497 1 adaptive497.htm 497 GemCom, LLC




  ADAPTIVE ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO


A Series of Northern Lights Variable Trust


______________________ 

 

 STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

May 1, 2014


This Statement of Additional Information is not a Prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus of Adaptive Allocation Portfolio dated May 1, 2014, and the Annual Report to Shareholders of Adaptive Allocation Portfolio dated December 31, 2013.  Copies of these documents may be obtained without charge by contacting the Portfolio’s Transfer Agent, Gemini Fund Services, LLC, 17605 Wright Street, Suite 2, Omaha, Nebraska 68130 or by calling 1-866-263-9260.


TABLE OF CONTENTS


THE PORTFOLIO

1

TYPES OF INVESTMENTS

2

INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

24

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

27

MANAGEMENT

28

CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS

37

INVESTMENT ADVISER

37

THE DISTRIBUTOR

40

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

43

ALLOCATION OF PORTFOLIO BROKERAGE

44

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

45

OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS

46

DESCRIPTION OF SHARES

49

ANTI- MONEY LAUNDERING PROGRAM

49

PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND PRICING OF SHARES

50

TAX STATUS

54

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

58

LEGAL COUNSEL

58

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

58

APPENDIX A – DESCRIPTION OF BOND RATINGS

A-1

APPENDIX B – PROXY AND CORPORATE ACTION VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

A-7











THE PORTFOLIO



The Adaptive Allocation Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is a series of Northern Lights Variable Trust, a Delaware statutory trust organized on November 23, 2005 (the “Trust”). The Trust is registered as an open-end management investment company.  The Trust is governed by its Board of Trustees (the “Board” or “Trustees”). The Portfolio may issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest.  All shares of the Portfolio have equal rights and privileges.  Each share of the Portfolio is entitled to one vote on all matters as to which shares are entitled to vote.  In addition, each share of the Portfolio is entitled to participate equally with other shares (i) in dividends and distributions declared by the Portfolio and (ii) on liquidation to its proportionate share of the assets remaining after satisfaction of outstanding liabilities.  Shares of the Portfolio are fully paid, non-assessable and fully transferable when issued and have no pre-emptive, conversion or exchange rights.  Fractional shares have proportionately the same rights, including voting rights, as are provided for a full share.


The Portfolio is a diversified series of the Trust.  The Portfolio’s investment objective, restrictions and policies are more fully described here and in the Prospectus.  The Board may start other series and offer shares of a new fund under the Trust at any time.


Under the Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust, each Trustee will continue in office until the termination of the Trust or his/her earlier death, incapacity, resignation or removal.  Shareholders can remove a Trustee to the extent provided by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.  Vacancies may be filled by a majority of the remaining Trustees, except insofar as the 1940 Act may require the election by shareholders.  As a result, normally no annual or regular meetings of shareholders will be held unless matters arise requiring a vote of shareholders under the Agreement and Declaration of Trust or the 1940 Act.   


The Portfolio’s shares are only offered on a continuous basis to insurance companies that offer variable annuity insurance contracts (“Contracts”).  In the future, the Portfolio’s shares may also be offered to flexible premium variable life insurance policies, certain qualified pension and retirement plans (“Qualified Plans”), separate accounts that are not registered as investment companies (“Unregistered Separate Accounts”) and other persons permitted to hold shares of the Trust pursuant to Treasury Regulation 1.817-5.

The Portfolio does not foresee any disadvantage to purchasers of Contracts arising out of these arrangements.  Nevertheless, differences in treatment under tax and other laws, as well as other considerations, could cause the interests of purchasers of various Contracts and/or Qualified Plans to conflict.  For example, violation of the federal tax laws by one separate account investing in the Portfolio could cause the Contracts funded through another separate account to lose their tax-deferred status, unless remedial action is taken.  If a material, irreconcilable conflict arises between separate accounts, a separate account may be



1







required to withdraw its participation in the Portfolio.  If it becomes necessary for any separate account to replace shares of the Portfolio with another investment, the Portfolio may have to liquidate securities on a disadvantageous basis.

For a description of the methods used to determine the share price and value of the Portfolio’s assets, see “Net Asset Value” in the Portfolio’s Prospectus and “Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Shares” in this Statement of Additional Information.

 

TYPES OF INVESTMENTS



The investment objective of the Portfolio and a description of its principal investment strategies are set forth under “Investment Objective, Principal Investment Strategies and Risks” in the Prospectus.  The Portfolio’s investment objective is not fundamental and may be changed without the approval of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust.


The following pages contain more detailed information about the types of instruments in which the Portfolio may invest, strategies that Critical Math Advisors, LLC (the “Adviser”) may employ in pursuit of the Portfolio’s investment objective and a summary of related risks. The Portfolio will make only those investments described below that are in accordance with its investment objective and policies.  The Portfolio may invest in the following instruments either directly, or through its investments in other investment companies and exchange traded funds (the “Underlying Funds”).   The Adviser may not buy all of these instruments or use all of these techniques unless it believes that doing so will help the Portfolio achieve its investment objective.


CLOSED-END INVESTMENT COMPANIES. The Portfolio may invest its assets in “closed-end” investment companies (or “closed-end funds”), subject to the investment restrictions set forth below. The Portfolio, together with any company or companies controlled by the Portfolio, and any other investment companies having the Adviser as an investment adviser, may purchase in the aggregate only up to 3% of the total outstanding voting stock of any closed-end fund. 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% or 6% of the initial public offering price. Such securities are then listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange, 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 the Portfolio), investors buy and sell shares of closed-end funds in the secondary market.




2








The Portfolio generally will purchase shares of closed-end funds only in the secondary market. The Portfolio will incur normal brokerage costs on such purchases similar to the expenses the Portfolio would incur for the purchase of securities of any other type of issuer in the secondary market. The Portfolio 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 Portfolio 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, which 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 principles 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.


The Portfolio 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 the Portfolio will ever decrease. In fact, it is possible that this market discount may increase and the Portfolio 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 Portfolio’s shares. Similarly, there can be no assurance that any shares of a closed-end fund purchased by the Portfolio 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 Portfolio.


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. The Portfolio’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.


COMMERCIAL PAPER. The Portfolio 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.




3







EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS (“ETFs”). ETFs are funds that track their related index and have the flexibility of trading like a security. They are established 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”) that 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 have many similar risks with open-end and closed-end funds as discussed in the following paragraphs.


EXCHANGE TRADED NOTES. The Portfolio may invest in exchange-traded notes ("ETNs"), which are a type of debt security that is typically unsecured and unsubordinated.  This type of debt security differs from other types of bonds and notes because ETN returns are based upon the performance of a market index minus applicable fees, and typically, no periodic coupon payments are distributed and no principal protections exists, even at maturity.  But as debt securities, ETNs do not own the underlying commodity or other index they are tracking.  The purpose of ETNs is to create a type of security that combines both the aspects of bonds and exchange-traded funds ("ETFs").  Similar to ETFs, ETNs are traded on a major exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange during normal trading hours. However, investors such as the Portfolio can also hold the debt security until maturity. At that time, the issuer will pay the investor a cash amount that would be equal to principal amount times the return of a benchmark index, less any fees or other reductions.  Because fees reduce the amount of return at maturity or upon redemption, if the value of the underlying decreases or does not increase significantly, the Portfolio may receive less than the principal amount of investment at maturity or upon redemption.


COMMON AND PREFERRED STOCKS.  Stocks represent shares of ownership in a company.  Generally, preferred stock has a specified dividend and ranks after bonds and before common stock in its claim on income for dividend payments and on assets should the company be liquidated.  After other claims are satisfied, common stockholders participate in company profits on a pro-rata basis; profits may be paid out in dividends or reinvested in the company to help it grow.  Increases and decrease in earnings are usually reflected in a company’s stock price, so common stocks generally have the greatest appreciation and depreciation potential of all corporate securities.  While most preferred stocks pay a dividend, the Portfolio may purchase preferred stock where the issuer has omitted, or is in danger of omitting, payment of its dividend.  Such investments would be made primarily for their capital appreciation potential.  The Portfolio may purchase trust preferred securities which are preferred stocks issued by a special purpose trust subsidiary backed by subordinated debt of the corporate parent.  These securities typically bear a market rate coupon comparable to interest rates available on debt of a similarly rated company.  Holders of the trust preferred securities have limited voting



4







rights to control the activities of the trust and no voting rights with respect to the parent company.


DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS.  The Portfolio may invest in the securities of foreign issuers in the form of American Depositary Receipts and American Depositary Shares (collectively, “ADRs”), Global Depositary Receipts and Global Depositary Shares (collectively, “GDRs”) and other forms of depositary receipts.  These securities may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the securities into which they may be converted.  ADRs are receipts typically issued by a United States bank or trust company which evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation. GDRs are receipts issued outside the United States typically by non-United States banks and trust companies that evidence ownership of either foreign or domestic securities.  Generally, ADRs in registered form are designed for use in the United States securities markets and GDRs in bearer form are designed for use outside the United States.


These securities may be purchased through “sponsored” or “unsponsored” facilities.  A sponsored facility is established jointly by the issuer of the underlying security and a depositary.  A depositary may establish an unsponsored facility without participation by the issuer of the deposited security.  Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all the costs of such facilities and the depositary of an unsponsored facility frequently is under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through voting  rights to the holders of such receipts in respect of the deposited securities.


FOREIGN GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS; SECURITIES OF SUPRANATIONAL ENTITIES.  The Portfolio may invest in obligations issued or guaranteed by one or more foreign governments or any of their political subdivisions, agencies or instrumentalities that the Adviser determines to be of comparable quality to the other obligations in which the Portfolio may invest.  Such securities also include debt obligations of supranational entities.  Supranational entities include international organizations designated or supported by governmental entities to promote economic reconstruction or development and international banking institutions and related government agencies.  Examples include but are not limited to the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the World Bank), the European Coal and Steel Community, the Asian Development Bank and the InterAmerican Development Bank.


FOREIGN INVESTMENTS. The Portfolio may invest in Underlying Funds which invest primarily in equity or fixed income securities of foreign issuers that are not publicly traded in the United States.  Investments in foreign securities involve certain inherent risks, including the following:


Political and Economic Factors.  Individual foreign economies of certain countries may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self sufficiency, diversification and balance of payments position.  The internal politics of certain foreign countries may not be as stable as those of the United States.  Governments



5







in certain foreign countries also continue to participate to a significant degree, through ownership interest or regulation, in their respective economies.  Action by these governments could include restrictions on foreign investment, nationalization, expropriation of goods or imposition of taxes, and could have a significant effect on market prices of securities and payment of interest.  The economies of many foreign countries are heavily dependent upon international trade and are accordingly affected by the trade policies and economic conditions of their trading partners.  Enactment by these trading partners of protectionist trade legislation could have a significant adverse effect upon the securities markets of such countries.


Currency Fluctuations.  If the Portfolio invests in any securities denominated in foreign currencies, a change in the value of any such currency against the U.S. dollar will result in a corresponding change in the U.S. dollar value of the Portfolio's assets denominated in that currency.  Such changes will also affect the Portfolio's income.  The value of the Portfolio's assets may also be affected significantly by currency restrictions and exchange control regulations enacted from time to time.


Emerging Markets.  Investments in securities of companies located in developing or emerging markets entail additional risks, including: less social, political and economic stability; smaller securities markets and lower trading volume, which may result in less liquidity and greater price volatility; national policies that may restrict investment opportunities, including restrictions on investments in issuers or industries, or expropriation or confiscation of assets or property; and less developed legal structures governing private or foreign investment.


In considering whether to invest in foreign bond funds or foreign market ETFs, the Adviser considers such factors as the differences between economic trends and the performance of securities markets within the U.S. and those within other countries, and also factors relating to the general economic, governmental and social conditions of the country or countries where the company is located.  The extent to which a Portfolio will be invested in foreign companies and countries and depositary receipts will fluctuate from time to time within the limitations described in the Prospectus, depending on the Adviser's assessment of prevailing market, economic and other conditions.


Market Characteristics.  If foreign securities are purchased in over-the-counter markets or on exchanges located in the countries in which the principal offices of the issuers of the various securities are located, such foreign exchanges and markets may be more volatile than those in the United States.  While growing in volume, they usually have substantially less volume than U.S. markets, and the foreign securities may be less liquid and more volatile than U.S. securities.  Moreover, settlement practices for transactions in foreign markets may differ from those in U.S. markets, and may include delays beyond periods customary in the United States.  Foreign security trading practices, including those involving securities settlement may require assets be released prior to receipt of payment or securities, may increase risk in the event of a failed trade or the insolvency of a foreign broker-dealer.




6







Legal and Regulatory Matters.  Certain foreign countries may have less supervision of securities markets, brokers and issuers of securities, and less financial information available from issuers, than is available in the United States.


Taxes.  The interest and dividends payable on certain of the foreign securities may be subject to foreign withholding taxes, thus reducing the net amount of income available for distribution to shareholders.


Costs.  To the extent that the Portfolio invests in Underlying Funds which hold foreign securities, its expense ratio is likely to be higher than those of investment companies investing only in domestic securities, because the cost of maintaining the custody of foreign securities is higher.


FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES. The Portfolio may invest in Underlying Funds which invest in a wide range of fixed-income securities, which may include obligations of any rating or maturity.


Fixed-Income Securities may include investment grade corporate debt securities and lower-rated corporate debt securities (commonly known as "junk bonds"), as well as unrated securities.  Lower-rated or high yield debt securities include corporate high yield debt securities, zero-coupon securities, payment-in kind securities and strips.  Investment grade corporate bonds are those rated BBB or better by Standard & Poor's Rating Service ("S&P") or Baa or better by Moody's Investors Service ("Moody's").  Securities rated BBB by S&P are considered investment grade, but Moody's considers securities rated Baa to have speculative characteristics.  


Junk Bonds.  Junk bonds generally offer a higher current yield than that available for higher-grade issues.  However, lower-rated securities involve higher risks, in that they are especially subject to adverse changes in general economic conditions and in the industries in which the issuers are engaged, to changes in the financial condition of the issuers and to price fluctuations in response to changes in interest rates.  During periods of economic downturn or rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers may experience financial stress that could adversely affect their ability to make payments of interest and principal and increase the possibility of default. In addition, the market for lower-rated debt securities has expanded rapidly in recent years, and its growth paralleled a long economic expansion.  At times in recent years, the prices of many lower-rated debt securities declined substantially, reflecting an expectation that many issuers of such securities might experience financial difficulties.  As a result, the yields on lower-rated debt securities rose dramatically, but such higher yields did not reflect the value of the income stream that holders of such securities expected, but rather, the risk that holders of such securities could lose a substantial portion of their value as a result of the issuers' financial restructuring or default.  There can be no assurance that such declines will not recur.  The market for lower-rated debt issues generally is thinner and less active than that for higher quality securities, which may limit the ability to sell such securities at fair value in response to changes in the economy or financial markets.  Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may also decrease



7






the values and liquidity of lower-rated securities, especially in a thinly traded market.  Changes by recognized rating services in their rating of a fixed-income security may affect the value of these investments.  


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


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


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


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


Zero-Coupon Securities.  Zero-coupon securities make no periodic interest payments, but are sold at a deep discount from their face value.  The buyer recognizes a rate of return determined by the gradual appreciation of the security, which is redeemed at face value on a specified maturity date.  The discount varies depending on the time remaining until maturity, as well as market interest rates, liquidity of the security and the


8







issuer's perceived credit quality.  If the issuer defaults, the holder may not receive any return on its investment.  Because zero-coupon securities bear no interest and compound semiannually at the rate fixed at the time of issuance, their value generally is more volatile than the value of other fixed-income securities.  Since zero-coupon bondholders do not receive interest payments, when interest rates rise, zero-coupon securities fall more dramatically in value than bonds paying interest on a current basis.  When interest rates fall, zero-coupon securities rise more rapidly in value because the bonds reflect a fixed rate of return.  An investment in zero-coupon and delayed interest securities may cause the Portfolio to recognize income and make distributions to shareholders before it receives any cash payments on its investment.


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


CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES.  Convertible securities may be converted at either a stated price or stated rate into underlying shares of common stock. Convertible securities have characteristics similar to both fixed-income and equity securities.  Convertible securities generally are subordinated to other similar but non-convertible securities of the same issuer, although convertible bonds, as corporate debt obligations, enjoy seniority in right of payment to all equity securities, and convertible preferred stock is senior to common stock of the same issuer.  Because of the subordination feature, however, convertible securities typically have lower ratings than similar non-convertible securities.


