XML 14 R1.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.7.0.1
PAX LARGE CAP FUND

Pax Large Cap Fund

 

(the "Large Cap Fund")

 

Summary of Key Information

Investment Objective

The Large Cap Fund's investment objective is to seek long-term growth of capital.

Fees & Expenses

The tables below describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Institutional Class or Individual Investor Class shares of the Large Cap Fund.

Shareholder Fees (Fees Paid Directly From Your Investment)

Shareholder Fees - PAX LARGE CAP FUND
Institutional Class
Individual Investor Class
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a % of offering price) none none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) imposed on redemptions (as a % of the lower of original purchase price or net asset value) none none

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

Annual Fund Operating Expenses - PAX LARGE CAP FUND
Institutional Class
Individual Investor Class
Management Fee 0.65% 0.65%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees none 0.25%
Other Expenses [1] 0.06% 0.06%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0.71% 0.96%
[1] "Other Expenses" are based on annualized estimated amounts.

Example of Expenses

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in Institutional Class or Individual Investor Class shares of the Large Cap Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.

 

The table assumes that an investor invests $10,000 in Institutional Class or Individual Investor Class shares of the Large Cap Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeems all of his or her shares at the end of those periods. The table also assumes that the investment has a 5% return each year, that all dividends and distributions are reinvested and that the Large Cap Fund's operating expenses remain the same throughout those periods. Although an investor's actual expenses may be higher or lower than those shown in the table, based on these assumptions his or her expenses would be:

Expense Example - PAX LARGE CAP FUND - USD ($)
One Year
Three Years
Institutional Class 73 227
Individual Investor Class 98 306

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when shares are held in a taxable account. These transaction costs, which are not reflected in "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" or in the "Example of Expenses," affect the Large Cap Fund's performance. Because the Large Cap Fund has not yet completed its initial fiscal year, the Fund has no reportable portfolio turnover rate.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Large Cap Fund follows a sustainable investing approach, combining rigorous financial analysis with equally rigorous environmental, social and governance (ESG) analysis in order to identify investments.

 

Under normal market conditions, the Large Cap Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities (such as common stocks, securities convertible into common or preferred stocks and warrants) of companies that, when purchased, have capitalizations within the range of Standard & Poor's 500 Index as measured by market capitalization. As of December 31, 2016, Standard & Poor's 500 Index included companies with market capitalizations ranging from approximately $2.8 billion to $608.7 billion.

 

The Large Cap Fund seeks to select equity securities using a "bottom-up" approach with stock selection as the intended primary driver of return and long term factor exposures as a secondary source of return, where "factors" are investment characteristics that the Adviser believes explain the risk and return behavior of a particular security. The portfolio manager may overweight or underweight a specific sector and may take significant positions, which could lead to increased volatility. The Large Cap Fund is not constrained by any particular investment style, and may therefore invest in "growth" stocks, "value" stocks or a combination of both. Additionally, it may buy stocks in any sector or industry.

 

The Large Cap Fund may invest up to 45% of its assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers, including American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"). The Large Cap Fund may invest no more than 25% of its assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers other than ADRs. The Large Cap Fund's investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may include investments in emerging markets.

 

The Large Cap Fund may utilize derivatives, including but not limited to repurchase agreements, foreign currency exchange contracts, options and futures contracts, for hedging and for investment purposes.

Principal Risks

Equity Securities Risk The market price of equity securities may fluctuate significantly, rapidly and unpredictably, causing the Fund to experience losses. The prices of equity securities generally are more volatile than the prices of debt securities.

 

Market Risk Conditions in a broad or specialized market, a sector thereof or an individual industry may adversely affect security prices, thereby reducing the value of the Fund's investments. To the extent the Fund takes significant positions in one or more specific sectors, countries or regions, the Fund will be subject to the risks associated with such sector(s), country(ies) or region(s) to a greater extent than would be a more broadly diversified fund.

 

Derivatives Risk Derivatives involve special risks and may result in losses. The values of derivatives can be very volatile, especially in unusual market conditions, and that volatility can be exacerbated by the use of leverage, which is common for derivative strategies. Derivatives may be illiquid, and may also be subject to the risk of nonperformance by a transaction counterparty. The Fund may not be able to enter into, or terminate, a derivatives position when desired. Derivatives also may be subject to mispricing and improper valuation, and may increase the amount of taxes payable by shareholders.

