends, capital gains distributions and redemption proceeds) an amount as backup withholding determined at a rate forth in Section 3406 of the Code, for shareholders who have not properly certified that the social security or other taxpayer identification number they provide is correct and that the shareholder is not subject to backup withholding, or if such shareholder or the Internal Revenue Service notifies the Fund that backup withholding is required. Backup withholding is not an additional tax and any amounts withheld may be credited against a shareholder’s ultimate federal income tax liability if proper documentation is provided.
The foregoing discussion relates only to federal income tax law as applicable to U.S. persons (i.e., U.S. citizens and residents and U.S. domestic corporations, estates the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source, and trusts that (1) are subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (2) have a valid election in effect under applicable United States Treasury regulations to be treated as a United States person). Distributions by the Fund may also be subject to state and local taxes, and the treatment of distributions under state and local income tax laws may differ from the federal income tax treatment. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors with respect to particular questions of federal, state and local taxation. Shareholders who are not U.S. persons should consult their tax advisors regarding U.S. and foreign tax consequences of ownership of shares of the Fund, including the likelihood that distributions to them would be subject to withholding of U.S. tax at a rate of 30% (or at a lower rate under a tax treaty if one applies).
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Declaration of Trust permits the Board 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. A 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. The 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 the 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. 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.
Redemptions In-Kind
The Trust has elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act so that the Fund is obligated to redeem its shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of its net asset value during any 90-day period for any shareholder of the Fund. The Fund has reserved the right to pay the redemption price of its shares in excess of $250,000 or l% of its net asset value either totally or partially, by a distribution in-kind of portfolio securities or loans (instead of cash). The securities or loans so distributed would be valued at the same amount as that assigned to them in calculating the NAV per share for the shares being sold. If a shareholder receives a distribution in-kind, the shareholder could incur brokerage or other charges in converting the securities or loans to cash. A redemption, whether in cash or in-kind, is a taxable event for you.
The Fund does not intend to hold any significant percentage of its portfolio in illiquid securities, although the Fund, like virtually all mutual funds, may from time to time hold a small percentage of securities that are illiquid. In the unlikely event the Fund were to elect to make an in-kind redemption, the Fund expects that it would follow the Trust protocol of making such distribution by way of a pro rata distribution of securities that are traded on a public securities market or are otherwise considered liquid pursuant to the Fund’s liquidity policies and procedures. Except as otherwise may be approved by the Trustees, the securities that would not be included in an in-kind distribution include (1) unregistered securities which, if distributed, would be required to be registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “1933 Act”), as amended; (2) securities issued by entities in countries which (a) restrict or prohibit the holding of securities by non-nationals other than through qualified investment vehicles, such as a fund, or (b) permit transfers of ownership of securities to be effected only by transactions conducted on a local stock exchange; and (3) certain Fund assets that, although they may be liquid and marketable, must be traded through the marketplace or with the counterparty to the transaction in order to effect a change in beneficial ownership.
CODES OF ETHICS
The Trust and Adviser have each adopted separate Codes of Ethics under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act. These Codes permit, subject to certain conditions, access persons of the Adviser to invest in securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund. The Distributor, relies on the principal underwriter’s exception under Rule 17j-1(c)(3), of the 1940 Act, specifically where the Distributor is not affiliated with the Trust or the Adviser, and no officer, director or general partner of the Distributor serves as an officer, director or general partner of the Trust or the Adviser.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The annual report to shareholders for the Fund for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022, is a separate document supplied with this SAI, and the financial statements, accompanying notes and report of independent registered public accounting firm appearing therein are incorporated by reference into this SAI.
PIA Manual Effective January, 2020
Pacific Income Advisers, Inc.
Proxy Voting Policy
Effective January, 2020
PIA Manual Effective January, 2020
PACIFIC INCOME ADVISERS, INC.
POLICIES & PROCEDURES MANUAL
All contents are the confidential and exclusive property of Pacific Income Advisers, Inc. (“PIA”).
For internal use only.
Copyright © 2020 by Pacific Income Advisers, Inc.
All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced, transmitted or transcribed in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, now known or hereafter invented, including but not limited to photocopying and recording or by any information storage or retrieval system, except as expressly permitted by the copyright owner.
H. PROXY VOTING POLICY
On January 31, 2003, the Securities and Exchange Commission approved proxy voting regulations for investment advisers registered with the SEC under the Advisers Act. The regulations require investment advisers to disclose their proxy voting policies and procedures to their clients.
1. VOTING PROXIES FOR NON-ERISA ACCOUNTS
In this regard, it is PIA’s policy to vote proxies for portfolio securities in accordance with the best economic interests of each client unless that client explicitly retains responsibility for proxy voting.
2. VOTING OF PROXIES FOR ERISA ACCOUNTS
The Department of Labor (“DOL”) takes the position that the fiduciary act of managing plan assets which are held as shares of corporate stock includes the obligation to vote proxies appurtenant to those shares of stock. Section 403(a) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) requires plan trustees to have exclusive authority and responsibility for voting proxies, unless:
•The plan expressly provides that the trustees are subject to the discretion of a named fiduciary who is not a trustee (in which case the trustees are subject to proper directions made in accordance with the terms of the plan and not contrary to ERISA); and
•The authority to manage, acquire or dispose of assets of the plan is delegated to one or more investment managers pursuant to Section 402 of ERISA.
3. PROCEDURES
PIA has adopted the following procedures in relation to the voting of proxies:
•At the opening of each client relationship, an IAR will determine whether PIA will have proxy voting responsibility and if so, whether the client has any specific guidelines or policies it require PIA to comply with.
•All investment advisory agreements with clients specify whether PIA, the client or (in the case of ERISA accounts) the plan trustees or a named fiduciary have proxy voting authority. All agreements with wrap-fee sponsors provide that PIA has proxy voting authority unless the client explicitly retains responsibility for proxy voting in writing.
•All proxy voting materials received by PIA will be forwarded to Operations whose responsibilities will include but not be limited to:
(i) Reconciliation of proxies received against securities held and obtaining any missing proxy materials/ballots prior to the voting deadline.
(ii) Forwarding all applicable proxy materials to those clients who have retained authority to vote proxies.
(iii) Voting proxies in accordance with the Portfolio Manager’s recommendations and guidelines, or those of the Compliance Committee.
(iv) Transmitting voted proxies to the appropriate issuers.
(v) Recording how each proxy was voted for PIA clients.
(vi) Maintaining appropriate proxy voting records by issuer and for clients.
(vii) Preparing and providing proxy voting reports to the CCO upon request.
•If any conflict or potential conflict of interest arises in the execution of PIA’s proxy voting responsibilities, including the Mutual Fund votes, Operations will refer the matter to the Compliance Committee who will review and resolve any such conflict in the best interests of all affected clients. The Compliance Committee will either instruct Operations to vote the affected proxies in accordance with the Compliance Committee’s specific instructions or provided that the client is not an ERISA client, either request the client to vote their own proxies or abstain from any voting. In all cases the Compliance Committee will disclose the conflict to all affected clients and notify them of the specific action taken.
•The CCO is responsible for ensuring that an accurate summary of PIA’s proxy voting procedures is included in PIA’s client disclosure document and on its website at all times.
•PIA will maintain adequate records to document the voting process for all clients.
•PIA will collect and vote Fund proxies and maintain the records of the vote, in accordance with Form N-PX filing requirement.
PIA’s Disclosure Brochure contains detailed information regarding proxy voting practices and how its clients may obtain information on how their securities were voted.
P R O S P E C T U S
March 31, 2023
PIA Short Duration Bond Fund
Class A (Not available for purchase)
Class I (Not available for purchase)
(the “Fund”)
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these securities or determined if this Prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUMMARY SECTION
PIA Short Duration Bond Fund (“Short Duration Bond Fund” or “Fund”)
Investment Objective
The Short Duration Bond Fund’s investment objective is to seek a high level of current income, consistent with low volatility of principal.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and example below. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $250,000 in the Fund’s Class A shares. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in the “Reducing Your Sales Charge” section on page 23 of the Fund’s Prospectus and the “Breakpoints/Volume Discounts and Sales Charge Waivers” section on page 46 of the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”).
| | | | | | | | |
SHAREHOLDER FEES (fees paid directly from your investment) | Class A(3) | Class I |
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) | 2.50 | % | None |
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
Management Fees | 0.47 | % | 0.47 | % |
Distribution and Service (Rule 12b-1) Fees | 0.25 | % | None |
Other Expenses(1) | 0.94 | % | 0.94 | % |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 1.66 | % | 1.41 | % |
Less: Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement(2) | -0.66 | % | -0.66 | % |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement | 1.00 | % | 0.75 | % |
(1)Other expenses are based on estimated Fund expenses for the current fiscal year.
(2)Pacific Income Advisers, Inc. (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its management fees and pay Fund expenses to ensure that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses (“AFFE”), interest, taxes, extraordinary expenses, Rule 12b-1 fees, shareholder servicing fees or any other class-specific expenses) do not exceed 0.75% of the average daily net assets of the Fund (the “Expense Cap”). The Expense Cap will remain in effect through at least March 29, 2024, and may be terminated only by the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board” or the “Trustees”). The Adviser may request recoupment of previously waived fees and paid expenses from the Fund for 36 months from the date they were waived or paid, subject to the Expense Cap at the time such amounts were waived or at the time of recoupment, whichever is lower. AFFE are the indirect costs of investing in other investment companies, such as a money market funds.
(3)For Class A shares a contingent deferred sales charge of 0.75% may apply to certain redemptions made within twelve months following purchases of $250,000 or more without an initial sales charge.
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 shares at the end of those periods (unless otherwise indicated). 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 Expense Cap only in the first year). Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
| | | | | | | | |
| 1 Year | 3 Years |
Class A | $349 | $697 |
Class I | $77 | $381 |
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. As the Fund has not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus, it did not have any portfolio turnover in the last fiscal year.
Principal Investment Strategies of the Fund:
The Fund invests, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in fixed-income securities. The Fund expects that the weighted average duration of the securities in the portfolio will typically be less than three (3) years. Fixed-income securities in which the Fund may invest include:
•short-term and intermediate-term corporate obligations which are rated investment grade, or with respect to up to 15% of the Fund’s net assets, are unrated or are rated below investment grade (i.e., junk bonds);
•obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. and foreign governments and their agencies and instrumentalities;
•mortgage-backed securities; and
•asset-backed securities.
The Fund may also invest in bank obligations, collateralized mortgage obligations, foreign fixed-income securities (including those from emerging markets) and hybrid securities such as convertible bonds.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in other investment companies (mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”)). Investments in other investment companies that invest predominantly in short-term fixed income securities are considered short-term fixed income securities for purposes of the Fund’s 80% test and investments in other investment companies that invest predominantly in securities rated less than investment grade are considered securities rated less than investment grade for purposes of the Fund’s 15% test.
Duration is a measure of a debt security’s price sensitivity. Higher duration indicates bonds that are more sensitive to interest rate changes – the higher the duration, the more the bond’s price will drop as interest rates go up. Bonds with shorter duration are less sensitive to interest rate changes. For example, a duration of three years means that a debt security’s price would be expected to decrease by approximately 3% with a 1% increase in interest rates. Duration takes into account a debt security’s cash flows over time including the possibility that a debt security might be prepaid by the issuer or redeemed by the holder prior to its stated maturity date. In contrast, maturity measures only the time until final payment is due.
In selecting investments for the Fund, the Adviser primarily will consider credit quality, duration and yield. The Adviser may actively trade the Fund’s portfolio. The Fund’s annual portfolio turnover rate may exceed 100%.
The Fund is a non-diversified investment company.
Principal Investment Risks
By itself, the Fund is not a complete, balanced investment plan. The Fund cannot guarantee that it will achieve its investment objectives. Losing all or a portion of your investment is a risk of investing in the Fund.
•General Market Risk. Economies and financial markets throughout the world are becoming increasingly interconnected, which increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one country or region will adversely impact markets or issuers in other countries or regions. Securities in the Fund’s portfolio may underperform in comparison to securities in general financial markets, a particular financial market or other asset classes due to a number of factors, including: inflation (or expectations for inflation); interest rates; global demand for particular products or resources; natural disasters or events; pandemic diseases; terrorism; regulatory events; and government controls. U.S. and international markets have experienced significant periods of volatility in recent years and months due to a number of economic, political and global macro factors including the impact of COVID-19 as a global pandemic, which has resulted in a public health crisis, disruptions to business operations and supply chains, stress on the global healthcare system, growth concerns in the U.S. and overseas, staffing shortages and the inability to meet consumer demand, and widespread concern and uncertainty. The global recovery from COVID-19 is proceeding at slower than expected rates due to the emergence of variant strains and may last for an extended period of time. Continuing uncertainties regarding interest rates, rising inflation, political events, rising government debt in the U.S. and trade tensions also contribute to market volatility. As a result of continuing political tensions and armed conflicts, including the war between Ukraine and Russia, the U.S. and the European Union imposed sanctions on certain Russian individuals and companies, including certain financial institutions, and have limited certain exports and imports to and from Russia. The war has contributed to recent market volatility and may continue to do so.
•High Yield Securities Risk. Securities with ratings lower than BBB or Baa are known as “high yield” securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”). High yield securities typically carry higher coupon rates than investment grade securities, but also are considered as speculative and may be subject to greater market price fluctuations, less liquidity and greater risk of loss of income or principal including greater possibility of default and bankruptcy of the issuer of such instruments than more highly rated bonds and loans.
•Counterparty Risk. Fund transactions involving a counterparty are subject to the risk that the counterparty or a third party will not fulfill its obligation to the Fund. Counterparty risk may arise because of the counterparty’s financial condition (i.e., financial difficulties, bankruptcy, or insolvency), market activities and developments, or other reasons, whether foreseen or not. A counterparty’s inability to fulfill its obligation may result in significant financial loss to the Fund.
•Management Risk. The Fund is an actively managed portfolio. The Adviser’s management practices and investment strategies might not work to produce the desired results.
•Interest Rate Risk. The value of the Fund’s investments in fixed-income securities will change based on changes in interest rates. If interest rates increase, the value of these investments generally declines. Securities with greater interest rate sensitivity and longer maturities generally are subject to greater fluctuations in value.
•Credit Risk. The issuers of the bonds and other debt securities held by the Fund may not be able to make interest or principal payments.
•Prepayment Risk. Issuers of securities held by the Fund may be able to prepay principal due on these securities, particularly during periods of declining interest rates. Securities subject to prepayment risk generally offer less potential for gains when interest rates decline, and may offer a greater potential for loss when interest rates rise. When debt obligations are prepaid or when securities are called, the Fund may have to reinvest in securities with a lower yield. Prepayment risk is a major risk of mortgage-backed securities.
•Extension Risk. An issuer may pay principal on an obligation held by the Fund (such as an asset-backed or mortgage-backed security) later than expected. This may happen during a period of rising interest rates. Under these circumstances, the value of the obligation will decrease.
•Convertible Bond Risk. Convertible bonds are hybrid securities that have characteristics of both bonds and common stocks and are subject to debt security risks and equity risk. Convertible bonds are subject to equity risk especially when their conversion value is greater than the interest and principal value of the bond. The prices of equity securities may rise or fall because of economic or political changes and may decline over short or extended periods of time.
•ETF and Mutual Fund Risk. When the Fund invests in an ETF or mutual fund, it will bear additional expenses based on its pro rata share of the ETF’s or mutual fund’s operating expenses, including the potential duplication of management fees. The risk of owning an ETF or mutual fund generally reflects the risks of owning the underlying securities the ETF or mutual fund holds. The Fund also will incur brokerage costs when it purchases ETFs.
•Risks Associated with Asset-Backed Securities. These include Market and Regulatory Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Credit Risk, Prepayment Risk and Extension Risk (each described above). Asset-backed securities may decline in value when defaults on the underlying assets occur and may exhibit additional volatility in periods of changing interest rates.
•Risks Associated with Mortgage-Backed Securities. These include General Market Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Credit Risk, Prepayment Risk and Extension Risk (each described above). During periods of difficult or frozen credit markets, significant changes in interest rates, or deteriorating economic conditions, such securities may decline in value, face valuation difficulties, become more volatile and/or become illiquid.
•Liquidity Risk. Reduced liquidity in the bond markets can result from a number of events, such as limited trading activity, reductions in bond inventory, and rapid or unexpected changes in interest rates. Less liquid markets could lead to greater price volatility and limit the Fund’s ability to sell a holding at a suitable price.
•Foreign and Emerging Market Securities Risk. Investments in foreign currencies and foreign issuers are subject to additional risks, including political and economic risks, greater volatility, civil conflicts and war, sanctions or other measures by the United States or other governments, liquidity risks, currency fluctuations, higher transaction costs, delayed settlement, possible foreign controls on investment, expropriation and nationalization risks, and less stringent investor protection and disclosure standards of foreign markets. Events and evolving conditions in certain economies or markets may alter the risks associated with investments tied to countries or regions that historically were perceived as comparatively stable becoming riskier and more volatile. These risks are magnified in countries in “emerging markets.” Emerging market countries typically have less-established market economies than developed countries and may face greater social, economic, regulatory and political uncertainties. In addition, emerging markets typically present greater illiquidity and price volatility concerns due to smaller or limited local capital markets and greater difficulty in determining market valuations of securities due to limited public information on issuers.
•Non-Diversification Risk. The Fund is a non-diversified investment company. As such, it will invest in fewer securities than a diversified investment company and its performance may be more volatile because changes in a single security in the Fund’s portfolio may have a greater effect on the Fund. If the securities in which the Fund invests perform poorly, the Fund could incur greater losses than if the Fund was diversified.
•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. A high portfolio turnover rate also leads to higher transactions costs.
•Adjustable Rate and Floating Rate Securities Risks. Although adjustable and floating rate debt securities tend to be less volatile than fixed-rate debt securities, they nevertheless fluctuate in value.
•Risks Associated with Inflation and Deflation. Inflation risk is the risk that increasing prices throughout the economy may erode the purchasing power of an investment over time. Deflation risk is the risk that prices throughout the economy decline over time – the opposite of inflation.
•New Fund Risk. The Fund is new with no operating history and there can be no assurance that the Fund will grow to or maintain an economically viable size, in which case the Board may determine to liquidate the Fund.
Performance
When the Fund has been in operation for a full calendar year, performance information will be shown here. Updated performance information is available on the Fund’s website at www.pacificincome.com/mutual-funds or by calling the Fund toll-free at 1-800-251-1970.
Management
Investment Adviser: Pacific Income Advisers, Inc. is the investment adviser of the Fund.
Portfolio Managers: The following individual serves as the Fund’s portfolio manager:
| | | | | | | | |
Portfolio Managers | Length of Service with the Fund | Primary Title with the Adviser |
Lloyd McAdams | Since Inception | President |
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares:
Once the Fund has commenced operations, you may purchase, exchange or redeem Fund shares on any business day by written request via mail (PIA Short Duration Bond Fund, c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, P.O. Box 701, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701), by telephone at 1-800-251-1970, through a financial intermediary. You may also purchase of redeem Fund shares by wire transfer. Investors who wish to purchase, exchange or redeem Fund shares through a financial intermediary should contact the financial intermediary directly. The minimum initial and subsequent investment amounts are shown below.
| | | | | | | | |
Type of Account | To Open Your Account | To Add to Your Account |
Class A | | |
Regular and Retirement Accounts | $1,000 | $50 |
Automatic Investment Plan Accounts | $500 | $50 |
Class I | $1,000,000 | $50 |
Tax Information
Fund distributions are taxable, and will be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you invest through an individual retirement account (“IRA”), 401(k) plan, or other tax-deferred arrangement. Distributions on investments made through tax-deferred arrangements may be taxed later upon withdrawal of assets from those accounts.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, the Fund and/or the Adviser may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RELATED RISKS
The Fund seeks to achieve its objective through investing in short-term investment grade and non-investment grade debt securities. The Fund invests, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in fixed-income securities. This non-fundamental policy may only be changed upon 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders. The Fund expects that the weighted average duration of the securities in the portfolio will typically be less than three (3) years. Fixed-Income securities in which the Fund may invest include:
•short-term and intermediate-term corporate obligations which are rated investment grade, or with respect to up to 15% of the Fund’s net assets, are unrated or are rated below investment grade (i.e., junk bonds);
•obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. and foreign governments and their agencies and instrumentalities;
•mortgage-backed securities (asset-backed securities secured by a mortgage or collection of mortgages); and
•asset-backed securities (securities secured by some form of asset, such as loans, leases or receivables).
The Fund may also invest in bank obligations, collateralized mortgage obligations (a form of mortgage-backed securities where separate pools are created for different classes of investors), foreign fixed-income securities (including those from emerging markets) and hybrid securities such as convertible bonds.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in other investment companies (mutual funds and ETFs). Investments in other investment companies will comply with the Investment Company Act of 1940. See the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information for additional discussion regarding investments in other investment companies. Investments in other investment companies that invest predominantly in short-term fixed income securities are considered short-term fixed income securities for purposes of the Fund’s 80% test and investments in other investment companies that invest predominantly in securities rated less than investment grade are considered securities rated less than investment grade for purposes of the Fund’s 15% test.
Duration is a measure of a debt security’s price sensitivity. Higher duration indicates bonds that are more sensitive to interest rate changes – the higher the duration, the more the bond’s price will drop as interest rates go up. Bonds with shorter duration are less sensitive to interest rate changes. For example, a duration of three years means that a debt security’s price would be expected to decrease by approximately 3% with a 1% increase in interest rates. Duration takes into account a debt security’s cash flows over time including the possibility that a debt security might be prepaid by the issuer or redeemed by the holder prior to its stated maturity date. In contrast, maturity measures only the time until final payment is due.
In selecting investments for the Fund, the Adviser primarily will consider credit quality, duration and yield. The Adviser may actively trade the Fund’s portfolio. The Fund’s annual portfolio turnover rate may exceed 100%.
Bank obligations purchased for the Fund are limited to U.S. or foreign banks with total assets of $1.5 billion or more. Similarly, savings association obligations purchased for the Fund are limited to U.S. savings association obligations issued by U.S. savings banks with total assets of $1.5 billion or more. Foreign government securities purchased for the Fund must be U.S. dollar-denominated and issued by foreign governments, agencies or instrumentalities. These foreign obligations must also meet the same
quality requirements as U.S. obligations. The commercial paper and other short-term corporate obligations the Adviser buys for the Fund are determined by the Adviser to present minimal credit risks.
The Adviser may sell a security as part of its overall investment decision to reposition assets into a more attractive security or to implement a change in maturity and quality to the overall portfolio.
The Fund is a non-diversified investment company.
Temporary Defensive Investment Strategies
For temporary defensive purposes, in response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Adviser may invest up to 100% of the Fund’s total assets in high-quality, short-term debt securities and money market instruments. These short-term debt securities and money market instruments include shares of other mutual funds, commercial paper, certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances, U.S. Government securities and repurchase agreements. Taking a temporary defensive position may result in the Fund not achieving its investment objectives. Furthermore, to the extent that the Fund invests in money market mutual funds for its cash position, there will be some duplication of expenses because the Fund would bear its pro rata portion of such money market funds’ management fees and operational expenses.
Risks
There are a number of risks associated with the various securities in which the Fund will at times invest. These include:
General Market Risk. Economies and financial markets throughout the world are becoming increasingly interconnected, which increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one country or region will adversely impact markets or issuers in other countries or regions. Securities in the Fund’s portfolio may underperform in comparison to securities in general financial markets, a particular financial market or other asset classes due to a number of factors, including: inflation (or expectations for inflation); interest rates; global demand for particular products or resources; natural disasters or events; pandemic diseases; terrorism; regulatory events; and government controls. U.S. and international markets have experienced significant periods of volatility in recent years and months due to a number of economic, political and global macro factors including the impact of COVID-19 as a global pandemic, which has resulted in a public health crisis, disruptions to business operations and supply chains, stress on the global healthcare system, growth concerns in the U.S. and overseas, staffing shortages and the inability to meet consumer demand, and widespread concern and uncertainty. The global recovery from COVID-19 is proceeding at slower than expected rates due to the emergence of variant strains and may last for an extended period of time. Continuing uncertainties regarding interest rates, rising inflation, political events, rising government debt in the U.S. and trade tensions also contribute to market volatility. As a result of continuing political tensions and armed conflicts, including the war between Ukraine and Russia, the U.S. and the European Union imposed sanctions on certain Russian individuals and companies, including certain financial institutions, and have limited certain exports and imports to and from Russia. The war has contributed to recent market volatility and may continue to do so.
High Yield Securities Risk. High yield securities (or “junk bonds”) entail greater risk of loss of principal because of their greater exposure to credit risk. High yield securities typically carry higher coupon rates than investment grade bonds, but also are described as speculative and may be subject to greater market price fluctuations, less liquidity and greater risk of income or principal including greater possibility of default and bankruptcy of the issuer of such instruments than more highly rated bonds. Lower-rated bonds also are more likely to be sensitive to adverse economic or company developments and more subject to price fluctuations in response to changes in interest rates. The market for high yield securities is generally thinner and less active than the market for higher quality securities. This may limit the ability
of the Fund to sell high yield securities at the prices at which they are being valued for purposes of calculating net asset value (“NAV”) per share.
Counterparty Risk. Fund transactions involving a counterparty are subject to the risk that the counterparty or a third party will not fulfill its obligation to the Fund. Counterparty risk may arise because of the counterparty’s financial condition (i.e., financial difficulties, bankruptcy, or insolvency), market activities and developments, or other reasons, whether foreseen or not. A counterparty’s inability to fulfill its obligation may result in significant financial loss to the Fund. The Fund may be unable to recover its investment from the counterparty or may obtain a limited recovery, and/or recovery may be delayed. The Fund may be exposed to counterparty risk through its investments in debt securities and derivatives, including various types of swaps, futures, and options. The Fund intends to enter into financial transactions with counterparties that the Adviser believes to be creditworthy at the time of the transaction. There is always the risk that the Adviser’s analysis of a counterparty’s creditworthiness is incorrect or may change due to market conditions. To the extent that the Fund focuses its transactions with a limited number of counterparties, it will have greater exposure to the risks associated with one or more counterparties.
Management Risk. The Fund is an actively managed portfolio. The Adviser’s management practices and investment strategies might not work to produce the desired results.
Interest Rate Risk. The value of the Fund’s investments in fixed-income securities will change based on changes in interest rates. If interest rates increase, the value of these investments generally declines. Fixed-income instruments with longer durations tend to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates, making them more volatile than fixed-income instruments with shorter durations or floating or adjustable interest rates. Many factors can cause interest rates to rise, such as central bank monetary policies, inflation rates, general economic conditions and expectations about the foregoing. The negative impact on fixed-income instruments from potential interest rate increases could be swift and significant, including falling market values, increased redemptions and reduced liquidity.
Credit Risk. The issuers of the bonds and other fixed income instruments held by the Fund may not be able to make interest or principal payments. Even if these issuers are able to make interest or principal payments, they may suffer adverse changes in financial condition that would lower the credit quality of the security, leading to greater volatility in the price of the security.
Prepayment Risk. Issuers of securities held by the Fund may be able to prepay principal due on securities, particularly during periods of declining interest rates. Securities subject to prepayment risk generally offer less potential for gains when interest rates decline, and may offer a greater potential for loss when interest rates rise. Rising interest rates may cause prepayments to occur at a slower than expected rate thereby increasing the duration of the security and making the security more sensitive to interest rate changes. When debt obligations are prepaid or when securities are called, the Fund may have to reinvest in securities with a lower yield. Prepayment risk is a major risk of mortgage-backed securities.