Although to a lesser extent than with fixed-income securities, the market value of convertible securities tends to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, tends to increase as interest rates decline.  In addition, because of the conversion feature, the market value of convertible securities tends to vary with fluctuations in the market value of the underlying common stock.  A unique feature of convertible securities is that as the market price of the underlying common stock declines, convertible securities tend to trade increasingly on a yield basis, and so may not experience market value declines to the same extent as the underlying common stock.  When the market price of the underlying common stock increases, the prices of the convertible securities tend to rise as a reflection of the value of the underlying common stock.  While no securities investments are without risk, investments in convertible securities generally entail less risk than investments in common stock of the same issuer.


Convertible securities provide for a stable stream of income with generally higher yields than common stocks, but there can be no assurance of current income because the issuers of the convertible securities may default on their obligations.  A convertible security, in addition to providing fixed income, offers the potential for capital appreciation through the conversion feature, which enables the holder to benefit from



9







increases in the market price of the underlying common stock.  There can be no assurance of capital appreciation, however, because securities prices fluctuate.  Convertible securities generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-convertible securities of similar quality because of the potential for capital appreciation.


ILLIQUID OR RESTRICTED SECURITIES. Restricted securities may be sold only in privately negotiated transactions or in a public offering with respect to which a registration statement is in effect under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “1933 Act”). Where registration is required, the Portfolio may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expenses and a considerable period may elapse between the time of the decision to sell and the time the Portfolio may be permitted to sell a security under an effective registration statement. If, during such a period, adverse market conditions were to develop, the Portfolio might obtain a less favorable price than prevailed when it decided to sell. Restricted securities will be priced at fair value as determined in accordance with procedures prescribed by the Board of Trustees of the Trust. If through the appreciation of illiquid securities or the depreciation of liquid securities, the Portfolio should be in a position where more than 15% of the value of its net assets are invested in illiquid assets, including restricted securities, the Portfolio will take appropriate steps to protect liquidity.


Notwithstanding the above, the Portfolio may purchase securities which, while privately placed, are eligible for purchase and sale under Rule 144A under the 1933 Act. This rule permits certain qualified institutional buyers to trade in privately placed securities even though such securities are not registered under the 1933 Act. The Adviser under the supervision of the Board of Trustees of the Trust, will consider whether securities purchased under Rule 144A are illiquid and thus subject to the Portfolio’s restriction of investing no more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities. A determination of whether a Rule 144A security is liquid or not is a question of fact. In making this determination, the Adviser will consider the trading markets for the specific security taking into account the unregistered nature of a Rule 144A security. In addition, the Adviser could consider: (1) the frequency of trades and quotes, (2) the number of dealers and potential purchases, (3) any dealer undertakings to make a market, and (4) the nature of the security and of marketplace trades (e.g., the time needed to dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers and the mechanics of transfer). The liquidity of Rule 144A securities would be monitored, and if as a result of changed conditions it is determined that a Rule 144A security is no longer liquid, the Portfolio’s holdings of illiquid securities would be reviewed to determine what, if any, steps are required to assure that the Portfolio does not invest more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities. Investing in Rule 144A securities could have the effect of increasing the amount of the Portfolio’s assets invested in illiquid securities if qualified institutional buyers are unwilling to purchase such securities.


OPEN-END INVESTMENT COMPANIES. The Portfolio and any “affiliated persons”, as defined by the 1940 Act, may purchase in the aggregate only up to 3% of the total outstanding securities of any Underlying Fund.  Accordingly, when affiliated persons hold shares of any of the Underlying Funds, the Portfolio’s ability to invest fully



10







in shares of those funds is restricted, and the Adviser must then, in some instances, select alternative investments that would not have been its first preference.  The 1940 Act also provides that an Underlying Fund whose shares are purchased by the Portfolio will be obligated to redeem shares held by the Portfolio only in an amount up to 1% of the Underlying Fund’s outstanding securities during any period of less than 30 days. Shares held by the Portfolio in excess of 1% of an Underlying Fund’s outstanding securities therefore, will be considered not readily marketable securities, which, together with other such securities, may not exceed 15% of the Portfolio’s total assets.


Under certain circumstances an Underlying Fund may determine to make payment of a redemption by the Portfolio wholly or partly by a distribution in kind of securities from its portfolio, in lieu of cash, in conformity with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). In such cases, the Portfolio may hold securities distributed by an Underlying Fund until the Adviser determines that it is appropriate to dispose of such securities.


Investment decisions by the investment advisers of the Underlying Funds are made independently of the Portfolio and its Adviser. Therefore, the investment adviser of one Underlying Fund may be purchasing shares of the same issuer whose shares are being sold by the investment adviser of another such fund. The result of this would be an indirect expense to the Portfolio without accomplishing any investment purpose.


OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES. The Portfolio’s investments in an underlying portfolio of ETFs, mutual funds and closed-end funds involve certain additional expenses and certain tax results, which would not be present in a direct investment in the Underlying Funds. Under certain circumstances, the Adviser may invest in Underlying Funds known as “inverse funds,” which are designed to produce results opposite to market trends.  Inverse funds seek daily investment results, before fees and expenses that correspond to the inverse (opposite) of the daily performance of a specific benchmark.  


Some of the Underlying Funds have exemptive orders permitting investments by the Portfolio that exceed the 3% limit of ownership of Underlying Funds outlined in Section 12(d)(1)(F) under the 1940 Act.  The Portfolio will adhere to the guidelines stated in said exemptive orders when investing in excess of 3% of the outstanding shares of such Underlying Funds.


REGULATORY LIMITATIONS. The Portfolio may engage in futures contracts and options thereon only for bona fide hedging, yield enhancement, and risk management purposes, in each case in accordance with rules and regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”).


The Portfolio’s use of futures contracts may result in leverage. Therefore, to the extent necessary, in instances involving the purchase of futures contracts or the writing of call or put options thereon by the Portfolio, an amount of cash, U.S. government securities or other appropriate liquid securities, equal to the market value of the futures



11







contracts and options thereon (less any related margin deposits), will be identified in an account with the Portfolio’s custodian to cover (such as owning an offsetting position) the position, or alternative cover will be employed. Assets used as cover or held in an identified account cannot be sold while the position in the corresponding option or future is open, unless they are replaced with similar assets. As a result, the commitment of a large portion of the Portfolio’s assets to cover or identified accounts could impede portfolio management or the Portfolio’s ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations. If the CFTC or other regulatory authorities adopt different (including less stringent) or additional restrictions, the Portfolio would comply with such new restrictions.


REITs.  The Portfolio 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. The Portfolio can invest in all three kinds of 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 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.


Direct 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




12






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 a Portfolio, a shareholder bears not only a proportionate share of the expenses of the Portfolio, but also may indirectly bear similar expenses of some of the REITs in which it invests.


REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. The Portfolio may invest in repurchase agreements.  A repurchase agreement is an instrument under which the investor (such as the Portfolio) acquires ownership of a security (known as the “Underlying Security”) and the seller (i.e., a bank or primary dealer) agrees, at the time of the sale, to repurchase the Underlying Security at a mutually agreed upon time and price, thereby determining the yield during the term of the agreement. This results in a fixed rate of return insulated from market fluctuations during such period, unless the seller defaults on its repurchase obligations. The Portfolio will only enter into repurchase agreements where: (i) the underlying securities are of the type (excluding maturity limitations) which the Portfolio’s investment guidelines would allow it to purchase directly, (ii) the market value of the underlying security, including interest accrued, will be at all times at least equal to the value of the repurchase agreement, and (iii) payment for the underlying security is made only upon physical delivery or evidence of book-entry transfer to the account of the Portfolio’s custodian. Repurchase agreements usually are for short periods, often under one week, and will not be entered into by the Portfolio for a duration of more than seven days if, as a result, more than 15% (or, in the case of the Cash Reserves Fund, 10%) of the net asset value of the Portfolio would be invested in such agreements or other securities which are not readily marketable.


The Portfolio will assure that the amount of collateral with respect to any repurchase agreement is adequate. As with a true extension of credit, however, there is risk of delay in recovery or the possibility of inadequacy of the collateral should the seller of the repurchase agreement fail financially. In addition, the Portfolio could incur costs in connection with the disposition of the collateral if the seller were to default. The Portfolio will enter into repurchase agreements only with sellers deemed to be creditworthy by, or pursuant to guidelines established by, the Board of Trustees of the Trust and only when the economic benefit to the Portfolio is believed to justify the attendant risks. The Portfolio has adopted standards for the sellers with whom they will enter into repurchase agreements. The Board of Trustees of the Trust believe these standards are designed to reasonably assure that such sellers present no serious risk of becoming involved in bankruptcy proceedings within the time frame contemplated by the repurchase agreement. The Portfolio may enter into repurchase agreements only with well-established securities dealers or with member banks of the Federal Reserve System.


SWAP AGREEMENTS. The Portfolio may enter into interest rate, index and currency exchange rate swap agreements in attempts to obtain a particularly desired return at a lower cost to the Portfolio than if the Portfolio has 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



13







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 Portfolio’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 Portfolio’s obligations under a swap agreement will be accrued daily (offset against any amounts owing to the Portfolio) 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 Portfolio’s portfolio. The Portfolio will not enter into a swap agreement with any single party if the net amount owed or to be received under existing contracts with that party would exceed 5% of the Portfolio’s assets.


Whether the Portfolio’s use of swap agreements enhance the Portfolio’s total return will depend on the Adviser’s ability correctly to 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 Portfolio bears 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 Adviser will cause the Portfolio to enter into swap agreements only with counterparties that would be eligible for consideration as repurchase agreement counterparties under the Portfolio’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 Portfolio’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



14







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.


DERIVATIVE SECURITIES. The Portfolio, to a limited extent, may use various derivative instruments, such as options, futures and options on futures (including those relating to stocks, indexes, foreign currencies and interest rates). A small investment in derivatives could have a potentially large impact on the Portfolio’s performance. The use of derivatives involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in the underlying assets. Derivatives can be highly volatile, illiquid and difficult to value, and there is the risk that changes in the value of a derivative held by the Portfolio will not correlate with the Portfolio’s other investments.  Use of derivative instruments presents various risks including the following:


Tracking    When used for hedging purposes, an imperfect or variable degree of correlation between price movements of the derivative instrument and the underlying investment sought to be hedged may prevent the Portfolio from achieving the intended hedging effect or expose the Portfolio to the risk of loss.


Liquidity    Derivative instruments, especially when traded in large amounts, may not be liquid in all circumstances, so that in volatile markets the Portfolio may not be able to close out a position without incurring a loss.


Leverage – Trading in derivative instruments can result in large amounts of leverage.  Thus, the leverage offered by trading in derivative instruments may magnify the gains and losses experienced by the Portfolio and could cause the Portfolio’s net asset value to be subject to wider fluctuations than would be the case if the Portfolio did not use the leverage feature in derivative instruments.


Hedging When a derivative is used as a hedge against an opposite position that the Portfolio also holds, any loss generated by the derivative should be substantially offset by gains on the hedged investment, and vice versa.  While hedging can reduce or eliminate losses, it can also reduce or eliminate gains.


Investment  When the Portfolio uses derivatives as an investment vehicle to gain market exposure, rather than for hedging purposes, any loss on the derivative investment will not be offset by gains on another hedged investment.  The Portfolio is therefore directly exposed to the risks of that derivative.  Gains or losses from derivative investments may be substantially greater than the derivative’s original cost.




15







Availability Derivatives may not be available to the Portfolio upon acceptable terms.  As a result, the Portfolio may be unable to use derivatives for hedging or other purposes.


Credit When the Portfolio uses derivatives, it is subject to the risk that the other party to the agreement will not be able to perform.


TRADING IN FUTURES CONTRACTS.  U.S. futures contracts are traded on exchanges that have been designated “contract markets” by the CFTC and must be executed through a futures commission merchant or brokerage firm, which is a member of the relevant contract market. Through their clearing corporations, the exchanges guarantee performance of the contracts between the clearing members of the exchange.


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 the Portfolio purchases or sells a security, no price would be paid or received by the Portfolio upon the purchase or sale of a futures contract. Upon entering into a futures contract, and to maintain the Portfolio’s open positions in futures contracts, the Portfolio 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 Portfolio.


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 Portfolio expects to earn interest income on its margin deposits.




16







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 Portfolio realizes a gain; if it is more, the Portfolio realizes a loss. Conversely, if the offsetting sale price is more than the original purchase price, the Portfolio realizes a gain; if it is less, the Portfolio realizes a loss. The transaction costs must also be included in these calculations. There can be no assurance, however, that the Portfolio will be able to enter into an offsetting transaction with respect to a particular futures contract at a particular time. If the Portfolio is not able to enter into an offsetting transaction, the Portfolio 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.


REGULATION AS A COMMODITY POOL OPERATOR.  The Trust, on behalf of the Portfolio, 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 CFTC promulgated thereunder, with respect to the Portfolio’s operation.  Accordingly, the Portfolio is not subject to registration or regulation as a commodity pool operator.

SEC SEGREGATION REQUIREMENTS.  In addition to the margin restrictions discussed above, transactions in futures contracts may involve the segregation of funds pursuant to requirements imposed by the SEC Under those requirements, where the Portfolio has a long position in a futures contract, it may be required to establish a segregated account (not with a futures commission merchant or broker) containing cash or certain liquid assets equal to the purchase price of the contract (less any margin on deposit). However, segregation of assets is not required if the Portfolio “covers” a long position. For a short position in futures or forward contracts held by the Portfolio, those requirements may mandate the establishment of a segregated account (not with a futures commission merchant or broker) with cash or certain liquid assets that, when added to the amounts deposited as margin, equal the market value of the instruments underlying the futures contracts (but are not less than the price at which the short positions were established).



17







LIQUIDITY IMPACT OF MARGIN AND SEC SEGREGATION REQUIREMENTS.  Although the Portfolio will segregate cash and liquid assets in an amount sufficient to cover its open futures obligations, the segregated assets will be available to the Portfolio immediately upon closing out the futures position, while settlement of securities transactions could take several days.  However, because the Portfolio’s cash that may otherwise be invested would be held uninvested or invested in other liquid assets so long as the futures position remains open, the Portfolio’s return could be diminished due to the opportunity losses of foregoing other potential investments.

SPECIAL RISKS OF TRANSACTIONS IN FUTURES CONTRACTS. VOLATILITY AND LEVERAGE. The prices of futures contracts are volatile and are influenced, among other things, by actual and anticipated changes in the market and interest rates, which in turn are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and national and international political and economic events. Most United States futures exchanges limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in futures contract prices during a single trading day. The daily limit establishes the maximum amount that the price of a futures contract may vary either up or down from the previous day’s settlement price at the end of a trading session. Once the daily limit has been reached in a particular type of futures contract, no trades may be made on that day at a price beyond that limit. The daily limit governs only price movement during a particular trading day and therefore does not limit potential losses, because the limit may prevent the liquidation of unfavorable positions. Futures contract prices have occasionally moved to the daily limit for several consecutive trading days with little or no trading, thereby preventing prompt liquidation of futures positions and subjecting some futures traders to substantial losses.


Because of the low margin deposits required, futures trading involves an extremely high degree of leverage. As a result, a relatively small price movement in a futures contract may result in immediate and substantial loss, as well as gain, to the investor. For example, if at the time of purchase, 10% of the value of the futures contract were deposited as margin, a subsequent 10% decrease in the value of the futures contract would result in a total loss of the margin deposit, before any deduction for the transaction costs, if the account were then closed out. A 15% decrease would result in a loss equal to 150% of the original margin deposit, if the contract were closed out. Thus, a purchase or sale of a futures contract may result in losses in excess of the amount of margin deposited to maintain the futures contract. Furthermore, in the case of a futures contract purchase, in order to be certain that the Portfolio has sufficient assets to satisfy its obligations under a futures contract, the Portfolio earmarks to the futures contract money market instruments or other liquid securities equal in value to the current value of the underlying instrument less the margin deposit.