 

Non-U.S. Securities Risk Non-U.S. securities may have less liquidity and more volatile prices than domestic securities, which can make it difficult for the Fund to sell such securities at desired times or prices. Non-U.S. markets may differ from U.S. markets in material and adverse ways. For example, securities transaction expenses generally are higher, transaction settlement may be slower, recourse in the event of default may be more limited and taxes and currency exchange controls may limit amounts available for distribution to shareholders. Non-U.S. investments are also subject to the effects of local political, social, diplomatic or economic events.

 

Management Risk The Fund is actively managed. The investment techniques and decisions of the investment adviser and the Fund's portfolio manager(s) may not produce the desired results.

 

Growth Securities Risk Growth securities typically trade at higher multiples of current earnings than other securities. Therefore, the values of growth securities may be more sensitive to changes in current or expected earnings than the values of other securities.

 

Value Securities Risk The Fund may invest in companies that may not be expected to experience significant earnings growth, but whose securities the investment adviser believes are selling at a price lower than their true value. Companies that issue value securities may have experienced adverse business developments or may be subject to special risks that have caused their securities to be out of favor. If the investment adviser's assessment of a company's prospects is wrong, or if the market does not recognize the value of the company, the price of its securities may decline or may not approach the value that the investment adviser anticipates.

 

Medium-Sized Capitalization Company Risk Securities of medium-sized companies may have less liquidity and more volatile prices than securities of larger companies, which can make it difficult for the Fund to sell such securities at desired times or prices.

 

Turnover Risk Frequent changes in the securities held by a Fund increases the Fund's transaction costs and may result in adverse tax consequences, which together may adversely affect the Fund's performance.

 

Emerging Markets Risk Investments in emerging markets are likely to have greater exposure to the risks associated with investments in non-U.S. securities generally. Additionally, emerging market countries generally have less mature economies and less developed securities markets with more limited trading activity, are more heavily dependent on international trade and support, have a higher risk of currency devaluation, and may have more volatile inflation rates or longer periods of high inflation than more developed countries.

 

As with all mutual funds, investors may lose money by investing in the Large Cap Fund.

 

The foregoing descriptions are only summaries. Please see "About the Funds—Principal Risks" on page 55 for more detailed descriptions of the foregoing risks.

Performance Information

No performance information is shown for the Large Cap Fund because, as of December 31, 2016, it had not yet been in operation for a full calendar year.

Pax Mid Cap Fund

Pax Mid Cap Fund

 

(the "Mid Cap Fund")

 

Summary of Key Information

Investment Objective

The Mid Cap Fund's investment objective is to seek long-term growth of capital.

Fees & Expenses

The tables below describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Institutional Class or Individual Investor Class shares of the Mid Cap Fund.

Shareholder Fees (Fees Paid Directly From Your Investment)

Shareholder Fees - Pax Mid Cap Fund
Institutional Class
Individual Investor Class
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a % of offering price) none none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) imposed on redemptions (as a % of the lower of original purchase price or net asset value) none none

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

Annual Fund Operating Expenses - Pax Mid Cap Fund
Institutional Class
Individual Investor Class
Management Fee 0.75% 0.75%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees none 0.25%
Other Expenses [1] 0.15% 0.15%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0.90% 1.15%
[1] "Other Expenses" have been annualized to reflect a full year of expenses.

Example of Expenses

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in Institutional Class or Individual Investor Class shares of the Mid Cap Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.

 

The table assumes that an investor invests $10,000 in Institutional Class or Individual Investor Class shares of the Mid Cap Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeems all of his or her shares at the end of those periods. The table also assumes that the investment has a 5% return each year, that all dividends and distributions are reinvested and that the Mid Cap Fund's operating expenses remain the same throughout those periods. Although an investor's actual expenses may be higher or lower than those shown in the table, based on these assumptions his or her expenses would be:

Expense Example - Pax Mid Cap Fund - USD ($)
One Year
Three Years
Five Years
Ten Years
Institutional Class 92 287 498 1,108
Individual Investor Class 117 365 633 1,398

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when shares are held in a taxable account. These transaction costs, which are not reflected in "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" or in the "Example of Expenses," affect the Mid Cap Fund's performance. For the period between the Fund's commencement of operations on March 31, 2016 through December 31, 2016, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 53% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Mid Cap Fund follows a sustainable investing approach, combining rigorous financial analysis with equally rigorous environmental, social and governance (ESG) analysis in order to identify investments.

