485BPOS 1 timber-485bpos_082120.htm POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT

 

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 24, 2020

Securities Act Registration No. 333-123290

Investment Company Act Reg. No. 811-21726

 

 

 

UNITED STATES 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 

FORM N-1A

 

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
  Pre-Effective Amendment No.
  Post-Effective Amendment No. 151
and/or  
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
  Amendment No. 152

(Check appropriate box or boxes.)

 

360 FUNDS

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

4300 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Suite 100, Fairway, Kansas 66205 

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

 

Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (877) 244-6235

 

The Corporation Trust Company 

Corporation Trust Center 

1209 Orange Street 

Wilmington, Delaware 19801 

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

 

With Copies To: 

John H. Lively
Practus, LLP

11300 Tomahawk Creek Parkway, Suite 310

Leawood, KS 66211

 

Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering: Immediately following effectiveness of this post-effective amendment.

 

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

immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
On [ _________] 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TIMBER POINT FUNDS

 

Timber Point Global Allocations Fund (the “Global Fund”)

(formerly Crow Point Global Tactical Allocation Fund)

(CGHIX)

 

Timber Point Alternative Income Fund (the “Income Fund”)

(formerly Crow Point Alternative Income Fund)

(AIIFX)

 

PROSPECTUS

 

August 24, 2020

 

This Prospectus relates to a single share class (Institutional Class shares) for the Timber Point Funds. For questions or for Shareholder Services, please call (877) 244-6235.

 

These securities have not been approved or disapproved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or any state securities commission nor has the Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities commission passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the SEC, paper copies of the Timber Point Funds’ shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports from a Timber Point Fund or from your financial intermediary, such as a broker-dealer or bank. Instead, the reports will be made available on a website, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report. If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge. You can inform a Timber Point Fund or your financial intermediary that you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports by calling or sending an e-mail request. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all funds held with the Timber Point Fund complex/your financial intermediary.

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

FUND SUMMARY  
Timber Point Global Allocations Fund 3
Timber Point Alternative Income Fund 10
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, STRATEGIES, RISKS AND PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS 16
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUNDS 18
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON INVESTMENTS AND RISKS 29
MANAGEMENT 30
ADMINISTRATION 33
INVESTING IN THE FUNDS 33
PURCHASING SHARES 35
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS 39
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION 40
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 42
PRIVACY NOTICE 44

 

 

 

 

FUND SUMMARY – Timber Point Global Allocations Fund

(formerly, Crow Point Global Tactical Allocation Fund)

 

Investment Objective. The investment objective of the Timber Point Global Allocations Fund (the “Fund”) is to seek income with long-term growth of capital as a secondary objective.

 

Fees and Expenses of the Fund. This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. More information is available from your financial professional and in the section captioned “Purchasing Shares” on page 35 of this prospectus.

 

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)

 

  Institutional Class shares
Management Fees 0.90%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees 0.00%
Other Expenses 1.03%
Dividends from Securities Sold Short and Interest Expense 0.13%
Other Operating Expenses 0.90%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses1 0.56%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses2 2.49%
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursements (0.37%)
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements3

2.12%

   
1.This number represents the combined total fees and operating expenses of the underlying funds (e.g., investment companies and other pooled investment vehicles) owned by the Fund and is not a direct expense incurred by the Fund or deducted from the Fund’s assets. Since the number does not represent a direct operating expense of the Fund, the operating expenses set forth in the Fund’s financial highlights do not include this figure.

 

2.Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratio of expenses to average net assets provided in the Financial Highlights. Other expenses have been restated to reflect the reorganization of the Timber Point Alternatives Fund into the Fund, which occurred on August 21, 2020. The information in the Financial Highlights reflects the operating expenses of the Fund and does not include Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses or the Expense Limitation Agreement described below. Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses are the fees and expenses incurred indirectly by the Fund as a result of its investments in investment companies and other pooled investment vehicles.

 

3.Pursuant to an operating expense limitation agreement between Timber Point Capital Management LLC (“Timber Point” or, the “Adviser”) and the Fund, the Adviser has agreed to waive or reduce its fees and to assume other expenses of the Fund, if necessary, in an amount that limits “Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses” (exclusive of interest, expenses incurred under a plan of distribution adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, dividend expenses on short sales and other expenditures which are capitalized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of such Fund’s business) to not more than 1.43% of the average daily net assets of each share class of the Fund through January 31, 2022. This operating expense limitation agreement can be terminated only by, or with the consent of, the Board of Trustees. Each waiver or reimbursement of an expense by the Adviser is subject to repayment by the Fund within three years from the date of the waiver or reimbursement, provided that the Fund is able to make the repayment without exceeding the expense limitation in place at the time of the waiver or reimbursement and at the time of recoupment.

 

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.

 

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This 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. This Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same, and the contractual agreement to limit expenses remains in effect only through January 31, 2022. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your cost would be:

 

Period Invested 1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
Institutional Class Shares $215 $740 $1,292 $2,798

 

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. For the fiscal period ended September 30, 2019, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 176% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

Principal Investment Strategy of the Fund. The Fund intends to achieve its investment objective by utilizing an asset allocation strategy to invest in a global portfolio of uncorrelated assets that can include exposure, through underlying vehicles, to common stocks and other investments.

 

The Fund invests primarily in common stocks of all issuers, exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), mutual funds, closed-end funds, and private funds such as hedge funds, private equity funds, and fund-of-funds. The Fund, through underlying vehicles and securities in which it invests, may invest in non-U.S. companies (including those in emerging markets). The Fund may also invest directly in debt securities of any maturity or credit quality, including debt securities that are convertible into common or preferred stocks and high-yield bonds (commonly referred to as “junk bonds”). High-yield bonds are securities rated at the time of purchase BB or Ba and below by credit rating agencies such as Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s. The Fund actively trades portfolio positions and there has a high portfolio turnover rate.

 

The Fund will invest directly or indirectly in derivatives for both hedging purposes and to increase returns. The Fund will invest in derivatives including equity, total return, and currency swap agreements; futures contracts and options on futures contracts (including with respect to index and commodities); and forward currency contracts. The Adviser will execute a portion of the Fund’s strategy by investing in a wholly owned and controlled subsidiary (the “Subsidiary”). The Subsidiary invests the majority of its assets in commodities, commodity-linked derivative investments and other futures contracts. The Subsidiary is subject to the same investment restrictions as the Fund, when viewed on a consolidated basis

 

The Fund may also engage in short sales for either hedging or speculative purposes. A short sale involves the sale of a security that the Fund does not own in the expectation of purchasing the same security (or a security exchangeable therefor) later and at a lower price and profiting from the price decline. Similarly, when taking short positions with respect to securities through investments in derivative instruments, the Adviser is expecting the value of such securities to fall during the period of the Fund’s investment exposure. The Fund may purchase or sell options for hedging purposes. The Fund will not engage in naked put writing and the value of any options will be less than the Fund’s net assets.

 

Capital growth is expected to be realized from an increase in portfolio positions. Under normal conditions, the Fund invests issuers located in at least five different countries, including the United States. Additionally, the Fund will normally invest between 40% and 70% of its total assets in foreign securities, including up to 15% of its total assets in securities of issuers located in emerging markets. Securities will be chosen using a proprietary fundamental investment process.

 

The Adviser may enter into foreign currency exchange transactions on behalf of the Fund with respect to the Fund’s equity investments, in order to hedge against changes in the U.S. dollar value of dividend income the Fund expects to receive in the future and that is denominated in foreign currencies, or in the U.S. dollar value of securities held by the Fund denominated in foreign currencies. There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency exchange transactions that the Adviser may enter into on behalf of the Fund.

 

4

 

 

The Fund may use listed/exchange-traded options contracts and also expects to use unlisted (or “over-the-counter”) options to a substantial degree (as options contracts on many foreign companies and sector-specific indices are currently available only in the over-the-counter market).

 

Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund. An investment in the Fund is subject to investment risks, including the possible loss of some or all of the principal amount invested. There can be no assurance that the Fund will be successful in meeting its investment objective.

 

General Risk There is no assurance that the Fund will meet its investment objective; you could lose money by investing in the Fund.

 

Market Risk Prices of equity securities and the value of the Fund’s investments will fluctuate and may decline significantly over short-term or long-term periods.

 

Equity Securities Risk – Stock markets are volatile. The price of an equity security fluctuates based on changes in a company’s financial condition and overall market and economic conditions.

 

Convertible Securities Risk – The market value of a convertible security performs like that of a regular debt security; that is, if market interest rates rise, the value of a convertible security usually falls. In addition, convertible securities are subject to the risk that the issuer will not be able to pay interest or dividends when due, and their market value may change based on changes in the issuer’s credit rating or the market’s perception of the issuer’s creditworthiness.

 

Other Investment Companies Risk – The main risk of investing in other investment companies (including open-end funds, closed-end funds and ETFs) is the risk that the value of the securities underlying an investment company might decrease. Because the Fund may invest in other investment companies, you will pay a proportionate share of the expenses of that other investment company (including management fees, administration fees and custodial fees) in addition to the expenses of the Fund.

 

Exchange-Traded Funds Risk – Investments in ETFs carry security specific risks and market risk. Also, if the area of the market representing the underlying index or benchmark does not perform as expected for any reason, the value of the investment in the ETF may decline. In addition, due to transactions via market prices rather than at net asset value, the performance of an ETF may not completely replicate the performance of the underlying index.

 

Derivatives Risk – The Fund’s indirect use of derivative instruments (including swap agreements, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, forward currency contracts and put and call options) involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities including leverage risk, counterparty default risk and tracking risk.

 

Options Risk – Options are subject to sudden price movements and are highly leveraged, in that payment of a relatively small purchase price, called a premium, gives the buyer the right to acquire an underlying futures contract, forward contract or commodity that has a face value substantially greater than the premium paid. The buyer of an option risks losing the entire purchase price of the option. The writer, or seller, of an option risks losing the difference between the purchase price received for the option and the price of the futures contract, forward contract or commodity underlying the option that the writer must purchase or deliver upon exercise of the option. There is no limit on the potential loss. These options may be listed on securities exchanges or traded in the over-the-counter market. The Fund’s ability to terminate over-the-counter options is more limited than with exchange-traded options and may involve the risk that broker/dealers participating in such transactions will not fulfill their obligations.

 

5

 

 

Short Position Risk – The Fund will incur a loss as a result of a short position if the price of the short position instrument increases in value between the date of the short position sale and the date on which an offsetting position is purchased. Short positions may be considered speculative transactions and involve special risks, including greater reliance on the Adviser’s ability to anticipate accurately the future value of a security or instrument. The Fund’s losses are potentially unlimited in a short position transaction.

 

Foreign (Non-U.S.) Securities Risk – Investments in foreign securities carry special risks, including foreign political instability, greater volatility, less liquidity, financial reporting inconsistencies, and adverse economic developments abroad, all of which may reduce the value of foreign securities. Many of these risks can be even greater when investing in countries with developing economies and securities markets, also known as “emerging markets.”

 

Currency Risk – The Fund is subject to currency risk because fluctuations in the exchange rates between the U.S. Dollar and foreign currencies may negatively affect the value of the Fund’s investments denominated in foreign securities.

 

Emerging Market Risk – Foreign markets, particularly emerging markets, can be more volatile than the U.S. market due to increased risks of adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments and can perform differently from the U.S. market. Emerging markets can be subject to greater social, economic, regulatory, and political uncertainties and can be extremely volatile.

 

Private Investment Fund Risk – Investments in private investment funds , such as hedge funds, private equity funds, and fund-of-funds, carry various risks, including that some fund products: use leverage and other speculative investment practices that may increase the risk of investment loss; are not required to provide periodic pricing or valuation information to investors; may involve complex tax structures and delays in distributing important tax information; are not subject to the same regulatory requirements as mutual funds; often charge high fees; and in many cases the underlying investments are not transparent. For purposes of the Fund’s liquidity risk management program, the Fund considers investments in private funds to be illiquid.

 

Smaller Capitalization Risk – Smaller capitalization companies may have a narrower geographic and product/service focus and be less well known to the investment community, resulting in more volatile share prices and a lack of market liquidity.

 

Large Capitalization Company Risk – The risk that larger, more established companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges such as changes in consumer tastes or innovative smaller competitors.

 

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

 

Interest Rate Risk – The Fund’s debt investments are subject to interest rate risk, which is the risk that the value of a security will vary as interest rates fluctuate.

 

Credit Risk – The Fund’s debt investments are subject to credit risk. The value of a debt instrument is likely to fall if an issuer or borrower defaults on its obligation to pay principal or interest or if the instrument’s credit rating is downgraded by a credit rating agency, which may cause the Fund to lose money. Credit risk also exists whenever the Fund enters into a foreign exchange or derivative contract, because the counterparty may not be able or may choose not to perform under the contract.

 

6

 

 

High-Yield or “Junk” Security Risk – Investments in debt securities that are rated below investment grade by one or more nationally recognized statistical rating organization (“NRSRO”) (“high-yield securities” also known as “junk securities”) may be subject to greater risk of loss of principal and interest than investments in higher-rated debt securities. High-yield securities are also generally considered to be subject to greater market risk than higher-rated securities. These securities may be considered speculative and the value of these securities can be move volatile due to increased sensitivity to adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments and can be difficult to resell.

 

Commodities Risk – Exposure to the commodities markets may subject the Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The value of commodity-linked derivative investments may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates or sectors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, embargoes, tariffs and international economic, political and regulatory developments.

 

Hedging Risk – The Adviser from time to time employs various hedging techniques. The success of the Fund’s hedging strategy will be subject to the Adviser’s ability to correctly assess the degree of correlation between the performance of the instruments used in the hedging strategy and the performance of the investments in the portfolio being hedged. Since the characteristics of many securities change as markets change or time passes, the success of the Fund’s hedging strategy will also be subject to the Adviser’s ability to continually recalculate, readjust and execute hedges in an efficient and timely manner. For a variety of reasons, the Adviser may not seek to establish a perfect correlation between such hedging instruments and the portfolio holdings being hedged. Such imperfect correlation may prevent the Fund from achieving the intended hedge or expose the Fund to risk of loss. In addition, it is not possible to hedge fully or perfectly against any risk, and hedging entails its own costs.

 

Managed Fund Risk – The investment decisions of the Adviser may cause the Fund to underperform other investments or benchmark indices. The Fund may also underperform other mutual funds with similar investment strategies. As with any mutual fund investment, there can be no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment goals.

 

High Portfolio Turnover Risk – The risk that a high portfolio turnover rate has the potential to result in the realization by the Fund and distribution to shareholders of a greater amount of gains than if the Fund had a low portfolio turnover rate, which may lead to a higher tax liability.

 

Taxation Risk – By investing in commodities indirectly through the Subsidiary, the Fund will obtain exposure to the commodities markets within the federal tax requirements that apply to the Fund. However, because the Subsidiary is a controlled foreign corporation, any income received from its investments will be passed through to the Fund as ordinary income, which may be taxed at less favorable rates than capital gains.

 

Wholly Owned Subsidiary Risk – The Subsidiary will not be registered under the 1940 Act and, unless otherwise noted in this Prospectus, will not be subject to all of the investor protections of the 1940 Act. Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands, under which the Fund and the Subsidiary, respectively, are organized, could result in the inability of the Fund and/or the Subsidiary to operate as described in this Prospectus and could negatively affect the Fund and its shareholders. Your cost of investing in the Fund will be higher because you indirectly bear the expenses of the Subsidiary.

 

Performance. The Fund was reorganized on October 6, 2017, from a series of Northern Lights Fund Trust II, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Predecessor Fund”), to a series of 360 Funds, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Reorganization”). The Fund’s performance may be different than the performance of the Predecessor Fund due to, among other things, differences in principal investment strategies, fees and expenses. In addition, effective September 28, 2018, the Fund revised its principal investment strategy, and because of this revision, the Fund’s performance may be different on and after September 28, 2018, than it was prior to that date. Effective September 28, 2018, the Fund’s Class A shares and Class I shares were re-designated as the Investor Class shares and Institutional Class shares, respectively. Effective May 29, 2020, the Fund’s Investor Class shares were converted into Institutional Class shares.

 

7

 

 

In April 2020, Crow Point Partners, LLC, the investment adviser to the Fund since its inception, transferred its management of the Fund to the Adviser. Shareholders of the Fund approved a new investment advisory agreement with the Adviser on June 12, 2020. Mr. David Cleary became the sole portfolio manager to the Fund. The bar chart below shows the Fund’s investment results during the management of the prior investment adviser.

 

The bar chart and performance table below show the variability of the Fund’s returns, which is some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart shows performance of the Predecessor Fund’s Class I shares for each full calendar year since the Predecessor Fund’s inception, as well as the performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares after the Reorganization. The Average Annual Total Returns table shows how the Fund’s average annual returns compare with those of a broad measure of market performance. You should be aware that the Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) may not be an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information will be available at no cost by calling (877) 244-6235.

 

PERFORMANCE BAR CHART FOR INSTITUTIONAL CLASS SHARES

(calendar year returns as of December 31) 

 

 

 

The calendar year-to-date return for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares as of June 30, 2020 was (7.07)%.

 

During the periods shown in the bar chart, the best performance for a quarter was 9.45% (for the quarter ended March 31, 2019). The worst performance for a quarter was (10.27)% (for the quarter ended December 31, 2018).

 

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS

(For the periods ended December 31, 2019)

 

  One Year Five Years

Since Inception

April 10, 2013

Institutional Class Return Before Taxes 15.88% 3.28% 2.73%
Institutional Class Return After Taxes on Distributions 15.47% 1.67% 1.14%
Institutional Class Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares 10.00% 1.77% 1.35%

S&P 500 Total Return Index
   (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

31.49%

11.69%

13.44%

Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index
   (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

8.72%

3.05%

 2.78%

 

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After-tax returns are based on the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes; actual after-tax returns depend on an individual investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. If you own shares of the Fund in a tax-deferred account, such as an individual retirement account or a 401(k) plan, this information is not applicable to your investment. A higher after-tax return results when a capital loss occurs upon redemption and translates into an assumed tax deduction that benefits the shareholder.

 

The S&P 500 Total Return Index is an unmanaged market capitalization weighted index of 500 of the largest capitalized U.S. domiciled companies. Index returns assume reinvestment of dividends. Investors may not invest in the indexes directly; unlike the Fund’s returns, the indexes do not reflect any fees or expenses.

 

The Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index measures the performance of the U.S. investment grade bond market. The index invests in a wide spectrum of public, investment-grade, taxable, fixed income securities in the United States – including government, corporate, and international dollar-denominated bonds, as well as mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, all with maturities of more than one year.

 

Current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted above. Updated performance information may be obtained by calling (877) 244-6235.

 

Management. Timber Point Capital Management LLC is the Fund’s investment adviser.

 

Portfolio Managers. David Cleary has served as a Portfolio Manager since October 2017.

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares. The minimum initial investment in Institutional Class shares is $1,000. There is no minimum subsequent investment for Institutional Class shares. You may purchase and redeem shares of the Fund on any day that the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open for trading. Redemption requests may be made in writing, by telephone, website or through a financial intermediary and will be paid by ACH, check or wire transfer. The Fund may, at the Adviser’s sole discretion, accept accounts with less than the minimum investment. You can purchase or redeem shares directly from the Fund on any business day the NYSE is open directly by calling the Fund at (877) 244-6235, where you may also obtain more information about purchasing or redeeming shares by mail, facsimile or bank wire. The Fund has also authorized certain broker-dealers to accept purchase and redemption orders on its behalf. Investors who wish to purchase or redeem Fund shares through a broker-dealer should contact their broker-dealer directly.

 

Tax Information. The Fund’s distributions will generally be taxed to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an IRA. Distributions on investments made through tax deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or IRAs may be taxed later upon a withdrawal of assets from those accounts.

 

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

 

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FUND SUMMARY – Timber Point Alternative Income Fund

(formerly Crow Point Alternative Income Fund)

 

Investment Objective. The Timber Point Alternative Income Fund (the “Fund”) seeks to provide shareholders with above-average total returns over a complete market cycle primarily through capital appreciation and income generation. The Fund considers “above-average total returns” to be returns that are uncorrelated to, and greater than, the Fund’s primary benchmark.

 

Fees and Expenses of the Fund. This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. More information is available from your financial professional and in the section captioned “Purchasing Shares” on page 35 of this prospectus.

 

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)

 

  Institutional Class shares
Management Fees 1.00%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees 0.00%
Other Expenses 2.29%
Dividends From Securities Sold Short and Interest Expense 0.11%
Other Operating Expenses 2.18%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses1 0.25%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses2 3.54%
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursements (1.18)%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements3

2.36%

   
1.This number represents the combined total fees and operating expenses of the underlying funds (e.g., investment companies and other pooled investment vehicles) owned by the Fund and is not a direct expense incurred by the Fund or deducted from the Fund’s assets. Since the number does not represent a direct operating expense of the Fund, the operating expenses set forth in the Fund’s financial highlights do not include this figure.

 

2.Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratio of expenses to average net assets provided in the Financial Highlights for two reasons. First, the information in the Financial Highlights reflects the operating expenses of the Fund and does not include Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses or the Expense Limitation Agreement described below. Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses are the fees and expenses incurred indirectly by the Fund because of its investments in investment companies and other pooled investment vehicles. Second, on May 29, 2020, the Fund's Investor Class shares were converted into Institutional Class shares. Since the Investor Class had a longer performance history and higher fees, its financial and performance information was used for the consolidated class. As a result, the Financial Highlights reflect the expense ratios of the prior Investor Class and not the prior Institutional Class..

 

3.Pursuant to an operating expense limitation agreement between Timber Point and the Fund, the Adviser has agreed to waive or reduce its fees and to assume other expenses of the Fund, if necessary, in an amount that limits “Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses” (exclusive of interest, expenses incurred under a plan of distribution adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, dividend expenses on short sales and other expenditures which are capitalized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of such Fund’s business) to not more than 2.00% of the average daily net assets of each share class of the Fund through January 31, 2022. This operating expense limitation agreement can be terminated only by, or with the consent of, the Board of Trustees. Each waiver or reimbursement of an expense by the Adviser is subject to repayment by the Fund within three years from the date of the waiver or reimbursement, provided that the Fund is able to make the repayment without exceeding the expense limitation in place at the time of the waiver or reimbursement and at the time of the recoupment.

 

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.

 

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This 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. This Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same, and the contractual agreement to limit expenses remains in effect only until January 31, 2022. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your cost would be:

 

Period Invested 1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
Institutional Class Shares $239 $976 $1,735 $3,732

 

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. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 169% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

Principal Investment Strategy of the Fund. Under normal market conditions the Fund seeks to obtain its investment objective by allocating assets among credit-related instruments such as corporate bonds, municipal bonds, mortgage and asset-backed securities, and floating-rate securities. The Fund is designed to generate more of its income and returns from assets with less yield-curve risk than traditional duration-sensitive bonds. The Fund may invest in debt securities of any maturity and any quality, including below-investment grade debt (also known as “junk bonds”). The Fund is actively traded and, therefore, will have a high portfolio turnover rate.

 

The Fund may also invest in equity securities including those of private funds, including private funds such as hedge funds and private equity funds, exchange-traded-notes (ETNs”), exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), mutual funds, and publicly traded and. Investments in illiquid private funds, including illiquid hedge funds and private equity funds, will be limited to no more than 15% of the Fund’s net assets. The Fund may invest in equity securities of any market capitalization.

 

The Fund may invest without limitation in investments tied economically to any country in the world, including emerging market countries.

 

Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund. An investment in the Fund is subject to investment risks, including the possible loss of some or all of the principal amount invested. There can be no assurance that the Fund will be successful in meeting its investment objective.

 

Credit Risk – The Fund could lose money if the issuer or guarantor of a fixed income security, or the counterparty of a derivatives contract or repurchase agreement, is unable or unwilling (or is perceived to be unable or unwilling) to make timely payment of principal and/or interest, or to otherwise honor its obligations.

 

Debt Securities Risk – The issuer of a debt security may fail to pay interest or principal when due, and that changes in market interest rates may reduce the value of debt securities or reduce the Fund’s returns. The Fund may invest in debt securities, principally below investment grade securities, but also including investment grade securities and other debt obligations. During periods of economic uncertainty and change, the market price of the Fund’s investments in below investment grade securities may be particularly volatile.

 

Emerging Markets Risk – Investing in securities of companies located in emerging market countries includes increased foreign investment risk. In addition, there are greater risks involved in investing in emerging markets, the economies of which tend to be more volatile than the economies of developed markets. Emerging market securities may be less liquid than those issued in more developed countries.

 

Equity Securities Risk – Stock prices may fall over short or long periods of time. In addition, common stocks represent a share of ownership in a company, and rank after bonds and preferred stock in their claim on the company’s assets in the event of bankruptcy.

 

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Exchange-Traded Fund Risk – ETFs in which the Fund invests will not be able to replicate exactly the performance of the indices they track and may result in a loss. In addition, shareholders bear both their proportionate share of the Fund’s expenses and similar expenses of the underlying investment company when the Fund invests in shares of another investment company.

 

Exchange-Traded Notes Risk – ETNs in which the Fund may invest are subject to credit risk and the value of an ETN may vary and may be influenced by time to maturity, level of supply and demand for the ETN, volatility and lack of liquidity in underlying markets, changes in the applicable interest rates, changes in the issuer’s credit rating, and economic, legal, political, or geographic events. ETNs are debt securities whose returns are linked to a particular index.

 

Foreign Investment Risk – Investing in foreign (non-U.S.) securities either directly or indirectly may result in the Fund experiencing more rapid and extreme changes in value than the Fund that invests exclusively in securities of U.S. companies, due to smaller markets, differing reporting, accounting and auditing standards, nationalization, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, currency blockages and political changes or diplomatic developments. The costs of investing in many foreign markets are higher than the U.S. and investments may be less liquid. These risks may be heightened for emerging markets securities. Recently, additional risks have arisen related to the high levels of debt of various European countries such as Greece, Italy and Spain. One or more member states might exit the European Union, placing its currency and banking system in jeopardy. These problems, and related political and monetary efforts to address these problems, may increase the potential for market declines in one or more member states that can spread to global markets. These increased risks may persist and may result in greater volatility in the securities markets and the potential for impaired liquidity and valuation.

 

High Yield Securities Risk – High yield securities or unrated securities of similar credit quality (commonly known as “junk bonds”) are more likely to default than higher rated securities. High yield securities are regarded as speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and to repay principal. The market value of these securities is more sensitive to corporate developments and economic conditions and can be volatile. Market conditions can diminish liquidity and make accurate valuations difficult to obtain.

 

Illiquid and Restricted Securities Risk – The Adviser may not be able to sell illiquid or restricted securities at the price it would like or may have to sell them at a loss. Securities of non-U.S. issuers, non-publicly traded securities and emerging markets securities in particular, are subject to illiquidity risk.

 

Interest Rate Risk – Fixed income securities will decline in value because of changes in interest rates. The Fund with a longer average portfolio duration will be more sensitive to changes in interest rates than the Fund with a shorter average portfolio duration.

 

LIBOR Risk. Factors such as global interest rate levels, economic growth, market conditions and political events affect the fixed income securities markets. On July 27, 2017, the head of the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority announced a desire to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021. There remains uncertainty regarding the future utilization of LIBOR and the nature of any replacement rate. As a result, any impact of a transition away from LIBOR on the Fund or the instruments in which the Fund invests cannot yet be determined. Industry initiatives are underway to identify alternative reference rates.

 

Management Risk – The Adviser or Sub-Adviser may be incorrect in its assessment of the intrinsic value of the securities the Fund holds which may result in a decline in the value of Fund shares and failure to achieve its investment objective. The Fund’s portfolio managers use qualitative analyses and/or models. Any imperfections or limitations in such analyses and models could affect the ability of the portfolio managers to implement strategies.

 

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Mid-Cap Company Risk – Investing in securities of mid-cap companies that could entail greater risks than investments in larger, more established companies. Mid-cap companies tend to have more narrow product lines, more limited financial resources and a more limited trading market for their stocks, as compared with larger companies. As a result, their stock prices may decline significantly as market conditions change.

 

Municipal Securities Risk – Changes in the financial health of a municipality may make it difficult for it to make interest and principal payments when due. Changes in the financial condition of one or more municipal issuers may affect the overall municipal securities market. High yield municipal securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”) are more likely to default than higher rated securities. High yield municipal securities are regarded as speculative with respect to the municipality’s capacity to pay interest and to repay principal.

 

Portfolio Turnover Risk – The Fund’s high portfolio turnover will increase its transaction costs and may result in increased realization of net short-term capital gains (which are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income when distributed to them), higher taxable distributions and lower after-tax performance.

 

Private Fund Risk – The Fund may invest in private investment funds (whether liquid or illiquid), including “hedge funds,” which pursue alternative investment strategies. Certain investment instruments and techniques that a private fund may use are speculative and involve a high degree of risk. Because of the speculative nature of a private fund’s investments and trading strategies, the Fund may suffer a significant or complete loss of its invested capital in one or more private funds. A shareholder will also bear fees and expenses charged by the underlying funds in addition to the Fund’s direct fees and expenses.

 

REIT Risk – Investing in real estate investment trusts, or “REITs”, involves certain unique risks in addition to those associated with the real estate sector generally. REITs whose underlying properties are concentrated in a particular industry or region are also subject to risks affecting such industries and regions. REITs (especially mortgage REITs) are also subject to interest rate risks. By investing in REITs through the Fund, a shareholder will bear expenses of the REITs in addition to Fund expenses. Non-publicly traded REITs are subject to significant commissions, expenses, and offering and organizational costs that reduce the value of the Fund’s investment. Non-publicly traded REITs are not liquid, and investments in non-publicly traded REITs may not be accessible for an extended period of time.

 

Securities Market Risk – The value of securities owned by the Fund may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to factors affecting particular companies or the securities markets generally. A general downturn in the securities market may cause multiple asset classes to decline in value simultaneously.

 

Small-Cap Company Risk – Investing in the securities of small-cap companies either directly or indirectly through investments in ETFs or mutual funds (may pose greater market and liquidity risks than larger, more established companies, because of limited product lines and/or operating history, limited financial resources, limited trading markets, and the potential lack of management depth. In addition, the securities of such companies are typically more volatile than securities of larger capitalization companies.

 

Underlying Fund Risk – Underlying Funds are subject to investment advisory fees and other expenses, which will be paid by the Fund. As a result, your cost of investing in the Fund will be higher than the cost of investing directly in the Underlying Funds and may be higher than other mutual funds that invest directly in bonds. Each Underlying Fund is subject to specific risks, depending on its investments. ETF shares may trade at a discount or a premium in market price if there is a limited market in such shares. ETFs are also subject to brokerage and other trading costs, which could result in greater expenses to the Fund.

 

An investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. As with any mutual fund, there is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its goal.

 

Performance. The Fund was reorganized on October 6, 2017 from a series of Northern Lights Fund Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Predecessor Fund”), to a series of 360 Funds, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Reorganization”). While the Fund is substantially similar to the Predecessor Fund and theoretically would have invested in the same portfolio of securities, the Fund’s performance may be different than the performance of the Predecessor Fund due to, among other things, differences in fees and expenses. Effective January 28, 2019, the Fund’s single share class was re-designated as Investor Class, and a new Institutional Class shares was added. Effective May 29, 2020, the Fund’s Investor Class shares were converted to Institutional Class.

 

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In April 2020, Crow Point Partners, LLC, the investment adviser to the Fund since its inception, transferred its management of the Fund to the Adviser. Shareholders of the Fund approved a new investment advisory agreement with the Adviser and a new sub-advisory agreement between the Adviser and Sub-Adviser on June 12, 2020. The bar chart below shows the Fund’s investment results during the management of the prior investment adviser.

 

The bar chart and performance table below show the variability of the Predecessor Fund’s returns, which is some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart shows performance of the Predecessor Fund’s single share class period ended October 6, 2017, the Investor Class Shares for the period October 7, 2017 through May 29, 2020, as well as the performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares beginning on May 29, 2020. The performance table compares the performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares over time to the performance of a broad-based securities market index. You should be aware that the Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) may not be an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information will be available at no cost by calling (877) 244-6235.

 

PERFORMANCE BAR CHART FOR INSTITUTIONAL CLASS SHARES1

(calendar year returns as of December 31)

 

 

1 The bar chart shows performance of the Predecessor Fund’s single share class period ended October 6, 2017, the Investor Class Shares for the period October 7, 2017 through May 29, 2020, as well as the performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class shares beginning on May 29, 2020.

 

The year-to-date return for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares as of the most recent quarter ended June 30, 2020 was (4.78)%.

 

During the periods shown in the bar chart, the best performance for a quarter was 2.39% (for the quarter ended September 30, 2019). The worst performance for a quarter was (4.87)% (for the quarter ended December 31, 2018).

 

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AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS

(for periods ended December 31, 2019)

 

 

 

One Year

 

Five Years

Since Inception

January 13, 2012

Institutional Class Returns Before Taxes1 8.32% 0.70% 0.61%
Institutional Class Returns After Taxes on Distributions1 7.83% 0.19% (0.40)%
Institutional Class Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares1 5.24% 0.31% (0.02)%

Barclay’s Global Aggregate Index
(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

 

6.84%

 

2.31%

 

1.76%

HFRX Absolute Return Index2
(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

 

4.37%

 

2.07%

 

1.91%

1 For the period before May 29, 2020, the performance shown is of the Predecessor Fund and the Investor Class Shares.

2The HFRX Absolute Return Index is included because it shows how the Fund’s performance compares with the returns of an index of funds with similar investment objectives.

 

The HFRX Absolute Return Index is designed to be representative of the overall composition of the hedge fund universe. It is comprised of all eligible hedge fund strategies; including but not limited to convertible arbitrage, distressed securities, equity hedge, equity market neutral, event driven, macro, merger arbitrage, and relative value arbitrage. As a component of the optimization process, the index selects constituents which characteristically exhibit lower volatilities and lower correlations to standard directional benchmarks of equity market and hedge fund industry performance.

 

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal income tax rates in effect as of December 31, 2019 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. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or IRAs.

 

Current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted above. Updated performance information may be obtained by calling (877) 244-6235.

 

Investment Adviser: Timber Point is the Fund’s investment adviser. The Adviser has engaged Winthrop Capital Management, LLC (“Winthrop”) to act as the Fund’s sub-adviser to manage a portion of the Fund’s.

 

Portfolio Managers: David Cleary have served as a Portfolio Manager since October 2017. Gregory J. Hahn and Adam Coons of Winthrop have served the Fund as Portfolio Managers since June 2019.

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares. The minimum initial investment for all Institutional Class account types is $1,000. There is no minimum subsequent investment for Institutional Class shares. You may purchase and redeem shares of the Fund on any day that the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open for trading. Redemption requests may be made in writing, by telephone, website or through a financial intermediary and will be paid by ACH, check or wire transfer. The Fund may, at the Adviser’s sole discretion, accept accounts with less than the minimum investment. You can purchase or redeem shares directly from the Fund on any business day the NYSE is open directly by calling the Fund at (877) 244-6235, where you may also obtain more information about purchasing or redeeming shares by mail, facsimile or bank wire. The Fund has also authorized certain broker-dealers to accept purchase and redemption orders on its behalf. Investors who wish to purchase or redeem Fund shares through a broker-dealer should contact their broker-dealer directly.

 

Tax Information. The Fund’s distributions will generally be taxed to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an IRA. Distributions on investments made through tax deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or IRAs may be taxed later upon a withdrawal of assets from those accounts.

 

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

 

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INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, STRATEGIES, RISKS AND PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

The Funds’ Investment Objectives and Principal Investment Strategies

 

Timber Point Global Allocations Fund

 

Investment Objective: The investment objective of the Fund is to seek income with long-term growth of capital as a secondary objective. The Fund’s investment objective is not a fundamental policy and may be changed by the Fund’s Board upon 60 days’ written notice to shareholders and without shareholder vote.

 

Principal Investment Strategies: The Fund intends to achieve its investment objective by utilizing an asset allocation strategy to invest in a global portfolio of uncorrelated assets that can include exposure, through underlying vehicles, to common stocks and other investments.

 

The Fund invests primarily in common stocks of all issuers, ETFs and actively managed open-end registered investment companies (“open-end funds”), as well as actively managed closed-end managed investment companies (“closed-end funds”). The Fund, through underlying vehicles and securities in which it invests, may invest in non-U.S. companies (including those in emerging markets). The Fund may also invest directly in debt securities. The Fund’s investment portfolio is concentrated in a relatively small number of holdings. The Fund’s investment strategies may result in a turnover rate as high as or greater than 100%.

 

The Fund may, but is not required to: (i) enter into equity, total return and currency swap agreements, futures contracts and options on futures contracts (including with respect to index and commodities) and forward currency contracts; and (ii) write put and covered call options on securities (including ETFs and exchange-traded notes (“ETNs”)), indexes and currencies, in each case for hedging purposes or to seek to increase returns, including as a substitute for purchasing an underlying vehicle.

 

The Fund may, but is not required to, effect short sales of securities. A short sale involves the sale of a security that the Fund does not own in the expectation of purchasing the same security (or a security exchangeable therefor) at a later date and at a lower price and profiting from the price decline. Similarly, when taking short positions with respect to securities through investments in derivative instruments, the Adviser is expecting the value of such securities to fall during the period of the Fund’s investment exposure.

 

Although the Fund is classified as “diversified” under the 1940 Act, it may invest in a smaller number of issuers than other, more diversified, investment portfolios.

 

Capital growth is expected to be realized from an increase in value of the underlying equities that comprise the Fund. Under normal conditions, the Fund intends to invest in various classes of securities of issuers located in at least five different countries, including the United States. Additionally, the Fund will normally invest between 40% and 70% of its total assets in foreign securities, including up to 15% of its total assets in securities of issuers located in emerging markets. The Fund has flexibility to invest up to 20% of its net assets in preferred securities and up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid private investment funds, including illiquid hedge funds and illiquid fund-of-funds. Securities will be chosen using a proprietary fundamental investment process.

 

As an alternative to investments in equity securities, the Fund may invest in debt securities that are convertible into common or preferred stocks, or that the Adviser otherwise believes provide an investment return comparable to, or more favorable than, investment in equity securities.

 

The Fund will not invest in debt securities rated below B- or the equivalent by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) and Standard & Poor’s Rating Service (“Standard & Poor’s”). High yield bonds are securities rated at the time of purchase BB or Ba and below by credit rating agencies such as Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s. High yield debt securities are commonly referred to as “junk bonds.” The Fund is not required to sell or otherwise dispose of any security that loses its rating or has its rating reduced after the Fund has purchased it. However, the Fund would not normally expect that junk bonds would exceed in the aggregate 5% of Fund’s total assets. The Fund intends to invest in debt securities of all maturity durations.

 

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The Adviser may enter into foreign currency exchange transactions on behalf of the Fund with respect to the Fund’s equity investments, in order to hedge against changes in the U.S. dollar value of dividend income the Fund expects to receive in the future and that is denominated in foreign currencies, or in the U.S. dollar value of securities held by the Fund denominated in foreign currencies. Foreign currency exchange transactions include the purchase or sale of foreign currency on a spot (or cash) basis, contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies at a future date (forward contracts), the purchase and sale of foreign currency futures contracts, and the purchase of exchange-traded and over-the-counter call and put options on foreign currency futures contracts and on foreign currencies. There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency exchange transactions that the Adviser may enter into on behalf of the Fund.

 

The Fund may use listed/exchange-traded options contracts and also expects to use unlisted (or “over-the-counter”) options to a substantial degree (as options contracts on many foreign companies and sector-specific indices are currently available only in the over-the-counter market).

 

Subsidiary. The Fund will execute a portion of its strategy in a wholly owned and controlled Subsidiary. The Subsidiary invests the majority of its assets in commodities, commodity-linked derivative instruments and other futures contracts. The Subsidiary is subject to the same investment restrictions as the Fund, when viewed on a consolidated basis. The principal investment strategies and principal investment risks of the Subsidiary are also principal investment strategies and principal risks of the Fund and are reflected in this Prospectus. The financial statements of the Subsidiary will be consolidated with those of the Fund. By investing in commodities indirectly through the Subsidiary, the Fund will obtain exposure to the commodities markets within the federal tax requirements that apply to the Fund. Specifically, the Subsidiary is expected to provide the Fund with exposure to the commodities markets within the limitations of the federal tax requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Subchapter M requires, among other things, that at least 90% of the Fund’s income be derived from securities or derived with respect to its business of investing in securities (typically referred to as “qualifying income”). The Fund will make investments in certain commodity-linked derivatives through the Subsidiary because income from these derivatives is not treated as “qualifying income” for purposes of the 90% income requirement if the Fund invests in the derivative directly.