The Portfolio may elect to close some or all of its futures positions at any time prior to their expiration. The Portfolio would do so to reduce exposure represented by long futures positions or short futures positions. The Portfolio may close its positions by taking opposite positions, which would operate to terminate the Portfolio’s position in the futures contracts. Final determinations of variation margin would then be made,




18






additional cash would be required to be paid by or released to the Portfolio, and the Portfolio would realize a loss or a gain. Futures contracts may be closed out only on the exchange or board of trade where the contracts were initially traded. Although the Portfolio intends to purchase or sell futures contracts only on exchanges or boards of trade where there appears to be an active market, there is no assurance that a liquid market on an exchange or board of trade will exist for any particular contract at any particular time. The reasons for the absence of a liquid secondary market on an exchange are substantially the same as those discussed under “Special Risks of Transactions in Options on Futures Contracts.” In the event that a liquid market does not exist, it might not be possible to close out a futures contract, and in the event of adverse price movements, the Portfolio would continue to be required to make daily cash payments of variation margin. However, in the event futures contracts have been used to hedge the underlying instruments, the Portfolio would continue to hold the underlying instruments subject to the hedge until the futures contracts could be terminated. In such circumstances, an increase in the price of underlying instruments, if any, might partially or completely offset losses on the futures contract. However, as described below, there is no guarantee that the price of the underlying instruments will, in fact, correlate with the price movements in the futures contract and thus provide an offset to losses on a futures contract.


A decision of whether, when, and how to hedge involves skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived hedge may be unsuccessful to some degree because of unexpected market behavior or market or interest rate trends. There are several risks in connection with the use by the Portfolio of futures contracts as a hedging device. One risk arises because of the possible imperfect correlation between movements in the prices of the futures contracts and movements in the prices of the underlying instruments, which are the subject of the hedge. The Adviser will, however, attempt to reduce this risk by entering into futures contracts whose movements, in its judgment, will have a significant correlation with movements in the prices of the Portfolio’s underlying instruments sought to be hedged.


Successful use of futures contracts by the Portfolio for hedging purposes is also subject to the Adviser’s ability to correctly predict movements in the direction of the market. It is possible that, when the Portfolio has sold futures to hedge its portfolio against a decline in the market, the index, indices, or instruments underlying futures might advance and the value of the underlying instruments held in the Portfolio’s portfolio might decline. If this were to occur, the Portfolio would lose money on the futures and also would experience a decline in value in its underlying instruments. However, while this might occur to a certain degree, the Adviser believes that over time the value of the Portfolio’s portfolio will tend to move in the same direction as the market indices used to hedge the portfolio. It is also possible that if the Portfolio were to hedge against the possibility of a decline in the market (adversely affecting the underlying instruments held in its portfolio) and prices instead increased, the Portfolio would lose part or all of the benefit of increased value of those underlying instruments that it has hedged, because it would have offsetting losses in its futures positions. In addition, in such situations, if the Portfolio had insufficient cash, it might have to sell underlying




19






instruments to meet daily variation margin requirements. Such sales of underlying instruments might be, but would not necessarily be, at increased prices (which would reflect the rising market). The Portfolio might have to sell underlying instruments at a time when it would be disadvantageous to do so.


In addition to the possibility that there might be an imperfect correlation, or no correlation at all, between price movements in the futures contracts and the portion of the portfolio being hedged, the price movements of futures contracts might not correlate perfectly with price movements in the underlying instruments due to certain market distortions. First, all participants in the futures market are subject to margin deposit and maintenance requirements. Rather than meeting additional margin deposit requirements, investors might close futures contracts through offsetting transactions, which could distort the normal relationship between the underlying instruments and futures markets. Second, the margin requirements in the futures market are less onerous than margin requirements in the securities markets, and as a result the futures market might attract more speculators than the securities markets do. Increased participation by speculators in the futures market might also cause temporary price distortions. Due to the possibility of price distortion in the futures market and also because of the imperfect correlation between price movements in the underlying instruments and movements in the prices of futures contracts, even a correct forecast of general market trends by the Adviser might not result in a successful hedging transaction over a very short time period.


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 United States 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.


UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AGENCY SECURITIES. These consist of debt securities issued by agencies and instrumentalities of the United States 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 Association).   On September 7, 2008, the U.S. Treasury Department and the Federal Housing Finance Authority (the



20







“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 Mae or Freddie Mac.


GOVERNMENTAL/MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS In General Municipal obligations are debt obligations issued by or on behalf of states, territories and possessions of the United States (including the District of Columbia) and their political subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities.  Municipal obligations generally include debt obligations issued to obtain funds for various public purposes.  Certain types of municipal obligations are issued in whole or in part to obtain funding for privately operated facilities or projects.  Municipal obligations include general obligation bonds, revenue bonds, industrial development bonds, notes and municipal lease obligations.  Municipal obligations also include additional obligations, the interest on which is exempt from federal income tax, that may become available in the future as long as the Board of the Fund determines that an investment in any such type of obligation is consistent with the Fund’s investment objectives.  Municipal obligations may be fully or partially backed by local government, the credit of a private issuer, current or anticipated revenues from a specific project or specific assets or domestic or foreign entities providing credit support such as letters of credit, guarantees or insurance.


Bonds And Notes - General obligation bonds are secured by the issuer’s pledge of its full faith, credit and taxing power for the payment of interest and principal.  Revenue bonds are payable only from the revenues derived from a project or facility or from the proceeds of a specified revenue source.  Industrial development bonds are generally revenue bonds secured by payments from and the credit of private users.  Municipal notes are issued to meet the short-term funding requirements of state, regional and local governments.  Municipal notes include tax anticipation notes, bond anticipation notes, revenue anticipation notes, tax and revenue anticipation notes, construction loan notes, short-term discount notes, tax-exempt commercial paper, demand notes and similar instruments.


Municipal Lease Obligations - Municipal lease obligations may take the form of a lease, an installment purchase or a conditional sales contract.  They are issued by state and local governments and authorities to acquire land, equipment and facilities, such as vehicles, telecommunications and computer equipment and other capital assets.  The Fund may invest in Underlying Funds that purchase these lease obligations directly, or it may purchase participation interests in such lease obligations (See “Participation Interests” section). States have different requirements for issuing municipal debt and issuing municipal leases.  Municipal leases are generally subject to greater risks than general obligation or revenue bonds because they usually contain a “non-appropriation” clause, which provides that the issuer is not obligated to make payments on the obligation



21







in future years unless funds have been appropriated for this purpose each year.  Such non-appropriation clauses are required to avoid the municipal lease obligations from being treated as debt for state debt restriction purposes.  Accordingly, such obligations are subject to “non-appropriation” risk.  Municipal leases may be secured by the underlying capital asset and it may be difficult to dispose of any such asset in the event of non-appropriation or other default.


Mortgage-Backed Bonds - The Fund’s investments in Underlying Funds that hold municipal obligations may include mortgage-backed municipal obligations, which are a type of municipal security issued by a state, authority or municipality to provide financing for residential housing mortgages to target groups, generally low-income individuals who are first-time home buyers.  The Underlying Fund’s interest, evidenced by such obligations, is an undivided interest in a pool of mortgages.  Payments made on the underlying mortgages and passed through to the Underlying Fund will represent both regularly scheduled principal and interest payments.  The Underlying Fund may also receive additional principal payments representing prepayments of the underlying mortgages.  While a certain level of prepayments can be expected, regardless of the interest rate environment, it is anticipated that prepayment of the underlying mortgages will accelerate in periods of declining interest rates.  In the event that the Underlying Fund receives principal prepayments in a declining interest-rate environment, its reinvestment of such funds may be in bonds with a lower yield.

 

Participation Interests - A participation interest gives the Fund, through its investments in Underlying Funds, an undivided interest in a municipal debt obligation in the proportion that the Underlying Fund’s participation interest bears to the principal amount of the underlying obligation.  These underlying obligations may have fixed-, floating-, or variable-rates of interest.  The Fund will only purchase Underlying Funds whose participation interests is accompanied by an opinion of counsel that the interest earned on the underlying municipal obligations will be federal tax-exempt.  If the Underlying Fund purchases unrated participation interests, the Board or its delegate must have determined that the credit risk is equivalent to the rated obligations in which the Fund may invest.  Participation interests may be backed by a letter of credit or repurchase obligation of the selling institution.  When determining whether such a participation interest meets the Fund’s credit quality requirements, the Fund may look to the credit quality of any financial guarantor providing a letter of credit or guaranty.


Pass-Through Certificates - The Fund may also invest in Underlying Funds that invest in pass-through certificates or securities issued by partnerships and grantor trusts.  These securities allow the Underlying Fund to receive principal and interest payments on underlying obligations and such securities may have fixed-, floating-, or variable-rates of interest.  The pass-through certificates may be backed by a letter of credit, guarantee or liquidity provider and, if the pass-through certificate is intended to be a tax-exempt security, it is generally accompanied by an opinion of counsel that the interest on the pass-through certificates will be exempt from federal income tax.  The Fund may only invest in Underlying Funds that invest in these securities if they meet the Fund’s credit-quality and eligibility requirements.



22








WARRANTS. The Portfolio may invest in warrants. Warrants are pure speculation in that they have no voting rights, pay no dividends and have no rights with respect to the assets of the corporation issuing them. Warrants basically are options to purchase equity securities at a specific price valid for a specific period of time. They do not represent ownership of the securities, but only the right to buy them. Warrants differ from call options in that warrants are issued by the issuer of the security, which may be purchased on their exercise, whereas call options may be written or issued by anyone. The prices of warrants do not necessarily move parallel to the prices of the underlying securities.


WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES. The Portfolio may, from time to time, purchase securities on a “when-issued” or delayed delivery basis. The price for such securities, which may be expressed in yield terms, is fixed at the time the commitment to purchase is made, but delivery and payment for the when-issued securities take place at a later date. Normally, the settlement date occurs within one month of the purchase, but may take up to three months. During the period between purchases and settlement, no payment is made by the Portfolio to the issuer and no interest accrues to the Portfolio. At the time the Portfolio makes the commitment to purchase a security on a when-issued basis, it will record the transaction and reflect the value of the security in determining its net asset value. The Portfolio will maintain, in a segregated account with the custodian, cash or appropriate liquid securities equal in value to commitments for when-issued securities.


WRITING COVERED PUT OPTIONS. The Portfolio may write American or European style covered put options and purchase options to close out options previously written by the Portfolio. A put option gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell and the writer (seller) has the obligation to buy, the underlying security or currency at the exercise price during the option period (American style) or at the expiration of the option (European style). So long as the obligation of the writer continues, he may be assigned an exercise notice by the broker-dealer through whom such option was sold, requiring him to make payment of the exercise price against delivery of the underlying security or currency. The operation of put options in other respects, including their related risks and rewards, is substantially identical to that of call options.


The Portfolio would write put options only on a covered basis, which means that the Portfolio would maintain in a segregated account cash, U.S. government securities or other liquid appropriate securities in an amount not less than the exercise price or the Portfolio will own an option to sell the underlying security or currency subject to the option having an exercise price equal to or greater than the exercise price of the “covered” option at all times while the put option is outstanding. (The rules of a clearing corporation currently require that such assets be deposited in escrow to secure payment of the exercise price.) The Portfolio would generally write covered put options in circumstances where the Adviser wishes to purchase the underlying security or currency for the Portfolio’s portfolio at a price lower than the current market price of the security or currency. In such event the Portfolio would write a put option at an exercise price,



23







which, reduced by the premium received on the option, reflects the lower price it is willing to pay. Since the Portfolio would also receive interest on debt securities or currencies maintained to cover the exercise price of the option, this technique could be used to enhance current return during periods of market uncertainty. The risk in such a transaction would be that the market price of the underlying security or currency would decline below the exercise price less the premiums received. Such a decline could be substantial and result in a significant loss to the Portfolio. In addition, the Portfolio, because it does not own the specific securities or currencies, which it may be required to purchase in exercise of the put, cannot benefit from appreciation, if any, with respect to such specific securities or currencies.


CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT AND BANKERS’ ACCEPTANCES. The Portfolio 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.


TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE MEASURES.  In response to market, economic, political or other conditions, the Adviser may temporarily use a different investment strategy for the Portfolio for defensive purposes. Such a strategy could include investing up to 100% of the Portfolio’s assets in cash or cash equivalent securities. This could affect the Portfolio’s performance and the Portfolio might not achieve its investment objectives.


INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS


  

The Portfolio has adopted the following investment restrictions that may not be changed without approval by a “majority of the outstanding shares” of the Portfolio which, as used in this SAI, means the vote of the lesser of (a) 67% or more of the shares of the Portfolio represented at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Portfolio are present or represented by proxy, or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Portfolio.  The Portfolio will not:




24







(1) Purchase securities on margin, except the Portfolio may make margin deposits in connection with permissible options and futures transactions subject to (5) below and may obtain short-term credits as may be necessary for clearance of transactions.


(2) Issue any class of securities senior to any other class of securities except in compliance with the 1940 Act.


(3) Borrow money, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act (which currently limits borrowing to no more than 33-1/3% of the value of the Portfolio’s total assets).  For purposes of this Investment Restriction, the entry into options, forward contracts, futures contracts, including those relating to indices, and options on futures contracts or indices shall not constitute borrowing.


(4) Purchase or sell real estate, or invest in real estate limited partnerships, except the Portfolio may, as appropriate and consistent with its respective investment objective, policies and other investment restrictions, buy securities of issuers that engage in real estate operations and securities that are secured by interests in real estate (including shares of real estate mortgage investment conduits, mortgage pass-through securities, mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations) and may hold and sell real estate acquired as a result of ownership of such securities.


(5) Purchase or sell physical commodities or contracts thereon, except that the Portfolio may enter into financial futures contracts and options thereon.


(6) Underwrite securities issued by other persons, except to the extent that the Portfolio may be deemed to be an underwriter, within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, in connection with the purchase of securities directly from an issuer in accordance with the Portfolio’s investment objective, policies and restrictions.


(7) Make loans, except that the Portfolio in accordance with its investment objective, policies and restrictions may: (i) invest in all or a portion of an issue of publicly issued or privately placed bonds, debentures, notes, other debt securities and loan participation interests for investment purposes; (ii) purchase money market securities and enter into repurchase agreements; and (iii) lend its portfolio securities in an amount not exceeding one-third of the value of the Portfolio’s total assets.


 (8) Make further investments when 25% or more of its total assets would be invested in any one industry (securities issued or guaranteed by the United States government, its agencies or instrumentalities are not considered to represent industries).




25







THE FOLLOWING ARE ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS OF THE PORTFOLIO. 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 Portfolio may not:


(1) Invest in portfolio companies for the purpose of acquiring or exercising control of such companies.


(2) Invest in puts, calls, straddles, spreads or any combination thereof, except to the extent permitted by the Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information.


(3) Purchase or otherwise acquire any security or invest in a repurchase agreement if, as a result, more than 15% of the net assets of the Portfolio would be invested in securities that are illiquid or not readily marketable, including repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days and non-negotiable fixed time deposits with maturities over seven days. The Portfolio may invest without limitation in restricted securities provided such securities are considered to be liquid by Trustees, as may be delegated to the Adviser.  If, through a change in values, net assets or other circumstances, the Portfolio were in a position where more than 15% of its net assets was invested in illiquid securities, it would seek to take appropriate steps to protect liquidity.


(4) Mortgage, pledge, or hypothecate in any other manner, or transfer as security for indebtedness any security owned by the Portfolio, except as may be necessary in connection with permissible borrowings and then only if such mortgaging, pledging or hypothecating does not exceed 33 1/3% of such Portfolio’s total assets. Collateral arrangements with respect to margin, option and other risk management and when-issued and forward commitment transactions are not deemed to be pledges or other encumbrances for purposes of this restriction.


If a restriction on the Portfolio’s investments is adhered to at the time an investment is made, a subsequent change in the percentage of Portfolio assets invested in certain securities or other instruments, or change in average duration of the Portfolio’s investment portfolio, resulting from changes in the value of the Portfolio’s total assets, will not be considered a violation of the restriction; provided, however, that the asset coverage requirement applicable to borrowings shall be maintained in the manner contemplated by applicable law.  The Portfolio may exchange securities, exercise any conversion rights or exercise warrants or any other rights to purchase common stock or other equity securities and may hold such securities so acquired without regard to the foregoing investment restrictions.




26







POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS


The Trust has adopted policies and procedures that govern the disclosure of the Portfolio’s portfolio holdings. These policies and procedures are designed to ensure that such disclosure is in the best interests of Portfolio shareholders.