Extension Risk. An issuer may pay principal on an obligation held by the Fund (such as an asset-backed or mortgage-backed security) later than expected. This may happen during a period of rising interest rates. Under these circumstances, the value of the obligation will decrease.
Convertible Bond Risk. Convertible bonds are hybrid securities that have characteristics of both bonds and common stocks and are subject to debt security risk and conversion value-related equity risk. Convertible bonds are similar to other fixed-income securities because they usually pay a fixed interest rate and are obligated to repay principal on a given date in the future. The market value of fixed-income securities tends to decline as interest rates increase. Convertible bonds are particularly sensitive to changes in interest rates when their conversion to equity feature is small relative to the interest and principal value of the bond. Convertible issuers may not be able to make principal and interest payments
on the bond as they become due. Convertible bonds may also be subject to prepayment or redemption risk. If a convertible bond held by the Fund is called for redemption, the Fund will be required to surrender the security for redemption and convert it into the issuing company’s common stock or cash at a time that may be unfavorable to the Fund. Convertible securities have characteristics similar to common stocks especially when their conversion value is greater than the interest and principal value of the bond.
The prices of equity securities may rise or fall because of economic or political changes. Stock prices in general may decline over short or even extended periods of time. Market prices of equity securities in broad market segments may be adversely affected by a prominent issuer having experienced losses or by the lack of earnings or such an issuer’s failure to meet the market’s expectations with respect to new products or services, or even by factors wholly unrelated to the value or condition of the issuer, such as changes in interest rates. When a convertible bond’s value is more closely tied to its conversion to stock feature, it is sensitive to the underlying stock’s price.
ETF and Mutual Fund Risk. ETFs are typically open-end investment companies that are bought and sold on a national securities exchange. When the Fund invests in an ETF, it will bear additional expenses based on its pro rata share of the ETF’s operating expenses, including the potential duplication of management fees. The Fund also will incur brokerage costs when it purchases ETFs. The risk of owning an ETF generally reflects the risks of owning the underlying securities it holds. Many ETFs seek to replicate a specific benchmark index. However, such ETF may not fully replicate the performance of its benchmark index for many reasons, including because of the temporary unavailability of certain index securities in the secondary market or discrepancies between the ETF and the index with respect to the weighting of securities or the number of stocks held. Lack of liquidity in an ETF could result in an ETF being more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities it holds. In addition, because of ETF expenses, compared to owning the underlying securities directly, it may be more costly to own an ETF.
If the Fund invests in shares of another mutual fund, shareholders will indirectly bear fees and expenses charged by the underlying mutual funds in which the Fund invests in addition to the Fund’s direct fees and expenses. Furthermore, investments in other mutual funds could affect the timing, amount and character of distributions to shareholders and therefore may increase the amount of taxes payable by investors in the Fund.
Risks Associated with Asset-Backed Securities. These include General Market Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Credit Risk, Prepayment Risk and Extension Risk (each described above). Asset-backed securities represent interests in “pools” of assets, including consumer loans or receivables held in trust. Rising interest rates tend to extend the duration of these securities, making them more sensitive to changes in interest rates. As a result, in a period of rising interest rates, these securities may exhibit additional volatility. These securities also are subject to risk of default on the underlying assets, particularly during period of economic downturn.
Risks Associated with Mortgage-Backed Securities. These include General Market Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Credit Risk, Prepayment Risk and Extension Risk (each described above) as well as the risk that the structure of certain mortgage-backed securities may make their reaction to interest rates and other factors difficult to predict, making their prices very volatile. In particular, events related to the U.S. housing market in recent years had a severe negative impact on the value of some mortgage-backed securities and resulted in an increased risk associated with investments in the securities. Default rates on mortgages underlying many mortgage-backed securities have increased, which has resulted in depressed valuations for these instruments. Liquidity has also sometimes been impaired.
Liquidity Risk. Certain fixed income securities or derivative instruments held by the Fund may be difficult (or impossible) to sell at the time and at the price the Adviser would like. As a result, the Fund may have to hold these securities or instruments longer than it would like and may forego other
investment opportunities. There is the possibility that the Fund may lose money or be prevented from realizing capital gains if it cannot sell a security or instrument at a particular time and price.
Foreign and Emerging Market Securities Risk. Foreign economies may differ from domestic companies in the same industry. Foreign companies or entities are frequently not subject to accounting and financial reporting standards applicable to U.S. companies, and there may be less information available about foreign issuers. Securities of foreign issuers are generally less liquid and more volatile than those of comparable domestic issuers. Investment in emerging markets involves risks in addition to those generally associated with investments in securities of foreign issuers, including less social, political and economic stability; smaller securities markets and lower trading volume, which may result in less liquidity and greater price volatility; national policies that may restrict an underlying fund’s investment opportunities, including restrictions on investments in issuers or industries, or expropriation or confiscation of assets or property; and less developed legal structures governing private or foreign investment.
Non-Diversification Risk. The Fund is a non-diversified investment company. As such, it will invest in fewer securities than diversified investment companies and its performance may be more volatile. If the securities in which the Fund invests perform poorly, the Fund could incur greater losses than if the Fund was diversified.
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. This may subject you to a higher tax liability. Distributions to shareholders of short-term capital gains are taxed as ordinary income under Federal tax laws. A high portfolio turnover rate also leads to higher transactions costs, which could negatively affect the Fund’s performance. The Fund’s annual portfolio turnover rate may be greater than 100%.
Adjustable Rate and Floating Rate Securities Risks. Although adjustable and floating rate debt securities tend to be less volatile than fixed-rate debt securities, they nevertheless fluctuate in value. A sudden and extreme increase in prevailing interest rates may cause adjustable and fixed-rate debt securities to decline in value because:
◦There may be a time lag between the increases in market rates and an increase in the interest paid on the adjustable or floating rate security;
◦There may be limitations on the permitted increases in the interest paid on the adjustable or floating rate security so that the interest paid does not keep pace with increases in market interest rates; or
◦The duration of adjustable rate securities which are mortgage-backed securities may increase because of slowing of prepayments causing investors to consider these securities to be longer term securities.
Risks Associated with Inflation and Deflation. Inflation risk is the risk that increasing prices throughout the economy may erode the purchasing power of an investment over time. As inflation increases, the value of the Fund’s portfolio could decline. Deflation risk is the risk that prices throughout the economy decline over time — the opposite of inflation. Deflation may have an adverse affect on the creditworthiness of issuers and may make issuer defaults more likely, which may result in a decline in the value of the Fund’s portfolio.
New Fund Risk. The Fund is new with no operating history and there can be no assurance that the Fund will grow to or maintain an economically viable size, in which case the Board may determine to liquidate the Fund.
PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION
A complete description of the Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings is available in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) and on the Fund’s website at www.pacificincome.com/mutual-funds.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
Investment Adviser
Pacific Income Advisers, Inc., located at 2321 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 1260, El Segundo, California 90245, is the investment adviser to the Fund. The Adviser has been in business since 1987. As the investment adviser to the Fund, the Adviser manages the investment portfolios for the Fund, making the decisions as to which securities to buy and which securities to sell. The Fund is contractually obligated to pay the Adviser an annual investment management fee equal to 0.47% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the Fund’s investment advisory agreement is included in the Fund’s semi-annual report to shareholders for the fiscal period ended May 31, 2021.
The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers’ compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers’ ownership of shares in the Fund.
Fund Expenses
The Fund is responsible for its own operating expenses. However, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its management fees and pay Fund expenses through at least March 29, 2024, in order to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding AFFE, interest, taxes, extraordinary expenses, Rule 12b-1 fees, shareholder servicing fees and any other class-specific expenses) to 0.75% of the average daily net assets of the Fund. The term of the Fund’s operating expense limitation agreement is indefinite, and it can only be terminated by the Board. The Adviser may request recoupment of previously waived fees and paid expenses in any subsequent month in the 36-month period from the date of the management fee reduction and expense payment if the aggregate amount actually paid by the Fund toward the operating expenses for such fiscal year (taking into account the reimbursement) will not cause the Fund to exceed the lesser of: (1) the expense limitation in place at the time of the management fee reduction and expense payment; or (2) the expense limitation in place at the time of the reimbursement. Any such recoupment is contingent upon the subsequent review and approval of the recouped amounts by the Board.
Portfolio Managers
The following individual is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio.
Lloyd McAdams, CFA, CEBS, President
Mr. McAdams is President and portfolio manager at PIA, having previously served as Chief Investment Officer. Prior to joining PIA in 1986, Mr. McAdams held the position of President of Security Pacific Investment Managers, Inc., Senior Vice President of Trust Company of the West, and an Investment Officer with the State of Tennessee. Mr. McAdams has served as a Board member of the California Public Employees Retirement System (“CALPERS”) in the past. Mr. McAdam had also been the founder, Chairman and CEO of Anworth Mortgage Asset Corp., a NYSE listed company (“ANH”) that managed a portfolio of mortgage securities for its mostly institutional shareholders. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst Charter Holder, and a Certified Employee Benefit Specialist. Mr. McAdams holds a B.S. in Statistics from Stanford University and an M.B.A. from the University of Tennessee.
The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio manager’s compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio manager and the portfolio manager’s ownership of shares in the Fund.
FUND’S SHARE PRICE
The price at which investors purchase and redeem shares of the Fund is its NAV per share, plus any applicable sales charge. The Fund normally calculates its NAV per share as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) (normally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time) on each day the NYSE is open for trading. Shares of the Fund will not be priced and are not available for purchase when the NYSE and/or Federal Reserve are closed, including the following days: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday/Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
The Fund will process purchase orders that it receives in good order and accept and redeem orders that it receives in good order prior to the close of regular trading on a day in which the NYSE is open at the NAV per share determined later that day. The Fund will process purchase orders that it receives and accept and redeem orders that it receives after the close of regular trading at the NAV per share determined at the close of regular trading on the next day the NYSE is open.
Good order means that your purchase request includes (1) the name of the Fund, (2) the dollar amount of shares to be purchased, (3) your account application, and (4) a check payable to the Fund.
Purchase and redemption requests are priced based on the next NAV per share, plus any applicable sales charge, calculated after receipt of such requests. The NAV is the value of the Fund’s securities, cash and other assets, minus all expenses and liabilities (assets – liabilities = NAV). NAV per share is determined by dividing NAV by the number of shares outstanding (NAV/ # of shares = NAV per share). The NAV takes into account the expenses and fees of the Fund, including management and administration fees, which are accrued daily.
In calculating the NAV, portfolio securities are valued using current market values or official closing prices, if available. Equity securities owned by the Fund that are listed on a securities exchange, except securities traded on the NASDAQ Global Market System (“NASDAQ”) are valued at the last sale price on that exchange on the date as of which assets are valued. Where the security is listed on more than one exchange, the Fund will use the price of the exchange that the Fund generally considers to be the principal exchange on which the security is traded. Securities primarily traded on NASDAQ will be valued using the NASDAQ official closing price. Corporate bonds, including listed issues, are valued at market on the basis of valuations furnished by an independent pricing service which utilizes both dealer-supplied valuations and formula-based techniques.
When market quotations are not readily available, a security or other asset is valued at its fair value as determined under procedures adopted by the Adviser and approved by the Board. These fair value procedures will also be used to price a security when corporate events, events in the securities market and/or world events cause the Adviser to believe that a security’s last sale price may not reflect its actual market value. The intended effect of using fair value pricing procedures is to ensure that the Fund is accurately priced. The Board has designated the Adviser as its “valuation designee” under Rule 2a-5 of the 1940 Act, subject to its oversight.
Trading in Foreign Securities
In the case of foreign securities, the occurrence of certain events after the close of foreign markets, but prior to the time the Fund’s NAV per share is calculated (such as a significant surge or decline in the U.S. or other markets) often will result in an adjustment to the trading prices of foreign securities when foreign markets open on the following business day. If such events occur, the Fund will value foreign securities at
fair value, taking into account such events, in calculating the NAV per share. In such cases, use of fair valuation can reduce an investor’s ability to seek to profit by estimating the Fund’s NAV per share in advance of the time the NAV per share is calculated. The Adviser anticipates that the Fund’s portfolio holdings will be fair valued when market quotations for those holdings are considered unreliable.
PURCHASING SHARES
How to Purchase Shares from the Fund
Read this Prospectus carefully. Determine how much you want to invest, keeping in mind the following minimums:
| | | | | | | | |
Type of Account | To Open Your Account | To Add to Your Account |
Class A | | |
Regular and Retirement Accounts | $1,000 | $50 |
Automatic Investment Plan Accounts | $500 | $50 |
Class I | $1,000,000 | $50 |
The Fund’s minimum investment requirements may be waived from time to time by the Adviser, and for the following types of shareholders:
•current and retired employees, directors/trustees and officers of the Trust, the Adviser and its affiliates and certain family members of each of them (i.e., spouse, domestic partner, child, parent, sibling, grandchild and grandparent, in each case including in-law, step and adoptive relationships);
•any trust, pension, profit sharing or other benefit plan for current and retired employees, directors/trustees and officers of the Adviser and its affiliates;
•current employees of the Transfer Agent, broker-dealers who act as selling agents for the Funds, intermediaries that have marketing agreements in place with the Adviser and the immediate family members of any of them;
•existing clients of the Adviser, their employees and immediate family members of such employees;
•registered investment advisers who buy through a broker-dealer or service agent who has entered into an agreement with the Funds’ distributor; and
•qualified broker-dealers who have entered into an agreement with the Funds’ distributor.
Complete the account application carefully following the instructions. For additional investments, please use the stub from an account statement or prepare a brief letter stating the registration of your account, the name of the Fund and your account number. If you have any questions, please call 1-800-251-1970.
Investing directly by mail or by overnight delivery. If you do not have a broker or your broker is not familiar with the Fund, you may invest directly by mail. You may obtain an account application by contacting the call center at 1-800-251-1970. Simply mail the account application with a check (made payable to the applicable Fund) to the Fund’s transfer agent, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (the “Transfer Agent”), at the address below.
All purchase checks must be in U.S. dollars drawn on a domestic financial institution. The Fund will not accept payment in cash or money orders. To prevent check fraud, the Fund will not accept third party checks, Treasury checks, credit card checks, traveler’s checks or starter checks for the purchase of shares. We are unable to accept post-dated checks or any conditional order or payment.
If your check is returned for any reason, a $25 fee will be assessed against your account. You will also be responsible for any losses suffered by the Fund as a result.
In addition to cash purchases, Fund shares may be purchased by tendering payment in-kind in the form of bonds or other securities. Any securities used to buy Fund shares must be readily marketable, their acquisition consistent with the Fund’s objective and otherwise acceptable to the Adviser and the Board.
In compliance with the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, please note that 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 must provide your full name, date of birth, social security number and permanent street address. If you are opening the account in the name of a legal entity (e.g., partnership, limited liability company, business trust, corporation, etc.), you must provide the identity of the beneficial owners. Mailing addresses containing only a P.O. Box will not be accepted. Please contact the Transfer Agent at 1-800-251-1970, 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 application will be rejected or the investor will not be allowed to perform a transaction on the account until such information is received. In the rare event that the Transfer Agent is unable to verify your identity, the Fund reserves the right to redeem your account at the current day’s net asset value. Accounts may only be opened by persons with a valid social security number or tax identification number and permanent U.S. street address.
Shares of the Fund have not been registered for sale outside of the United States. The Trust 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.
If you wish to invest by mail, simply complete the account application and mail it with a check (made payable to “PIA Short Duration Bond Fund.”
| | | | | |
Regular Mail | Overnight Delivery |
PIA Short Duration Bond Fund | PIA Short Duration Bond Fund |
c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services | c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services |
P.O. Box 701 | 615 East Michigan Street, Third Floor |
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202 |
Note: The Fund does not consider the U.S. Postal Service or other independent delivery services to be its agents. Therefore, deposit in the mail or with such services, or receipt at U.S. Bank Global Fund Services‘s post office box, of purchase orders or redemption requests does not constitute receipt by the Transfer Agent of the Fund. Receipt of purchase orders or redemption requests is based on when the order is received at the Transfer Agent’s office.
Investing by wire. If you are making your first investment in the Fund, before you wire funds, the Transfer Agent must have a completed account application. You can mail or deliver overnight your account application to the Transfer Agent at the above address. Upon receipt of your completed account application, the Transfer Agent will establish an account for you. Once your account is established, you may instruct your bank to send the wire payment. Your bank must include both the name of the Fund and your name and account number so that monies can be correctly applied. Your bank should transmit immediately available funds by wire to:
U.S. Bank N.A.
777 East Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
ABA #075000022
Credit: U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
A/C #112-952-137
FFC: PIA Funds [PIA Short Duration Bond Fund]
Shareholder Registration
Shareholder Account Number
If you are making a subsequent purchase, your bank should wire funds as indicated above. Before each wire purchase, please contact the Transfer Agent at 1-800-251-1970 to advise them of your intent to wire funds. This will ensure prompt and accurate credit upon receipt of your investment. It is essential that your bank include complete information about your account in all wire transactions. If you have questions about how to invest by wire, please call the Transfer Agent. Your bank may charge you a fee for sending a wire to the Fund.
Wired funds must be received prior to 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time to be eligible for same day pricing. Neither the Fund nor U.S. Bank N.A. is responsible for the consequences of delays resulting from the banking or Federal Reserve wire system or from incomplete wiring instructions.
Telephone Purchase
Investors may purchase additional shares of the Fund by calling 1-800-251-1970. If you have accepted telephone options on your account application, and your account has been open for at least seven business days, telephone orders will be accepted via electronic funds transfer from your bank account through the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) network. You must have submitted a voided check to have banking information established on your account prior to making a purchase. Each telephone purchase must be in the amount of $50 or more. There is a maximum purchase amount of $50,000 per day through the ACH network. Your shares will be purchased at the NAV per share, plus any applicable sales charge, calculated on the day your order is placed, provided that your order is received prior to 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. For security reasons, requests by telephone may be recorded. Once a telephone transaction has been placed, it cannot be canceled or modified after the close of regular trading on the NYSE (generally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern time).
Subsequent Investments
You may purchase additional shares of the Fund through your investment broker or dealer. You can also send a check, with the stub from an account statement, to the Fund at the address noted above under “How to Purchase Shares from the Fund.” Please also write your account number on the check. If you do not have a stub from an account statement, you can write your name, address and account number on a separate piece of paper and enclose it with your check. If you want to send additional money for investment by wire, it is important for you to call the Fund at 1-800-251-1970.
Purchasing Shares from Broker-Dealers, Financial Institutions and Others
Some broker-dealers may sell shares of the Fund. These broker-dealers may charge investors a fee either at the time of purchase or redemption. The fee, if charged, is retained by the broker-dealer and not remitted to the Fund or the Adviser.
The Fund may enter into agreements with broker-dealers, financial institutions or other service providers (“Servicing Agents”) that may include the Fund as an investment alternative in the programs they offer or administer. Servicing agents may:
1.Become shareholders of record of the Fund. This means all requests to purchase additional shares and all redemption requests must be sent through the Servicing Agent. This also means that purchases made through Servicing Agents are not subject to the Fund’s minimum purchase requirement;
2.Use procedures and impose restrictions that may be in addition to, or different from, those applicable to investors purchasing shares directly from the Fund;
3.Charge fees to their customers for the services they provide them. Also, the Fund and/or the Adviser may pay fees to Servicing Agents to compensate them for the services they provide their customers; and/or
4.Be authorized to accept purchase and redemption orders on behalf of the Fund (and designate other Servicing Agents to accept purchase and redemption orders on the Fund’s behalf). This means that the Fund will process the order at the NAV per share which is determined following the Servicing Agent’s (or its designee’s) acceptance of the customer’s order. A Fund will be deemed to have received an order when a Servicing Agent or, if applicable, a Servicing Agent’s authorized designee, receives the order.
If you decide to purchase shares through Servicing Agents, please carefully review the program materials provided to you by the Servicing Agent. When you purchase shares through a Servicing Agent, it is the responsibility of the Servicing Agent to place your order with the Fund on a timely basis. If the Servicing Agent does not pay the purchase price to the Fund within the period specified in its agreement with the Fund, it may be held liable for any resulting fees or losses.
Householding
In an effort to decrease costs, the Fund intends to reduce the number of duplicate prospectuses, supplements, and certain other shareholder documents, you receive by sending only one copy of each to those addresses shared by two or more accounts and to shareholders the Transfer Agent reasonably believes are from the same family or household. Once implemented, if you would like to discontinue householding for your accounts, please call toll-free at 1-800-251-1970 to request individual copies of documents; if your shares are held through a financial intermediary, please contact them directly. Once the Transfer Agent receives notice to stop householding, the Transfer Agent will begin sending individual copies thirty days after receiving your request. This policy does not apply to account statements.
Automatic Investment Plan
The Fund offers an automatic investment plan (“AIP”) allowing shareholders to make purchases on a regular and convenient basis.
•Automatic purchases of Fund shares can be made for as little as $50 per purchase.
•You may elect to have your automatic purchase made on any day of the month or quarter. If these dates fall on a weekend or legal holiday, purchases will be made on the following business day.
•The Fund does not currently charge a fee for an AIP, however, the Fund may charge a $25 fee if the automatic investment cannot be made for any reason.
•If you redeem an account with an AIP to a zero balance, the AIP will be discontinued.
•In order to participate in the AIP your bank must be a member of the ACH network.
•Any change or termination of the AIP should be provided to the Transfer Agent at least five calendar days prior to the next automatic investment date.
Other Information about Purchasing Shares of the Fund
Please note that your account application will be returned if any information is missing. The Fund may reject any account application for any reason. Shares of the Fund are generally available in all states. The Fund will send investors a written confirmation for all purchases of shares.
The Fund offers the following retirement plans:
| | | | | |
•Traditional IRA | •SEP IRA |
•Roth IRA | •SIMPLE IRA |
Investors can obtain further information about the IRAs by calling the Fund at 1-800-251-1970. The Fund recommends that investors consult with a financial and tax adviser regarding the IRAs before investing through them.
REDEEMING SHARES
How to Redeem (Sell) Shares
You or your Servicing Agent have the right to redeem all or any portion of your shares of the Fund at its NAV per share on each day the NYSE is open for trading. As discussed below, you may receive proceeds of your sale in a check, ACH, or federal wire transfer. The Fund typically expects that they will take one to three days following the receipt of your redemption request in good order, to pay out redemption proceeds. However, while not expected, payment of redemption proceeds may take up to seven days if sending proceeds earlier could adversely affect the Fund.
If you purchased shares by check or electronic funds transfer through the ACH network, before selling recently purchased shares, please note that if the Transfer Agent has not yet collected payment for the shares you are selling, it may delay sending the proceeds until the payment is collected, which may take up to 15 calendar days from the purchase date. This delay will not apply if you purchased your shares via wire payment.
The Fund typically expects that the Fund will hold cash or cash equivalents to meet redemption requests. The Fund may also use the proceeds from the sale of portfolio securities to meet redemption requests if consistent with the management of the Fund. These redemption methods will be used regularly and may also be used in unusual market conditions.
The Fund reserves the right to redeem in-kind as described under “Redemption ‘In-Kind” below. Redemptions in-kind are typically used to meet redemption requests that represent a large percentage of the Fund’s net assets in order to minimize the effect of large redemptions on the Fund and its remaining shareholders. Redemptions in-kind are typically only used in unusual market conditions.
Redemptions through Servicing Agents
If you own your shares through a Servicing Agent, you will have to contact your Servicing Agent to redeem your shares. The NAV per share for a redemption is that next calculated after receipt of the order from the Servicing Agent. The Servicing Agent is responsible for forwarding any documents required in connection with a redemption, including a signature guarantee, and the Fund may cancel the order if these documents are not received promptly.Your Servicing Agent may charge you a fee for handling your redemption transaction.
Redemptions for Direct Accounts
If you own your shares directly in your name through the Transfer Agent, you may redeem your shares by simply sending a written request to the Fund. You should give your account number and state whether you want all or part of your shares redeemed.
The letter should be signed exactly as the shares are registered by all of the shareholders whose names appear on the account registration and sent to:
| | | | | |
Regular Mail | Overnight Delivery |
PIA Short Duration Bond Fund | PIA Short Duration Bond Fund |
c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services | c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services |
P.O. Box 701 | 615 East Michigan Street, Third Floor |
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202 |
Signature Guarantees – Financial Transactions
A signature guarantee of each owner, from either a Medallion program member or non-Medallion program member, is required to redeem shares in the following situations:
•When ownership is being changed on your account;
•When redemption proceeds are payable or sent to any person, address or bank account not on record;
•When a redemption is received by the Transfer Agent and the account address has changed within the last 15 calendar days;
•For all redemptions in excess of $50,000 from any shareholder account.
Non-financial transactions, including establishing or modifying certain services on an account, may require a signature guarantee, signature verification from a Signature Validation Program member, or other acceptable from of authentication from a financial institution source.
In addition to the situations described above, the Fund and/or the Transfer Agent may require a signature guarantee or signature validation program stamp in other instances based on the facts and circumstances.
Signature guarantees will generally be accepted from domestic banks, brokers, dealers, credit unions, national securities exchanges, registered securities associations, clearing agencies and savings associations, as well as from participants in the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program and the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program. A notary public is not an acceptable signature guarantor.
Send the letter of instruction to:
PIA Short Duration Bond Fund
c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701
How to Redeem (Sell) Shares by Telephone
Redemptions by telephone. If you have accepted telephone options on the account application and your Fund shares are held directly in your name, you may redeem shares up to $50,000 directly on any business day the NYSE is open by calling the Transfer Agent at 1-800-251-1970 before the close of trading on the NYSE. This is generally 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. Redemption proceeds will be mailed or
wired, at your direction, on the next business day to the bank account you designated. Redemption proceeds may also be sent to your designated bank account via electronic funds transfer through the ACH network. To utilize the ACH network, you must have bank information on your account. There is no charge for this service. Proceeds are normally credited within three business days. The minimum amount that may be wired is $1,000. Wire charges will be deducted from redemption proceeds for complete redemptions. In the case of a partial redemption, the $15 fee will be deducted from the remaining account balance. If an account has more than one owner or authorized person, the Fund will accept telephone instructions from any one owner or authorized person.
By using telephone redemption privileges, you authorize the Fund and the Transfer Agent to act upon the instruction of any person who makes the telephone call to redeem shares from your account and transfer the proceeds to the bank account designated in the account application. If an account has more than one owner or authorized person, the Fund will accept telephone instructions from any one owner or authorized person. The Fund and the Transfer Agent will use procedures to confirm that redemption instructions received by telephone are genuine, including recording of telephone instructions and requiring a form of personal identification before acting on these instructions. If these normal identification procedures are followed, neither the Fund nor the Transfer Agent will be liable for any loss, liability, or cost that results from acting upon instructions of a person believed to be a shareholder with respect to the telephone redemption privilege. The Fund may change, modify, or terminate these privileges at any time upon at least 60 days’ notice to shareholders.
Telephone trades must be received by or 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.
You may request telephone redemption privileges after your account is opened; however, the authorization form may require a separate signature guarantee, signature validation or other acceptable form of signature authentication from a financial institution. Once a telephone transaction request has been placed, it cannot be canceled or modified after the close of regular trading on the NYSE (generally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern time).