 

The Internal Revenue Service has issued a number of private letter rulings to other mutual funds (unrelated to the Fund), which indicate that certain income from a fund’s investment in a wholly owned foreign subsidiary will constitute “qualifying income” for purposes of Subchapter M. The Fund does not have a private letter ruling. Therefore, to satisfy the 90% income requirement, the Subsidiary will, no less than annually, declare and distribute a dividend to the Fund, as the sole shareholder of the Subsidiary, in an amount approximately equal to the total amount of “Subpart F” income (as defined in Section 951 of the Code) generated by or expected to be generated by the Subsidiary’s investments during the fiscal year. Such dividend distributions are “qualifying income” pursuant to Subchapter M (Section 851(b)) of the Code.

 

The Subsidiary will be subject to the same investment restrictions and limitations, and follow the same compliance policies and procedures, as the Fund. The Fund complies with the provisions of the 1940 Act governing investment policies, capital structure and leverage on an aggregate basis with the Subsidiary. In addition, the Subsidiary complies with the provisions of the 1940 Act relating to affiliated transactions and custody. The Fund’s custodian also serves as the custodian to the Subsidiary.

 

Timber Point Alternative Income Fund

 

Investment Objective: The Fund seeks to provide shareholders with above-average total returns over a complete market cycle primarily through capital appreciation and income generation. The Fund’s investment objective is a non-fundamental policy and may be changed without shareholder approval by the Fund’s Board of Trustees upon 60 days written notice to shareholders.

 

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Principal Investment Strategies: The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective under normal market conditions of providing shareholders with above-average total returns over a complete market cycle primarily through capital appreciation and income generation by allocating assets among credit related instruments such as corporate bonds, municipal bonds, mortgage and asset-backed securities, and floating rate securities. The Fund considers “above-average total returns” to be returns that are uncorrelated to, and greater than, the Fund’s primary benchmark, the Barclay’s Global Aggregate Index. The Fund may invest in investment grade as well as below investment grade securities (also known as “junk bonds”). The Fund may invest without regard to maturity. The Fund may also invest in equity securities including those of private issuers, debt securities of private issuers, non-publicly traded REITs, exchange-traded-notes (ETNs”), ETFs, mutual funds and publicly traded and non-publicly traded business development companies (“BDCs”). In regard to investments in equity securities, the Fund may invest without regard to market capitalization. Investments in illiquid private funds, including illiquid hedge funds, will be limited to no more than 15% of the Fund’s net assets.

 

The Fund may invest, directly and indirectly (through ETFs, ETNs, BDCs and mutual funds), in securities of issuers of any credit quality. The Fund may invest without limitation in investments tied economically to any country in the world, including emerging market countries.

 

Temporary Defensive Positions

 

From time to time, a Fund may take temporary defensive positions, which are inconsistent with the Fund’s principal investment strategies, in attempting to respond to adverse market, economic, political, or other conditions. For example, a Fund may hold all or a portion of its assets in money market instruments, including cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities, other investment grade fixed income securities, certificates of deposit, bankers acceptances, commercial paper, money market funds and repurchase agreements. While a Fund is in a defensive position, the opportunity to achieve its investment objective will be limited. If a Fund invests in a money market fund, the shareholders of the Fund generally will be subject to duplicative management fees. Although a Fund would do this only in seeking to avoid losses, the Fund will be unable to pursue its investment objective during that time, and it could reduce the benefit from any upswing in the market.

 

PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUNDS

 

The following describes the risks the Funds, except where noted, may bear indirectly through investments in Underlying Funds as well as directly through investment in other securities. All investments carry risks, and investment in a Fund is no exception. No investment strategy works all the time, and past performance is not necessarily indicative of future performance. You may lose money on your investment in a Fund. To help you understand the risks of investing in a Fund, the principal risks of an investment in each Fund are generally set forth below:

 

Timber Point Global Allocations Fund

 

General Risk – There is no assurance that the Fund will meet its investment objective; investors may lose money by investing in the Fund. As with all mutual funds, an investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. When you sell your Fund shares, they may be worth less than what you paid for them because the value of the Fund’s investments will fluctuate reflecting day-to-day changes in market conditions, interest rates, and numerous other factors.

 

Market Risk – Market risk, the risk that prices of securities will fluctuate because of the interplay of market forces, may affect a single issuer, industry or sector of the economy or may affect the market as a whole. The Fund may experience a substantial or complete loss on an individual stock over a short-term or long-term period. Additionally, prices of equity securities generally fluctuate more than those of other securities, such as debt securities.

 

Equity Securities Risk – Common and preferred stocks represent equity ownership in a company. Stock markets are volatile. The price of equity securities will fluctuate and can decline and reduce the value of a portfolio investing in equities. The value of equity securities purchased by the Fund could decline if the financial condition of the companies the Fund invests in declines or if overall market and economic conditions deteriorate. They may also decline due to factors that affect a particular industry or industries, such as labor shortages or an increase in production costs and competitive conditions within an industry. In addition, they may decline due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a company or industry, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates or generally adverse investor sentiment.

 

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Convertible Securities Risk – A Fund may invest in convertible securities including non-investment grade convertible securities. Convertible securities include fixed income securities that may be exchanged or converted into a predetermined number of shares of the issuer’s underlying common stock at the option of the holder during a specified period. Convertible securities may take the form of convertible preferred stock, convertible bonds or debentures, units consisting of “usable” bonds and warrants or a combination of the features of several of these securities. Convertible securities are senior to common stocks in an issuer’s capital structure, but are usually subordinated to similar non-convertible securities. While providing a fixed-income stream (generally higher in yield than the income derivable from common stock but lower than that afforded by a similar nonconvertible security), a convertible security also gives an investor the opportunity, through its conversion feature, to participate in the capital appreciation of the issuing company depending upon a market price advance in the convertible security’s underlying common stock.

 

The market value of a convertible security performs like that of a regular debt security; that is, if market interest rates rise, the value of a convertible security usually falls. In addition, convertible securities are subject to the risk that the issuer will not be able to pay interest or dividends when due, and their market value may change based on changes in the issuer’s credit rating or the market’s perception of the issuer’s creditworthiness. Since it derives a portion of its value from the common stock into which it may be converted, a convertible security is also subject to the same types of market and issuer risks that apply to the underlying common stock.

 

Other Investment Companies Risk – The main risk of investing in other investment companies (including open-end funds, closed-end funds and ETFs) is the risk that the value of the securities underlying an investment company might decrease. Because the Fund may invest in other investment companies, you will pay a proportionate share of the expenses of that other investment company (including management fees, administration fees and custodial fees) in addition to the expenses of the Fund. As an investor in another investment company, the Fund would be subject to the risks of that investment company’s portfolio. Investing in another investment company may also involve paying a premium above the value of that investment company’s portfolio securities.

 

Exchange-Traded Funds Risk – Investment in ETFs carry security specific risk and the market risk. Also, if the area of the market representing the underlying index or benchmark does not perform as expected for any reason, the value of the investment in the ETF may decline. In addition, due to transactions via market prices rather than at net asset value, the performance of an ETF may not completely replicate the performance of the underlying index. The Fund will indirectly pay its proportionate share of any fees and expenses paid by the ETF in which it invests in addition to the fees and expenses paid directly by the Fund, many of which may be duplicative. The Fund also will incur brokerage costs when it purchases ETFs. As a result, the cost of investing in the Fund generally will be higher than the cost of investing directly in ETFs.

 

Derivatives Risk –The Fund may invest in derivative instruments, including, but not limited to, equity, total return and currency swaps. In an equity swap, two parties agree to exchange a set of future cash flows periodically for a specified period. One “leg” of the equity swap is pegged to a floating rate (sch as LIBOR) or is set as a fixed rate. The cash flows from the other “leg” are linked to the returns from a stock or a stock index. A total return swap is a swap agreement in which one party makes payments based on a set rate (either fixed or variable), while the other party makes payments based on the return of an underlying asset that includes both the income it generates and any capital gains. A currency swap (also known as a cross-currency swap) is an off-balance sheet transaction in which two parties exchange principal and interest in different currencies. The parties involved in currency swaps are generally financial institutions that either act on their own or as an agent for a non-financial entity. The purpose of a currency swap is to hedge exposure to exchange rate risk or reduce the cost of borrowing a foreign currency.

 

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The Fund’s use of derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments. These risks include (i) the risk that the counterparty to a derivative transaction may not fulfill its contractual obligations; (ii) risk of mispricing or improper valuation; and (iii) the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying asset, rate or index. Derivative prices are highly volatile and may fluctuate substantially during a short period of time. Such prices are influenced by numerous factors that affect the markets, including, but not limited to: changing supply and demand relationships; government programs and policies; national and international political and economic events, changes in interest rates, inflation and deflation and changes in supply and demand relationships. Trading derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities. Derivative contracts ordinarily have leverage inherent in their terms. The low margin deposits normally required in trading derivatives, including futures contracts, permit a high degree of leverage. Accordingly, a relatively small price movement may result in an immediate and substantial loss to the Fund. Because option premiums paid or received by the Fund are small in relation to the market value of the investments underlying the options, buying and selling put and call options can be more speculative than investing directly in securities.

 

Options Risk – Options are subject to sudden price movements and are highly leveraged, in that payment of a relatively small purchase price, called a premium, gives the buyer the right to acquire an underlying futures contract, forward contract or commodity that has a face value substantially greater than the premium paid. The buyer of an option risks losing the entire purchase price of the option. The writer, or seller, of an option risks losing the difference between the purchase price received for the option and the price of the futures contract, forward contract or commodity underlying the option that the writer must purchase or deliver upon exercise of the option. There is no limit on the potential loss. In particular, the Fund may enter into options traded over-the-counter (or OTC options), which allows the Fund great flexibility to tailor the option to its needs. However, OTC options generally involve greater risk than exchange-traded options.

 

Short Position Risk – A short sale is a transaction in which the Fund sells a security it does not own or have the right to acquire (or that it owns but does not wish to deliver) in anticipation that the market price of that security will decline. When a Fund makes a short sale, the broker-dealer through which the short sale is made must borrow the security sold short and deliver it to the party purchasing the security. The Fund is required to make a margin deposit in connection with such short sales; the Fund may have to pay a fee to borrow particular securities and will often be obligated to pay over any dividends and accrued interest on borrowed securities.

 

If the price of the security sold short increases between the time of the short sale and the time the Fund covers its short position, the Fund will incur a loss; conversely, if the price declines, the Fund will realize a capital gain. Any gain will be decreased, and any loss increased, by the transaction costs described above. The successful use of short selling may be adversely affected by imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the security sold short and the securities being hedged.

 

To the extent a Fund sells securities short, it will provide collateral to the broker-dealer and (except in the case of short sales “against the box”) will maintain additional asset coverage in the form of cash, U.S. government securities or other liquid securities with its Custodian in a segregated account in an amount at least equal to the difference between the current market value of the securities sold short and any amounts required to be deposited as collateral with the selling broker (not including the proceeds of the short sale).

 

Foreign (Non-U.S.) Securities Risk – The Global Fund invests in foreign securities, and, from time to time, a significant percentage of the Fund’s assets may be composed of foreign investments. Investing in securities of foreign companies and countries involves certain considerations and risks that are not typically associated with investing in U.S. government securities and securities of domestic companies. There may be less publicly available information about a foreign issuer than a domestic one, and foreign companies are not generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial standards and requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies. There may also be less government supervision and regulation of foreign securities exchanges, brokers and listed companies than exists in the United States. Interest and dividends paid by foreign issuers may be subject to withholding and other foreign taxes, which may decrease the net return on such investments as compared to dividends and interest paid to a Fund by domestic companies or the U.S. government. There may be the possibility of expropriations, seizure or nationalization of foreign deposits, confiscatory taxation, political, economic or social instability or diplomatic developments that could affect assets of a Fund held in foreign countries. Finally, the establishment of exchange controls or other foreign governmental laws or restrictions could adversely affect the payment of obligations.

 

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To the extent a Fund’s currency exchange transactions do not fully protect the Fund against adverse changes in currency exchange rates, decreases in the value of currencies of the foreign countries in which the Fund will invest relative to the U.S. dollar will result in a corresponding decrease in the U.S. dollar value of the Fund’s assets denominated in those currencies (and possibly a corresponding increase in the amount of securities required to be liquidated to meet distribution requirements). Conversely, increases in the value of currencies of the foreign countries in which a Fund invests relative to the U.S. dollar will result in a corresponding increase in the U.S. dollar value of the Fund’s assets (and possibly a corresponding decrease in the amount of securities to be liquidated).

 

Currency Risk – The Fund is subject to currency risk because fluctuations in the exchange rates between the U.S. Dollar and foreign currencies may negatively affect the value of the Fund’s investments in foreign securities. For example, an increase in the strength of the U.S. Dollar relative to a foreign currency will generally cause the U.S. Dollar value of an investment denominated in that currency to decline. Currency risk may be hedged or unhedged; however, currency hedging is not a principal investment strategy of the Fund. Unhedged currency exposure may result in gains or losses as a result of the change in the relationship between the U.S. Dollar and the respective foreign currency.

 

Emerging Market Risk – The Global Fund may invest in emerging market securities. Investing in emerging market securities imposes risks different from, or greater than, risks of investing in foreign developed countries. These risks include: smaller market capitalization of securities markets, which may suffer periods of relative illiquidity; significant price volatility; restrictions on foreign investment; possible repatriation of investment income and capital. In addition, foreign investors may be required to register the proceeds of sales; future economic or political crises could lead to price controls, forced mergers, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, seizure, nationalization or creation of government monopolies. The currencies of emerging market countries may experience significant declines against the U.S. dollar, and devaluation may occur subsequent to investments in these currencies by a Fund. Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had, and may continue to have, negative effects on the economies and securities markets of certain emerging market countries.

 

Additional risks of emerging markets securities may include: greater social, economic and political uncertainty and instability; more substantial governmental involvement in the economy; less governmental supervision and regulation; unavailability of currency hedging techniques; companies that are newly organized and small; differences in auditing and financial reporting standards, which may result in unavailability of material information about issuers; and less developed legal systems. In addition, emerging securities markets may have different clearance and settlement procedures, which may be unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions or otherwise make it difficult to engage in such transactions. Settlement problems may cause a Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities, hold a portion of its assets in cash pending investment, or be delayed in disposing of a portfolio security. Such a delay could result in possible liability to a purchaser of the security.

 

Private Investment Fund Risk – Investments in private investment funds (whether liquid or illiquid), such as hedge funds and fund-of-funds, carry various risks, including that some fund products: use leverage and other speculative investment practices that may increase the risk of investment loss; are not required to provide periodic pricing or valuation information to investors; may involve complex tax structures and delays in distributing important tax information; are not subject to the same regulatory requirements as mutual funds; often charge high fees; and in many cases the underlying investments are not transparent.

 

Smaller Capitalization Risk – As compared to companies with larger market capitalizations, smaller capitalization companies may target narrower geographic regions, have shallower market penetrations, offer less diverse product or service lines, lack management depth, and, generally speaking, have fewer resources. There may also be less public information available about them. Moreover, the securities of such smaller companies are often less well known to the investment community and therefore have less market liquidity; as a result, their stock prices may be more volatile and react more strongly to changes in the marketplace. Generally, these risks increase as the size of a company’s market capitalization falls.

 

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Large Capitalization Risk – Larger, more established companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges such as changes in consumer tastes or innovative smaller competitors. Also, large-cap companies are sometimes unable to attain the high growth rates of successful, smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion.

 

Mid-Capitalization Risk – Generally, mid-cap companies may have more potential for growth than large-cap companies. Investing in mid-cap companies, however, may involve greater risk than investing in large-cap companies. Mid-cap companies may not have the management experience, financial resources, product diversification and competitive strengths of large-cap companies and, therefore, their securities may be more volatile than the securities of larger, more established companies, making them less liquid than other securities. Mid-cap company stocks may also be bought and sold less often and in smaller amounts than larger company stocks. Because of this, if the Fund wants to sell a large quantity of a mid-cap company’s stock, it may have to sell at a lower price than the Adviser might prefer, or it may have to sell in smaller than desired quantities over a period of time.

 

Interest Rate Risk – The Fund’s debt investments are subject to interest rate risk, which is the risk that the value of these investments will vary as interest rates fluctuate. Generally, debt securities will decrease in value when interest rates rise and rise in value when interest rates decline. The longer the effective maturity of the Fund’s debt securities, the more sensitive their value will be to interest rate changes.

 

Credit Risk – The Fund’s debt investments are subject to credit risk. The value of a debt instrument is based, in part, on the credit quality of the borrower, which depends on its ability to pay principal and interest when due. The value of a debt instrument is likely to fall if an issuer or borrower defaults on its obligation to pay principal or interest or if the instrument’s credit rating is downgraded by a credit rating agency. The value of a debt instrument can also decline in response to changes in the financial condition of the issuer or borrower; changes in specific market, economic, industry, political and regulatory conditions that affect a particular type of instrument or borrower; and changes in general market, economic, political and regulatory conditions. For certain types of instruments, the value of the instrument depends in part on the credit quality of the counterparty to the transaction. For other types of debt instruments, including collateralized instruments, the price of the debt instrument also depends on the credit quality and adequacy of the underlying assets or collateral. Enforcing rights against the underlying assets or collateral may be difficult, or the underlying assets or collateral may be insufficient if the issuer defaults.

 

Credit risk also exists whenever the Fund enters into a foreign exchange or derivative contract, because the counterparty may not be able or may choose not to perform under the contract. When the Fund invests in foreign currency contracts, or other over-the-counter derivative instruments (including options), it is assuming a credit risk with regard to the party with which it trades and also bears the risk of settlement default. These risks may differ materially from risks associated with transactions effected on an exchange, which generally are backed by clearing organization guarantees, daily mark-to-market and settlement, segregation and minimum capital requirements applicable to intermediaries. Transactions entered into directly between two counterparties generally do not benefit from such protections. Relying on a counterparty exposes the Fund to the risk that the counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with its terms and conditions because of a dispute over the terms of the contract (whether or not bona fide) or because of a credit or liquidity problem, thus causing the Fund to suffer a loss. If a counterparty defaults on its payment obligations to the Fund, this default will cause the value of an investment in the Fund to decrease. In addition, to the extent the Fund or an Underlying Fund deals with a limited number of counterparties, it will be more susceptible to the credit risks associated with those counterparties. The Fund is neither restricted from dealing with any particular counterparty nor from concentrating any or all of its transactions with one counterparty. The ability of the Fund to transact business with any one or number of counterparties and the absence of a regulated market to facilitate settlement may increase the potential for losses by the Fund.

 

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High-Yield or “Junk” Security Risk – Investments in debt securities that are rated below investment grade by one or more NRSROs (“high yield securities” also known as “junk securities”) may be subject to greater risk of loss of principal and interest than investments in higher-rated debt securities. High-yield securities are also generally considered to be highly speculative and subject to greater market risk than higher-rated securities. The capacity of issuers of high-yield securities to pay interest and repay principal is more likely to weaken than is that of issuers of higher-rated securities in times of deteriorating economic conditions or rising interest rates. In addition, high yield securities may be more susceptible to real or perceived adverse economic conditions than higher-rated securities. The market for high-yield securities may be less liquid than the market for higher-rated securities. This can adversely affect the Fund’s ability to buy or sell optimal quantities of high-yield securities at desired prices.

 

Commodities Risk – Exposure to the commodities markets may subject the Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The value of commodity-linked derivative investments may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates or sectors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, embargoes, tariffs and international economic, political and regulatory developments.

 

Hedging Risk – The Adviser from time to time employs various hedging techniques. The success of the Fund’s hedging strategy will be subject to the Adviser’s ability to correctly assess the degree of correlation between the performance of the instruments used in the hedging strategy and the performance of the investments in the portfolio being hedged. Since the characteristics of many securities change as markets change or time passes, the success of the Fund’s hedging strategy will also be subject to the Adviser’s ability to continually recalculate, readjust and execute hedges in an efficient and timely manner. For a variety of reasons, the Adviser may not seek to establish a perfect correlation between such hedging instruments and the portfolio holdings being hedged. Such imperfect correlation may prevent the Fund from achieving the intended hedge or expose the Fund to risk of loss. In addition, it is not possible to hedge fully or perfectly against any risk, and hedging entails its own costs.

 

Managed Fund Risk – The investment decisions of the Adviser may cause the Fund to underperform other investments or benchmark indices. The Fund may also underperform other mutual funds with similar investment strategies. The Adviser may be incorrect in an assessment of a particular industry or company, or the Adviser may not buy chosen securities at the lowest possible prices or sell securities at the highest possible prices. As with any mutual fund investment, there can be no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment goals.

 

High Portfolio Turnover Rate Risk – The Fund’s investment strategies may result in a turnover rate as high as or greater than 100%. This could generate capital gains that must be distributed to shareholders as short-term capital gains taxed at ordinary income rates (currently as high as 39.6%) and could increase brokerage commission costs. To the extent that the Fund experiences an increase in brokerage commissions due to a higher turnover rate, the performance of the Fund could be negatively impacted by the increased expenses incurred by the Fund. Rapid portfolio turnover also exposes shareholders to a higher current realization of capital gains and this could cause you to pay higher taxes.

 

Taxation Risk – By investing in commodities indirectly through the Subsidiary, the Fund will obtain exposure to the commodities markets within the federal tax requirements that apply to the Fund. However, because the Subsidiary is a controlled foreign corporation, any income received from its investments will be passed through to the Fund as ordinary income, which may be taxed at less favorable rates than capital gains. Wholly Owned Subsidiary Risk – The Subsidiary will not be registered under the 1940 Act and, unless otherwise noted in this Prospectus, will not be subject to all the investor protections of the 1940 Act. Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands, under which the Fund and the Subsidiary, respectively, are organized, could result in the inability of the Fund and/or Subsidiary to operate as described in this Prospectus and could negatively affect the Fund and its shareholders. Your cost of investing in the Fund will be higher because you indirectly bear the expenses of the Subsidiary.

 

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Timber Point Alternative Income Fund

 

Credit Risk – The price of a bond is affected by the issuer’s or counterparty’s credit quality. Changes in an entity’s financial condition and general economic conditions can affect its ability to honor financial obligations and therefore its credit quality. Lower quality bonds are generally more sensitive to these changes than higher quality bonds. Even within securities considered investment grade, differences exist in credit quality and some investment-grade debt securities may have speculative characteristics. A security’s price may be adversely affected by the market’s perception of the security’s credit quality level even if the issuer or counterparty has suffered no degradation in its ability to honor the obligation.

 

Debt Securities Risk – The risk that the issuer of a debt security may fail to pay interest or principal when due, and that changes in market interest rates may reduce the value of debt securities or reduce the Fund’s returns. The Fund may invest in debt securities, principally below investment grade securities, but also including investment grade securities and other debt obligations. During periods of economic uncertainty and change, the market price of the Fund’s investments in below investment grade securities may be particularly volatile. Such securities are regarded by the rating organizations as predominantly speculative with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation. Often below investment grade securities are subject to greater sensitivity to interest rate and economic changes than higher rated debt securities and can be more difficult to value, resulting in differences between the prices realized on their sales and the value at which they are carried on the books of the Fund.

 

Emerging Markets Risk – Emerging market securities bear various foreign investment risks discussed below. In addition, there are greater risks involved in investing in emerging markets compared to developed foreign markets. Specifically, the economic structures in emerging market countries are less diverse and mature than those in developed countries, and their political systems are less stable.

 

Investments in emerging market countries may be affected by national policies that restrict foreign investment. Emerging market countries may have less developed legal structures, and the small size of their securities markets and low trading volumes can make investments illiquid and more volatile than investments in developed countries. The Fund’s investment in emerging market countries may be required to establish special custody or other arrangements before investing, which may result in additional risks and costs to the Fund.

 

Equity Securities Risk – The market price of equity securities owned by the Fund may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably. The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons that may directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, fundamental changes to the business, financial leverage, non-compliance with regulatory requirements and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services. The values of equity securities also may decline due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment generally. Certain equity securities may decline in value even during periods when the prices of equity securities in general are rising, or may not perform as well as the market in general. In addition to these risks, preferred stock and convertible securities are also subject to the risk that issuers will not make payments on securities held by the Fund, which could result in losses to the Fund. In addition, the credit quality of preferred stock and convertible securities held by the Fund may be lowered if an issuer’s financial condition changes, leading to greater volatility in the price of the security. The market value of convertible securities also tends to fall when prevailing interest rates rise.

 

Exchange-Traded Funds Risk – ETFs are passive funds that track their related index and have the flexibility of trading like a security. They are managed by professionals and provide the investor with diversification, cost and tax efficiency, liquidity, marginability, are useful for hedging, have the ability to go long and short, and some provide quarterly dividends. Additionally, some ETFs are unit investment trusts (UITs), which are unmanaged portfolios overseen by trustees. ETFs generally have two markets. The primary market is where institutions swap “creation units” in block-multiples of 50,000 shares for in-kind securities and cash in the form of dividends. The secondary market is where individual investors can trade as little as a single share during trading hours on the exchange. This is different from open-ended mutual funds that are traded after hours once the net asset value (NAV) is calculated. ETFs share many similar risks with open-end and closed-end funds.

 

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There is a risk that ETFs in which a Fund invests may terminate due to extraordinary events that may cause any of the service providers to the ETFs, such as the trustee or sponsor, to close or otherwise fail to perform their obligations to the ETF. Also, because the ETFs in which a Fund intends to principally invest may be granted licenses by agreement to use the indices as a basis for determining their compositions and/or otherwise to use certain trade names, the ETFs may terminate if such license agreements are terminated. In addition, an ETF may terminate if its entire net asset value falls below a certain amount. Although each Fund believes that, in the event of the termination of an underlying ETF, it will be able to invest instead in shares of an alternate ETF tracking the same market index or another market index with the same general market, there is no guarantee that shares of an alternate ETF would be available for investment at that time. To the extent a Fund invests in a sector product, the Fund is subject to the risks associated with that sector.

 

Exchange-Traded Notes Risk – The Fund may invest in exchange traded notes (“ETNs”), which are debt securities with returns linked to a particular index. ETNs are typically linked to the performance of a commodities index that reflects the potential return on unleveraged investments in futures contracts of physical commodities, plus a specified rate of interest that could be earned on cash collateral. ETNs are subject to credit risk. The value of an ETN may vary and may be influenced by time to maturity, level of supply and demand for the ETN, volatility and lack of liquidity in underlying commodities markets or other relevant markets, changes in the applicable interest rates, changes in the issuer’s credit rating, and economic, legal, political, or geographic events that affect the referenced commodity or other reference asset. ETNs are also subject to the risk of being illiquid. When the Fund invests in ETNs it will bear its proportionate share of any fees and expenses borne by the ETN. There may be restrictions on the Fund’s right to redeem its investment in an ETN, which is meant to be held until maturity. The Fund’s decision to sell its ETN holdings may be limited by the unavailability of a secondary market. The tax rules are uncertain with respect to the treatment of income or gains arising in respect of ETNs. The Fund’s investments in commodities-linked ETNs may be limited by these and other tax considerations, including the Fund’s intention to qualify annually as a RIC under the Code.

 

Foreign Investment Risk – Investing in foreign securities, including depositary receipts, or securities of U.S. entities with significant foreign operations, involves additional risks that can affect the Fund’s performance. Foreign markets, particularly emerging markets, may be less liquid, more volatile and subject to less regulation than U.S. markets. There may be difficulties in enforcing contractual obligations, and it may take more time for transactions to clear and settle in foreign countries than in the U.S. Less information may be available about foreign issuers. The costs of buying and selling foreign securities, including tax, brokerage and custody costs, generally are higher than those involving domestic transactions. The specific risks of investing in foreign securities include valuation risk and:

 

Currency Risk – The values of foreign investments may be affected by changes in currency rates or exchange control regulations. If the local currency gains strength against the U.S. dollar, the value of the foreign security increases in U.S. dollar terms. Conversely, if the local currency weakens against the U.S. dollar, the value of the foreign security declines in U.S. dollar terms. U.S. dollar-denominated securities of foreign issuers, including depositary receipts, also are subject to currency risk based on their related investments. The Fund is permitted to hedge against foreign currency risk, but normally will not do so.

 

Political/Economic Risk – Changes in economic, tax or foreign investment policies, government stability, war or other political or economic actions may have an adverse effect on the Fund’s foreign investments.

 

Regulatory Risk – Foreign companies often are not subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards or to other regulatory practices and requirements common to U.S. companies.

 

There may be less information publicly available about foreign issuers than about most publicly-traded U.S. companies, and foreign issuers are usually not subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and practices as stringent as those in the United States. In addition, the Fund may be subject to non-U.S. taxes, including potentially on a retroactive basis, on (i) capital gains it realizes or dividends or interest it receives on non-U.S. securities, (ii) transactions in those securities and (iii) the repatriation of proceeds generated from the sale of those securities.

 

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Recently, additional risks have arisen related to the high levels of debt of various European countries such as Greece, Italy and Spain. One or more member states might exit the European Union, placing its currency and banking system in jeopardy. These problems, and related political and monetary efforts to address these problems, may increase the potential for market declines in one or more member states that can spread to global markets. These increased risks may persist and may result in greater volatility in the securities markets and the potential for impaired liquidity and valuation.

 

High Yield Securities. A Fund may invest in high yield securities. High yield, high risk bonds are securities that are generally rated below investment grade by the primary rating agencies (BB+ or lower by S&P and Ba1 or lower by Moody’s). Other terms used to describe such securities include “lower rated bonds,” “non-investment grade bonds,” “below investment grade bonds,” and “junk bonds.” These securities are considered to be high-risk investments. The risks include the following:

 

Greater Risk of Loss. These securities are regarded as predominately speculative. There is a greater risk that issuers of lower rated securities will default than issuers of higher rated securities. Issuers of lower rated securities generally are less creditworthy and may be highly indebted, financially distressed or bankrupt. These issuers are more vulnerable to real or perceived economic changes, political changes or adverse industry developments. In addition, high yield securities are frequently subordinated to the prior payment of senior indebtedness. If an issuer fails to pay principal or interest, a Fund would experience a decrease in income and a decline in the market value of its investments.

 

Sensitivity to Interest Rate and Economic Changes. The income and market value of lower rated securities may fluctuate more than higher rated securities. Although non-investment grade securities tend to be less sensitive to interest rate changes than investment grade securities, non-investment grade securities are more sensitive to short-term corporate, economic and market developments. During periods of economic uncertainty and change, the market price of the investments in lower rated securities may be volatile. The default rate for high yield bonds tends to be cyclical, with defaults rising in periods of economic downturn. For example, in 2000, 2001 and 2002, the default rate for high yield securities was significantly higher than in the prior or subsequent years.

 

Valuation Difficulties. It is often more difficult to value lower rated securities than higher rated securities. If an issuer’s financial condition deteriorates, accurate financial and business information may be limited or unavailable. In addition, the lower rated investments may be thinly traded and there may be no established secondary market. Because of the lack of market pricing and current information for investments in lower rated securities, valuation of such investments is much more dependent on judgment than is the case with higher rated securities.

 

Liquidity. There may be no established secondary or public market for investments in lower rated securities. Such securities are frequently traded in markets that may be relatively less liquid than the market for higher rated securities. In addition, relatively few institutional purchasers may hold a major portion of an issue of lower rated securities at times. As a result, a Fund may be required to sell investments at substantial losses or retain them indefinitely when an issuer’s financial condition is deteriorating.

 

Credit Quality. Credit quality of non-investment grade securities can change suddenly and unexpectedly, and even recently-issued credit ratings may not fully reflect the actual risks posed by a particular high-yield security.

 

New Legislation. Future legislation may have a possible negative impact on the market for high yield, high risk bonds. As an example, in the late 1980’s, legislation required federally-insured savings and loan associations to divest their investments in high yield, high risk bonds. New legislation, if enacted, could have a material negative effect on a Fund’s investments in lower rated securities.

 

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High yield, high risk investments may include the following:

 

Straight fixed-income debt securities. These include bonds and other debt obligations that bear a fixed or variable rate of interest payable at regular intervals and have a fixed or resettable maturity date. The particular terms of such securities vary and may include features such as call provisions and sinking funds.

 

Zero-coupon debt securities. These bear no interest obligation but are issued at a discount from their value at maturity. When held to maturity, their entire return equals the difference between their issue price and their maturity value.

 

Zero-fixed-coupon debt securities. These are zero-coupon debt securities that convert on a specified date to interest-bearing debt securities.

 

Pay-in-kind bonds. These are bonds which allow the issuer, at its option, to make current interest payments on the bonds either in cash or in additional bonds. These are bonds sold without registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“1933 Act”), usually to a relatively small number of institutional investors.

 

Convertible Securities. These are bonds or preferred stock that may be converted to common stock.

 

Preferred Stock. These are stocks that generally pay a dividend at a specified rate and have preference over common stock in the payment of dividends and in liquidation.

 

Loan Participations and Assignments. These are participations in, or assignments of all or a portion of loans to corporations or to governments, including governments of less developed countries (“LDCs”).

 

Securities issued in connection with Reorganizations and Corporate Restructurings. In connection with reorganizing or restructuring of an issuer, an issuer may issue common stock or other securities to holders of its debt securities. A Fund may hold such common stock and other securities even if it does not invest in such securities.

 

Illiquid and Restricted Securities Risk – Illiquid investments may be difficult to resell at approximately the price they are valued in the ordinary course of business within seven days. When investments cannot be sold readily at the desired time or price, the Fund may have to accept a much lower price, may not be able to sell the investment at all or may be forced to forego other investment opportunities, all of which may adversely impact the Fund’s returns. Illiquid investments also may be subject to valuation risk. Restricted securities (including Rule 144A securities) may be subject to legal restraints on resale and, therefore, are typically less liquid than other securities. The prices received from selling restricted securities in privately negotiated transactions may be less than those originally paid by the Fund. Investors in restricted securities may not benefit from the same investor protections as publicly traded securities.

 

Interest Rate Risk – Fixed income security prices generally rise when interest rates decline and decline when interest rates rise. The extent to which a fixed income security’s price changes with changes in interest rates is referred to as interest rate duration, which can be measured mathematically or empirically. A longer-maturity investment generally has longer interest rate duration because the investment’s fixed rate is locked in for a longer period of time. The longer the duration of a fixed income security, the more a change in interest rates affects the fixed income security’s price. Short-term and long-term interest rates may not move the same amount and may not move in the same direction.

 

LIBOR Risk. Overall fixed income market risks may affect the value of individual securities in which the Fund invests. Factors such as global interest rate levels, economic growth, market conditions and political events affect the fixed income securities markets. On July 27, 2017, the head of the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority announced a desire to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021. There remains uncertainty regarding the future utilization of LIBOR and the nature of any replacement rate. As a result, any impact of a transition away from LIBOR on the Fund or the instruments in which the Fund invests cannot yet be determined. Industry initiatives are underway to identify alternative reference rates; however, there is no assurance that the composition or characteristics of any such alternative reference rate will be similar to or produce the same value or economic equivalence as LIBOR or that instruments using an alternative rate will have the same volume or liquidity. As a result, the transition process might lead to increased volatility and reduced liquidity in markets that currently rely on LIBOR to determine interest rates; a reduction in the value of some LIBOR-based investments; and/or costs incurred in connection with closing out positions and entering into new agreements. These effects could occur prior to the end of 2021 as the utility of LIBOR as a reference rate could deteriorate during the transition period. Uncertainty relating to the LIBOR calculation process may adversely affect the value of the Fund’s investments in floating rate debt securities that are indexed to LIBOR. When the value of the Fund’s investments goes down, your investment in the Fund decreases in value and you could lose money.

 

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Management Risk – The Fund’s ability to identify and invest in attractive opportunities is dependent upon the Adviser and Sub-Adviser. If one or more key individuals leave, the Adviser or Sub-Adviser may not be able to hire qualified replacements or may require extended time to do so. This situation could prevent the Fund from achieving its investment objectives. The Fund’s portfolio managers use quantitative analyses and/or models. Any imperfections or limitations in such analyses and models could affect the ability of the portfolio managers to implement strategies. By necessity, these analyses and models make simplifying assumptions that limit their efficacy. Models that appear to explain prior market data can fail to predict future market events. Further, the data used in models may be inaccurate and/or it may not include the most recent information about a company or a security.

 

Mid-Cap Company Risk – Investments in securities of mid-cap companies entail greater risks than investments in larger, more established companies. Mid-cap companies tend to have more narrow product lines, more limited financial resources and a more limited trading market for their stocks, as compared with larger companies. As a result, their stock prices may decline significantly as market conditions change.

 

Municipal Securities Risk – Changes in the financial health of a municipality may make it difficult for it to make interest and principal payments when due. Changes in the financial condition of one or more municipal issuers may affect the overall municipal securities market. The municipal securities market could be significantly affected by adverse political and legislative changes or litigation at the federal or state level, as well as uncertainties related to taxation or the rights of municipal security holders. Changes in market conditions may directly impact the liquidity and valuation of municipal securities, which may, in turn, adversely affect the yield and value of the Fund’s municipal securities investments. High yield municipal securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”) are more likely to default than higher rated securities. High yield municipal securities are regarded as speculative with respect to the municipality’s capacity to pay interest and to repay principal.

 

Portfolio Turnover Risk – The Fund’s annual portfolio turnover rate may vary greatly from year to year. A high rate of portfolio turnover (i.e., 100% or more) will result in increased transaction costs for the Fund in the form of increased dealer spreads and brokerage commissions. Greater transaction costs may reduce Fund performance. High portfolio turnover also may result in increased realization of net short-term capital gains (which are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income when distributed to them), higher taxable distributions and lower the Fund’s after-tax performance.

 

REIT Risk – Investing in real estate investment trusts, or “REITs”, involves certain unique risks in addition to those associated with the real estate sector generally. REITs whose underlying properties are concentrated in a particular industry or region are also subject to risks affecting such industries and regions. REITs (especially mortgage REITs) are also subject to interest rate risks. By investing in REITs through the Fund, a shareholder will bear expenses of the REITs in addition to Fund expenses. Non-publicly traded REITs are subject to significant commissions, expenses, and offering and organizational costs that reduce the value of the Fund’s investment. Non-publicly traded REITs are not liquid, and investments in non-publicly traded REITs may not be accessible for an extended period of time.

 

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Securities Market Risk – The risk that the value of securities owned by the Fund may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to factors affecting particular companies or the securities markets generally. A general downturn in the securities market may cause multiple asset classes to decline in value simultaneously, although equity securities generally have greater price volatility than fixed income securities. Despite gains in some markets after steep declines during certain periods of 2008-2009, negative conditions and price declines may return unexpectedly and dramatically. In addition, the Fund could experience a loss when selling securities in order to meet unusually large or frequent redemption requests in times of overall market turmoil or declining prices for the securities sold.

 

Stock Market Risk – is the risk that the value of equity securities may decline. Stock prices change daily, sometimes rapidly, in response to company activity and general economic and market conditions. Certain stocks may decline in value even during periods when the prices of equity securities in general are rising, or may not perform as well as the market in general. Stock prices may also experience greater volatility during periods of challenging market conditions such as the one that the market recently experienced. Additional stock market risk may be introduced when a particular equity security is traded on a foreign market. For more detail on the related risks involved in foreign markets, see Foreign Investment Risk above.

 

Bond Market – includes the risk that the value and liquidity of debt securities may be reduced under certain circumstances. Bond prices can change daily, sometimes rapidly, in response to issuer activity and general economic and credit market conditions. Bond prices can be volatile and there can be severe limitations in the ability to value or sell certain bonds, including those that are of higher credit quality, during periods of reduced credit market liquidity such as the one that the market recently experienced.

 

Small-Cap Company Risk – Investing in securities of small-cap companies may involve greater risks than investing in larger, more established companies. Smaller companies may have limited product lines, markets and financial resources. Their securities may trade less frequently and in more limited volume than securities of larger, more established companies. In addition, smaller companies are typically subject to greater changes in earnings and business prospects than are larger companies. Consequently, the prices of small company stocks tend to rise and fall in value more than other stocks. Although investing in small-cap companies may offer potential for above-average returns, the companies may not succeed and their stock prices could decline significantly. Investments in small-cap companies may also be subject to valuation risk.

 

Underlying Fund Risk – Underlying Funds are subject to investment advisory fees and other expenses, which will be paid by the Fund. As a result, your cost of investing in the Fund will be higher than the cost of investing directly in the Underlying Funds and may be higher than other mutual funds that invest directly in bonds. Each Underlying Fund is subject to specific risks, depending on its investments. To the extent that the Fund invests in Underlying Funds, its performance will be affected by the performance of those Underlying Funds. Also, an investor in the Fund may receive taxable gains from portfolio transactions by an Underlying Fund, as well as taxable gains from transactions in shares of the Underlying Fund by the Fund. ETF shares may trade at a discount or a premium in market price if there is a limited market in such shares. ETFs are also subject to brokerage and other trading costs, which could result in greater expenses to the Fund.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON INVESTMENTS AND RISKS

 

Temporary Investments. In response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, a Fund may invest 100% of its total assets, without limitation, 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. While a Fund is in a defensive position, it may not achieve its investment objective. 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’ advisory fees and operational fees. A Fund may also invest a substantial portion of its assets in such instruments at any time to maintain liquidity or pending selection of investments in accordance with its policies.