It is the Trust’s policy to: (1) ensure that any disclosure of portfolio holdings information is in the best interest of Trust shareholders; (2) protect the confidentiality of portfolio holdings information; (3) have procedures in place to guard against personal trading based on the information; and (4) ensure that the disclosure of portfolio holdings information does not create conflicts between the interests of the Trust’s shareholders and those of the Trust’s affiliates.


The Portfolio discloses its portfolio holdings by mailing its annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders approximately two months after the end of the fiscal year and semi-annual period.  In addition, the Portfolio will disclose its portfolio holdings reports on Forms N-CSR and Form N-Q two months after the end of each quarter/semi-annual period.  


The Portfolio may choose to make portfolio holdings information available to rating agencies such as Lipper, Morningstar or Bloomberg more frequently on a confidential basis.


Under limited circumstances, as described below, the Portfolio’s portfolio holdings may be disclosed to, or known by, certain third parties in advance of their filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form N-CSR or Form N-Q.  In each case, a determination has been made that such advance disclosure is supported by a legitimate business purpose and that the recipient is subject to a duty to keep the information confidential.  

 

·

The Adviser.  Personnel of the Adviser, including personnel responsible for managing the Portfolio’s portfolio, may have full daily access to portfolio holdings because that information is necessary in order for the Adviser to provide their management, administrative, and investment services to the Portfolio.  As required for purposes of analyzing the impact of existing and future market changes on the prices, availability, demand and liquidity of such securities, as well as for the assistance of portfolio managers in the trading of such securities, Adviser personnel may also release and discuss certain portfolio holdings with various broker-dealers.

 

·

Gemini Fund Services, LLC.  Gemini Fund Services, LLC is the transfer agent, fund accountant and administrator for the Portfolio; therefore, its personnel have full daily access to the Portfolio’s portfolio holdings because that information is necessary in order for them to provide the agreed-upon services for the Trust.



27







·

First National Bank of Omaha.  First National Bank of Omaha is the custodian for the Portfolio; therefore, its personnel have full daily access to the Portfolio’s holdings because that information is necessary in order for them to provide the agreed-upon services for the Portfolio.

 

·

BBD, LLP. is the Portfolio’s independent registered public accounting firm; therefore, its personnel have access to the Portfolio’s holdings in connection with auditing of the Portfolio’s annual financial statements and providing assistance and consultation in connection with SEC filings.

 

·

Thompson Hine LLP.  Thompson Hine LLP is counsel to the Portfolio; therefore, its personnel have access to the Portfolio’s holdings in connection with the review of the Portfolio’s annual and semi-annual shareholder reports and SEC filings.


Additions to List of Approved Recipients.  The Portfolio’s Chief Compliance Officer is the person responsible, and whose prior approval is required, for any disclosure of the Portfolio’s portfolio securities at any time or to any persons other than those described above.  In such cases, the recipient must have a legitimate business need for the information and must be subject to a duty to keep the information confidential. There are no ongoing arrangements in place with respect to the disclosure of portfolio holdings. In no event shall the Portfolio, the Adviser or any other party receive any direct or indirect compensation in connection with the disclosure of information about the Portfolio’s portfolio holdings.


Compliance With Portfolio Holdings Disclosure Procedures.  The Portfolio’s Chief Compliance Officer will report periodically to the Board with respect to compliance with the Portfolio’s portfolio holdings disclosure procedures, and from time to time will provide the Board any updates to the portfolio holdings disclosure policies and procedures.


There is no assurance that the Trust’s policies on disclosure of portfolio holdings will protect the Portfolio from the potential misuse of holdings information by individuals or firms in possession of that information.


MANAGEMENT


 

The business of the Trust is managed under the direction of the Board in accordance with the Agreement and Declaration of Trust and the Trust’s By-laws (the “Governing Documents”), which have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The Board consists of seven (7) individuals, six (6) of whom are not “interested persons” (as defined under the 1940 Act) of the Trust and the Adviser (“Independent Trustees”). Pursuant to the Governing Documents of the Trust, the Trustees shall elect officers including a President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, a Principal Executive Officer and a Principal Accounting Officer. The Board retains the power to



28







conduct, operate and carry on the business of the Trust and has the power to incur and pay any expenses, which, in the opinion of the Board, are necessary or incidental to carry out any of the Trust’s purposes. The Trustees, officers, employees and agents of the Trust, when acting in such capacities, shall not be subject to any personal liability except for his or her own bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard of his or her duties.


Board Leadership Structure


The Trust is led by Anthony Hertl, an Independent Trustee, who has served as the Chairman of the Board since July 2013. The Board of Trustees is comprised of Mr. Hertl, five (5) additional Independent Trustees, and one (1) Interested Trustee.  Andrew Rogers, the Interested Trustee, is the Chief Executive Officer of Gemini Fund Services, LLC, and President of the Trust.  Additionally, under certain 1940 Act governance guidelines that apply to the Trust, the Independent Trustees will meet in executive session, at least quarterly.  Under the Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust and By-Laws, the Chairman of the Board is responsible for (a) presiding at board meetings, (b) calling special meetings on an as-needed basis, (c) execution and administration of Trust policies including (i) setting the agendas for board meetings and (ii) providing information to board members in advance of each board meeting and between board meetings.  Generally, the Trust believes it best to have a non-executive Chairman of the Board, who together with the President (principal executive officer), are seen by our shareholders, business partners and other stakeholders as providing strong leadership.  The Trust believes that its Chairman, the independent chair of the Audit Committee, and, as an entity, the full Board of Trustees, provide effective leadership that is in the best interests of the Trust, its Funds and each shareholder.


Board Risk Oversight


The Board of Trustees has a standing independent Audit Committee with a separate chair, Mark H. Taylor. The Board is responsible for overseeing risk management, and the full Board regularly engages in discussions of risk management and receives compliance reports that inform its oversight of risk management from its Chief Compliance Officer at quarterly meetings and on an ad hoc basis, when and if necessary.  The Audit Committee considers financial and reporting risk within its area of responsibilities.  Generally, the Board believes that its oversight of material risks is adequately maintained through the compliance-reporting chain where the Chief Compliance Officer is the primary recipient and communicator of such risk-related information.


Trustee Qualifications.


Generally, the Trust believes that each Trustee is competent to serve because of their individual overall merits including: (i) experience, (ii) qualifications, (iii) attributes and (iv) skills.   Anthony J. Hertl has over 20 years of business experience in financial services industry and related fields including serving as chair of the finance committee



29







for the Borough of Interlaken, New Jersey and Vice President-Finance and Administration of Marymount College, holds a Certified Public Accountant designation, served or has served as a member of other mutual fund boards outside of the Fund Complex and possesses a strong understanding of the regulatory framework under which investment companies must operate based on his years of service to this Board and other fund boards.  Gary W. Lanzen has over 20 years of business experience in the financial services industry, holds a Master’s degree in Education Administration, is a Certified Financial Planner ("CFP"), serves as a member of two other mutual fund boards outside of the Fund Complex and possesses a strong understanding of the regulatory framework under which investment companies must operate based on his years of service to this Board and other mutual fund boards.  Mark H. Taylor, has over two decades of academic and professional experience in the accounting and auditing areas, has Doctor of Philosophy, Master’s and Bachelor’s  degrees in Accounting, is a Certified Public Accountant and is Professor of Accountancy at the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University.  He serves as a member of two other mutual fund boards outside of the Fund Complex, has served a fellowship in the Office of the Chief Accountant at the headquarters of the United States Securities Exchange Commission, served a three-year term on the AICPA Auditing Standards Board (2008-2011), and like the other Board members, possesses a strong understanding of the regulatory framework under which investment companies must operate based on his years of service to this Board and other mutual fund boards.  John V. Palancia has over 30 years of business experience in financial services industry including serving as the Director of Futures Operations for Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc.  Mr. Palancia holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics.  He also possesses a strong understanding of risk management, balance sheet analysis and the regulatory framework under which regulated financial entities must operate based on service to Merrill Lynch. Additionally, he is well versed in the regulatory framework under which investment companies must operate and serves as a member of three other fund boards. Andrew Rogers has more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry and has served as the President of the Trust since 2006.  Mr. Rogers is also currently the Chief Executive Officer of Gemini Fund Services, LLC.  Prior to joining Gemini Fund Services, LLC, he served in executive roles at J.P. Morgan Chase and Co. and Alliance Capital Management Holdings L.P. as Financial Reporting Manager. Mr. Rogers holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Mark D. Gersten has more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, having served in executive roles at AllianceBernstein LP and holding key industry positions at Prudential-Bache Securities and PriceWaterhouseCoopers.  He also serves as a member of two other mutual fund boards outside of the Fund Complex. Mr. Gersten is a certified public accountant and holds an MBA in accounting.  Like other trustees, his experience has given him a strong understanding of the regulatory framework under which investment companies operate.  Mark S. Garbin has more than 30 years of experience in corporate balance sheet and income statement risk management for large asset managers, serving as Managing Principal of Coherent Capital Management LLC since 2007.  Mr. Garbin has extensive derivatives experience and has provided consulting services to alternative asset managers.  He is both a Chartered Financial Analyst and Professional Risk Manager charterholder and holds advanced degrees in international business.  The Trust does not believe any one factor is determinative in



30







assessing a Trustee's qualifications, but that the collective experience of each Trustee makes them each highly qualified.


The following is a list of the Trustees and executive officers of the Trust and each person’s principal occupation over the last five years. Unless otherwise noted, the address of each Trustee and Officer is 17605 Wright Street, Suite 2, Omaha, Nebraska 68130The following is a list of the Trustees and executive officers of the Trust and each person’s principal occupation over the last five years. Unless otherwise noted, the address of each Trustee and Officer is 17605 Wright Street, Suite 2, Omaha, Nebraska 68130.


Independent Trustees

Name, Address and Year of Birth

Position/Term of Office*

Principal Occupation During the Past Five Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex** Overseen by Trustee

Other Directorships held by Trustee During the Past Five Years

Anthony J. Hertl^

Born in 1950

Trustee

Since 2006; Chairman of the Board since 2013

Consultant to small and emerging businesses (since 2000).

107

AdvisorOne Funds (16 portfolios) (2004-2013); Alternative Strategies Fund (since June 2010); Satuit Capital Management Trust; The Z-Seven Fund, Inc. (2007 – May, 2010), Greenwich Advisers Trust (2007- February 2011), Global Real Estate Fund (2008-2011), The World Funds Trust (2010-2013) and Northern Lights Fund Trust (since 2005)

Gary W. Lanzen^

Born in 1954

Trustee

Since 2006

President, Orizon Investment Counsel, Inc. (2000-2006); Chief Investment Officer (2000 -2010); Founder and Partner, Orizon Group, Inc. (a financial services company) (2000-2006).

107

AdvisorOne Funds (16 portfolios) (since 2003);

Alternative Strategies Fund (2010-2011); Northern Lights Fund Trust (since 2005)

Mark H. Taylor^

Born in 1964

Trustee

Since 2007

Andrew D. Braden Professor of Accounting and Auditing, Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve  

135

Alternative Strategies Fund (since 2010); Lifetime Achievement Mutual Fund, Inc.  (LFTAX) (Director and Audit Committee



31









  

 University (since 2009); John P. Begley Endowed Chair in Accounting, Creighton University (2002 – 2009); Former member of the AICPA Auditing Standards Board, AICPA (2008-2011). 

 

Chairman) (2007-2012); NLFT III (since February 2012); Northern Lights Fund Trust (since 2007)

John V. Palancia

Born in 1954

Trustee

Since 2011

Retired (since 2011). Formerly, Director of Futures Operations, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc. (1975-2011).

135

Northern Lights Fund Trust (since 2011); NLFT III (since February 2012); Alternative Strategies Fund (since  2012)

Mark D. Gersten
Born in 1950

Trustee

Since 2013

Independent Consultant (since 2012); Senior Vice President – Global Fund Administration Mutual Funds & Alternative Funds, AllianceBernstein LP (1985 – 2011)

107

Schroder Global Series Trust and Two Roads Shared Trust (since 2012); Northern Lights Fund Trust (since 2013)

Mark Garbin

Born in 1951

Trustee

Since 2013

Managing Principal, Coherent Capital Management LLC (since 2007); Managing Director and Head of Equity Derivatives -Americas, Rabobank International (2006-2007)

107

Two Roads Shared Trust

(since 2012); Forethought Variable Insurance Trust (since 2013) (Lead Independent and Chairman of the Valuation Committee); Northern Lights Fund Trust (since 2013)





32







    Interested Trustees and Officers

Name, Address and Year of Birth

Position/Term of Office*

Principal Occupation During the Past Five Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex** Overseen by Trustee

Other Directorships held by Trustee During the Past Five Years

Andrew Rogers
80 Arkay Drive***
Hauppauge, NY  11788
Born in 1969

Trustee Since 2013;
President
Since 2006

Chief Executive Officer, Gemini Alternative Funds, LLC (since 2013); Chief Executive Officer , Gemini Hedge Fund Services, LLC (since 2013); Chief Executive Officer, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (since 2012); President and Manager, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2006 - 2012); Formerly Manager, Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (2006 – 2008); and President and Manager, GemCom LLC (2004 - 2011).

107

Northern Lights Fund Trust (since 2013)

Kevin E. Wolf
80 Arkay Drive
Hauppauge, NY  11788
Born in 1969

Treasurer
Since 2006

President, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (since 2012); Director of Fund Administration, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2006 - 2012); and Vice-President, GemCom, LLC (2004 - 2013).

N/A

N/A

James P. Ash
80 Arkay Drive
Hauppauge, NY  11788
Born in 1976

Secretary
Since 2011

Senior Vice President, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (since 2012); Vice President, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2011 - 2012); Director of Legal Administration, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2009 - 2011); Assistant Vice President of Legal Administration, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2008 - 2011).

N/A

N/A

Emile R. Molineaux

Born in 1962

Chief Compliance Officer

Since 2011

Senior Compliance Officer of Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (since 2011); General Counsel, CCO and Senior Vice President, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2004 - June 2012); Secretary and CCO, Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC;  (2003-2011); In-house Counsel, The Dreyfus Funds (1999 – 2003).

N/A

N/A

* The term of office for each Trustee and officer listed above will continue indefinitely until the individual resigns or is removed.

** The term “Fund Complex” includes the Northern Lights Fund Trust (“NLFT”), Northern Lights Fund Trust III (“NLFT III”) and the Northern Lights Variable Trust (“NLVT”).




33






***Andrew Rogers is an “interested person” of the Trust as that term is defined under the 1940 Act, because of his affiliation with Gemini Fund Services, LLC, (the Trust’s Administrator, Fund Accountant, Transfer Agent).

^ These Trustees were named in the SEC order instituting settled administrative proceedings against Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC, Gemini Fund Services, LLC and certain Trustees.  For more information, please see the “Legal Proceedings” below.


Legal Proceedings


On May 2, 2013, the SEC filed an order instituting settled administrative proceedings (the “Order”) against Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (“NLCS”), Gemini Fund Services, LLC (“GFS”), certain current Trustees of the Trust, and two  former Trustees.  To settle the SEC’s charges, GFS and NLCS each agreed to pay $50,000 penalties, and both firms and the named Trustees agreed to engage an independent compliance consultant to address the violations found in the Order.  The firms and the named Trustees agreed to settle with the SEC without admitting or denying the SEC’s findings, while agreeing to cease and desist from committing or causing any violations and any future violations of those provisions.  There were no allegations that shareholders suffered any monetary harm.  The SEC charges were not against the Adviser or the Portfolio.


The Order found that on certain occasions during the period January 2009 to December 2010, disclosures included in shareholder reports (concerning the Trustees’ adviser evaluation process under Section 15(c) of the 1940 Act) filed by certain funds of the Trust contained boilerplate disclosures that were materially untrue or misleading in violation of Section 34(b) of the 1940 Act.  These disclosures were included in the fund shareholder reports based on board minutes drafted by GFS, reviewed by the Trust’s outside counsel, and then reviewed and approved by the Trustees.  The Order found that the named Trustees therefore were a cause of these violations.  In addition, GFS failed to ensure that certain shareholder reports contained the required disclosures concerning the Trustees’ evaluation process and failed to ensure that certain series within the Trust maintained and preserved their Section 15(c) files in accordance with 1940 Act recordkeeping requirements.  Accordingly, GFS caused those funds’ violations of Sections 30(e) and 31(a) of the Investment Company Act and Rules 30e-1 and 31a-2(a)(6) thereunder.