 

Under normal market conditions, the Mid Cap Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities (such as common stocks, securities convertible into common or preferred stocks and warrants) of companies that, when purchased, have capitalizations within the range of the Russell Midcap Index as measured by market capitalization. As of December 31, 2016, the Russell Midcap Index included companies with market capitalizations ranging from approximately $644 million to $57.6 billion.

 

The Mid Cap Fund selects equity securities on a company-by-company basis primarily through the use of fundamental analysis. The portfolio manager may overweight or underweight specific sectors and may take significant positions, which could lead to increased volatility. The Mid Cap Fund is not constrained by any particular investment style, and may therefore invest in "growth" stocks, "value" stocks or a combination of both. Additionally, it may buy stocks in any sector or industry.

 

The Mid Cap Fund may invest up to 45% of its assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers, including American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"). The Mid Cap Fund may invest no more than 25% of its assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers other than ADRs. The Mid Cap Fund's investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers, if any, may be diversified across multiple countries or geographic regions, or may be focused in a single country or geographic region.

 

The Mid Cap Fund may utilize derivatives for hedging and for investment purposes.

Principal Risks

Market Risk Conditions in a broad or specialized market, a sector thereof or an individual industry may adversely affect security prices, thereby reducing the value of the Fund's investments. To the extent the Fund takes significant positions in one or more specific sectors, countries or regions, the Fund will be subject to the risks associated with such sector(s), country(ies) or region(s) to a greater extent than would be a more broadly diversified fund.

 

Derivatives Risk Derivatives involve special risks and may result in losses. The values of derivatives can be very volatile, especially in unusual market conditions, and that volatility can be exacerbated by the use of leverage, which is common for derivative strategies. Derivatives may be illiquid, and may also be subject to the risk of nonperformance by a transaction counterparty. The Fund may not be able to enter into, or terminate, a derivatives position when desired. Derivatives also may be subject to mispricing and improper valuation, and may increase the amount of taxes payable by shareholders.

 

Non-U.S. Securities Risk Non-U.S. securities may have less liquidity and more volatile prices than domestic securities, which can make it difficult for the Fund to sell such securities at desired times or prices. Non-U.S. markets may differ from U.S. markets in material and adverse ways. For example, securities transaction expenses generally are higher, transaction settlement may be slower, recourse in the event of default may be more limited and taxes and currency exchange controls may limit amounts available for distribution to shareholders. Non-U.S. investments are also subject to the effects of local political, social, diplomatic or economic events.

 

Turnover Risk Frequent changes in the securities held by a Fund increases the Fund's transaction costs and may result in adverse tax consequences, which together may adversely affect the Fund's performance.

 

Growth Securities Risk Growth securities typically trade at higher multiples of current earnings than other securities. Therefore, the values of growth securities may be more sensitive to changes in current or expected earnings than the values of other securities.

 

Small and Medium-Sized Capitalization Company Risk Securities of small- and medium-sized companies may have less liquidity and more volatile prices than securities of larger companies, which can make it difficult for the Fund to sell such securities at desired times or prices.

 

Value Securities Risk Value securities are securities the investment adviser believes are selling at a price lower than their true value, perhaps due to adverse business developments or special risks. If that belief is wrong or remains unrecognized by the market, the price of the securities may decline or may not appreciate as anticipated.

 

As with all mutual funds, investors may lose money by investing in the Mid Cap Fund.

 

The foregoing descriptions are only summaries. Please see "About the Fund—Principal Risks" on page 55 for more detailed descriptions of the foregoing risks.

Performance Information

No performance information is shown for the Mid Cap Fund because, as of December 31, 2016, it had not yet been in operation for a full calendar year.

Pax Small Cap Fund

Pax Small Cap Fund

 

(the "Small Cap Fund")

 

Summary of Key Information

Investment Objective

The Small Cap Fund's investment objective is to seek long-term growth of capital.

Fees & Expenses

The tables below describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Institutional Class, Individual Investor Class or Class A shares of the Small Cap Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts for Class A shares if you and your spouse or minor children invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Class A shares of the Small Cap Fund. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial intermediary, under "Shareholder Guide—Sales Charges" on page 68 of this Prospectus and under "Distribution and Shareholder Services—Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers" on page 93 in the Statement of Additional Information.