 

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Cybersecurity. The computer systems, networks and devices used by a Fund and its service providers to carry out routine business operations employ a variety of protections designed to prevent damage or interruption from computer viruses, network failures, computer and telecommunication failures, infiltration by unauthorized persons and security breaches. Despite the various protections utilized by a Fund and its service providers, systems, networks or devices potentially can be breached. A Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result of a cybersecurity breach.

 

Cybersecurity breaches can include unauthorized access to systems, networks or devices; infection from computer viruses or other malicious software code; and attacks that shut down, disable, slow or otherwise disrupt operations, business processes or website access or functionality. Cybersecurity breaches may cause disruptions and impact a Fund’s business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses; interference with a Fund’s ability to calculate its NAV; impediments to trading; the inability of a Fund, the Adviser and other service providers to transact business; violations of applicable privacy and other laws; regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, or additional compliance costs; as well as the inadvertent release of confidential information.

 

Similar adverse consequences could result from cybersecurity breaches affecting issuers of securities in which a Fund invests; counterparties with which a Fund engages in transactions; governmental and other regulatory authorities; exchange and other financial market operators, banks, brokers, dealers, insurance companies and other financial institutions (including financial intermediaries and service providers for the Fund’s shareholders); and other parties. In addition, substantial costs may be incurred by these entities in order to prevent any cybersecurity breaches in the future.

 

Regulation as a Commodity Pool Operator. The Trust, on behalf of each Fund, has filed with the National Futures Association, a notice claiming an exclusion from the definition of the term “commodity pool operator” under the Commodity Exchange Act, as amended, and the rules of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission promulgated thereunder, with respect to the Fund’s operations. Accordingly, the Funds are not subject to registration or regulation as a commodity pool operator.

 

Portfolio Holdings Disclosure. A description of the Funds’ policies regarding the release of portfolio holdings information is available in the Funds’ Statement of Additional Information. Shareholders may request portfolio holdings schedules at no charge by calling (877) 244-6235.

 

MANAGEMENT

 

Investment Adviser. Timber Point, located at 555 Pleasantville Road, Suite N202, Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510, serves as investment adviser to each Fund. Subject to the authority of the Board, Timber Point is responsible for the overall management of each Fund’s business affairs. Timber Point was established in 2020 and serves primarily individual investors, financial advisers, and registered investment companies. The Adviser is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. As of June 30, 2020, Timber Point had approximately $90 million in assets under management.

 

Timber Point Global Tactical Allocation Fund

 

Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, effective June 12, 2020, the Fund pays the Adviser, monthly, an annual advisory fee of 0.90% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, the Fund paid an investment advisory fee to the former investment adviser at an annual rate of 0.00% of the average daily net assets of the Fund after waivers and reimbursements. A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees’ approval of the Advisory Agreement will be available in the Fund’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the period ended September 30, 2020.

 

The Fund is responsible for its own operating expenses. Pursuant to an operating expense limitation agreement between the Adviser and the Fund, the Adviser has agreed to waive or reduce its fees and to assume other expenses of the Fund, if necessary, in an amount that limits “Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses” (exclusive interest, expenses incurred under a plan of distribution adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, dividend expenses on short sales and other expenditures which are capitalized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business) to not more than 1.43% of the average daily net assets of each share class of the Fund through January 31, 2022, subject thereafter to annual re-approval of the agreement by the Board of Trustees.

 

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The Adviser is permitted to receive reimbursement of any excess expense payments paid by it pursuant to the operating expense limitation agreement in future years on a rolling three-year basis, as long as the reimbursement does not cause the Fund’s annual operating expenses to exceed the expense cap. The Fund must pay its current ordinary operating expenses before the Adviser is entitled to any reimbursement of management fees and/or expenses. This operating expense limitation agreement through January 31, 2022 can be terminated only by, or with the consent, of the Board of Trustees.

 

Fee waivers and reimbursements by the former investment adviser with regard to the Fund will continue to be recoverable by the Adviser. Such recoupment was approved by shareholders in connection with the approval of the Advisory Agreement.

 

Timber Point Alternative Income Fund

 

Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays the Adviser, monthly, an annual advisory fee of 1.00% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. For the fiscal period ended September 30, 2019, the Fund paid an investment advisory fee to the former investment adviser at an annual rate of 0.00% of the average daily net assets of the Fund after waivers and reimbursements. A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees’ approval of the Advisory Agreement will be available in the Fund’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the period ended September 30, 2020.

 

The Fund is responsible for its own operating expenses. Pursuant to an operating expense limitation agreement between Timber Point and the Fund, the Adviser has agreed to waive or reduce its fees and to assume other expenses of the Fund, if necessary, in an amount that limits “Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses” (exclusive of interest, expenses incurred under a plan of distribution adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, dividend expenses short sales and other expenditures which are capitalized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of such Fund’s business) to not more than 2.00% of the average daily net assets of each share class of the Fund through January 31, 2022.

 

Fee waivers and reimbursements by the former investment adviser with regard to the Fund will continue to be recoverable by the Adviser. Such recoupment was approved by shareholders in connection with the approval of the Advisory Agreement.

 

This operating expense limitation agreement can be terminated only by, or with the consent of, the Board of Trustees. The Adviser is permitted to receive reimbursement of any excess expense payments paid by it pursuant to the operating expense limitation agreement in future years on a rolling three-year basis, as long as the reimbursement does not cause the Fund’s annual operating expenses to exceed the expense cap.

 

Fee waivers and reimbursements by the former investment adviser regarding the Fund will continue to be recoverable by the Adviser. Such recoupment was approved by shareholders in connection with the approval of the Advisory Agreement.

 

The Sub-Adviser: Winthrop Capital Management, LLC (the “Winthrop”) serves as the sub-adviser to the Fund. Its principal place of business is 20 East 91st Street, Suite 200, Indianapolis, Indiana 46240. Winthrop was registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an investment adviser on April 30, 2010. As of June 30, 2020, Winthrop had approximately $2 billion in assets under management.

 

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Pursuant to a Sub-Advisory Agreement with Timber Point, Winthrop manages a portion of the Fund’s portfolio consistent with Winthrop’s fixed income skill set, as well as applicable market conditions and opportunities, while Timber Point manages the balance of the Fund’s portfolio. The fee payable to Winthrop by Timber Point under the Sub-Advisory Agreement is 0.25% for the first $50 million in assets under management and 0.20% for assets above $50 million. The sub-advisory fee payable to Winthrop will be paid by Timber Point from the 1.00% advisory fee Timber Point currently receives from the Fund. In a separate agreement, Winthrop also agreed to make certain concessions related to the expense limitation arrangements for the Fund.

 

A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the Sub-Advisory Agreement will be available in the Fund’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020.

 

Portfolio Managers

 

David Cleary

President and Chief Compliance Officer of Timber Point

 

David Cleary is President and Chief Compliance Officer of Timber Point. Previously, he was a principal and portfolio manager at Crow Point Partners, LLC. Mr. Cleary spent 23 years at Lazard Asset Management where he held a series of senior portfolio management roles over multi-asset and global fixed income strategies. Mr. Cleary additionally served as the firm’s global head of fixed income, a $26 billion platform. Prior to Lazard, Mr. Cleary worked at UBS and IBJ Schroder, mostly in fixed income asset management roles. He began working in the asset management field in 1987 upon his graduation from Cornell University, with a BS in Business Management and Applied Economics. Mr. Cleary is a Chartered Financial Analyst.

 

Timber Point Alternative Income Fund

 

David Cleary of the Adviser has served the Fund as a portfolio manager since October 2017. Gregory J. Hahn and Adam Coons of Winthrop have served the Fund as portfolio managers since June 2019.

 

Gregory J. Hahn

Chief Investment Officer and Portfolio Manager of Winthrop

 

Gregory J. Hahn is the lead portfolio manager for Winthrop’s fixed income strategies and is responsible for setting investment strategy and managing internal processes for portfolio management and security selection for the firm. Prior to forming Winthrop, Mr. Hahn was the Chief Investment Officer and Senior Portfolio Manager for Oppenheimer Asset Management and its subsidiary, Oppenheimer Investment Management. There he was responsible for the oversight of the fixed income investment process. Mr. Hahn also served as the Chief Investment Officer and Senior Portfolio Manager with Conseco Capital Management (40|86 Advisors). In addition to his investment management responsibilities at Conseco Capital Management, Mr. Hahn was President and Trustee of its registered investment companies, including the Conseco Fund Group, the Conseco Series Trust and the Conseco Strategic Income Fund. Mr. Hahn holds a B.B.A. from the University of Wisconsin and an M.B.A. from Indiana University. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst, a member and former President of the CFA Society of Indianapolis, a former Trustee of the Indiana Public Employee Retirement System and has served as a member on the ACLI’s Committee on State Regulation of Investments. Mr. Hahn currently serves as an independent director for the Fund Evaluation Group Absolute Access Fund. In addition, he is a member of the National Federation of Municipal Analysts. Mr. Hahn has over 35 years of investment management experience.

 

Adam Coons

Trader/Co-Portfolio Manager of Winthrop

 

Adam Coons’ primary responsibilities at Winthrop include trading, securities research and risk analytics for the fixed income portfolios. He also assists the Chief Investment Officer in developing strategies for the fixed income and equity portfolios. Mr. Coons is responsible for research in the Technology, Telecomm, Industrial and Utilities sectors. He received his B.S. in Finance from IUPUI in Indianapolis, Kelley School of Business and is a Chartered Financial Analyst. Mr. Coons has been with Winthrop since October 2013.

 

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The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers’ compensation, other accounts managed and their ownership of securities in the Funds.

 

Board of Trustees. The Funds are series of the 360 Funds (the “Trust”), an open-end management investment company organized as a Delaware statutory trust on February 24, 2005. The Board supervises the operations of the Funds according to applicable state and federal law and is responsible for the overall management of the Funds’ business affairs.

 

ADMINISTRATION

 

Custodian. Fifth Third Bank (the “Custodian”) serves as the custodian of the Funds’ securities.

 

Fund Administration and Distribution. M3Sixty Administration, LLC (“M3Sixty” or the “Administrator”) serves as the Funds’ administrator providing the Funds with administrative, accounting and compliance services. In addition, M3Sixty serves as the transfer agent and dividend-disbursing agent of the Funds. As indicated below under the caption “Investing in the Funds,” M3Sixty will handle your orders to purchase and redeem shares of the Funds and will disburse dividends paid by the Funds.

 

Distribution of Shares. Matrix 360 Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”) serves as the Funds’ principal underwriter. The Distributor may sell the Funds’ shares to or through qualified securities dealers or other approved entities.

 

Certain Expenses. In addition to the investment advisory fees, the Funds pay all expenses not assumed by the Adviser, including, without limitation, the fees and expenses of its independent accountants and of its legal counsel; the costs of printing and mailing to shareholders annual and semi-annual reports, proxy statements, prospectuses, statements of additional information and supplements thereto; the costs of printing registration statements; bank transaction charges and custodian’s fees; any proxy solicitors’ fees and expenses; filing fees; any federal, state or local income or other taxes; any interest; any membership fees of the Investment Company Institute and similar organizations; fidelity bond and Trustees’ liability insurance premiums; and any extraordinary expenses, such as indemnification payments or damages awarded in litigation or settlements made.

 

INVESTING IN THE FUNDS

 

Minimum Initial Investment. The Funds’ shares are sold and redeemed at net asset value. Shares may be purchased by any account managed by the Adviser, a sub-adviser and any other institutional investor or any broker-dealer authorized to sell shares in the Funds.

 

Timber Point Global Allocations Fund

 

The minimum initial investment in Institutional Class shares is $1,000. There is no minimum subsequent investment for Institutional Class shares. The Fund may, at the Adviser’s sole discretion, accept accounts with less than the minimum investment.

 

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Timber Point Alternative Income Fund

 

The minimum investment for Institutional Class shares is $1,000. There is no minimum subsequent investment for Institutional Class shares. The Fund may, at the Adviser’s sole discretion, accept accounts with less than the minimum investment.

 

Determining the Fund’s Net Asset Value. The price at which you purchase or redeem shares is based on the next calculation of net asset value after an order is accepted in good form. An order is considered to be in good form if it includes a complete application and payment in full of the purchase amount. A Fund’s net asset value per share is calculated by dividing the value of the Fund’s total assets, less liabilities (including Fund expenses, which are accrued daily), by the total number of outstanding shares of the Fund. The net asset value per share of a Fund is normally determined at the time regular trading closes on the NYSE, currently 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday, except when the NYSE closes earlier. A Fund does not calculate net asset value on business holidays when the NYSE is closed.

 

The valuation of portfolio securities is determined in accordance with procedures established by, and under the direction of, the Board. In determining the value of a Fund’s total assets, portfolio securities are generally calculated at market value by quotations from the primary market in which they are traded. Instruments with maturities of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost which approximates market value. A Fund normally uses pricing services to obtain market quotations. Securities and assets for which representative market quotations are not readily available or that cannot be accurately valued using a Fund’s normal pricing procedures are valued at fair value as determined in good faith under policies approved by the Trustees. Fair value pricing may be used, for example, in situations where (i) a portfolio security, such as a small-cap stock, is so thinly traded that there have been no transactions for that stock over an extended period of time or the validity of a market quotation received is questionable; (ii) the exchange on which the portfolio security is principally traded closes early; (iii) trading of the particular portfolio security is halted; (iv) the security is a restricted security not registered under federal securities laws purchased through a private placement not eligible for resale; or (v) the security is purchased on a foreign exchange.

 

Pursuant to policies adopted by the Board, the Adviser is responsible for notifying the Board (or the Trust’s Fair Value Committee (“Fair Value Committee”)) when it believes that fair value pricing is required for a particular security. A Fund’s policies regarding fair value pricing are intended to result in a calculation of the Fund’s net asset value that fairly reflects portfolio security values as of the time of pricing. A portfolio security’s fair value price may differ from the price next available for that portfolio security using a Fund’s normal pricing procedure, and may differ substantially from the price at which the portfolio security may ultimately be traded or sold. If such fair value price differs from the price that would have been determined using a Fund’s normal pricing procedures a shareholder may receive more or less proceeds or shares from redemptions or purchases of Fund shares, respectively, than a shareholder would have otherwise received if the portfolio security was priced using the Fund’s normal pricing procedures. The performance of a Fund may also be affected if a portfolio security’s fair value price were to differ from the security’s price using the Fund’s normal pricing procedures. The Board monitors and evaluates a Fund’s use of fair value pricing.

 

Other Matters. Purchases and redemptions of shares by the same shareholder on the same day will be netted for a Fund. All redemption requests will be processed and payment with respect thereto will normally be made within seven days after tender. A Fund may suspend redemption, if permitted by the 1940 Act, for any period during which the NYSE is closed or during which trading is restricted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or if the SEC declares that an emergency exists. Redemptions may also be suspended during other periods permitted by the SEC for the protection of a Fund’s shareholders. Additionally, during drastic economic and market changes, telephone redemption privileges may be difficult to implement. Also, if the Trustees determine that it would be detrimental to the best interest of a Fund’s remaining shareholders to make payment in cash, the Fund may pay redemption proceeds in whole or in part by a distribution-in-kind of readily marketable securities.

 

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PURCHASING SHARES

 

Opening a New Account. To open an account with a Fund, take the following steps:

 

1.           Complete an Account Application. Be sure to indicate the type of account you wish to open and the amount of money you wish to invest. The application must contain your name, date of birth, address and Social Security Number (“SSN”) or Taxpayer Identification Number (“TIN”). If you have applied for a SSN or TIN prior to completing your account application but you have not received your number, please indicate this on the application and include a copy of the form applying for the SSN or TIN. Taxes are not withheld from distributions to U.S. investors if certain IRS requirements regarding the SSN or TIN are met.

 

2.           Write a check or prepare a money order from a U.S. financial institution and payable in U.S. dollars. For regular mail orders, mail your completed application along with your check or money order made payable to the “[Name of Fund]” to:

 

360 Funds

[Name of Fund]

c/o M3Sixty Administration, LLC

4300 Shawnee Mission Parkway

Suite 100

Fairway, Kansas 66205

 

If checks are returned due to insufficient funds or other reasons, the purchase order will not be accepted. A Fund will charge the prospective investor a $20 fee for cancelled checks and may redeem shares of the Fund already owned by the prospective investor or another identically registered account for such fee. The prospective investor will also be responsible for any losses or expenses incurred by a Fund or the Administrator in connection with any cancelled check.

 

Bank Wire Purchases. Purchases may also be made through bank wire orders. To establish a new account or add to an existing account by wire, please call (877) 244-6235 for instructions.

 

Additional Investments. You may add to your account by mail or wire at any time by purchasing shares at the then current public offering price. Before adding funds by bank wire, please call a Fund at (877) 244-6235 and follow the above directions for bank wire purchases. Please note that in most circumstances, there will be a bank charge for wire purchases. Mail orders should include, if possible, the “Invest by Mail” stub that is attached to your confirmation statement. Otherwise, please identify your account in a letter accompanying your purchase payment.

 

Automatic Investment Plan. Shareholders who have met a Fund’s minimum investment criteria may participate in the Fund’s automatic investment plan. The automatic investment plan enables shareholders to make regular monthly or quarterly investments in a Fund through automatic charges to shareholders’ checking account. With shareholder authorization and bank approval, a Fund will automatically charge the shareholder’s checking account for the amount specified ($100 minimum for Institutional Class shares of a Fund), which will automatically be invested in the type of shares that the shareholder holds in his or her account, at the public offering price on or about the 21st day of the month. The shareholder may change the amount of the investment or discontinue the plan at any time by notifying the Fund in writing.

 

Important Information about Procedures for Opening a New Account. Under the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (USA Patriot Act of 2001), a Fund is required to obtain, verify and record information to enable the Fund to form a reasonable belief as to the identity of each customer who opens an account. Consequently, when an investor opens an account, a Fund will ask for, among other things, the investor’s name, street address, date of birth (for an individual), social security or other tax identification number (or proof that the investor has filed for such a number), and other information that will allow the Fund to identify the investor. The Fund may also ask to see the investor’s driver’s license or other identifying documents. An investor’s account application will not be considered “complete” and, therefore, an account will not be opened and the investor’s money will not be invested until the Fund receives this required information. In addition, if after opening the investor’s account, the Fund is unable to verify the investor’s identity after reasonable efforts, as determined by the Fund in its sole discretion, the Fund may (i) restrict redemptions and further investments until the investor’s identity is verified; and (ii) close the investor’s account without notice and return the investor’s redemption proceeds to the investor. If a Fund closes an investor’s account because the Fund was unable to verify the investor’s identity, the Fund will value the account in accordance with the Fund’s next net asset value calculated after the investor’s account is closed. In that case, the investor’s redemption proceeds may be worth more or less than the investor’s original investment. A Fund will not be responsible for any losses incurred due to the Fund’s inability to verify the identity of any investor opening an account.

 

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Other Information. In connection with all purchases of Fund Shares, we observe the following policies and procedures:

 

We price direct purchases based on the next public offering price (net asset value) computed after your order is received. Direct purchase orders received by M3Sixty as the Funds’ transfer agent by the close of the regular session of the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) are confirmed at that day’s public offering price. Purchase orders received by dealers prior to the close of the regular session of the NYSE on any business day and transmitted to M3Sixty on that day are confirmed at the public offering price determined as of the close of the regular session of trading on the NYSE on that day.
We do not accept third-party checks for any investments.
We may open accounts for less than the minimum investment or change minimum investment requirements at any time.
We may refuse to accept any purchase request for any reason or no reason.
We mail you confirmations of all your purchases or redemptions of Fund shares.
Certificates representing shares are not issued.

 

Exchanging Shares

 

Shares of a Fund generally may be exchanged for shares of any other Fund managed by the Adviser. Shares of a Fund also may be acquired in exchange for shares of any other Fund managed by the Adviser. You may make exchanges only between identically registered accounts (name(s), address, and TIN).

 

If an exchange results in opening a new account, you are subject to the applicable minimum investment requirement. All exchanges also are subject to the eligibility requirements of a Fund into which you are exchanging. The exchange privilege may be exercised only in those states where shares of the Fund may be legally sold. A Fund may also discontinue or modify the exchange privilege on a prospective basis at any time upon notice to shareholders in accordance with applicable law. For federal income tax purposes, an exchange of Fund shares for shares of another Fund is treated as a sale on which gain or loss may be recognized.

 

If a shareholder no longer meets the eligibility requirements for the shareholder’s current share class, a Fund may, upon notice to the shareholder, convert the shareholder into a share class of the same Fund for which the shareholder is eligible.

 

Through Your Broker or other Financial Professional
Call your broker or other financial professional. Your broker or other financial professional can assist you in all the steps necessary to exchange shares. Your broker or financial professional may charge you for its services.

 

By Mail

Write a letter to request an exchange specifying the name of the fund from which you are exchanging, the registered account name(s) and address, the account number, the dollar amount or number of shares to be exchanged and the fund into which you are exchanging.

 

The request must be signed by all of the owners of the shares including the capacity in which they are signing, if appropriate.

 

Mail your request to:

M3Sixty Administration, LLC

4300 Shawnee Mission Parkway

Suite 100

Fairway, Kansas 66205

 

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By Telephone

If you have authorized this service, you may exchange by telephone by calling (877) 244-6235.

 

If you make a telephone exchange request, you must furnish the name of the fund from which you are exchanging, the name and address of record of the registered owner, the account number and TIN, the dollar amount or number of shares to be exchanged, the fund into which you are exchanging, and the name of the person making the request.

 

 

Redeeming Shares

 

Regular Mail Redemptions. Regular mail redemption requests should be addressed to:

 

360 Funds

[Name of Fund]

c/o M3Sixty Administration, LLC

4300 Shawnee Mission Parkway

Suite 100

Fairway, Kansas 66205

 

Regular mail redemption requests should include the following:

 

(1)Your letter of instruction specifying the Fund, account number and number of shares (or the dollar amount) to be redeemed. This request must be signed by all registered shareholders in the exact names in which they are registered;

 

(2)Any required signature guarantees (see “Signature Guarantees” below); and

 

(3)Other supporting legal documents, if required in the case of estates, trusts, guardianships, custodianships, corporations, pension or profit sharing plans and other entities.

 

Except as provided below, your redemption proceeds normally will be sent to you within seven days after receipt of your redemption request. However, a Fund may delay forwarding a redemption check for recently purchased shares while it determines whether the purchase payment will be honored. Such delay (which may take up to 15 calendar days from the date of purchase) may be reduced or avoided if the purchase is made by certified check or wire transfer. In all cases, the net asset value next determined after receipt of the request for redemption will be used in processing the redemption request.

 

A Fund typically expects to meet redemption requests through cash holdings or cash equivalents and anticipates using these types of holdings on a regular basis. A Fund typically expects to pay redemption proceeds for shares redeemed within the following days after receipt by the transfer agent of a redemption request in proper form: (i) for payment by check, the Fund typically expects to mail the check within two business days; and (ii) for payment by wire or automated clearing house (“ACH”), the Fund typically expects to process the payment within two business days. Payment of redemption proceeds may take up to seven days as permitted under the 1940 Act. Under unusual circumstances as permitted by the SEC, a Fund may suspend the right of redemption or delay payment of redemption proceeds for more than seven days. When shares are purchased by check or through ACH, the proceeds from the redemption of those shares will not be paid until the purchase check or ACH transfer has been converted to federal funds, which could take up to 15 calendar days.

 

37

 

 

To the extent cash holdings or cash equivalents are not available to meet redemption requests, a Fund will meet redemption requests by either (i) rebalancing its overweight securities or (ii) selling portfolio assets. In addition, if a Fund determines that it would be detrimental to the best interest of the Fund’s remaining shareholders to make payment in cash, the Fund may pay redemption proceeds in whole or in part by a distribution-in-kind of readily marketable securities.

 

Telephone and Bank Wire Redemptions. Unless you specifically decline the telephone transaction privileges on your account application, you may redeem shares of a Fund by calling (877) 244-6235. A Fund may rely upon confirmation of redemption requests transmitted via facsimile (Fax# (816) 817-3267). The confirmation instructions must include the following:

 

(1)        Name of Fund;

(2)        Shareholder name(s) and account number;

(3)        Number of shares or dollar amount to be redeemed;

(4)        Instructions for transmittal of redemption funds to the shareholder; and

(5)        Shareholder(s) signature(s) as it/they appear(s) on the application then on file with the Fund.

 

You can choose to have redemption proceeds mailed to you at your address of record, your financial institution or to any other authorized person, or you can have the proceeds sent by wire transfer to your financial institution ($5,000 minimum). A Fund in its discretion may choose to pass through to redeeming shareholders any charges imposed by the Fund’s custodian for wire redemptions. If this cost is passed through to redeeming shareholders by a Fund, the charge will be deducted automatically from your account by redemption of shares in your account. Your bank or brokerage firm may also impose a charge for processing the wire. If wire transfer of funds is impossible or impractical, the redemption proceeds will be sent by mail to the designated account.

 

Redemption proceeds will only be sent to the financial institution account or person named in your Fund shares Application currently on file with the Fund. Telephone redemption privileges authorize a Fund to act on telephone instructions from any person representing himself or herself to be the investor and reasonably believed by the Fund to be genuine. A Fund will not be liable for any losses due to fraudulent or unauthorized instructions nor for following telephone instructions provided that the Fund follows reasonable procedures to ensure instructions are genuine.

 

Minimum Account Size. Due to the relatively high cost of maintaining small accounts, a Fund reserves the right to liquidate a shareholder’s account if, as a result of redemptions or transfers (but not required IRA distributions), the account’s balance falls below the minimum initial investment required for your type of account (see “Minimum Initial Investment” above). The Fund will notify you if your account falls below the required minimum. If your account is not increased to the required level after a thirty (30) day cure period then the Fund may, at its discretion, liquidate the account.

 

Redemptions In Kind. A Fund typically expects to satisfy requests by using holdings of cash or cash equivalents or selling portfolio assets. On a less regular basis, and if the Adviser believes it is in the best interest of a Fund and its shareholders not to sell portfolio assets, the Fund may satisfy redemption requests by using short-term borrowing from the Fund’s custodian to the extent such arrangements are in place with the custodian. These methods normally will be used during both regular and stressed market conditions. In addition to paying redemption proceeds in cash, a Fund reserves the right to make payment for a redemption in securities rather than cash, which is known as a “redemption in kind.” While the Funds do not intend, under normal circumstances, to redeem their shares by payment in kind, it is possible that conditions may arise in the future which would, in the opinion of the Trustees, make it undesirable for a Fund to pay for all redemptions in cash. In such a case, the Trustees may authorize payment to be made in readily marketable portfolio securities of the Fund. Securities delivered in payment of redemptions would be valued at the same value assigned to them in computing the Fund’s net asset value per share. Shareholders receiving them may incur brokerage costs when these securities are sold and will be subject to market risk until such securities are sold. An irrevocable election has been filed under Rule 18f-1 of the 1940 Act, wherein the Fund must pay redemptions in cash, rather than in kind, to any shareholder of record of the Fund who redeems during any 90-day period, the lesser of (a) $250,000 or (b) 1% of the Fund’s net asset value at the beginning of such period. Redemption requests in excess of this limit may be satisfied in cash or in kind at the Fund’s election.

 

38

 

 

Signature Guarantees. To protect your account and the Funds from fraud, signature guarantees may be required to be sure that you are the person who has authorized a change in registration or standing instructions for your account. Signature guarantees are generally required for (i) change of registration requests; (ii) requests to establish or to change exchange privileges or telephone and bank wire redemption service other than through your initial account application; (iii) transactions where proceeds from redemptions, dividends or distributions are sent to an address or financial institution differing from the address or financial institution of record; and (iv) redemption requests in excess of $50,000. Signature guarantees are acceptable from a member bank of the Federal Reserve System, a savings and loan institution, credit union (if authorized under state law), registered broker-dealer, securities exchange or association clearing agency and must appear on the written request for change of registration, establishment or change in exchange privileges or redemption request.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS

 

Purchases and Redemptions through Securities Firms. The Funds have authorized one or more brokers to accept purchase and redemption orders on their behalf and such brokers are authorized to designate intermediaries to accept orders on behalf of a Fund. In addition, orders will be deemed to have been received by a Fund when an authorized broker, or broker-authorized designee, accepts the purchase order or receives the redemption order. Orders will be priced at the next calculation of the Fund’s net asset value after the authorized broker or broker-authorized designee receives the orders. Investors may also be charged a fee by a broker or agent if shares are purchased through a broker or agent. A Fund is not responsible for ensuring that a broker carries out its obligations. You should look to the broker through whom you wish to invest for specific instructions on how to purchase or redeem shares of a Fund.

 

Telephone Purchases by Securities Firms. Brokerage firms that are Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) members may telephone M3Sixty at (877) 244-6235 and buy shares for investors who have investments in a Fund through the brokerage firm’s account with the Fund. By electing telephone purchase privileges, FINRA member firms, on behalf of themselves and their clients, agree that neither the Funds nor M3Sixty shall be liable for following telephone instructions reasonably believed to be genuine. To be sure telephone instructions are genuine, a Fund and its agents send written confirmations of transactions to the broker that initiated the telephone purchase. As a result of these and other policies, the FINRA member firms may bear the risk of any loss in the event of such a transaction. However, if M3Sixty fails to follow these established procedures, it may be liable. A Fund may modify or terminate these telephone privileges at any time.

 

Disruptive Trading and Market Timing. The Funds are not intended for or suitable for market timers, and market timers are discouraged from becoming investors. The ability of new shareholders to establish an account, or for existing shareholders to add to their accounts is subject to modification or limitation if a Fund determines, in its sole opinion, that the shareholder or potential shareholder has engaged in frequent purchases or redemptions that may be indicative of market timing or otherwise disruptive trading (“Disruptive Trading”) which can have harmful effects for other shareholders. These risks and harmful effects include:

 

an adverse effect on portfolio management, as determined by the Adviser in its sole discretion, such as causing a Fund to maintain a higher level of cash than would otherwise be the case, or causing a Fund to liquidate investments prematurely; and

 

reducing returns to long-term shareholders through increased brokerage and administrative expenses.

 

To protect shareholders from Disruptive Trading, the Board of Trustees has approved certain market timing policies and procedures. Under these market timing policies and procedures, a Fund may monitor trading activity by shareholders and take specific steps to prevent Disruptive Trading. In general, a Fund considers frequent roundtrip transactions in a shareholder account to constitute Disruptive Trading. A “roundtrip transaction” is one where a shareholder buys and then sells, or sells and then buys, shares within 30 days. While there is no specific limit on roundtrip transactions, a Fund reserves the right to: (i) refuse any purchase order; and/or (ii) restrict or terminate purchase privileges for shareholders or former shareholders, particularly in cases where the Fund determines that the shareholder or potential shareholder has engaged in more than one roundtrip transaction in the Fund within any rolling 30-day period.

 

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In determining the frequency of roundtrip transactions, a Fund does not include purchases pursuant to dollar cost averaging or other similar programs, and a Fund will not count systematic withdrawals and/or automatic purchases, mandatory retirement distributions and transactions initiated by a plan sponsor. A Fund will calculate roundtrip transactions at the shareholder level and may contact a shareholder to request an explanation of any activity that the Fund suspects as Disruptive Trading.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Fund may also take action if a shareholder’s trading activity (evaluated based on roundtrip trading or otherwise) is deemed Disruptive Trading by the Fund, even if applicable shares are held longer than 30 days. In addition, a Fund may, without prior notice, take whatever action it deems appropriate to comply with or take advantage of any state or federal regulatory requirement.

 

A Fund cannot guarantee that its policies and procedures regarding market timing will be effective in detecting and deterring all Disruptive Trading.

 

Redemption Fee. A Fund will redeem your shares at the net asset value next determined after your redemption request is received in proper form. There are no redemption fees charged by the Funds.

 

If a shareholder uses the services of a broker-dealer for the redemption, there may be a charge by the broker-dealer to the shareholder for such services. Each Fund reserves the right to impose or change redemption fees. If redemption fees are imposed in the future, each Fund reserves the right to waive such redemption fees.

 

Note: Each Fund has the right to suspend or postpone redemptions of shares for any period: (i) during which the NYSE or exchange is closed, other than customary weekend and holiday closings; (ii) during which trading on the NYSE or exchange is restricted; or (iii) during which (as determined by the SEC or other regulatory authority by rule or regulation) an emergency exists as a result of which disposal or valuation of portfolio securities is not reasonably practicable, or as otherwise permitted by the SEC or other regulatory authority.

 

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

 

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

 

Distributions, Dividends and Taxes. The following information is meant as a general summary for U.S. taxpayers. Additional tax information appears in the SAI. Shareholders should rely on their own tax advisors for advice about the particular federal, state and local tax consequences to them of investing in the Funds.

 

A Fund will distribute all or substantially all of its income and gains to its shareholders every year. Dividends paid by a Fund derived from net investment income, if any, will generally be paid annually and capital gain distributions, if any, will be made at least annually. Absent instructions to pay distributions in cash, distributions will be reinvested automatically in additional shares (or fractions thereof) of the Fund. Although a Fund will not be taxed on amounts it distributes, shareholders will generally be taxed on distributions, regardless of whether distributions are paid by the Fund in cash or are reinvested in additional Fund shares.

 

A particular dividend distribution generally will be taxable as qualified dividend income, long-term capital gain or ordinary income. Qualified dividend income generally includes dividends paid by U.S. corporations and certain qualifying foreign corporations, provided the foreign corporation is not a passive foreign investment company. Any distribution resulting from such qualified dividend income received by a Fund will be designated as qualified dividend income. If a Fund designates a dividend distribution as qualified dividend income, it generally will be taxable to individual shareholders at the long-term capital gains tax rate provided certain holding period requirements are met. If a Fund designates a dividend distribution as a capital gains distribution, it generally will be taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gain, regardless of how long the shareholders have held their Fund shares. Short-term capital gains may be realized and any distribution resulting from such gains will be considered ordinary income for federal tax purposes. All taxable dividends paid by a Fund other than those designated as qualified dividend income or capital gain distributions will be taxable as ordinary income to shareholders.

 

40

 

 

Taxable distributions paid by a Fund to corporate shareholders will be taxed at corporate tax rates. Corporate shareholders may be entitled to a dividends received deduction (“DRD”) for a portion of the dividends paid and designated by the Fund as qualifying for the DRD.

 

If a Fund declares a dividend in October, November or December but pays it in January, it will be taxable to shareholders as if the dividend had been received in the year it was declared. Every year, each shareholder will receive a statement detailing the tax status of any Fund distributions for that year. Distributions may be subject to state and local taxes, as well as federal taxes.

 

In general, a shareholder who sells or redeems shares will realize a capital gain or loss, which will be long-term or short-term depending upon the shareholder’s holding period for the Fund shares. An exchange of shares may be treated as a sale and may be subject to tax.

 

As with all mutual funds, a Fund may be required to withhold U.S. federal income tax at the fourth lowest rate for taxpayers filing as unmarried individuals (presently 24%) for all taxable distributions payable to shareholders who fail to provide the Fund with their correct taxpayer identification numbers or to make required certifications, or who have been notified by the IRS that they are subject to backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax; rather, it is a way in which the IRS ensures it will collect taxes otherwise due. Any amounts withheld may be credited against a shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability.

 

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

 

Cost Basis Reporting. Federal law requires that mutual fund companies report their shareholders’ cost basis, gain/loss and holding period to the Internal Revenue Service on a Fund’s shareholders’ Consolidated Form 1099s when “covered” securities are sold. Covered securities are any regulated investment company and/or dividend reinvestment plan shares acquired on or after January 1, 2012. The Funds have chosen Average Cost as its default tax lot identification method for all shareholders. A tax lot identification method is the way the Fund will determine which specific shares are deemed to be sold when there are multiple purchases on different dates at differing net asset values, and the entire position is not sold at one time. A Fund’s standing tax lot identification method is the method covered shares will be reported on your Consolidated Form 1099 if you do not select a specific tax lot identification method. You may choose a method different than a Fund’s standing method and will be able to do so at the time of your purchase or upon the sale of covered shares. Please refer to the appropriate Internal Revenue Service regulations or consult your tax adviser with regard to your personal circumstances.

 

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

 

Possible Tax Law Changes. At the time that this prospectus is being prepared, the coronavirus and COVID-19 are affecting the United States. Various administrative and legislative changes to the federal tax laws are under consideration, but it is not possible at this time to determine whether any of these changes will be made or what the changes might entail.

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

Timber Point Global Allocations Fund

 

The Fund is a continuation of the Predecessor Fund and, therefore, the financial information presented below for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 is for the Predecessor Fund. The financial information presented below for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2018, the fiscal periods ended September 30, 2018, and the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 is for the Fund. The Predecessor Fund’s shareholders approved the reorganization into the Fund on October 6, 2017. The reorganization subsequently took place on October 6, 2017. The financial information presented for the fiscal years ended May 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, has been audited by the Predecessor Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm, whose unqualified report thereon, along with the Predecessor Fund’s financial statements, are included in the Predecessor Fund’s Annual Report to Shareholders (the “Predecessor Fund Annual Report”) and are incorporated by reference into the SAI. The financial information presented for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2018, the fiscal period ended September 30, 2018, and the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 has been audited by BBD, LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, whose unqualified report thereon, other than for the semi-annual period, along with the Fund’s financial statements, are included in the Fund’s Annual Report to Shareholders (the “Fund Annual Report”) and are incorporated by reference into the SAI. Additional performance information for the Predecessor Fund is included in the Predecessor Fund Annual Report and for the Fund is included in the Fund Annual Report. The Predecessor Fund Annual Report, the Fund Annual Report and the SAI are available at no cost from the Fund at the address and telephone number noted on the back page of this prospectus. The following information should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto.

 

                                     
    Timber Point Global Allocations Fund  
                                     
    Institutional Class  
    For the
Year Ended
September 30, 2019
    For the
Period Ended
September 30, 2018 (a)
    For the
Year Ended
May 31, 2018
    For the
Year Ended
May 31, 2017
    For the
Year Ended
May 31, 2016
    For the
Year Ended
May 31, 2015
 
                                     
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year/Period   $ 9.28     $ 8.89     $ 8.39     $ 8.26     $ 9.90     $ 10.44  
                                                 
Investment Operations:                                                
Net investment income (1)     0.09       0.03       0.10       0.36       0.38       0.56  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments     (0.25 )     0.36       0.49       0.11       (1.14 )     (0.56 )
Total from investment operations     (0.16 )     0.39       0.59       0.47       (0.76 )      
                                                 
Distributions:                                                
From net investment income     (0.08 )           (0.10 )     (0.22 )     (0.29 )     (0.52 )
From return of capital                       (0.12 )     (0.59 )     (0.02 )
Total distributions     (0.08 )           (0.10 )     (0.34 )     (0.88 )     (0.54 )
                                                 
Paid in capital from redemption fees           0.00 (8)     0.01       0.00 (8)     0.00 (8)     0.00 (8)
                                                 
Net Asset Value, End of Year/Period   $ 9.04     $ 9.28     $ 8.89     $ 8.39     $ 8.26     $ 9.90  
                                                 
Total Return (2)     (1.68 )%(10)     4.39 %(5)     7.22 %     5.82 %(7)     (7.61 )%     0.06 %
                                                 
Ratios/Supplemental Data                                                
Net assets, end of year/period (in 000’s)   $ 22,789     $ 16,428     $ 9,926     $ 3,583     $ 1,105     $ 6,223  
                                                 
Ratios of expenses to average net assets (3):                                                
Before fees waived and expenses reimbursed     2.41 %     2.69 %(6)     3.55 %     3.75 %     4.88 %     2.95 %
After fees waived and expenses reimbursed     1.32 %     1.07 %(6)     1.14 %     1.05 %     1.04 %     1.00 %(9)
                                                 
Ratios of expenses to average net assets (excluding dividends and interest on margin account) (3):                                                
Before fees waived and expenses reimbursed     2.32 %     2.54 %(6)     3.41 %     3.75 %     4.84 %     2.95 %
After fees waived and expenses reimbursed     1.23 %     0.92 %(6)     1.00 %     1.05 %     1.00 %     1.00 %(9)
                                                 
Ratios of net investment income to average net assets (3) (4)     1.01 %     0.96 %(6)     1.16 %     4.36 %     4.19 %     5.55 %
                                                 
Portfolio turnover rate     176 %     73 %(5)     324 %     101 %     160 %     113 %

 

(a) Represents the period from June 1, 2018 through September 30, 2018
   
(1) Per share amounts calculated using the average shares method, which more appropriately presents the per share data for the period.
(2) Total Return represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund, assuming reinvestment of dividends, if any. Total returns shown exclude the effect of applicable redemption fees.
(3) The ratios of expenses and net investment income to average net assets do not reflect the Fund’s proportionate share of expenses of underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests.
(4) Recognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing and declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests.
(5) Not annualized
(6) Annualized
(7) As a result of a trade error, the Fund experienced a loss of $10,469 for the year ended May 31, 2017, which was reimbursed by the former investment adviser. There was no effect on total return due to the trade error.
(8) Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.
(9) Includes commission recapture. Excluding commission recapture, the ratio of net expenses to average net assets would have been 1.04% for the year ended May 31, 2015.
(10)

Includes adjustments in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and, consequently, the net asset values for financial reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset values and returns for shareholder transactions.