Systematic Withdrawal Plan
As another convenience, you may redeem your Fund shares through the Systematic Withdrawal Plan (“SWP”). If you elect this method of redemption, the applicable Fund will send you a check in a minimum amount of $100. You may choose to receive a check on any day of the month you designate on the account application. If the day you designate falls on a weekend or legal holiday, the distribution will take place on the following business day. You may alternatively choose to receive a check each calendar quarter or annually. The Fund can also send payment via electronic funds transfer through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network, directly to your bank account. For payment through the ACH network, your bank must be an ACH member and your bank account information must be maintained on your Fund account. Your Fund account must have a value of at least $10,000 in order to participate in the SWP. The SWP may be terminated at any time by the Fund. You may also elect to change or terminate your participation in the SWP at any time by contacting the Transfer Agent at least five days prior to the effective date of the next withdrawal by calling 1-800-251-1970 or writing to:
PIA Short Duration Bond Fund
c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701
A withdrawal under the SWP involves a redemption of shares and may result in a gain or loss for federal income tax purposes. In addition, if the amount withdrawn exceeds the dividends credited to your account, the account ultimately may be depleted.
Other Redemption Considerations
When redeeming shares of the Fund, shareholders should consider the following:
1.The redemption may result in a taxable gain;
2.Shareholders who redeem shares held in an IRA must indicate on their written redemption request whether or not to withhold federal income taxes. If not, these redemptions will be subject to federal income tax withholding; and
3.If your account balance falls below $500 because you redeem shares, you may be given 60 days to make additional investments so that your account balance is $500 or more. If you do not, the Fund may close your account and mail the redemption proceeds to you.
Redemption “In-Kind”
The Fund may pay redemption requests “in kind.” It is not expected that the Fund would do so except during unusual market conditions. This means that the Fund will pay redemption requests entirely or partially with securities rather than with cash. 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. In-kind distributions are generally subject to federal and state income taxes.
Exchange Privilege
As a shareholder, you have the privilege of exchanging shares of one PIA Fund for shares of another PIA Fund in the Trust, which are offered in separate prospectuses, without incurring any additional sales charges. However, you should note the following:
•Exchanges may only be made between like shares classes;
•You may only exchange between accounts that are registered in the same name, address, and taxpayer identification number;
•Before exchanging into another PIA Fund, read a description of the fund in its separate prospectus. A copy of the prospectus for each PIA Fund may be obtained by calling 1-800-251-1970;
•Exchanges are considered a sale and purchase of Fund shares for tax purposes and may be taxed as short-term or long-term capital gain or loss depending on the length of time shares are held, subject to certain limitations on the deductibility of losses;
•The Fund reserves the right to refuse exchange purchases by any person or group if, in the Adviser’s judgment, the Fund would be unable to invest the money effectively in accordance with its investment objective and policies, or would otherwise potentially be adversely affected;
•If you accepted telephone options on your account application, you can make a telephone request to exchange your shares for an additional $5 fee; and
•The minimum exchange amount between existing accounts invested in the PIA funds is the minimum subsequent investment amount for your share class and your type of account.
You may make exchanges of your shares between the PIA Funds by telephone, in writing or through your Broker or other financial intermediary.
Lost Shareholders, Inactive Accounts and Unclaimed Property. It is important that the Fund maintains a correct address for each shareholder. An incorrect address may cause a shareholder’s account statements and other mailings to be returned to the Fund. Based upon statutory requirements for returned mail, the Funds will attempt to locate the shareholder or rightful owner of the account. If the Fund is unable to locate the shareholder, then it will determine whether the shareholder’s account can legally be considered abandoned. Your mutual fund account may be transferred to the state government of your state of residence if no activity occurs within your account during the “inactivity period” specified in your state’s abandoned property laws. The Fund is legally obligated to escheat (or transfer) abandoned property to the appropriate state’s unclaimed property administrator in accordance with statutory requirements. The shareholder’s last known address of record determines which state has jurisdiction. Please proactively contact the Transfer Agent toll-free at 1-800-251-1970 at least annually to ensure your account remains in active status.
If you are a resident of the state of Texas, you may designate a representative to receive notifications that, due to inactivity, your mutual fund account assets may be delivered to the Texas Comptroller. Please contact the Transfer Agent if you wish to complete a Texas Designation of Representative form.
Tools to Combat Frequent Transactions
The Board has adopted policies and procedures with respect to frequent purchases and redemptions of the Fund’s 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 may decide to restrict purchase and sale activity in their shares based on various factors, including whether frequent purchase and sale activity will disrupt portfolio management strategies and adversely affect the Fund’s performance or whether the shareholder has conducted four round trip transactions within a 12-month period. The Fund takes steps to reduce the frequency and effect of these activities. These steps include monitoring trading practices 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 is consistent with shareholder interests.
Monitoring Trading Practices
The Fund monitors selected trades in an effort to detect excessive short-term trading activities. 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 interests 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 it does not have simultaneous access to the underlying shareholder account information.
In compliance with Rule 22c-2 of the 1940 Act, 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 market timing policies.
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 Adviser 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 Adviser does not represent the security’s fair value), or when, in the judgment of the Adviser, events have rendered the market value unreliable. Valuing securities at fair value involves reliance on judgment. Fair value determinations are made in good faith in accordance with procedures adopted by the Adviser. There can be no assurance 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 not frequently traded and/or the market price of which the Adviser 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 not a current market value quotation.
DISTRIBUTION OF FUND SHARES
Description of Classes
The Trust has adopted a multiple class plan that allows the Fund to offer one or more classes of shares. The Fund has registered two classes of shares – Class A and Class I. The different classes of shares represent investments in the same portfolio of securities, but the classes are subject to different expenses as outlined below and may have different share prices:
•Class A shares are charged a front-end sales load. Class A shares are also charged a 0.25% Rule 12b-1 distribution and servicing fee. Class A shares do not have a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) except that a charge of 0.75% applies to certain redemptions made within twelve months following purchases of $250,000 or more without an initial sales charge.
•Class I shares do not impose a sales charge, CDSC or a Rule 12b-1 distribution and servicing fee. If you purchase Class I shares, you will pay the NAV per share next determined after your order is received.
Distribution (Rule 12b-1) Fees
The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan under Rule 12b-1 (the “Plan”) under the 1940 Act with respect to its Class A shares. This Plan allows the Fund to use part of its assets (up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s Class A shares) to pay sales, distribution and other fees for the sale of its shares and for services provided to investors. Because these fees are paid out of the
Fund’s assets, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
More About Class A Shares
Class A shares of the Fund are retail shares that require that you pay a sales charge when you invest in the Fund unless you qualify for a reduction or waiver of the sales charge. Class A shares are also subject to Rule 12b-1 fees (or distribution and service fees) described earlier of 0.25% of average daily net assets, which are assessed against the shares of the Fund, and in certain situations, a CDSC.
If you purchase Class A shares of the Fund you will pay the public offering price (“POP”) which is the NAV next determined after your order is received plus a sales charge (shown in percentages below) depending on the amount of your investment. Since sales charges are reduced for Class A share purchases above certain dollar amounts, known as “breakpoint thresholds,” the POP is lower for these purchases. The dollar amount of the sales charge is the difference between the POP of the shares purchased (based on the applicable sales charge in the table below) and the NAV of those shares. Because of rounding in the calculation of the POP, the actual sales charge you pay may be more or less than that calculated using the percentages shown below. The sales charge is calculated as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
Investment Amount | Sales Charge as a % of Offering Price(1) | Sales Charge as a % of Net Amount Invested |
Less than $250,000 | 2.50% | 2.56% |
$250,000 and over(2) | 0.00% | 0.00% |
(1)Offering price includes the front-end sales load. The sales charge you pay may differ slightly from the amount set forth above because of rounding that occurs in the calculation used to determine your sales charge.
(2)The Transfer Agent will assess a 0.75% CDSC on purchases of $250,000 or more if they are redeemed within twelve months of purchase, unless the dealer of record waived its commission. The CDSC will be based on the value of your shares at the time of original purchase or their current market value, whichever is less.
A dealer may receive from the Adviser commissions on purchases of Class A shares over $250,000 calculated as follows: 0.50% on purchases between $250,000 and $5 million and 0.25% on amounts over $5 million. The commission rate is determined based on the purchase amount combined with the current market value of existing investments in Class A shares of the Fund. The Distributor will receive all initial sales charges for the purchase of Class A shares of the Fund without a dealer of record.
For Class A shares, a CDSC of 0.75% is imposed on purchases of $250,000 or more that are redeemed within 12 months of purchase, unless the dealer of record waived its commission. The CDSC will be applied to the NAV of the shares on the date of original purchase or on the date of redemption, whichever is less. For example, if you purchased $250,000 worth of shares, which due to market fluctuation have appreciated to $375,000, the CDSC will be assessed on your $250,000 purchase. If that same $250,000 purchase has depreciated to $125,000, the CDSC will be assessed on the $125,000 value. For purpose of calculating the CDSC, the start of the 12 month holding period is the first day of the month in which the purchase was made. The Fund will use the “first in first out” method when calculating the CDSC.
Reducing Your Sales Charge
You may be able to reduce the sales charge on Class A shares of the Fund based on the combined market value of your accounts. If you believe you are eligible for any of the following reductions or waivers, it is up to you to ask the selling agent or shareholder servicing agent for the reduction and to provide appropriate proof of eligibility.
•You pay no sales charges on Fund shares you buy with reinvested distributions.
•You pay a lower sales charge if you are investing an amount over a specific breakpoint level as indicated by the above table.
•You pay no sales charges on Fund shares you purchase with the proceeds of a redemption of Class A shares of the Fund within 30 days of the date of the redemption.
•By signing a Letter of Intent (“LOI”) prior to purchase, you pay a lower sales charge now in exchange for promising to invest an amount over a specified breakpoint within the next 13 months. Reinvested dividends and capital gains do not count as purchases made during this period. We will hold in escrow shares equal to approximately 2.5% of the amount you say you intend to buy. If you do not invest the amount specified in the LOI before the expiration date, we will redeem enough escrowed shares to pay the difference between the reduced sales load you paid and the sales load you would have paid based on the total amount actually invested in Class A shares on the expiration date. Otherwise, we will release the escrowed shares when you have invested the agreed amount.
•Rights of Accumulation (“ROA”) allow you to combine Class A shares of the Fund you already own in order to reach breakpoint levels and to qualify for sales load discounts on subsequent purchases of Class A shares. The purchase amount used in determining the sales charge on your purchase will be calculated by multiplying the maximum public offering price by the number of Class A shares of the Fund already owned and adding the dollar amount of your current purchase.
Eligible Accounts
Certain accounts may be aggregated for ROA eligibility, including your current investment in the Fund, and previous investments you and members of your primary household group have made in the Fund, provided your investment was subject to a sales charge. (Your primary household group consists of you, your spouse and children under age 21 living at home.) Specifically, the following accounts are eligible to be included in determining the sales charge on your purchase, if a sales charge has been paid on those purchases:
•Individual or joint accounts held in your name;
•Coverdell Savings Accounts and UGMA/UTMA accounts for which you or your spouse is parent or guardian of the minor child;
•Trust accounts for which you or a member of your primary household group, individually, is the beneficiary;
•Accounts held in the name of you or your spouse’s sole proprietorship or single owner limited liability company or S corporation; and
•Investors who purchase shares that are to be included in certain retirement, benefit, pension, trust or investment “wrap accounts” or through an omnibus account maintained with the Fund by a broker-dealer.
Waiving Your Sales Charge
We reserve the right to waive the sales charges for certain groups or classes of shareholders. If you fall into any of the following categories, you can buy Class A shares at NAV without a sales charge:
•Current and retired employees, directors/trustees and officers of:
◦The Trust;
◦The Adviser and its affiliates; and
◦Family members (spouse, domestic partner, parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren and siblings (including step and in-law)) of any of the above.
•Current employees of:
◦The Transfer Agent;
◦Broker-dealers who act as selling agents for the Fund/Trust; and
◦Family members (spouse, domestic partner, parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren and siblings (including step and in-law)) of any of the above.
•Qualified registered investment advisers who buy through a broker-dealer or service agent who has entered into an agreement with the Distributor that allows for load-waived Class A shares purchases.
•Qualified broker-dealers who have entered into an agreement with the Fund’s distributor that allows for load-waived Class A purchases.
The Fund also reserves the right to enter into agreements that reduce or eliminate sales charges for groups or classes of shareholders, or for Fund shares included in other investment plans such as “wrap accounts.” If you own Fund shares as part of another account or package, such as an IRA or a sweep account, you should read the terms and conditions that apply for that account. Those terms and conditions may supersede the terms and conditions discussed here. Contact your selling agent for further information.
Additional information regarding the Fund’s sales charges, breakpoint thresholds and waivers is available in the SAI and free of charge on the Fund’s website: www.pacificincome.com/mutual-funds by clicking on “Breakpoints and Sales Loads.”
Other Payments to Third Parties
The Fund may pay service fees to intermediaries such as banks, broker-dealers, financial advisers or other financial institutions, 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 Fund has policies and procedures in place for the monitoring of payments to broker-dealers and other financial intermediaries for distribution-related activities and the following non-distribution activities: sub-transfer agent, administrative, and other shareholder servicing services.
The Adviser, out if 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 Adviser may also pay cash compensation in the form of finder’s fees that vary depending on the Fund and the dollar amount of the shares sold.
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
The Fund distributes substantially all of its net investment income monthly and substantially all of its capital gains annually. The Fund may make an additional payment of dividends or distributions if it deems it desirable at other times during any year. You have the following distribution options:
•Automatic Reinvestment Option – Both dividend and capital gains distributions will be reinvested in additional Fund shares.
•All Cash Option – Both dividend and capital gains distributions will be paid in cash.
•Select Reinvestment or Cash Option for either dividend and/or capital gains distributions.
You may make this election on the account application. You may change your election by writing to the Transfer Agent or by calling 1-800-251-1970 five days prior to the record date. Your distributions will be taxed in the same manner whether you reinvest them in additional Fund shares or receive your dividends and capital gain distributions in cash. Dividends will be taxable whether received in cash or in additional shares.
If you elect to receive dividends and capital gains paid in cash, and the U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver the check, or if a check remains outstanding for six months, the Fund reserves the right to reinvest the distribution check in your account, at the Fund’s current NAV per share, and to reinvest all subsequent distributions.
TAX CONSEQUENCES
The Fund has elected to be treated and intends to continue to qualify to be taxed as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). As a regulated investment company, the Fund will not be subject to federal income tax if it distributes its income as required by the tax law and satisfies certain other requirements that are described in the SAI.
The Fund intends to operate in a manner such that it will not be liable for Federal income or excise taxes.
Generally, you will be taxed on the Fund’s distributions, regardless of whether you reinvest them or receive them in cash. Dividends are taxable to you as ordinary income, capital gains, or, in some cases for non-corporate shareholders, qualified dividend income, depending on the source of such income to the Fund and the holding period of the Fund for its securities. Since the Fund does not expect to invest in dividend-paying corporate stocks, dividends from the Fund will not be eligible for the lower tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income. The rate you pay on capital gain distributions will depend on how long the Fund held the securities that generated the gains, not on how long you owned your Fund shares. An additional federal tax of 3.8% applies to net investment income (which generally will include dividends and capital gains from an investment in a Fund) of non-corporate shareholders with adjusted gross incomes in excess of $200,000 for single filers and $250,000 for married joint filers. Although distributions generally are taxable when received, certain distributions declared in October, November or December to shareholders of record on a specified date in such a month but paid in the following January are taxable as if received the prior December.
Sale or exchange of your Fund shares is a taxable event for you. You will recognize gain or loss on such transactions equal to the difference, if any, between the amount of your net sales proceeds and your tax basis in the Fund shares. You are responsible for any tax liabilities generated by your transaction and your investment in the Fund. The Code limits the deductibility of capital losses in certain circumstances.
By law, the Fund must withhold as backup withholding from your taxable distributions and redemption proceeds an amount determined at a rate as set forth in Section 3406 of the Code, 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 Internal Revenue Service instructs the Fund to do so.
The Fund’s distributions, whether received in cash or reinvested in additional shares of the Fund, may be subject to federal, state and local income tax. If you purchase Fund shares shortly before a distribution, such distribution will be taxable to you even though the Fund may have earned such income prior to your purchase and, economically, the distribution may be considered a return of capital to you. Tax consequences are not the primary consideration of the Fund in making its investment decisions. Shareholders should note that the Fund may make taxable distributions of income and capital gains even when share values have declined. Additional information concerning taxation of the Fund and its shareholders is contained in the SAI. Investors should consult their own tax advisers regarding the consequences to them of an investment in the Fund
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Financial highlights are not available at this time because the Fund had not commenced operations prior to the date of this Prospectus.
Investment Adviser
Pacific Income Advisers, Inc.
2321 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 1260
El Segundo, California 90245
Distributor
Quasar Distributors, LLC
111 East Kilbourn Avenue, Suite 2200
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
Custodian
U.S. Bank National Association
Custody Operations
1555 North RiverCenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212
Transfer Agent
U.S. Bank Global Fund Services
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Tait, Weller & Baker LLP
Two Liberty Place
50 South 16th Street, Suite 2900
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102
Legal Counsel
Sullivan & Worcester LLP
1633 Broadway, 32nd Floor
New York, New York 10019
PRIVACY NOTICE
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.
PIA Short Duration Bond Fund
FOR MORE INFORMATION
To learn more about the Fund you may want to read the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) which contains additional information about the Fund. The Fund has incorporated by reference the SAI into the Prospectus. This means that you should consider the contents of the SAI to be part of the Prospectus.
Additional information about the Fund’s investments is available, without charge, upon request, in the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders (collectively, the “Shareholder Reports”) when they become available. In the Fund’s annual report you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the performance of the Fund during its last fiscal year.
The SAI and the Shareholder Reports are all available to shareholders and prospective investors without charge on the Fund’s website at www.pacificincome.com/mutual-funds.
Prospective investors and shareholders who have questions about the Fund may also call the following number or write to the following address:
PIA Short Duration Bond Fund
c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services
615 East Michigan Street, Third Floor
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
1-800-251-1970
Reports and other information about the Fund is also available on the EDGAR Database at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov and copies of this information may be obtained, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following E-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov.
(Investment Company Act file number is 811-07959.)
PIA Short Duration Bond Fund
Class A
Class I
PROSPECTUS
March 31, 2023
Statement of Additional Information
Dated March 31, 2023
PIA Short Duration Bond Fund
Class A (Not available for purchase)
Class I (Not available for purchase)
(the “Fund”)
The Fund is a Series of
ADVISORS SERIES TRUST
This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) is not a prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus dated March 31, 2023 (the “Prospectus”) of Advisors Series Trust (the “Trust”) relating to the Fund. Pacific Income Advisers, Inc. (the “Adviser”) is the investment adviser to the Fund.
A copy of the Prospectus may be obtained by writing to the Fund, c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, by calling toll-free at 1-800-251-1970, or on the Fund’s website at www.pacificincome.com/mutual-funds.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representations other than those contained in this SAI and the Prospectus dated March 31, 2023, and, if given or made, such information or representations may not be relied upon as having been authorized by the Trust or the Fund.
This SAI does not constitute an offer to sell securities.
FUND HISTORY AND CLASSIFICATION
The Trust is an open‑end management investment company organized as a Delaware statutory trust under the laws of the State of Delaware on October 3, 1996. 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 U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) does not involve supervision of the management or policies of the Fund. The Prospectus and this SAI omit certain of the information contained in the Registration Statement filed with the SEC. Copies of such information may be obtained from the SEC upon payment of the prescribed fee.
As of the date of this SAI, the Fund had not yet commenced operations.
Non-Diversification
The Fund is a non-diversified mutual fund, focusing investments in a small number of issuers increases risk. Funds that are “non-diversified” may invest a greater percentage of their assets in the securities of a single issuer than funds that are “diversified.” Funds that invest in a relatively small number of issuers are more susceptible to risks associated with a single economic, political or regulatory occurrence than a more diversified fund might be. Some of those issuers also may present substantial credit or other risks.
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 standards or percentage limitation 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, any subsequent change 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 the Fund 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.
Market and Regulatory Risk
Events in the financial markets and economy may cause volatility and uncertainty and affect performance. These events have included, but are not limited to: bankruptcies, corporate restructurings, and other events related to the sub-prime mortgage crisis; governmental efforts to limit short selling and high frequency trading; measures to address U.S. federal and state budget deficits; social, political, and economic instability in Europe; economic stimulus by the Japanese central bank; steep declines in oil prices; dramatic changes in currency exchange rates; pandemics, epidemics and other similar circumstances in one or more countries or regions; and China’s economic slowdown. Interconnected global economies and financial markets increase the possibility that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact issuers in a different country or region. Such adverse effect on performance could include a decline in the value and liquidity of securities held by the Fund, unusually high and unanticipated levels of redemptions, an increase in portfolio turnover, a decrease in net asset value (“NAV”), and an increase in Fund expenses. It may also be unusually difficult to identify both investment
risks and opportunities, in which case investment objectives may not be met. Market events may affect a single issuer, industry, sector, or the market as a whole.
Traditionally liquid investments may experience periods of diminished liquidity. During a general downturn in the financial markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value and the Fund may lose value, regardless of the individual results of the securities and other instruments in which the Fund invests. It is impossible to predict whether or for how long such market events will continue, particularly if they are unprecedented, unforeseen or widespread events or conditions. Therefore it is important to understand that the value of your investment may fall, sometimes sharply and for extended periods, and you could lose money.
Governmental and regulatory actions, including tax law changes, may also impair portfolio management and have unexpected or adverse consequences on particular markets, strategies, or investments. Policy and legislative changes in the United States and in other countries are affecting many aspects of financial regulation, and may in some instances contribute to decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the financial markets. The impact of these changes on the markets, and the practical implications for market participants, may not be fully known for some time. In addition, economies and financial markets throughout the world are becoming increasingly interconnected. As a result, whether or not the Fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to countries experiencing economic and financial difficulties, the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments may be negatively affected.
FUND POLICIES
The discussion below supplements information contained in the Fund’s Prospectus as to investment policies of the Fund.
Illiquid and Restricted Securities
Pursuant to Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act, the Fund may not acquire any “illiquid investment” if, immediately after the acquisition, the Fund would have invested more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments that are assets. An “illiquid investment” is any investment that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. The Fund has implemented a liquidity risk management program and related procedures to identify illiquid investments pursuant to Rule 22e-4. The 15% limits are applied as of the date the Fund purchases an illiquid investment. It is possible that the Fund’s holding of illiquid investment could exceed the 15% limit, for example as a result of market developments or redemptions.
The Fund may purchase certain restricted securities that can be resold to institutional investors and which may be determined not to be illiquid investments pursuant to the Fund’s liquidity risk management program. In many cases, those securities are traded in the institutional market pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”) and are called Rule 144A securities.
Investments in illiquid investments involve more risks than investments in similar securities that are readily marketable. Illiquid investments may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments. Investment of the Fund’s assets in illiquid investments may restrict the ability of the Fund to dispose of its investments in a timely fashion and for a fair price as well as its ability to take advantage of market opportunities. The risks associated with illiquidity will be particularly acute where the Fund’s operations require cash, such as when the Fund has net redemptions, and could result in the Fund borrowing to meet short-term cash requirements or incurring losses on the sale of illiquid investments. Restricted securities sold in private placement transactions between issuers and their purchasers are
neither listed on an exchange nor traded in other established markets and may be illiquid. In many cases, the privately placed securities may not be freely transferable under the laws of the applicable jurisdiction or due to contractual restrictions on resale. To the extent privately placed securities may be resold in privately negotiated transactions, the prices realized from the sales could be less than those originally paid by the Fund or less than the fair value of the securities. A restricted security may be determined to be liquid under the Fund’s liquidity risk management program established pursuant to Rule 22e-4 depending on market, trading, or investment-specific considerations related to the restricted security. In addition, issuers whose securities are not publicly traded may not be subject to the disclosure and other investor protection requirements that may be applicable if their securities were publicly traded. If any privately placed securities held by the Fund are required to be registered under the securities laws of one or more jurisdictions before being resold, the Fund may be required to bear the expenses of registration.
Private placement investments may involve investments in smaller, less seasoned issuers, which may involve greater risks than investments in more established companies. These issuers may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources, or they may be dependent on a limited management group. In making investments in private placement securities, the Fund may obtain access to material non-public information about an issuer of private placement securities, which may restrict the Fund’s ability to conduct transactions in those securities.
Leverage
From time to time, the Fund may increase its ownership of securities by borrowing on a secured or unsecured basis at fixed and floating rates of interest and investing the borrowed funds. It is not anticipated that the Fund will use its borrowing power to an extent greater than 25% of the value of its assets. Borrowings will be made only from banks and only to the extent that the value of the assets of the Fund, less its liabilities other than borrowings, is equal to at least 300% of all borrowings, after giving effect to the proposed borrowing. If the value of the assets of the Fund so computed should fail to meet the 300% asset coverage requirement, the Fund is required within three days to reduce its bank debt to the extent necessary to meet such 300% coverage. Since substantially all of the assets of the Fund fluctuate in value, but borrowing obligations may be fixed, the net asset value (“NAV”) per share of the Fund will correspondingly tend to increase and decrease in value more than otherwise would be the case.
Lending Portfolio Securities
The Fund may, to increase its income, lend securities on a short- or long-term basis to brokers, dealers and financial institutions if (i) the loan is collateralized in accordance with applicable regulatory guidelines (the “Guidelines”) and (ii) after any loan, the value of the securities loaned does not exceed 25% of the value of its total assets. Under the present Guidelines (which are subject to change) the loan collateral must be, on each business day, at least equal to the value of the loaned securities and must consist of cash, bank letters of credit or U.S. government securities. To be acceptable as collateral, a letter of credit must obligate a bank to pay amounts demanded by the Fund if the demand meets the terms of the letter of credit. Such terms and the issuing bank would have to be satisfactory to the Fund. Any loan might be secured by any one or more of the three types of collateral. The Fund currently expects to invest the collateral received in government money market funds, agency securities, or the highest quality commercial paper.
The Fund receives amounts equal to the interest or other distributions on loaned securities and also receives one or more of the negotiated loan fees, interest on securities used as collateral or interest on the securities purchased with such collateral, either of which type of interest may be shared with the borrower. The Fund may also pay reasonable finder’s, custodian and administrative fees but only to persons not affiliated with the Trust. The Fund will not have the right to vote securities on loan, but the
terms of the loan will permit the Fund to terminate the loan and thus reacquire the loaned securities on three days’ notice.
The primary risk in securities lending is a default by the borrower during a sharp rise in price of the borrowed security resulting in a deficiency in the collateral posted by the borrower. The Fund will seek to minimize this risk by requiring that the value of the securities loaned be computed each day and additional collateral be furnished each day if required. In addition, the Fund is exposed to the risk of delay in recovery of the loaned securities or possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower become insolvent. As well, all investments made with the collateral received are subject to the risks associated with such investments. If such investments lose value, the Fund will have to cover the loss when repaying the collateral.
Hedging Instruments
The Fund may engage in hedging. Hedging may be used in an attempt to (i) protect against declines or possible declines in the market values of securities held in the Fund’s portfolio (“short hedging”) or (ii) establish a position in the securities markets as a substitute for the purchase of individual securities (“long hedging”). The Fund so authorized may engage in short hedging in an attempt to protect the Fund’s value against anticipated downward trends in the securities markets or engage in long hedging as a substitute for the purchase of securities, which may then be purchased in an orderly fashion. It is expected that when the Fund is engaging in long hedging, it would, in the normal course, purchase securities and terminate the hedging position, but under unusual market conditions such a hedging position may be terminated without the corresponding purchase of securities. The various hedging instruments which the Fund may use are discussed below.