Shareholder Fees (Fees Paid Directly From Your Investment)

Shareholder Fees - Pax Small Cap Fund
Institutional Class
Individual Investor Class
Class A
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a % of offering price) none none 5.50%
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) imposed on redemptions (as a % of the lower of original purchase price or net asset value) none none 1.00% [1]
[1] This charge applies to investors who purchase $1 million or more of Class A shares without an initial sales charge and redeem them within 18 months of purchase, with certain exceptions. See "Shareholder Guide-Sales Charges."

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

Annual Fund Operating Expenses - Pax Small Cap Fund
Institutional Class
Individual Investor Class
Class A
Management Fee 0.75% 0.75% 0.75%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees none 0.25% 0.25%
Other Expenses 0.19% 0.19% 0.19%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0.94% 1.19% 1.19%

Example of Expenses

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in Institutional Class, Individual Investor Class or Class A shares of the Small Cap Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.

 

The table assumes that an investor invests $10,000 in Institutional Class, Individual Investor Class or Class A shares of the Small Cap Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeems all of his or her shares at the end of those periods. The table also assumes that the investment has a 5% return each year, that all dividends and distributions are reinvested and that the Small Cap Fund's operating expenses remain the same throughout those periods. Although an investor's actual expenses may be higher or lower than those shown in the table, based on these assumptions his or her expenses would be:

Expense Example - Pax Small Cap Fund - USD ($)
One Year
Three Years
Five Years
Ten Years
Institutional Class 96 300 520 1,155
Individual Investor Class 121 378 654 1,443
Class A 665 907 1,168 1,914

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when shares are held in a taxable account. These transaction costs, which are not reflected in "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" or in the "Example of Expenses," affect the Small Cap Fund's performance. During the Small Cap Fund's most recent fiscal year, the Small Cap Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 49% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Small Cap Fund follows a sustainable investing approach, combining rigorous financial analysis with equally rigorous environmental, social and governance (ESG) analysis in order to identify investments.

 

Under normal market conditions, the Small Cap Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities (such as common stocks, securities convertible into common or preferred stocks and warrants) of companies that, when purchased, have capitalizations within the range of the Russell 2000 Index as measured by market capitalization. As of December 31, 2016, the Russell 2000 Index included companies with market capitalizations from approximately $21 million to $10.6 billion.

 

The Small Cap Fund selects equity securities on a company-by-company basis primarily through the use of fundamental analysis. The portfolio manager may overweight or underweight a specific sector and may take significant positions, including positions in companies in the financial services sector, which could lead to increased volatility. The Small Cap Fund is not constrained by any particular investment style, and may therefore invest in "growth" stocks, "value" stocks or a combination of both. Additionally, it may buy stocks in any sector or industry.

 

The Small Cap Fund may invest up to 45% of its assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers, including American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"). The Small Cap Fund may invest no more than 25% of its assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers other than ADRs. The Small Cap Fund's investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers, if any, may be diversified across multiple countries or geographic regions, or may be focused in a single country or geographic region.

 

The Small Cap Fund may utilize derivatives for hedging and for investment purposes.

Principal Risks

Market Risk Conditions in a broad or specialized market, a sector thereof or an individual industry may adversely affect security prices, thereby reducing the value of the Fund's investments. To the extent the Fund takes significant positions in one or more specific sectors, countries or regions, the Fund will be subject to the risks associated with such sector(s), country(ies) or region(s) to a greater extent than would be a more broadly diversified fund.

 

Derivatives Risk Derivatives involve special risks and may result in losses. The values of derivatives can be very volatile, especially in unusual market conditions, and that volatility can be exacerbated by the use of leverage, which is common for derivative strategies. Derivatives may be illiquid, and may also be subject to the risk of nonperformance by a transaction counterparty. The Fund may not be able to enter into, or terminate, a derivatives position when desired. Derivatives also may be subject to mispricing and improper valuation, and may increase the amount of taxes payable by shareholders.

 

Non-U.S. Securities Risk Non-U.S. securities may have less liquidity and more volatile prices than domestic securities, which can make it difficult for the Fund to sell such securities at desired times or prices. Non-U.S. markets may differ from U.S. markets in material and adverse ways. For example, securities transaction expenses generally are higher, transaction settlement may be slower, recourse in the event of default may be more limited and taxes and currency exchange controls may limit amounts available for distribution to shareholders. Non-U.S. investments are also subject to the effects of local political, social, diplomatic or economic events.