 

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Timber Point Alternative Income Fund

 

The Fund is a continuation of the Predecessor Fund and, therefore, the financial information presented below through the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017 is for the Predecessor Fund, and the financial information presented below for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2018 and 2019 is for the Fund. The Predecessor Fund’s shareholders approved the reorganization into the Fund on October 6, 2017. The reorganization subsequently took place on October 6, 2017. The financial information presented has been audited by BBD, LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, whose unqualified report thereon, along with the Predecessor Fund’s and the Fund’s financial statements, are included in the Predecessor Fund’s Annual Report to Shareholders and the Fund’s Annual Report to Shareholders (the “Annual Reports”) and are incorporated by reference into the SAI. Additional performance information for the Predecessor Fund and the Fund is included in the Annual Reports. The Annual Reports and the SAI are available at no cost from the Fund at the address and telephone number noted on the back page of this prospectus. The following information should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto.

 

                               
    Timber Point Alternative Income Fund  
                               
    Institutional Class  
    For the
Year Ended
September 30, 2019
    For the
Year Ended
September 30, 2018
    For the
Year Ended
September 30, 2017
    For the
Year Ended
September 30, 2016
    For the
Year Ended
September 30, 2015
 
                               
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year   $ 8.44     $ 8.29     $ 8.44     $ 8.47     $ 8.84  
                                         
Investment Operations:                                        
Net investment income (1)     0.11       0.01       0.06       0.10       0.11  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments           0.15       (0.04 )     0.04       (0.35 )
Total from investment operations     0.11       0.16       0.02       0.14       (0.24 )
                                         
Distributions:                                        
From net investment income     (0.02 )     (0.01 )     (0.17 )     (0.17 )     (0.13 )
Total distributions     (0.02 )     (0.01 )     (0.17 )     (0.17 )     (0.13 )
                                         
Net Asset Value, End of Year   $ 8.53     $ 8.44     $ 8.29     $ 8.44     $ 8.47  
                                         
Total Return (2)     1.31 %(6)     1.93 %     0.32 %(5)     1.76 %     (2.81 )%
                                         
Ratios/Supplemental Data                                        
Net assets, end of year (in 000’s)   $ 11,873     $ 9,983     $ 7,848     $ 6,691     $ 8,211  
                                         
Ratios of expenses to average net assets (3):                                        
Before fees waived and expenses reimbursed     3.54 %     3.34 %     4.25 %     3.67 %     4.34 %
After fees waived and expenses reimbursed     2.36 %     2.26 %     2.25 %     2.27 %     3.33 %
                                         
Ratios of expenses to average net assets (excluding dividends and interest on margin account) (3):                                        
Before fees waived and expenses reimbursed     3.43 %     3.33 %     4.24 %     3.65 %     3.26 %
After fees waived and expenses reimbursed     2.25 %     2.25 %     2.25 %     2.25 %     2.25 %
                                         
Ratios of net investment income to average net assets (3) (4)     1.35 %     0.12 %     0.76 %     1.20 %     1.21 %
                                         
Portfolio turnover rate     169 %     301 %     268 %     162 %     999 %

 

(1) Per share amounts calculated using the average shares method, which more appropriately presents the per share data for the year.
(2) Total Return represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund, assuming reinvestment of dividends. Total returns shown exclude the effect of applicable redemption fees.
(3) The ratios of expenses to average net assets and net investment income to average net assets do not reflect the expenses of the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests.
(4) Recognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing and declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests.
(5) As a result of a trade error, the Fund experienced a loss of $3,364 for the year ended September 30, 2017, which was reimbursed by the former investment adviser. There was no effect on total return due to the trade error.
(6)

Includes adjustments in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and, consequently, the net asset values for financial reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset values and returns for shareholder transactions.

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PRIVACY NOTICE

 

FACTS WHAT DOES 360 FUNDS DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?
 
Why? Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.
 
What?

The types of personal information we collect and share depend on the product or service you have with us. This information can include:

■        Social Security number

■        Assets

■        Retirement Assets

■        Transaction History

■        Checking Account Information

■        Purchase History

■        Account Balances

■        Account Transactions

■        Wire Transfer Instructions

When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice.

 
How? All financial companies need to share your personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons 360 Funds chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.
   
Reasons we can share your personal information Does 360 Funds share? Can you limit this sharing?

For our everyday business purposes –

Such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s),

respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus

Yes No

For our marketing purposes –

to offer our products and services to you

No We don’t share
For joint marketing with other financial companies No We don’t share

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes –

information about your transactions and experiences

No We don’t share

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes –

information about your creditworthiness

No We don’t share
For nonaffiliates to market to you No We don’t share
 
Questions? Call (877) 244-6235
       

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Who we are
Who is providing this notice?

360 Funds

M3Sixty Administration, LLC (Administrator)

Matrix 360 Distributors, LLC (Distributor)

What we do

How does 360 Funds

protect my personal information?

To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.

 

Our service providers are held accountable for adhering to strict policies and procedures to prevent any misuse of your nonpublic personal information.

How does 360 Funds

collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

■        Open an account

■        Provide account information

■        Give us your contact information

■        Make deposits or withdrawals from your account

■        Make a wire transfer

■        Tell us where to send the money

■        Tell us who receives the money

■        Show your government-issued ID

■        Show your driver’s license

We also collect your personal information from other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

■        Sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes – information about your creditworthiness

■        Affiliates from using your information to market to you

■        Sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to limit sharing.

   
Definitions
Affiliates

Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

       M3Sixty Administration, LLC and Matrix 360 Distributors, LLC could each be deemed to be an affiliate.

 

Nonaffiliates

Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies

       360 Funds does not share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you.

Joint marketing

A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.

       360 Funds does not jointly market.

     

45

 

 

THE TIMBER POINT FUNDS

 

Additional information about the Funds’ investments is available in each Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders. In a Fund’s annual report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund’s performance during its last fiscal year. A statement of additional information (“SAI”) about the Funds has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The SAI (which is incorporated in its entirety by reference in this Prospectus) contains additional information about the Funds.

 

To request a free copy of the SAI, a Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports and other information about the Fund, or to make inquiries about a Fund, write a Fund c/o M3Sixty Administration, LLC, 4300 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Suite 100, Fairway, Kansas 66205 or call a Fund at (877) 244-6235.

 

Information about the Funds (including the SAI) can be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s public reference room in Washington, D.C. Information about the operation of the public reference room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-202-551-8090. Reports and other information about the Funds are available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov, and copies of this information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing the writing the SEC’s Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520.

 

Investment Company Act File Number: 811-21726

 

46

 

 

 

 

TIMBER POINT FUNDS

 

Timber Point Global Allocations Fund

(formerly Crow Point Global Tactical Allocation Fund)

CGHIX

 

Timber Point Alternative Income Fund

(formerly Crow Point Alternative Income Fund)

AIIFX

 

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

August 24, 2020

 

The Timber Point Funds are series of 360 Funds, an open-end management investment company registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) as required by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”).

 

This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus, and it should be read in conjunction with the Timber Point Funds’ Prospectus dated August 24, 2020, as the same may be amended from time to time. This Statement of Additional Information incorporates by reference the Timber Point Funds’ Annual and Semi-Annual Reports. Copies of the Prospectus and the Annual and Semi-Annual Reports may be obtained, without charge, by calling the Timber Point Funds at (877) 244-6235 or writing to a Timber Point Fund at the following address: 4300 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Suite 100, Fairway, Kansas 66205.

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, POLICIES AND RISKS 3
   
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS 25
   
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE ALLOCATION 29
   
PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS DISCLOSURE 31
   
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST 32
   
BOARD OF TRUSTEES, OFFICERS AND PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS 33
   
Trustees and Officers 33
   
Board Structure 35
   
Qualification of Trustees 35
   
Trustee Standing Committees 37
   
Fair Value Committee 37
   
Beneficial Equity Ownership Information 37
   
Compensation 39
   
MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION 40
   
Investment Advisers 40
   
Portfolio Managers 46
   
Administrator 48
   
Distributor 49
   
Custodian 50
   
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 50
   
Legal Counsel 50
   
CODE OF ETHICS 50
   
PROXY VOTING POLICIES 50
   
PURCHASES, REDEMPTIONS AND SPECIAL SHAREHOLDER SERVICES 51
   
Purchases 51
   
Redemptions 51
   
Additional Information 52
   
NET ASSET VALUE 53
   
ADDITIONAL TAX INFORMATION 54
   
APPENDIX A – PROXY VOTING POLICIES 66
   
APPENDIX B – NOMINATING AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE CHARTER 77

 

 

 

 

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, POLICIES AND RISKS

 

360 Funds (the “Trust”) was organized on February 24, 2005 as a Delaware statutory trust. The Timber Point Global Allocations Fund (the “Global Fund”) and the Timber Point Alternative Income Fund (the “Income Fund”, and together with the Global Fund, the “Funds”) are open-end management investment companies and separate series of the Trust. Each of the Funds is a diversified investment company. The Prospectus describes the Funds’ investment objectives and principal investment strategies, as well as the principal investment risks of the Funds.

 

Global Fund

 

Effective June 12, 2020, Timber Point Capital Management LLC (“Timber Point” or the “Adviser”) serves as investment adviser to the Global Fund. Pursuant to a reorganization that took place on October 6, 2017, the Global Fund is a successor by merger to a series of Northern Lights Fund Trust II, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Global Fund Predecessor Fund”).

 

Income Fund

 

Effective June 12, 2020, Timber Point serves as investment adviser to the Income Fund and, effective as of June 13, 2019, Winthrop Capital Management, LLC (“Winthrop”) serves as investment sub-adviser to the Income Fund. Pursuant to a reorganization that took place on October 6, 2017, the Income Fund is a successor by merger to a series of Northern Lights Fund Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Income Fund Predecessor Fund”).

 

The following descriptions and policies supplement these descriptions and also include descriptions of certain types of investments that may be made by the Funds but are not principal investment strategies of the Funds.

 

Preferred Stock. A Fund may invest in preferred stock with no minimum credit rating. Preferred stock is a class of stock having a preference over common stock as to the payment of dividends and the recovery of investment should a company be liquidated, although preferred stock is usually junior to the debt securities of the issuer. Preferred stock typically does not possess voting rights and its market value may change based on changes in interest rates.

 

The fundamental risk of investing in common and preferred stock is the risk that the value of the stock might decrease. Stock values fluctuate in response to the activities of an individual company or in response to general market and/or economic conditions. Historically, common stocks have provided greater long-term returns and have entailed greater short-term risks than preferred stocks, fixed-income securities and money market investments. The market value of all securities, including common and preferred stocks, is based upon the market’s perception of value and not necessarily the book value of an issuer or other objective measures of a company’s worth.

 

Collateralized Loan Obligations (“CLOs”). 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 loans generate cash flow that is allocated among one or more classes of securities (“tranches”) that vary in risk and yield. The most senior tranche has the best credit quality and the lowest yield compared to the other tranches. The equity tranche has the highest potential yield but also has the greatest risk, as it bears the bulk of defaults from the underlying loans and helps to protect the more senior tranches from risk of these defaults. However, despite the protection from the equity and other more junior tranches, more senior tranches can experience substantial losses due to actual defaults and decreased market value due to collateral default and disappearance of protecting tranches, market anticipation of defaults, as well as aversion to CLO securities as a class.

 

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Normally, CLOs are privately offered and sold and are not registered under state or federal securities laws. Therefore, investments in CLOs may be characterized by a Fund as illiquid securities; however, an active dealer market may exist for CLOs allowing a CLO to qualify for transactions pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act. CLOs normally charge management fees and administrative expenses, which are in addition to those of a Fund.

 

The riskiness of investing in CLOs depends largely on the quality and type of the collateral loans and the tranche of the CLO in which a Fund invests. In addition to the normal risks associated with fixed-income securities (such as interest rate risk and credit risk), CLOs carry additional risks including that interest on certain tranches of a CLO may be paid in-kind (meaning that unpaid interest is effectively added to principal), which involves continued exposure to default risk with respect to such payments. Certain CLOs may receive credit enhancement in the form of a senior-subordinate structure, over-collateralization or bond insurance, but such enhancement may not always be present and may fail to protect a Fund against the risk of loss due to defaults on the collateral. Certain CLOs may not hold loans directly, but rather, use derivatives such as swaps to create “synthetic” exposure to the collateral pool of loans. Such CLOs entail the risks of derivative instruments.

 

Warrants. A Fund may invest in warrants. Warrants are options to purchase common stock at a specific price (usually at a premium above the market value of the optioned common stock at issuance) valid for a specific period of time. Warrants may have a life ranging from less than one year to twenty years, or they may be perpetual. However, most warrants have expiration dates after which they are worthless. In addition, a warrant may become worthless if the market price of the common stock does not exceed the warrant’s exercise price during the life of the warrant. Warrants have no voting rights, pay no dividends, and have no rights with respect to the assets of the corporation issuing them. The percentage increase or decrease in the market price of the warrant may tend to be greater than the percentage increase or decrease in the market price of the optioned common stock.

 

Depository Receipts. A Fund may invest in sponsored and unsponsored American Depository Receipts (“ADRs”), which are receipts issued by an American bank or trust company evidencing ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign issuer. ADRs, in registered form, are designed for use in U.S. securities markets. Unsponsored ADRs may be created without the participation of the foreign issuer. Holders of these ADRs generally bear all the costs of the ADR facility, whereas foreign issuers typically bear certain costs in a sponsored ADR. The bank or trust company depository of an unsponsored ADR may be under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the foreign issuer or to pass through voting rights. Many of the risks described above regarding foreign securities apply to investments in ADRs.

 

Debt Securities. A Fund may invest in debt securities, including non-investment grade debt securities. The following describes some of the risks associated with fixed income debt securities:

 

Interest Rate Risk. Debt securities have varying levels of sensitivity to changes in interest rates. In general, the price of a debt security can fall when interest rates rise and can rise when interest rates fall. Securities with longer maturities and mortgage securities can be more sensitive to interest rate changes although they usually offer higher yields to compensate investors for the greater risks. The longer the maturity of the security, the greater the impact a change in interest rates could have on the security’s price. In addition, short-term and long-term interest rates do not necessarily move in the same amount or the same direction. Short-term securities tend to react to changes in short-term interest rates and long-term securities tend to react to changes in long-term interest rates.

 

4

 

 

Credit Risk. Fixed income securities have speculative characteristics and changes in economic conditions or other circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of issuers to make principal or interest payments, as compared to issuers of more highly rated securities.

 

Extension Risk. A Fund is subject to the risk that an issuer will exercise its right to pay principal on an obligation held by a Fund (such as mortgage-backed securities) later than expected. This may happen when there is a rise in interest rates. These events may lengthen the duration (i.e., interest rate sensitivity) and potentially reduce the value of these securities.

 

Prepayment Risk. Certain types of debt securities, such as mortgage-backed securities, have yield and maturity characteristics corresponding to underlying assets. Unlike traditional debt securities, which may pay a fixed rate of interest until maturity when the entire principal amount comes due, payments on certain mortgage-backed securities may include both interest and a partial payment of principal. Besides the scheduled repayment of principal, payments of principal may result from the voluntary prepayment, refinancing, or foreclosure of the underlying mortgage loans.

 

Securities subject to prepayment are less effective than other types of securities as a means of “locking in” attractive long-term interest rates. One reason is the need to reinvest prepayments of principal; another is the possibility of significant unscheduled prepayments resulting from declines in interest rates. These prepayments would have to be reinvested at lower rates. As a result, these securities may have less potential for capital appreciation during periods of declining interest rates than other securities of comparable maturities, although they may have a similar risk of decline in market value during periods of rising interest rates. Prepayments may also significantly shorten the effective maturities of these securities, especially during periods of declining interest rates. Conversely, during periods of rising interest rates, a reduction in prepayments may increase the effective maturities of these securities, subjecting them to a greater risk of decline in market value in response to rising interest rates than traditional debt securities, and, therefore, potentially increasing the volatility of a Fund.

 

At times, some of the mortgage-backed securities in which a Fund may invest will have higher than market interest rates and therefore will be purchased at a premium above their par value. Prepayments may cause losses in securities purchased at a premium, as unscheduled prepayments, which are made at par, will cause a Fund to experience a loss equal to any unamortized premium.

 

Certificates of Deposit and Bankers’ Acceptances. A Fund may invest in certificates of deposit and bankers’ acceptances, which are considered to be short-term money market instruments.

 

Certificates of deposit are receipts issued by a depository institution in exchange for the deposit of funds. The issuer agrees to pay the amount deposited plus interest to the bearer of the receipt on the date specified on the certificate. The certificate usually can be traded in the secondary market prior to maturity. Bankers’ acceptances typically arise from short-term credit arrangements designed to enable businesses to obtain funds to finance commercial transactions. Generally, an acceptance is a time draft drawn on a bank by an exporter or an importer to obtain a stated amount of funds to pay for specific merchandise. The draft is then “accepted” by a bank that, in effect, unconditionally guarantees to pay the face value of the instrument on its maturity date. The acceptance may then be held by the accepting bank as an earning asset or it may be sold in the secondary market at the going rate of discount for a specific maturity. Although maturities for acceptances can be as long as 270 days, most acceptances have maturities of six months or less.

 

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Commercial Paper. A Fund may purchase commercial paper. Commercial paper consists of short-term (usually from 1 to 270 days) unsecured promissory notes issued by corporations in order to finance their current operations.

 

Time Deposits and Variable Rate Notes. A Fund may invest in fixed time deposits, whether or not subject to withdrawal penalties.

 

The commercial paper obligations, which a Fund may buy are unsecured and may include variable rate notes. The nature and terms of a variable rate note (i.e., a “Master Note”) permit a Fund to invest fluctuating amounts at varying rates of interest pursuant to a direct arrangement between a Fund as Lender, and the issuer, as borrower. It permits daily changes in the amounts borrowed. The Fund has the right at any time to increase, up to the full amount stated in the note agreement, or to decrease the amount outstanding under the note. The issuer may prepay at any time and without penalty any part of or the full amount of the note. The note may or may not be backed by one or more bank letters of credit. Because these notes are direct lending arrangements between a Fund and the issuer, it is not generally contemplated that they will be traded; moreover, there is currently no secondary market for them. Except as specifically provided in the Prospectus, there is no limitation on the type of issuer from whom these notes may be purchased; however, in connection with such purchase and on an ongoing basis, a Fund’s adviser will consider the earning power, cash flow and other liquidity ratios of the issuer, and its ability to pay principal and interest on demand, including a situation in which all holders of such notes made demand simultaneously. Variable rate notes are subject to a Fund’s investment restriction on illiquid securities unless such notes can be put back to the issuer on demand within seven days.

 

Insured Bank Obligations. A Fund may invest in insured bank obligations. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insures the deposits of federally insured banks and savings and loan associations (collectively referred to as “banks”) up to $250,000. A Fund may purchase bank obligations that are fully insured as to principal by the FDIC. Currently, to remain fully insured as to principal, these investments must be limited to $250,000 per bank; if the principal amount and accrued interest together exceed $250,000, the excess principal and accrued interest will not be insured. Insured bank obligations may have limited marketability.

 

United States Government Obligations. These consist of various types of marketable securities issued by the United States Treasury (i.e., bills, notes and bonds). Such securities are direct obligations of the U.S. government and differ mainly in the length of their maturity. Treasury bills, the most frequently issued marketable government security, have a maturity of up to one year and are issued on a discount basis. A Fund may also invest in Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS). TIPS are special types of treasury bonds that were created in order to offer bond investors protection from inflation. The values of the TIPS are automatically adjusted to the inflation rate as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI). If the CPI goes up by half a percent, the value of the bond (the TIPS) would also go up by half a percent. If the CPI falls, the value of the bond does not fall because the government guarantees that the original investment will stay the same. TIPS decline in value when real interest rates rise. However, in certain interest rate environments, such as when real interest rates are rising faster than nominal interest rates, TIPS may experience greater losses than other fixed income securities with similar duration.

 

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United States Government Agency. These consist of debt securities issued by agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. government, including the various types of instruments currently outstanding or which may be offered in the future. Agencies include, among others, the Federal Housing Administration, Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”), Farmer’s Home Administration, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Maritime Administration, and General Services Administration. Instrumentalities include, for example, each of the Federal Home Loan Banks, the National Bank for Cooperatives, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”), the Farm Credit Banks, the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”), and the United States Postal Service. These securities are either: (i) backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government (e.g., United States Treasury Bills); (ii) guaranteed by the United States Treasury (e.g., Ginnie Mae mortgage-backed securities); (iii) supported by the issuing agency’s or instrumentality’s right to borrow from the United States Treasury (e.g., Fannie Mae Discount Notes); or (iv) supported only by the issuing agency’s or instrumentality’s own credit (e.g., Tennessee Valley Authority).

 

Government-related guarantors (i.e., not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government) include Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Fannie Mae is a government-sponsored enterprise owned entirely by private stockholders. It is subject to general regulation by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Fannie Mae purchases conventional (i.e., not insured or guaranteed by any government agency) residential mortgages from a list of approved seller/servicers which include state and federally chartered savings and loan associations, mutual savings banks, commercial banks and credit unions and mortgage bankers. Pass-through securities issued by Fannie Mae are guaranteed as to timely payment of principal and interest by Fannie Mae but are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government.

 

Freddie Mac was created by Congress in 1970 for the purpose of increasing the availability of mortgage credit for residential housing. It is a government-sponsored corporation formerly owned by the 12 Federal Home Loan Banks and now owned entirely by private stockholders. Freddie Mac issues Participation Certificates (“PCs”), which represent interests in conventional mortgages from Freddie Mac’s national portfolio. Freddie Mac guarantees the timely payment of interest and ultimate collection of principal, but PCs are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. Commercial banks, savings and loan institutions, private mortgage insurance companies, mortgage bankers and other secondary market issuers also create pass-through pools of conventional residential mortgage loans. Such issuers may, in addition, be the originators and/or servicers of the underlying mortgage loans as well as the guarantors of the mortgage-related securities. Pools created by such nongovernmental issuers generally offer a higher rate of interest than government and government-related pools because there are no direct or indirect government or agency guarantees of payments in the former pools. However, timely payment of interest and principal of these pools may be supported by various forms of insurance or guarantees, including individual loan, title, pool and hazard insurance and letters of credit. The insurance and guarantees are issued by governmental entities, private insurers and the mortgage poolers.

 

On September 7, 2008, the U.S. Treasury Department and the Federal Housing Finance Authority (the “FHFA”) announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac had been placed into conservatorship, a statutory process designed to stabilize a troubled institution with the objective of returning the entity to normal business operations. The U.S. Treasury Department and the FHFA at the same time established a secured lending facility and a Secured Stock Purchase Agreement with both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to ensure that each entity had the ability to fulfill its financial obligations. The FHFA announced that it does not anticipate any disruption in pattern of payments or ongoing business operations of Fannie Mar or Freddie Mac.

 

7

 

 

Mortgage Pass-Through Securities. Interests in pools of mortgage pass-through securities differ from other forms of debt securities (which normally provide periodic payments of interest in fixed amounts and the payment of principal in a lump sum at maturity or on specified call dates). Instead, mortgage pass-through securities provide monthly payments consisting of both interest and principal payments. In effect, these payments are a “pass-through” of the monthly payments made by the individual borrowers on the underlying residential mortgage loans, net of any fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of such securities. Unscheduled payments of principal may be made if the underlying mortgage loans are repaid or refinanced or the underlying properties are foreclosed, thereby shortening the securities’ weighted average life. Some mortgage pass-through securities (such as securities guaranteed by Ginnie Mae) are described as “modified pass-through securities.” These securities entitle the holder to receive all interest and principal payments owed on the mortgage pool, net of certain fees, on the scheduled payment dates regardless of whether the mortgagor actually makes the payment.

 

The principal governmental guarantor of mortgage pass-through securities is Ginnie Mae. Ginnie Mae is authorized to guarantee, with the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury, the timely payment of principal and interest on securities issued by lending institutions approved by Ginnie Mae (such as savings and loan institutions, commercial banks and mortgage bankers) and backed by pools of mortgage loans. These mortgage loans are either insured by the Federal Housing Administration or guaranteed by the Veterans Administration. A “pool” or group of such mortgage loans is assembled and after being approved by Ginnie Mae, is offered to investors through securities dealers.

 

Government-related guarantors of mortgage pass-through securities (i.e., not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury) include Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Fannie Mae is a government-sponsored enterprise owned entirely by private stockholders. It is subject to general regulation by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Fannie Mae purchases conventional (i.e., not insured or guaranteed by any government agency) residential mortgages from a list of approved sellers/servicers which include state and federally chartered savings and loan associations, mutual savings banks, commercial banks and credit unions and mortgage bankers. Mortgage pass-through securities issued by Fannie Mae are guaranteed as to timely payment of principal and interest by Fannie Mae but are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury.

 

Commercial banks, savings and loan institutions, private mortgage insurance companies, mortgage bankers and other secondary market issuers also create pass-through pools of conventional residential mortgage loans. Such issuers may, in addition, be the originators and/or servicers of the underlying mortgage loans as well as the guarantors of the mortgage pass-through securities.

 

Stripped Mortgage Securities. Stripped mortgage securities may be issued by federal agencies, or by private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans, including savings and loan associations, mortgage banks, commercial banks, investment banks and special purpose subsidiaries of the foregoing.

 

Stripped mortgage securities usually are structured with two classes that receive different proportions of the interest and principal distribution of a pool of mortgage assets. A common type of stripped mortgage security will have one class receiving some of the interest and most of the principal from the mortgage assets, while the other class will receive most of the interest and the remainder of the principal. In the most extreme case, one class will receive all of the interest (the interest-only or “IO” class), while the other class will receive all of the principal (the principal-only or “PO” class). PO classes generate income through the accretion of the deep discount at which such securities are purchased, and, while PO classes do not receive periodic payments of interest, they receive monthly payments associated with scheduled amortization and principal prepayment from the mortgage assets underlying the PO class. The yield to maturity on a PO or an IO class security is extremely sensitive to the rate of principal payments (including prepayments) on the related underlying mortgage assets. A slower than expected rate of principal payments may have an adverse effect on a PO-class security’s yield to maturity. If the underlying mortgage assets experience slower than anticipated principal repayment, a Fund may fail to fully recoup its initial investment in these securities. Conversely, a rapid rate of principal payments may have a material adverse effect on an IO-class security’s yield to maturity. If the underlying mortgage assets experience greater than anticipated prepayments of principal, a Fund may fail to fully recoup its initial investment in these securities.

 

8

 

 

A Fund may purchase stripped mortgage securities for income, or for hedging purposes to protect the Fund’s portfolio against interest rate fluctuations. For example, since an IO class will tend to increase in value as interest rates rise, it may be utilized to hedge against a decrease in value of other fixed income securities in a rising interest rate environment.

 

Resets. The interest rates paid on the Adjustable Rate Mortgage Securities (“ARMs”) in which a Fund may invest generally are readjusted or reset at intervals of one year or less to an increment over some predetermined interest rate index. There are two main categories of indices: 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 indices include the one-year and five-year constant maturity Treasury Note rates, the three-month Treasury Bill rate, the 180-day Treasury Bill rate, rates on longer-term Treasury securities, the National Median Cost of Funds, the one-month or three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), the prime rate of a specific bank, or commercial paper rates. Some indices, such as the one-year constant maturity Treasury Note rate, closely mirror changes in market interest rate levels. Others tend to lag changes in market rate levels and tend to be somewhat less volatile.

 

Caps and Floors. The underlying mortgages which collateralize the ARMs in which a Fund invests will frequently have caps and floors which limit the maximum amount by which the loan rate to the residential borrower may change up or down: (1) per reset or adjustment interval, and (2) over the life of the loan. Some residential mortgage loans restrict periodic adjustments by limiting changes in the borrower’s monthly principal and interest payments rather than limiting interest rate changes. These payment caps may result in negative amortization. The value of mortgage securities in which a Fund invests may be affected if market interest rates rise or fall faster and farther than the allowable caps or floors on the underlying residential mortgage loans. Additionally, even though the interest rates on the underlying residential mortgages are adjustable, amortization and prepayments may occur, thereby causing the effective maturities of the mortgage securities in which a Fund invests to be shorter than the maturities stated in the underlying mortgages.

 

Inverse Floaters. Inverse floaters constitute a class of mortgage-backed securities with a coupon rate that moves inversely to a designated index, such as LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate) or 11th District Cost of Funds Index (“COFI”). Inverse floaters have coupon rates that typically change at a multiple of the changes of the relevant index rate. Any rise in the index rate (as a consequence of an increase in interest rates) causes a drop in the coupon rate on an inverse floater while any drop in the index rate causes an increase in the coupon rate of an inverse floater. In some circumstances, the coupon on an inverse floater could decrease to zero. In addition, like most other fixed income securities, the value of inverse floaters will decrease as interest rates increase and their average lives will extend. Inverse floaters exhibit greater price volatility than the majority of mortgage-backed securities. In addition, some inverse floaters display extreme sensitivity to changes in prepayments. As a result, the yield to maturity of an inverse floater is sensitive not only to changes in interest rates but also to changes in prepayment rates on the related underlying mortgage assets. As described above, inverse floaters may be used alone or in tandem with interest-only stripped mortgage instruments.

 

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Mortgage Dollar Rolls. A Fund may enter into mortgage dollar rolls with a bank or a broker-dealer. A mortgage dollar roll is a transaction in which a Fund sells mortgage-related securities for immediate settlement and simultaneously purchases the same type of securities for forward settlement at a discount. While a Fund begins accruing interest on the newly purchased securities from the purchase or trade date, it is able to invest the proceeds from the sale of its previously owned securities, which will be used to pay for the new securities, in money market investments until a future settlement date. The use of mortgage dollar rolls is a speculative technique involving leverage, and is considered to be a form of borrowing.

 

Closed-End Investment Companies. A Fund may invest their assets in “closed-end” investment companies (or “closed-end funds”), subject to the investment restrictions set forth above. Shares of closed-end funds are typically offered to the public in a one-time initial public offering by a group of underwriters who retain a spread or underwriting commission of between 4% and 6% of the initial public offering price. Such securities are then listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System (commonly known as “NASDAQ”) and, in some cases, may be traded in other over-the-counter markets. Because the shares of closed-end funds cannot be redeemed upon demand to the issuer like the shares of an open-end investment company (such as a Fund), investors seek to buy and sell shares of closed-end funds in the secondary market.

 

A Fund generally will purchase shares of closed-end funds only in the secondary market. A Fund will incur normal brokerage costs on such purchases similar to the expenses the Fund would incur for the purchase of securities of any other type of issuer in the secondary market. A Fund may, however, also purchase securities of a closed-end fund in an initial public offering when, in the opinion of the adviser, based on a consideration of the nature of the closed-end fund’s proposed investments, the prevailing market conditions and the level of demand for such securities, they represent an attractive opportunity for growth of capital. The initial offering price typically will include a dealer spread, which may be higher than the applicable brokerage cost if the Fund purchased such securities in the secondary market.

 

The shares of many closed-end funds, after their initial public offering, frequently trade at a price per share that is less than the net asset value per share, the difference representing the “market discount” of such shares. This market discount may be due in part to the investment objective of long-term appreciation, which is sought by many closed-end funds, as well as to the fact that the shares of closed-end funds are not redeemable by the holder upon demand to the issuer at the next determined net asset value but rather are subject to the principle of supply and demand in the secondary market. A relative lack of secondary market purchasers of closed-end fund shares also may contribute to such shares trading at a discount to their net asset value.

 

A Fund may invest in shares of closed-end funds that are trading at a discount to net asset value or at a premium to net asset value. There can be no assurance that the market discount on shares of any closed-end fund purchased by a Fund will ever decrease. In fact, it is possible that this market discount may increase and a Fund may suffer realized or unrealized capital losses due to further decline in the market price of the securities of such closed-end funds, thereby adversely affecting the net asset value of the Fund’s shares. Similarly, there can be no assurance that any shares of a closed-end fund purchased by a Fund at a premium will continue to trade at a premium or that the premium will not decrease subsequent to a purchase of such shares by the Fund.

 

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Closed-end funds may issue senior securities (including preferred stock and debt obligations) for the purpose of leveraging the closed-end fund’s common shares in an attempt to enhance the current return to such closed-end fund’s common shareholders. A Fund’s investment in the common shares of closed-end funds that are financially leveraged may create an opportunity for greater total return on its investment, but at the same time may be expected to exhibit more volatility in market price and net asset value than an investment in shares of investment companies without a leveraged capital structure.

 

Derivative Instruments. A Fund may purchase and write call and put options on securities, securities and futures indices and foreign currencies, and enter into futures contracts and use options on futures contracts as further described below. A Fund may also enter into swap agreements with respect to foreign currencies, interest rates and securities indices. A Fund may use these techniques to hedge against changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates or securities prices or to attempt to achieve investment returns as part of its overall investment strategies. A Fund may also purchase and sell options relating to foreign currencies for purposes of increasing exposure to a foreign currency or to shift exposure to foreign currency fluctuations from one country to another. A Fund will segregate or “earmark” assets determined to be liquid by the Adviser or Sub-Adviser in accordance with procedures established by the Board (or, as permitted by applicable regulation, enter into certain offsetting positions) to cover its obligations under options, futures, and swaps to avoid leveraging the portfolio of the Fund as described below.

 

Each Fund considers derivative instruments to consist of securities or other instruments whose value is derived from or related to the value of some other instrument or asset, and not to include those securities whose payment of principal and/or interest depends upon cash flows from underlying assets, such as mortgage-related or asset-backed securities. The value of some derivative instruments in which a Fund invests may be particularly sensitive to changes in prevailing interest rates, and, like the other investments of the Fund, the ability of the Fund to successfully utilize these instruments may depend in part upon the ability of the Adviser or Sub-Adviser to correctly forecast interest rates and other economic factors. If a Fund’s Adviser or Sub-Adviser incorrectly forecasts such factors and has taken positions in derivative instruments contrary to prevailing market trends, the Fund could be exposed to the risk of loss. In addition, while the use of derivatives for hedging purposes can reduce losses, it can also reduce or eliminate gains, and hedges are sometimes subject to imperfect matching between the derivative and security it is hedging, which means that a hedge might not be effective. A Fund might not employ any of the strategies described above, and no assurance can be given that any strategy used will succeed. A decision as to whether, when and how to utilize derivative instruments involves skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived derivatives strategy may be unsuccessful. The use of derivative instruments involves brokerage fees and/or other transaction costs.

 

Investment in futures-related and commodity-linked derivatives may subject a Fund to additional risks, and in particular may subject the Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The value of futures-related and commodity-linked derivative instruments may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs, and international economic, political and regulatory developments. In order to qualify for the special tax treatment available to regulated investment companies under the Internal Revenue Code, a Fund must derive at least 90% of its gross income each taxable year from certain specified types of investments. It is currently unclear which types of commodities-linked derivatives fall within these specified investment types. As a result, if a Fund’s investment in commodities-linked derivatives were to exceed a certain threshold, the Fund could fail to qualify for the special tax treatment available to regulated investment companies under the Internal Revenue Code.

 

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P-notes. A Fund may invest in participatory notes (commonly known as P-notes), which are offshore derivative instruments issued to foreign institutional investors and their sub-accounts against underlying Indian securities listed on the Indian bourses. These securities are not registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India. Participatory notes are similar to ADRs and the risks of investing in participatory notes are similar to those with respect to securities of foreign issuers in general.

 

Margin Deposits for Futures Contracts. Unlike the purchase or sale of portfolio securities, no price is paid or received by a Fund upon the purchase or sale of a futures contract. Initially, a Fund will be required to deposit with the broker an amount of cash or cash equivalents, known as initial margin, based on the value of the contract. The nature of initial margin in futures transactions is different from that of margin in securities transactions in that futures contract margin does not involve the borrowing of funds by the customer to finance the transactions. Rather, the initial margin is in the nature of a performance bond or good faith deposit on the contract which is returned to a Fund upon termination of the futures contract, assuming all contractual obligations have been satisfied. Subsequent payments, called variation margin, to and from the broker, will be made on a daily basis as the price of the underlying instruments fluctuates, making the long and short positions in the futures contract more or less valuable, a process known as “marking to the market.” For example, when a Fund has purchased a futures contract and the price of the contract has risen in response to a rise in the price of the underlying instruments, that position will have increased in value and the Fund will be entitled to receive from the broker a variation margin payment equal to that increase in value. Conversely, where a Fund has purchased a futures contract and the price of the futures contract has declined in response to a decrease in the underlying instruments, the position would be less valuable and the Fund would be required to make a variation margin payment to the broker. At any time prior to expiration of the futures contract, the Adviser or Sub-Adviser may elect to close the position by taking an opposite position, subject to the availability of a secondary market, which will operate to terminate the Fund’s position in the futures contract. A final determination of variation margin is then made, additional cash is required to be paid by or released to a Fund, and the Fund realizes a loss or gain.

 

Cover Requirements for Forward Contracts, Swap Agreements, Options, Futures and Options on Futures. Each Fund will comply with guidelines established by the SEC with respect to coverage of forwards, futures, swaps and options. These guidelines may, in certain instances, require segregation by a Fund of cash or liquid securities with its custodian or a designated subcustodian to the extent the Fund’s obligations with respect to these strategies are not otherwise “covered” through ownership of the underlying security, financial instrument or currency or by other portfolio positions or by other means consistent with applicable regulatory policies. Segregated assets cannot be sold or transferred unless equivalent assets are substituted in their place or it is no longer necessary to segregate them. As a result, there is a possibility that segregation of a large percentage of a Fund’s assets could impede portfolio management or the Fund’s ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations.

 

For example, when entering into a futures contract that will be cash settled, a Fund will cover (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) liquid assets that, when added to the amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, are equal to the mark-to-market amount, if any, owed by the Fund on the futures contract. When entering into a futures contract that does not need to be settled in cash, a Fund will maintain with its custodian (and mark to market on a daily basis) liquid assets that, when added to the amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, are equal to the full notional value of the contract. Alternatively, a Fund may “cover” its position by purchasing an option on the same futures contract with a strike price as high or higher than the price of the contract held by the Fund or by entering into an agreement that enables the Fund to settle such futures contracts in cash.

 

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To the extent a Fund writes credit default swaps, the Fund will segregate or “earmark” cash or assets determined to be liquid by the Fund in accordance with procedures established by the Board, or enter into offsetting positions, with a value at least equal to the full notional amount of the swap (minus any amounts owed to the Fund). Such segregation or “earmarking” will ensure that the Fund has assets available to satisfy its obligations with respect to the transaction and will limit any potential leveraging of the Fund’s portfolio. Also, the Fund does not invest more than 25% of its assets in contracts with any one counterparty.

 

REITs. A Fund may invest in securities of real estate investment trusts (“REITs”). REITs are publicly traded corporations or trusts that specialize in acquiring, holding and managing residential, commercial or industrial real estate. A REIT is not taxed at the entity level on income distributed to its shareholders or unitholders if it distributes to shareholders or unitholders at least 95% of its taxable income for each taxable year and complies with regulatory requirements relating to its organization, ownership, assets and income.

 

REITs generally can be classified as “Equity REITs”, “Mortgage REITs” and “Hybrid REITs.” An Equity REIT invests the majority of its assets directly in real property and derives its income primarily from rents and from capital gains on real estate appreciation, which are realized through property sales. A Mortgage REIT invests the majority of its assets in real estate mortgage loans and services its income primarily from interest payments. A Hybrid REIT combines the characteristics of an Equity REIT and a Mortgage REIT. Although the Fund can invest in all three kinds of REITs, its emphasis is expected to be on investments in Equity REITs.

 

Investments in the real estate industry involve particular risks. The real estate industry has been subject to substantial fluctuations and declines on a local, regional and national basis in the past and may continue to be in the future. Real property values and income from real property may decline due to general and local economic conditions, overbuilding and increased competition, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, changes in zoning laws, casualty or condemnation losses, regulatory limitations on rents, changes in neighborhoods and in demographics, increases in market interest rates, or other factors. Factors such as these may adversely affect companies that own and operate real estate directly, companies that lend to such companies, and companies that service the real estate industry.

 

Investments in REITs also involve risks. Equity REITs will be affected by changes in the values of and income from the properties they own, while Mortgage REITs may be affected by the credit quality of the mortgage loans they hold. In addition, REITs are dependent on specialized management skills and on their ability to generate cash flow for operating purposes and to make distributions to shareholders or unitholders REITs may have limited diversification and are subject to risks associated with obtaining financing for real property, as well as to the risk of self-liquidation. REITs also can be adversely affected by their failure to qualify for tax-free pass-through treatment of their income under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or their failure to maintain an exemption from registration under the 1940 Act. By investing in REITs indirectly through the Fund, a shareholder bears not only a proportionate share of the expenses of the Fund, but also may indirectly bear similar expenses of some of the REITs in which it invests.