Options on Securities
An option is a legal contract that gives the buyer (who then becomes the holder) the right to buy, in the case of a call, or sell, in the case of a put, a specified amount of the underlying security at the option price at any time before the option expires. The buyer of a call obtains, in exchange for a premium that is paid to the seller, or “writer,” of the call, the right to purchase the underlying security. The buyer of a put obtains the right to sell the underlying security to the writer of the put, likewise in exchange for a premium. Options have standardized terms, including the exercise price and expiration time; listed options are traded on national securities exchanges that provide a secondary market in which holders or writers can close out their positions by offsetting sales and purchases. The premium paid to a writer is not a down payment; it is a nonrefundable payment from a buyer to a seller for the rights conveyed by the option. A premium has two components: the intrinsic value and the time value. The intrinsic value represents the difference between the current price of the securities and the exercise price at which the securities will be sold pursuant to the terms of the option. The time value is the sum of money investors are willing to pay for the option in the hope that, at some time before expiration, it will increase in value because of a change in the price of the underlying security.
One risk of any put or call that is held is that the put or call is a wasting asset. If it is not sold or exercised prior to its expiration, it becomes worthless. The time value component of the premium decreases as the option approaches expiration, and the holder may lose all or a large part of the premium paid. In addition, there can be no guarantee that a liquid secondary market will exist on a given exchange, in order for an option position to be closed out. Furthermore, if trading is halted in an underlying security, the trading of options is usually halted as well. In the event that an option cannot be traded, the only alternative to the holder is to exercise the option.
Purchasing Call and Put Options – When the Fund purchases a call option, it obtains the right to purchase the underlying instrument at the option’s strike price. In return for this right, the Fund pays the current market price for the option (known as the “option premium”). The Fund may purchase call options to offset or hedge against an increase in the market value of its short positions or to benefit from an increase in the price of securities that it does not own. The Fund would ordinarily realize a gain if, during the option period, the value of the underlying instrument increased above the exercise price sufficiently to cover the premium paid and related transaction costs. However, if the price of the underlying instrument does not rise enough to offset the cost of purchasing the option, a call buyer would lose the premium and related transaction costs.
Put options are similar to call options, except that the Fund obtains the right to sell, rather than purchase, the underlying instrument at the option’s strike price. In return for this right, the Fund pays the option premium. The Fund may purchase put options to offset or hedge against a decline in the market value of its securities or to benefit from a decline in the price of securities that it does not own. The Fund would ordinarily realize a gain if, during the option period, the value of the underlying instrument decreased below the exercise price sufficiently to cover the premium paid and related transaction costs. However, if the price of the underlying instrument does not fall enough to offset the cost of purchasing the option, a put buyer would lose the premium and related transaction costs.
The purchaser of an option may terminate its position by:
•Allowing it to expire and losing its entire premium;
•Exercising the option and either buying (in the case of a call option) or selling (in the case of a put option) the underlying instrument at the strike price; or
•Closing it out in the secondary market at its current price.
Selling (Writing) Call and Put Options – When the Fund writes a call option it expects to profit if prices remain the same or fall. The Fund receives a premium and gives the purchaser the right to buy the underlying security at any time during the call period at a fixed exercise price regardless of market price changes during the call period. If the call is exercised, the Fund must deliver the underlying security in return for the exercise price.
The Fund could try to hedge against a decline in the value of securities it already owns by writing a call option. If the price of that security falls, the Fund would expect the option to expire and the premium it received to offset some or all of the decline of the security’s value. However, if the security increases in value the Fund must be prepared to deliver the underlying security in exchange for the exercise price, which may deprive it of the opportunity to profit from an increase in the market price of the securities it holds.
When the Fund writes a put option it expects to profit if prices remain the same or rise. The Fund receives a premium and gives the purchaser the right to sell the underlying security at any time during the put period at a fixed exercise price regardless of market price changes during the put period. If the put is exercised, the Fund must purchase the underlying security at the exercise price.
The Fund could try to hedge against an increase in the value of securities in which it has a short position by writing a put option. If the price of that security rises, the Fund would expect the option to expire and the premium it received to offset some or all of the increase in the security’s value. However, if the security decreases in value the Fund must be prepared to receive the underlying instrument in exchange for the exercise price, which may deprive it of the opportunity to profit from a decrease in the market price of the securities it had a short position in.
The Fund is only permitted to write covered options. The Fund can cover a call option by owning:
•The underlying security (or securities convertible into the underlying security without additional consideration), index, interest rate, foreign currency or futures contract;
•A call option on the same security or index with the same or lesser exercise price;
•A call option on the same security or index with a greater exercise price and segregating cash or liquid securities in an amount equal to the difference between the exercise prices;
•Cash or liquid securities equal to at least the market value of the optioned securities, interest rate, foreign currency or futures contract; or
•In the case of an index, the basket of securities that corresponds to the index.
The Fund can cover a put option by:
•Entering into a short position in the underlying security;
•Purchasing a put option on the same security, index, interest rate, foreign currency or futures contract with the same or greater exercise price;
•Purchasing a put option on the same security, index, interest rate, foreign currency or futures contract with a lesser exercise price and segregating cash or liquid securities in an amount equal to the difference between the exercise prices; or
•Maintaining the entire exercise price in liquid securities.
Options on Securities Indices. The Fund may purchase and write (sell) covered call and put options on securities indices listed on U.S. securities exchanges or traded on the OTC market. A securities index option written by the Fund would obligate it, upon exercise of the options, to pay a cash settlement, rather than to deliver or purchase actual securities, to the option holder. Although the Fund will not ordinarily own all of the securities comprising the indices on which it writes call and put options, such options will usually be written on those indices which correspond most closely to the composition of the Fund’s portfolio. The Fund may purchase or sell call and put options in order to terminate its obligations under options it has written.
Futures Contracts
A futures contract is a standardized agreement between two parties to buy or sell a specific quantity of an underlying instrument at a specific price at a specific future time (the “settlement date”). Futures contracts may be based on a specified security (securities futures), a specified debt security or reference rate (interest rate futures), the value of a specified securities index (index futures) or the value of a foreign currency (forward contracts and currency futures). The value of a futures contract tends to increase and decrease in tandem with the value of the underlying instrument. The buyer of a futures contract agrees to purchase the underlying instrument on the settlement date and is said to be “long” the contract. The seller of a futures contract agrees to sell the underlying instrument on the settlement date and is said to be “short” the contract. Futures contracts differ from options in that they are bilateral agreements, with both the purchaser and the seller equally obligated to complete the transaction. Futures contracts call for settlement only on the expiration date and cannot be “exercised” at any other time during their term.
Depending on the terms of the particular contract, futures contracts are settled through either physical delivery of the underlying instrument on the settlement date (such as in the case of securities futures and interest rate futures based on a specified debt security) or by payment of a cash settlement amount on the settlement date (such as in the case of futures contracts relating to interest rates, foreign currencies and
broad-based securities indexes). In the case of cash settled futures contracts, the settlement amount is equal to the difference between the reference instrument’s price on the last trading day of the contract and the reference instrument’s price at the time the contract was entered into. Most futures contracts, particularly futures contracts requiring physical delivery, are not held until the settlement date, but instead are offset before the settlement date through the establishment of an opposite and equal futures position (buying a contract that had been sold, or selling a contract that had been purchased). All futures transactions (except currency forward contracts) are effected through a clearinghouse associated with the exchange on which the futures are traded.
The buyer and seller of a futures contract are not required to deliver or pay for the underlying commodity unless the contract is held until the settlement date. However, both the buyer and seller are required to deposit “initial margin” with a futures commodities merchant when the futures contract is entered into. Initial margin deposits are typically calculated as a percentage of the contract’s market value. If the value of either party’s position declines, the party will be required to make additional “variation margin” payments to settle the change in value on a daily basis. The process is known as “marking-to-market.” Upon the closing of a futures position through the establishment of an offsetting position, a final determination of variation margin will be made and additional cash will be paid by or released to the Fund.
In addition, the Fund may be required to maintain segregated liquid assets in order to cover futures transactions. The Fund will segregate liquid assets in an amount equal to the difference between the market value of a futures contract entered into by that Fund and the aggregate value of the initial and variation margin payments made by that Fund with respect to such contract.
Additional Risk of Futures Transactions. The risks associated with futures contract transactions are different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in the underlying instruments. Futures are highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those associated with other portfolio investments. The use of futures requires an understanding not only of the underlying instrument but also of the futures contract itself. Futures may be subject to the risk factors generally applicable to derivatives transactions described herein, and may also be subject to certain additional risk factors, including:
•The risk of loss in buying and selling futures contracts can be substantial. Small price movements in the commodity underlying a futures position may result in immediate and substantial loss (or gain) to the Fund.
•Buying and selling futures contracts may result in losses in excess of the amount invested in the position in the form of initial margin. In the event of adverse price movements in the underlying commodity, security, index, currency or instrument, the Fund would be required to make daily cash payments to maintain its required margin. The Fund may be required to sell portfolio securities in order to meet daily margin requirements at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so. The Fund could lose margin payments deposited with a futures commodities merchant if the futures commodities merchant breaches its agreement with such Fund, becomes insolvent or declares bankruptcy.
•Most exchanges limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in futures contract prices during any single trading day. Once the daily limit has been reached in a particular futures contract, no trades may be made on that day at prices beyond that limit. If futures contract prices were to move to the daily limit for several trading days with little or no trading, the Fund could be prevented from prompt liquidation of a futures position and subject to substantial losses. The daily limit governs only price movements during a single trading day and therefore does not limit the Fund’s potential losses.
Index futures based upon a narrower index of securities may present greater risks than futures based on broad market indexes, as narrower indexes are more susceptible to rapid and extreme fluctuations as a result of changes in value of a small number of securities.
Debt Futures
The Fund may invest in futures contracts on debt securities (“Debt Futures”) or options on Debt Futures.
A futures contract is a commitment to buy or sell a specific product at a currently determined market price, for delivery at a predetermined future date. The futures contract is uniform as to quantity, quality and delivery time for a specified underlying product. The commitment is executed in a designated contract market – a futures exchange – that maintains facilities for continuous trading. The buyer and seller of the futures contract are both required to make a deposit of cash or U.S. Treasury Bills with their brokers equal to a varying specified percentage of the contract amount; the deposit is known as initial margin. Since ownership of the underlying product is not being transferred, the margin deposit is not a down payment; it is a security deposit to protect against nonperformance of the contract. No credit is being extended, and no interest expense accrues on the non‑margined value of the contract. The contract is marked to market every day, and the profits and losses resulting from the daily change are reflected in the accounts of the buyer and seller of the contract. A profit in excess of the initial deposit can be withdrawn, but a loss may require an additional payment, known as variation margin, if the loss causes the equity in the account to fall below an established maintenance level. The Fund will maintain cash or liquid securities sufficient to cover its obligations under each futures contract that it has entered into.
To liquidate a futures position before the contract expiration date, a buyer simply sells the contract, and the seller of the contract simply buys the contract, on the futures exchange. Stock Index Futures are settled at maturity, not by delivery of the stocks making up the index, but by cash settlement. However, the entire value of the contract does not change hands; only the gains and losses on the contract since the preceding day are credited and debited to the accounts of the buyers and sellers, just as on every other preceding trading day, and the positions are closed out.
One risk in employing Futures to attempt to protect against declines in the value of the securities held by the Fund is the possibility that the prices of Futures will correlate imperfectly with the behavior of the market value of that Fund’s securities. The ordinary spreads between prices in the cash and futures markets, due to differences in those markets, are subject to distortions. First, all participants in the futures market are subject to margin deposit and maintenance requirements. Rather than meeting additional margin deposit requirements, investors may close futures contracts through off‑setting transactions which could distort the normal relationship between the cash and futures markets. Second, the liquidity of the futures market depends on participants entering into offsetting transactions rather than making or taking delivery. To the extent participants decide to make or take delivery, liquidity in the futures market could be reduced, thus producing distortion. The liquidity of the Futures being considered for purchase or sale by the Fund will be a factor in its selection by the Adviser. Third, from the point of view of speculators the deposit requirements in the futures market are less onerous than margin requirements in the securities market. Therefore, increased participation by speculators in the futures market may cause temporary price distortions.
It is possible that, where the Fund has sold Futures in a short hedge, the market may advance but the value of the securities held by the Fund may decline. If this occurred, that Fund would lose money on the Future and also experience a decline in the value of its securities. Where Futures are purchased in a long hedge, it is possible that the market may decline; if the Fund then decides not to invest in securities at that time because of concern as to possible further market decline or for other reasons, that Fund will realize a loss on the Future that is not offset by a reduction in the price of any securities purchased.
Options on Debt Futures
Options on Futures are similar to options on securities, except that the related investment is not a security, but a Future. Thus, the buyer of a call option obtains the right to purchase a Future at a specified price during the life of the option, and the buyer of a put option obtains the right to sell a Future at a specified price during the life of the option. The options are traded on an expiration cycle based on the expiration cycle of the underlying Future. The Fund may buy options on debt futures and may also write (sell) covered call and put options on debt futures.
The risks of options on Futures are similar to those of options on securities and also include the risks inherent in the underlying Futures.
Special Risks of Hedging Strategies
Participation in the options or futures markets involves investment risks and transactions costs to which the Fund would not be subject absent the use of these strategies. In particular, the loss from investing in futures contracts is potentially unlimited. If the Adviser’s prediction of movements in the securities and interest rate markets is inaccurate, the Fund could be in a worse position than if such strategies were not used. Risks inherent in the use of options, futures contracts and options on futures contracts include: (1) dependence on the Adviser’s ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of interest rates, securities prices and currency markets; (2) imperfect correlation between the price of options and futures contracts and options thereon and movements in the prices of the securities being hedged; (3) the fact that skills needed to use these strategies are different from those needed to select portfolio securities; and (4) the possible absence of a liquid secondary market for any particular instrument at any time.
Limitations on Options and Futures
Transactions in options by the Fund will be subject to limitations established by each of the exchanges governing the maximum number of options which may be written or held by a single investor or group of investors acting in concert, regardless of whether the options are written or held on the same or different exchanges or are written or held in one or more accounts or through one or more brokers. Thus, the number of options which the Fund may write or hold may be affected by options written or held by other investment advisory clients of the Adviser and its affiliates. Position limits also apply to Futures. An exchange may order the liquidations of positions found to be in excess of these limits, and it may impose certain sanctions.
Swaps
Credit Default Swaps. The Fund may enter into credit default swap agreements. The credit default swap agreement may have as a reference obligation one or more securities that are not currently held by the Fund. The buyer in a credit default swap agreement is obligated to pay the seller a periodic fee, typically expressed in basis points on the principal amount of the underlying obligation (the “notional” amount), over the term of the agreement in return for a contingent payment upon the occurrence of a credit event with respect to the underlying reference obligation. A credit event is typically a default, restructuring or bankruptcy.
The Fund may be either the buyer or seller in the transaction. As a seller, the Fund receives a fixed rate of income throughout the term of the agreement, which typically is between one month and five years, provided that no credit event occurs. If a credit event occurs, the Fund typically must pay the contingent payment to the buyer, which is typically the par value (full notional value) of the reference obligation. The contingent payment may be a cash settlement or by physical delivery of the reference obligation in
return for payment of the face amount of the obligation. If the Fund is a buyer and no credit event occurs, the Fund may lose its investment and recover nothing. However, if a credit event occurs, the buyer typically receives full notional value for a reference obligation that may have little or no value.
Credit default swaps may involve greater risks than if the Fund had invested in the reference obligation directly. Credit default swaps are subject to general market risk, liquidity risk and credit risk. If the Fund is a buyer in a credit default swap agreement and no credit event occurs, then it will lose its investment. In addition, the value of the reference obligation received by the Fund as a seller if a credit event occurs, coupled with the periodic payments previously received, may be less than the full notional value it pays to the buyer, resulting in a loss of value to the Fund.
The Fund may also invest in credit default swap index products and in options on credit default swap index products. These instruments are designed to track representative segments of the credit default swap market and provide investors with exposure to specific “baskets” of issuers of bonds or loans. Such investments are subject to liquidity risks as well as other risks associated with investments in credit default swaps discussed above. The Fund reserves the right to invest in similar instruments that may become available in the future.
The Fund may also use credit default swap indices. The individual credits underlying these credit default swap indices may be rated above BBB or below BBB.
The SEC adopted a final rule related to the use of derivatives, short sales, reverse repurchase agreements and certain other transactions by registered investment companies that rescinds and withdraws the guidance of the SEC and its staff regarding asset segregation and cover transactions. The final rule requires a Fund that trades derivatives and other transactions which create future payment or delivery obligations (except reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions) subject to a value-at-risk (“VaR”) leverage limit and certain derivatives risk management program and reporting requirements. Generally, these requirements apply unless a Fund qualifies as a “limited derivatives user,” as defined in the final rule. Under the final rule, when a Fund trades reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions, including certain tender option bonds, it needs to aggregate the amount of indebtedness associated with the reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions with the aggregate amount of any other senior securities representing indebtedness when calculating the Fund’s asset coverage ratio or treat all such transactions as derivatives transactions. Reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions aggregated with other indebtedness do not need to be included in the calculation of whether a Fund is a limited derivatives user, but for Funds subject to the VaR testing, reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions must be included for purposes of such testing whether treated as derivatives transactions or not. These requirements may limit the ability of a Fund to use derivatives and reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions as part of its investment strategies. These requirements may increase the cost of a Fund’s investments and cost of doing business, which could adversely affect investors.
The Fund is classified as a limited derivatives user under Rule 18f-4 of the 1940 Act. As a limited derivatives user the Fund’s derivatives exposure, excluding certain currency and interest rate hedging transactions, may not exceed 10% of its net assets. This restriction is not fundamental and may be changed by the Fund without a shareholder vote.
U.S. Government Securities and Mortgage-Backed Securities
Securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government include a variety of Treasury securities (i.e., securities issued by the U.S. government) that differ only in their interest rates, maturities and dates of issuance. Treasury Bills have maturities of one year or less. Treasury Notes have maturities of one to ten years, and Treasury Bonds generally have maturities of greater than ten years at the date of issuance. Zero coupon Treasury securities consist of Treasury Notes and Bonds that have been stripped of their unmatured interest coupons.
U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities which issue or guarantee securities include, but are not limited to, the Federal Housing Administration, Federal National Mortgage Association, Farmers Home Administration, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Small Business Administration, Government National Mortgage Association, General Services Administration, Central Bank for Cooperatives, Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, Federal Land Banks, Maritime Administration, Tennessee Valley Authority, District of Columbia Armory Board, the Inter-American Development Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the Student Loan Marketing Association and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
Except for U.S. Treasury securities, obligations of U.S. government agencies and instrumentalities may or may not be supported by the full faith and credit of the United States. Some are backed by the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury; others by discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase the agencies’ obligations; while still others, such as the Student Loan Marketing Association, are supported only by the credit of the instrumentality. In the case of securities not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, the investor must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment, and may not be able to assert a claim against the United States itself in the event the agency or instrumentality does not meet its commitment. The Fund when investing in U.S. government securities will invest in securities of such instrumentality only when the Adviser is satisfied that the credit risk with respect to any instrumentality is acceptable.
As used in this SAI, the term “U.S. government securities” means securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities.
Among the U.S. government securities that the Fund may purchase are “mortgage-backed securities” of the Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) and the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”). These mortgage-backed securities include “pass-through” securities and “participation certificates;” both are similar, representing pools of mortgages that are assembled, with interests sold in the pool; the assembly is made by an “issuer” which assembles the mortgages in the pool and passes through payments of principal and interest for a fee payable to it. Payments of principal and interest by individual mortgagors are “passed through” to the holders of the interest in the pool. Thus, the monthly or other regular payments on pass-through securities and participation certificates include payments of principal (including prepayments on mortgages in the pool) rather than only interest payments. Another type of mortgage-backed security is the “collateralized mortgage obligation” or “CMO,” which is similar to a conventional bond (in that it makes fixed interest payments and has an established maturity date) and is secured by groups of individual mortgages. Timely payment of principal and interest on Ginnie Mae pass-throughs is guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the United States, but their yield is not guaranteed. Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae are both instrumentalities of the U.S. government, but their obligations are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. It is possible that the availability and the marketability (i.e., liquidity) of these securities discussed in this paragraph could be adversely affected by actions of the U.S. government to tighten the availability of its credit or to affect adversely the tax effects of owning them.
Mortgage loans are subject to a variety of state and federal regulations designed to protect mortgagors, which may impair the ability of the mortgage lender to enforce its rights under the mortgage documents. These regulations include legal restraints on foreclosures, homeowner rights of redemption after foreclosure, federal and state bankruptcy and debtor relief laws, restrictions on enforcement of mortgage loan “due on sale” clauses and state usury laws. Even though the Fund will invest in mortgage-backed securities which are U.S. government securities, these regulations may adversely affect the Fund’s investments by delaying the Fund’s receipt of payments derived from principal or interest on mortgage loans affected by such regulations.
Events Regarding Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Securities. On September 6, 2008, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (“FHFA”) placed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac into conservatorship. As the conservator, FHFA succeeded to all rights, titles, powers and privileges of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and of any stockholder, officer or director of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac with respect to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and the assets of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are continuing to operate as going concerns while in conservatorship and each remain liable for all of its obligations, including its guaranty obligations, associated with its mortgage-backed securities. The FHFA has indicated that the conservatorship of each enterprise will end when the director of FHFA determines that FHFA’s plan to restore the enterprise to a safe and solvent condition has been completed.
Under the Federal Housing Finance Regulatory Reform Act of 2008 (the “Reform Act”), which was included as part of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, FHFA, as conservator or receiver, has the power to repudiate any contract entered into by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac prior to FHFA’s appointment as conservator or receiver, as applicable, if FHFA determines, in its sole discretion, that performance of the contract is burdensome and that repudiation of the contract promotes the orderly administration of Fannie Mae’s or Freddie Mac’s affairs.
The Reform Act requires FHFA to exercise its right to repudiate any contract within a reasonable period of time after its appointment as conservator or receiver. FHFA, in its capacity as conservator, has indicated that it has no intention to repudiate the guaranty obligations of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac because FHFA views repudiation as incompatible with the goals of the conservatorship. However, in the event that FHFA, as conservator or if it is later appointed as receiver for Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, were to repudiate any such guaranty obligation, the conservatorship or receivership estate, as applicable, would be liable for actual direct compensatory damages in accordance with the provisions of the Reform Act. Any such liability could be satisfied only to the extent of Fannie Mae’s or Freddie Mac’s assets available therefor. In the event of repudiation, the payments of interest to holders of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac mortgage-backed securities would be reduced if payments on the mortgage loans represented in the mortgage loan groups related to such mortgage-backed securities are not made by the borrowers or advanced by the servicer. Any actual direct compensatory damages for repudiating these guaranty obligations may not be sufficient to offset any shortfalls experienced by such mortgage-backed security holders. Further, in its capacity as conservator or receiver, FHFA has the right to transfer or sell any asset or liability of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac without any approval, assignment or consent. Although FHFA has stated that it has no present intention to do so, if FHFA, as conservator or receiver, were to transfer any such guaranty obligation to another party, holders of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac mortgage-backed securities would have to rely on that party for satisfaction of the guaranty obligation and would be exposed to the credit risk of that party.
In addition, certain rights provided to holders of mortgage-backed securities issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac under the operative documents related to such securities may not be enforced against FHFA, or enforcement of such rights may be delayed, during the conservatorship or any future receivership. The operative documents for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac mortgage-backed securities may provide (or with respect to securities issued prior to the date of the appointment of the conservator may have provided) that upon the occurrence of an event of default on the part of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, in its capacity as guarantor, which includes the appointment of a conservator or receiver, holders of such mortgage-backed securities have the right to replace Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac as trustee if the requisite percentage of mortgage-backed securities holders consent. The Reform Act prevents mortgage-backed security holders from enforcing such rights if the event of default arises solely because a conservator or receiver has been appointed. The Reform Act also provides that no person may exercise any right or power to terminate, accelerate or declare an event of default under certain contracts to which Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac is a
party, or obtain possession of or exercise control over any property of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, or affect any contractual rights of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, without the approval of FHFA, as conservator or receiver, for a period of 45 or 90 days following the appointment of FHFA as conservator or receiver, respectively.
In October 2012, FHFA released a white paper, Building a New Infrastructure for the Secondary Mortgage Market, proposing a framework for a common securitization platform and an improved contractual and disclosure framework and requested public input. The white paper sought to identify the core components of mortgage securitization that will be needed in the housing finance system in the future. Along with the white paper, FHFA joined Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in outreach to a full range of stakeholders, including a variety of industry participants – small and large companies, trade groups, advocacy organizations, vendors, originators, servicers, investors, and mortgage issuers, among others. FHFA has worked with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to use the feedback gathered on the securitization platform prototype, to align key contractual features and practices, and address additional protections investors require.
FHFA has stated that long-term, continued operation in a government-run conservatorship is not sustainable for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac because each company lacks capital, cannot rebuild its capital base, and is operating on a remaining, finite line of capital from taxpayers. However, FHFA has stated that it will continue to carry out its responsibilities as conservator until Congress determines the future of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Investment Characteristics of MBS
The investment characteristics of adjustable and fixed rate mortgage-backed securities differ from those of traditional fixed income securities. The major differences include the payment of interest and principal on mortgage-backed securities on a more frequent (usually monthly) schedule, and the possibility that principal may be prepaid at any time due to prepayments on the underlying mortgage loans or other assets. These differences can result in significantly greater price and yield volatility than is the case with traditional fixed income securities. As a result, if the Fund purchases mortgage-backed securities at a premium, a faster than expected prepayment rate will reduce both the market value and the yield to maturity from those which were anticipated. A prepayment rate that is slower than expected will have the opposite effect of increasing yield to maturity and market value. Conversely, if the Fund purchases mortgage-backed securities at a discount, faster than expected prepayments will increase, while slower than expected prepayments will reduce, yield to maturity and market value.
Prepayments
Prepayments on a pool of mortgage loans are influenced by a variety of factors, including economic conditions, changes in mortgagors’ housing needs, job transfer, unemployment, mortgagors’ net equity in the mortgage properties and servicing decisions. The timing and level of prepayments cannot be predicted. Generally, however, prepayments on adjustable rate mortgage loans and fixed rate mortgage loans will increase during a period of falling mortgage interest rates and decrease during a period of rising mortgage interest rates. Accordingly, the amounts of prepayments available for reinvestment by the Fund are likely to be greater during a period of declining mortgage interest rates. If general interest rates also decline, such prepayments are likely to be reinvested at lower interest rates than the Fund was earning on the mortgage-backed securities that were prepaid.
Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loans
Certain mortgage loans underlying the mortgage-backed securities in which the Fund may invest will be adjustable rate mortgage loans (“ARMs”). ARMs eligible for inclusion in a mortgage pool will generally provide for a fixed initial mortgage interest rate for a specified period of time. Thereafter, the interest rates (the “Mortgage Interest Rates”) may be subject to periodic adjustment based on changes in the applicable index rate (the “Index Rate”). The adjusted rate would be equal to the Index Rate plus a gross margin, which is a fixed percentage spread over the Index Rate established for each ARM at the time of its origination.