The Order found that, during the relevant period, NLCS and the four named Trustees were also a cause of violations of Rule 38a-1(a)(1) under the 1940 Act, which requires registered investment companies to adopt and implement written compliance policies and procedures.  Specifically, the Order found that NLCS and the named Trustees failed to implement certain policies and procedures of the Trust that required the funds’ CCO to provide the advisers’ compliance manuals to the named Trustees for their review or, as an alternative, summaries of the compliance programs.  Rather than following this process, the Order found that the named Trustees’ approval of the advisers’ compliance programs was based primarily on their review of a brief written statement prepared by NLCS and a verbal representation by NLCS that such manuals were adequate.  






34







Board Committees


Audit Committee


The Board has an Audit Committee that consists of all the Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Trust within the meaning of the 1940 Act. The Audit Committee’s responsibilities include: (i) recommending to the Board the selection, retention or termination of the Trust’s independent auditors; (ii) reviewing with the independent auditors the scope, performance and anticipated cost of their audit; (iii) discussing with the independent auditors certain matters relating to the Trust’s financial statements, including any adjustment to such financial statements recommended by such independent auditors, or any other results of any audit; (iv) reviewing on a periodic basis a formal written statement from the independent auditors with respect to their independence, discussing with the independent auditors any relationships or services disclosed in the statement that may impact the objectivity and independence of the Trust’s independent auditors and recommending that the Board take appropriate action in response thereto to satisfy itself of the auditor’s independence; and (v) considering the comments of the independent auditors and management’s responses thereto with respect to the quality and adequacy of the Trust’s accounting and financial reporting policies and practices and internal controls.  The Audit committee operates pursuant to an Audit Committee Charter.  The Audit Committee is also responsible for seeking and reviewing nominee candidates for consideration as Independent Trustees as is from time to time considered necessary or appropriate.  The Audit Committee generally will not consider shareholder nominees. The Audit Committee is also responsible for reviewing and setting Independent Trustee compensation from time to time when considered necessary or appropriate. During the past fiscal year, the Audit Committee held thirteen meetings.


Compensation


Effective October 1, 2013, each Trustee who is not affiliated with the Trust or an investment adviser to any series of the Trust will receive a quarterly fee of $5,162.50, for his attendance at the regularly scheduled meetings of the Board of Trustees, to be paid in advance of each calendar quarter, as well as reimbursement for any reasonable expenses incurred. From April 1, 2013 through September 30, 2013, each Trustee who is not affiliated with the Trust or an investment adviser of any series of the Trust, received a quarterly fee of $4,875.  Prior to April 1, 2013 each Trustee who is not affiliated with the Trust or an adviser received a quarterly fee of $3,500.  Effective July 1, 2013, in addition to the quarterly fees and reimbursements, the Chairman of the Board receives a quarterly fee of $1,725, and the Audit Committee Chairman receives a quarterly fee of $862.50.


Additionally, in the event a meeting of the Board of Trustees other than its regularly scheduled meetings (a “Special Meeting”) is required, each Independent Trustee will receive a fee of $2,500 per Special Meeting, as well as reimbursement for any reasonable expenses incurred, to be paid by the relevant series of the Trust or its investment advisor depending on the circumstances necessitating the Special Meeting.




35







The table below details the amount of compensation the Trustees received from the Trust during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013.  Each Independent Trustee attended all quarterly meetings during the period.  The Trust does not have a bonus, profit sharing, pension or retirement plan. 


Name and Position

Aggregate Compensation From Trust ****

Pension or Retirement Benefits Accrued as Part of Funds Expenses

Estimated Annual Benefits Upon Retirement

Total Compensation From Trust and Fund Complex***** Paid to Directors

Anthony J. Hertl

$23,137.50

None

None

$151,250.00

Gary Lanzen

$18,412.50

None

None

$128,750.00

Mark H. Taylor

$19,275.00

None

None

$160,000.00

John V. Palancia

$18,412.50

None

None

$152,749.50

Michael Miola*

None

None

None

None

Andrew Rogers**

None

None

None

None

Mark D. Gersten***

$5,162.50

None

None

$33,750.00

Mark Garbin***

$5,162.50

None

None

$33,750.00

_______________

* This Trustee is deemed to be an ‘interested person’ as defined in the 1940 Act as a result of his affiliation with Gemini Fund Services, LLC (the Trust’s Administrator, Transfer Agent and Fund Accountant) and Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (the Trust’s compliance service provider).  Mr. Miola resigned from the Trust in September 2013.

** This Trustee is deemed to be an “interested person” as defined in the 1940 Act as a result of his affiliation with Gemini Fund Services, LLC (the Trust’s Administrator, Transfer Agent and Fund Accountant).

***Elected as a Trustee in September 2013.

**** There are currently multiple series comprising the Trust.  Trustees’ fees are allocated equitably among the series in the Trust.

***** The term “Fund Complex” includes the Northern Lights Fund Trust, Northern Lights Fund Trust III and the Northern Lights Variable Trust.


Trustee Ownership


The following table indicates the dollar range of equity securities that each Trustee beneficially owned in the Trust as of December 31, 2013.


Name of Trustee

Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Fund

Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in All Registered Investment Companies Overseen by Trustee in Family of Investment Companies

Anthony J. Hertl

None

None

Gary Lanzen

None

None

John V. Palancia

None

None

Andrew Rogers*

None

None

Mark Taylor

None

None

Mark D. Gersten

None

None

Mark Garbin

None

None

Michael Miola**

None

None

     * This Trustee is deemed to be an ‘interested person’ as defined in the 1940 Act as a result of his affiliation with Gemini Fund Services, LLC (the Trust’s Administrator, Transfer Agent and Fund Accountant),

** Mr. Miola resigned as a Trustee from the Trust in September 2013.


36







Management Ownership


As of April 2, 2014, the Trustees, as a group, owned less than 1.00% of the Portfolio’s outstanding shares and less than 1.00% of the Fund Complex’s outstanding shares.



CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS



A principal shareholder is any person who owns of record or beneficially 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the Portfolio.  A control person is one who owns beneficially or through controlled companies more than 25% of the voting securities of a company or acknowledged the existence of control. As of April 2, 2014, the separate accounts of Midland National located at Variable Annuity Department, Des Moines, IA 50325, owned 98.92% of the Portfolio.  Because Midland National had voting authority with respect to approximately 100% of the value of the outstanding interests in the Portfolio, the Portfolio could be deemed to be under control of Midland National as of April 2, 2014.  As a result, Midland National could have the ability to approve or reject those matters submitted to the shareholders of the Portfolio for their approval, including the election of Trustees, approval of an investment advisory agreement and adoption of a distribution plan under Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act .


INVESTMENT ADVISER



Investment Adviser and Advisory Agreement


The Adviser of the Portfolio is Critical Math Advisors LLC, located at 3840 Quakerbridge Road, Suite 130, Hamilton, New Jersey 08619. Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement with the Trust, on behalf of the Portfolio (the “Advisory Agreement”), Adviser, subject to the supervision of the Board of the Trust, and in conformity with the stated policies of the Portfolio, manages the operations of the Portfolio.


Under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser, under the supervision of the Board, agrees to invest the assets of the Portfolio in accordance with applicable law and the investment objective, policies and restrictions set forth in the Portfolio’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 Portfolio 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 Portfolio in a manner consistent with its investment objective, policies and restrictions, and (iii) determine from time to time securities to be purchased, sold,



37







retained or lent by the Portfolio, 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 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 Portfolio with all necessary office facilities and personnel for servicing the Portfolio’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 Portfolio or the Adviser performing services relating to research, statistical and investment activities.  The Advisory Agreement was approved by the Board, including by a majority of the Independent Trustees, at a meeting held on March 6, 2006, and last renewed at a meeting held on September 25, 2013.


In addition, the Adviser, subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, provides the management and administrative services necessary for the operation of the Portfolio. These services include providing facilities for maintaining the Trust’s organization; supervising relations with custodians, transfer and pricing agents, accountants, underwriters and other persons dealing with the Portfolio; preparing all general shareholder communications and conducting shareholder relations; maintaining the Portfolio’s records and the registration of the Portfolio’s shares under federal securities laws and making necessary filings under state securities laws; developing management and shareholder services for the Portfolio; and furnishing reports, evaluations and analyses on a variety of subjects to the Trustees.  


The following table sets forth the annual investment advisory fee rate payable by the Portfolio to Adviser pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, expressed as a percentage of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets:


PORTFOLIO

TOTAL
INVESTMENT ADVISORY

FEE

Adaptive Allocation Portfolio

1.00%


The fee is computed daily and payable monthly. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, the Portfolio paid the Adviser $191,561 in investment advisory fees.  During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, the Portfolio paid the Adviser $299,275 in investment advisory fees.  During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, the Portfolio paid the Adviser $328,068 in investment advisory fees. The Adviser has agreed contractually to waive its management fee and to reimburse expenses, excluding any front-end or contingent deferred loads; brokerage fees and commissions, indirect expenses associated with the Fund’s investments (such as acquired fund fees and expenses, or expenses of any other underlying investments in collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments), borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend



38







expense on securities sold short); taxes; and extraordinary expenses, such as litigation expenses (which may include indemnification of Fund officers and Trustees, contractual indemnification of Fund service providers (other than the Adviser)), at least until April 30, 2015, such that total annual fund operating expenses do not exceed 2.49% of average daily net assets, subject to possible recoupment from the Portfolio in future years on a rolling three year basis (within three years after the fees have been waived or reimbursed) if such recoupment can be achieved within the foregoing expense limits.  No Reimbursement Amount will be paid to the Adviser in any fiscal quarter unless the Trust’s Board of Trustees has determined in advance that a reimbursement is in the best interest of the Portfolio and its shareholders.   


Expenses not expressly assumed by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement are paid by the Trust.  Under the terms of the Advisory Agreement, the Trust 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, (c) the fees and certain expenses of the custodian (as defined under the section entitled “Custodian”) and Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent (as defined under the section entitled “Transfer Agent”), including the cost of maintaining certain required records of the Trust and of pricing the Trust’s shares, (d) the charges and expenses of legal counsel and independent accountants for the Trust, (e) brokerage commissions and any issue or transfer taxes chargeable to the Trust in connection with its securities transactions, (f) all taxes and corporate fees payable by the Trust to governmental agencies, (g) the fees of any trade association of which the Trust may be a member, (h) the cost of share certificates representing shares of the Trust, (i) the cost of fidelity and liability insurance, (j) the fees and expenses involved in registering and maintaining registration of the Trust and of its shares with the SEC, qualifying its shares under state securities laws, including the preparation and printing of the Trust’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 and (l) litigation and indemnification expenses and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Trust’s business.


The Advisory Agreement continued in effect for two (2) years initially and thereafter continues 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 each Portfolio. The Advisory Agreement may be terminated without penalty on 60 days’ written notice by a vote of a majority of the Trustees or by the Adviser, or by holders of a majority of the Portfolio’s outstanding shares. The Advisory Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.






39







Codes of Ethics


The Trust, the Adviser and the Distributor each have adopted codes of ethics (each a “Code”) under Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act that governs the personal securities transactions of their board members, officers and employees who may have access to current trading information of the Trust.  Under the code of ethics adopted by the Trust, the Trustees are permitted to invest in securities that may also be purchased by the Portfolio.


In addition, the Code, which applies only to the Trust’s executive officers to ensure that these officers promote professional conduct in the practice of corporate governance and management. The purpose behind these guidelines is to promote i) honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships; ii) full, fair, accurate, timely, and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that a registrant files with, or submits to, the SEC and in other public communications made by the Portfolio; iii) compliance with applicable governmental laws, rule and regulations; iv) the prompt internal reporting of violations of that code to an appropriate person or persons identified in the code; and v) accountability for adherence to the code.


Proxy Voting Policies


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


A copy of the Adviser’s Proxy Voting Policies is attached hereto as Appendix B.

 

More information. Information regarding how the Portfolio voted proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Portfolio during the most recent 12-month period ending June 30 will be available (1) without charge, upon request, by calling the Portfolio at (1-866-263-9260); and (2) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.


THE DISTRIBUTOR


Northern Lights Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”) located at 17605 Wright Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68130, serves as the principal underwriter and national distributor for the shares of the Portfolio pursuant to an Underwriting Agreement with the Trust (the “Underwriting Agreement”). The Distributor is registered as a broker-dealer



40







under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and each state’s securities laws and is a member of Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”). The offering of the Portfolio’s shares are continuous. The Underwriting Agreement provides that the Distributor, as agent in connection with the distribution of Portfolio shares, will use reasonable efforts to distribute the Portfolio’s shares.


The Underwriting Agreement provides that, unless sooner terminated, it will continue in effect for two years initially and thereafter shall continue from year to year, subject to annual approval by (a) the Board or a vote of a majority of the outstanding shares, and (b) by a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust or of the Distributor by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.

 

The Underwriting Agreement may be terminated by the Portfolio at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by vote of a majority of the entire Board of the Trust or by vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Portfolio on 60 days' written notice to the Distributor, or by the Distributor at any time, without the payment of any penalty, on 60 days' written notice to the Portfolio. The Underwriting Agreement will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment.


The following table sets forth the total compensation received by the Distributor from the Portfolio during the fiscal period ended December 31, 2013.


Fund

Net Underwriting Discounts and Commissions

Compensation on Redemptions and Repurchases

Brokerage Commissions

Other Compensation

Adaptive Allocation Portfolio

$0

$0

$0

$0

* The Distributor also receives 12b-1 fees from Fund as described under the following section entitled “Rule 12b-1 Plan”.


Rule 12b-1 Plan


Under the terms of the Portfolio’s Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the “Plan”), the  Portfolio is authorized to pay the Distributor, participating insurance companies and other intermediaries compensation for account maintenance and shareholder services under the Plan and Agreement, an account maintenance/shareholder servicing fee at the annual rate of 0.25% and, for distribution, sales and promotional activities and services under this Plan and Agreement, incur distribution expenses at the annual rate of 0.75%, of the average net assets of the Portfolio.  Currently, the Board has authorized the Portfolio to pay expenses under the Plan at a maximum annual rate of 0.50% of the average net assets of the Portfolio.  Shareholders will receive notice of any increase.  Such fees are to be paid by the Portfolio monthly, or at such other intervals as the Board shall determine. Such fees shall be based upon the Portfolio’s average daily net



41







assets during the preceding month, and shall be calculated and accrued daily. The Distributor, participating insurance companies and other intermediaries shall use such fee, among other things, to pay interest and principal where such payments have been financed.  The portfolio managers of the Portfolio, Lewis Arno and Derek Bilcik, are also registered representatives of a broker-dealer. As registered representatives, Mr. Arno and Mr. Bilcik may receive a portion of the 12b-1 payments made to the broker-dealer pursuant to the Plans in connection with the services Mr. Arno and Mr. Bilcik provide to their clients that invest in the Portfolio.


The Trust is required to provide a written report, at least quarterly to the Board of Trustees of the Trust, specifying in reasonable detail the amounts expended pursuant to the Plan and the purposes for which such expenditures were made.


The initial term of the Plan is one year and this will continue in effect from year to year thereafter, provided such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by a majority of the Board of Trustees of the Trust and a majority of the Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust and do not have a direct or indirect financial interest in the Rule 12b-1 Plan (“Rule 12b-1 Trustees”) by votes cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the Rule 12b-1 Plan.  The Plan may be terminated at any time by the Trust or the Portfolio by vote of a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting shares of the Portfolio. The Plan will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).


The Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount paid by the Portfolio, unless such amendment is approved by the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio (as defined in the 1940 Act). All material amendments must be approved by a majority of the Board of Trustees of the Trust and a majority of the Rule 12b- 1 Trustees by votes cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on a Rule 12b-1 Plan.  During the term of the Rule 12b-1 Plan, the selection and nomination of non-interested Trustees of the Trust will be committed to the discretion of current non-interested Trustees.  The Trust will preserve copies of the Plan, any related agreements, and all reports, for a period of not less than six years from the date of such document and for at least the first two years in an easily accessible place.


Any agreement related to the Plan will be in writing and provide that: (a) it may be terminated by the Trust or the Portfolio at any time upon sixty days’ written notice, without the payment of any penalty, by vote of a majority of the respective Rule 12b-1 Trustees, or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust or the Portfolio; (b) it will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act); and (c) it will continue in effect for a period of more than one year from the date of its execution or adoption only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by a majority of the Board and a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Trustees by votes cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such agreement.