 

Foreign Currency Transactions. A Fund may engage in foreign currency transactions, including foreign currency forward contracts, options, swaps, and other strategic transactions in connection with investments in securities of non-U.S. companies. A Fund will conduct their foreign currency exchange transactions either on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market or through forward contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies.

 

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A Fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts (forward contracts) in order to protect against possible losses on foreign investments resulting from adverse changes in the relationship between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies, as well as to increase exposure to a foreign currency or to shift exposure to foreign currency fluctuations from one country to another. A forward contract is an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency for an agreed price on a future date which is individually negotiated and privately traded by currency traders and their customers. Although foreign exchange dealers do not charge a fee for conversion, they do realize a profit based on the difference (spread) between the price at which they are buying and selling various currencies. However, forward contracts may limit the potential gains which could result from a positive change in such currency relationships. Each Fund will segregate or “earmark” assets determined to be liquid by the Adviser or Sub-Adviser in accordance with procedures established by the Board, to cover the Fund’s obligations under forward foreign currency exchange contracts entered into for non-hedging purposes.

 

A Fund may purchase and write put and call options on foreign currencies for the purpose of protecting against declines in the U.S. dollar value of foreign portfolio securities and against increases in the U.S. dollar cost of foreign securities to be acquired. As with other kinds of options, however, the writing of an option on foreign currency will constitute only a partial hedge, up to the amount of the premium received, and the Fund could be required to purchase or sell foreign currencies at disadvantageous exchange rates, thereby incurring losses. The purchase of an option on foreign currency may constitute an effective hedge against fluctuation in exchange rates although, in the event of rate movements adverse to a Fund’s position, the Fund may forfeit the entire amount of the premium plus related transaction costs.

 

A Fund may enter into interest rate swaps on either an asset-based or liability-based basis, depending on whether it is hedging its assets or its liabilities, and will usually enter into interest rate swaps on a net basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments). The net amount of the excess, if any, of the Fund’s obligations over its entitlement with respect to each interest rate swap will be calculated on a daily basis and an amount of cash or other liquid assets (marked to market daily) having an aggregate net asset value at least equal to the accrued excess will be segregated or “earmarked.” The Adviser or Sub-Adviser will monitor the creditworthiness of all counterparties on an ongoing basis. If there is a default by the other party to such a transaction, a Fund will have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction. There is no limit on the amount of interest rate swap transactions that may be entered into by a Fund, subject to the segregation requirement described above. These transactions may in some instances involve the delivery of securities or other underlying assets by the Fund or its counterparty to collateralize obligations under the swap. Under the documentation currently used in those markets, the risk of loss with respect to interest rate swaps is limited to the net amount of the payments that the Fund is contractually obligated to make. If the other party to an interest rate swap that is not collateralized defaults, the Fund would risk the loss of the net amount of the payments that it contractually is entitled to receive.

 

While a sub-adviser is authorized to hedge against currency risk, it is not required to do so, and the sub-adviser may choose not to hedge currency exposure.

 

Securities Options. A Fund may purchase and write (i.e., sell) put and call options. Such options may relate to particular securities or stock indices, and may or may not be listed on a domestic or foreign securities exchange and may or may not be issued by the Options Clearing Corporation. Options trading is a highly specialized activity that entails greater than ordinary investment risk. Options may be more volatile than the underlying instruments, and therefore, on a percentage basis, an investment in options may be subject to greater fluctuation than an investment in the underlying instruments themselves.

 

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

 

Stock index options are put options and call options on various stock indices. In most respects, they are identical to listed options on common stocks. The primary difference between stock options and index options occurs when index options are exercised. In the case of stock options, the underlying security, common stock, is delivered. However, upon the exercise of an index option, settlement does not occur by delivery of the securities comprising the index. The option holder who exercises the index option receives an amount of cash if the closing level of the stock index upon which the option is based is greater than, in the case of a call, or less than, in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option. This amount of cash is equal to the difference between the closing price of the stock index and the exercise price of the option expressed in dollars times a specified multiple. A stock index fluctuates with changes in the market value of the stocks included in the index. For example, some stock index options are based on a broad market index, such as the Standard & Poor’s 500® Index or the Value Line Composite Index or a narrower market index, such as the Standard & Poor’s 100®. Indices may also be based on an industry or market segment, such as the NYSE Arca Oil and Gas Index or the Computer and Business Equipment Index. Options on stock indices are currently traded on the Chicago Board Options Exchange, the NYSE and the NASDAQ PHLX.

 

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

 

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

 

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Certain Risks Regarding Options. There are several risks associated with transactions in options. For example, there are significant differences between the securities and options markets that could result in an imperfect correlation between these markets, causing a given transaction not to achieve its objectives. In addition, a liquid secondary market for particular options, whether traded over-the-counter or on an exchange, may be absent for reasons which include the following: there may be insufficient trading interest in certain options; restrictions may be imposed by an exchange on opening transactions or closing transactions or both; trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular classes or series of options or underlying securities or currencies; unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal operations on an exchange; the facilities of an exchange or the Options Clearing Corporation may not at all times be adequate to handle current trading volume; or one or more exchanges could, for economic or other reasons, decide or be compelled at some future date to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options), in which event the secondary market on that exchange (or in that class or series of options) would cease to exist, although outstanding options that had been issued by the Options Clearing Corporation as a result of trades on that exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.

 

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

 

The hours of trading for options may not conform to the hours during which the underlying securities are traded. To the extent that the options markets close before the markets for the underlying securities, significant price and rate movements can take place in the underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the options markets. The purchase of options is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The purchase of stock index options involves the risk that the premium and transaction costs paid by the Fund in purchasing an option will be lost as a result of unanticipated movements in prices of the securities comprising the stock index on which the option is based.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Options on Futures Contracts. A Fund may purchase and sell options on the same types of futures in which it may invest. Options on futures are similar to options on underlying instruments except that options on futures give the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in a futures contract (a long position if the option is a call and a short position if the option is a put), rather than to purchase or sell the futures contract, at a specified exercise price at any time during the period of the option. Upon exercise of the option, the delivery of the futures position by the writer of the option to the holder of the option will be accompanied by the delivery of the accumulated balance in the writer’s futures margin account which represents the amount by which the market price of the futures contract, at exercise, exceeds (in the case of a call) or is less than (in the case of a put) the exercise price of the option on the futures contract. Purchasers of options who fail to exercise their options prior to the exercise date suffer a loss of the premium paid.

 

Dealer Options. A Fund may engage in transactions involving dealer options as well as exchange-traded options. Certain additional risks are specific to dealer options. While a Fund might look to a clearing corporation to exercise exchange-traded options, if the Fund were to purchase a dealer option it would need to rely on the dealer from which it purchased the option to perform if the option were exercised. Failure by the dealer to do so would result in the loss of the premium paid by the Fund as well as loss of the expected benefit of the transaction.

 

Exchange-traded options generally have a continuous liquid market while dealer options may not. Consequently, a Fund may generally be able to realize the value of a dealer option it has purchased only by exercising or reselling the option to the dealer who issued it. Similarly, when a Fund writes a dealer option, the Fund may generally be able to close out the option prior to its expiration only by entering into a closing purchase transaction with the dealer to whom the Fund originally wrote the option. While a Fund will seek to enter into dealer options only with dealers who will agree to and which are expected to be capable of entering into closing transactions with the Fund, there can be no assurance that the Fund will at any time be able to liquidate a dealer option at a favorable price at any time prior to expiration. Unless the Fund, as a covered dealer call option writer is able to effect a closing purchase transaction, it will not be able to liquidate securities (or other assets) used as cover until the option expires or is exercised. In the event of insolvency of the other party, the Fund may be unable to liquidate a dealer option. With respect to options written by the Fund, the inability to enter into a closing transaction may result in material losses to the Fund. For example, because the Fund must maintain a secured position with respect to any call option on a security it writes, the Fund may not sell the assets that it has segregated to secure the position while it is obligated under the option. This requirement may impair the Fund’s ability to sell portfolio securities at a time when such sale might be advantageous.

 

The SEC has taken the position that purchased dealer options are illiquid securities. A Fund may treat the cover used for written dealer options as liquid if the dealer agrees that the Fund may repurchase the dealer option it has written for a maximum price to be calculated by a predetermined formula. In such cases, the dealer option would be considered illiquid only to the extent the maximum purchase price under the formula exceeds the intrinsic value of the option. Accordingly, the Fund will treat dealer options as subject to the Fund’s limitation on illiquid securities. If the SEC changes its position on the liquidity of dealer options, the Fund will change its treatment of such instruments accordingly.

 

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Spread Transactions. A Fund may purchase covered spread options from securities dealers. These covered spread options are not presently exchange-listed or exchange-traded. The purchase of a spread option gives the Fund the right to put securities that it owns at a fixed dollar spread or fixed yield spread in relationship to another security that the Fund do not own, but which is used as a benchmark. The risk to the Fund, in addition to the risks of dealer options described above, is the cost of the premium paid as well as any transaction costs. The purchase of spread options will be used to protect the Fund against adverse changes in prevailing credit quality spreads, i.e., the yield spread between high quality and lower quality securities. This protection is provided only during the life of the spread options.

 

Repurchase Agreements. A Fund may enter into repurchase agreements. In a repurchase agreement, an investor (such as the Fund) purchases a security (known as the “underlying security”) from a securities dealer or bank. Any such dealer or bank must be deemed creditworthy by the Advisor. At that time, the bank or securities dealer agrees to repurchase the underlying security at a mutually agreed upon price on a designated future date. The repurchase price may be higher than the purchase price, the difference being income to the Fund, or the purchase and repurchase prices may be the same, with interest at an agreed upon rate due to the Fund on repurchase. In either case, the income to the Fund generally will be unrelated to the interest rate on the underlying securities. Repurchase agreements must be “fully collateralized,” in that the market value of the underlying securities (including accrued interest) must at all times be equal to or greater than the repurchase price. Therefore, a repurchase agreement can be considered a loan collateralized by the underlying securities.

 

Repurchase agreements are generally for a short period of time, often less than a week, and will generally be used by the Fund to invest excess cash or as part of a temporary defensive strategy. Repurchase agreements that do not provide for payment within seven days will be treated as illiquid securities. In the event of a bankruptcy or other default by the seller of a repurchase agreement, the Fund could experience both delays in liquidating the underlying security and losses. These losses could result from: (a) possible decline in the value of the underlying security while the Fund are seeking to enforce its rights under the repurchase agreement; (b) possible reduced levels of income or lack of access to income during this period; and (c) expenses of enforcing its rights.

 

Futures Contracts. A futures contract provides for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified amount of a specific financial instrument (e.g., units of a stock index) for a specified price, date, time and place designated at the time the contract is made. Brokerage fees are incurred when a futures contract is bought or sold and margin deposits must be maintained. Entering into a contract to buy is commonly referred to as buying or purchasing a contract or holding a long position. Entering into a contract to sell is commonly referred to as selling a contract or holding a short position.

 

Unlike when a Fund purchases or sell a security, no price would be paid or received by the Fund upon the purchase or sale of a futures contract. Upon entering into a futures contract, and to maintain the Fund’s open positions in futures contracts, the Fund would be required to deposit with its Custodian or futures broker in a segregated account in the name of the futures broker an amount of cash, U.S. government securities, suitable money market instruments, or other liquid securities, known as “initial margin.” The margin required for a particular futures contract is set by the exchange on which the contract is traded, and may be significantly modified from time to time by the exchange during the term of the contract. Futures contracts are customarily purchased and sold on margins that may range upward from less than 5% of the value of the contract being traded.

 

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If the price of an open futures contract changes (by increase in underlying instrument or index in the case of a sale or by decrease in the case of a purchase) so that the loss on the futures contract reaches a point at which the margin on deposit does not satisfy margin requirements, the broker will require an increase in the margin. However, if the value of a position increases because of favorable price changes in the futures contract so that the margin deposit exceeds the required margin, the broker will pay the excess to the Fund.

 

These subsequent payments, called “variation margin,” to and from the futures broker, are made on a daily basis as the price of the underlying assets fluctuate making the long and short positions in the futures contract more or less valuable, a process known as “marking to the market.” The Fund expect to earn interest income on its margin deposits.

 

Although certain futures contracts, by their terms, require actual future delivery of and payment for the underlying instruments, in practice most futures contracts are usually closed out before the delivery date. Closing out an open futures contract purchase or sale is effected by entering into an offsetting futures contract sale or purchase, respectively, for the same aggregate amount of the identical underlying instrument or index and the same delivery date. If the offsetting purchase price is less than the original sale price, the Fund realize a gain; if it is more, the Fund realize a loss. Conversely, if the offsetting sale price is more than the original purchase price, the Fund realize a gain; if it is less, the Fund realize a loss. The transaction costs must also be included in these calculations. There can be no assurance, however, that the Fund will be able to enter into an offsetting transaction with respect to a particular futures contract at a particular time. If the Fund are not able to enter into an offsetting transaction, the Fund will continue to be required to maintain the margin deposits on the futures contract.

 

For example, one contract in the Financial Times Stock Exchange 100 Index future is a contract to buy 25 pounds sterling multiplied by the level of the UK Financial Times 100 Share Index on a given future date. Settlement of a stock index futures contract may or may not be in the underlying instrument or index. If not in the underlying instrument or index, then settlement will be made in cash, equivalent over time to the difference between the contract price and the actual price of the underlying asset at the time the stock index futures contract expires.

 

Credit Default Swaps. In a credit default swap, one party makes a stream of payments to another party in exchange for the right to receive a specified return in the event of a default by a third party, typically an emerging country, on its obligation. A Fund may use credit default swaps to provide a measure of protection against defaults of sovereign issuers (i.e., to reduce risk where the Fund owns or has exposure to the sovereign issuer) and may use credit default swaps to take an active long or short position with respect to the likelihood of a particular issuer’s default. In connection with these agreements, cash or liquid securities may be set aside as collateral by the Fund’s custodian in accordance with the terms of the swap agreement. A Fund earns interest on cash set aside as collateral. Swaps are marked to market daily based upon quotations from market makers and the change in value, if any, is recorded as unrealized gain or loss. These financial instruments are not actively traded on financial markets. The values assigned to these instruments are based upon the best available information and because of the uncertainty of the valuation, these values may differ significantly from the values that would have been realized had a ready market for these instruments existed, and the differences could be material. Payments received or made at the end of the measurement period are recorded as realized gain or loss. Entering into these agreements involves, to varying degrees, elements of credit, market, and documentation risk. Such risks involve the possibility that there will be no liquid market for these agreements, that the counterparty to the agreements may default on its obligation to perform or disagree as to the meaning of contractual terms in the agreements, and that there may be unfavorable changes in interest rates.

 

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The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) and related regulatory developments requires the clearing and exchange-trading of certain interest rate swaps and credit default swaps. The Dodd-Frank Act will ultimately require the clearing of many additional types of OTC derivative instruments that the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) and SEC recently defined as “swaps” including non-deliverable foreign exchange forwards, OTC foreign exchange options and swaptions. Mandatory exchange-trading and clearing will take place on a phased-in basis based on type of market participant and CFTC approval of contracts for central clearing. The Adviser and Sub-Adviser will continue to monitor developments in this area, particularly to the extent regulatory changes affect the Fund’s ability to enter into swap agreements.

 

Trading in Futures Contracts. A futures contract provides for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified amount of a specific financial instrument (e.g., units of a stock index) for a specified price, date, time and place designated at the time the contract is made.

 

Brokerage fees are incurred when a futures contract is bought or sold and margin deposits must be maintained. Entering into a contract to buy is commonly referred to as buying or purchasing a contract or holding a long position. Entering into a contract to sell is commonly referred to as selling a contract or holding a short position.

 

Unlike when a Fund purchases or sells a security, no price would be paid or received by the Fund upon the purchase or sale of a futures contract. Upon entering into a futures contract, and to maintain a Fund’s open positions in futures contracts, the Fund would be required to deposit with its custodian or futures broker in a segregated account in the name of the futures broker an amount of cash, U.S. government securities, suitable money market instruments, or other liquid securities, known as “initial margin.”

 

The margin required for a particular futures contract is set by the exchange on which the contract is traded, and may be significantly modified from time to time by the exchange during the term of the contract. Futures contracts are customarily purchased and sold on margins that may range upward from less than 5% of the value of the contract being traded.

 

If the price of an open futures contract changes (by increase in underlying instrument or index in the case of a sale or by decrease in the case of a purchase) so that the loss on the futures contract reaches a point at which the margin on deposit does not satisfy margin requirements, the broker will require an increase in the margin. However, if the value of a position increases because of favorable price changes in the futures contract so that the margin deposit exceeds the required margin, the broker will pay the excess to the Fund.

 

These subsequent payments, called “variation margin,” to and from the futures broker, are made on a daily basis as the price of the underlying assets fluctuate making the long and short positions in the futures contract more or less valuable, a process known as “marking to the market.” The Fund expects to earn interest income on its margin deposits.

 

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Although certain futures contracts, by their terms, require actual future delivery of and payment for the underlying instruments, in practice most futures contracts are usually closed out before the delivery date. Closing out an open futures contract purchase or sale is effected by entering into an offsetting futures contract sale or purchase, respectively, for the same aggregate amount of the identical underlying instrument or index and the same delivery date. If the offsetting purchase price is less than the original sale price, the Fund realizes a gain; if it is more, the Fund realizes a loss. Conversely, if the offsetting sale price is more than the original purchase price, the Fund realizes a gain; if it is less, the Fund realizes a loss. The transaction costs must also be included in these calculations. There can be no assurance, however, that the Fund will be able to enter into an offsetting transaction with respect to a particular futures contract at a particular time. If the Fund is not able to enter into an offsetting transaction, the Fund will continue to be required to maintain the margin deposits on the futures contract.

 

For example, one contract in the Financial Times Stock Exchange 100 Index future is a contract to buy 25 pounds sterling multiplied by the level of the UK Financial Times 100 Share Index on a given future date. Settlement of a stock index futures contract may or may not be in the underlying instrument or index. If not in the underlying instrument or index, then settlement will be made in cash, equivalent over time to the difference between the contract price and the actual price of the underlying asset at the time the stock index futures contract expires.

 

Over-the-Counter Instruments. The trading of over-the-counter instruments subjects the Fund to a variety of risks including: (1) counterparty risk; (2) basis risk; (3) interest rate risk; (4) settlement risk; (5) legal risk; and (6) operational risk. Counterparty risk is the risk that the Fund’s counterparties might default on their obligation to pay or perform generally on their obligations. The over-the-counter markets and some foreign markets are “principals’ markets.” That means that performance of the contract is the responsibility only of the individual firm or member on the other side of the trade and not any exchange or clearing corporation. Such “counterparty risk” is accentuated for contracts with longer maturities where events may intervene to prevent settlement, or where the Fund has concentrated its transactions with a single or small group of counterparties. Basis risk is the risk attributable to the movements in the spread between the derivative contract price and the future price of the underlying instrument. Interest rate risk is the general risk associated with movements in interest rates. Settlement risk is the risk that a settlement in a transfer system does not take place as expected. Legal risk is the risk that a transaction proves unenforceable in law or because it has been inadequately documented. Operational risk is the risk of unexpected losses arising from deficiencies in a firm’s management information, support and control systems and procedures. Transactions in over-the-counter derivatives may involve other risks as well, as there is no exchange market on which to close out an open position. It may be impossible to liquidate an existing position, to assess the value of a position or to assess the exposure to risk. The Fund’s futures contracts may be subject to periods of illiquidity because of market conditions, regulatory considerations and other reasons. For example, commodity exchanges limit fluctuations in certain futures contract prices during a single day by regulations referred to as “daily limits.” During a single day, no trades may be executed at prices beyond the daily limit. Once the price of a futures contract for a particular commodity has increased or decreased by an amount equal to the daily limit, positions in the commodity futures contracts can neither be taken nor liquidated unless the traders are willing to effect trades at or within the limit. Futures contract prices have occasionally moved the daily limit for several consecutive days with little or no trading. Such market conditions could prevent the Fund from promptly liquidating its futures contracts.

 

When-Issued, Forward Commitments and Delayed Settlements. A Fund may purchase and sell securities on a when-issued, forward commitment or delayed settlement basis. In this event, the Custodian (as defined under the section entitled “Custodian”) will segregate liquid assets equal to the amount of the commitment in a separate account. Normally, the Custodian will set aside portfolio securities to satisfy a purchase commitment. In such a case, a Fund may be required subsequently to segregate additional assets in order to assure that the value of the account remains equal to the amount of the Fund’s commitment. It may be expected that the Fund’s net assets will fluctuate to a greater degree when it sets aside portfolio securities to cover such purchase commitments than when it sets aside cash.

 

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A Fund does not intend to engage in these transactions for speculative purposes but only in furtherance of its investment objectives. Because a Fund will segregate liquid assets to satisfy its purchase commitments in the manner described, the Fund’s liquidity and the ability of the Fund’s adviser to manage them may be affected in the event the Fund’s forward commitments, commitments to purchase when-issued securities and delayed settlements ever exceeded 15% of the value of its net assets.

 

A Fund will purchase securities on a when-issued, forward commitment or delayed settlement basis only with the intention of completing the transaction. If deemed advisable as a matter of investment strategy, however, the Fund may dispose of or renegotiate a commitment after it is entered into, and may sell securities it has committed to purchase before those securities are delivered to the Fund on the settlement date. In these cases the Fund may realize a taxable capital gain or loss. When the Fund engage in when-issued, forward commitment and delayed settlement transactions, it relies on the other party to consummate the trade. Failure of such party to do so may result in the Fund incurring a loss or missing an opportunity to obtain a price credited to be advantageous.

 

The market value of the securities underlying a when-issued purchase, forward commitment to purchase securities, or a delayed settlement and any subsequent fluctuations in their market value is taken into account when determining the market value of the Fund starting on the day the Fund agrees to purchase the securities. The Fund does not earn interest on the securities it has committed to purchase until it has paid for and delivered on the settlement date.

 

Structured Notes, Bonds and Debentures. Typically, the value of the principal and/or interest on these instruments is determined by reference to changes in the value of specific currencies, interest rates, commodities, indexes or other financial indicators (the “Reference”) or the relevant change in two or more References. The interest rate or the principal amount payable upon maturity or redemption may be increased or decreased depending upon changes in the applicable Reference. The terms of the structured securities may provide that in certain circumstances no principal is due at maturity and, therefore, may result in the loss of the Fund’s entire investment. The value of structured securities may move in the same or the opposite direction as the value of the Reference, so that appreciation of the Reference may produce an increase or decrease in the interest rate or value of the security at maturity. In addition, the change in interest rate or the value of the security at maturity may be a multiple of the change in the value of the Reference so that the security may be more or less volatile than the Reference, depending on the multiple. Consequently, structured securities may entail a greater degree of market risk and volatility than other types of debt obligations.

 

Illiquid and Restricted Securities. A Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities. Illiquid securities include securities subject to contractual or legal restrictions on resale (e.g., because they have not been registered under the 1933 Act) and securities that are otherwise not readily marketable (e.g., because trading in the security is suspended or because market makers do not exist or will not entertain bids or offers). Securities that have not been registered under the 1933 Act are referred to as private placements or restricted securities and are purchased directly from the issuer or in the secondary market. Foreign securities that are freely tradable in their principal markets are not considered to be illiquid.

 

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Restricted and other illiquid securities may be subject to the potential for delays on resale and uncertainty in valuation. A Fund might be unable to dispose of illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty in satisfying redemption requests from shareholders. The Underlying Fund might have to register restricted securities in order to dispose of them, resulting in additional expense and delay. Adverse market conditions could impede such a public offering of securities.

 

A large institutional market exists for certain securities that are not registered under the Securities Act, including foreign securities. The fact that there are contractual or legal restrictions on resale to the general public or to certain institutions may not be indicative of the liquidity of such investments. Rule 144A under the Securities Act allows such a broader institutional trading market for securities otherwise subject to restrictions on resale to the general public. Rule 144A establishes a “safe harbor” from the registration requirements of the Securities Act for resale of certain securities to qualified institutional buyers. Rule 144A has produced enhanced liquidity for many restricted securities, and market liquidity for such securities may continue to expand as a result of this regulation and the consequent existence of the PORTAL system, which is an automated system for the trading, clearance and settlement of unregistered securities of domestic and foreign issuers.

 

Under guidelines adopted by the Trust’s Board, a Fund’s adviser may determine that particular Rule 144A securities, and commercial paper issued in reliance on the private placement exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act, are liquid even though they are not registered. A determination of whether such a security is liquid or not is a question of fact. In making this determination, the Adviser will consider, as it deems appropriate under the circumstances and among other factors: (1) the frequency of trades and quotes for the security; (2) the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the security; (3) the number of other potential purchasers of the security; (4) dealer undertakings to make a market in the security; (5) the nature of the security (e.g., debt or equity, date of maturity, terms of dividend or interest payments, and other material terms) and the nature of the marketplace trades (e.g., the time needed to dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers, and the mechanics of transfer); and (6) the rating of the security and the financial condition and prospects of the issuer. In the case of commercial paper, the Adviser will also determine that the paper (1) is not traded flat or in default as to principal and interest, and (2) is rated in one of the two highest rating categories by at least two Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations (“NRSROs”) or, if only one NRSRO rates the security, by that NRSRO, or, if the security is unrated, the adviser determines that it is of equivalent quality.

 

Rule 144A securities and Section 4(a)(2) commercial paper that have been deemed liquid as described above will continue to be monitored by the adviser to determine if the security is no longer liquid as the result of changed conditions. Investing in Rule 144A securities or Section 4(a)(2) commercial paper could have the effect of increasing the amount of a Fund’s assets invested in illiquid securities if institutional buyers are unwilling to purchase such securities.

 

Loan Pools and Individual Loans.

 

Asset-Backed and Receivable-Backed Securities

 

A Fund may invest in asset-backed securities. These securities are undivided fractional interests in pools of consumer loans (unrelated to mortgage loans) held in a trust. Payments of principal and interest are passed through to certificate holders and may be supported by some form of credit enhancement, such as a letter of credit, surety bond, limited guaranty or senior/subordination. The degree of credit enhancement varies, but generally amounts to only a fraction of the asset-backed or receivable-backed security’s par value until exhausted. If the credit enhancement is exhausted, certificate holders may experience losses or delays in payment if the required payments of principal and interest are not made to the trust with respect to the underlying loans. The value of these securities also may change because of changes in the market’s perception of the creditworthiness of the servicing agent for the loan pool, the originator of the loans or the financial institution providing the credit enhancement. Asset-backed and receivable-backed securities are ultimately dependent upon payment of consumer loans by individuals, and the certificate holder generally has no recourse against the entity that originated the loans. The underlying loans are subject to prepayments that shorten the securities’ weighted average life and may lower their return. As prepayments flow through at par, total returns would be affected by the prepayments: if a security were trading at a premium, its total return would be lowered by prepayments; and if a security were trading at a discount, its total return would be increased by prepayments. A Fund will not invest more than 5% of its net assets in asset-backed or receivable-backed securities. The adviser may focus the Fund’s investments in asset-backed pools of consumer loans in the education space (i.e., student loans or other educational debt). The size and character of the student loan/educational debt market has increased in recent years and is anticipated to continue to increase as the number of student borrowers rises year after year.

 

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Individual Loans and Other Educational Debt

 

There are two major areas of risk involved in investing in individual student loans and other educational debt: risk of default and lack of collateralization. Investing in individual student loans and other educational debt carry the risk that the individual student may default of his or her student loan or other educational debt. Investing in a pool of student loans or other educational debt may spread the default risk among the student loan/educational debt pool but the risk of default is not completely mitigated. In addition, unlike mortgage loans, student loans and other educational debt are not collateralized, so that a Fund would end up with nothing in the event of default.

 

Lending Portfolio Securities. For the purpose of achieving income, a Fund may lend its portfolio securities, provided (1) the loan is secured continuously by collateral consisting of U.S. Government securities or cash or cash equivalents (cash, U.S. Government securities, negotiable certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances or letters of credit) maintained on a daily mark-to-market basis in an amount at least equal to the current market value of the securities loaned, (2) the Fund may at any time call the loan and obtain the return of securities loaned, (3) the Fund will receive any interest or dividends received on the loaned securities, and (4) the aggregate value of the securities loaned will not at any time exceed one-third of the total assets of the Fund.

 

Swap Agreements. A Fund may enter into interest rate, index and currency exchange rate swap agreements in an attempt to obtain a particular desired return at a lower cost to the Fund than if it had invested directly in an instrument that yielded that desired return. Swap agreements are two-party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors for periods ranging from a few weeks to more than one year. In a standard “swap” transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of returns) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments. The gross returns to be exchanged or “swapped” between the parties are calculated with respect to a “notional amount,” i.e., the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested at a particular interest rate, in a particular foreign currency, or in a “basket” of securities representing a particular index. The “notional amount” of the swap agreement is only a fictive basis on which to calculate the obligations the parties to a swap agreement have agreed to exchange. The Fund’s obligations (or rights) under a swap agreement will generally be equal only to the amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the positions held by each party to the agreement (the “net amount”). The Fund’s obligations under a swap agreement will be accrued daily (offset against any amounts owing to the Fund) and any accrued but unpaid net amounts owed to a swap counterparty will be covered by the maintenance of a segregated account consisting of cash, U.S. government securities, or other liquid securities, to avoid leveraging of the Fund’s portfolio.

 

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Whether a Fund’s use of swap agreements enhance the Fund’s total return will depend on the adviser’s ability to correctly predict whether certain types of investments are likely to produce greater returns than other investments. Because they are two-party contracts and may have terms of greater than seven days, swap agreements may be considered to be illiquid. Moreover, the Fund bear the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty. The Fund’s adviser will cause the Fund to enter into swap agreements only with counterparties that would be eligible for consideration as repurchase agreement counterparties under the Fund’s repurchase agreement guidelines. The swap market is a relatively new market and is largely unregulated. It is possible that developments in the swaps market, including potential government regulation, could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to terminate existing swap agreements or to realize amounts to be received under such agreements.

 

Certain swap agreements are exempt from most provisions of the Commodity Exchange Act (“CEA”) and, therefore, are not regulated as futures or commodity option transactions under the CEA, pursuant to regulations of the CFTC. To qualify for this exemption, a swap agreement must be entered into by “eligible participants,” which include the following, provided the participants’ total assets exceed established levels: a bank or trust company, savings association or credit union, insurance company, investment company subject to regulation under the 1940 Act, commodity pool, corporation, partnership, proprietorship, organization, trust or other entity, employee benefit plan, governmental entity, broker-dealer, futures commission merchant, natural person, or regulated foreign person. To be eligible, natural persons and most other entities must have total assets exceeding $10 million; commodity pools and employees benefit plans must have assets exceeding $5 million. In addition, an eligible swap transaction must meet three conditions. First, the swap agreement may not be part of a fungible class of agreements that are standardized as to their material economic terms. Second, the creditworthiness of parties with actual or potential obligations under the swap agreement must be a material consideration in entering into or determining the terms of the swap agreement, including pricing, cost or credit enhancement terms. Third, swap agreements may not be entered into and traded on or through a multilateral transaction execution facility.

 

INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

 

Fundamental Restrictions. Each Fund has adopted the following “fundamental restrictions,” which cannot be changed without approval by holders of a majority of the outstanding voting shares of the Fund. A “majority” for this purpose means the lesser of (i) 67% of the Fund’s outstanding shares represented in person or by proxy at a meeting at which more than 50% of its outstanding shares are represented, or (ii) more than 50% of its outstanding shares.

 

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Global Fund

 

The Fund may not:

 

1. Issue Senior Securities. This limitation is not applicable to activities that may be deemed to involve the issuance or sale of a senior security by the Fund, provided that the Fund’s engagement in such activities is consistent with or permitted by the 1940 Act, as amended, the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder or interpretations of the SEC or its staff;

 

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

 

3. Participate on a joint or joint and several basis in any securities trading account, or underwrite securities. (Does not preclude the Fund from obtaining such short-term credit as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of its portfolio securities, and except to the extent that the Fund may be deemed an underwriter under the Securities Act of 1933, by virtue of disposing of portfolio securities);

 

4. Purchase or sell real estate or interests in real estate. This limitation is not applicable to investments in marketable securities that are secured by or represent interests in real estate or real estate acquired as a result of such investments. This limitation does not preclude the Fund from investing in mortgage-related securities or investing in companies engaged in the real estate business or that have a significant portion of their assets in real estate (including real estate investment trusts);

 

5. Invest 25% or more of the market value of its assets in the securities of companies engaged in any one industry. (Does not apply to investment in the securities of the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.);

 

6. Purchase or sell commodities (unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other investments) or commodity futures contracts, except that the Fund may purchase and sell futures contracts and options to the full extent permitted under the 1940 Act, sell foreign currency contracts in accordance with any rules of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, invest in securities or other instruments backed by commodities, and invest in companies that are engaged in a commodities business or have a significant portion of their assets in commodities;

 

7. 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, and (c) by loaning portfolio securities; or

 

8. With respect to 75% of its total assets, invest 5% or more of its total assets in securities of a single issuer or hold more than 10% of the voting securities of such issuer (does not apply to investment in the securities of the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities, or other investment companies). As a matter of operating policy, the Fund will not consider repurchase agreements to be subject to the above-stated 5% limitation if all of the collateral underlying the repurchase agreements are U.S. government securities and such repurchase agreements are fully collateralized.

 

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THE FOLLOWING ARE ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS OF THE FUND. THE FOLLOWING RESTRICTIONS ARE DESIGNATED AS NON-FUNDAMENTAL AND MAY BE CHANGED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TRUST WITHOUT THE APPROVAL OF SHAREHOLDERS.

 

The Fund may not:

 

1. Invest in securities of other investment companies except as permitted under the 1940 Act or the rules thereunder; or

 

2. Invest 15% or more of the value of its net assets, computed at the time of investment, in illiquid securities. Illiquid securities are those securities without readily available market quotations, including repurchase agreements having a maturity of more than seven days. Illiquid securities may include restricted securities not determined by the Board of Trustees to be liquid, non-negotiable time deposits, over-the-counter options and repurchase agreements providing for settlement in more than seven days after notice.

 

Except with respect to borrowing and illiquid securities, if a percentage or rating restriction on investment or use of assets set forth herein or in the Prospectus is adhered to at the time a transaction is effected, later changes in percentage resulting from any cause other than actions by the Fund will not be considered a violation.

 

Income Fund

 

FUNDAMENTAL RESTRICTIONS. As a matter of fundamental policy, the Fund may not:

 

(1)Issue senior securities. This limitation is not applicable to activities that may be deemed to involve the issuance or sale of a senior security by the Fund, provided that the Fund’s engagement in such activities is consistent with or permitted by the 1940 Act, as amended, the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder or interpretations of the SEC or its staff;

 

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

 

(3)Purchase securities on margin, participate on a joint or joint and several basis in any securities trading account, or underwrite securities. (Does not preclude the Fund from obtaining such short-term credit as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of its portfolio securities, and except to the extent that the Fund may be deemed an underwriter under the Securities Act, by virtue of disposing of portfolio securities);

 

(4)Purchase or sell real estate or interests in real estate. This limitation is not applicable to investments in marketable securities that are secured by or represent interests in real estate. This limitation does not preclude the Fund from investing in mortgage-related securities or investing in companies engaged in the real estate business or that have a significant portion of their assets in real estate (including real estate investment trusts);

 

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(5)Invest more than 25% of the market value of its assets in the securities of companies engaged in any one industry. (Does not apply to investment in the securities of the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.);

 

(6)Purchase or sell commodities (unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other investments) or commodity futures contracts, except that the Fund may purchase and sell futures contracts and options to the full extent permitted under the 1940 Act, sell foreign currency contracts in accordance with any rules of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, invest in securities or other instruments backed by commodities, and invest in companies that are engaged in a commodities business or have a significant portion of their assets in commodities; or

 

(7)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, and (c) by loaning portfolio securities.

 

NON-FUNDAMENTAL RESTRICTIONS. The following investment limitations are not fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval. As a matter of non-fundamental policy, the Fund may not:

 

(1)Invest in any issuer for purposes of exercising control or management;

 

(2)Invest in securities of other investment companies except as permitted under the 1940 Act.;

 

(3)Invest, in the aggregate, more than 15% of its net assets in securities with legal or contractual restrictions on resale, securities, which are not readily marketable and repurchase agreements with more than seven days to maturity. However, if more than 15% of Fund assets (defined as net assets plus the amount of any borrowing for investment purposes) are illiquid, the Fund’s investment adviser will reduce illiquid assets such that they do not represent more than 15% of Fund assets, subject to timing and other considerations which are in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders; or

 

(4)Mortgage, pledge, hypothecate or in any manner transfer, as security for indebtedness, any assets of the Fund except as may be necessary in connection with borrowings described in limitation (1) above. Margin deposits, security interests, liens and collateral arrangements with respect to transactions involving options, futures contracts, short sales and other permitted investments and techniques are not deemed to be a mortgage, pledge or hypothecation of assets for purposes of this limitation.

 

With respect to the “fundamental” and “non-fundamental” investment restrictions above, if a percentage limitation is adhered to at the time of investment, a later increase or decrease in percentage resulting from any change in value or net assets will not result in a violation of such restriction (i.e., percentage limitations are determined at the time of purchase); provided, however, that the percentage limitations on borrowing under the Fund’s second fundamental investment restriction apply at all times.

 

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PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE ALLOCATION

 

Subject to the general supervision of the Trustees, the Adviser is responsible for, makes decisions with respect to, and places orders for all purchases and sales of portfolio securities for the Global Fund and the Income Fund. The Adviser shall manage the Global Fund’s and the Income Fund’s portfolio in accordance with the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement by and between the Adviser and each of the Global Fund and the Income Fund (the “Advisory Agreement”). Under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser selects the securities and manages the investments for the Global Fund and the Income Fund and also selects broker-dealers to execute portfolio transactions, all subject to the oversight of the Board of Trustees. The Advisory Agreement is described in detail under “Management and Administration”. The Adviser serves as investment adviser for a number of client accounts, including the Global Fund and the Income Fund. Investment decisions for the Global Fund and the Income Fund will be made independently from those for any other series of the Trust, if any, and for any other investment companies and accounts advised or managed by the Adviser.

 

Brokerage Selection. In selecting brokers to be used in portfolio transactions, the adviser’s/sub-adviser’s general guiding principal is to obtain the best overall execution for each trade, which is a combination of price and execution. With respect to execution, the adviser/sub-adviser considers a number of judgmental factors, including, without limitation, the actual handling of the order, the ability of the broker to settle the trade promptly and accurately, the financial standing of the broker, the ability of the broker to position stock to facilitate execution, the adviser’s/sub-adviser’s past experience with similar trades and other factors that may be unique to a particular order. Recognizing the value of these judgmental factors, the adviser/sub-adviser may select brokers who charge a brokerage commission that is higher than the lowest commission that might otherwise be available for any given trade. The adviser/sub-adviser may not give consideration to sales of shares of a Fund as a factor in selecting brokers to execute portfolio transactions. The adviser/sub-adviser may, however, place portfolio transactions with brokers that promote or sell a Fund’s shares so long as such transactions are done in accordance with the policies and procedures established by the Trustees that are designed to ensure that the selection is based on the quality of the broker’s execution and not on the broker’s sales efforts.

 

Under Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”), and as provided in the Advisory Agreement/Sub-Advisory Agreement, the adviser/sub-adviser is authorized to cause a Fund to pay a brokerage commission in excess of that which another broker might have charged for effecting the same transaction, in recognition of the value of brokerage and/or research services provided by the broker. The research received may include, without limitation: information on the United States and other economies; information on specific industries, groups of securities, individual companies, political and other relevant news developments affecting markets and specific securities; technical and quantitative information about markets; analysis of proxy proposals affecting specific companies; accounting and performance systems that allow the adviser/sub-adviser to determine and track investment results; and trading systems that allow the adviser/sub-adviser to interface electronically with brokerage firms, custodians and other providers. Where a product or service has a mixed use among research, brokerage and other purposes, the adviser/sub-adviser will make a reasonable allocation according to the uses and will pay for the non-research and non-brokerage functions in cash using its own funds.

 

The research and investment information services described above make available to the adviser/sub-adviser for its analysis and consideration the views and information of individuals and research staffs of other securities firms. These services may be useful to the adviser/sub-adviser in connection with advisory clients other than a Fund and not all such services may be useful to the adviser/sub-adviser in connection with a Fund. Although such information may be a useful supplement to the adviser’s/sub-adviser’s own investment information in rendering services to a Fund, the value of such research and services is not expected to reduce materially the expenses of the adviser/sub-adviser in the performance of its services under the Advisory Agreement/Sub-Advisory Agreement and will not reduce the management fees payable to the adviser/sub-adviser by a Fund.