There are two main categories of indexes which provide the basis for rate adjustments on ARMs: those based on U.S. Treasury securities and those derived from a calculated measure such as a cost of funds index or a moving average of mortgage rates. Commonly utilized indexes include the one-year, three-year and five-year constant maturity Treasury rates, the three-month Treasury Bill rate, the 180-day Treasury Bill rate, rates on longer-term Treasury securities, the 11th District Federal Home Loan Bank Cost of Funds, the National Median Cost of Funds, the one-month, three-month, six-month or one year London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), the prime rate of a specific bank, or commercial paper rates. Some indexes, such as the one-year constant maturity Treasury rate, closely mirror changes in market interest rate levels. Others, such as the 11th District Federal Home Loan Bank Cost of Funds index, tend to lag behind changes in market rate levels and tend to be somewhat less volatile. The degree of volatility in the market value of the Fund’s portfolio and therefore in the NAV per share of the Fund will be a function of the length of the interest rate reset periods and the degree of volatility in the applicable indexes.
Adjustable interest rates can cause payment increases that some mortgagors may find difficult to make. However, certain ARMs may provide that the Mortgage Interest Rate may not be adjusted to a rate above an applicable lifetime maximum rate or below an applicable lifetime minimum rate for such ARMs. Certain ARMs may also be subject to limitations on the maximum amount by which the Mortgage Interest Rate may adjust for any single adjustment period (the Maximum Adjustment). Other ARMs (“Negatively Amortizing ARMs”) may provide instead or as well for limitations on changes in the monthly payment on such ARMs. Limitations on monthly payments can result in monthly payments which are greater or less than the amount necessary to amortize a Negatively Amortizing ARM by its maturity at the Mortgage Interest Rate in effect in any particular month. In the event that a monthly payment is not sufficient to pay the interest accruing on a Negatively Amortizing ARM, any such excess interest is added to the principal balance of the loan, causing negative amortization, and is repaid through future monthly payments. It may take borrowers under Negatively Amortizing ARMs longer periods of time to achieve equity and may increase the likelihood of default by such borrowers. In the event that a monthly payment exceeds the sum of the interest accrued at the applicable Mortgage Interest Rate and the principal payment which would have been necessary to amortize the outstanding principal balance over the remaining term of the loan, the excess (or accelerated amortization) further reduces the principal balance of the ARM. Negatively Amortizing ARMs do not provide for the extension of their original maturity to accommodate changes in their Mortgage Interest Rate. As a result, unless there is a periodic recalculation of the payment amount (which there generally is), the final payment may be substantially larger than the other payments. These limitations on periodic increases in interest rates and on changes in monthly payments protect borrowers from unlimited interest rate and payment increases.
The mortgage loans underlying other mortgage-backed securities in which the Fund may invest will be fixed rate mortgage loans. Generally, fixed rate mortgage loans eligible for inclusion in a mortgage pool will bear simple interest at fixed annual rates and have original terms to maturity ranging from 5 to 40 years. Fixed rate mortgage loans generally provide for monthly payments of principal and interest in substantially equal installments for the contractual term of the mortgage note in sufficient amounts to
fully amortize principal by maturity although certain fixed rate mortgage loans provide for a large final “balloon” payment upon maturity.
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (“CMO”)
CMOs are issued in multiple classes. Each class of CMOs, often referred to as a “tranche,” is issued at a specific adjustable or fixed interest rate and must be fully retired no later than its final distribution date. Principal prepayments on the mortgage loans or other assets (“Mortgage Assets”) underlying the CMOs may cause some or all of the class of CMOs to be retired substantially earlier than their final distribution dates. Generally interest is paid or accrued on all classes of CMOs on a monthly basis.
The principal of and interest on the Mortgage Assets may be allocated among the several classes of CMOs in various ways. In certain structures (known as “sequential pay” CMOs), payments of principal, including any principal prepayments, on the Mortgage Assets generally are applied to the classes of CMOs in the order of their respective final distribution dates. Thus no payment of principal will be made on any class of sequential pay CMOs until all other classes having an earlier final distribution date have been paid in full.
Additional structures of CMOs include, among others, “parallel pay” CMOs. Parallel pay CMOs are those which are structured to apply principal payments and prepayments of the Mortgage Assets to two or more classes concurrently on a proportionate or disproportionate basis. These simultaneous payments are taken into account in calculating the final distribution date of each class.
Stripped Mortgage-Backed U.S. Government Securities
The Fund may invest in stripped mortgage-backed U.S. government securities (“SMBS”). SMBS are usually structured with two classes that receive different proportions of the interest and principal distributions from a pool of Mortgage Assets. A common type of SMBS will have one class receiving all of the interest from the Mortgage Assets, while the other class will receive all of the principal. However, in some instances, one class will receive some of the interest and most of the principal while the other class will receive most of the interest and the remainder of the principal. If the underlying Mortgage Assets experience greater than anticipated prepayments of principal, the Fund may fail to fully recover its initial investment in these securities. Certain SMBS may not be readily marketable and will be considered illiquid for purposes of the Fund’s limitation on investments in illiquid securities. Whether SMBS are liquid or illiquid will be determined in accordance with guidelines established by the Board. The market value of the class consisting entirely of principal payments generally is unusually volatile in response to changes in interest rates. The yield on a class of SMBS that receives all or most of the interest from Mortgage Assets are generally higher than prevailing market yields on other mortgage-backed securities because their cash flow patterns are more volatile and there is a greater risk that the initial investment will not be fully recouped.
Municipal Bonds
The Fund, either directly or through its investment in other investment companies, may invest in municipal bonds, the income of which is generally exempt from federal income tax. Municipal bonds share the attributes of debt/fixed income securities in general, but are generally issued by states, municipalities and other political subdivisions, agencies, authorities and instrumentalities of states and multi-state agencies or authorities. The municipal bonds which the Fund may purchase include general obligation bonds and limited obligation bonds (or revenue bonds), including industrial development bonds issued pursuant to former federal tax law. General obligation bonds are obligations involving the credit of an issuer possessing taxing power and are payable from such issuer’s general revenues and not
from any particular source. Limited obligation bonds are payable only from the revenues derived from a particular facility or class of facilities or, in some cases, from the proceeds of a special excise or other specific revenue source. Tax-exempt private activity bonds and industrial development bonds generally are also revenue bonds and thus are not payable from the issuer’s general revenues. The credit and quality of private activity bonds and industrial development bonds are usually related to the credit of the corporate user of the facilities. Payment of interest on and repayment of principal of such bonds is the responsibility of the corporate user (and/or any guarantor).
The secondary market for municipal bonds typically has been less liquid than that for taxable debt/fixed income securities, and this may affect the Fund’s ability to sell particular municipal bonds at then-current market prices, especially in periods when other investors are attempting to sell the same securities. Additionally, municipal bonds rated below investment grade (i.e., high yield municipal bonds) may not be as liquid as higher-rated municipal bonds. Reduced liquidity in the secondary market may have an adverse impact on the market price of a municipal bond and on the Fund’s ability to sell a municipal bond in response to changes or anticipated changes in economic conditions or to meet the Fund’s cash needs. Reduced liquidity may also make it more difficult to obtain market quotations based on actual trades for purposes of valuing the Fund’s portfolio.
Prices and yields on municipal bonds are dependent on a variety of factors, including general money-market conditions, the financial condition of the issuer, general conditions of the municipal bond market, the size of a particular offering, the maturity of the obligation and the rating of the issue. A number of these factors, including the ratings of particular issues, are subject to change from time to time. Information about the financial condition of an issuer of municipal bonds may not be as extensive as that which is made available by corporations whose securities are publicly traded.
Obligations of issuers of municipal bonds are subject to the provisions of bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws affecting the rights and remedies of creditors. Congress or state legislatures may seek to extend the time for payment of principal or interest, or both, or to impose other constraints upon enforcement of such obligations. There is also the possibility that as a result of litigation or other conditions, the power or ability of issuers to meet their obligations for the payment of interest and principal on their municipal bonds may be materially affected or their obligations may be found to be invalid or unenforceable. Such litigation or conditions may from time to time have the effect of introducing uncertainties in the market for municipal bonds or certain segments thereof, or of materially affecting the credit risk with respect to particular bonds. Adverse economic, business, legal or political developments might affect all or a substantial portion of the Fund’s municipal bonds in the same manner.
High Yield and Other Securities
The Fund may invest in debt securities, including bonds and debentures (which are long-term) and notes (which may be short- or long-term). These debt securities may be rated investment grade any NRSRO. Securities rated BBB by any NRSRO, although investment grade, may exhibit speculative characteristics and are more sensitive than higher rated securities to changes in economic conditions. The Fund may invest in securities that are rated below investment grade. Investments in high yield securities (i.e., less than investment grade), while providing greater income and opportunity for gain than investments in higher-rated securities, entail relatively greater risk of loss of income or principal. Lower-grade obligations are commonly referred to as “junk bonds.” Market prices of high-yield, lower-grade obligations may fluctuate more than market prices of higher-rated securities. Lower grade, fixed income securities tend to reflect short-term corporate and market developments to a greater extent than higher-rated obligations which, assuming no change in their fundamental quality, react primarily to fluctuations in the general level of interest rates.
The Fund may purchase unrated securities (which are not rated by a rating agency) if its portfolio manager determines that the security is of comparable quality to a rated security that the Fund may purchase. Unrated securities may be less liquid than comparable rated securities and involve the risk that the portfolio manager may not accurately evaluate the securities comparative credit rating.
The Fund may invest in structured notes and indexed securities whose value depends upon, or is derived from the value of an underlying asset, reference rate or index, and may relate to stocks, bonds, interest rates, currencies or currency exchange rates, commodities, and related indexes.
Structured notes are derivative debt securities, the interest rate or principal of which is determined by an unrelated indicator. Indexed securities include structured notes as well as securities other than debt securities, the interest rate or principal of which is determined by an unrelated indicator. Indexed securities may include a multiplier that multiplies the indexed element by a specified factor and, therefore, the value of such securities may be very volatile. Structured or indexed securities may be more volatile, less liquid, and more difficult to accurately price than less complex securities or more traditional debt securities. To the extent the Fund invests in these securities, however, the Adviser analyzes these securities in its overall assessment of the effective duration of the Fund’s portfolio in an effort to monitor the Fund’s interest rate risk.
The Fund may also invest in convertible securities or preferred stocks. Convertible securities are bonds or preferred stocks that may be converted (exchanged) into common stock of the issuing company within a certain period of time, for a specified number of shares.
The high yield market at times is subject to substantial volatility. An economic downturn or increase in interest rates may have a more significant effect on high yield securities and their markets, as well as on the ability of securities’ issuers to repay principal and interest. Issuers of high yield securities may be of low creditworthiness and the high yield securities may be subordinated to the claims of senior lenders. During periods of economic downturn or rising interest rates the issuers of high yield securities may have greater potential for insolvency and a higher incidence of high yield bond defaults may be experienced.
The prices of high yield securities have been found to be less sensitive to interest rate changes than higher-rated investments but are more sensitive to adverse economic changes or individual corporate developments. During an economic downturn or substantial period of rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers may experience financial stress which would adversely affect their ability to service their principal and interest payment obligations, to meet projected business goals, and to obtain additional financing. If the issuer of a high yield security owned by the Fund defaults, the Fund may incur additional expenses in seeking recovery. Periods of economic uncertainty and changes can be expected to result in increased volatility of the market prices of high yield securities and the Fund’s NAV per share. Yields on high yield securities will fluctuate over time. Furthermore, in the case of high yield securities structured as zero coupon or pay-in-kind securities, their market prices are affected to a greater extent by interest rate changes and therefore tend to be more volatile than the market prices of securities which pay interest periodically and in cash.
Certain securities held by the Fund including high yield securities, may contain redemption or call provisions. If an issuer exercises these provisions in a declining interest rate market, the Fund would have to replace the security with a lower yielding security, resulting in a decreased return for the investor. Conversely, a high yield security’s value will decrease in a rising interest rate market, as will the Fund’s net assets.
The secondary market for high yield securities may at times become less liquid or respond to adverse publicity or investor perceptions making it more difficult for the Fund to value accurately high yield
securities or dispose of them. To the extent the Fund owns or may acquire illiquid or restricted high yield securities, these securities may involve special registration responsibilities, liabilities and costs, and liquidity difficulties, and judgment will play a greater role in valuation because there is less reliable and objective data available.
Special tax considerations are associated with investing in high yield bonds structured as zero coupon or pay-in-kind securities. The Fund will report the interest on these securities as income even though it receives no cash interest until the security’s maturity or payment date. Further, the Fund must distribute substantially all of its income to its shareholders to qualify for pass-through treatment under the tax law. Accordingly, the Fund may have to dispose of its portfolio securities under disadvantageous circumstances to generate cash or may have to borrow to satisfy distribution requirements.
Credit ratings evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments, not the market value risk of high yield securities. Since credit rating agencies may fail to timely change the credit ratings to reflect subsequent events, the Adviser monitors the issuers of high yield securities in the portfolio to determine if the issuers will have sufficient cash flow and profits to meet required principal and interest payments, and to attempt to assure the securities’ liquidity so the Fund can meet redemption requests. To the extent that the Fund invests in high yield securities, the achievement of its investment objective may be more dependent on the Adviser’s credit analysis than would be the case for higher quality bonds. The Fund may retain a portfolio security whose rating has been changed.
To Be Announced (TBA) Market
The Fund may purchase MBS in the TBA Market. Most Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae MBS are eligible to be sold in the TBA market. The TBA market allows mortgage lenders to sell the loans they intend to fund before the loans are closed. A TBA trade represents a contract for purchase or sale of MBS to be delivered at a future agreed-upon date. In the TBA market, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae MBS are traded on a forward or delayed delivery basis with settlement up to 180 days later. The Fund records the transaction when it agrees to buy the securities and continually reflects their value in determining the price of its shares.
The parties to TBA contracts will agree on the type of MBS, the type of mortgage, coupon or interest rate, the total dollar amount of the MBS, price and settlement date. The purchaser will contract to acquire a specified dollar amount of MBS, which may be satisfied when the seller delivers one or more MBS pools at settlement. Forty-eight hours before settlement, the seller specifies or allocates the identity and number of mortgage pools by the specific pool numbers and CUSIPs to be delivered to satisfy the TBA trade. When a seller in the TBA market sells an MBS before the underlying mortgage is closed, the purchaser bears the risk that commitments for the mortgage loans will not close. The TBA market reduces this risk by pooling MBS together according to similar characteristics that are based on guidelines established by the TBA Market. The seller is able to deliver any mortgage pool that satisfies the TBA trade and meets the TBA market’s delivery requirements. The purchaser assumes the risk that the characteristics of the mortgage-backed security delivered to the purchaser may be less favorable.
TBA-eligible MBS may be traded through generic, stipulated or specified trades. Generic TBA trades are trades that meet the delivery requirement of the TBA market. The Fund trades on a generic basis through the TBA market process. Stipulated TBA trades are trades that meet the TBA delivery requirements which have characteristics that have been requested by the investor. The most common stipulated terms are number of pools that can be delivered, the principal dollar amount variance, maturity year, weighted average loan age of the mortgage loans in the pool, and geographic location of the underlying properties. In generic and stipulated TBA trades, there is no specific security identified at the time the parties enter
into the trade. Investors that wish to purchase a particular mortgage pool will engage in a specified trade. The purchaser identifies the actual pool they wish to purchase by pool and CUSIP number.
Dollar Rolls
TBA market participants trade TBA pools using “dollar rolls” as their financing vehicles. Dollar rolls are a form of collateralized short-term financing where the collateral consists of mortgage securities and performs a function analogous to a reverse repurchase agreement. Unlike a reverse repurchase agreement, which requires redelivery of exactly the same securities, a dollar roll is a simultaneous purchase and sale of substantially similar TBA securities for different settlement dates. The dealer (purchaser), who is said to “roll in” the securities received, is not required to deliver the identical securities, only securities that meet the TBA market’s good delivery guidelines (which establishes standard notification and settlement dates for TBA securities). The investor may assume some risk because the characteristics of the MBS delivered to the investor may be less favorable than the MBS the investor delivered to the dealer. Because the dealer is not obligated to return the identical MBS collateral that the investor has delivered, both parties usually transact the dollar roll with generic Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae MBS pools that have the same or less value than the average TBA-eligible security.
A dollar roll transaction transfers prepayment risk to the dealer. Dollar rolls offer the dealer a convenient way to obtain promised mortgage securities, avoiding much of the cost of failing to make timely delivery. The dealer is willing to pay up to the cost of failure to deliver for the short-term opportunity to borrow or purchase securities required to meet a delivery commitment. For this reason most dollar rolls are transacted close to the monthly settlement date for MBS.
When Issued and Delayed-Delivery Securities
To ensure the availability of suitable securities for its portfolio, the Fund may purchase when-issued or delayed delivery securities. When-issued transactions arise when securities are purchased by the Fund with payment and delivery taking place in the future in order to secure what is considered to be an advantageous price and yield to the Fund at the time of entering into the transaction. When-issued securities represent securities that have been authorized but not yet issued. The Fund may also purchase securities on a forward commitment or delayed delivery basis. In a forward commitment transaction, the Fund contracts to purchase securities for a fixed price at a future date beyond customary settlement time. The Fund is required to hold and maintain until the settlement date, cash or other liquid assets in an amount sufficient to meet the purchase price. Alternatively, the Fund may enter into offsetting contracts for the forward sale of other securities that it owns. The purchase of securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis involves a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines prior to the settlement date. Although the Fund would generally purchase securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis with the intention of actually acquiring securities for its portfolio, they may dispose of a when-issued security or forward commitment prior to settlement if the Adviser deems it appropriate to do so.
The Fund may enter into mortgage “dollar rolls” in which the Fund sells mortgage-backed securities for delivery in the current month and simultaneously contracts to repurchase substantially similar (same type, coupon and maturity) securities on a specified future date. During the roll period, the Fund forgoes principal and interest paid on the mortgage-backed securities. The Fund is compensated by the difference between the current sales price and the lower forward price for the future purchase (often referred to as the “drop”) as well as by the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the initial sale. A “covered roll” is a specific type of dollar roll for which there is an offsetting cash position or a cash equivalent security position which matures on or before the forward settlement date of the dollar roll transaction. The Fund will only enter into covered rolls. Covered rolls are not treated as a borrowing or other senior security.
Foreign Securities
The Fund may invest in foreign fixed-income securities. There are risks in investing in foreign fixed-income securities. Foreign economies may differ from the U.S. economy; individual foreign companies may differ from domestic companies in the same industry; foreign currencies may be stronger or weaker than the U.S. dollar.
An investment may be affected by changes in currency rates and in exchange control regulations, and the Fund may incur transaction costs in exchanging currencies. For example, at times when the assets of the Fund are invested in securities denominated in foreign currencies, investors can expect that the value of such investments will tend to increase when the value of the U.S. dollar is decreasing against such currencies. Conversely, a tendency toward a decline in the value of such investments can be expected when the value of the U.S. dollar is increasing against such currencies.
Non-U.S. companies are frequently not subject to accounting and financial reporting standards applicable to domestic companies, and there may be less information available about foreign issuers. Foreign securities are generally less liquid and more volatile than those of comparable domestic issuers. There is frequently less government regulation of broker-dealers and issuers than in the United States. The costs associated with securities transactions are generally higher than in the United States. In addition, investments in foreign countries are subject to the possibility of expropriation, confiscatory taxation, political or social instability or diplomatic developments that could adversely affect the value of those investments.
Some foreign securities owned by the Fund may be held by foreign sub-custodians that satisfy certain eligibility requirements. However, foreign sub-custodian arrangements are significantly more expensive than domestic custody. In addition, foreign settlement of securities transactions is subject to local law and custom that is not, generally, as well established or as reliable as U.S. regulation and custom applicable to settlements of securities transactions and, accordingly, there is generally perceived to be a greater risk of loss in connection with securities transactions in many foreign countries.
The Fund may invest in fixed-income securities of companies in countries with emerging economies or securities markets (“Emerging Markets”). Investment in Emerging Markets involves risks in addition to those generally associated with investments in foreign securities. Political and economic structures in many Emerging Markets may be undergoing significant evolution and rapid development, and such countries may lack the social, political and economic stability characteristics of more developed countries. As a result, the risks described above relating to investments in foreign securities, including the risks of nationalization or expropriation of assets may be heightened. In addition, unanticipated political or social developments may affect the values of the investments of the Fund and the availability to the Fund of additional investments in such Emerging Markets. The small size and inexperience of the securities markets in certain Emerging Markets and the limited volume of trading in securities in those markets may make the Fund’s investments in such countries less liquid and more volatile than investments in countries with more developed securities markets (such as the U.S., Japan and most Western European countries).
To manage the currency risk accompanying investments in foreign securities and to facilitate the purchase and sale of foreign securities, the Fund may engage in foreign currency transactions on a spot (cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market or through entering into contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies at a future date (“forward foreign currency” and “forward cross-currency” contracts or “forward” contracts) and may purchase and sell foreign currency futures contracts and cross-currency futures contracts to seek to hedge against changes in foreign currency exchange rates.
A forward foreign currency contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. These contracts are principally traded in the inter-bank market conducted directly between currency traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers. A forward contract generally has no deposit requirement and no commissions are charged at any stage for trades.
When the Fund enters into a contract for the purchase or sale of a security denominated in a foreign currency, it may desire to “lock in” the U.S. dollar price of the security (transaction hedging). By entering into a forward contract for the purchase or sale of a fixed amount of U.S. dollars equal to the amount of foreign currency involved in the underlying security transaction, the Fund can protect itself against a possible loss, resulting from an adverse change in the relationship between the U.S. dollar and the subject foreign currency during the period between the date the security is purchased or sold and the date on which the payment is made or received.
When the Adviser believes that a particular foreign currency may suffer a substantial decline against the U.S. dollar, it may enter into a forward contract to sell a fixed amount of the foreign currency approximating the value of some or all of the portfolio securities of the Fund denominated in such foreign currency (position hedging). The precise matching of the forward contract amounts and the value of the securities involved will not generally be possible since the future value of such securities in foreign currencies will change as a consequence of market movements in the value of those securities between the date the forward contract is entered into and the date it matures. The projection of short-term currency market movement is extremely difficult and the successful execution of a short-term hedging strategy is highly uncertain. The Fund will not enter into such forward contracts or maintain a net exposure to such contracts where the consummation of the contracts would obligate the Fund to deliver an amount of foreign currency in excess of the value of the Fund’s securities or other assets denominated in that currency. Under normal circumstances, the Adviser considers the long-term prospects for a particular currency and incorporates the prospect into its overall long-term diversification strategies. The Adviser believes that it is important to have the flexibility to enter into such forward contracts when it determines that the best interests of the Fund will be served.
At the maturity of a forward contract, the Fund may either sell the portfolio securities and make delivery of the foreign currency, or it may retain the securities and terminate its contractual obligation to deliver the foreign currency by purchasing an “offsetting” contract obligating it to purchase, on the same maturity date, the same amount of foreign currency.
If the Fund retains the portfolio securities and engages in an offsetting transaction, the Fund will incur a gain or a loss to the extent that there has been movement in forward contract prices. If the Fund engages in an offsetting transaction, it may subsequently enter into a forward contract to sell the foreign currency. Should forward prices decline during the period when the Fund entered into the forward contract for the sale of a foreign currency and the date it entered into an offsetting contract for the purchase of the foreign currency, the Fund will realize a gain to the extent the price of the currency it has agreed to sell exceeds the price of the currency it has agreed to purchase. Should forward prices increase, the Fund will suffer a loss to the extent that the price of the currency it has agreed to purchase exceeds the price of the currency it has agreed to sell.
Shareholders should note that: (1) foreign currency hedge transactions do not protect against or eliminate fluctuations in the prices of particular portfolio securities (i.e., if the price of such securities declines due to an issuer’s deteriorating credit situation); and (2) it is impossible to forecast with precision the market value of securities at the expiration of a forward contract. Accordingly, the Fund may have to purchase additional foreign currency on the spot market (and bear the expense of such purchase) if the market
value of the Fund’s securities is less than the amount of the foreign currency upon expiration of the contract. Conversely, the Fund may have to sell some of its foreign currency received upon the sale of a portfolio security if the market value of the Fund’s securities exceeds the amount of foreign currency the Fund is obligated to deliver. The Fund’s dealings in forward foreign currency exchange contracts will be limited to the transactions described above.
Although the Fund values its assets daily in terms of U.S. dollars, it does not intend to convert its holdings of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars on a daily basis. The Fund will do so from time to time and investors should be aware of the costs of currency conversion. Although foreign exchange dealers do not charge a fee for conversion, they realize a profit based on the difference (the “spread”) between the prices at which they are buying and selling various currencies. Thus, a dealer may offer to sell a foreign currency to the Fund at one rate, while offering a lesser rate of exchange should the Fund desire to resell that currency to the dealer.
The Fund may own a bond denominated in U.S. dollars or a foreign currency and purchase a currency futures contract to increase its exposure to different foreign currencies. It may also sell a currency futures contract on the U.S. dollar to increase its exposure to various foreign currencies. The uses and risks of currency options and futures are similar to options and futures relating to securities or indexes, as discussed above. Currency futures contracts are similar to forward foreign currency contracts, except that they are traded on exchanges (and have margin requirements) and are standardized as to contract size and delivery date. Most currency futures contracts call for payment or delivery in U.S. dollars. The underlying instrument of a currency option may be a foreign currency, which generally is purchased or delivered in exchange for U.S. dollars, or may be a futures contract. The purchaser of a currency call obtains the right to purchase the underlying currency and the purchaser of a currency put obtains the right to sell the underlying currency.
Currency futures and options values can be expected to correlate with exchange rates, but may not reflect other factors that affect the value of the Fund’s investments. A currency hedge, for example, should protect a Yen-dominated security from a decline in the Yen, but will not protect the Fund against a price decline resulting from deterioration in the issuer’s creditworthiness. Because the value of the Fund’s foreign-denominated investments change in response to many factors other than exchange rates, it may not be possible to match the amount of currency options and futures to the value for the Fund’s investments exactly over time.
Brexit. In a June 2016 referendum, citizens of the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union (“EU”). In March 2017, the United Kingdom formally notified the European Council of its intention to withdraw from the EU (commonly known as “Brexit”) by invoking Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union, which triggered a two-year period of negotiations on the terms of Brexit. Brexit has resulted in volatility in European and global markets and may also lead to weakening in political, regulatory, consumer, corporate and financial confidence in the markets of the United Kingdom and throughout Europe. The longer term economic, legal, political, regulatory and social framework to be put in place between the United Kingdom and the EU remains unclear and may lead to ongoing political, regulatory and economic uncertainty and periods of exacerbated volatility in both the United Kingdom and in wider European markets for some time. Additionally, the decision made in the British referendum may lead to a call for similar referenda in other European jurisdictions, which may cause increased economic volatility in European and global markets. The mid-to long-term uncertainty may have an adverse effect on the economy generally and on the value of a Fund’s investments. This may be due to, among other things: fluctuations in asset values and exchange rates; increased illiquidity of investments located, traded or listed within the United Kingdom, the EU or elsewhere; changes in the willingness or ability of counterparties to enter into transactions at the price and terms on which a Fund is prepared to transact; and/or changes in legal and regulatory regimes to which certain of a Fund’s assets are or become subject. Fluctuations in the value of the British Pound and/or the Euro, along with the potential downgrading of
the United Kingdom’s sovereign credit rating, may also have an impact on the performance of a Fund’s assets or investments economically tied to the United Kingdom or Europe.