 

Turnover Risk Frequent changes in the securities held by a Fund increases the Fund's transaction costs and may result in adverse tax consequences, which together may adversely affect the Fund's performance.

 

Growth Securities Risk Growth securities typically trade at higher multiples of current earnings than other securities. Therefore, the values of growth securities may be more sensitive to changes in current or expected earnings than the values of other securities.

 

Small- and Medium-Sized Capitalization Company Risk Securities of small- and medium-sized companies may have less liquidity and more volatile prices than securities of larger companies, which can make it difficult for the Fund to sell such securities at desired times or prices.

 

Value Securities Risk Value securities are securities the investment adviser believes are selling at a price lower than their true value, perhaps due to adverse business developments or special risks. If that belief is wrong or remains unrecognized by the market, the price of the securities may decline or may not appreciate as anticipated.

 

Financial Services Sector Risk Companies in the financial services sector are subject to the risk of regulatory change, decreased liquidity in credit markets and unstable interest rates. Such companies may have concentrated portfolios, such as a high level of loans to real estate developers, which makes them vulnerable to economic conditions that affect that industry. Performance of such companies may be affected by competitive pressures and exposure to investments or agreements that, under certain circumstances, may lead to losses. Companies in the financial services sector are subject to extensive governmental regulation that may limit the amount and types of loans and other financial commitments they can make, and interest rates and fees that they may charge. In addition, profitability of such companies is largely dependent upon the availability and the cost of capital.

 

As with all mutual funds, investors may lose money by investing in the Small Cap Fund.

 

The foregoing descriptions are only summaries. Please see "About the Funds—Principal Risks" on page 55 for more detailed descriptions of the foregoing risks.

Performance Information

The bar chart below presents the calendar year total returns for Individual Investor Class shares of the Small Cap Fund before taxes. The bar chart is intended to provide some indication of the risk of investing in the Small Cap Fund by showing changes in the Small Cap Fund's performance from year to year. As with all mutual funds, past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of future performance.

Individual Investor Class

Bar Chart
For the periods shown in the bar chart: Best quarter: 2nd quarter 2009, 19.79%
  Worst quarter: 3rd quarter 2011, -21.71%

Average Annual Total Returns The performance table below presents the average annual total returns for Individual Investor Class, Class A and Institutional Class shares of the Small Cap Fund. The performance table is intended to provide some indication of the risks of investment in the Small Cap Fund by showing how the Small Cap Fund's average annual total returns compare with the returns of a broad-based securities market index and a performance average of other similar mutual funds, each over a one-year, five-year and since inception period. After-tax performance is presented only for Individual Investor Class shares of the Fund. After-tax returns for Class A and Institutional Class shares may vary. After-tax returns are estimated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the effect of local, state or foreign taxes. Actual after-tax returns will depend on a shareholder's own tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns may not be relevant to shareholders who hold their shares through tax-advantaged arrangements (such as 401(k) plans and individual retirement accounts). As with all mutual funds, past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of future performance.