 

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A Fund may invest in securities traded in the over-the-counter market. Transactions in the over-the-counter market are generally principal transactions with dealers and the costs of such transactions involve dealer spreads rather than brokerage commissions. A Fund, where possible, deals directly with the dealers who make a market in the securities involved except in those circumstances where better prices and/or execution are available elsewhere. When a transaction involves exchange listed securities, the adviser/sub-adviser considers the advisability of effecting the transaction with a broker which is not a member of the securities exchange on which the security to be purchased is listed or effecting the transaction in the institutional market.

 

Aggregated Trades. While investment decisions for a Fund are made independently of the adviser’s/sub-adviser’s other client accounts, the adviser’s/sub-adviser’s other client accounts may invest in the same securities as a Fund. To the extent permitted by law, the adviser/sub-adviser may aggregate the securities to be sold or purchased for a Fund with those to be sold or purchased for other investment companies or accounts in executing transactions. When a purchase or sale of the same security is made at substantially the same time on behalf of a Fund and another investment company or account, the transaction will be averaged as to price and available investments allocated as to amount in a manner which the adviser/sub-adviser believes to be equitable to the Fund and such other investment company or account. In some instances, this investment procedure may adversely affect the price paid or received by a Fund or the size of the position obtained or sold by the Fund.

 

Portfolio Turnover. The annualized portfolio turnover rate for a Fund is calculated by dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the reporting period by the monthly average value of the portfolio securities owned during the reporting period. The calculation excludes all securities whose maturities or expiration dates at the time of acquisition are one year or less. Portfolio turnover of a Fund may vary greatly from year to year as well as within a particular year, and may be affected by cash requirements for redemption of shares and by requirements that enable the Fund to receive favorable tax treatment. Portfolio turnover will not be a limiting factor in making Fund decisions, and the Fund may engage in short-term trading to achieve its investment objectives.

 

Global Fund

 

In accordance with industry practice, derivative instruments and instruments with a maturity of one year or less at the time of acquisition are excluded from the calculation of the portfolio turnover rate, resulting in an expected portfolio turnover rate of 40% for the Global Fund. However, if these instruments were included in the calculation, the Global Fund’s strategy would result in frequent portfolio trading and a high portfolio turnover rate (typically greater than 300%).

 

For the fiscal year ended May 31, 2018, the Global Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 324%. For the fiscal period ended September 30, 2018, the Global Fund’s turnover rate was 73%. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, the Global Fund’s turnover rate was 176%.

 

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Income Fund

 

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, the Income Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 301%. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, the Income Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 169%.

 

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS DISCLOSURE

 

The Board of Trustees of the Trust has adopted policies to govern the circumstances under which disclosure regarding securities held by the Funds and disclosure of purchases and sales of such securities, may be made to shareholders of the Trust or other persons. These policies include the following:

 

Public disclosure regarding the securities held by a Fund (“Portfolio Securities”) on a given day will not be made until the close of the next business day at least 24 hours after such day.

 

Public disclosure regarding a Fund’s Portfolio Securities is made quarterly through the Fund’s Form N-Q and Semi-Annual and Annual Reports (“Official Reports”). Other than the Official Reports, shareholders and other persons generally may not be provided with information regarding Portfolio Securities held, purchased or sold by a Fund.

 

Information regarding Portfolio Securities, and other information regarding the investment activities of the Portfolios, may be disclosed to rating and ranking organizations for use in connection with their rating or ranking of the Trust or a Fund, but only if such disclosure has been publicly disclosed or approved in writing by the Chief Compliance Officer of the Trust (the “CCO”). The CCO will not approve arrangements prior to public disclosure unless persons receiving the information provide assurances that the information will not be used for inappropriate trading in Fund shares.

 

The Trust’s policy relating to disclosure of the Trust’s holdings of Portfolio Securities does not prohibit: (i) disclosure of information to the Trust’s investment adviser/sub-adviser or to other Trust service providers, including but not limited to the Trust’s administrator, distributor, custodian, legal counsel and auditors as identified in the Prospectus and this SAI, financial printers or to brokers and dealers through which the Trust purchases and sells Portfolio Securities; and (ii) disclosure of holdings of or transactions in Portfolio Securities by a Fund that is made on the same basis to all Fund shareholders. This information is disclosed to third parties under conditions of confidentiality. “Conditions of confidentiality” include (i) confidentiality clauses in written agreements, (ii) confidentiality implied by the nature of the relationship (e.g., attorney-client relationship), (iii) confidentiality required by fiduciary or regulatory principles (e.g., custody relationships), and (iv) understandings or expectations between the parties that the information will be kept confidential.

 

The CCO is required to approve any arrangements other than disclosure to service providers under which information relating to Portfolio Securities held by the Portfolios, or purchased or sold by a Fund is disclosed to a shareholder or other person before disclosure in the Official Reports. In making such a determination, the CCO may consider, among other things, the information to be disclosed, the timing of the disclosure, the intended use of the information, whether the arrangement is reasonably necessary to aid in conducting the ongoing business of a Fund and whether the arrangement will adversely affect the Trust, a Fund or its shareholders. The CCO will not approve such arrangements unless persons receiving the information provide assurances that the information will not be used for inappropriate trading in Fund shares.

 

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The CCO shall inform the Board of Trustees of any special portfolio holdings disclosure arrangements that are approved by the CCO, and the rationale supporting approval.

 

Neither the Trust’s investment adviser/sub-adviser nor the Trust (or any affiliated person, employee, officer, trustee or director of the investment adviser or the Trust) may receive any direct or indirect compensation in consideration of the disclosure of information relating to Portfolio Securities held, purchased or sold by a Fund.

 

DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST

 

The Trust, which is a statutory trust organized under Delaware law on February 24, 2005, is an open-end management investment company. The Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust (“Trust Instrument”) authorizes the Trustees to divide shares into series, each series relating to a separate portfolio of investments, and to classify and reclassify any unissued shares into one or more classes of shares of each such series. The Trust currently offers 7 series of shares.

 

The Funds currently offer one class of shares (Institutional Class shares). Effective May 29, 2020, the Funds’ Investor Class was converted to Institutional Class. The number of shares in the Trust shall be unlimited. The Trustees may classify and reclassify the shares of the Funds into additional classes of shares at a future date. When issued for payment as described in the Prospectus and this SAI, shares of the Funds will be fully paid and non-assessable and shall have no preemptive or conversion rights.

 

In the event of a liquidation or dissolution of the Trust or an individual series, such as a Fund, shareholders of a particular series would be entitled to receive the assets available for distribution belonging to such series. Shareholders of a series are entitled to participate equally in the net distributable assets of the particular series involved on liquidation, based on the number of shares of the series that are held by each shareholder. If there are any assets, income, earnings, proceeds, funds or payments that are not readily identifiable as belonging to any particular series, the Trustees shall allocate them among any one or more of the series as they, in their sole discretion, deem fair and equitable.

 

Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each full share and a fractional vote for each fractional share held. Shares have non-cumulative voting rights, which means that the holders of more than 50% of the shares voting for the election of Trustees can elect 100% of the Trustees, and in this event, the holders of the remaining shares voting will not be able to elect any Trustees. Rights of shareholders cannot be modified by less than a majority vote.

 

The Trustees will hold office indefinitely, except that: (1) any Trustee may resign or retire and (2) any Trustee may be removed: (a) any time by written instrument signed by at least two-thirds of the number of Trustees prior to such removal; (b) at any meeting of shareholders of the Trust by a vote of two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the Trust; or (c) by a written declaration signed by shareholders holding not less than two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the Trust. In case a vacancy or an anticipated vacancy on the Board of Trustees shall for any reason exist, the vacancy shall be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining Trustees, subject to certain restrictions under the 1940 Act.

 

The Trust Instrument provides that the Trustees will not be liable in any event in connection with the affairs of the Trust, except as such liability may arise from a Trustee’s bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard of duties. It also provides that all third parties shall look solely to the Trust property for satisfaction of claims arising in connection with the affairs of the Trust. With the exceptions stated, the Trust Instrument provides that a Trustee or officer is entitled to be indemnified against all liability in connection with the affairs of the Trust.

 

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The Trust will not hold an annual shareholders’ meeting unless required by law. There will normally be no annual meeting of shareholders in any year in which the election of Trustees by shareholders is not required by the 1940 Act. As set forth in the Trust’s Amended and Restated By-Laws, shareholders of the Trust have the right, under certain conditions, to call a special meeting of shareholders, including a meeting to consider removing a Trustee.

 

BOARD OF TRUSTEES, OFFICERS AND PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS

 

The Trustees are responsible for the management and supervision of the Funds. The Trustees approve all significant agreements between the Trust, on behalf of a Fund, and those companies that furnish services to the Funds; review performance of the Funds; and oversee activities of the Funds. This section of the SAI provides information about the persons who serve as Trustees and Officers to the Trust and the Funds, respectively, as well as the entities that provide services to the Funds.

 

Trustees and Officers. Following are the Trustees and Officers of the Trust, their year of birth, their present position with the Trust or the Funds and their principal occupation during the past five years. As described above under “Description of the Trust”, each of the Trustees of the Trust will generally hold office indefinitely. The Officers of the Trust will hold office indefinitely, except that: (1) any Officer may resign or retire and (2) any Officer may be removed any time by written instrument signed by at least two-thirds of the number of Trustees prior to such removal. In case a vacancy or an anticipated vacancy on the Board of Trustees shall for any reason exist, the vacancy shall be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining Trustees, subject to certain restrictions under the 1940 Act. Those Trustees who are “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) by virtue of their affiliation with either the Trust or the Adviser, are indicated in the table. The address of each Trustee and Officer is 4300 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Suite 100, Fairway, Kansas 66205.

 

Name and Year of
Birth
Position(s)
Held with
Trust
Length of
Service
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
Number
of Series
Overseen
Other
Directorships
During Past 5
Years
Independent Trustees
Gary W. DiCenzo: 1962

Trustee

 

Independent Chairman

Since 2014
Since 2019
Partner, Cognios Capital (investment management firm (2015 – 2020), Chief Executive Officer (2015 – 2019) 7 FNEX Ventures (2018-Present)
Arthur Q. Falk: 1937 Trustee Since 2011 Retired. 7 None
Tom M. Wirtshafter: 1954 Trustee Since 2011 Senior Vice President, American Portfolios Financial Services, (broker-dealer), American Portfolios Advisors (investment adviser) (2009-present). 7 None
Steven D. Poppen: 1968 Trustee Since 2018 Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Minnesota Vikings (professional sports organization) (1999-present). 7

M3Sixty Funds Trust (3 portfolios) (2015-present); FNEX Ventures (2018-present)

 

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Name and Year of
Birth
Position(s)
Held with
Trust
Length of
Service
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
Number
of Series
Overseen
Other
Directorships
During Past 5
Years
Thomas J. Schmidt: 1963 Trustee Since 2018

Principal, Tom Schmidt & Associates Consulting, LLC (financial services consulting practice) (2015-Present).

 

7 FNEX Ventures (2018-present)
Interested Trustee*
Randall K. Linscott: 1971 President Since 2013 Chief Executive Officer, M3Sixty Administration, LLC (2013-present). 7 M3Sixty Funds Trust (3 portfolios) (2015-present)

 

Name and Year
of Birth
Position(s)
Held with
Trust
Length of
Service
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
Number
of Series
Overseen
Other
Directorships
During Past 5
Years
Officers
András P. Teleki: 1971 Chief Compliance Officer and Secretary Since 2015 Chief Legal Officer, M3Sixty Administration, LLC, M3Sixty Holdings, LLC, Matrix 360 Distributors, LLC and M3Sixty Advisors, LLC (2015–present); Chief Compliance Officer and Secretary, M3Sixty Funds Trust (2016–present); Chief Compliance Officer and Secretary, WP Trust (2016- present); Secretary and Assistant Treasurer, Capital Management Investment Trust (2015–present). N/A N/A
Brandon J. Byrd: 1981

Assistant Secretary and Anti-Money Laundering Officer

Vice President

Since 2013




Since 2018
Chief Operating Officer, M3Sixty Administration, LLC (2013-present); Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer, Monteagle Funds (2015-2016). N/A N/A
Larry E. Beaver, Jr.**: 1969 Assistant Treasurer Since 2017 Fund Accounting, Administration and Tax Officer, M3Sixty Administration, LLC (2017- present); Director of Fund Accounting & Administration, M3Sixty Administration, LLC (2005-2017). Chief Accounting Officer, Amidex Funds, Inc. (2003-present); Treasurer and Assistant Secretary, Capital Management Investment Trust (2008-2017). Treasurer, 360 Funds (2007-2017); Treasurer, M3Sixty Funds Trust (2015-2017); Treasurer, WP Trust (2015-2017); Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Monteagle Funds (2008-2016). N/A N/A

 

** Effective December 28, 2018, Larry E. Beaver, Jr. was assigned as Interim Treasurer until a new Treasurer is appointed by the Board.

 

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Name and Year
of Birth
Position(s)
Held with
Trust
Length of
Service
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
Number
of Series
Overseen
Other
Directorships
During Past 5
Years
John H. Lively: 1969 Assistant Secretary Since 2017 Attorney, Practus, LLP (law firm) (May 2018-present); Attorney, The Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc. (law firm) (2010-May 2018). N/A N/A
Ted L. Akins: 1974 Assistant Secretary Since 2018 Vice President of Operations, M3Sixty Administration, LLC (2012-present). N/A N/A
Bo J. Howell: 1981 Assistant Secretary Since 2020 Partner, Practus LLP (2018 to present); CEO of Joot (2018 to present); Director of Fund Administration, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (2014 to 2018). N/A N/A

* Mr. Linscott is an Interested Trustee because he is Chief Executive Officer and principal owner of M3Sixty Administration, LLC, the Fund’s administrator and transfer agent.

 

Board Structure. The Trust’s Board of Trustees includes five independent Trustees and one interested Trustee, Mr. Linscott. Mr. DiCenzo, one of the Trust’s independent Trustees, serves as the Chairman of the Board. The Trustees have determined that the Trust’s current leadership structure is appropriate, as it allows Trust management to communicate with each independent Trustee as and when needed, and permits each independent Trustee to be involved in each committee of the Board (each a “Committee”), as well as each Board function. With respect to risk oversight, the Board holds four regular meetings each year to consider and address matters involving the Trust and the Funds. During these meetings, the Board receives reports from the Funds’ administrator, transfer agent, distributor and Trust management, including the Trust’s President, Mr. Linscott, and the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer, Mr. Teleki, on regular quarterly items and, where appropriate and as needed, on specific issues. As part of its oversight function, the Board also may hold special meetings or communicate directly with the Trust’s officers to address matters arising between regular meetings. The Board has established a committee structure that includes an Audit Committee, a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and a Proxy Voting Committee (discussed in more detail below). Each of these Committees is comprised entirely of independent Trustees.

 

Qualification of Trustees. The Board has considered each Trustee’s experience, qualifications, attributes and skills in light of the Board’s function and the Trust’s business and structure, and has determined that each Trustee possesses experience, qualifications, attributes and skills that enable the Trustee to be an effective member of the Board. In this regard, the Board has considered the following specific experience, qualifications, attributes and/or skills for each Trustee:

 

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Independent Trustees

 

Gary W. DiCenzo   Prior to December 2019, Mr. DiCenzo was responsible for the overall operation and strategic direction of Cognios Capital. Prior to joining Cognios Capital, Mr. DiCenzo was President & CEO of Chicago based strategic consulting firm IMC Group. Mr. DiCenzo also led Scout Investment Advisors as President of the Scout Mutual Fund complex, the President & CEO of Scout Distributors and as a board director to the advisor from 2003-2010. Over the past 25 years, he has focused on the strategic planning and growth for both institutional and mutual fund investment managers. Mr. DiCenzo received an MBA and a Bachelor’s Degree in Management from Rhode Island College.
     
Arthur Q. Falk   For over 20 years, Mr. Falk was the President of Murray Hill Financial Marketing, a financial marketing consulting firm and is now retired. Murray Hill provides consulting services on the development of mutual funds and similar investment products.
     
Tom M. Wirtshafter   Mr. Wirtshafter has more than 30 years’ experience managing and operating a wide range of financial services companies and is currently a Senior Vice President at American Portfolios Financial Services, a broker-dealer, and American Portfolios Advisors, an investment adviser.
     
Steven D. Poppen   Mr. Poppen is currently the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for the Minnesota Vikings professional football team. In his role, Mr. Poppen is responsible for all financial aspects of the team, including business planning, budgeting, day-to-day financial and administrative operations, human resources, facilities, and U.S. Bank Stadium project financing. Prior to joining the Vikings’ organization, Mr. Poppen was a Certified Public Accountant in the business assurance group of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Mr. Poppen currently is a member of the Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity board of directors and previously held board of director positions with a number of nonprofit organizations.
     
Thomas J. Schmidt   Mr. Schmidt has more than 30 years’ experience managing and operating financial services companies and is currently Principal of Tom Schmidt & Associates Consulting, LLC, a financial services consulting practice. Prior to this, he served as Vice President of DST Systems, Inc., a financial services transfer agent.
     
Interested Trustee
     
Randall K. Linscott   Mr. Linscott has over 20 years’ experience with a wide range of financial services companies, including service at PricewaterhouseCoopers, an international public accounting firm, as well as Boston Financial Data Services, a transfer agency, prior to his role at M3Sixty Administration, LLC and with the Trust.

 

The Board has determined that each of the Trustees’ careers and background, combined with their interpersonal skills and general understanding of financial and other matters, enable the Trustees to effectively participate in and contribute to the Board’s functions and oversight of the Trust. References to the qualifications, attributes and skills of Trustees are pursuant to requirements of the SEC, do not constitute holding out the Board or any Trustee as having any special expertise or experience, and shall not impose any greater responsibility on any such person or on the Board by reason thereof.

 

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Trustee Standing Committees. The Trustees have established the following standing committees:

 

Audit Committee: All the Independent Trustees are members of the Audit Committee, with Mr. Wirtshafter serving as the Audit Committee Chair and financial expert. The Audit Committee oversees the Funds’ accounting and financial reporting policies and practices, reviews the results of the annual audits of the Funds’ financial statements and interacts with the Funds’ independent auditors on behalf of all the Trustees. The Audit Committee also serves as the Trust’s qualified legal compliance committee. The Audit Committee operates pursuant to an Audit Committee Charter and meets periodically as necessary. The Audit Committee met five times with respect to the Funds in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019.

 

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee: All the Independent Trustees are members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee nominates, selects and appoints independent trustees to fill vacancies on the Board of Trustees and to stand for election at meeting of the shareholders of the Trust. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s purposes, duties and powers are set forth in its written charter included as Appendix B hereto. This charter also describes the process by which shareholders may make nominations. The Nominating Committee meets only as necessary and did not meet during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019.

 

Proxy Voting Committee: All the Independent Trustees are members of the Proxy Voting Committee. The Proxy Voting Committee will determine how a Fund should cast its vote, if called upon by the Board or the adviser/sub-adviser, when a matter with respect to which a Fund is entitled to vote presents a conflict between the interests of the Fund’s shareholders, on the one hand, and those of the Fund’s adviser/sub-adviser, principal underwriter or an affiliated person of the Fund, its investment adviser/sub-adviser or principal underwriter, on the other hand. The Proxy Voting Committee will also reviews the Trust’s Proxy Voting Policy and recommends any changes to the Board as it deems necessary or advisable. The Proxy Voting Committee meets only as necessary and did not meet during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019.

 

Fair Value Committee. In addition to the foregoing Committees established by the Board, the Trust has also established a Fair Value Committee. A representative of the adviser/sub-adviser (as applicable) and Messrs. DiCenzo, Falk, Schmidt, Beaver, Byrd and Teleki are members of the Fair Value Committee. Messrs. Byrd and Teleki (or his designee) serve in an advisory role and are non-voting members of the Fair Value Committee. The Fair Value Committee oversees the valuation of restricted securities and any other security that may be purchased for the Trust’s portfolio for which a readily available market quotation is not available and implements guidelines and instructions adopted by the Board regarding the valuation of restricted securities held by the Fund focusing on such important factors, among others, as valuation, liquidity and availability of relevant information. The Fair Value Committee reviews relevant market conditions for any restricted security held by the Fund on a daily basis to determine the appropriate value for such restricted security. The Fair Value Committee met 12 times with respect to the Funds for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019.

 

Beneficial Equity Ownership Information. The table below shows for each Trustee the amount of the Funds’ equity securities beneficially owned by each Trustee and the aggregate value of all investments in equity securities of the Fund complex, as of a valuation date of December 31, 2019 and stated as one of the following ranges: A = None; B = $1-$10,000; C = 10,001-$50,000; D - $50,001-100,000; and E = over $100,000.

 

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Name of Director

 

 

 

 

 

Name of Fund

 

 

 

Dollar Range of

Equity Securities in the
Fund

Aggregate Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in All
Registered Investment
Companies Overseen by
Director in Family of Investment
Companies
Independent Trustees
Gary W. DiCenzo Global Fund A A
  Income Fund A A
Arthur Q. Falk Global Fund A A
  Income Fund A A
Tom M. Wirtshafter Global Fund A A
  Income Fund A A
Steven D. Poppen Global Fund A A
  Income Fund A A
Thomas J. Schmidt Global Fund A A
  Income Fund A A
Interested Trustee
Randall K. Linscott Global Fund A A
  Income Fund A A

 

As of July 31, 2020, the Trustees and officers of the Trust as a group owned beneficially (i.e., directly or indirectly had voting and/or investment power) less than 1% of the then outstanding shares of the Funds as provided below. Except as provided below, no person is known by the Trust to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of the Funds as of July 31, 2020.

 

Global Fund

 

 

Name and Address of Principal Holder

Percentage

Owned of Record

   

The Bryn Mawr Trust Company

FBO/Draper & Co

801 Lancaster Avenue

Bryn Mawr, PA 19010

 

14.51%

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
FBO a customer of MSSB

1 New York Plaza

New York, NY 10004

 

13.03%

Charles Schwab & Co

Special Custody A/C FBO Customers

Attn Mutual Funds

211 Main Street

San Francisco, CA 94105

 

12.21%

Raymond James & Associates Inc

Portland, OR 97220

 

10.09%

Raymond James & Associates Inc

Portland, OR 97209

 

8.97%

360 Funds – Timber Point Alternatives Fund

4300 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Suite 100

Mission, KS 66205

 

7.41%

National Financial Services LLC

499 Washington Blvd

Jersey City, NJ 07310

6.34%

  

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Income Fund

 

 

Name and Address of Principal Holder

Percentage

Owned of Record

   

The Bryn Mawr Trust Company

C/O Draper & Co

801 Lancaster Avenue

Bryn Mawr, PA 19010

 

31.40%

Charles Schwab & Co Inc

Special Custody A/C FBO Customers

Attn Mutual Funds

211 Main Street

San Francisco, CA 94105

 

19.67%

360 Funds – Timber Point Global Allocations Fund

4300 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Suite 100

Mission, KS 66205

9.26%

 

Compensation. Officers of the Trust and Trustees who are “interested persons” of the Trust or the adviser/sub-adviser will receive no salary or fees from the Trust. Officers of the Trust and interested Trustees do receive compensation directly from certain service providers to the Trust, including Matrix 360 Distributors, LLC and M3Sixty Administration, LLC. Effective April 25, 2019, each Trustee who is not an “interested person” receives a fee of $5,000 each year, plus a fee of $1,500 per Fund each year, and $200 per Fund per Board or committee meeting attended. Prior to April 25, 2019, each Trustee who is not an “interested person” received a fee of $1,500 per Fund each year plus $200 per Board or committee meeting attended. The Trust reimburses each Trustee and officer for his or her travel and other expenses relating to attendance at such meetings.

 

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Name of Trustee*

 

Aggregate Compensation from the Funds*

Pension or Retirement Benefits Accrued As Part of Fund Expenses

 

Estimated Annual Benefits Upon Retirement

Total Compensation From Funds and Fund Complex Paid to Trustees**
Independent Trustees
Gary W. DiCenzo $12,946 None None $30,950
Arthur Q. Falk $12,946 None None $30,950
Tom M. Wirtshafter $11,946 None None $29,750
Steven D. Poppen $11,946 None None $29,750
Thomas J. Schmidt $12,946 None None $30,950
Interested Trustee
Randall K. Linscott $0 None None $0

 

* Figures are for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019.

** Each of the Trustees serves as a Trustee to the 7 funds of the Trust.

 

MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION

 

Investment Advisers. Timber Point, located at 555 Pleasantville Road, Suite N202, Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510, serves as investment adviser to each Fund. Subject to the authority of the Board, Timber Point is responsible for the overall management of each Fund’s business affairs. Timber Point was established in 2020 and serves primarily individual investors, financial advisers, and registered investment companies. The Adviser is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. As of June 30, 2020, Timber Point had approximately $90 million in assets under management.

 

Winthrop Asset Management, LLC (“Winthrop” or “Sub-Adviser”), located at 20 East 91st Street, Suite 200, Indianapolis, Indiana 46240, serves as the investment sub-adviser to the Income Fund. Winthrop was registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an investment adviser on April 30, 2010. As of June 30, 2020, Winthrop had approximately $2 billion in assets under management.

 

Global Fund

 

Pursuant to the reorganization that took place on October 6, 2017, the Global Fund is a successor by merger to the Global Fund Predecessor Fund.

 

Under the Advisory Agreement for the Global Fund, the Adviser, under the supervision of the Board, agrees (directly or through a sub-adviser) to invest the assets of the Global Fund in accordance with applicable law and the investment objective, policies and restrictions set forth in the Global Fund’s current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, and subject to such further limitations as the Trust may from time to time impose by written notice to the Adviser. The Adviser shall act as the investment adviser to the Global Fund and, as such shall (i) obtain and evaluate such information relating to the economy, industries, business, securities markets and securities as it may deem necessary or useful in discharging its responsibilities hereunder, (ii) formulate a continuing program for the investment of the assets of the Global Fund in a manner consistent with its investment objective, policies and restrictions, and (iii) determine from time to time securities to be purchased, sold or retained by the Global Fund, and implement those decisions, including the selection of entities with or through which such purchases or sales are to be effected; provided, that the Adviser (directly or through a sub-adviser) will place orders pursuant to its investment determinations either directly with the issuer or with a broker or dealer, and if with a broker or dealer, (a) will attempt to obtain the best price and execution of its orders, and (b) may nevertheless in its discretion purchase and sell portfolio securities from and to brokers who provide the Adviser with research, analysis, advice and similar services and pay such brokers in return a higher commission or spread than may be charged by other brokers. The Adviser also provides the Global Fund with all necessary office facilities and personnel for servicing the Fund’s investments, compensates all officers, Trustees and employees of the Trust who are officers, directors or employees of the Adviser, and all personnel of the Fund or the Adviser performing services relating to research, statistical and investment activities.

 

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In addition, the Adviser, directly subject to the supervision of the Board, provides the management services necessary for the operation of the Global Fund and such additional administrative services as reasonably requested by the Board of Trustees. These services include: providing such office space, office equipment and office facilities as are adequate to fulfill the Adviser’s obligations under the Advisory Agreement; assisting the Trust in supervising relations with custodians, transfer and pricing agents, accountants, underwriters and other persons dealing with the Global Fund; assisting in preparing all general shareholder communications and conducting shareholder relations; assuring the Global Fund’s records and the registration of the Global Fund’s shares under federal securities laws and making necessary filings under state securities laws; developing management and shareholder services for the Global Fund; and furnishing reports, evaluations and analyses on a variety of subjects to the Trustees.

 

The following table sets forth the annual management fee (computed daily and payable monthly) rate payable by the Global Fund to the Adviser pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, expressed as a percentage of the Global Fund’s average daily net assets:

 

FUND

TOTAL

MANAGEMENT FEE

Timber Point Global Allocations Fund 0.90%

 

After an initial period of two years, the Advisory Agreement will continue in effect from year to year only if such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Board of Trustees or by vote of a majority of the Global Fund’s outstanding voting securities and by a majority of the trustees who are not parties to the Advisory Agreement or interested persons of any such party, at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the Advisory Agreement. The Advisory Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Trust on behalf of the Global Fund upon 60 days’ prior written notice when authorized either by a majority vote of the Global Fund’s shareholders or by a vote of a majority of the Board, or by the Adviser upon 60 days’ prior 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. A discussion of the Board's considerations in the approval of the Advisory Agreement will be included in the Global Fund's Annual Report to Shareholders dated September 30, 2020.

 

Effective May 29, 2020, the Global Fund’s Investor Class shares were converted to Institutional Class shares. Effective September 28, 2018, the Global Fund’s Class A shares and Class I shares were re-designated as the Investor Class shares and Institutional Class shares, respectively. Pursuant to an operating expense limitation agreement between the Adviser and the Fund, the Adviser has agreed to waive or reduce its fees and to assume other expenses of the Global Fund, if necessary, in an amount that limits “Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses” (exclusive of interest, expenses incurred under a plan of distribution adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, dividend expenses on short sales and other expenditures which are capitalized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Global Fund’s business) to not more than 1.43% of the average daily net assets of the Global Fund through January 31, 2022, subject thereafter to annual re-approval of the agreement by the Board of Trustees.

 

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At a meeting held on June 12, 2020, shareholders of the Global Fund approved the Advisory Agreement, which included an increase in the management fee from 0.80% to 0.90%, beginning on June 13, 2020. At the same meeting, shareholder approved the expense limitation agreement with the Adviser, which allowed the Adviser to recoup amounts that the prior investment adviser waived or reimbursed under its expense limitation agreement with the Global Fund.

 

The Global Fund invested a portion of its assets in the other Trust series that are affiliated with the Adviser. As such, the Adviser has agreed to waive its advisory fees on the portion of the Global Fund’s assets that are invested in these affiliated funds. For the fiscal year ended May 31, 2018, the fiscal period ended September 30, 2018, and the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, the Adviser waived $1,084, $4,383, and $13,101, respectively, in advisory fees related to assets invested in the affiliated funds. This waiver is in addition to amounts waived pursuant to the contractual expense limitations detailed in the above paragraph and are not recoupable.

 

Expenses not expressly assumed by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement are paid by the Global Fund. Under the terms of the Advisory Agreement, the Global Fund is responsible for the payment of the following expenses among others: (a) the fees payable to the Adviser; (b) the fees and expenses of Trustees who are not affiliated persons of the Adviser or the Distributor; (c) the fees and certain expenses of the Custodian and Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent, including the cost of maintaining certain required records of the Global Fund and of pricing the Global Fund’s shares; (d) the charges and expenses of legal counsel and independent accountants for the Global Fund; (e) brokerage commissions and any issue or transfer taxes chargeable to the Global Fund in connection with its securities transactions; (f) all taxes and corporate fees payable by the Global Fund to governmental agencies; (g) the fees of any trade association of which the Global Fund may be a member; (h) the cost of share certificates representing shares of the Global Fund; (i) the cost of fidelity and liability insurance; (j) the fees and expenses involved in registering and maintaining registration of the Global Fund and of its shares with the SEC, qualifying its shares under state securities laws, including the preparation and printing of the Global Fund’s registration statements and prospectuses for such purposes; (k) all expenses of shareholders and Trustees’ meetings (including travel expenses of trustees and officers of the Trust who are directors, officers or employees of the Adviser) and of preparing, printing and mailing reports, proxy statements and prospectuses to shareholders in the amount necessary for distribution to the shareholders; (l) litigation and indemnification expenses and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Trust’s business; and (m) dividend expense on securities sold short.

 

 

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The Global Fund Predecessor Fund paid the following advisory fees to the former investment adviser pursuant to the prior investment advisory agreement, of which the former investment adviser waived or recouped the amount set forth in the table below:

 

Fiscal Year Ended Advisory Fee Recoupment
(Waiver)

Expense

Reimbursement

Advisory Fee
after Waiver
May 31, 2016 $67,283 ($67,283) $(196,985) $0
         
May 31, 2017 $72,708 ($72,708) $(132,783) $0
         

 

The Global Fund Predecessor Fund and the Global Fund paid the following advisory fees to the former investment adviser pursuant to the prior investment advisory agreement, of which the former investment adviser waived or recouped the amount set forth in the table below:

 

Fiscal Year Ended Advisory Fee Recoupment
(Waiver)

Expense

Reimbursement

Advisory Fee
after Waiver
May 31, 2018 $99,433 $(99,433) $(134,092) $0
         

 

The Global Fund paid the following advisory fees to the former investment adviser pursuant to the prior investment advisory agreement, of which the former investment adviser waived or recouped the amount set forth in the table below:

 

Fiscal Period Ended Advisory Fee Recoupment
(Waiver)

Expense

Reimbursement

Advisory Fee
after Waiver
September 30, 2018 $50,095 $(50,095) $(29,344) $0
         
September 30, 2019 $171,580 $(171,580) $(9,472) $0
         

 

Income Fund

 

Pursuant to a reorganization that took place on October 6, 2017, the Income Fund is a successor by merger to the Income Fund Predecessor Fund.

 

Subject to the authority of the Board, the Adviser is responsible for the overall management of the Income Fund’s investment-related business affairs. Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement for the Income Fund, the Adviser, subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, and in conformity with the stated policies of the Income Fund, manages the portfolio investment operations of the Income Fund. The Adviser has overall supervisory responsibilities for the general management and investment of the Income Fund’s securities portfolio, as detailed below, which are subject to review and approval by the Board of Trustees. In general, the Adviser’s duties include setting the Income Fund’s overall investment strategies and asset allocation.

 

Under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser, under the supervision of the Board, agrees to invest the assets of the Income Fund in accordance with applicable law and the investment objective, policies and restrictions set forth in the Income Fund’s current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, and subject to such further limitations as the Trust may from time to time impose by written notice to the Adviser. The Adviser shall act as the investment adviser to the Income Fund and, as such shall, (i) obtain and evaluate such information relating to the economy, industries, business, securities markets and securities as it may deem necessary or useful in discharging its responsibilities here under, (ii) formulate a continuing program for the investment of the assets of the Income Fund in a manner consistent with its investment objective, policies and restrictions, and (iii) determine from time to time securities to be purchased, sold, retained or lent by the Income Fund, and implement those decisions, including the selection of entities with or through which such purchases, sales or loans are to be effected; provided, that the Adviser or its designee, directly, will place orders pursuant to its investment determinations either directly with the issuer or with a broker or dealer, and if with a broker or dealer, (a) will attempt to obtain the best price and execution of its orders, and (b) may nevertheless in its discretion purchase and sell portfolio securities from and to brokers who provide the Adviser with research, analysis, advice and similar services and pay such brokers in return a higher commission or spread than may be charged by other brokers. The Adviser also provides the Income Fund with all necessary office facilities and personnel for servicing the Income Fund’s investments, compensates all officers, Trustees and employees of the Trust who are officers, directors or employees of the Adviser, and all personnel of the Income Fund or the Adviser performing services relating to research, statistical and investment activities.

 

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The following table sets forth the annual management fee (computed daily and payable monthly) rate payable by the Income Fund to the Adviser pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, expressed as a percentage of the Income Fund’s average daily net assets:

 

FUND

TOTAL

MANAGEMENT FEE

Timber Point Alternative Income Fund 1.00%

 

After an initial period of two years, the Advisory Agreement will continue in effect from year to year only if such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Board of Trustees or by vote of a majority of the Income Fund’s outstanding voting securities and by a majority of the trustees who are not parties to the Advisory Agreement or interested persons of any such party, at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the Advisory Agreement. The Advisory Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Trust on behalf of the Income Fund upon 60 days’ prior written notice when authorized either by a majority vote of the Income Fund’s shareholders or by a vote of a majority of the Board, or by the Adviser upon 60 days’ prior 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 Income 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. A discussion of the Board’s considerations in the approval of the Advisory Agreement will be included in the Income Fund’s Annual Report to Shareholders dated September 30, 2020.

 

Effective May 29, 2020, the Income Fund’s Investor Class shares were converted to Institutional Class shares. On January 28, 2019, the Income Fund’s single share class was re-designated the Investor Class and the Institutional Class was added. Pursuant to an operating expense limitation agreement between the Adviser and the Income Fund, the Adviser has agreed to waive or reduce its fees and to assume other expenses of the Income Fund, if necessary, in an amount that limits “Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses” (exclusive of interest, expenses incurred under a plan of distribution adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, dividend expenses on short sales and other expenditures which are capitalized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Income Fund’s business) to not more than 2.00% of the average daily net assets of the Income Fund through January 31, 2022, subject thereafter to annual re-approval of the agreement by the Board of Trustees.

 

At a meeting held on June 12, 2020, shareholders of the Income Fund approved the Advisory Agreement and the expense limitation agreement with the Adviser, which allowed the Adviser to recoup amounts that the prior investment adviser waived or reimbursed under its expense limitation agreement with the Income Fund. 

 

The Adviser is permitted to receive reimbursement of any excess expense payments paid by it pursuant to the operating expense limitation agreement in future years on a rolling three-year basis, as long as the reimbursement does not cause the Fund’s annual operating expenses to exceed the expense cap. The Income Fund must pay its current ordinary operating expenses before the Adviser is entitled to any reimbursement of management fees and/or expenses. The operating expense limitation agreement can be terminated only by, or with the consent, of the Board.

 

Expenses not expressly assumed by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement are paid by the Income Fund. Under the terms of the Advisory Agreement, the Income Fund is responsible for the payment of the following expenses among others: (a) the fees payable to the Adviser; (b) the fees and expenses of Trustees who are not affiliated persons of the Adviser or the Distributor; (c) the fees and certain expenses of the Custodian and Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent, including the cost of maintaining certain required records of the Income Fund and of pricing the Income Fund’s shares; (d) the charges and expenses of legal counsel and independent accountants for the Income Fund; (e) brokerage commissions and any issue or transfer taxes chargeable to the Income Fund in connection with its securities transactions; (f) all taxes and corporate fees payable by the Income Fund to governmental agencies; (g) the fees of any trade association of which the Income Fund may be a member; (h) the cost of share certificates representing shares of the Income Fund; (i) the cost of fidelity and liability insurance; (j) the fees and expenses involved in registering and maintaining registration of the Income Fund and of its shares with the SEC, qualifying its shares under state securities laws, including the preparation and printing of the Income Fund’s registration statements and prospectuses for such purposes; (k) all expenses of shareholders and Trustees’ meetings (including travel expenses of trustees and officers of the Trust who are directors, officers or employees of the Adviser) and of preparing, printing and mailing reports, proxy statements and prospectuses to shareholders in the amount necessary for distribution to the shareholders; (l) litigation and indemnification expenses and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Trust’s business; and (m) dividend expense on securities sold short.

 

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The Adviser has selected Winthrop to manage a portion of the Income Fund’s portfolio consistent with Winthrop’s fixed income skill set, as well as applicable market conditions and opportunities, while the Adviser manages the balance of the Income Fund’s portfolio. This selection was approved by the Board of Trustees and the Income Fund’s shareholders.

 

The Sub-Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and Winthrop provides that Winthrop shall not be protected against any liability to the Trust or its shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on its part in the performance of its duties, or from reckless disregard of its obligations or duties thereunder.

 

For its respective services, Winthrop receives a fee from the Adviser. The fee payable to Winthrop by the Adviser under the Sub-Advisory Agreement is 0.25% for $0 to $50 million in assets under management and 0.20% for over $50 million in assets under management. The Adviser pays sub-advisory fees to Winthrop from its advisory fee. The compensation of any officer, director or employee of Winthrop is paid by Winthrop.

 

The Sub-Advisory Agreement will continue in effect for two (2) years initially and thereafter shall continue from year to year provided such continuance is approved at least annually by (a) a vote of the majority of the Independent Trustees, cast in person at a meeting specifically called for the purpose of voting on such approval and by (b) the majority vote of either all of the Trustees or the vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Income Fund. The Sub-Advisory Agreement may be terminated without penalty on 60 days’ written notice by a vote of a majority of the Trustees or by Winthrop, or by holders of a majority of the Income Fund’s outstanding shares. The Sub-Advisory Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment. A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees’ approval of the Sub-Advisory Agreement will be available in the Income Fund’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019.

 

In addition, the Sub-Advisory Agreement provides that Winthrop 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 carrying out its duties, but shall not be protected against any liability to the Trust or its shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on its part in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard of its obligations or duties.

 

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The Income Fund Predecessor Fund paid the following advisory fees to the former investment adviser pursuant to the prior investment advisory agreement, of which the former investment adviser waived or recouped the amount set forth in the table below:

 

Fiscal Year Ended Advisory Fee Recoupment
(Waiver)

Expense

Reimbursement

Advisory Fee
after Waiver
September 30, 2016 $92,466 $ (92,466) $(16,829) $0
         
September 30, 2017 $65,321 $ (65,321) $(65,609) $0
         

 

The Income Fund Predecessor Fund and the Income Fund paid the following advisory fees to the former investment adviser pursuant to the prior investment advisory agreement, of which the former investment adviser waived or recouped the amount set forth in the table below:

 

Fiscal Year Ended Advisory Fee Recoupment
(Waiver)

Expense

Reimbursement

Advisory Fee
after Waiver
September 30, 2018 $113,068 $(80,949) $0 $32,119
         

 

The Income Fund paid the following advisory fees to the former investment adviser pursuant to the prior investment advisory agreement, of which the former investment adviser waived or recouped the amount set forth in the table below:

 

Fiscal Period Ended Advisory Fee Recoupment
(Waiver)

Expense

Reimbursement

Advisory Fee
after Waiver
September 30, 2019 $110,909 $(110,909) $(12,103) $0

 

Portfolio Managers.