The U.K. left the EU (“Brexit”) on January 31, 2020. The U.K. and EU have reached an agreement on the terms of their future trading relationship effective January 1, 2021, which principally relates to the trading of goods rather than services, including financial services. Further discussions are to be held between the U.K. and the EU in relation to matters not covered by the trade agreement, such as financial services. The Fund will face risks associated with the potential uncertainty and consequences that may follow Brexit, including with respect to volatility in exchange rates and interest rates. Brexit could adversely affect European or worldwide political, regulatory, economic or market conditions and could contribute to instability in global political institutions, regulatory agencies and financial markets. Brexit has also led to legal uncertainty and could lead to politically divergent national laws and regulations as a new relationship between the U.K. and EU is defined and the U.K. determines which EU laws to replace or replicate. Any of these effects of Brexit could adversely affect any of the companies to which the Fund has exposure and any other assets in which the Fund invests. The political, economic and legal consequences of Brexit are not yet fully known. In the short term, financial markets may experience heightened volatility, particularly those in the U.K. and Europe, but possibly worldwide. The U.K. and Europe may be less stable than they have been in recent years, and investments in the U.K. and the EU may be difficult to value, or subject to greater or more frequent volatility. In the longer term, there is likely to be a period of significant political, regulatory and commercial uncertainty as the U.K. continues to negotiate the terms of its future trading relationships.
Investment Company Securities. The Fund may invest in shares of other investment companies or mutual funds, including exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”). For example, the Fund may invest in money market mutual funds in connection with its management of daily cash positions and for temporary defensive purposes. The Fund currently intends to limit its investments in securities issued by other investment companies (except for money market funds) so that not more than 3% of the outstanding voting shares of any one investment company will be owned by the Fund, or its affiliated persons, as a whole. The Fund may invest unlimited amounts in money market funds for management of its daily cash position, subject to certain conditions. In addition to the advisory and operational fees the Fund bears directly in connection with its own operation, the Fund would also bear its pro rata portions of each other investment company’s advisory and operational expenses.
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.
The Fund may rely on Section 12(d)(1)(F) and Rule 12d1-3 of the 1940 Act, which provide an exemption from Section 12(d)(1) that allows the Fund to invest all of its assets in other registered funds, including ETFs, if, among other conditions: (a) the Fund, together with its affiliates, acquires no more than 3% percent of the outstanding voting stock of any acquired fund, and (b) the sales load charged on the Fund’s shares is no greater than the limits set forth in Rule 2341 of the Conduct Rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) applicable to a fund of funds (e.g, 8.5%). In accordance with Rule 12d1-1 under the 1940 Act, the provisions of Section 12(d)(1) shall not apply to shares of money market funds purchased by the Fund, whether or not for temporary defensive purposes, provided that the Fund does not pay a sales charge, distribution fee or service fee as defined in Rule 2341 of the Conduct Rules of FINRA on acquired money market fund shares (or the Adviser must waive its advisory fees in amount necessary to offset any sales charge, distribution fee or service fee).
Rule 12d1-4 permits additional types of fund of fund arrangements without an exemptive order. The rule imposes certain conditions, including limits on control and voting of acquired funds’ shares, evaluations and findings by investment advisers, fund investment agreements, and limits on most three-tier fund structures.
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 index 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 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. ETFs that seek to replicate a particular benchmark index are subject to “tracking risk” which is the risk that an ETF will not be able to replicate exactly the performance of the index it tracks. Unlike traditional mutual funds, shares of an ETF may also be purchased and redeemed directly from the ETFs only in large blocks 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.
Temporary Investments
The Fund may invest in cash and money market securities. The Fund may do so to have assets available to pay expenses, satisfy redemption requests or take advantage of investment opportunities. Money market securities include treasury bills, short-term investment-grade fixed income securities, bankers’ acceptances, money market funds, commercial paper, commercial paper master notes and repurchase agreements.
The Fund may invest in commercial paper or commercial paper master notes rated, at the time of purchase, within the two highest rating categories by a nationally recognized securities rating organization (“NRSRO”).
The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements. A repurchase agreement transaction occurs when, at the time the Fund purchases a security, the Fund agrees to resell it to the vendor (normally a commercial bank or a broker‑dealer) on an agreed upon date in the future. Such securities are referred to as the “Resold Securities.” The Adviser will consider the creditworthiness of any vendor of repurchase agreements. The resale price will be in excess of the purchase price in that it reflects an agreed upon market interest rate effective for the period of time during which the Fund’s money is invested in the Resold Securities. The majority of these transactions run from day to day, and the delivery pursuant to the resale typically will occur within one to five days of the purchase. The Fund’s risk is limited to the ability of the vendor to pay the agreed‑upon sum upon the delivery date; in the event of bankruptcy or other default by the vendor, there may be possible delays and expenses in liquidating the instrument purchased, decline in its value and loss of interest. These risks are minimized when the Fund holds a perfected security interest in the Resold Securities and can therefore resell the instrument promptly. Repurchase agreements can be
considered as loans “collateralized” by the Resold Securities, such agreements being defined as “loans” in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the “1940 Act”). The return on such “collateral” may be more or less than that from the repurchase agreement. The Resold Securities will be marked to market every business day so that the value of the “collateral” is at least equal to the value of the loan, including the accrued interest earned thereon. All Resold Securities will be held by the Fund’s custodian or another bank either directly or through a securities depository.
The Fund may invest in shares of other investment companies. The Fund may invest in money market mutual funds in connection with its management of daily cash positions and for temporary defensive purposes. The Fund currently intends to limit its investments in securities issued by other investment companies (except for money market funds) so that not more than 3% of the outstanding voting stock of any one investment company will be owned by the Fund, or its affiliated persons, as a whole. In addition to the advisory and operational fees the Fund bears directly in connection with its own operation, the Fund would also bear its pro rata portions of each other investment company’s advisory and operational expenses.
Special Risks Related to Cyber Security
The Fund and its service providers are susceptible to cyber security risks that include, among other things, theft, unauthorized monitoring, release, misuse, loss, destruction or corruption of confidential and highly restricted data; denial of service attacks; unauthorized access to relevant systems, compromises to networks or devices that the Fund and its service providers use to service the Fund’s operations; or operational disruption or failures in the physical infrastructure or operating systems that support the Fund and its service providers. Cyber attacks against or security breakdowns of the Fund or its service providers may adversely impact the Fund and its shareholders, potentially resulting in, among other things, financial losses; the inability of Fund shareholders to transact business and the Fund to process transactions; inability to calculate the Fund’s NAV; violations of applicable privacy and other laws; regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs; and/or additional compliance costs. The Fund may incur additional costs for cyber security risk management and remediation purposes. In addition, cyber security risks may also impact issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, which may cause the Fund’s investment in such issuers to lose value. There can be no assurance that the Fund or its service providers will not suffer losses relating to cyber attacks or other information security breaches in the future.
Portfolio Turnover
The portfolio turnover of the Fund may vary significantly from year to year and may exceed 100%. High portfolio turnover (100% or more) would result in the Fund incurring more transaction costs such as mark-ups or mark-downs. Payment of these transaction costs could reduce the Fund’s total return. High portfolio turnover could also result in the payment by the Fund’s shareholders of increased taxes on realized gains.
Investment Restrictions
The Trust has adopted the following restrictions applicable to the Fund as fundamental policies, which may not be changed without the approval of the holders of a “majority,” as defined in the 1940 Act, of the shares of the Fund as to which the policy change is being sought. Under the 1940 Act, approval of the holders of a “majority” of a Fund’s outstanding voting securities means the affirmative vote of the holders of the lesser of (i) 67% of its shares represented at a meeting at which more than 50% of its outstanding shares are represented or (ii) more than 50% of its outstanding shares.
The Fund may not:
1.Make loans to others, except (a) through the purchase of debt securities in accordance with its investment objectives and policies, (b) to the extent the entry into a repurchase agreement is deemed to be a loan.
2.Borrow (for temporary or emergency purposes and not for the purpose of leveraging its investments) in an amount exceeding 33 1/3% of the value of its total assets, and, in the event that market conditions or other factors result in the Fund’s borrowed amounts exceeding 33 1/3% of its total assets (including amounts borrowed), the Fund will reduce the amount of its borrowing to an extent and in such a manner required by the 1940 Act.
3.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.
4.Invest 25% or more of the value of its net assets in the securities of companies engaged in any one industry (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities or securities of other investment companies).
5.Issue senior securities, such as shares having priority over other shares as to the payment of dividends, or as defined in the 1940 Act, except that this restriction shall not be deemed to prohibit the Fund from (a) making any permitted borrowings, mortgages or pledges, or (b) entering into options, futures, currency contract or repurchase transactions.
6.Purchase or sell real estate; however, the Fund may invest in debt securities secured by real estate or interests therein or issued by companies which invest in real estate or interests therein, including real estate investment trusts.
7.Act as an underwriter except to the extent the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter when disposing of securities it owns or when selling its own shares.
The Fund observes the following policies, which are deemed non-fundamental and which may be changed without shareholder vote. The Fund may not:
1.Hold, in the aggregate, more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments that are assets pursuant to Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act. Illiquid investments are investments that cannot be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven business days at approximately the value at which they are being carried on the Fund’s books.
2.Purchase more than 3% of any other investment company’s voting securities or make any other investment in other investment companies except as permitted by the 1940 Act.
3.Make any change in its investment policy of investing at least 80% of its net assets in the investments suggested by the Fund’s name without first providing the Fund’s shareholders with at least 60 days’ prior notice.
Except with respect to borrowing and illiquid securities, if a percentage restriction described in the Prospectus or in this SAI is adhered to at the time of investment, a subsequent increase or decrease in a percentage resulting from a change in the values of assets will not constitute a violation of that restriction.
PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS POLICY
The Adviser and the Fund maintain portfolio holdings 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 portfolio holdings 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 Part F of Form N-PORT. These reports are available, free of charge, on the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
Pursuant to the Trust’s portfolio holdings 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 U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (“Fund Services”) and the Trust’s Board of Trustees, 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 prior written 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 include:
▪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; Standard & Poor’s; Bloomberg; Vickers-Stock Research Corporation; Thomson Financial; and Capital-Bridge, all of which currently receive such information no later than 15 calendar days following the end of a calendar quarter; or+9+
▪Internal parties involved in the investment process, administration, operation or custody of the Fund, specifically: Fund Services; the Trust’s Board of Trustees; and the Trust’s attorneys and accountants (currently, Sullivan & Worcester LLP (“Sullivan & Worcester”) 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 Trust’s Policy and Procedures Regarding Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings.
The CCO or designated officer of the Trust will approve the furnishing of non-public portfolio holdings to a third party only if they consider the furnishing of such information to be in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders and if no material conflict of interest exists regarding such disclosure between shareholders interest and those of the Adviser, Distributor or any affiliated person of the Fund. No consideration may be received by the Fund, the Adviser, any affiliate of the Adviser or their employees in connection with the disclosure of portfolio holdings information. The Board receives and reviews annually a list of the persons who receive non-public portfolio holdings information and the purpose for which it is furnished.
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) 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) 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.
In the event of a conflict between the interests of the Fund and the interests of the Adviser or an affiliated person of the Adviser, the CCO of the Adviser, in consultation with the Trust’s CCO, shall make a determination in the best interests of the Fund, and shall report such determination to the Adviser’s Board of Directors and to the Board at the end of the quarter in which such determination was made. Any employee of the Adviser who suspects a breach of this obligation must report the matter immediately to the Adviser’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 or 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 Disclosure Policies, when the Fund has a legitimate business purpose and the third party recipient is subject to a confidentiality agreement.
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.
MANAGEMENT
The overall management of the business and affairs of the Trust is vested with its Board. The Board approves all significant agreements between the Trust and persons or companies furnishing services to it, including the agreements with the Adviser, Administrator, Custodian and Transfer Agent (each as defined herein). The day-to-day operations of the Trust are delegated to its officers, subject to the Fund’s investment objectives, strategies, and policies and to general supervision by the Board. The Trustees and officers of the Trust, their ages, positions with the Trust, term of office with the Trust and length of time served, their business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years and other directorships held are listed in the table below.
Independent Trustees(1)
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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 During Past Five Years(3) |
David G. Mertens (age 62) 615 E. Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202 | Trustee | Indefinite term; since March 2017. | Partner and Head of Business Development Ballast Equity Management, LLC (a privately-held investment advisory firm) (February 2019 to present); Managing Director and Vice President, Jensen Investment Management, Inc. (a privately-held investment advisory firm) (2002 to 2017). | 6 | Trustee, Advisors Series Trust (for series not affiliated with the Funds). |
Joe D. Redwine (age 75) 615 E. Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202 | Trustee | Indefinite term; since September 2008. | Retired; formerly Manager, President, CEO, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, and its predecessors, (May 1991 to July 2017). | 6 | Trustee, Advisors Series Trust (for series not affiliated with the Funds). |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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 During Past Five Years(3) |
Raymond B. Woolson (age 64) 615 E. Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202 | Chairman of the Board
Trustee | Indefinite term; since January 2020.
Indefinite term; since January 2016. | President, Apogee Group, Inc. (financial consulting firm) (1998 to present). | 6 | Trustee, Advisors Series Trust (for series not affiliated with the Funds); Independent Trustee, DoubleLine Funds Trust (an open-end investment company with 19 portfolios), DoubleLine Opportunistic Credit Fund, DoubleLine Income Solutions Fund, and DoubleLine Yield Opportunities Fund from 2010 to present; Independent Trustee, DoubleLine ETF Trust (an open-end investment company with 2 portfolios) from March 2022 to present. |
Michele Rackey (age 64) 615 E. Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
| Trustee | Indefinite term; since January 2023. | Chief Executive Officer, Government Employees Benefit Association (GEBA) (benefits and wealth management organization) (2004 to 2020); Board Member, Association Business Services Inc. (ABSI) (for-profit subsidiary of the American Society of Association Executives) (2019 to 2020). | 6 | Trustee, Advisors Series Trust (for series not affiliated with the Funds). |
Officers
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Name, Address and Age | Position Held with the Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served | Principal Occupation During Past Five Years |
Jeffrey T. Rauman (age 54) 615 E. Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
| President, Chief Executive Officer and Principal Executive Officer | Indefinite term; since December 2018. | Senior Vice President, Compliance and Administration, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (February 1996 to present). |
Kevin J. Hayden (age 51) 615 E. Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
| Vice President, Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer | Indefinite term; since January 2023. | Vice President, Compliance and Administration, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (June 2005 to present). |
Cheryl L. King (age 61) 615 E. Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
| Assistant Treasurer | Indefinite term; since January 2023. | Vice President, Compliance and Administration, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (October 1998 to present). |
Richard R. Conner (age 40) 615 E. Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
| Assistant Treasurer | Indefinite term; since December 2018. | Assistant Vice President, Compliance and Administration, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (July 2010 to present). |
Michael L. Ceccato (age 65) 615 E. Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
| Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer and AML Officer | Indefinite term; since September 2009. | Senior Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services and Senior Vice President, U.S. Bank N.A. (February 2008 to present). |
Elaine E. Richards (age 54) 2020 E. Financial Way, Suite 100 Glendora, CA 91741
| Vice President and Secretary | Indefinite term; since September 2019. | Senior Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (July 2007 to present). |
* The Trustees have designated a mandatory retirement age of 75, such that each Trustee, serving as such on the date he or she reaches the age of 75, shall submit his or her resignation not later than the last day of the calendar year in which his or her 75th birthday occurs (“Retiring Trustee”). Upon request, the Board may, by vote of a majority of Trustees eligible to vote on such matter, determine whether or not to extend such Retiring Trustee’s term and on the length of a one-time extension of up to three additional years. At a meeting held December 7-8, 2022, by vote of the majority of Trustees (not including Mr. Redwine), Mr. Redwine’s term as Trustee was extended for three additional years.
(1)The Trustees of the Trust who are not “interested persons” of the Trust as defined under the 1940 Act (“Independent Trustees”).
(2)As of February 28, 2023, the Trust was comprised of 35 active portfolios managed by unaffiliated investment advisers. The term “Fund Complex” applies only to the Fund, the PIA Short-Term Securities Fund, PIA BBB Bond Fund, PIA MBS Bond, PIA High Yield Fund and PIA High Yield (MACS) Fund (collectively, the “PIA Funds”) and not to any other series of the Trust. The PIA Funds do not hold themselves out as related to any other series within the Trust for investment purposes, nor do they share the same investment adviser with any other series.
(3)“Other Directorships Held” includes only directorships of companies required to register or file reports with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (that is, “public companies”) or other investment companies registered under the 1940 Act.
Compensation
Effective January 1, 2023, the Independent Trustees each receive an annual retainer of $102,500 per year allocated among each of the various portfolios comprising the Trust, an additional $6,000 per regularly scheduled Board meeting, and an additional $500 per special meeting, paid by the Trust or applicable advisors/portfolios, as well as reimbursement for expenses incurred in connection with attendance at Board meetings. Prior to January 1, 2023, the annual retainer was $100,000. The Trust Chairman, Chairman of the Audit Committee, and Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee each receive a separate annual fee of $10,000, $5,000, and $3,000, respectively, provided that the separate fee
for the Chairman of the Audit Committee will be waived if the same individual serves as both Trust Chairman and Audit Committee Chairman. The Trust has no pension or retirement plan. No other entity affiliated with the Trust pays any compensation to the Trustees. Set forth below is the compensation received by the Independent Trustees from the Fund for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022.
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| Estimated 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) |
Independent Trustee | | | | |
David G. Mertens | $3,764 | None | None | $22,584 |
Raymond B. Woolson | $3,958 | None | None | $23,748 |
Joe D. Redwine | $3,819 | None | None | $22,914 |
Michele Rackey(3) | $3,680 | None | None | $22,080 |
(1)As of the date of this SAI, the Fund had not yet commenced operations. The numbers provided above are estimated for the next fiscal year.
(2)There are currently numerous series comprising the Trust. The term “Fund Complex” refers only to the PIA Funds, including Funds presented in other SAIs, and not to any other series of the Trust. For the PIA Funds’ fiscal year ended November 30, 2022, aggregate Independent Trustees’ fees for the Trust were $ 415,500.
(3)Ms. Rackey began serving as an Independent Trustee of the Trust effective January 1, 2023.
Additional Information Concerning Our Board of Trustees
The Role of the Board
The Board provides oversight of the management and operations of the Trust. Like all mutual funds, the day-to-day responsibility for the management and operations of the Trust is the responsibility of various service providers to the Trust, such as the Trust’s investment advisers, distributor, administrator, custodian, and transfer agent, each of whom are discussed in greater detail in this SAI. The Board approves all significant agreements between the Trust and its service providers, including the agreements with the investment advisers, distributor, administrator, custodian and transfer agent. The Board has appointed various senior individuals of certain of these service providers as officers of the Trust, with responsibility to monitor and report to the Board on the Trust’s day-to-day operations. In conducting this oversight, the Board receives regular reports from these officers and service providers regarding the Trust’s operations. The Board has appointed a Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) who administers the Trust’s compliance program and regularly reports to the Board as to compliance matters. Some of these reports are provided as part of formal “Board Meetings” which are typically held quarterly, in person, and involve the Board’s review of recent Trust operations. From time to time one or more members of the Board may also meet with Trust officers in less formal settings, between formal “Board Meetings,” to discuss various topics. In all cases, however, the role of the Board and of any individual Trustee is one of oversight and not of management of the day-to-day affairs of the Trust and its oversight role does not make the Board a guarantor of the Trust’s investments, operations or activities.
The Board has structured itself in a manner that it believes allows it to effectively perform its oversight function. It has established three standing committees, an Audit Committee, a Nominating and Governance Committee and a Qualified Legal Compliance Committee (the “QLCC”), which are discussed in greater detail under “Board Committees,” below. Currently, all of the members of the Board are Independent Trustees, which are Trustees that are not affiliated with the Adviser or its affiliates or any other investment adviser in the Trust or with its principal underwriter. The Independent Trustees have
engaged their own independent counsel to advise them on matters relating to their responsibilities in connection with the Trust.
The President, Chief Executive Officer and Principal Executive Officer of the Trust is not a Trustee, but rather is a senior employee of the Administrator who routinely interacts with the unaffiliated investment advisers of the Trust and comprehensively manages the operational aspects of the Funds in the Trust. The Trust has appointed Raymond Woolson, an Independent Trustee, as Chairman of the Board, and he acts as a liaison with the Trust’s service providers, officers, legal counsel, and other Trustees between meetings, helps to set Board meeting agendas, and serves as Chairman during executive sessions of the Independent Trustees.
The Board reviews its structure annually. The Trust has determined that it is appropriate to separate the Principal Executive Officer and Board Chairman positions because the day-to day responsibilities of the Principal Executive Officer are not consistent with the oversight role of the Trustees and because of the potential conflict of interest that may arise from the Administrator’s duties with the Trust. Given the specific characteristics and circumstances of the Trust as described above, the Trust has determined that the Board’s leadership structure is appropriate.
As part of its oversight function, the Board receives and reviews various risk management reports and assessments and discusses these matters with appropriate management and other personnel. Because risk management is a broad concept comprised of many elements (such as, for example, investment risk, issuer and counterparty risk, compliance risk, operational risks, business continuity risks, etc.) the oversight of different types of risks is handled in different ways. For example, the Nominating and Governance Committee meets regularly with the CCO to discuss compliance and operational risks and the Audit Committee meets with the Treasurer and the Trust’s independent public accounting firm to discuss, among other things, the internal control structure of the Trust’s financial reporting function. The full Board receives reports from the Adviser and portfolio managers as to investment risks as well as other risks that may be also discussed in Audit Committee.
The Board believes that each of the Trustees has the qualifications, experience, attributes and skills (“Trustee Attributes”) appropriate to their continued service as Trustees of the Trust in light of the Trust’s business and structure. Each of the Trustees has substantial business and professional backgrounds that indicate they have the ability to critically review, evaluate and access information provided to them. Certain of these business and professional experiences are set forth in detail in the table above. In addition, the majority of the Trustees have served on boards for organizations other than the Trust, as well as having served on the Board of the Trust for a number of years. They therefore have substantial board experience and, in their service to the Trust, have gained substantial insight as to the operation of the Trust. The Board annually conducts a ‘self-assessment’ wherein the effectiveness of the Board and individual Trustees is reviewed.
In addition to the information provided in the table above, below is certain additional information concerning each particular Trustee and certain of their Trustee Attributes. The information provided below, and in the table above, is not all-inclusive. Many Trustee Attributes involve intangible elements, such as intelligence, integrity, work ethic, the ability to work together, the ability to communicate effectively, the ability to exercise judgment, the ability to ask incisive questions, and commitment to shareholder interests. In conducting its annual self-assessment, the Board has determined that the Trustees have the appropriate attributes and experience to continue to serve effectively as Trustees of the Trust.
David G. Mertens. Mr. Mertens has substantial mutual fund experience and is experienced with financial, accounting, investment and regulatory matters. He currently serves as Partner and Head of Business
Development of Ballast Equity Management, LLC, a privately-held investment advisory firm. Mr. Mertens also gained substantial mutual fund experience through his tenure as Managing Director and Vice President of Jensen Investment Management, Inc. (“Jensen”) from 2002 to 2017. Prior to Jensen, Mr. Mertens held various roles in sales and marketing management with Berger Financial Group, LLC from 1995 to 2002, ending as Senior Vice President of Institutional Marketing for Berger Financial Group and President of its limited purpose broker-dealer, Berger Distributors.
Joe D. Redwine. Mr. Redwine has substantial mutual fund experience and is experienced with financial, accounting, investment and regulatory matters through his experience as President and CEO of U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, (now known as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services), a full-service provider to mutual funds and alternative investment products. In addition, he has extensive experience consulting with investment advisers regarding the legal structure of mutual funds, distribution channel analysis and actual distribution of those funds. Mr. Redwine serves as an Audit Committee Financial Expert for the Trust.
Raymond B. Woolson. Mr. Woolson has served on a number of mutual fund boards and is experienced with financial, accounting, investment and regulatory matters through his experience as Lead Independent Trustee and Audit Committee Chairman for the DoubleLine Funds as well as through his service as President of Apogee Group, Inc., a company providing financial consulting services. Mr. Woolson also has substantial mutual fund operations, financial and investment experience through his prior service in senior and management positions in the mutual fund industry, including service as Senior Managing Director in Investment Management for Mass Mutual Life Insurance Company, where he oversaw fund accounting, fund administration and client services and also served as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer for various funds and other investment products. Mr. Woolson has also served as a consultant for Coopers & Lybrand (now known as, “PricewaterhouseCoopers” or “PWC”) where he provided management consulting services to the mutual fund industry and the investment management areas of the banking and insurance industries.
Michele Rackey. Ms. Rackey has substantial experience in mutual funds and investment management through her experience as CEO of Government Employees Benefits Association (GEBA) and also with The ARK Funds. Ms. Rackey is experienced with financial, accounting, investment and regulatory matters and serves as an Audit Committee Financial Expert for the Trust. Ms. Rackey was CEO of GEBA for 17 years and Chief Operating Officer of the ARK Funds for 9 years. Ms. Rackey has a BS in Business Administration from the University of Illinois at Chicago and has an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management in Chicago. Ms. Rackey previously held FINRA series 6, 7 and 63 licenses as well as a Maryland Life and Health License.
Board Committees
The Trust has established the following three standing committees and the membership of each committee to assist in its oversight functions, including its oversight of the risks the Trust faces: the Audit Committee, the QLCC, and the Nominating and Governance Committee. There is no assurance, however, that the Board’s committee structure will prevent or mitigate risks in actual practice. The Trust’s committee structure is specifically not intended or designed to prevent or mitigate the Fund’s investment risks. The Fund is designed for investors that are prepared to accept investment risk, including the possibility that as yet unforeseen risks may emerge in the future.
The Audit Committee is comprised of all of the Independent Trustees. Mr. Redwine is the Chairman of the Audit Committee. 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 the Fund’s financial statements and to ensure the integrity of the Fund’s pricing and financial reporting.
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 Nominating and Governance Committee is comprised of all, and only of, the Independent Trustees. The Nominating and Governance 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 and Governance Committee will consider nominees recommended by shareholders for vacancies on the Board. Recommendations for consideration by the Nominating and Governance 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 between 120 and 150 days prior to the shareholder meeting at which any such nominee would be voted on.
The Nominating and Governance Committee meets regularly with respect to the various series of the Trust. The Nominating and Governance Committee is also responsible for, among other things, assisting the Board in its oversight of the Trust’s compliance program under Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act, reviewing and making recommendations regarding Independent Trustee compensation and the Trustees’ annual “self-assessment.” Mr. Mertens is the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee.
Trustee Ownership of Fund Shares and Other Interests
The following table shows the amount of shares in the Funds and the amount of shares in other portfolios of the Trust owned by the Trustees as of the calendar year ended December 31, 2022.
| | | | | | | | |
Independent Trustees | Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Short Duration Fund | Aggregate Dollar Range of Fund Shares in the Trust |
(None, $1-$10,000, $10,001-$50,000, $50,001-$100,000, Over $100,000) |
|
David G. Mertens | None | Over $100,000 |
Raymond B. Woolson | None | $50,001-$100,000 |
Joe D. Redwine | None | $50,001-$100,000 |
Michele Rackey(1) | None | None |
(1) Ms. Rackey began serving as an Independent Trustee of the Trust effective January 1, 2023.