42







During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, the Portfolio paid $95,780 in distribution related fees pursuant to the Plan. For the fiscal year indicated below, the Portfolio paid the following allocated distribution fees:


Actual 12b-1 Expenditures Paid by Portfolio During the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2013

 

Total Dollars Allocated

Advertising/Marketing

 None

Printing/Postage

None

Payment to distributor

$12,712

Payment to dealers

$76,650

Compensation to sales personnel

None

Other

$6,418

Total

$95,780



PORTFOLIO MANAGERS


The Portfolio is managed by a team of professional money managers. The members of the team who are currently responsible for the day-to-day management of the Portfolio’s portfolio are Lewis Arno and Derek Bilcik.  As of December 31, 2013, they were responsible for the management of the following types of accounts:





Portfolio

Manager


Registered

Investment

Company

Accounts


Assets

Managed

($ millions)


Pooled

Investment

Vehicle

Accounts


Assets

Managed

($ millions)


Other

Accounts


Assets

Managed

($ millions)

Total

Assets

Managed

($ millions)

Lewis Arno

2

46.5

0

0

30

5.3

51.8

Derek Bilcik

2

46.5

0

0

35

5.6

52.1


As indicated in the table above, portfolio managers at the Adviser 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).  Portfolio managers make investment decisions for each account based on the investment objectives and policies and other relevant investment considerations applicable to that portfolio.


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



43







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 the Portfolio. The Adviser has adopted policies and procedures designed to address these potential material conflicts.  For instance, portfolio managers within the Adviser are normally responsible for all accounts within a certain investment discipline, and do not, absent special circumstances, differentiate among the various accounts when allocating resources.  Additionally, the Adviser and its advisory affiliates utilize a system for allocating investment opportunities among portfolios that is designed to provide a fair and equitable allocation.


For their services to the Adviser, each portfolio manager receives a fixed, non-performance-based salary from the Adviser based upon length of service and experience.  No other forms of compensation, including performance-based bonuses are offered to portfolio managers by the Adviser.  As described in the section entitled “12b-1 Plans,” each portfolio manager may also receive certain commission compensation in connection with the services they provide to clients that invest in the Portfolio.


Ownership of Securities.

The following table shows the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by the Portfolio Managers in the Portfolio as of December 31, 2013.


Name of Portfolio Manger

Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Portfolio

Lewis Arno

None

Derek Bilcik

None

 


ALLOCATION OF PORTFOLIO BROKERAGE


  

Specific decisions to purchase or sell securities for the Portfolio are made by the portfolio manager who is an employee of the Adviser. The Adviser is authorized by the Trustees to allocate the orders placed by them on behalf of the Portfolio to brokers or dealers who may, but need not, provide research or statistical material or other services to the Portfolio or the Adviser for the Portfolio’s use. Such allocation is to be in such amounts and proportions as the Adviser may determine.


In selecting a broker or dealer to execute each particular transaction, the Adviser will take the following into consideration:

·

the best net price available;

·

the reliability, integrity and financial condition of the broker or dealer;

·

the size of and difficulty in executing the order; and

·

the value of the expected contribution of the broker or dealer to the investment performance of the Portfolio on a continuing basis.



44







Brokers or dealers executing a portfolio transaction on behalf of the Portfolio may receive a commission in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for executing the transaction if the Adviser determines in good faith that such commission is reasonable in relation to the value of brokerage, research and other services provided to the Portfolio. In allocating portfolio brokerage, the Adviser may select brokers or dealers who also provide brokerage, research and other services to other accounts over which the Adviser exercises investment discretion. Some of the services received as the result of  Portfolio transactions may primarily benefit accounts other than the Portfolio’s, while services received as the result of portfolio transactions effected on behalf of those other accounts may primarily benefit the Portfolio.  However, a broker’s sale or promotion of Fund shares shall not be a factor considered by investment adviser personnel responsible for selecting brokers to effect securities transactions on behalf of the Portfolio, nor shall the Portfolio or the Adviser enter into any agreement or understanding under which the Portfolio directs brokerage transactions or revenue generated by those transactions to brokers to pay for distribution of Portfolio shares.


For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, the Portfolio paid brokerage commissions of approximately $5,841. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, the Portfolio paid brokerage commissions of approximately $20,961.  For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, the Portfolio paid brokerage commissions of approximately $20,615.  


PORTFOLIO TURNOVER



The Portfolio engages in a high level of trading in seeking to achieve its investment objective.  The Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the fiscal year by the monthly average of the value of the portfolio securities owned by the Portfolio during the fiscal year. A 100% portfolio turnover rate results, for example, if the equivalent of all the securities in the Portfolio’s portfolio is replaced in a one-year period.  The calculation excludes from both the numerator and the denominator securities with maturities at the time of acquisition of one year or less.  High portfolio turnover involves correspondingly greater brokerage commissions and other transaction costs, which will be borne directly by the Portfolio.  A 100% turnover rate would occur if all of the Portfolio’s portfolio securities were replaced once within a one-year period.


Portfolio turnover may vary greatly from year to year as well as within a particular year, and may be affected by cash requirements for redemption or shares.  The Portfolio is not restricted by policy with regard to portfolio turnover and will make changes in its investment portfolio from time to time as business and economic conditions as well as market prices may dictate. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, the Portfolio’s turnover rate was 173%.  For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, the Portfolio’s turnover rate was 343%.  For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, the Portfolio’s turnover rate was 243%.  


45










OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS


Fund Administration, Fund Accounting and Transfer Agent Services

  

Gemini Fund Services, LLC ("GFS"), which has its principal office at 80 Arkay Drive, Hauppauge, New York 11788, serves as administrator, fund accountant and transfer agent for the Portfolio pursuant to a Fund Services Agreement (the "Agreement") with the Portfolio and subject to the supervision of the Board.  GFS is primarily in the business of providing administrative, fund accounting and transfer agent services to retail and institutional mutual funds. GFS is an affiliate of the Distributor. GFS may also provide persons to serve as officers of the Portfolio. Such officers may be directors, officers or employees of GFS or its affiliates.


The Agreement became effective on February 23, 2011 and will remain in effect for two years from the applicable effective date for the Portfolio, and will continue in effect for successive twelve-month periods provided that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by a majority of the Board.  The Agreement is terminable by the Board or GFS on 90 days' written notice and may be assigned by either party, provided that the Trust may not assign this Agreement without the prior written consent of GFS. The Agreement provides that GFS shall be without liability for any action reasonably taken or omitted pursuant to the Agreement.


Under the Agreement, GFS performs administrative services, including:  (1) monitoring the performance of administrative and professional services rendered to the Trust by others service providers; (2) monitoring Fund holdings and operations for post-trade compliance with the Fund’s registration statement and applicable laws and rules; (3) preparing and coordinating the printing of semi-annual and annual financial statements; (4) preparing selected management reports for performance and compliance analyses; (5) preparing and disseminating materials for and attending and participating in meetings of the Board; (6) determining income and capital gains available for distribution and calculating distributions required to meet regulatory, income, and excise tax requirements; (7) reviewing the Trust's federal, state, and local tax returns as prepared and signed by the Trust's independent public accountants; (8) preparing and maintaining the Trust's operating expense budget to determine proper expense accruals to be charged to each Fund to calculate its daily net asset value; (9) assisting in and monitoring the preparation, filing, printing and where applicable, dissemination to shareholders of amendments to the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A, periodic reports to the Trustees, shareholders and the SEC, notices pursuant to Rule 24f-2, proxy materials and reports to the SEC on Forms N-SAR, N-CSR, N-Q and N-PX; (10) coordinating the Trust's audits and examinations by assisting each Fund’s independent public accountants; (11) determining, in consultation with others, the jurisdictions in which shares of the Trust shall be registered or qualified for sale and facilitating such registration or qualification; (12) monitoring sales of shares and ensure that the shares are properly and



46







duly registered with the SEC; (13) monitoring the calculation of performance data for the Fund; (14) preparing, or cause to be prepared, expense and financial reports; (15) preparing authorizations for the payment of Trust expenses and pay, from Trust assets, all bills of the Trust; (16) providing information typically supplied in the investment company industry to companies that track or report price, performance or other information with respect to investment companies; (17) upon request, assisting each Fund in the evaluation and selection of other service providers, such as independent public accountants, printers, EDGAR providers and proxy solicitors (such parties may be affiliates of GFS) and (18) performing other services, recordkeeping and assistance relating to the affairs of the Trust as the Trust may, from time to time, reasonably request.


For the administrative services rendered to the Portfolio by GFS, the Portfolio pays GFS a fee which is equal to the greater of a minimum fee of $27,000 or 0.10% on the first $100 million of net assets of the Portfolio, 0.08% on the next $150 million of net assets of the Portfolio and 0.06% on net assets greater than $250 million on the average net assets of the Portfolio. The Portfolio also pays GFS for any out-of-pocket expenses.  For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, the Portfolio paid $28,549 for administrative fees. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, the Portfolio paid $32,551 for administrative fees. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, the Portfolio paid $33,598 for administrative fees.


In its role as Custody Administrator, GFS receives an annual fee based upon a percentage of the Portfolio's assets, plus certain transactional charges.  There are no minimum fees for GFS's work as Custody Administrator.             

  

     GFS also provides the Portfolio with accounting services, including: (i) daily computation of net asset value; (ii) maintenance of security ledgers and books and records as required by the 1940 Act; (iii) production of the Portfolio's listing of portfolio securities and general ledger reports; (iv) reconciliation of accounting records; (v) calculation of yield and total return for the Portfolio; (vi) maintaining certain books and records described in Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act, and reconciling account information and balances between the Portfolio’s custodian and Adviser; and (vii) monitoring and evaluating daily income and expense accruals, and sales and redemptions of shares of the Portfolio.

For the accounting services rendered to the Portfolio under the Agreement, the Portfolio pays GFS a fee equal to a minimum annual fee of $21,600, plus a basis point fee after the first $25 million in assets, plus out-of-pocket expenses. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, the Portfolio paid $21,601 for fund accounting fees. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, the Portfolio paid $22,747 for fund accounting fees. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, the Portfolio paid $22,991 for fund accounting fees.


   GFS also acts as transfer, dividend disbursing, and shareholder servicing agent for the Portfolio pursuant to the Agreement. Under the Agreement, GFS is responsible for administering and performing transfer agent functions, dividend distribution, shareholder



47







administration, and maintaining necessary records in accordance with applicable rules and regulations.

For the transfer agent services rendered to the Portfolio under the Agreement, the Portfolio pays GFS a transfer agency fee equal to a minimum fee of $13,500 or $14 per account.  The Portfolio also pays GFS for any out-of-pocket expenses. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, the Portfolio paid $20,603 for transfer agency fees. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, the Portfolio paid $19,634 for transfer agency fees. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, the Portfolio paid $18,098 for transfer agency fees.


CUSTODIAN

  

First National Bank of Omaha (“FNBO” or the “Custodian”), 1620 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE 68197 serves as the custodian of the Portfolio’s assets pursuant to a Custody Agreement by and between FNBO and the Trust on behalf of the Portfolio.  FNBO’s responsibilities include safeguarding and controlling the Portfolio’s cash and securities, handling the receipt and delivery of securities, and collecting interest and dividends on the Portfolio’s investments. Pursuant to the Custody Agreement, FNBO also maintains original entry documents and books of record and general ledgers; posts cash receipts and disbursements; and records purchases and sales based upon communications from the Adviser. The Portfolio may employ foreign sub-custodians that are approved by the Board to hold foreign assets.


Custody Administration. Pursuant to the terms of the Portfolio’s Custody Administration Agreement with the Administrator (the “Custody Administration Agreement”), the Portfolio pays an asset-based fee in decreasing amounts as Portfolio assets reach certain breakpoints. The Portfolio also pays certain transaction fees and out-of-pocket expenses pursuant to the Custody Administration Agreement.


COMPLIANCE OFFICER


Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (“NLCS”), 17605 Wright Street, Suite 2, Omaha, NE 68130, an affiliate of GFS and the Distributor, provides a Chief Compliance Officer to the Trust as well as related compliance services pursuant to a consulting agreement between NLCS and the Trust. NLCS’s compliance services consist primarily of reviewing and assessing the policies and procedures of the Trust and its service providers pertaining to compliance with applicable federal securities laws, including Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act.  For the compliance services rendered to the Portfolio, the Portfolio pays NLCS a one-time fee of $2,500, plus an annual fee, based on Portfolio assets, ranging from $13,500 (net assets of $50 million or less) to $31,500 (net assets over $1 billion).  The Portfolio also pays NLCS for any out-of-pocket expenses. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, the Portfolio paid $12,249 for compliance service fees. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, the Portfolio paid $12,283 for compliance service fees. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, the Portfolio paid $12,450 for compliance service fees.



48









DESCRIPTION OF SHARES


  

Each share of beneficial interest of the Trust has one vote in the election of Trustees. Cumulative voting is not authorized for the Trust. This means that the holders of more than 50% of the shares voting for the election of Trustees can elect 100% of the Trustees if they choose to do so, and, in that event, the holders of the remaining shares will be unable to elect any Trustees.


Shareholders of the Trust and any other future series of the Trust will vote in the aggregate and not by series except as otherwise required by law or when the Board determines that the matter to be voted upon affects only the interest of the shareholders of a particular series. Matters such as ratification of the independent public accountants and election of Trustees are not subject to separate voting requirements and may be acted upon by shareholders of the Trust voting without regard to series.


The Trust is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest.  Each share has equal dividend, distribution and liquidation rights. There are no conversion or preemptive rights applicable to any shares of the Portfolio. All shares issued are fully paid and non-assessable.


ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING PROGRAM


  

The Trust has established an Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Program (the “Program”) as required by Section 352 the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (“USA PATRIOT Act”). To ensure compliance with this law, the Trust’s Program is written and has been approved by the Fund’s Board of Trustees.  The program provides for the development of policies, procedures and internal controls reasonably designed to prevent money laundering, the designation of an anti-money laundering compliance officers who is responsible for implementing and monitoring the Program, an ongoing anti-money laundering training for appropriate persons and an independent audit function to determine the effectiveness of the Program. The Trust’s secretary serves as its Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer.


Procedures to implement the Program include, but are not limited to, determining that the Fund’s Distributor and Transfer Agent have established reasonable anti-money laundering procedures, have reported suspicious and/or fraudulent activity and have completed thorough reviews of all new opening account applications. The Trust will not transact business with any person or entity whose identity cannot be adequately verified under the provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act.





49






As a result of the Program, the Trust may be required to “freeze” the account of a shareholder if the shareholder appears to be involved in suspicious activity or if certain account information matches information on government lists of known terrorists or other suspicious persons, or the Trust may be required to transfer the account or proceeds of the account to a governmental agency.


PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND PRICING OF SHARES

  

Calculation of Share Price


As indicated in the Prospectus under the heading “How Shares are Priced,” the net asset value (“NAV”) of the Portfolio’s shares is determined by dividing the total value of the Portfolio’s portfolio investments and other assets, less any liabilities, by the total number of shares outstanding of the Portfolio.


Generally, securities are valued each day at the last quoted sales price on each security's principal exchange.  Securities traded or dealt in on one or more securities exchanges (whether domestic or foreign) for which market quotations are readily available and not subject to restrictions against resale shall be valued at the last quoted sales price on the primary exchange or, in the absence of a sale on the primary exchange, at the last bid on the primary exchange. Securities primarily traded in the National Association of Securities Dealers' Automated Quotation System ("NASDAQ") National Market System for which market quotations are readily available shall be valued using the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. Certain securities or investments for which daily market quotes are not readily available may be valued, pursuant to guidelines established by the Board, with reference to other securities or indices. Short-term investments having a maturity of 60 days or less are generally valued at amortized cost. Exchange traded options, futures and options on futures are valued at the settlement price determined by the exchange. Other securities for which market quotes are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Board or persons acting at their direction.


Investments initially valued in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are converted to U.S. dollars using exchange rates obtained from pricing services. As a result, the NAV of the Portfolio’s shares may be affected by changes in the value of currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar. The value of securities traded in markets outside the United States or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar may be affected significantly on a day that the New York Stock Exchange is closed and an investor is not able to purchase, redeem or exchange shares.