 

Global Fund

 

David Cleary has served as a Portfolio Manager of the Global Fund since October 2017.

 

Income Fund

 

David Cleary of the Adviser has served the Fund as a portfolio manager since October 2017. Gregory J. Hahn and Adam Coons of Winthrop have served the Fund as portfolio managers since June 2019.

 

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As of June 30, 2020, the Portfolio Managers were responsible for the management of the following types of accounts in addition to the Funds:

 

    Performance-Based Fees  

 

Non-Performance-Based Fees

Portfolio
Manager
  Account
Type
  Number of
Accounts
 

Total

Assets

  Number of
Accounts
 

Total

Assets

 David Cleary   Registered Investment Company   0   $0   0   $0
    Other Pooled Investment Vehicles   0   $0   0   $0
    Other Accounts   0   $0   6   $29,926,911
                     
Gregory J. Hahn   Registered Investment Company   0   $0   0   $0
    Other Pooled Investment Vehicles   0   $0   0   $0
    Other Accounts   0   $0   10   $1,200,000,000
                     
Adam Coons   Registered Investment Company   0   $0   0   $0
    Other Pooled Investment Vehicles   0   $0   0   $0
    Other Accounts   0   $0   5   $300,000,000

 

Conflicts of Interest.

 

Conflicts of Interest. As indicated in the table above, a portfolio manager may manage numerous accounts for multiple clients. These accounts may include registered investment companies, other types of pooled accounts (e.g., collective investment funds), and separate accounts (i.e., accounts managed on behalf of individuals or public or private institutions). The portfolio manager makes investment decisions for each account based on the investment objectives and policies and other relevant investment considerations applicable to that account.

 

When the portfolio manager has responsibility for managing more than one account, potential conflicts of interest may arise. Those conflicts could include preferential treatment of one account over others in terms of allocation of resources or of investment opportunities. For instance, the Adviser may receive fees from certain accounts that are higher than the fee it receives from the Fund, or it may receive a performance-based fee on certain accounts. In those instances, the portfolio manager may have an incentive to favor the higher and/or performance-based fee accounts over a Fund.

 

When allocating investments among client accounts, the portfolio managers have the fiduciary obligation to treat each client equally, regardless of account size or fees paid. All clients at the same custodian (or trading desk) receives the same average price for each transaction. In the event that a trade is partially completed, a portfolio manager will allocate the executed portion of the transaction on a pro rata basis among participating accounts. The participating accounts will receive the average price and transaction costs will be assessed at the commission rate applicable to each account.

 

Accounts with directed brokerage arrangements will be traded subsequent to non-directed brokerage accounts. The portfolio managers supply model portfolios to third party platforms where other advisers may choose to use them in managing their clients’ assets. Models and model changes will be communicated to other platforms on a rotational basis only after the portfolio manager has communicated these changes to its own internal trading department.

 

Compensation. As of June 30, 2020, the Portfolio Manager for the Global Fund and the Income Fund receives a fixed salary and is eligible to receive a bonus which is dependent upon both the Adviser’s profitability, as applicable, and management’s discretion for serving as the Fund’s portfolio manager.

 

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Income Fund – Sub-Adviser

 

Conflicts of Interest. Winthrop is subject to certain conflicts of interest in the management of its business. These conflicts will arise primarily from the involvement of Winthrop and its affiliates in other outside business activities that may conflict with Winthrop’s business. Winthrop and its affiliates engage in a broad spectrum of activities.

 

In the ordinary course of their business activities, an affiliated entity may engage in activities where their interests or the interests of their clients may conflict with our interests.

 

Compensation. As of June 30, 2020, the Portfolio Managers are paid a fixed salary and is eligible to receive a bonus based on the performance of the Portfolio Manager and the performance of Winthrop.

 

Ownership. The following table shows the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by the Portfolio Managers in the Funds as of the fiscal periods/years ended June 30, 2020 using the following ranges: A = none; B = $1-$10,000; C = $10,001-$50,000; D = $50,001-$100,000; E = $100,001-$500,000; F = $500,001-$1,000,000; G = over $1,000,000:

 

 

Name of Portfolio Manager

 

Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the

Timber Point Global Allocations Fund

David Cleary   E

 

 

Name of Portfolio Manager

 

Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the

Timber Point Alternative Income Fund

David Cleary   E
Gregory J. Hahn   A
Adam Coons   A

 

Administrator. M3Sixty Administration, LLC (“M3Sixty” or the “Administrator”), with principal offices at 4300 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Suite 100, Fairway, Kansas 66205, provides accounting, administrative, transfer agency, dividend disbursing agency and shareholder servicing agency services for the Funds pursuant to an Investment Company Services Agreement (the “Services Agreement”). Under the Services Agreement, M3Sixty is responsible for a wide variety of functions, including but not limited to: (a) Fund accounting services; (b) financial statement preparation; (c) valuation of a Fund’s portfolio securities; (d) pricing a Fund’s shares; (e) assistance in preparing tax returns; (f) preparation and filing of required regulatory reports; (g) communications with shareholders; (h) coordination of Board and shareholder meetings; (i) monitoring a Fund’s legal compliance; and (j) maintaining shareholder account records.

 

Global Fund

 

Prior to the reorganization that took place on October 6, 2017, GFS served as administrator, fund accountant and transfer agent for the Global Fund Predecessor Fund. For the fiscal year ended May 31, 2017, the Global Fund Predecessor Fund paid GFS $26,869 for administrative services. For the fiscal year ended May 31, 2017, the Global Fund Predecessor Fund paid GFS $12,902 for fund accounting services. For the fiscal year ended May 31, 2017, the Global Fund Predecessor Fund paid GFS $24,542 for transfer agency services.

 

Subsequent to the reorganization, M3Sixty serves as administrator, fund accountant and transfer agent for the Global Fund. For the fiscal year ended May 31, 2018, the Global Fund Predecessor Fund paid $79,705 to GFS and the Global Fund paid $68,785 to M3Sixty for administrative, fund accounting and transfer agency services, of which M3Sixty waived $39,934. For the fiscal period ended September 30, 2018, the Global Fund paid $40,311 to M3Sixty for administration, fund accounting and transfer agency services, of which M3Sixty waived $8,750. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, the Global Fund paid M3Sixty $124,577 under the Services Agreement for fund administration, fund accounting and transfer agent services, of which M3Sixty waived $7,500.

 

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Income Fund

 

Prior to the reorganization on October 6, 2017, GFS served as administrator, fund accountant and transfer agent for the Income Fund Predecessor Fund. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017, the Income Fund Predecessor Fund paid $34,780 to GFS for administrative fees. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017, the Income Fund Predecessor Fund paid $21,590 to GFS for fund accounting fees. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017, the Income Fund Predecessor Fund paid $27,844 to GFS for transfer agency fees.

 

Subsequent to the reorganization, M3Sixty serves as administrator, fund accountant and transfer agent for the Income Fund. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, the Global Fund paid $95,686 to M3Sixty for administrative, fund accounting and transfer agency services, of which M3Sixty waived $40,833. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, the Income Fund paid M3Sixty $75,243 under the Services Agreement for fund administration, fund accounting and transfer agent services, of which M3Sixty waived $7,500.

 

Distributor. Matrix 360 Distributors, LLC acts as the principal underwriter and distributor (the “Distributor”) of the Funds’ shares for the purpose of facilitating the registration of shares of the Funds under state securities laws and to assist in sales of Fund shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement (the “Distribution Agreement”) approved by the Trustees. The Distributor is a broker-dealer registered with the SEC and a member in good standing of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. and maintains, at its own expense, its qualification as a broker-dealer under all applicable federal or state laws in those states which the Funds shall from time to time identify to the Distributor as states in which it wishes to offer its shares for sale, in order that state registrations may be maintained for the Funds. Shares of the Funds are sold on a continuous basis. The Distribution Agreement between a Fund and the Distributor requires the Distributor to use all reasonable efforts in connection with the distribution of the Fund’s shares. However, the Distributor has no obligation to sell any specific number of shares and will only sell shares for orders it receives.

 

Global Fund

 

The following table sets forth the total compensation received by the Distributor from the Global Fund during the fiscal period ended September 30, 2019:

 

Fund Net Underwriting
Discounts and
Commissions
Compensation on
Redemptions and
Repurchases
Brokerage
Commissions
Other
Compensation
Timber Point Global Allocations Fund*
Institutional Class
$0 $0 $0 **

 

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Income Fund

 

The following table sets forth the total compensation received by the NLD and the Distributor from the Income Fund during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019:

 

Fund Net Underwriting
Discounts and
Commissions
Compensation on
Redemptions and
Repurchases
Brokerage
Commissions
Other
Compensation
Timber Point Alternative Income Fund $0 $0 $0 $0

 

Custodian. Fifth Third Bank (“Custodian”), 38 Fountain Square Plaza, Cincinnati, OH 45263, serves as custodian for the Funds’ assets. The Custodian acts as the depository for the Funds, safekeeps its portfolio securities, collects all income and other payments with respect to portfolio securities, disburses monies at a Fund’s request and maintains records in connection with its duties as Custodian.

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. The Trustees have selected the firm BBD, LLP, to serve as independent registered public accounting firm for the Funds for their current fiscal year, as well as to audit the annual financial statements of the Funds, prepare the Funds’ federal, state and excise tax returns and consult with the Funds on matters of accounting and federal and state income taxation.

 

The independent registered public accounting firm will audit the financial statements of the Funds at least once each year. Shareholders will receive annual audited and semi-annual (unaudited) reports when published and written confirmation of all transactions in their account. A copy of the most recent Annual Report of a Fund will accompany the SAI whenever a shareholder or a prospective investor requests it.

 

Legal Counsel. Practus, LLP, located at 11300 Tomahawk Creek Parkway, Suite 310, Leawood, Kansas 66211, serves as legal counsel to the Trust and the independent Trustees.

 

CODE OF ETHICS

 

The Trust, the Adviser, Winthrop, and the Distributor each have adopted a code of ethics, as required by applicable law, which is designed to prevent affiliated persons of the Trust, the Adviser, Winthrop and the Distributor from engaging in deceptive, manipulative or fraudulent activities in connection with securities held or to be acquired by the Funds (which may also be held by persons subject to a code). Each code permits the applicable entity’s employees and officers to invest in securities, subject to certain restrictions and pre-approval requirements. In addition, the Trust’s, the Adviser’s and Winthrop’s codes require that portfolio managers and other investment personnel of the adviser/sub-adviser report their personal securities transactions and holdings, which are reviewed for compliance with the code of ethics.

 

PROXY VOTING POLICIES

 

The Trust has adopted a proxy voting and disclosure policy that delegates to the Adviser the authority to vote proxies for the Funds, subject to oversight of the Trustees. Copies of the Trust’s Proxy Voting and Disclosure Policy and the Adviser’s and Winthrop’s Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures are included as Appendix A to this SAI.

 

Each year each Fund is required to file Form N-PX stating how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, within 60 days after the end of such period. Information regarding how a Fund voted proxies as set forth in its most recent filing of Form N-PX will be available (1) without charge, upon request, by calling the Fund at 877-244-6235; and (2) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

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PURCHASES, REDEMPTIONS AND SPECIAL SHAREHOLDER SERVICES

 

Purchases. Reference is made to “Purchasing Shares” in the Prospectus for more information concerning how to purchase shares. Specifically, potential investors should refer to the Prospectus for information regarding purchasing shares by mail or bank wire, and for information regarding telephone orders. Potential investors should also refer to the Prospectus for information regarding the Funds’ fees and expenses. The Prospectus also describes a Fund’s automatic investment plan and certain rights reserved by a Fund with respect to orders for Fund shares. The following information supplements the information regarding share purchases in the Prospectus:

 

Pricing of Orders. Shares of a Fund will be offered and sold on a continuous basis. The purchase price of shares of a Fund is based on the net asset value next determined after the order is received, subject to the order being accepted by the Fund in good form. Net asset value is normally determined at 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, as described under “Net Asset Value” below.

 

Regular Accounts. The regular account allows for voluntary investments to be made at any time. Available to individuals, custodians, corporations, trusts, estates, corporate retirement plans and others, investors are free to make additions and withdrawals to or from their account as often as they wish. When an investor makes an initial investment in a Fund, a shareholder account is opened in accordance with the investor’s registration instructions. Each time there is a transaction in a shareholder account, such as an additional investment or the reinvestment of a dividend or distribution, the shareholder will receive a confirmation statement showing the current transaction and all prior transactions in the shareholder account during the calendar year to date, along with a summary of the status of the account as of the transaction date.

 

Purchases in Kind. A Fund may accept securities in lieu of cash in payment for the purchase of shares in the Fund. The acceptance of such securities is at the sole discretion of the adviser/sub-adviser based upon the suitability of the securities accepted for inclusion as a long-term investment of a Fund, the marketability of such securities, and other factors that the adviser/sub-adviser may deem appropriate. If accepted, the securities will be valued using the same criteria and methods as described in “Investing in the Funds - Determining the Fund’s Net Asset Value” in the Prospectus.

 

Share Certificates. A Fund normally does not issue stock certificates. Evidence of ownership of shares is provided through entry in the Fund’s share registry. Investors will receive periodic account statements (and, where applicable, purchase confirmations) that will show the number of shares owned.

 

Redemptions. Reference is made to “Redeeming Shares” in the Prospectus for more information concerning how to redeem shares. Specifically, investors wishing to redeem shares in a Fund should refer to the Prospectus for information regarding redeeming shares by mail, telephone/fax or bank wire. The Prospectus also describes a Fund’s policy regarding accounts that fall below the Fund’s required minimums, redemptions in kind, signature guarantees and other information about the Fund’s redemption policies. The following information supplements the information regarding share redemptions in the Prospectus:

 

Suspension of Redemption Privileges and Postponement of Payment. A Fund may suspend redemption privileges or postpone the date of payment (i) during any period that the NYSE is closed for other than customary weekend and holiday closings, or that trading on the NYSE is restricted as determined by the SEC; (ii) during any period when an emergency exists as defined by the rules of the SEC as a result of which it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund to dispose of securities owned by it, or to determine fairly the value of its assets; and (iii) for such other periods as the SEC may permit. A Fund may also suspend or postpone the recordation of the transfer of shares upon the occurrence of any of the foregoing conditions. Any redemption may be more or less than the shareholder’s cost depending on the market value of the securities held by a Fund. No charge is made by a Fund for redemptions other than the possible charge for wiring redemption proceeds.

 

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Involuntary Redemptions. In addition to the situations described in the Prospectus under “Redeeming Shares,” a Fund may redeem shares involuntarily to reimburse the Fund for any loss sustained by reason of the failure of a shareholder to make full payment for shares purchased by the shareholder or to collect any charge relating to a transaction effected for the benefit of a shareholder which is applicable to Fund shares as provided in the Prospectus from time to time.

 

Additional Information. Following is additional information regarding certain services and features related to purchases, redemptions and distribution of Fund shares. Investors who have questions about any of this information should call a Fund at (877) 244-6235.

 

Transfer of Registration. To transfer shares to another owner, send a written request to a Fund at 360 Funds, 4300 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Suite 100, Fairway, Kansas 66205. Your request should include the following: (1) the Fund name and existing account registration; (2) signature(s) of the registered owner(s) exactly as the signature(s) appear(s) on the account registration; (3) the new account registration, address, social security or taxpayer identification number, and how dividends and capital gains are to be distributed; (4) signature guarantees (See the Prospectus under the heading “Redeeming Shares - Signature Guarantees”); and (5) any additional documents which are required for transfer by corporations, administrators, executors, trustees, guardians, etc. If you have any questions about transferring shares, call or write the Fund.

 

Mailing Shareholder Communications. Accounts having the same mailing address may consent in writing to sharing a single mailing of shareholder reports, proxy statements (but each such shareholder would receive his/her own proxy) and other Fund literature.

 

Dealers. The Distributor, at its expense, may provide additional compensation in addition to dealer discounts and brokerage commissions to dealers in connection with sales of shares of the Funds. Compensation may include financial assistance to dealers in connection with conferences, sales or training programs for their employees, seminars for the public, advertising campaigns regarding the Funds, and/or other dealer-sponsored special events, to the extent permitted under applicable law and the rules and regulations of the FINRA. None of the aforementioned compensation is paid directly by a Fund or its shareholders although the Distributor may use a portion of the payment it receives under the Distribution Plan to pay these expenses.

 

Additional Information About Redemptions. The right to redeem shares of a Fund can be suspended and the payment of the redemption price deferred when the NYSE is closed (other than for customary weekend and holiday closings), during periods when trading on the NYSE is restricted as determined by the SEC, or during any emergency as determined by the SEC which makes it impracticable for the Fund to dispose of its securities or value its assets, or during any other period permitted by order of the SEC for the protection of investors.

 

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Due to the high cost of maintaining small accounts, the Trust reserves the right to redeem accounts with balances of less than $1,000.00. Prior to such redemption, shareholders will be given 60 days’ written notice to make an additional purchase. However, no such redemption would be required by the Trust if the cause of the low account balance was a reduction in the net asset value of shares.

 

A Fund does not intend, under normal circumstances, to redeem shares by payment in kind. It is possible, however, that conditions may arise in the future that would, in the opinion of the Trustees, make it undesirable for the Fund to pay for all redemptions in cash. In such a case, the Trustees may authorize payment to be made in readily marketable portfolio securities of the Fund. Securities delivered in payment of redemptions would be valued at the same value assigned to them in computing the net asset value per share. Shareholders receiving them would incur brokerage costs when these securities are sold.

 

NET ASSET VALUE

 

The net asset value and net asset value per share of a Fund normally is determined at the time regular trading closes on the NYSE (currently 4:00 p.m., New York time, Monday through Friday), except on business holidays when the NYSE is closed. The NYSE recognizes the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Any other holiday recognized by the NYSE will be considered a business holiday on which the net asset value of shares of a Fund will not be calculated.

 

In computing a Fund’s net asset value, all liabilities incurred or accrued are deducted from its net assets. The resulting net assets are divided by the number of shares of the Fund outstanding at the time of the valuation and the result is the net asset value per share of the Fund.

 

The pricing and valuation of portfolio securities is determined in good faith in accordance with procedures established by, and under the direction of, the Trustees. Values are determined according to accepted accounting practices and all laws and regulations that apply. Using methods approved by the Trustees, the assets of a Fund are valued as follows:

 

Securities that are listed on a securities exchange are valued at the last quoted sales price at the time the valuation is made. Price information on listed securities is taken from the exchange where the security is primarily traded by a Fund.

 

Securities that are listed on an exchange and which are not traded on the valuation date are valued at the bid price.

 

Unlisted securities for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the latest quoted sales price, if available, at the time of valuation, otherwise, at the latest quoted bid price.

 

Temporary cash investments with maturities of 60 days or less will be valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value.

 

Securities for which no current quotations are readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith using methods approved by the Trustees. Securities may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service when such prices are believed to reflect the fair market value of such securities.

 

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Securities may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service when such prices are believed to reflect the fair value of such securities.

 

Subject to the provisions of the Trust Instrument, determinations by the Trustees as to the direct and allocable liabilities of a Fund and the allocable portion of any general assets are conclusive. As described in the Prospectus, the Adviser is responsible for notifying the Trustees or the Trust’s Fair Value Committee when it believes that fair value pricing is required for a particular security. The Trust has adopted Fair Value Pricing procedures and instructions that apply to investments by a Fund in restricted securities and warrants (“Restricted Securities”). A description of these procedures and instructions is included in the Prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference. As explained in the Prospectus, because a Fund’s fair valuing of Restricted Securities is a determination of the amount that the owner might reasonably expect to receive for them upon their current sale, the Fund is subject to the risk that the Fund’s fair valued prices are not accurate, and that the fair value price is not reflective of the value the Fund will receive upon a sale of the security.

 

ADDITIONAL TAX INFORMATION

 

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

 

In addition, no attempt is made to address tax concerns applicable to an investor with a special tax status such as a financial institution, real estate investment trust, insurance company, regulated investment company (“RIC”), individual retirement account, other tax-exempt entity, dealer in securities or non-U.S. investor. Furthermore, this discussion does not reflect possible application of the alternative minimum tax (“AMT”). Unless otherwise noted, this discussion assumes shares of a Fund are held by U.S. shareholders and that such shares are held as capital assets.

 

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

 

a citizen or individual resident of the United States (including certain former citizens and former long-term residents);

 

a corporation or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia;

 

an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or

 

a trust with respect to which a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over its administration and one or more U.S. shareholders have the authority to control all of its substantial decisions or the trust has made a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.

 

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A “Non-U.S. shareholder” is a beneficial owner of shares of a Fund that is an individual, corporation, trust or estate and is not a U.S. shareholder. If a partnership (including any entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds shares of a Fund, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership generally depends upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. A prospective shareholder who is a partner of a partnership holding a Fund’s shares should consult its tax advisors with respect to the purchase, ownership and disposition of its Fund shares.

 

Taxation as a RIC. A Fund intends to qualify and remain qualified as a RIC under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”). A Fund will qualify as a RIC if, among other things, it meets the source-of-income and the asset-diversification requirements. With respect to the source-of-income requirement, a Fund must derive in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income (including tax-exempt interest) from (i) dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including but not limited to gains from options, futures and forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such shares, securities or currencies and (ii) net income derived from an interest in a “qualified publicly traded partnership.” A “qualified publicly traded partnership” is generally defined as a publicly traded partnership under Internal Revenue Code section 7704. However, for these purposes, a qualified publicly traded partnership does not include a publicly traded partnership if 90% or more of its income is described in (i) above. Income derived from a partnership (other than a qualified publicly traded partnership) or trust is qualifying income to the extent such income is attributable to items of income of the partnership or trust which would be qualifying income if realized by the Fund in the same manner as realized by the partnership or trust.

 

If a RIC fails this 90% source-of-income test it is no longer subject to a 21% penalty as long as such failure was due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect. Instead, the amount of the penalty for non-compliance is the amount by which the non-qualifying income exceeds one-ninth of the qualifying gross income.

 

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

 

If a RIC fails this asset-diversification test, such RIC, in addition to other cure provisions previously permitted, has a 6-month period to correct any failure without incurring a penalty if such failure is “de minimis,” meaning that the failure does not exceed the lesser of 1% of the RIC’s assets, or $10 million.

 

Similarly, if a RIC fails this asset-diversification test and the failure is not de minimis, a RIC can cure failure if: (a) the RIC files with the Treasury Department a description of each asset that causes the RIC to fail the diversification tests; (b) the failure is due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect; and (c) the failure is cured within six months (or such other period specified by the Treasury). In such cases, a tax is imposed on the RIC equal to the greater of: (a) $50,000 or (b) an amount determined by multiplying the highest rate of tax (currently 21%) by the amount of net income generated during the period of diversification test failure by the assets that caused the RIC to fail the diversification test.

 

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If a Fund qualifies as a RIC and distributes to its shareholders, for each taxable year, at least 90% of the sum of (i) its “investment company taxable income” as that term is defined in the Internal Revenue Code (which includes, among other things, dividends, taxable interest, the excess of any net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses and certain net foreign exchange gains as reduced by certain deductible expenses) without regard to the deduction for dividends paid, and (ii) the excess of its gross tax-exempt interest, if any, over certain deductions attributable to such interest that are otherwise disallowed, the Fund will be relieved of U.S. federal income tax on any income of the Fund, including long-term capital gains, distributed to shareholders. However, any ordinary income or capital gain retained by the Fund will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate federal income tax rates (currently at a maximum rate of 21%). A Fund intends to distribute at least annually all or substantially all of its investment company taxable income, net tax-exempt interest, and net capital gain.

 

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

 

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

 

To the extent that a Fund has capital loss carryforwards from prior tax years, those carryforwards will reduce the net capital gains that can support the Fund’s distribution of Capital Gain Dividends. If a Fund uses net capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning on or before December 22, 2010 (pre-2011 losses), those carryforwards will not reduce the Fund’s current earnings and profits, as losses incurred in later years will. As a result, if the Fund then makes distributions of capital gains recognized during the current year in excess of net capital gains (as reduced by carryforwards), the portion of the excess equal to pre-2011 losses factoring into net capital gain will be taxable as an ordinary dividend distribution, even though that distributed excess amount would not have been subject to tax if retained by the Fund. Capital loss carryforwards are reduced to the extent they offset current-year net realized capital gains, whether the Fund retains or distributes such gains.

 

A RIC is generally permitted to carry forward net capital losses indefinitely and may allow losses to retain their original character (as short or as long-term). For net capital losses recognized prior to such date, such losses are permitted to be carried forward up to 8 years and are characterized as short-term. These capital loss carryforwards may be utilized in future years to offset net realized capital gains of the Fund, if any, prior to distributing such gains to shareholders.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Taxation for U.S. Shareholders. Distributions paid to U.S. shareholders by a Fund from their investment company taxable income (which is, generally, the Fund’s ordinary income plus net realized short-term capital gains in excess of net realized long-term capital losses) are generally taxable to U.S. shareholders as ordinary income to the extent of the Fund’s earnings and profits, whether paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares. Such distributions (if designated by the Fund) may qualify (i) for the dividends received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders under Section 243 of the Internal Revenue Code to the extent that the Fund’s income consists of dividend income from U.S. corporations, excluding distributions from tax-exempt organizations, exempt farmers’ cooperatives or real estate investment trusts or (ii) in the case of individual shareholders as qualified dividend income eligible to be taxed at reduced rates under Section 1(h)(11) of the Internal Revenue Code (which provides for a maximum 20% rate) to the extent that the Fund receives qualified dividend income, and provided in each case certain holding period and other requirements are met. Qualified dividend income is, in general, dividend income from taxable domestic corporations and qualified foreign corporations (e.g., generally, foreign corporations incorporated in a possession of the United States or in certain countries with a qualified comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States, or the stock with respect to which such dividend is paid is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States). A qualified foreign corporation generally excludes any foreign corporation, which for the taxable year of the corporation in which the dividend was paid, or the preceding taxable year, is a passive foreign investment company. Distributions made to a U.S. shareholder from an excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses (“capital gain dividends”), including capital gain dividends credited to such shareholder but retained by the Fund, are taxable to such shareholder as long-term capital gain if they have been properly designated by the Fund, regardless of the length of time such shareholder owned the shares of the Fund. The maximum tax rate on capital gain dividends received by individuals is generally 20%. Distributions in excess of the Fund’s earnings and profits will be treated by the U.S. shareholder, first, as a tax-free return of capital, which is applied against and will reduce the adjusted tax basis of the U.S. shareholder’s shares and, after such adjusted tax basis is reduced to zero, will constitute capital gain to the U.S. shareholder (assuming the shares are held as a capital asset). The Fund is not required to provide written notice designating the amount of any qualified dividend income or capital gain dividends and other distributions. The Forms 1099 will instead serve this notice purpose.

 

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As a RIC, a Fund will be subject to the AMT, but any items that are treated differently for AMT purposes must be apportioned between the Fund and the shareholders and this may affect the shareholders’ AMT liabilities. The Fund intends in general to apportion these items in the same proportion that dividends paid to each shareholder bear to the Fund’s taxable income (determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction.

 

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

 

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

 

Sales and other dispositions of the shares of a Fund generally are taxable events. U.S. shareholders should consult their own tax advisor with reference to their individual circumstances to determine whether any particular transaction in the shares of a Fund is properly treated as a sale or exchange for federal income tax purposes, as the following discussion assumes, and the tax treatment of any gains or losses recognized in such transactions. The sale or other disposition of shares of a Fund will generally result in capital gain or loss to the shareholder equal to the difference between the amount realized and his adjusted tax basis in the shares sold or exchanged, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year at the time of sale. Any loss upon the sale or exchange of shares held for six months or less will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends received (including amounts credited as an undistributed capital gain dividend) by such shareholder with respect to such shares. A loss realized on a sale or exchange of shares of the Fund generally will be disallowed if other substantially identical shares are acquired within a 61-day period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the date that the shares are disposed. In such case, the basis of the shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. Present law taxes both long-term and short-term capital gain of corporations at the rates applicable to ordinary income of corporations. For non-corporate taxpayers, short-term capital gain will currently be taxed at the rate applicable to ordinary income, currently a maximum of 21%, while long-term capital gain generally will be taxed at a maximum rate of 20%. Capital losses are subject to certain limitations.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012, certain U.S. shareholders, including individuals and estates and trusts, will be subject to an additional 3.8% Medicare tax on all or a portion of their “net investment income,” which should include dividends from the Fund and net gains from the disposition of shares of the Fund. U.S. shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the implications of the additional Medicare tax resulting from an investment in the Fund.

 

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

 

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

 

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Tax-Exempt Shareholders. A tax-exempt shareholder could recognize UBTI by virtue of its investment in a Fund if shares in the Fund constitute debt-financed property in the hands of the tax-exempt shareholder within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code Section 514(b). Furthermore, a tax-exempt shareholder may recognize UBTI if the Fund recognizes “excess inclusion income” derived from direct or indirect investments in residual interests in REMICs or equity interests in TMPs if the amount of such income recognized by the Fund exceeds the Fund’s investment company taxable income (after taking into account deductions for dividends paid by the Fund).

 

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

 

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

 

Equity investments by a Fund in certain PFICs could potentially subject the Fund to a U.S. federal income tax or other charge (including interest charges) on the distributions received from the PFIC or on proceeds received from the disposition of shares in the PFIC. This tax cannot be eliminated by making distributions to Fund shareholders. However, a Fund may elect to avoid the imposition of that tax. For example, if the Fund is in a position to and elects to treat a PFIC as a “qualified electing fund” (i.e., make a “QEF election”), the Fund will be required to include its share of the PFIC s income and net capital gains annually, regardless of whether it receives any distribution from the PFIC. Alternatively, the Fund may make an election to mark the gains (and to a limited extent losses) in its PFIC holdings “to the market” as though it had sold and repurchased its holdings in those PFICs on the last day of the Fund’s taxable year. Such gains and losses are treated as ordinary income and loss. The QEF and mark-to-market elections may accelerate the recognition of income (without the receipt of cash) and increase the amount required to be distributed by the Fund to avoid taxation. Making either of these elections therefore may require the Fund to liquidate other investments (including when it is not advantageous to do so) to meet its distribution requirement, which also may accelerate the recognition of gain and affect the Fund’s total return. Dividends paid by PFICs will not be eligible to be treated as “qualified dividend income.”

 

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

 

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

 

Foreign Taxation. Income received by a Fund from sources within foreign countries may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by such countries. Tax conventions between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes. The Funds do not expect to be eligible to pass through to shareholders a credit or deduction for such taxes.

 

Foreign Shareholders. Capital Gain Dividends are generally not subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax. Absent a specific statutory exemption, dividends other than Capital Gain Dividends paid by the Fund to a shareholder that is not a “U.S. person” within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code (such shareholder, a “foreign shareholder”) are subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate) even if they are funded by income or gains (such as portfolio interest, short-term capital gains, or foreign-source dividend and interest income) that, if paid to a foreign person directly, would not be subject to withholding.

 

A regulated investment company generally is not required to withhold any amounts (i) with respect to distributions (other than distributions to a foreign person (a) that does not provide a satisfactory statement that the beneficial owner is not a U.S. person, (b) to the extent that the dividend is attributable to certain interest on an obligation if the foreign person is the issuer or is a 10% shareholder of the issuer, (c) that is within a foreign country that has inadequate information exchange with the United States, or (d) to the extent the dividend is attributable to interest paid by a person that is a related person of the foreign person and the foreign person is a controlled foreign corporation) from U.S.-source interest income of types similar to those not subject to U.S. federal income tax if earned directly by an individual foreign person, to the extent such distributions are properly reported as such by the Fund in a written notice to shareholders (“interest-related dividends”), and (ii) with respect to distributions (other than (a) distributions to an individual foreign person who is present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the year of the distribution and (b) distributions subject to special rules regarding the disposition of U.S. real property interests as described below) of net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses to the extent such distributions are properly reported by the regulated investment company (“short-term capital gain dividends”). If the Fund invests in an underlying fund that pays such distributions to the Fund, such distributions retain their character as not subject to withholding if properly reported when paid by the Fund to foreign persons.

 

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A Fund is permitted to report such part of its dividends as interest-related or short-term capital gain dividends as are eligible, but is not required to do so. These exemptions from withholding will not be available to foreign shareholders of a Fund that do not currently report their dividends as interest-related or short-term capital gain dividends.

 

In the case of shares held through an intermediary, the intermediary may withhold even if a Fund reports all or a portion of a payment as an interest-related or short-term capital gain dividend to shareholders. Foreign persons should contact their intermediaries regarding the application of these rules to their accounts.

 

Under U.S. federal tax law, a beneficial holder of shares who is a foreign shareholder generally is not subject to U.S. federal income tax on gains (and is not allowed a deduction for losses) realized on the sale of shares of a Fund or on Capital Gain Dividends unless (i) such gain or dividend is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business carried on by such holder within the United States, (ii) in the case of an individual holder, the holder is present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the year of the sale or the receipt of the Capital Gain Dividend and certain other conditions are met, or (iii) the special rules relating to gain attributable to the sale or exchange of “U.S. real property interests” (“USRPIs”) apply to the foreign shareholder’s sale of shares of the Fund or to the Capital Gain Dividend the foreign shareholder received (as described below).

 

Special rules would apply if a Fund was either a “U.S. real property holding corporation” (“USRPHC”) or would be a USRPHC but for the operation of certain exceptions to the definition thereof. Very generally, a USRPHC is a domestic corporation that holds USRPIs the fair market value of which equals or exceeds 50% of the sum of the fair market values of the corporation’s USPRIs, interests in real property located outside the United States, and other assets. USRPIs are generally defined as any interest in U.S. real property and any interest (other than solely as a creditor) in a USRPHC or former USRPHC.

 

If a Fund was a USRPHC or would be a USRPHC but for the exceptions referred to above, any distributions by the Fund to a foreign shareholder (including, in certain cases, distributions made by the Fund in redemption of its shares) attributable to gains realized by the Fund on the disposition of USRPIs or to distributions received by the Fund from a lower-tier regulated investment company or REIT that the Fund is required to treat as USRPI gain in its hands generally would be subject to U.S. tax withholding. In addition, such distributions could result in the foreign shareholder being required to file a U.S. tax return and pay tax on the distributions at regular U.S. federal income tax rates. The consequences to a foreign shareholder, including the rate of such withholding and character of such distributions (e.g., as ordinary income or USRPI gain), would vary depending upon the extent of the foreign shareholder’s current and past ownership of the Fund. On and after January 1, 2012, this “look-through” USRPI treatment for distributions by the Fund, if it were either a USRPHC or would be a USRPHC but for the operation of the exceptions referred to above, to foreign shareholders applies only to those distributions that, in turn, are attributable to distributions received by the Fund from a lower-tier REIT, unless Congress enacts legislation providing otherwise.

 

In addition, if a Fund was a USRPHC or former USRPHC, it could be required to withhold U.S. tax on the proceeds of a share redemption by a greater-than-5% foreign shareholder, in which case such foreign shareholder generally would also be required to file U.S. tax returns and pay any additional taxes due in connection with the redemption.

 

Whether or not a Fund is characterized as a USRPHC will depend upon the nature and mix of the Fund’s assets. The Fund does not expect to be a USRPHC. Foreign shareholders should consult their tax advisors concerning the application of these rules to their investment in the Fund.

 

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If a beneficial holder of Fund shares who is a foreign shareholder has a trade or business in the United States, and the dividends are effectively connected with the beneficial holder’s conduct of that trade or business, the dividend will be subject to U.S. federal net income taxation at regular income tax rates.

 

If a beneficial holder of Fund shares who is a foreign shareholder is eligible for the benefits of a tax treaty, any effectively connected income or gain will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net basis only if it is also attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by that beneficial holder in the United States.

 

To qualify for any exemptions from withholding described above or for lower withholding tax rates under income tax treaties, or to establish an exemption from backup withholding, a foreign shareholder must comply with special certification and filing requirements relating to its non-US status (including, in general, furnishing an IRS Form W-8BEN or substitute form). Foreign shareholders in the Fund should consult their tax advisers in this regard.

 

A beneficial holder of Fund shares who is a foreign shareholder may be subject to state and local tax and to the U.S. federal estate tax in addition to the federal tax on income referred to above.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Shareholder Reporting Obligations With Respect to Foreign Financial Assets. Certain individuals (and, if provided in future guidance, certain domestic entities) must disclose annually their interests in “specified foreign financial assets” on IRS Form 8938, which must be attached to their U.S. federal income tax returns for taxable years beginning after March 18, 2010. The IRS has not yet released a copy of the Form 8938 and has suspended the requirement to attach Form 8938 for any taxable year for which an income tax return is filed before the release of Form 8938. Following Form 8938’s release, individuals will be required to attach to their next income tax return required to be filed with the IRS a Form 8938 for each taxable year for which the filing of Form 8938 was suspended. Until the IRS provides more details regarding this reporting requirement, including in Form 8938 itself and related Treasury regulations, it remains unclear under what circumstances, if any, a shareholder’s (indirect) interest in the Fund’s “specified foreign financial assets,” if any, will be required to be reported on this Form 8938.

 

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Other Reporting and Withholding Requirements. Rules enacted in March 2010 require the reporting to the IRS of direct and indirect ownership of foreign financial accounts and foreign entities by U.S. persons. Failure to provide this required information can result in a 30% withholding tax on certain payments (“withholdable payments”) made after December 31, 2012. Specifically, withholdable payments subject to this 30% withholding tax include payments of U.S.-source dividends and interest made on or after January 1, 2014, and payments of gross proceeds from the sale or other disposal of property that can produce U.S.-source dividends or interest made on or after January 1, 2015.

 

The IRS has issued only very preliminary guidance with respect to these new rules; their scope remains unclear and potentially subject to material change. Very generally, it is possible that distributions made by the Fund after the dates noted above (or such later dates as may be provided in future guidance) to a shareholder, including a distribution in redemption of shares and a distribution of income or gains otherwise exempt from withholding under the rules applicable to non-U.S. shareholders described above (e.g., Capital Gain Dividends, Short-Term Capital Gain Dividends and interest-related dividends, as described above) will be subject to the new 30% withholding requirement. Payments to a foreign shareholder that is a “foreign financial institution” will generally be subject to withholding, unless such shareholder enters into a timely agreement with the IRS. Payments to shareholders that are U.S. persons or foreign individuals will generally not be subject to withholding, so long as such shareholders provide the Fund with such certifications or other documentation, including, to the extent required, with regard to such shareholders’ direct and indirect owners, as the Fund requires to comply with the new rules. Persons investing in the Fund through an intermediary should contact their intermediary regarding the application of the new reporting and withholding regime to their investments in the Fund.

 

Shareholders are urged to consult a tax advisor regarding this new reporting and withholding regime, in light of their particular circumstances.

 

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

 

Securities Lending. While securities are loaned out by a Fund, the Fund generally will receive from the borrower amounts equal to any dividends or interest paid on the borrowed securities. For federal income tax purposes, payments made “in lieu of” dividends are not considered dividend income. These distributions will neither qualify for the reduced rate of taxation for individuals on qualified dividends nor the 70% dividends received deduction for corporations. Also, any foreign tax withheld on payments made “in lieu of” dividends or interest will not qualify for the pass-through of foreign tax credits to shareholders.

 

The foregoing is a general and abbreviated summary of the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and the Treasury regulations in effect as they directly govern the taxation of the Fund and its shareholders. These provisions are subject to change by legislative and administrative action, and any such change may be retroactive. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding specific questions as to U.S. federal income, estate or gift taxes, or foreign, state, local taxes or other taxes.

 

Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act. Payments to a shareholder that is either a foreign financial institution (“FFI”) or a non-financial foreign entity (“NFFE”) within the meaning of the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”) may be subject to a generally nonrefundable 30% withholding tax on: (a) income dividends paid by the Fund after June 30, 2014 and (b) certain capital gain distributions and the proceeds arising from the sale of Fund shares paid by the Fund after December 31, 2016. FATCA withholding tax generally can be avoided: (a) by an FFI, subject to any applicable intergovernmental agreement or other exemption, if it enters into a valid agreement with the IRS to, among other requirements, report required information about certain direct and indirect ownership of foreign financial accounts held by U.S. persons with the FFI and (b) by an NFFE, if it: (i) certifies that it has no substantial U.S. persons as owners or (ii) if it does have such owners, reports information relating to them. The Fund may disclose the information that it receives from its shareholders to the IRS, non-U.S. taxing authorities or other parties as necessary to comply with FATCA. Withholding also may be required if a foreign entity that is a shareholder of the Fund fails to provide the Fund with appropriate certifications or other documentation concerning its status under FATCA.