As of December 31, 2022, 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.
Codes of Ethics
The Trust and Adviser have each adopted separate Codes of Ethics under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act. These Codes permit, subject to certain conditions, access persons of the Adviser to invest in securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund. The Distributor, relies on the principal underwriter’s exception under Rule 17j-1(c)(3), of the 1940 Act, specifically where the Distributor is not affiliated with the Trust or the Adviser, and no officer, director or general partner of the Distributor serves as an officer, director or general partner of the Trust or the Adviser.
Proxy Voting Policy
The Board has adopted Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (the “Proxy Policies”) on behalf of the Trust which delegate the responsibility for voting proxies to the Adviser, subject to the Board’s continuing oversight. The Proxy Policies require that the Adviser vote proxies received in a manner consistent with the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders. The Proxy Policies also require the Adviser to present to the Board, at least annually, the Adviser’s Proxy Policies and a record of each proxy voted by the Adviser on behalf of the Fund, including a report on the resolution of all proxies identified by the Adviser as involving a conflict of interest.
Conflict of Interest. Where a proxy proposal raises a material conflict between the Adviser’s interests and the Fund’s interests, the Adviser will disclose the conflict to the Board and may resolve the conflict by voting in accordance with the Adviser’s Proxy Policies or the Adviser will abstain from voting the securities held by the Fund, depending on the circumstances.
Proxy Voting Records. 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 1-800-251-1970 and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
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.
Since the Fund was not operational prior to the date of this SAI, there were no principal shareholders or control persons and the Trustees and officers of the Trust as a group did not own more than 1% of the Fund’s outstanding shares.
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Pacific Income Advisers, Inc., located at 2321 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 1260, El Segundo, California, 90245, is the investment adviser to the Fund. Joseph Lloyd McAdams, Jr. and Heather U. Baines collectively control the Adviser due to their ownership of a majority of the outstanding stock of the Adviser. Mr. McAdams is a portfolio manager of the Fund. Subject to such policies as the Board may determine, the Adviser is ultimately responsible for investment decisions for the Fund. Pursuant to the terms of the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser provides the Fund with such investment advice and supervision as it deems necessary for the proper supervision of the Fund’s investments.
The Advisory Agreement, if not terminated will continue automatically for successive annual periods, provided that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually (i) by a majority vote of the Independent Trustees cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval and (ii) by the Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. The Advisory 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 a vote of a majority of the Board, or by the Adviser on 60 days’ written notice, and will automatically terminate in the event of its “assignment” (as defined in the 1940 Act). The Advisory Agreement provides that the Adviser 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 negligence in the performance of its duties, or by reason of reckless disregard of its obligations and duties thereunder. Under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser is paid a management fee computed daily and payable monthly, at the annual rate specified in the Prospectus.
In addition to the fees payable to the Adviser, 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 Adviser or Administrator; insurance premiums on property or personnel of the Fund which inure to its 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 its 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 Adviser has contractually agreed to waive a portion or all of the management fees payable to it by the Fund and to pay Fund operating expenses to the extent necessary to limit the Fund’s aggregate annual operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, interest, taxes, extraordinary expenses, Rule 12b-1 fees, shareholder
servicing fees and any other class-specific expenses) through at least March 29, 2024, to the extent necessary to permit the Fund to maintain an expense limitation of 0.75% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. Expense payment obligations are calculated daily and paid monthly at an annual rate expressed as a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The Adviser may request recoupment of previously waived fees and paid expenses in any subsequent month in the 36-month period from the date of the management fee reduction and expense payment if the aggregate amount actually paid by the Funds toward the operating expenses for such fiscal year (taking into account the reimbursement) will not cause the Funds to exceed the lesser of: (1) the expense limitation in place at the time of the management fee reduction and expense payment; or (2) the expense limitation in place at the time of the reimbursement. Any such recoupment is also contingent upon the Board’s subsequent review and ratification of the recouped amounts. Such recoupment may not be paid prior to the Fund’s payment of current ordinary operating expenses.
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
Mr. Lloyd McAdams serves as the portfolio manager for the Fund. The portfolio manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio. The following table shows the number of other accounts (not including the Fund) managed by the portfolio manager and the total assets in the accounts managed within various categories as of November 30, 2022.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Lloyd McAdams | | | | |
| | | With Management Fee Based on Performance |
Type of Accounts | Number of Accounts (excluding the Fund) | Total Assets in millions | Number of Accounts | Total Assets |
Registered Investment Companies | 1 | $50 | 0 | $0 |
Other Pooled Investments | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
Other Accounts | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
Material Conflict of Interest. No material strategy conflicts currently exist. When the same securities are being bought or sold on the same day by a portfolio manager, the portfolio manager allocates the transactions on a pro rata basis as long as it is in the best interests of the clients. Where conflicts of interest arise between the Fund and other accounts managed by the portfolio managers, the portfolio managers will proceed in a manner that the Fund will not be treated materially less favorably. There may be instances where similar portfolio transactions may be executed for the same security for numerous accounts managed by various portfolio management teams. In such instances, securities will be allocated in accordance with the Adviser’s trade allocation policy.
Compensation. The portfolio manager’s total compensation includes a base salary, bonus, employee benefits and 401(k) plan with matching contributions. The year-end bonus represents a subjective calculation of an individual’s contribution to the portfolio management group’s success. The portfolio manager’s bonus is not based on the value of assets in the Fund’s portfolios.
Securities Owned in the Fund by Portfolio Manager. As of the date of this SAI, the portfolio manager did not beneficially own any shares of the Fund as it had not commenced operations.
OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS
Administrator
Pursuant to an Administration Agreement (the “Administration Agreement”), U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (the “Administrator” ), doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (“Fund Services”) 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, acts as administrator for the Fund. Fund Services 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 per share 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, Fund Services 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, Fund Services provides CCO services to the Trust under a separate agreement. The cost for the CCO services is charged to the Fund and approved by the Board annually.
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. Pursuant to the Administration Agreement, as compensation for its services, Fund Services receives from the Fund, a fee based on the Fund’s current average daily net assets. Fund Services also is entitled to certain out-of-pocket expenses.
Distributor
The Trust has entered into a Distribution Agreement (the “Distribution Agreement”) with Quasar Distributors, LLC, 111 East Kilbourn Avenue, Suite 2200, 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 the Fund’s shares. The offering of the Fund’s shares is continuous.
The Distribution Agreement 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).
Sub-Accounting Service Fees
In addition to the fees that the Fund may pay to the Transfer Agent, the Board has authorized the Fund to pay service fees, at the annual rate of up to 0.15% of applicable average net assets or $20 per account, to
intermediaries such as banks, broker-dealers, financial advisers or other financial institutions, for sub-administration, sub-transfer agency, recordkeeping (collectively, “sub-accounting services”) and other shareholder services associated with shareholders whose shares are held of record in omnibus, networked, or other group accounts or accounts traded through registered securities clearing agents. Any sub-accounting fees paid by the Fund are included in the total amount of “Other Expenses” listed in the Fund’s Fees and Expenses table in the Prospectus.
Fund Accountant and Transfer Agent
Fund Services also serves as fund accountant, transfer agent (“Transfer Agent”) and dividend disbursing agent under separate agreements.
Custodian
U.S. Bank National Association, located at 1555 N. RiverCenter Drive, Suite 302, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212, serves as custodian (“Custodian”) of the securities and other assets of the Fund. The Custodian holds the Fund’s portfolio securities in safekeeping and keeps all necessary records and documents relating to its duties. The Custodian is compensated with an asset-based fee plus transaction fees and is reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses. The Custodian and Transfer Agent do not participate in decisions relating to the purchase and sale of securities by the Fund. The Custodian, Transfer Agent and Administrator are all affiliated entities under the common control of U.S. Bancorp. 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
Tait, Weller & Baker LLP (“Tait”), Two Liberty Place, 50 South 16th Street, Suite 2900, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, 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.
Trust Counsel
Sullivan & Worcester LLP (“Sullivan & Worcester”), 1633 Broadway, 32nd Floor, New York, New York 10019, serves as legal counsel to the Trust and provides counsel on legal matters relating to the Fund. Sullivan & Worcester also serves as independent legal counsel to the Board of Trustees.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE
Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser 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 directly with a “market-maker” unless, in the opinion of the Adviser, a better price and execution can otherwise be obtained 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. Explicit brokerage
commissions are not paid on these transactions. However, commissions will be paid on the Fund’s futures and options transactions. The purchase price of portfolio securities purchased from an underwriter or dealer may include underwriting commissions and dealer spreads.
In placing portfolio transactions, the Adviser seeks 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, as it is defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and statistical information to the Adviser that they may lawfully and appropriately use in their investment advisory capacities, as well as provide other services in addition to execution services. The Adviser considers such information, which is in addition to and not in lieu of the services required to be performed by them under their Advisory 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 procedures adopted by the Trust and rules adopted by FINRA and the SEC. The Adviser is also a registered broker-dealer and may place portfolio transactions for the Fund with its own registered representatives.
While it is the Adviser’s general policy to seek best execution in selecting a broker-dealer to execute portfolio transactions for the Fund, when it is determined that one or more broker-dealer can deliver best execution, weight is also given to the ability of a broker-dealer to furnish brokerage and research services to the Fund or to the Adviser, even if the specific services are not directly useful to the Fund and may be useful to the Adviser in advising other clients. 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 was 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 Adviser to be reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and/or research services provided by such broker-dealer. The standard of reasonableness is to be measured in light of the Adviser’s overall responsibilities to the Fund. Additionally, the Adviser may direct transactions to a broker-dealer with which it has an affiliation.
Investment decisions for the Fund are made independently from those of other client accounts that may be managed or advised by the Adviser. Nevertheless, it is possible that at times identical securities will be acceptable for both 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 Adviser, 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 is 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 purchases of shares of the Fund for their customers.
The research services discussed above may be in written form or through direct contact with individuals and may include information as to particular companies and securities as well as market, economic or institutional ideas and information assisting the Fund in the valuation of its investments.
As of this date of this SAI, the Short Duration Bond Fund had not yet commenced operations.
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN
The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Service Plan in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the “Rule 12b-1 Plan”) with respect to Class A shares. The Rule 12b-1 Plan provides that the Fund will compensate the Distributor or other intermediary at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s Class A shares which may be paid for a distribution fee and for certain shareholder services to shareholders of the Fund. The Board has determined that there is a reasonable likelihood that the Plan will benefit the Fund and its shareholders. None of the Officers or Trustees of the Trust has any direct or indirect financial interest in the Plan.
The Rule 12b-1 Plan, unless terminated as hereinafter provided, shall continue in effect from year to year only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Board of Trustees and its Independent Trustees cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such continuance. The Rule 12b-1 Plan may be terminated with respect to the Fund at any time by a vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees or by the vote of the holders of a “majority” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. The Rule 12b-1 Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount of payments to be made without shareholder approval, as set forth in (ii) above, and all amendments must be and have been approved in the manner set forth under (i) above.
MARKETING AND SUPPORT PAYMENTS
The Adviser, out of its own resources and without additional cost to the Fund or its shareholders, may provide additional cash payments or other compensation to certain financial intermediaries who sell shares of the Fund. Such payments may be divided into categories as follows:
Support Payments. Payments may be made by the Adviser to certain financial intermediaries in connection with the eligibility of the Fund to be offered in certain programs and/or in connection with meetings between the Fund’s representatives and financial intermediaries and their sales representatives. Such meetings may be held for various purposes, including providing education and training about the Fund and other general financial topics to assist financial intermediaries’ sales representatives in making informed recommendations to, and decisions on behalf of, their clients.
Entertainment, Conferences and Events. The Adviser also may pay cash or non-cash compensation to sales representatives of financial intermediaries in the form of (i) occasional gifts; (ii) occasional meals, tickets or other entertainments; and/or (iii) sponsorship support for the Financial Intermediary’s client seminars and cooperative advertising. In addition, the Adviser pays for exhibit space or sponsorships at regional or national events of financial intermediaries.
The prospect of receiving, or the receipt of additional payments or other compensation as described above by financial intermediaries may provide such intermediaries and/or their salespersons with an incentive to favor sales of shares of the Fund and other mutual funds whose affiliates make similar compensation available, over sale of shares of mutual funds (or non-mutual fund investments) not making such
payments. You may wish to take such payment arrangements into account when considering and evaluating any recommendations relating to the Fund shares.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The NAV per share of the Fund will be determined as of the close of regular trading (generally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time) on each day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open for business. The NYSE is open for trading Monday through Friday except New Year’s Day, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday/Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Additionally, if any of the aforementioned holidays falls on a Saturday, the NYSE will not be open for trading on the preceding Friday and when any such holiday falls on a Sunday, the NYSE will not be open for trading on the succeeding Monday, unless unusual business conditions exist, such as the ending of a monthly or the yearly accounting period. The Fund reserves the right to close if the primary trading markets of the Fund’s portfolio instruments are closed and the Fund’s management believes that there is not an adequate market to meet purchase, redemption or exchange requests. On any business day when the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association recommends that the securities markets close trading early, the Fund may close trading early.
Purchase orders for Fund shares will be accepted only on days on which the Fund is open for business. If a purchase order is received by the Distributor on a day when the Fund is not open for business, it will be processed on the next succeeding day the Fund is open for business (according to the succeeding day’s NAV).
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 interests in the Fund outstanding at such time, as shown below:
| | | | | | | | |
Net Assets | = | NAV per share |
Shares Outstanding | | |
In determining the NAV per share of the Fund, common stocks that are listed on national securities exchanges are valued at the last sale price as of the close of trading, or in the absence of recorded sales, at the average of readily available closing bid and asked prices on such exchanges. Nasdaq Global Market securities are valued at the Nasdaq Official Closing Price (“NOCP”). If a NOCP is not issued for a given day, these securities are valued at the average of readily available closing bid and asked prices. Unlisted securities held by the Fund that are not included in the Nasdaq Stock Market are valued at the average of the quoted bid and asked prices in the over‑the‑counter market. Securities and other assets for which market quotations are not readily available are valued by appraisal at their fair value as determined in good faith by the Fund’s valuation designee pursuant to procedures adopted by the Adviser. The Board has designated the Adviser as its “valuation designee” under Rule 2a-5 of the 1940 Act, subject to its oversight.
Debt securities are similarly valued under the valuation designee’s procedures, which may include independent third-party pricing services. Any such pricing service, in determining value, will use information with respect to transactions in the securities being valued, quotations from dealers, market transactions in comparable securities, analyses and evaluations of various relationships between securities and yield to maturity information.
An option that is written by the Fund or purchased by the Fund is generally valued using composite pricing. Composite pricing uses the National Best Bid and Offer quotes (“NBBO”). NBBO consists of
the highest bid price and lowest ask price across any of the options exchanges on which an option is quoted. Specifically, composite pricing looks at the last trades on the exchanges where the options are traded. If there are no trades for the option on a given business day, as of closing, composite option pricing calculates the mean of the highest bid price and lowest ask price across the exchanges where the option is traded.
When the Fund writes a call or a put, an amount equal to the premium received is included in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as an asset, and an equivalent amount is included in the liability section. This amount is “marked‑to‑market” to reflect the current market value of the call or put. If a call the Fund wrote is exercised, the proceeds it receives on the sale of the related investment by it are increased by the amount of the premium it received. If a put the Fund wrote is exercised, the amount it pays to purchase the related investment is decreased by the amount of the premium received. If a call the Fund purchased is exercised by it, the amount it pays to purchase the related investment is increased by the amount of the premium it paid. If a put the Fund purchased is exercised by it, the amount it receives on its sale of the related investment is reduced by the amount of the premium it paid. If a call or put written by the Fund expires, it has a gain in the amount of the premium; if that Fund enters into a closing transaction, it will have a gain or loss depending on whether the premium was more or less than the cost of the closing transaction.
The Fund prices foreign securities in terms of U.S. dollars at the official exchange rate. Alternatively, the Fund may price these securities at the average of the current bid and asked price of such currencies against the dollar last quoted by a major bank that is a regular participant in the foreign exchange market, or on the basis of a pricing service that takes into account the quotes provided by a number of such major banks. If the Fund does not have either of these alternatives available to them or the alternatives do not provide a suitable method for converting a foreign currency into U.S. dollars, the Adviser in good faith will establish a conversion rate for such currency.
Generally, U.S. government securities and other fixed income securities complete trading at various times prior to the close of the NYSE. For purposes of computing NAV per share, the Fund uses the market value of such securities as of the time their trading day ends. Occasionally, events affecting the value of such securities may occur between such times and the close of the NYSE, which events will not be reflected in the computation of the Fund’s NAV per share. It is currently the policy of the Fund that events affecting the valuation of Fund securities occurring between such times and the close of the NYSE, if material, may be reflected in such NAV per share.
Foreign securities trading may not take place on all days when the NYSE is open, or may take place on Saturdays and other days when the NYSE is not open and the Fund’s NAV per share is not calculated. When determining NAV per share, the Fund values foreign securities primarily listed and/or traded in foreign markets at their market value as of the close of the last primary market where the securities traded. Securities trading in European countries and Pacific Rim countries are normally completed well before 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time. It is currently the policy of the Fund that events affecting the valuation of Fund securities occurring between the time its NAV per share is determined and the close of the NYSE, if material, may be reflected in such NAV per share.
The Fund reserves the right to suspend or postpone redemptions during any period when: (a) trading on the NYSE is restricted, as determined by the SEC, or that the NYSE is closed for other than customary weekend and holiday closings; (b) the SEC has by order permitted such suspension; or (c) an emergency, as determined by the SEC, exists, making disposal of portfolio securities or valuation of net assets of the Fund not reasonably practicable.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
Systematic Withdrawal Plan. A Systematic Withdrawal Plan is available for shareholders having shares of the Fund with a minimum value of $10,000, based upon the NAV per share with respect to the Fund. The Systematic Withdrawal Plan provides for monthly, quarterly, or annual redemptions in any amount not less than $100 (which amount is not necessarily recommended).
The Transfer Agent acts as agent for the shareholder in redeeming sufficient full and fractional shares to provide the amount of the periodic withdrawal payment. The Systematic Withdrawal Plan may be terminated at any time, and, while no fee is currently charged, the Fund reserves the right to initiate a fee of up to $5 per withdrawal, upon 30 days’ written notice to the shareholder.
Withdrawal payments should not be considered as dividends, yield, or income. If periodic withdrawals continuously exceed reinvested dividends and capital gains distributions, the shareholder’s original investment will be correspondingly reduced and ultimately exhausted.
Furthermore, each withdrawal constitutes a redemption of shares, and any gain or loss realized must be recognized for federal income tax purposes. The shareholder may purchase additional shares when participating in the Systematic Withdrawal Plan.
Automatic Investment Plan. A shareholder who wishes to make additional investments in the Fund on a regular basis may do so by authorizing the Transfer Agent to deduct a fixed amount each month from the shareholder’s checking or savings account at his or her bank. This amount will automatically be invested in that Fund on the same day that the preauthorized debit is issued. The shareholder will receive a confirmation from the Fund, and the bank account statement will show the amount charged. In order to participate in the Automatic Investment Plan, please complete this section of the Account Application or contact the Transfer Agent for the form necessary to begin this service. The form necessary to begin this service is available from the Transfer Agent.
Tax Sheltered Retirement Plans. Through the Distributor, retirement plans are either available or expected to be available for use by the self‑employed (Keogh Plans), Individual Retirement Accounts (including SEP-IRAs) and “tax‑sheltered accounts” under Section 403(b)(7) of the Code. Adoption of such plans should be on advice of legal counsel or tax advisers.
For further information regarding plan administration, custodial fees and other details, investors should contact the Distributor.
Sales Charges and Dealer Reallowance
Class A shares of the Fund are retail shares that require that you pay a sales charge when you invest unless you qualify for a reduction or waiver of the sales charge. Class A shares are also subject to Rule 12b-1 fees (or distribution and service fees) of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets that are assessed against the shares of the Fund.
If you purchase Class A shares of the Fund you will pay the NAV next determined after your order is received plus a sales charge (shown in percentages below) depending on the amount of your investment. The sales charge does not apply to shares purchased with reinvested dividends. The sales charge is calculated as follows and the dealer reallowance is as shown in the far right column:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Investment Amount | Sales Charge as a % of Offering Price(1) | Sales Charge as a % of Net Amount Invested | Dealer Reallowance |
Less than $250,000 | 2.50% | 2.56% | 2.50% |
$250,000 and over(2) | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
(1)Offering price includes the front-end sales load. The sales charge you pay may differ slightly from the amount set forth above because of rounding that occurs in the calculation used to determine your sales charge.
(2)The Transfer Agent will assess a 0.75% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) on purchases of $250,000 or more if they are redeemed within twelve months of purchase, unless the dealer of record waived its commission. The CDSC will be based on the value of your shares at the time of original purchase or their current market value, whichever is less.
A dealer may receive from the Adviser commissions on purchases of Class A shares over $250,000 calculated as follows: 0.50% on purchases between $250,000 and $5 million and 0.25% on amounts over $5 million. The commission rate is determined based on the purchase amount combined with the current market value of existing investments in Class A shares of the Fund. The Distributor will receive all initial sales charges for the purchase of Class A shares of the Fund without a dealer of record.
Breakpoints/Volume Discounts and Sales Charge Waivers
Reducing Your Sales Charge. You may be able to reduce the sales charge on Class A shares of the Fund based on the combined market value of your accounts. If you believe you are eligible for any of the following reductions or waivers, it is up to you to ask the selling agent or shareholder servicing agent for the reduction and to provide appropriate proof of eligibility.
•You pay no sales charges on Fund shares you buy with reinvested distributions.
•You pay a lower sales charge if you are investing an amount over a specific breakpoint level as indicated by the above table.
•You pay no sales charges on Fund shares you purchase with the proceeds of a redemption of Class A shares of the Fund within 30 days of the date of the redemption.
•By signing a Letter of Intent (“LOI”) prior to purchase, you pay a lower sales charge now in exchange for promising to invest an amount over a specified breakpoint within the next 13 months. Reinvested dividends and capital gains do not count as purchases made during this period. We will hold in escrow shares equal to approximately 2.5% of the amount you say you intend to buy. If you do not invest the amount specified in the LOI before the expiration date, we will redeem enough escrowed shares to pay the difference between the reduced sales load you paid and the sales load you would have paid based on the total amount actually invested in Class A shares on the expiration date. Otherwise, we will release the escrowed shares when you have invested the agreed amount. For example, an investor has $200,000 to invest in the Fund, but intends to invest an additional $5,000 per month for the next 13 months for a total of $65,000. Based on the above breakpoint schedule, by signing the LOI, the investor pays no front-end load. If the investor fails to meet the intended LOI amount in the 13‑month period, however, the Fund will charge the 2.50% sales load retroactively.
•Rights of Accumulation (“ROA”) allow you to combine Class A shares of the Fund you already own in order to reach breakpoint levels and to qualify for sales load discounts on subsequent purchases of Class A shares. The purchase amount used in determining the sales charge on your purchase will be calculated by multiplying the maximum public offering price by the number of Class A shares of the Fund already owned and adding the dollar amount of your current purchase. For example, an individual has a $200,000 investment in the Fund, which was sold with a 2.50% front-end load. The investor intends to open a second account and purchase $50,000 of the Fund. Using ROA, the new $50,000 investment is combined with the existing $200,000 investment to
reach the $250,000 breakpoint, and the sales charge on the new investment is waived (rather than the 2.50% for a single transaction amount).
Eligible Accounts
Certain accounts may be aggregated for ROA eligibility, including your current investment in the Fund, and previous investments you and members of your primary household group have made in the Fund, provided your investment was subject to a sales charge. (Your primary household group consists of you, your spouse and children under age 21 living at home.) Specifically, the following accounts are eligible to be included in determining the sales charge on your purchase, if a sales charge has been paid on those purchases:
•Individual or joint accounts held in your name;
•Coverdell Savings Accounts and UGMA/UTMA accounts for which you or your spouse is parent or guardian of the minor child;
•Trust accounts for which you or a member of your primary household group, individually, is the beneficiary;
•Accounts held in the name of you or your spouse’s sole proprietorship or single owner limited liability company or S corporation; and
•Investors who purchase shares that are to be included in certain retirement, benefit, pension, trust or investment “wrap accounts” or through an omnibus account maintained with the Fund by a broker-dealer.
Waiving Your Sales Charge
The Fund reserves the right to waive the sales charges for certain groups or classes of shareholders. If you fall into any of the following categories, you can buy Class A shares at NAV without a sales charge:
•Current and retired employees, directors/trustees and officers of:
◦The Trust;
◦The Adviser and its affiliates; and
◦Family members (spouse, domestic partner, parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren and siblings (including step and in-law)) of any of the above.
•Current employees of:
◦The Transfer Agent;
◦Broker-dealers who act as selling agents for the Fund/Trust; and
◦Family members (spouse, domestic partner, parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren and siblings (including step and in-law)) of any of the above.
•Qualified registered investment advisers who buy through a broker-dealer or service agent who has entered into an agreement with the Distributor that allows for load-waived Class A shares purchases.
•Qualified broker-dealers who have entered into an agreement with the Fund’s distributor that allows for load-waived Class A purchases.
The Fund also reserves the right to enter into agreements that reduce or eliminate sales charges for groups or classes of shareholders, or for Fund shares included in other investment plans such as “wrap accounts.” If you own Fund shares as part of another account or package, such as an IRA or a sweep account, you
should read the terms and conditions that apply for that account. Those terms and conditions may supersede the terms and conditions discussed here. Contact your selling agent for further information.
ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING PROGRAM
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 Fund will not transact business with any person or entity whose identity cannot be adequately verified under the provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act.
TAXES
General
The Fund has elected to be treated and intends to continue to qualify to be taxed as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The discussion that follows is not intended to be a complete discussion of present or proposed federal income tax laws and the effect of such laws on an investor. Investors are urged to consult their tax advisers for a complete review of the tax consequences of an investment in the Fund.
If the Fund fails to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code in any fiscal year, it will be treated as a regular corporation for federal income tax purposes. As such, the Fund would be required to pay income taxes on its net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, at the rates generally applicable to corporations. Distributions to shareholders, whether from the Fund’s net investment income or net realized capital gains, would be treated as taxable dividends to the extent of current or accumulated earnings and profits of the Fund.
The Fund's policy is to distribute to its shareholders all of its net investment 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. The Fund can give no assurances that distributions will be sufficient to eliminate all taxes. To avoid the non-deductible excise tax, the Fund must 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 98.2% 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 no federal income tax was paid by the Fund.
If, as expected, the Fund qualifies as a regulated investment company, dividends from the Fund’s net investment income, including short-term capital gains, will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income, while distributions of net capital gains will be taxable as long-term capital gains regardless of the shareholder’s holding period for the shares. Such dividends and distributions are taxable to shareholders whether received in cash or reinvested in additional Fund shares. Since all or substantially all of the income of the Fund is derived from interest payments to it, none of the dividends of the Fund are expected
to qualify for the intercorporate dividends-received deduction or the reduced rate for qualified dividend income.