Average Annual Total Returns - Pax Small Cap Fund
1 Year
5 Years
Since Inception
Institutional Class [1] 18.17% 14.82% 10.29%
Individual Investor Class [1] 17.90% 14.55% 10.01%
Individual Investor Class | After Taxes on Distributions [1] 17.02% 13.26% 8.75%
Individual Investor Class | After Taxes on Distributions and Sales [1] 10.37% 11.38% 7.78%
Class A [1],[2] 11.39% 13.26% 9.30%
Russell 2000 Index [3],[4] 21.31% 14.46% 9.51%
Lipper Small-Cap Core Funds Index [4],[5] 22.54% 14.03% 9.50%
[1] The Fund's inception date is March 27, 2008. The Fund's investment adviser assumed certain expenses during the period; total returns would have been lower had these expenses not been assumed. For more recent month-end performance data, please visit www.paxworld.com or call us at 800.767.1729.
[2] Inception of Class A shares is May 1, 2013. The performance information shown for Class A shares includes the performance of Individual Investor Class shares, adjusted to reflect the sales charge applicable to Class A shares, for the period prior to Class A inception.
[3] The Russell 2000 Index measures the performance of the small-cap segment of the U.S. equity universe. The Russell 2000 Index is a subset of the Russell 3000 Index representing approximately 10% of the total market capitalization of that index. It includes approximately 2000 of the smallest securities based on a combination of their market cap and current index membership.
[4] Unlike the Small Cap Fund, the Russell 2000 Index and the Lipper Small-Cap Core Funds Index are not investments, are not professionally managed, have no policy of sustainable investing and (with the exception of the Lipper Small-Cap Core Funds Index) do not reflect deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. One cannot invest directly in any index.
[5] The Lipper Small-Cap Core Funds Index tracks the results of the 30 largest mutual funds in the Lipper Small-Cap Core Funds Average. The Lipper Small-Cap Core Funds Average is a total return performance average of the mutual funds tracked by Lipper, Inc. that, by portfolio practice, invest at least 75% of their equity assets in companies with market capitalizations (on a three-year weighted basis) below Lipper's USDE small-cap ceiling. Small-cap core funds have more latitude in the companies in which they invest. These funds typically have an average price-to-earnings ratio, price-to-book ratio, and three-year sales-per-share growth value, compared to the S&P SmallCap 600 Index. The Lipper Small-Cap Core Funds Index is not what is typically considered to be an "index" because it tracks the performance of other mutual funds rather than the changes in the value of a group of securities, a securities index or some other traditional economic indicator.
PAX ESG Beta Quality Fund

Pax ESG Beta Quality Fund

 

(the "ESG Beta Quality Fund")

 

Summary of Key Information

Investment Objective

The ESG Beta Quality Fund's investment objective is to seek long-term growth of capital.

Fees & Expenses

The tables below describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Institutional Class, Individual Investor Class or Class A shares of the ESG Beta Quality Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts for Class A shares if you and your spouse or minor children invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Class A shares of the ESG Beta Quality Fund. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial intermediary, under "Shareholder Guide—Sales Charges" on page 68 of this Prospectus and under "Distribution and Shareholder Services—Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers" on page 93 in the Statement of Additional Information.

Shareholder Fees (Fees Paid Directly From Your Investment)

Shareholder Fees - PAX ESG Beta Quality Fund
Institutional Class
Individual Investor Class
Class A
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a % of offering price) none none 5.50%
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) imposed on redemptions (as a % of the lower of original purchase price or net asset value) none none 1.00% [1]
[1] This charge applies to investors who purchase $1 million or more of Class A shares without an initial sales charge and redeem them within 18 months of purchase, with certain exceptions. See "Shareholder Guide-Sales Charges."

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

Annual Fund Operating Expenses - PAX ESG Beta Quality Fund
Institutional Class
Individual Investor Class
Class A
Management Fee [1],[2] 0.65% 0.65% 0.65%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees none 0.25% 0.25%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0.65% 0.90% 0.90%
[1] The management fee has been restated to reflect changes in the Fund's investment advisory agreement effective June 30, 2016.
[2] The management fee is a unified fee that includes all of the operating costs and expenses of the Fund (other than taxes, charges of governmental agencies, interest, brokerage commissions incurred in connection with portfolio transactions, distribution and/or service fees payable under a plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses), including accounting expenses, administrator, transfer agent and custodian fees, Fund legal fees and other expenses.

Example of Expenses

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in Institutional Class, Individual Investor Class or Class A shares of the ESG Beta Quality Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.

 

The table assumes that an investor invests $10,000 in Institutional Class, Individual Investor Class or Class A shares of the ESG Beta Quality Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeems all of his or her shares at the end of those periods. The table also assumes that the investment has a 5% return each year, that all dividends and distributions are reinvested and that the ESG Beta Quality Fund's operating expenses remain the same throughout those periods. Although an investor's actual expenses may be higher or lower than those shown in the table, based on these assumptions his or her expenses would be:

Expense Example - PAX ESG Beta Quality Fund - USD ($)
One Year
Three Years
Five Years
Ten Years
Institutional Class 66 208 362 810
Individual Investor Class 92 287 498 1,108
Class A 637 821 1,021 1,597

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when shares are held in a taxable account. These transaction costs, which are not reflected in "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" or in the "Example of Expenses," affect the ESG Beta Quality Fund's performance. During the ESG Beta Quality Fund's most recent fiscal year, the ESG Beta Quality Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 80% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The ESG Beta Quality Fund follows a sustainable investing approach, combining rigorous financial analysis with equally rigorous environmental, social and governance (ESG) analysis in order to identify investments.