 

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Possible Tax Law Changes. At the time that this SAI is being prepared, the coronavirus and COVID-19 are affecting the United States. Various administrative and legislative changes to the federal tax laws are under consideration, but it is not possible at this time to determine whether any of these changes will be made or what the changes might entail.

 

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APPENDIX A – PROXY VOTING POLICIES

 

The following proxy voting policies are provided:

 

(1)      the Trust’s Proxy Voting and Disclosure Policy and

(2)      the Adviser’s Proxy Voting and Disclosure Policy.

 

(1)PROXY VOTING AND DISCLOSURE POLICY FOR 360 FUNDS

 

I.Introduction

 

Effective April 14, 2003, the SEC adopted rule and form amendments under the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Act of 1934, and the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“Investment Company Act”) to require registered management investment companies to provide disclosure about how they vote proxies for their portfolio securities (collectively, the rule and form amendments are referred to herein as the “IC Amendments”).

 

The IC Amendments require that the Trust and each Fund disclose the policies and procedures used to determine how to vote proxies for portfolio securities. The IC Amendments also require each Fund to file with the SEC and to make available to their shareholders the specific proxy votes cast for portfolio securities.

 

This Proxy Voting and Disclosure Policy (“Policy”) is designed to ensure that each Fund complies with the requirements of the IC Amendments, and otherwise fulfills its obligations with respect to proxy voting, disclosure, and recordkeeping. The overall goal is to ensure that each Fund’s proxy voting is managed in an effort to act in the best interests of its shareholders. While decisions about how to vote must be determined on a case-by-case basis, proxy voting decisions will be made considering these guidelines and following the procedures recited herein.

 

II.Specific Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

 

A.General

 

The Trust’s Board of Trustees (“Board”) believes that the voting of proxies is an important part of portfolio management as it represents an opportunity for shareholders to make their voices heard and to influence the direction of a company. The Trust and each Fund are committed to voting corporate proxies in the manner that best serves the interests of each Fund’s shareholders.

 

B.Delegation to Fund’s Adviser

 

The Board believes that the Adviser, as each Fund’s investment adviser, is in the best position to make individual voting decisions for each Fund consistent with this Policy. Therefore, subject to the oversight of the Board, the Adviser is hereby delegated the following duties:

 

(1)to make the proxy voting decisions for each Fund; and
(2)to assist each Fund in disclosing each Fund’s proxy voting record as required by Rule 30b1-4 under the Investment Company Act, including providing the following information for each matter with respect to which each Fund was entitled to vote: (a) information identifying the matter voted on; (b) whether the matter was proposed by the issuer or by a security holder; (c) whether and how each Fund cast its vote; and (d) whether each Fund cast its vote for or against management.

 

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The Board, including a majority of the independent trustees of the Board, shall approve the Adviser’s Proxy Voting and Disclosure Policy (“Adviser’s Voting Policy”) as it relates to each Fund. The Board shall also approve any material changes to the Adviser’s Voting Policy no later than four (4) months after adoption by Adviser.

 

C.Conflicts

 

In cases where a matter with respect to which each Fund is entitled to vote presents a conflict between the interest of each Fund’s shareholders, on the one hand, and those of each Fund’s investment adviser, principal underwriter, or an affiliated person of each Fund, its investment adviser or principal underwriter, on the other hand, each Fund shall always vote in the best interest of each Fund’s shareholders. For purposes of this Policy a vote shall be considered in the best interest of each Fund’s shareholders (i) when a vote is cast consistent with a specific voting policy as set forth in the Adviser’s Voting Policy, provided such specific voting policy was approved by the Board or (ii) when a vote is cast consistent with the decision of the Trust’s Proxy Voting Committee (as defined below).

 

III.Fund Disclosure

 

A.Disclosure of Fund Policies and Procedures With Respect to Voting Proxies Relating to Portfolio Securities

 

Each Fund shall disclose this Policy, or a description of the policies and procedures of this Policy, to its shareholders in its Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) on Form N-1A. Each Fund will notify shareholders in the SAI and each Fund’s shareholder reports that a description of this Policy is available upon request, without charge, by calling a specified toll-free telephone number, by reviewing each Fund’s website, if applicable, and by reviewing filings available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Each Fund will send this description of each Fund’s Policy within three business days of receipt of any shareholder request, by first-class mail or other means designed to ensure equally prompt delivery.

 

B.Disclosure of each Fund’s Complete Proxy Voting Record

 

In accordance with Rule 30b1-4 of the Investment Company Act, each Fund shall disclose to its shareholders on Form N-PX each Fund’s complete proxy voting record for the twelve-month period ended June 30 by no later than August 31 of each year.

 

Each Fund shall disclose the following information on Form N-PX for each matter relating to a portfolio security considered at any shareholder meeting held during the period covered by the report and with respect to which to each Fund was entitled to vote:

 

(i)The name of the issuer of the portfolio security;
(ii)The exchange ticker symbol of the portfolio security (if available through reasonably practicable means);
(iii)The Council on Uniform Security Identification Procedures (“CUSIP”) number for the portfolio security (if available through reasonably practicable means);

 

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(iv)The shareholder meeting date;
(v)A brief identification of the matter voted on;
(vi)Whether the matter was proposed by the issuer or by a security holder
(vii)Whether each Fund cast its vote on the matter;
(viii)How each Fund cast its vote (e.g., for or against proposal, or abstain; for or withhold regarding election of directors); and
(ix)Whether each Fund cast its vote for or against management.

 

Each Fund shall make its proxy voting record available to shareholders either upon request or by making available an electronic version on or through each Fund’s website, if applicable. If each Fund discloses its proxy voting record on or through its website, each Fund shall post the information disclosed in each Fund’s most recently filed report on Form N-PX on the website beginning the same day it files such information with the SEC.

 

Each Fund shall also include in its annual reports, semi-annual reports and SAI a statement that information regarding how each Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 is available (1) without charge upon request, by calling a specified toll-free (or collect) telephone number, or (if applicable) on or through each Fund’s website at a specified Internet address; and (2) on the SEC’s website. If each Fund discloses that its proxy voting record is available by calling a toll-free (or collect) telephone number, it shall send the information disclosed in each Fund’s most recently filed report on Form N-PX within three business days of receipt of a request for this information, by first-class mail or other means designed to ensure equally prompt delivery.

 

IV.Recordkeeping

 

The Trust shall keep the following records for a period of at least five years, the first two in an easily accessible place:

 

(i)A copy of this Policy;
(ii)Proxy Statements received regarding each Fund’s securities;
(iii)Records of votes cast on behalf of each Fund; and
(iv)A record of each shareholder request for proxy voting information and each Fund’s response, including the date of the request, the name of the shareholder, and the date of the response.

 

The foregoing records may be kept as part of the Adviser’s records.

 

Each Fund may rely on proxy statements filed on the SEC EDGAR system instead of keeping its own copies, and may rely on proxy statements and records of proxy votes cast by the Adviser that are maintained with a third party such as a proxy voting service, provided that an undertaking is obtained from the third party to provide a copy of the documents promptly upon request.

 

V.Proxy Voting Committee

 

A.General

 

The Proxy Voting Committee of the Trust shall be composed entirely of independent trustees of the Board and may be comprised of one or more such independent trustees as the Board may, from time to time, decide. The purpose of the Proxy Voting Committee shall be to determine how each Fund should cast its vote, if called upon by the Board or the Adviser, when a matter with respect to which each Fund is entitled to vote presents a conflict between the interest of each Fund’s shareholders, on the one hand, and those of each Fund’s investment adviser, principal underwriter, or an affiliated person of each Fund, its investment adviser or principal underwriter, on the other hand.

 

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B.Powers and Methods of Operation

 

The Proxy Voting Committee shall have all the powers necessary to fulfill its purpose as set forth above and such other powers and perform such other duties as the Board may, from time to time, grant and/or assign the Proxy Voting Committee. The Proxy Voting Committee shall meet at such times and places as the Proxy Voting Committee or the Board may, from time to time, determine. The act of a majority of the members of the Proxy Voting Committee in person, by telephone conference or by consent in writing without a meeting shall be the act of the Proxy Voting Committee. The Proxy Voting Committee shall have the authority to utilize Trust counsel at the expense of the Trust if necessary. The Proxy Voting Committee shall prepare minutes of each meeting and keep such minutes with the Trust’s records. The Proxy Voting Committee shall review this Policy and recommend any changes to the Board as it deems necessary or advisable.

 

VI.Other

 

This Policy may be amended, from time to time; provided, however, that material changes are approved by the Board as provided under Section II(B) above.

 

(2)PROXY VOTING AND DISCLOSURE POLICY OF THE ADVISER AND WINTHROP

 

Timber Point Capital Management LLC

 

Proxy Voting Policy

 

PROXY VOTING

 

In accordance with Rule 206(4)-6 under the Advisers Act, it is the policy of the Company to vote all proxies in respect of securities held by the Fund (“Client Securities”) in a manner consistent with best interests of the Company’s clients.

 

Responsibility

The CCO is responsible for ensuring adherence to the Company’s Proxy Voting Policy.

 

Procedure

The Company utilizes the services of a third party independent proxy voting service, Glass Lewis & Co. (“Glass Lewis”) to vote client proxies. The Glass Lewis methodology, broadly stated, is designed to increase investors’ potential financial gain through the use of shareholder voting while also allowing management and the board discretion to direct the operations, including governance and compensation, of the firm whose proxy is at issue. All proxies are voted directly by Glass Lewis in a manner that is consistent with its policies, which are determined on an issue by company basis. The Company’s Management Committee (comprised of David Cleary and Ryan Thibodeaux) will review every voting recommendation by Glass Lewis once the recommendation is made. The Company’s Management Committee shall have the ability to override any recommendation that Glass Lewis may make.

 

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Recordkeeping Requirements

The Company shall maintain the following records relating to this Policy:

 

A copy of the Proxy Voting Policy as it may be amended from time to time (The Glass Lewis policy is attached hereto as an Exhibit).
A copy of each proxy statement received by the Company in respect of Client Securities. This requirement may be satisfied by relying on a third party (Glass Lewis) to make and retain, on the Company’s behalf, a copy of a proxy statement (provided that the Company has obtained an undertaking from the third party to provide a copy of the proxy statement promptly upon request), or the Company may rely on obtaining a copy of a proxy statement from the SEC’s EDGAR system.
A record of each vote cast by the Company on behalf of the Fund. This requirement may be satisfied by relying on a third party (Glass Lewis) to make and retain, on the Company’s behalf, a record of the vote cast (if the Company has obtained an undertaking from the third party to provide a copy of the record promptly upon request).
A copy of any document created by the Company that was material to making a decision about how to vote proxies on behalf of a client or that memorializes the basis for that decision
A copy of each written request for information about how the Company voted proxies and a copy of any written response by the Company to any such (written or oral) request.

 

The Company has also adopted the Proxy Voting Policies of the Trust.

 

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Winthrop Capital Management, LLC

 

Proxy Voting Policy

 

PROXY VOTING

 

Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 helps to ensure that SEC- registered advisers act in the best interest of their clients when exercising proxy voting authority. The rule obligates advisers to provide clients with information on how their securities were voted.

 

Advisers that have explicit or implicit voting authority must comply with rule 206(4)-6. Therefore, even when the advisory contract is silent, the rule applies if the adviser’s voting authority is implied by an overall delegation of discretionary authority. The rule does not apply to advisers that provide clients with advice about voting proxies but do not have authority to vote them.

 

A.Fiduciary Duty. The SEC adopted rule 206(4)-6 to regulate proxy voting by investment advisers with authority to vote their clients’ proxies. Under the Investment Advisers Act, an adviser is a fiduciary that owes each of its clients the duties of care and loyalty with respect to all services undertaken on the client’s behalf, which may or may not include proxy voting. To satisfy its duty of loyalty, the adviser must cast proxy votes in a way that will advance the best interest of its client. The adviser must not put its own interests ahead of the client’s.

 

Under rule 206(4)-6, it is a fraudulent, deceptive, or manipulative act, practice, or course of business for an investment adviser to exercise voting authority over client proxies unless the investment adviser:

 

1.Adopts and implements written policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to ensure that the adviser votes proxies in the client’s best interest;
2.Discloses to clients how they may obtain information regarding how their proxies were voted; and
3.Describes proxy voting policies and procedures and furnishes a copy of the policies and procedures to the client when requested to do so.

 

B.Policy for Adviser who votes Proxies.

 

For all accounts which are not subject to Employees Retirement Income Security Act (‘ERISA’), unless a client directs WCM in writing to vote proxies, the client should understand that WCM will not vote proxies for securities or exercise voting rights pertaining to investments in a client’s account (including without limitation matters relating to conversions, exchanges, mergers, stock splits, rights offerings, recapitalizations and reorganizations). WCM will not act for clients in any legal proceedings, including bankruptcies or class actions, involving securities, exercise voting rights, or take any legal actions pertaining to investments in the client’s account. Ordinarily, client’s broker/dealer or custodian will forward proxies or other communications pertaining to investments directly to the client. Clients should contact their broker/dealer or custodian if they do not receive proxies or other mailings pertaining to their investments. A list of clients for which WCM votes proxies is listed in Appendix P.

 

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For those accounts which are subject to ERISA, unless a client directs WCM in writing to the contrary, or the documents of an employee benefit plan reserve the right to vote proxies to the plan’s trustees or named fiduciary, WCM will vote all proxies for securities and exercise voting rights pertaining to investments in a client’s account (including without limitation matters relating to conversions, exchanges, mergers, stock splits, rights offerings, recapitalizations and reorganizations). Clients may obtain a copy of WCM’s complete proxy voting policies and procedures upon request. Clients may also obtain information from WCM about how WCM voted any proxies on behalf of their account.

 

C.Philosophy and Practice regarding the voting of proxies.

 

1.General

 

Adviser believes that each proxy proposal should be individually reviewed to determine whether the proposal is in the best interests of its clients. As a result, similar proposals for different companies may receive different votes because of different corporate circumstances.

 

2.Procedures

 

To implement Adviser’s proxy voting policies, Adviser has developed the following procedures for voting proxies.

 

(a)Upon receipt of a corporate proxy by Adviser, the special or annual report and the proxy are submitted to the Proxy Manager. The Proxy Manager will then vote the proxy in accordance with this policy.
(b)The Proxy Manager shall be responsible for reviewing the special or annual report, proxy proposals, and proxy proposal summaries. The reviewer shall take into consideration what vote is in the best interests of clients and the provisions of Adviser’s Voting Guidelines in Section 2 below. The Proxy Manager will then vote the proxies.
(c)The Proxy Manager shall be responsible for maintaining copies of each annual report, proposal, proposal summary, actual vote, and any other information required to be maintained for a proxy vote under Rule 204-2 of the Advisers Act (see discussion in Section 3 below). With respect to proxy votes on topics deemed, in the opinion of the Proxy Manager, to be controversial or particularly sensitive, the Proxy Manager will provide a written explanation for the proxy vote, which will be maintained with the record of the actual vote in Adviser’s files.

 

3.Voting Guidelines

 

While Adviser’s policy is to review each proxy proposal on its individual merits, Adviser has adopted guidelines for certain types of matters to assist the Proxy Manager in the review and voting of proxies. These guidelines are set forth below:

 

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D.Corporate Governance

 

1.Election of Directors and Similar Matters

 

In an uncontested election, Adviser will generally vote in favor of management’s proposed directors. In a contested election, Adviser will evaluate proposed directors on a case-by-case basis. With respect to proposals regarding the structure of a company’s Board of Directors, Adviser will review any contested proposal on its merits.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Adviser expects to support proposals to:

 

(a)Limit directors’ liability and broaden directors’ indemnification rights
(b)Generally vote against proposals to Adopt or continue the use of a classified Board structure; and
(c)Add special interest directors to the board of directors (e.g., efforts to expand the board of directors to control the outcome of a particular issue)

 

2.Audit Committee Approvals

 

Adviser generally supports proposals that help ensure that a company’s auditors are independent and capable of delivering a fair and accurate opinion of a company’s finances. Adviser will generally vote to ratify management’s recommendation and selection of auditors.

 

3.Shareholder Rights

 

Adviser may consider all proposals that will have a material effect on shareholder rights on a case by case basis. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Adviser expects to generally support proposals to:

 

(a)Adopt confidential voting and independent tabulation of voting results; and
(b)Require shareholder approval of “poison pills;”

 

And expects to generally vote against proposals to:

(a)Adopt super-majority voting requirements; and

 

(b)Restrict the rights of shareholders to call special meetings, to amend the bylaws, or to act by written consent.

 

4.Anti-Takeover Measures, Corporate Restructurings and Similar Matters Adviser may review any proposal to adopt an anti-takeover measure, to undergo a corporate restructuring (e.g., change of entity form or state of incorporation, mergers, or acquisitions) or to take similar action by reviewing the potential short and long-term effects of the proposal on the company. These effects may include, without limitation, the economic and financial impact the proposal may have on the company, and the market impact that the proposal may have on the company’s stock.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, Adviser expects to generally support proposals to:

 

(a)Prohibit the payment of greenmail (i.e., the purchase by the company of its own shares to prevent a hostile takeover);
(b)Adopt fair price requirements (i.e., requirements that all shareholders be paid the same price in a tender offer or takeover context), unless the Proxy Manager deems them sufficiently limited in scope; and

 

(c)Require shareholder approval of “poison pills.”

 

And expects to generally vote against proposals to:

(a)Adopt classified boards of directors;

 

(b)Reincorporate a company where the primary purpose appears to the Proxy Manager to be the creation of takeover defenses; and
(c)Require a company to consider the non-financial effects of mergers or acquisitions.
5.Capital Structure Proposals

 

Adviser will seek to evaluate capital structure proposals on their own merits on a case-by-case basis. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Adviser expects to generally support proposals to:

 

(a)Eliminate preemptive rights.

 

E.Compensation

 

1.General

 

Adviser generally supports proposals that encourage the disclosure of a company’s compensation policies. In addition, Adviser generally supports proposals that fairly compensate executives, particularly those proposals that link executive compensation to performance. Adviser may consider any contested proposal related to a company’s compensation policies on a case-by-case basis.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Adviser expects to generally support proposals to:

 

(a)Require shareholders approval of “golden parachutes;” and

 

(b)Adopt “golden parachutes” that do not exceed 1 to 3 times the base compensation of the applicable executives.

 

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And expects to generally vote against proposals to:

 

(c)Adopt measures that appear to the Proxy Manager to arbitrarily limit executive or employee benefits.

 

2.Stock Option Plans and Share Issuances

 

Adviser evaluates proposed stock option plans and share issuances on a case-by-case basis. In reviewing proposals regarding stock option plans and issuances, Adviser may consider, without limitation, the potential dilutive effect on shareholders and the potential short and long-term economic effects on the company. The Adviser believes that stock option plans do not necessarily align the interest of executives and outside directors with those of shareholders and that well thought out cash compensation plans can achieve these objectives without diluting shareholders ownership. Therefore, the Adviser generally will vote against stock option plans. However, these proposals will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine that shareholders interests are being represented. The Adviser is in favor of management, directors, and employees owning stock, but prefers that the shares be purchased in the open market.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Adviser expects to generally vote against proposals to:

 

(a)Establish or continue stock option plans and share issuances that are not in the best interest of the shareholders.
F.Corporate Responsibility and Social Issues

 

Adviser generally believes that ordinary business matters (including, without limitation, positions on corporate responsibility and social issues) are primarily the responsibility of a company’s management that should be addressed solely by the company’s management. These types of proposals, often initiated by shareholders, may request that the company disclose or amend certain business practices.

 

Adviser will generally vote against proposals involving corporate responsibility and social issues, although Adviser may vote for corporate responsibility and social issue proposals that Adviser believes will have substantial positive economic or other effects on a company or the company’s stock.

 

G.Record-Keeping Requirements Pertaining to Proxy Voting.

 

Rule 204-2, requires that the following proxy voting records be maintained. The CCO shall be responsible for maintaining these records relating to proxy voting.

 

1.Copies of all policies and procedures required by Rule 206(4)-6.
2.A copy of each proxy statement that the investment adviser receives regarding a client’s securities. An adviser may satisfy this requirement by relying on a third-party provider, such as a proxy voting service, or the SEC’s Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval (EDGAR) system.
3.A record of each vote cast by the investment adviser on behalf of a client. An adviser may satisfy this requirement by relying on a third- party service to provide these records. The third party must be capable of providing documents promptly upon request.

 

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4.A copy of any document created by the Adviser that was material in making a decision on how to vote proxies on a client’s behalf or that articulates the basis for that decision.
5.A copy of each written client request for information on how the adviser voted proxies on his or her behalf, as well as a copy of any written response by the investment adviser to any written or oral client request for information.

 

H.Conflicts of Interest Pertaining to Proxy Voting

 

Conflicts of interest between the Adviser or a principal of the Adviser and the Adviser’s clients in respect of a proxy issue conceivably may arise, for example, from personal or professional relationships with a company or with the directors, candidates for director, or senior executives of a company that is the issuer of client securities.

 

If the CCO determines that a material conflict of interest exists, the following procedures shall be followed:

 

1.The Adviser may disclose the existence and nature of the conflict to the client(s) owning the securities, and seek directions on how to vote the proxies;
2.The Adviser may abstain from voting, particularly if there are conflicting client interests (for example, where client accounts hold different client securities in a competitive merger situation); or
3.The Adviser may follow the recommendations of an independent proxy voting service in voting the proxies.

 

The Adviser keeps certain records required by applicable law in connection with its proxy voting activities for clients and shall provide proxy-voting information to clients upon their written or oral request. A copy of the Adviser’s proxy-voting policies shall be made available to clients upon request.

 

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APPENDIX B – NOMINATING AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE CHARTER

 

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter

 

360 Funds

 

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Membership

 

1. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of 360 Funds (the “Trust”) shall be composed entirely of Independent Trustees.

 

Board Nominations and Functions

 

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

 

(d)The Committee shall periodically review Board governance procedures and shall recommend any appropriate changes to the full Board of Trustees.

 

1.The Committee shall periodically review the composition of the Board of Trustees to determine whether it may be appropriate to add individuals with different backgrounds or skill sets from those already on the Board.

 

2.The Committee shall periodically review trustee compensation and shall recommend any appropriate changes to the Independent Trustees as a group.

 

Committee Nominations and Functions

 

1.The Committee shall make nominations for membership on all committees and shall review committee assignments at least annually.

 

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

 

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Other Powers and Responsibilities

 

1.The Committee shall have the resources and authority appropriate to discharge its responsibilities, including authority to retain special counsel and other experts or consultants at the expense of the Trust.

 

2.The Committee shall review this Charter at least annually and recommend any changes to the full Board of Trustees.

 

Adopted:         October 25, 2017

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APPENDIX A TO THE NOMINATING AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

COMMITTEE CHARTER

 

360 FUNDS

 

PROCEDURES WITH RESPECT TO NOMINEES TO THE BOARD

 

I.Identification of Candidates. When a vacancy on the Board of Trustees exists or is anticipated, and such vacancy is to be filled by an Independent Trustee, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee shall identify candidates by obtaining referrals from such sources as it may deem appropriate, which may include current Trustees, management of the Trust, counsel and other advisors to the Trustees, and shareholders of the Trust who submit recommendations in accordance with these procedures. In no event shall the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee consider as a candidate to fill any such vacancy an individual recommended by any investment adviser of any series portfolio of the Trust, unless the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has invited management to make such a recommendation.

 

II.Shareholder Candidates. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee shall, when identifying candidates for the position of Independent Trustee, consider any such candidate recommended by a shareholder if such recommendation contains: (i) sufficient background information concerning the candidate, including evidence the candidate is willing to serve as an Independent Trustee if selected for the position; and (ii) is received in a sufficiently timely manner as determined by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee in its discretion. Shareholders shall be directed to address any such recommendations in writing to the attention of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, c/o the Secretary of the Trust. The Secretary shall retain copies of any shareholder recommendations which meet the foregoing requirements for a period of not more than 12 months following receipt. The Secretary shall have no obligation to acknowledge receipt of any shareholder recommendations.

 

III.Evaluation of Candidates. In evaluating a candidate for a position on the Board of Trustees, including any candidate recommended by shareholders of the Trust, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee shall consider the following: (i) the candidate’s knowledge in matters relating to the mutual fund industry; (ii) any experience possessed by the candidate as a director or senior officer of public companies; (iii) the candidate’s educational background; (iv) the candidate’s reputation for high ethical standards and professional integrity; (v) any specific financial, technical or other expertise possessed by the candidate, and the extent to which such expertise would complement the Board’s existing mix of skills, core competencies and qualifications; (vi) the candidate’s perceived ability to contribute to the ongoing functions of the Board, including the candidate’s ability and commitment to attend meetings regularly and work collaboratively with other members of the Board; (vii) the candidate’s ability to qualify as an Independent Trustee and any other actual or potential conflicts of interest involving the candidate and the Trust; and (viii) such other factors as the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee determines to be relevant in light of the existing composition of the Board and any anticipated vacancies. Prior to making a final recommendation to the Board, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee shall conduct personal interviews with those candidates it concludes are the most qualified candidates.

 

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PART C

 

FORM N-1A

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 28. Exhibits
  (a)(1)

Agreement and Declaration of Trust (“Trust Instrument”).1

 

  (a)(2)

Certificate of Amendment to the Trust Instrument.4

 

  (b)

By-Laws. 1

 

  (c)

Articles III, V and VI of the Trust Instrument, Exhibit 28(a)(1) hereto, defines the rights of holders of the securities being registered. (Certificates for shares are not issued.)

 

  (d)(1)

Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of the Stringer Growth Fund and Stringer Moderate Growth Fund (the “Stringer Funds”), and Stringer Asset Management, LLC, as Adviser.10

 

  (d)(2)

Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of the IMS Capital Value Fund, IMS Strategic Income Fund and IMS Dividend Growth Fund (the “IMS Funds”), and IMS Capital Management, Inc., as Adviser.8

 

  (d)(3)

Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of the FinTrust Income and Opportunity Fund, and FinTrust Capital Advisors, LLC, as Adviser.31

 

  (d)(4)

Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of the Timber Point Alternatives Fund (formerly the EAS Crow Point Alternatives Fund), Timber Point Global Allocations Fund (formerly the Crow Point Global Tactical Allocation Fund), and Timber Point Alternative Income Fund (formerly the Crow Point Alternative Income Fund) (together, the “Timber Point Funds”), and Timber Point Capital Management LLC, as Adviser.40

 

  (d)(5)

Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of the Midwood Long/Short Equity Fund, and Midwood Capital Management LLC.43

 

  (e)(1)

Distribution Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of the Stringer Funds, and Matrix 360 Distributors, LLC, as Distributor.14

 

  (e)(2)

Distribution Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of the IMS Funds, and Matrix 360 Distributors, LLC, as Distributor.27

 

  (e)(3)

Distribution Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of the FinTrust Income and Opportunity Fund (formerly known as the HedgeRow Income and Opportunity Fund), and Matrix 360 Distributors, LLC, as Distributor.14

 

  (e)(4)

Distribution Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of the Timber Point Funds, and Matrix 360 Distributors, LLC, as Distributor.43

 

 

 

  

  (e)(5)

Distribution Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of the Midwood Long/Short Equity Fund, and Matrix 360 Distributors, LLC, as Distributor.43

 

  (f)

Not Applicable.

 

  (g)(1)

Custodian Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of the Stringer Growth Fund, and Fifth Third Bank, as Custodian.5

 

  (g)(2) Custodian Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of the IMS Funds, and Huntington National Bank, as Custodian.8
     
  (g)(3)

Amended and Restated Exhibit A to the Custodian Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of the Funds (other than the IMS Funds), and Fifth Third Bank, N.A., as Custodian.38

 

  (g)(4)

Special Custody and Pledge Agreement between the Midwood Long/Short Equity Fund, Goldman Sachs & CO. LLC, Midwood Capital Management LLC and Fifth Third Bank.43

 

  (h)(1)

Investment Company Services Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of the Stringer Funds, and M3Sixty Administration, LLC, as Administrator.10

 

  (h)(2)

Investment Company Services Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of the IMS Funds, and M3Sixty Administration, LLC, as Administrator.12

 

  (h)(3)

Investment Company Services Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of the FinTrust Income and Opportunity Fund (formerly known as the HedgeRow Income and Opportunity Fund), and M3Sixty Administration, LLC, as Administrator.14

 

  (h)(4)

Investment Company Services Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of the Timber Point Funds, and M3Sixty Administration, LLC, as Administrator.43

 

  (h)(5)

Investment Company Services Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of the Midwood Long/Short Equity Fund and M3Sixty Administration, LLC, as Administrator.41

 

  (h)(6) Fund CCO Service Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of the Midwood Long/Short Equity Fund, and M3Sixty Administration, LLC, as Administrator. 34 
  (h)(7) Amended Schedule A to Fund CCO Service Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of the Midwood Long/Short Equity Fund, and M3Sixty Administration, LLC, as Administrator.43
  (h)(8)

Amended Expense Limitation Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of the Stringer Funds, and Stringer Asset Management, LLC, as Adviser.15

 

  (h)(9)

Expense Limitation Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of the IMS Funds, and IMS Capital Management, Inc., as Adviser.9

 

  (h)(10)

Expense Limitation Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of the FinTrust Income and Opportunity Fund, and FinTrust Capital Advisors, LLC, as Adviser.31

 

  (h)(11)

Expense Limitation Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of the Timber Point Funds, and Timber Point Capital Management LLC, as Adviser.40

 

  (h)(12)

Expense Limitation Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of the Midwood Long/Short Equity Fund, and Midwood Capital Management LLC, as Adviser.43

 

 

 

 

 

  (i)(1)

Opinion and Consent of Graydon Head & Ritchey LLP regarding the legality of securities registered with respect to the IMS Funds.8

 

  (i)(2)

Opinion and Consent of Graydon Head & Ritchey LLP regarding the legality of securities registered with respect to the FinTrust Income and Opportunity Fund (formerly known as the HedgeRow Income and Opportunity Fund).11

 

  (i)(3)

Opinion and Consent of The Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc. regarding the legality of securities registered with respect to the Timber Point Alternative Income Fund (formerly known as the Crow Point Alternative Income Fund).16

 

  (i)(4)

Opinion and Consent of The Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc. regarding the legality of securities registered with respect to the Timber Point Global Allocations Fund (formerly known as the Crow Point Defined Risk Global Equity Income Fund).17

 

  (i)(5)

Opinion and Consent of The Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc. regarding the legality of securities registered with respect to the Timber Point Alternatives Fund (formerly known as the EAS Crow Point Alternatives Fund).18

 

  (i)(6)

Consent of Practus, LLP with respect to the Stringer Growth Fund.40

 

  (i)(7)

Consent of Practus, LLP with respect to the IMS Funds.36

 

  (i)(8)

Consent of Practus, LLP with respect to the FinTrust Income and Opportunity Fund.39

 

 

(i)(9)

 

Consent of Practus, LLP with respect to the Timber Point Funds.42

 

  (i)(10)

Consent of Practus, LLP with respect to the Midwood Long/Short Equity Fund.41

 

  (i)(11)

Opinion of Practus, LLP on Tax Matters with respect to the proposed reorganization of the Timber Point Alternatives Fund into the Timber Point Global Allocations Fund.42

 

  (j)(1)

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm with respect to the Stringer Growth Fund.40

 

  (j)(2)

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm with respect to the FinTrust Income and Opportunity Fund.39

 

  (j)(3)

Consent of Prior Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm with respect to the FinTrust Income and Opportunity Fund.39

 

  (j)(4)

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm with respect to the IMS Funds.36

 

 

(j)(5)

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm with respect to the Timber Point Funds.42

 

  (j)(6)

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm with respect to the Midwood Long/Short Equity Fund.41

 

  (j)(7)

Consent of Richey May & Co. as Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm with respect to Midwood Capital Partners, L.P.41

 

  (k)

Not applicable.

 

 

 

 

 

  (l)

Initial Subscription Agreement.2

 

  (m)(1)

Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for the Stringer Funds.10

 

  (m)(2) Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for the FinTrust Income and Opportunity Fund (formerly known as  the HedgeRow Income and Opportunity Fund).11
     
  (m)(3)

Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for the Midwood Long/Short Equity Fund.37

 

  (n)(1)

Rule 18f-3 Plan for the Stringer Funds.10

 

  (n)(2)

Rule 18f-3 Plan for the FinTrust Income and Opportunity Fund (formerly known as the HedgeRow Income and Opportunity Fund).11

 

  (n)(3)

Rule 18f-3 Plan for the Midwood Long/Short Equity Fund.38

 

  (o)

Reserved.

 

  (p)(1)

Code of Ethics for the Registrant.2

 

  (p)(2)

Code of Ethics for Stringer Asset Management, LLC.12

 

  (p)(3)

Code of Ethics for IMS Capital Management, Inc.35

 

  (p)(4)

Code of Ethics for FinTrust Capital Advisors LLC.31

 

  (p)(5) Code of Ethics for Timber Point Capital Management LLC.42
  (p)(6) Code of Ethics for Midwood Capital Management LLC.37
  (p)(7) Code of Ethics for Winthrop Capital Management, LLC.42
  (p)(8)

Code of Ethics for the Distributor.14

 

  (q)

Copy of Powers of Attorney.30

 

1. Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed March 14, 2005. 
2. Incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed June 13, 2005. 
3. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed August 21, 2008.
4. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed August 26, 2011. 
5. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed March 27, 2013. 
6. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 20 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed October 10, 2013 
7 Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 26 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed March 14, 2014. 
8. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 28 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed June 20, 2014. 
9. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 33 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed October 31, 2014. 

 

 

 

 

10. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 38 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed March 26, 2015. 
11. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed December 21, 2015. 
12. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 65 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed June 28, 2016.
13. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 69 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed December 30, 2016.
14. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed March 30, 2017.
15. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 74 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed June 16, 2017.
16. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 87 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed October 6, 2017.
17. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 88 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed October 6, 2017.
18. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 90 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed October 13, 2017.
19.  Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 94 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed October 30, 2017.
20. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 96 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed December 6, 2017.
21. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 97 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed December 13, 2017.
22 Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 98 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed December 29, 2017.
23. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 102 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed January 29, 2018.
24. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 104 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed March 30, 2018.
25.  Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 107 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed June 28, 2018.
26. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 108 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed July 3, 2018.
27. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed August 28, 2018.
28. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 113 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed September 7, 2018.
29. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 115 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed September 28, 2018.
30. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 117 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed October 29, 2018.
31. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 118 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed November 6, 2018.
32. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 123 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed January 28, 2019.
33. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 125 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed February 28, 2019.
34. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 127 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed March 29, 2019.
35. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 129 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed June 28, 2019.

 

 

 

 

36. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 133 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed October 28, 2019.
37. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 136 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed January 2, 2020.
38. Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 138 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on January 29, 2020.
39. Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 140 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on March 30, 2020.
40. Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 144 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on June 29, 2020.
41. Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 146 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on July 10, 2020.
42. Filed herewith.
43. To be filed by post-effective amendment.

 

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

 

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

 

ITEM 30. Indemnification

 

As permitted by Section 17(h) and (i) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, officers, trustees, employees and agents of the Registrant will not be liable to the Registrant, any shareholder, officer, trustee, employee, agent or other person for any action or failure to act, except for bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard of duties, and those individuals may be indemnified against liabilities in connection with the Registrant, subject to the same exceptions.

 

The Registrant’s Trust Instrument (Exhibit 28(a) to the Registrant Statement), investment advisory agreements (Exhibit 28(d) to the Registration Statement), distribution agreements (Exhibit 28(e) to the Registration Statement) and administration agreements (Exhibit 28(h) to the Registrant Statement) provide for indemnification of certain persons acting on behalf of the Registrant. The Registrant may, from time to time, enter other contractual arrangements that provide for indemnification.

 

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

 

ITEM 31. Business and other Connections of the Investment Advisers

 

The list required by this Item 31 as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each of the investment advisers, and each director, officer or partner of such investment advisers, is or has been engaged within the last two fiscal years for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee, is incorporated herein by reference to Schedules A and D of each investment adviser's Form ADV listed opposite such investment adviser's name below, which is currently on file with the SEC as required by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended.

 

 

 

 

Name of Investment Adviser Form ADV File No.
Stringer Asset Management, LLC 801-77536
IMS Capital Management, Inc. 801-33939
FinTrust Capital Advisors, LLC 801-68568
Midwood Capital Management LLC 801-78736
Timber Point Capital Management LLC 801-118290
Winthrop Capital Management, LLC 801-71321

 

ITEM 32. 

Principal Underwriter 

 

(a) The principal underwriter and distributor for the Registrant is Matrix 360 Distributors, LLC.  To the best of the Registrant’s knowledge, Matrix 360 Distributors, LLC also acts as principal underwriter to Amidex Funds, Inc., WP Trust, and the M3Sixty Funds Trust.

 

(b) To the best of the Registrant’s knowledge, the table below provides information for each director, officer or partner of Matrix 360 Distributors, LLC, the principal underwriter of the Registrant: 

 

NAME AND PRINCIPAL

BUSINESS ADDRESS* 

POSITIONS WITH 

UNDERWRITER 

POSITIONS 

WITH REGISTRANT 

Brandon J. Byrd Chief Executive Officer Vice President, Anti-Money Laundering Officer and Assistant Secretary
Stephen R. Roberts Chief Compliance Officer None
Ted L. Akins Chief Operating Officer Assistant Secretary

 

* The address of Matrix 360 Distributors, LLC and each of the above-named persons is 4300 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Suite 100, Fairway, Kansas 66205. 

 

(c) Not Applicable.

 

 ITEM 33.  Location of Accounts and Records

 

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

 

a) M3Sixty Administration, LLC, 4300 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Suite 100, Fairway, Kansas 66205 (records relating to its function as Administrator and Transfer Agent).
   
b) Matrix 360 Distributors, LLC, 4300 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Suite 100, Fairway, Kansas 66205 (records relating to its function as Principal Underwriter).
   
c) Fifth Third Bank, 38 Fountain Square Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio 45263 (records relating to its function as Custodian for the Stringer Funds, FinTrust Income and Opportunity Fund (formerly known as the HedgeRow Income and Opportunity Fund), Crow Point Funds, Eagle Rock Floating Rate Fund, RVX Emerging Markets Equity Fund and Powell Alternative Income Strategies Fund).

 

 

 

 

   
d) Huntington National Bank, 41 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215 (records relating to its function as Custodian for the IMS Funds).
   
e) Stringer Asset Management, LLC, 5050 Poplar Ave, Suite 1103, Memphis, Tennessee 38157 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to the Stringer Funds).
   
f) IMS Capital Management, Inc., 8995 SE Otty Road, Portland, Oregon 97086 (records related to its function as investment adviser to the IMS Funds.)
   
g) FinTrust Capital Advisors, LLC, 124 Verdae Boulevard, Suite 504, Greenville, SC 29607 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to the FinTrust Income and Opportunity Fund (formerly known as the HedgeRow Income and Opportunity Fund).
   
i) Winthrop Capital Management, LLC, 20 East 91st Street, Suite 200, Indianapolis, Indiana 46240 (records relating to its function as investment sub-adviser to the Timber Point Alternative Income Fund).
   
j) Midwood Capital Management LLC, 280 Summer Street, Suite M1, Boston, Massachusetts 02210 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to the Midwood Long/Short Equity Fund).
   
k) Timber Point Capital Management LLC, 555 Pleasantville Rd, Suite N202, Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to the Timber Point Funds
   
ITEM 34.  Management Services

 

There are no management-related service contracts not discussed in Parts A or B of this Form N-1A.

 

ITEM 35.  Undertakings

 

Not applicable.

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this amendment under Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act and the Registrant has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 151 to its Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized, in the City of Fairway, and State of Kansas, on this 24th day of August 2020.

 

  360 Funds
     
  By: /s/ Randall K. Linscott
    Randall K. Linscott, President, Trustee and
Principal Executive Officer

 

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

 

*   August 24, 2020
Gary W. DiCenzo, Trustee  

Date

 

*   August 24, 2020
Arthur Q. Falk, Trustee  

Date

 

*   August 24, 2020
Steven D. Poppen, Trustee   Date
     
*   August 24, 2020
Thomas J. Schmidt, Trustee   Date
     
*   August 24, 2020
Tom M. Wirtshafter, Trustee  

Date

 

/s/ Randall K. Linscott   August 24, 2020
Randall K. Linscott, Trustee, President and Principal Executive Officer  

Date

 

/s/ Larry E. Beaver, Jr.   August 24, 2020
Larry E. Beaver, Jr., Assistant Treasurer and Acting Principal Financial Officer  

Date

 

* By: /s/ Randall K. Linscott   August 24, 2020
Randall K. Linscott, Attorney-in-Fact   Date
       

*Attorney-in-fact pursuant to Powers of Attorney

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

(i)(9)

Consent of Practus, LLP

 

(i)(11)

Opinion of Practus, LLP on Tax Matters

 

(j)(5)

Consent of BBD, LLP as Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

(p)(5)

Code of Ethics of Timber Point Capital Management LLC

 

(p)(7)

Code of Ethics of Winthrop Capital Management, LLC