Portfolio shares are valued at the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) (the “NYSE Close”) on each day that the New York Stock Exchange is open. For purposes of calculating the NAV, the Portfolio normally uses pricing data for domestic equity securities received


50







shortly after the NYSE Close and do not normally take into account trading, clearances or settlements that take place after the NYSE Close. Domestic fixed income and foreign securities are normally priced using data reflecting the earlier closing of the principal markets for those securities.  Information that becomes known to the Portfolio or its agents after the NAV has been calculated on a particular day will not generally be used to retroactively adjust the price of the security or the NAV determined earlier that day.  


In unusual circumstances, instead of valuing securities in the usual manner, the Portfolio may value securities at fair value or estimate their value as determined in good faith by the Board or their designees, pursuant to procedures approved by the Board. Fair valuation may also be used by the Board if extraordinary events occur after the close of the relevant market but prior to the NYSE Close.


The Portfolio may hold securities, such as private placements, interests in commodity pools, other non-traded securities or temporarily illiquid securities, for which market quotations are not readily available or are determined to be unreliable.  These securities will be valued at their fair market value as determined using the “fair value” procedures approved by the Board.  The Board has delegated execution of these procedures to a fair value team composed of one of more representatives from each of the (i) Trust, (ii) administrator, and (iii) Adviser and/or sub-adviser.  The team may also enlist third party consultants such as an audit firm or financial officer of a security issuer on an as-needed basis to assist in determining a security-specific fair value.  The Board reviews and ratifies the execution of this process and the resultant fair value prices at least quarterly to assure the process produces reliable results.


Fair Value Team and Valuation Process.  This team is composed of one of more representatives from each of the (i) Trust, (ii) administrator, and (iii) Adviser and/or sub-adviser.  The applicable investments are valued collectively via inputs from each of these groups.  For example, fair value determinations are required for the following securities:  (i) securities for which market quotations are insufficient or not readily available on a particular business day (including securities for which there is a short and temporary lapse in the provision of a price by the regular pricing source), (ii) securities for which, in the judgment of the adviser or sub-adviser, the prices or values available do not represent the fair value of the instrument.  Factors which may cause the adviser or sub-adviser to make such a judgment include, but are not limited to, the following: only a bid price or an asked price is available; the spread between bid and asked prices is substantial; the frequency of sales; the thinness of the market; the size of reported trades; and actions of the securities markets, such as the suspension or limitation of trading; (iii) securities determined to be illiquid; (iv) securities with respect to which an event that will affect the value thereof has occurred (a “significant event”) since the closing prices were established on the principal exchange on which they are traded, but prior to the Fund’s calculation of its net asset value.  Specifically, interests in commodity pools or managed futures pools are valued on a daily basis by reference to the closing market prices of each futures contract or other asset held by a pool, as adjusted for pool expenses.  Restricted or illiquid securities, such as private placements or non-traded securities are valued via inputs from the adviser or sub-adviser valuation based upon the current bid for the



51







security from two or more independent dealers or other parties reasonably familiar with the facts and circumstances of the security (who should take into consideration all relevant factors as may be appropriate under the circumstances).  If the Adviser or sub-adviser is unable to obtain a current bid from such independent dealers or other independent parties, the fair value team shall determine the fair value of such security using the following factors: (i) the type of security; (ii) the cost at date of purchase; (iii) the size and nature of the Fund's holdings; (iv) the discount from market value of unrestricted securities of the same class at the time of purchase and subsequent thereto; (v) information as to any transactions or offers with respect to the security; (vi) the nature and duration of restrictions on disposition of the security and the existence of any registration rights; (vii) how the yield of the security compares to similar securities of companies of similar or equal creditworthiness; (viii) the level of recent trades of similar or comparable securities; (ix) the liquidity characteristics of the security; (x) current market conditions; and (xi) the market value of any securities into which the security is convertible or exchangeable.


Standards For Fair Value Determinations.  As a general principle, the fair value of a security is the amount that a Fund might reasonably expect to realize upon its current sale. The Trust has adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Codification Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures ("ASC 820"). In accordance with ASC 820, fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive upon selling an investment in a timely transaction to an independent buyer in the principal or most advantageous market of the investment.  ASC 820 establishes a three-tier hierarchy to maximize the use of observable market data and minimize the use of unobservable inputs and to establish classification of fair value measurements for disclosure purposes.  Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk, for example, the risk inherent in a particular valuation technique used to measure fair value including such a pricing model and/or the risk inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the reporting entity's own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, developed based on the best information available under the circumstances.


Various inputs are used in determining the value of each Fund's investments relating to ASC 820.  These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below.


Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.


Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)


Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including a Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).




52







The fair value team takes into account the relevant factors and surrounding circumstances, which may include: (i) the nature and pricing history (if any) of the security; (ii) whether any dealer quotations for the security are available; (iii) possible valuation methodologies that could be used to determine the fair value of the security; (iv) the recommendation of a portfolio manager of the Fund with respect to the valuation of the security; (v) whether the same or similar securities are held by other funds managed by the Adviser (or sub-adviser) or other funds and the method used to price the security in those funds; (vi) the extent to which the fair value to be determined for the security will result from the use of data or formulae produced by independent third parties and (vii) the liquidity or illiquidity of the market for the security.


Board of Trustees Determination.  The Board of Trustees meets at least quarterly to consider the valuations provided by fair value team and ratify valuations for the applicable securities. The Board of Trustees considers the reports provided by the fair value team, including follow up studies of subsequent market-provided prices when available, in reviewing and determining in good faith the fair value of the applicable portfolio securities.


The Trust expects that the New York Stock Exchange will be closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.


Purchase of Shares


Orders for shares received by the Portfolio in good order prior to the NYSE Close on each day that the NYSE is open for trading are priced at the NAV per share computed as of the close of the regular session of trading on the NYSE. Orders received in good order after the NYSE Close, or on a day it is not open for trading, are priced at the close of such NYSE on the next day on which it is open for trading at the next determined NAV per share.


Redemption of Shares


The Portfolio will redeem all or any portion of a shareholder’s shares of the Portfolio when requested in accordance with the procedures set forth in the “Redemptions” section of the Prospectus. Under the 1940 Act, a shareholder’s right to redeem shares and to receive payment therefore may be suspended at times:

 

(a)

when the NYSE is closed, other than customary weekend and holiday closings;

(b) when trading on that exchange is restricted for any reason;

(c) when an emergency exists as a result of which disposal by the Portfolio of securities owned by it is not reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably   practicable for


53







the Portfolio fairly to determine the value of its net assets, provided that applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) (or any succeeding governmental authority) will govern as to whether the conditions prescribed in (b) or (c) exist; or

(d) when the SEC by order permits a suspension of the right to redemption or a postponement of the date of payment on redemption.

 

In case of suspension of the right of redemption, payment of a redemption request will be made based on the net asset value next determined after the termination of the suspension.


TAX STATUS


The following discussion is general in nature and should not be regarded as an exhaustive presentation of all possible tax ramifications. All shareholders should consult a qualified tax adviser regarding their investment in the Portfolio.


The Portfolio has qualified and intends to continue to qualify and has elected to be treated as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and intends to continue to so qualify, which requires compliance with certain requirements concerning the sources of its income, diversification of its assets, and the amount and timing of its distributions to shareholders. Such qualification does not involve supervision of management or investment practices or policies by any government agency or bureau. By so qualifying, the Portfolio should not be subject to federal income or excise tax on its net investment income or net capital gain, which are distributed to shareholders in accordance with the applicable timing requirements. Net investment income and net capital gain of the Portfolio will be computed in accordance with Section 852 of the Code.


Net investment income is made up of dividends and interest less expenses. Net capital gain for a fiscal year is computed by taking into account any capital loss carryforward of the Portfolio. Capital losses incurred in tax years beginning after December 22, 2010 may now be carried forward indefinitely and retain the character of the original loss.  Under previously enacted laws, capital losses could be carried forward to offset any capital gains for eight years, and carried forward as short-term capital, irrespective of the character of the original loss.  Capital loss carry forwards are available to offset future realized capital gains. To the extent that these carry forwards are used to offset future capital gains it is probable that the amount offset will not be distributed to shareholders.

 

The Portfolio intends to distribute all of its net investment income, any excess of net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses, and any excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses in accordance with the timing requirements imposed by the Code and therefore should not be required to pay any federal income or excise taxes. Distributions of net investment income and net capital



54






gain will be made after June 30, the end of each fiscal year, and no later than December 31 of each year. Both types of distributions will be in shares of the Portfolio unless a shareholder elects to receive cash.


  To be treated as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code, the Portfolio must also (a) derive at least 90% of its gross income from dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans, net income from certain publicly traded partnerships and gains from the sale or other disposition of securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including, but not limited to, gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to the business of investing in such securities or currencies, and (b) diversify its holding so that, at the end of each fiscal quarter, (i) at least 50% of the market value of the Portfolio’s assets is represented by cash, U.S. government securities and securities of other regulated investment companies, and other securities (for purposes of this calculation, generally limited in respect of any one issuer, to an amount not greater than 5% of the market value of the Portfolio’s assets and 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer) and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of its assets is invested in the securities of (other than U.S. government securities or the securities of other regulated investment companies) any one issuer, two or more issuers which the Portfolio controls and which are determined to be engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses, or the securities of certain publicly traded partnerships.


If the Portfolio fails to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M in any fiscal year, it will be treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes. As such the Portfolio would be required to pay income taxes on its net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, at the rates generally applicable to corporations. Shareholders of the Portfolio generally would not be liable for income tax on the Portfolio’s net investment income or net realized capital gains in their individual capacities.


The Portfolio is subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on certain undistributed amounts of ordinary income and capital gain under a prescribed formula contained in Section 4982 of the Code. The formula requires payment to shareholders during a calendar year of distributions representing at least 98.2% of the Portfolio’s ordinary income for the calendar year and at least 98% of its capital gain net income (i.e., the excess of its capital gains over capital losses) realized during the one-year period ending October 31 during such year plus 100% of any income that was neither distributed nor taxed to the Portfolio during the preceding calendar year. Under ordinary circumstances, the Portfolio expects to time its distributions so as to avoid liability for this tax.


For a discussion of the tax consequences to holders of variable life or annuity contracts, refer to the prospectuses or other documents you received when you purchased your variable life or variable annuity contracts. Variable life or variable annuity contracts purchased through insurance company separate accounts provide for the accumulation of all earnings from interest, dividends, and capital appreciation without current federal income tax liability for the owner.  Depending on the variable annuity or variable life



55







contract, distributions from the contract may be subject to ordinary income tax and, in addition, on distributions before age 59 1/2, a 10% penalty tax.  Only the portion of a distribution attributable to income on the investment in the contract is subject to federal income tax.  Investors should consult with competent tax advisors for a more complete discussion of possible tax consequences in a particular situation.


Other Reporting and Withholding Requirements


 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 a 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. A 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 a Fund fails to provide the Fund with appropriate certifications or other documentation concerning its status under FATCA.


Additional Diversification Requirement


In addition to the diversification requirements applicable to all regulated investment companies discussed above, the Code imposes certain diversification standards on the underlying assets of variable life or variable annuity contracts held in the Portfolio. The Code provides that a variable annuity contract shall not be treated as an annuity contract for any period (and any subsequent period) for which the investments are not, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Treasury Department, adequately diversified. Disqualification of the variable life or variable annuity contract as such would result in immediate imposition of federal income tax on variable life or variable annuity contract owners with respect to earnings allocable to the contract. This liability would generally arise prior to the receipt of payments under the contract.


The Portfolio intends to comply, and continue to comply, with the diversification requirement imposed by Section 817(h) of the Code and the regulations thereunder on insurance company segregated asset (i.e., separate) accounts.  This requirement place certain limitations on the assets of each insurance company separate account, and, because Section 817(h) and those regulations treat the assets of the Portfolio as assets of the related separate account, of the Portfolio, that may be invested in securities of a single issuer.  Specifically, the regulations require that, except as permitted by the “safe harbor” described below, as of the end of each calendar quarter or within thirty days thereafter no more than 55% of the total assets of the Portfolio may be represented by any one



56







investment, no more than 70% by any two investments, no more than 80% by any three investments and no more than 90% by any four investments.  For this purpose, all securities of the same issuer are considered a single investment, and each U.S. government agency or instrumentality is considered a separate issuer.  Section 817(h) provides, as a safe harbor, that a separate account will be treated as being adequately diversified if the diversification requirements are satisfied and no more than 55% of the value of the account’s total assets are cash and cash items, U.S. Government Securities and securities of other registered investment companies.  Failure of the Portfolio to satisfy the Section 817(h) requirements would result in taxation of the insurance company issuing the Contracts and treatment of the holders other than as described in the applicable Contract prospectus.


Treasury regulations provide that a variable annuity contract will be able to look through to the assets held by the Portfolio for the purpose of meeting the diversification test if the Portfolio meets certain requirements.  The Portfolio will be managed in such a manner as to comply with the diversification requirements and to allow the variable annuity contracts to be treated as owning a proportionate share of the Portfolio’s assets. It is possible that in order to comply with the diversification requirements, less desirable investment decisions may be made which would affect the investment performance of the Portfolio.


The above discussion of the federal income tax treatment of the Portfolio assumes that all the insurance company accounts holding shares of the Portfolio are either segregated asset accounts underlying variable contracts as defined in Section 817(d) of the Code or the general account of an insurance company as defined in Section 816 of the Code.  Additional tax consequences may apply to holders of variable contracts investing in a Portfolio if any of those contracts are not treated as annuity, endowment or life insurance contracts.


Under Treasury regulations, if a shareholder realizes a loss on a disposition of the Portfolio’s shares of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder (such as an insurance company holding the separate accounts referenced in this SAI), the shareholder must file with the Internal Revenue Service 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, such as the separate accounts that owns shares of the Portfolio, are not excepted. This filing requirement applies even though, as a practical matter, any such loss would not reduce the taxable income of the insurance company holding the separate accounts. Future guidance may extend the current exception from this reporting requirement to shareholders of most or all regulated investment companies.


Shareholders should consult their tax advisors about the application of federal, state and local and foreign tax law in light of their particular situation.




57








INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


  

The Portfolio has selected BBD, LLP, located at 1835 Market Street, 26th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103 as its independent registered public accounting firm for the current fiscal year.  The firm provides services including (1) audit of annual financial statements, and (2) assistance and consultation in connection with SEC filings.


LEGAL COUNSEL


 

Thompson Hine LLP, 41 South High Street, Suite 1700, Columbus, Ohio 43215 serves as the Trust’s legal counsel.


FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



The financial statements and report of the independent registered public accounting firm required to be included in this SAI are hereby incorporated by reference to the Annual Report for the Portfolio for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013. You can obtain a copy of the Annual Report without charge by calling the Portfolio at 1- 866-263-9260.



58







APPENDIX A


DESCRIPTION OF BOND RATINGS


Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group. A Standard & Poor’s corporate bond rating is a current assessment of the credit worthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific obligation. This assessment of credit worthiness may take into consideration obligors, such as guarantors, insurers or lessees. The debt rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold a security, inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or suitability for a particular investor.  

 

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

 

The ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following considerations:

  

1.   Likelihood of default-capacity and willingness of the obligor as to the timely payment of interest and repayment of principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation.

 

2.   Nature of and provisions of the obligation.

 

3.  Protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the event of bankruptcy, reorganization or their arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors’ rights.

 

AAA - This is the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor’s to a debt obligation and indicates an extremely strong capacity to pay interest and repay any principal.

 

AA - Debt rated AA also qualifies as high quality debt obligations. Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is very strong and in the majority of instances they differ from AAA issues only in small degree.

 

A - Debt rated A has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher rated categories.

 

BBB - Debt rated BBB is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Whereas they normally exhibit protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a



A-1







weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for debt in this category than in higher rated categories.

 

BB, B, CCC, CC, C - Debt rated BB, B, CCC, CC and C is regarded, on a balance, as predominantly speculative with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation.

 

BB indicates the lowest degree of speculation and C the highest degree of speculation. While such debt will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions.

 

BB - Debt rated BB has less near-term vulnerability to default than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to inadequate capacity to meet timely interest and principal payments. The BB rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied BBB rating.

 

B - Debt rated B has greater vulnerability to default but currently has the capacity to meet interest payments and principal repayments. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair capacity or willingness to pay interest and repay principal. The B rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied BB or BB- rating.