In order to qualify as a regulated investment company, the Fund must, among other things, derive at least 90% of its gross income each year from dividends, interest, payments with respect to loans of stock and securities, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock or securities or foreign currency gains related to investments in stock or securities, or other income (generally including gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to the business of investing in stock, securities or currency, and net income derived from an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership. The Fund also must satisfy the following two asset diversification tests. At the end of each quarter of each taxable year, (i) at least 50% of the value of the Fund’s total assets must be represented by cash and cash items (including receivables), U.S. government securities, the securities of other regulated investment companies, and other securities, with such other securities being limited in respect of any one issuer to an amount not greater than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets and not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets may be invested in the securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. government securities or the securities of other regulated investment companies), the securities of any two or more issuers (other than the securities of other regulated investment companies) that the Fund controls (by owning 20% or more of their outstanding voting stock) and that are determined to be engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses or related trades or businesses, or the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships. The Fund must also distribute each taxable year sufficient dividends to its shareholders to claim a dividends paid deduction equal to at least the sum of 90% of the Fund’s dividends, interest, and the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss and 90% of the Fund’s net tax-exempt interest, if any.
Any dividend or capital gain distribution paid shortly after a purchase of shares of the Fund will have the effect of reducing the NAV per share of such shares by the amount of the dividend or distribution. Furthermore, if the NAV per share of the Fund immediately after a dividend or distribution is less than the cost of such shares to the shareholder, the dividend or distribution will be taxable to the shareholder even though economically it results in a return of capital to him.
Capital losses will not expire and may be carried over by the Fund without limitation.
Redemptions of shares generally will result in a capital gain or loss for income tax purposes. Such capital gain or loss will be long term or short term, depending upon the shareholder’s holding period for the shares. However, if a loss is realized on shares held for six months or less, and the investor received a capital gain distribution during that period, then such loss is treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of the capital gain distribution received.
For taxable years beginning after 2017 and before 2025, non-corporate taxpayers generally may deduct 20% of “qualified business income” derived either directly or through partnerships or S corporations. For this purpose, “qualified business income” generally includes dividends paid by a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) and certain income from publicly traded partnerships. Regulations recently adopted by the United States Treasury allow non-corporate shareholders of the Fund to benefit from the 20% deduction with respect to net REIT dividends received by the Fund if the Fund meets certain reporting requirements. There is currently no mechanism for the Fund, to the extent that the Fund invests in MLPs, to pass through to non-corporate shareholders the character of income derived from MLP investments so as to allow such shareholders to claim this deduction. It is uncertain whether future legislation or other guidance will enable the Fund to pass through to non-corporate shareholders the ability to claim this deduction.
Rule 17a-7 Transactions
The Trust has adopted procedures pursuant to Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act pursuant to which the Fund may effect a purchase and sale transaction with an affiliated person of the Fund (or an affiliated person of such an affiliated person) in which a PIA Fund issues its shares in exchange for cash payment against prompt delivery of securities for which market quotations are readily available. For purposes of determining the number of shares to be issued, the securities involved in the transaction will be valued in accordance with Rule 17a-7. Certain of the transactions may be tax-free with the result that the Fund acquires unrealized appreciation. Most Rule 17a-7 transactions will not be tax-free.
Taxation of Hedging Instruments
If a call option written by the Fund expires, the amount of the premium received by the Fund for the option will be short-term capital gain. If the Fund enters into a closing transaction with respect to the option, any gain or loss realized by the Fund as a result of the transaction will be short-term capital gain or loss. If the holder of a call option exercises the holder’s right under the option, any gain or loss realized by the Fund upon the sale of the underlying security or futures contract pursuant to such exercise will be short-term or long-term capital gain or loss to the Fund depending on the Fund’s holding period for the underlying security or futures contract, and the amount of the premium received will be added to the proceeds of sale for purposes of determining the amount of the capital gain or loss.
With respect to call options purchased by the Fund, the Fund will realize short-term or long-term capital gain or loss if such option is sold and will realize short-term or long-term capital loss if the option is allowed to expire depending on the Fund’s holding period for the call option. If such a call option is exercised, the amount paid by the Fund for the option will be added to the basis of the security or futures contract so acquired.
Gains and losses resulting from the expiration, exercise or closing of futures contracts will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss to the extent of 60% thereof and short-term capital gain or loss to the extent of 40% thereof (hereinafter “blended gain or loss”) for determining the character of distributions. In addition, futures contracts held by the Fund on the last day of a fiscal year will be treated as sold for market value (“marked to market”) on that date, and gain or loss recognized as a result of such deemed sale will be blended gain or loss. The realized gain or loss on the ultimate disposition of the futures contract will be increased or decreased to take into consideration the prior marked to market gains and losses.
The Fund may acquire put options. Under the Code, put options on securities are taxed similar to short sales. If the Fund owns the underlying security or acquires the underlying security before closing the option position, the option positions may be subject to certain modified short sale rules. If the Fund exercises or allows a put option to expire, the Fund will be considered to have closed a short sale. The Fund will generally have a short-term gain or loss on the closing of an option position. The determination of the length of the holding period is dependent on the holding period of the security used to exercise that put option. If the Fund sells the put option without exercising it, its holding period will be the holding period of the option.
Foreign Taxes
The Fund may be subject to foreign taxes on income and gains derived from its investments outside the U.S. Such taxes would reduce the return on the Fund’s investments. Tax treaties between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes. If more than 50% of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the close of any taxable year consists of securities of foreign corporations, the Fund may elect, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, to treat any foreign country income or withholding taxes paid by the Fund that can be treated as income taxes under U.S. income tax principles as paid by its shareholders subject to certain exceptions for qualified fund of funds structures. For any year that the
Fund makes such an election, each of its shareholders will be required to include in his income (in addition to taxable dividends actually received) his allocable share of such taxes paid by the Fund and will be entitled, subject to certain limitations, to credit his portion of these foreign taxes against his U.S. federal income tax due, if any, or to deduct it (as an itemized deduction) from his U.S. taxable income, if any. Generally, credit for foreign taxes is subject to the limitation that it may not exceed the shareholder’s U.S. tax attributable to his foreign source taxable income.
If the pass through election described above is made, the source of the Fund’s income flows through to its shareholders. Certain gains from the sale of securities and currency fluctuations will not be treated as foreign source taxable income. In addition, this foreign tax credit limitation must be applied separately to certain categories of foreign source income, one of which is foreign source “passive income.” For this purpose, foreign “passive income” includes dividends, interest, capital gains and certain foreign currency gains. As a consequence, certain shareholders may not be able to claim a foreign tax credit for the full amount of their proportionate share of the foreign tax paid by the Fund.
If the Fund does not make the pass through election described above, the foreign taxes it pays will reduce its income, and distributions by the Fund will be treated as U.S. source income.
Each shareholder will be notified within 60 days after the close of the Fund’s taxable year whether, pursuant to the election described above, the foreign taxes paid by the Fund will be treated as paid by its shareholders for that year and, if so, such notification will report: (i) such shareholder’s portion of the foreign taxes paid; and (ii) the portion of the Fund’s dividends and distributions that represent income derived from foreign sources.
Foreign shareholders, including shareholders who are nonresident alien individuals, may be subject to U.S. withholding tax on certain distributions at a rate of 30% or such lower rate as may be prescribed by any applicable treaty. In addition, if the requirements of the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”) are not met, the United States may impose a 30% U.S. withholding tax on certain foreign financial institutions and other foreign entities with respect to ordinary income distributions on shares of the Fund. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors regarding the possible implications of this legislation as well as the other U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of an investment in our shares.
Backup Withholding
Federal law requires the Fund to withhold from a non-corporate shareholder’s reportable payments (which include dividends, capital gains distributions and redemption proceeds) an amount as backup withholding determined at a rate as set forth in Section 3406 of the Code, for shareholders who have not properly certified that the Social Security or other taxpayer identification number they provide is correct and that the shareholder is not subject to backup withholding, or if such shareholder or the Internal Revenue Service notifies the Fund that backup withholding is required. Backup withholding is not an additional tax and any amounts withheld may be credited against a shareholder’s ultimate federal income tax liability if proper documentation is provided.
The foregoing discussion relates only to federal income tax law as applicable to U.S. persons (i.e., U.S. citizens and residents and U.S. domestic corporations, estates the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source, and trusts that (1) are subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (2) have a valid election in effect under applicable United States Treasury regulations to be treated as a United States person). Distributions by the Fund also may be subject to state and local taxes, and the treatment of distributions under state and local income tax laws may differ from the federal income tax treatment. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors
with respect to particular questions of federal, state and local taxation. Shareholders who are not U.S. persons should consult their tax advisors regarding U.S. and foreign tax consequences of ownership of shares of the Fund, including the likelihood that distributions to them would be subject to withholding of U.S. tax at a rate of 30% (or at a lower rate under a tax treaty if one applies).
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Declaration of Trust permits the Board 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 two classes of shares – Class A and Class I.
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. 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.
Redemptions In-Kind
The Trust has elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act so that the Fund is obligated to redeem its shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of its net asset value during any 90-day period for any shareholder of the Fund. The Fund has reserved the right to pay the redemption price of its shares in excess of $250,000 or l% of its net asset value either totally or partially, by a distribution in-kind of portfolio securities or loans (instead of cash). The securities or loans so distributed would be valued at the same amount as that assigned to them in calculating the NAV per share for the shares being sold. If a shareholder receives a distribution in-kind, the shareholder could incur brokerage or other charges in converting the securities or loans to cash. A redemption, whether in cash or in-kind, is a taxable event for you.
The Fund does not intend to hold any significant percentage of its portfolio in illiquid securities, although the Fund, like virtually all mutual funds, may from time to time hold a small percentage of securities that are illiquid. In the unlikely event the Fund were to elect to make an in-kind redemption, the Fund expects that it would follow the Trust protocol of making such distribution by way of a pro rata distribution of securities that are traded on a public securities market or are otherwise considered liquid pursuant to the Fund’s liquidity policies and procedures. Except as otherwise may be approved by the Trustees, the securities that would not be included in an in-kind distribution include (1) unregistered securities which, if distributed, would be required to be registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “1933 Act”), as amended; (2) securities issued by entities in countries which (a) restrict or prohibit the holding of securities by non-nationals other than through qualified investment vehicles, such as a fund, or (b) permit transfers of ownership of securities to be effected only by transactions conducted on a local stock exchange; and (3) certain Fund assets that, although they may be liquid and marketable, must be traded through the marketplace or with the counterparty to the transaction in order to effect a change in beneficial ownership.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Investors in the Fund will be informed of the Fund’s progress through periodic reports. Financial statements certified by an independent registered public accounting firm will be submitted to shareholders at least annually. Since the Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this SAI, no financial statements are available.
PIA Manual Effective January, 2020
Pacific Income Advisers, Inc.
Proxy Voting Policy
Effective January, 2020
PIA Manual Effective January, 2020
PACIFIC INCOME ADVISERS, INC.
POLICIES & PROCEDURES MANUAL
All contents are the confidential and exclusive property of Pacific Income Advisers, Inc. (“PIA”).
For internal use only.
Copyright © 2020 by Pacific Income Advisers, Inc.
All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced, transmitted or transcribed in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, now known or hereafter invented, including but not limited to photocopying and recording or by any information storage or retrieval system, except as expressly permitted by the copyright owner.
H. PROXY VOTING POLICY
On January 31, 2003, the Securities and Exchange Commission approved proxy voting regulations for investment advisers registered with the SEC under the Advisers Act. The regulations require investment advisers to disclose their proxy voting policies and procedures to their clients.
1. VOTING PROXIES FOR NON-ERISA ACCOUNTS
In this regard, it is PIA’s policy to vote proxies for portfolio securities in accordance with the best economic interests of each client unless that client explicitly retains responsibility for proxy voting.
2. VOTING OF PROXIES FOR ERISA ACCOUNTS
The Department of Labor (“DOL”) takes the position that the fiduciary act of managing plan assets which are held as shares of corporate stock includes the obligation to vote proxies appurtenant to those shares of stock. Section 403(a) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) requires plan trustees to have exclusive authority and responsibility for voting proxies, unless:
•The plan expressly provides that the trustees are subject to the discretion of a named fiduciary who is not a trustee (in which case the trustees are subject to proper directions made in accordance with the terms of the plan and not contrary to ERISA); and
•The authority to manage, acquire or dispose of assets of the plan is delegated to one or more investment managers pursuant to Section 402 of ERISA.
3. PROCEDURES
PIA has adopted the following procedures in relation to the voting of proxies:
•At the opening of each client relationship, an IAR will determine whether PIA will have proxy voting responsibility and if so, whether the client has any specific guidelines or policies it require PIA to comply with.
•All investment advisory agreements with clients specify whether PIA, the client or (in the case of ERISA accounts) the plan trustees or a named fiduciary have proxy voting authority. All agreements with wrap-fee sponsors provide that PIA has proxy voting authority unless the client explicitly retains responsibility for proxy voting in writing.
•All proxy voting materials received by PIA will be forwarded to Operations whose responsibilities will include but not be limited to:
(i) Reconciliation of proxies received against securities held and obtaining any missing proxy materials/ballots prior to the voting deadline.
(ii) Forwarding all applicable proxy materials to those clients who have retained authority to vote proxies.
(iii) Voting proxies in accordance with the Portfolio Manager’s recommendations and guidelines, or those of the Compliance Committee.
(iv) Transmitting voted proxies to the appropriate issuers.
(v) Recording how each proxy was voted for PIA clients.
(vi) Maintaining appropriate proxy voting records by issuer and for clients.
(vii) Preparing and providing proxy voting reports to the CCO upon request.
•If any conflict or potential conflict of interest arises in the execution of PIA’s proxy voting responsibilities, including the Mutual Fund votes, Operations will refer the matter to the Compliance Committee who will review and resolve any such conflict in the best interests of all affected clients. The Compliance Committee will either instruct Operations to vote the affected proxies in accordance with the Compliance Committee’s specific instructions or provided that the client is not an ERISA client, either request the client to vote their own proxies or abstain from any voting. In all cases the Compliance Committee will disclose the conflict to all affected clients and notify them of the specific action taken.
•The CCO is responsible for ensuring that an accurate summary of PIA’s proxy voting procedures is included in PIA’s client disclosure document and on its website at all times.
•PIA will maintain adequate records to document the voting process for all clients.
•PIA will collect and vote Fund proxies and maintain the records of the vote, in accordance with Form N-PX filing requirement.
PIA’s Disclosure Brochure contains detailed information regarding proxy voting practices and how its clients may obtain information on how their securities were voted.
PART C
PIA Funds
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 28. Exhibits
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(d) | Investment Advisory Agreements. |
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(f) | Bonus or Profit Sharing Contracts - not applicable. |
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(h) | Other Material Contracts. |
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| (iv) | Powers of Attorney |
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| (v) | Amended and Restated Operating Expenses Limitation Agreement |
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| | (A) | Form of Amended and Restated Operating Expenses Limitation Agreement - filed herewith. |
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(i) | Legal Opinions. |
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(j) | Other Opinions |
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(k) | Omitted Financial Statements - not applicable. |
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(m) | Rule 12b-1 Plans. |
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(o) | Reserved. |
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(p) | Codes of Ethics. |
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| (iii) | Code of Ethics for Access Persons of Quasar Distributors, LLC - not applicable. |
Item 29. 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 30. Indemnification.
Reference is made to Article VII of the Registrant’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust, Article VI of Registrant’s Amended and Restated By-Laws and Paragraph 7 of the Distribution Agreement.
Pursuant to Rule 484 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) the Registrant furnishes the following undertaking: “Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities 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 U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities 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 Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.”
Item 31. Business and Other Connections of the Investment Adviser
With respect to the Adviser, the response to this Item will be incorporated by reference to the Adviser’s Uniform Application for Investment Adviser Registration (Form ADV) on file with the SEC (File No. 801-27828) dated July 28, 2022. The Adviser’s Form ADV may be obtained, free of charge, at the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Item 32. Principal Underwriter.
(a) Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”) serves as principal underwriter for the following investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended:
1.American Trust Allegiance Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
2.Capital Advisors Growth Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
3.Chase Growth Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
4.Davidson Multi Cap Equity Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
5.Edgar Lomax Value Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
6.First Sentier American Listed Infrastructure Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
7.First Sentier Global Listed Infrastructure Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
8.Fort Pitt Capital Total Return Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
9.Huber Large Cap Value Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
10.Huber Mid Cap Value Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
11.Huber Select Large Cap Value Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
12.Huber Small Cap Value Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
13.Logan Capital Broad Innovative Growth ETF, Series of Advisors Series Trust
14.O'Shaughnessy Market Leaders Value Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
15.PIA BBB Bond Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
16.PIA High Yield Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
17.PIA High Yield (MACS) Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
18.PIA MBS Bond Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
19.PIA Short-Term Securities Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
20.Poplar Forest Cornerstone Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
21.Poplar Forest Partners Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
22.Pzena Emerging Markets Value Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
23.Pzena International Small Cap Value Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
24.Pzena International Value Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
25.Pzena Mid Cap Value Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
26.Pzena Small Cap Value Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
27.Reverb ETF, Series of Advisors Series Trust
28.Scharf Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
29.Scharf Global Opportunity Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
30.Scharf Multi-Asset Opportunity Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
31.Semper MBS Total Return Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
32.Semper Short Duration Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
33.Shenkman Capital Floating Rate High Income Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
34.Shenkman Capital Short Duration High Income Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
35.VegTech Plant-based Innovation & Climate ETF, Series of Advisors Series Trust
36.The Aegis Funds
37.Allied Asset Advisors Funds
38.Angel Oak Funds Trust
39.Angel Oak Strategic Credit Fund
40.Barrett Opportunity Fund, Inc.
41.Bridges Investment Fund, Inc.
42.Brookfield Investment Funds
43.Buffalo Funds
44.Cushing® Mutual Funds Trust
45.DoubleLine Funds Trust
46.EA Series Trust (f/k/a Alpha Architect ETF Trust)
47.Ecofin Tax-Advantaged Social Impact Fund, Inc. (f/k/a Tortoise Tax-Advantaged Social Infrastructure Fund, Inc.)
48.AAM Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
49.AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
50.AAM S&P 500 Emerging Markets High Dividend Value ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
51.AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
52.AAM S&P Developed Markets High Dividend Value ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
53.AAM Transformers ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
54.AlphaClone Alternative Alpha ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
55.AlphaMark Actively Managed Small Cap ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
56.Aptus Collared Income Opportunity ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
57.Aptus Defined Risk ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
58.Aptus Drawdown Managed Equity ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
59.Aptus Enhanced Yield ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
60.Blue Horizon BNE ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
61.Carbon Strategy ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
62.ClearShares OCIO ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
63.ClearShares Piton Intermediate Fixed Income Fund, Series of ETF Series Solutions
64.ClearShares Ultra-Short Maturity ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
65.Distillate International Fundamental Stability & Value ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
66.Distillate Small/Mid Cash Flow ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
67.Distillate U.S. Fundamental Stability & Value ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
68.ETFB Green SRI REITs ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
69.Hoya Capital High Dividend Yield ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
70.Hoya Capital Housing ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
71.iBET Sports Betting & Gaming ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
72.International Drawdown Managed Equity ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
73.LHA Market State Alpha Seeker ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
74.LHA Market State Tactical Beta ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
75.LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
76.Loncar Cancer Immunotherapy ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
77.Loncar China BioPharma ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
78.McElhenny Sheffield Managed Risk ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
79.Nationwide Dow Jones® Risk-Managed Income ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
80.Nationwide Nasdaq-100 Risk-Managed Income ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
81.Nationwide Russell 2000® Risk-Managed Income ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
82.Nationwide S&P 500® Risk-Managed Income ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
83.NETLease Corporate Real Estate ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
84.Opus Small Cap Value ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
85.PSYK ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
86.Roundhill Acquirers Deep Value ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
87.The Acquirers Fund, Series of ETF Series Solutions
88.U.S. Global GO GOLD and Precious Metal Miners ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
89.U.S. Global JETS ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
90.U.S. Global Sea to Sky Cargo ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
91.US Vegan Climate ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
92.First American Funds, Inc.
93.FundX Investment Trust
94.The Glenmede Fund, Inc.
95.The Glenmede Portfolios
96.The GoodHaven Funds Trust
97.Greenspring Fund, Incorporated
98.Harding, Loevner Funds, Inc.
99.Hennessy Funds Trust
100.Horizon Funds
101.Hotchkis & Wiley Funds
102.Intrepid Capital Management Funds Trust
103.Jacob Funds Inc.
104.The Jensen Quality Growth Fund Inc.
105.Kirr, Marbach Partners Funds, Inc.
106.Core Alternative ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
107.Wahed Dow Jones Islamic World ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
108.Wahed FTSE USA Shariah ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
109.LKCM Funds
110.LoCorr Investment Trust
111.Lord Asset Management Trust
112.MainGate Trust
113.ATAC Rotation Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
114.Cove Street Capital Small Cap Value Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
115.Ecofin Global Energy Transition Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
116.Ecofin Global Renewables Infrastructure Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
117.Ecofin Global Water ESG Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
118.Ecofin Sustainable Water Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
119.Great Lakes Disciplined Equity Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
120.Great Lakes Large Cap Value Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
121.Great Lakes Small Cap Opportunity Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
122.Jackson Square Large-Cap Growth Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
123.Jackson Square SMID-Cap Growth Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
124.Kensington Active Advantage Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
125.Kensington Dynamic Growth Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
126.Kensington Managed Income Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
127.LK Balanced Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
128.Muhlenkamp Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
129.Nuance Concentrated Value Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
130.Nuance Concentrated Value Long Short Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
131.Nuance Mid Cap Value Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
132.Port Street Quality Growth Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
133.Principal Street High Income Municipal Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
134.Principal Street Short Term Municipal Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
135.Reinhart Genesis PMV Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
136.Reinhart International PMV Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
137.Reinhart Mid Cap PMV Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
138.Tortoise MLP & Energy Income Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
139.Tortoise MLP & Pipeline Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
140.Tortoise North American Pipeline Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
141.V-Shares MSCI World ESG Materiality and Carbon Transition ETF, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
142.V-Shares US Leadership Diversity ETF, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
143.Greenspring Income Opportunities Fund, Series of Manager Directed Portfolios
144.Hood River International Opportunity Fund, Series of Manager Directed Portfolios
145.Hood River Small-Cap Growth Fund, Series of Manager Directed Portfolios
146.Mar Vista Strategic Growth Fund, Series of Manager Directed Portfolios
147.Vert Global Sustainable Real Estate Fund, Series of Manager Directed Portfolios
148.Matrix Advisors Funds Trust
149.Matrix Advisors Value Fund, Inc.
150.Monetta Trust
151.Nicholas Equity Income Fund, Inc.
152.Nicholas Fund, Inc.
153.Nicholas II, Inc.
154.Nicholas Limited Edition, Inc.
155.Permanent Portfolio Family of Funds
156.Perritt Funds, Inc.
157.Procure ETF Trust II
158.Professionally Managed Portfolios
159.Prospector Funds, Inc.
160.Provident Mutual Funds, Inc.
161.Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
162.Abbey Capital Multi-Asset Fund, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
163.Adara Smaller Companies Fund, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
164.Aquarius International Fund, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
165.Boston Partners All Cap Value Fund, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
166.Boston Partners Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
167.Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
168.Boston Partners Global Equity Fund, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
169.Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
170.Boston Partners Global Sustainability Fund, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
171.Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
172.Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
173.Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
174.Campbell Systematic Macro Fund, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
175.Motley Fool 100 Index ETF, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
176.Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index ETF, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
177.Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
178.Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
179.Motley Fool Next Index ETF, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
180.Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
181.Optima Strategic Credit Fund, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
182.SGI Global Equity Fund, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
183.SGI Peak Growth Fund, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
184.SGI Prudent Growth Fund, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
185.SGI Small Cap Core Fund, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
186.SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
187.SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
188.US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
189.US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
190.US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
191.WPG Partners Select Small Cap Value Fund, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
192.WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
193.The RBB Fund Trust
194.RBC Funds Trust
195.Series Portfolios Trust
196.Thompson IM Funds, Inc.
197.TrimTabs ETF Trust
198.Trust for Advised Portfolios
199.Barrett Growth Fund, Series of Trust for Professional Managers
200.Bright Rock Mid Cap Growth Fund, Series of Trust for Professional Managers
201.Bright Rock Quality Large Cap Fund, Series of Trust for Professional Managers
202.CrossingBridge Low Duration High Yield Fund, Series of Trust for Professional Managers
203.CrossingBridge Responsible Credit Fund, Series of Trust for Professional Managers
204.CrossingBridge Ultra-Short Duration Fund, Series of Trust for Professional Managers
205.Dearborn Partners Rising Dividend Fund, Series of Trust for Professional Managers
206.Jensen Global Quality Growth Fund, Series of Trust for Professional Managers
207.Jensen Quality Value Fund, Series of Trust for Professional Managers
208.Rockefeller Climate Solutions Fund, Series of Trust for Professional Managers
209.Terra Firma US Concentrated Realty Fund, Series of Trust for Professional Managers
210.USQ Core Real Estate Fund
211.Wall Street EWM Funds Trust
212.Wisconsin Capital Funds, Inc.
(b) The following are the Officers and Manager of the Distributor, the Registrant’s underwriter. The Distributor’s main business address is 111 E. Kilbourn Ave., Suite 2200, Milwaukee, WI 53202.
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Name | Address | Position with Underwriter | Position with Registrant |
Teresa Cowan | 111 E. Kilbourn Ave, Suite 2200, Milwaukee, WI 53202 | President/Manager | None |
Chris Lanza | Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101 | Vice President | None |
Kate Macchia | Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101 | Vice President | None |
Jennifer A. Brunner | 111 E. Kilbourn Ave, Suite 2200, Milwaukee, WI 53202 | Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer | None |
Kelly B. Whetstone | Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101 | Secretary | None |
Susan L. LaFond | 111 E. Kilbourn Ave, Suite 2200, Milwaukee, WI 53202 | Treasurer | None |
(c) Not applicable.
Item 33. Location of Accounts and Records.
The books and records required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), are maintained at the following locations:
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Records Relating to: | Are located at: |
Registrant’s Fund Administrator, 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 Custody Operations 1555 North RiverCenter Drive, Suite 302 Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212 |
Registrant’s Investment Adviser | Pacific Income Advisers, Inc. 2321 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 1260 El Segundo, California 90245 |
Registrant’s Distributor | Quasar Distributors, LLC 111 Kilbourn Avenue, Suite 2200 Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202 |
Item 34. Management Services Not Discussed in Parts A and B.
Not Applicable.
Item 35. Undertakings.
Not Applicable.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act and the 1940 Act, the Registrant certifies that this Post-Effective Amendment No. 1125 to its Registration Statement meets all of the requirements for effectiveness under Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act and has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 1125 to its Registration Statement on Form N-1A to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of Milwaukee and State of Wisconsin, on the 31st day of March, 2023.
Advisors Series Trust
By: /s/ Jeffrey T. Rauman
Jeffrey T. Rauman
President, Chief Officer and Principal Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Post-Effective Amendment No. 1125 to its Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
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Signature | Title | Date |
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David G. Mertens* | Trustee | March 31, 2023 |
David G. Mertens | | |
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Raymond B. Woolson* | Trustee | March 31, 2023 |
Raymond B. Woolson | | |
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Joe D. Redwine* | Trustee | March 31, 2023 |
Joe D. Redwine | | |
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Michele Rackey* | Trustee | March 31, 2023 |
Michele Rackey | | |
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/s/ Kevin Hayden | Treasurer, Vice President and | March 31, 2023 |
Kevin Hayden | Principal Financial Officer | |
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/s/ Jeffrey T. Rauman | President, Chief Executive Officer | March 31, 2023 |
Jeffrey T. Rauman | and Principal Executive Officer | |
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*By: /s/ Jeffrey T. Rauman | | March 31, 2023 |
Jeffrey T. Rauman Attorney-In Fact pursuant to Power of Attorney | | |