 

CCC - Debt rated CCC has a currently indefinable vulnerability to default, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial and economic conditions to meet timely payment of interest and repayment of principal. In the event of adverse business, financial or economic conditions, it is not likely to have the capacity to pay interest and repay principal. The CCC rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied B or B- rating.

 

CC - The rating CC is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied CCC rating.

 

C - The rating C is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior debt which is assigned an actual or implied CCC- debt rating. The C rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed, but debt service payments are continued.

 

C1 - The rating C1 is reserved for income bonds on which no interest is being paid.

 

D - Debt rated D is in payment default. It is used when interest payments or principal payments are not made on a due date even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor’s believes that such payments will be made during such grace periods; it will also be used upon a filing of a bankruptcy petition if debt service payments are jeopardized. Plus (+) or Minus (-) - To provide more detailed indications of



A-2







credit quality, the ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.


NR - indicates that no public rating has been requested, that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that Standard & Poor’s does not rate a particular type of obligation as a matter of policy. Debt obligations of issuers outside the United States and its territories are rated on the same basis as domestic corporate issues. The ratings measure the credit worthiness of the obligor but do not take into account currency exchange and related uncertainties.

 

Bond Investment Quality Standards: Under present commercial bank regulations issued by the Comptroller of the Currency, bonds rated in the top four categories (AAA, AA, A, BBB, commonly known as “Investment Grade” ratings) are generally regarded as eligible for bank investment. In addition, the Legal Investment Laws of various states may impose certain rating or other standards for obligations eligible for investment by savings banks, trust companies, insurance companies and fiduciaries generally.

 

Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. A brief description of the applicable Moody’s rating symbols and their meanings follows:

 

Aaa - Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as “gilt edge”. Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are likely to change such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues.

 

Aa - Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as high grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuations of protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present which make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities.

 

A - Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and are to be considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors giving security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.

 

Baa - Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade obligations, i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great length of time. Some bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well.

 



A-3







NOTE: Bonds within the above categories which possess the strongest investment attributes are designated by the symbol “1” following the rating.

 

Ba - Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of interest and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded during good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class.

 

B - Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.

 

Caa - Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or interest.

 

Ca - Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative in a high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings.

 

C - Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds and issue so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing.

 

Duff & Phelps, Inc.: AAA-- highest credit quality, with negligible risk factors; AA -- high credit quality, with strong protection factors and modest risk, which may vary very slightly from time to time because of economic conditions; A-- average credit quality with adequate protection factors, but with greater and more variable risk factors in periods of economic stress. The indicators “+” and “-” to the AA and A categories indicate the relative position of a credit within those rating categories.

 

Fitch Investors Service LLP: AAA -- highest credit quality, with an exceptionally strong ability to pay interest and repay principal; AA -- very high credit quality, with very strong ability to pay interest and repay principal; A -- high credit quality, considered strong as regards principal and interest protection, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in economic conditions and circumstances. The indicators “+” and “-” to the AA, A and BBB categories indicate the relative position of credit within those rating categories.

 


DESCRIPTION OF NOTE RATINGS


A Standard & Poor’s note rating reflects the liquidity concerns and market access risks unique to notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely receive a note rating. Notes maturing beyond three years will most likely receive a long-term debt rating. The following criteria will be used in making that assessment.

 


A-4







Amortization schedule (the larger the final maturity relative to other maturities the more likely it will be treated as a note).

 

Source of Payment (the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note.) Note rating symbols are as

follows:

·

SP-1 Very strong or strong capacity to pay principal and interest. Those issues determined to possess overwhelming safety characteristics will be given a plus (+) designation.

·

SP-2 Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest.

·

SP-3 Speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.

Moody’s Short-Term Loan Ratings - Moody’s ratings for state and municipal short-term obligations will be designated Moody’s Investment Grade (MIG). This distinction is in recognition of the differences between short-term credit risk and long-term risk. Factors affecting the liquidity of the borrower are uppermost in importance in short-term borrowing, while various factors of major importance in bond risk are of lesser importance over the short run.

 

Rating symbols and their meanings follow:

·

MIG 1 - This designation denotes best quality. There is present strong protection by established cash flows, superior liquidity support or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.

·

MIG 2 - This designation denotes high quality. Margins of protection are ample although not so large as in the preceding group.

·

MIG 3 - This designation denotes favorable quality. All security elements are accounted for but this is lacking the undeniable strength of the preceding grades. Liquidity and cash flow protection may be narrow and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well established.

·

MIG 4 - This designation denotes adequate quality. Protection commonly regarded as required of an investment security is present and although not distinctly or predominantly speculative, there is specific risk.


COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS


Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.: Commercial paper rated “Prime” carries the smallest degree of investment risk. The modifiers 1, 2, and 3 are used to denote relative strength within this highest classification.


Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group: “A” is the highest commercial paper rating category utilized by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group which uses the numbers 1+, 1, 2 and 3 to denote relative strength within its “A” classification.




A-5







Duff & Phelps Inc.: Duff 1 is the highest commercial paper rating category utilized by Duff & Phelps which uses + or - to denote relative strength within this classification. Duff 2 represents good certainty of timely payment, with minimal risk factors. Duff 3 represents satisfactory protection factors, with risk factors larger and subject to more variation.


Fitch Investors Service LLP: F-1+ -- denotes exceptionally strong credit quality given to issues regarded as having strongest degree of assurance for timely payment; F-1 -- very strong, with only slightly less degree of assurance for timely payment than F-1+; F-2 -- good credit quality, carrying a satisfactory degree of assurance for timely payment.

 

 


A-6








APPENDIX B


CRITICAL MATH ADVISORS, LLC


PROXY AND CORPORATE ACTION VOTING

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES


I.

POLICY

Critical Math Advisors, LLC (the “Adviser”) acts as discretionary investment adviser for various clients, which may include clients governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) and registered open-end investment companies (“mutual funds”).  Adviser’s authority to vote proxies or act with respect to other shareholder actions is established through the delegation of discretionary authority under our investment advisory contracts.  Therefore, unless a client (including a “named fiduciary” under ERISA) specifically reserves the right, in writing, to vote its own proxies or to take shareholder action with respect to other corporate actions requiring shareholder actions, Adviser will vote all proxies and act on all other actions in a timely manner as part of its full discretionary authority over client assets in accordance with these Policies and Procedures.  Corporate actions may include, for example and without limitation, tender offers or exchanges, bankruptcy proceedings, and class actions.


When voting proxies or acting with respect to corporate actions for clients, Adviser’s utmost concern is that all decisions be made solely in the best interest of the client (and for ERISA accounts, plan beneficiaries and participants, in accordance with the letter and spirit of ERISA).  Adviser will act in a prudent and diligent manner intended to enhance the economic value of the assets of the client’s account.


II.

PURPOSE

The purpose of these Policies and Procedures is to memorialize the procedures and policies adopted by Adviser to enable it to comply with its fiduciary responsibilities to clients and the requirements of Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (“Advisers Act”).  These Policies and Procedures also reflect the fiduciary standards and responsibilities set forth by the Department of Labor for ERISA accounts.


III.

PROCEDURES

The Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser is ultimately responsible for ensuring that all proxies received by Adviser are voted in a timely manner and in a manner consistent with the Adviser’s determination of the client’s best interests.  Although many proxy proposals can be voted in accordance with the Adviser’s established guidelines (see Section V. below, “Guidelines”), the Adviser recognizes that


A-7







some proposals require special consideration which may dictate that the Adviser makes an exception to the Guidelines.  


The Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser is also responsible for ensuring that all corporate action notices or requests which require shareholder action received by Adviser are addressed in a timely manner and consistent action is taken across all similarly situated client accounts.


A.

Conflicts of Interest

Examples of potential conflicts of interest include situations where the Adviser or an affiliate, or personnel of either entity:

• Manages a pension plan of a company whose management is soliciting proxies;

• Has a material business relationship with a proponent of a proxy proposal and this business relationship may influence how the proxy vote is cast;

• Has a business or personal relationship with participants in a proxy contest, corporate directors or candidates for directorships.


Where a proxy proposal raises a material conflict between Adviser’s interests and a client’s interest, including a mutual fund client, Adviser will resolve such a conflict in the manner described below:


1.

Vote in Accordance with the Guidelines.  To the extent that the Adviser has little or no discretion to deviate from the Guidelines with respect to the proposal in question, the Adviser shall vote in accordance with such pre-determined voting policy.

2.

Obtain Consent of Clients.  To the extent that Adviser has discretion to deviate from the Guidelines with respect to the proposal in question, Adviser will disclose the conflict to the relevant clients and obtain their consent to the proposed vote prior to voting the securities.  The disclosure to the client will include sufficient detail regarding the matter to be voted on and the nature of Adviser’s conflict that the client would be able to make an informed decision regarding the vote.  If a client does not respond to such a conflict disclosure request or denies the request, Adviser will abstain from voting the securities held by that client’s account.  

3.

Client Directive to Use an Independent Third Party.  Alternatively, a client may, in writing, specifically direct Adviser to forward all proxy matters in which Adviser has a conflict of interest regarding the client’s securities to an identified independent third party for review and recommendation.  Where such independent third party’s recommendations are received on a timely basis, Adviser will vote all such proxies in accordance with such third party’s recommendation.  If the third party’s recommendations are not



A-8







timely received, Adviser will abstain from voting the securities held by that client’s account.

The Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser will review the proxy proposal for conflicts of interest as part of the overall vote review process.  All material conflict of interest so identified by Adviser will be addressed as described above in this Section III.A.

 

B.

Limitations

In certain circumstances, in accordance with a client’s investment advisory contract (or other written directive) or where Adviser has determined that it is in the client’s best interest, Adviser will not vote proxies received.  The following are certain circumstances where Adviser will limit its role in voting proxies:


1.

Client Maintains Proxy Voting Authority:  Where client specifies in writing that it will maintain the authority to vote proxies itself or that it has delegated the right to vote proxies to a third party, Adviser will not vote the securities and will direct the relevant custodian to send the proxy material directly to the client.  If any proxy material is received by Adviser, it will promptly be forwarded to the client or specified third party.

2.

Terminated Account:  Once a client account has been terminated with Adviser in accordance with its investment advisory agreement, Adviser will not vote any proxies received after the termination.  However, the client may specify in writing that proxies should be directed to the client (or a specified third party) for action.

3.

Limited Value:  If Adviser determines that the value of a client’s economic interest or the value of the portfolio holding is indeterminable or insignificant, Adviser may abstain from voting a client’s proxies.  Adviser also will not vote proxies received for securities that are no longer held by the client’s account.  In addition, Adviser generally will not vote securities where the economic value of the securities in the client account is less than $500.

4.

Securities Lending Programs:  When securities are out on loan, they are transferred into the borrower’s name and are voted by the borrower, in its discretion.  However, where Adviser determines that a proxy vote (or other shareholder action) is materially important to the client’s account, Adviser may recall the security for purposes of voting.

5.

Unjustifiable Costs:  In certain circumstances, after doing a cost-benefit analysis, Adviser may abstain from voting where the cost



A-9







of voting a client’s proxy would exceed any anticipated benefits to the client of the proxy proposal.

6.

Investments in Other Investment Companies: To the extent the Fund invests in other investment companies, the Fund is required by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “IC Act”) to handle proxies received from these investment companies in a certain manner.  In particular it is the policy of the Adviser to vote all proxies received from other investment companies in the same proportion that all shares of the other investment companies are voted, or in accordance with instructions received from fund shareholders. All proxies received from other investment companies will be reviewed with the Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser or appropriate legal counsel to ensure proper voting.  After properly voted, the proxy materials are placed in a file maintained by the Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser for future reference.  


IV.

RECORD KEEPING

In accordance with Rule 204-2 under the Advisers Act, Adviser will maintain for the time periods set forth in the Rule (i) these proxy voting procedures and policies, and all amendments thereto; (ii) all proxy statements received regarding client securities (provided however, that Adviser may rely on the proxy statement filed on EDGAR as its records); (iii) a record of all votes cast on behalf of clients; (iv) records of all client requests for proxy voting information and a copy of any written response by the Adviser to any such client request; (v) any documents prepared by Adviser that were material to making a decision how to vote or that memorialized the basis for the decision; and (vi) all records relating to requests made to clients regarding conflicts of interest in voting the proxy.


Adviser will describe in its Part II of Form ADV (or other brochure fulfilling the requirement of Rule 204-3) its proxy voting policies and procedures and will inform clients how they may obtain information on how Adviser voted proxies with respect to the clients’ portfolio securities.  Clients may obtain information on how their securities were voted or a copy of Adviser’s Policies and Procedures by written request addressed to Adviser.  Adviser will coordinate with all mutual fund clients to assist in the provision of all information required to be filed by such mutual funds on Form N-PX.


V.

GUIDELINES FOR MUTUAL FUND CLIENTS OF THE ADVISER

Each proxy issue will be considered individually.  The following guidelines are a partial list to be used in voting proposals contained in the proxy statements, but will not be used as rigid rules.



A-10







A.

Oppose

The Adviser will generally vote against any management proposal that clearly has the effect of restricting the ability of shareholders to realize the full potential value of their investment.  Proposals in this category would include:

1.

Issues regarding the issuer’s Board entrenchment and anti-takeover measures such as the following:

a.

Proposals to stagger board members’ terms;

b.

Proposals to limit the ability of shareholders to call special meetings;

c.

Proposals to require super majority votes;

d.

Proposals requesting excessive increases in authorized common or preferred shares where management provides no explanation for the use or need of these additional shares;

e.

Proposals regarding “fair price” provisions;

f.

Proposals regarding “poison pill” provisions; and

g.

Permitting “green mail”.

2.

Providing cumulative voting rights.

3.

“Social issues,” unless specific client guidelines supersede.

B.

Approve

Routine proposals are those that do not change the structure, bylaws, or operations of the corporation to the detriment of the shareholders.  Given the routine nature of these proposals, proxies will nearly always be voted with management.  Traditionally, these issues include:

1.

Routine Election of directors recommended by management, except if there is a proxy fight.

2.

Election of auditors recommended by management, unless seeking to replace if there exists a dispute over policies.

3.

Date and place of annual meeting.

4.

Limitation on charitable contributions or fees paid to lawyers.



A-11







5.

Ratification of directors’ actions on routine matters since previous annual meeting.

6.

Confidential voting

Confidential voting is most often proposed by shareholders as a means of eliminating undue management pressure on shareholders regarding their vote on proxy issues.

The Adviser will generally approve these proposals as shareholders can later divulge their votes to management on a selective basis if a legitimate reason arises.

7.

Limiting directors’ liability

8.

Eliminate preemptive right

Preemptive rights give current shareholders the opportunity to maintain their current percentage ownership through any subsequent equity offerings. These provisions are no longer common in the U.S., and can restrict management's ability to raise new capital.

9.

The Adviser generally approves the elimination of preemptive rights, but will oppose the elimination of limited preemptive rights, e.g., on proposed issues representing more than an acceptable level of total dilution.

10.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

11.

Establish 401(k) Plan

C.

Case-By-Case

The Adviser will review each issue in this category on a case-by-case basis.  Voting decisions will be made based on the financial interest of the client.  These matters include:

1.

Pay directors solely in stocks

2.

Eliminate director mandatory retirement policy

3.

Rotate annual meeting location/date

4.

Option and stock grants to management and directors

5.

Allowing indemnification of directors and/or officers after reviewing the applicable laws

6.

and extent of protection requested.



A-12







D.

Proxies issued by Underlying Investment Companies

The Adaptive Allocation Fund, a series of the Northern Lights Fund Trust, and the Adaptive Allocation Portfolio (together with the Adaptive Allocation Fund, the “Funds”), a series of the Northern Lights Variable Trust, pursue their investment goals in part by investing in other investment companies that are not affiliated with the Funds (“Underlying Funds”).  As such, the Funds are required by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) to handle proxies received from Underlying Funds in a certain manner.  In particular, it is the policy of the Adviser to vote all proxies received from the Underlying Funds in the same proportion that all shares of the Underlying Funds are voted, or in accordance with instructions received from Funds shareholders, pursuant to Section 12(d)(1)(F) of the 1940 Act.  All proxies received from Underlying Funds will be reviewed to ensure proper voting.  After properly voted, the proxy materials are placed in a file maintained by the Adviser for future reference.  

CAVEAT: The Firm ONLY votes proxies solicited by issuers of securities owned by Adaptive Allocation Fund and Adaptive Allocation Portfolio. Otherwise, the Firm does not vote individual client proxies.






A-13