 

"ESG Beta" is a term indicating that the Fund follows a "smart beta" or factor strategy incorporating ESG along with financial factors in its investment approach. In this type of investing, a portfolio of securities is overweighted toward certain factors in an effort to enhance return and/or reduce risk.

 

Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests primarily in large-capitalization domestic equity securities that the Adviser believes have strong Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) profiles and that exhibit higher "quality" characteristics and reasonable valuations. Specifically, the strategy favors securities with stronger ESG scores (as determined by the Adviser), higher profitability, higher earnings quality (based on a quantitative assessment of operating fundamentals and accruals), lower risk (i.e., the historic volatility of a security relative to the overall market) and lower valuations relative to the Russell 1000 Index. The portfolio manager may take significant positions in companies in the technology sector, which could lead to increased volatility.

 

The Adviser utilizes a quantitative process, optimizing ESG, quality factors and valuation factors relative to benchmark constraints.

 

ESG scores are calculated based on the Adviser's assessment of an issuer's ESG profile. The scores emphasize management of ESG-related risks, incorporate ESG trends (taking into account progress or regression in a company's ESG profile) and adjust for involvement in significant ESG-related controversies.

 

Quality factors include but are not limited to quantitative determinations of profitability, earnings quality and risk. Valuation is determined by considering a combination of earnings-based valuation measures.

 

The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers, including emerging market investments and American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), but may invest no more than 25% of its assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers other than ADRs.

 

The Fund may utilize derivatives for hedging and for investment purposes.

Principal Risks

·Market Risk Conditions in a broad or specialized market, a sector thereof or an individual industry may adversely affect security prices, thereby reducing the value of the Fund's investments.

 

·Derivatives Risk Derivatives involve special risks and may result in losses. The values of derivatives can be very volatile, especially in unusual market conditions, and that volatility can be exacerbated by the use of leverage, which is common for derivative strategies. Derivatives may be illiquid, and may also be subject to the risk of nonperformance by a transaction counterparty. The Fund may not be able to enter into, or terminate, a derivatives position when desired. Derivatives also may be subject to mispricing and improper valuation, and may increase the amount of taxes payable by shareholders.

 

·Non-U.S. Securities Risk Non-U.S. securities may have less liquidity and more volatile prices than domestic securities, which can make it difficult for the Fund to sell such securities at desired times or prices. Non-U.S. markets may differ from U.S. markets in material and adverse ways. For example, securities transaction expenses generally are higher, transaction settlement may be slower, recourse in the event of default may be more limited and taxes and currency exchange controls may limit amounts available for distribution to shareholders. Non-U.S. investments are also subject to the effects of local political, social, diplomatic or economic events.

 

·Growth Securities Risk Growth securities typically trade at higher multiples of current earnings than other securities. Therefore, the values of growth securities may be more sensitive to changes in current or expected earnings than the values of other securities.

 

·Equity Securities Risk The market price of equity securities may fluctuate significantly, rapidly and unpredictably, causing the Fund to experience losses. The prices of equity securities generally are more volatile than the prices of debt securities.

 

·Value Securities Risk The Fund may invest in companies that may not be expected to experience significant earnings growth, but whose securities the investment adviser believes are selling at a price lower than their true value. Companies that issue value securities may have experienced adverse business developments or may be subject to special risks that have caused their securities to be out of favor. If the investment adviser's assessment of a company's prospects is wrong, or if the market does not recognize the value of the company, the price of its securities may decline or may not approach the value that the investment adviser anticipates.

 

·Quantitative Models Risk Aperio uses quantitative analyses and models as part of its investment process, and any imperfections, errors, or limitations in those analyses and models could affect the Fund's performance. By necessity, these analyses and models make simplifying assumptions that limit their efficacy. Models that appear to explain prior market data can fail to predict future market events. Further, the data used in models may be inaccurate or subjective and may not include the most recent information about a company or a security. The Fund also runs the risk that PWM's or Aperio's assessment of an investment or its attributes may be wrong or that deficiencies in their internal systems or controls will cause losses for the Fund or impair Fund operations.

 

·Technology Sector Risk Prices of technology companies' securities historically have been more volatile than those of many other securities, especially over the short term. Technology companies are subject to significant competitive pressures, such as aggressive pricing of their products or services, new market entrants, competition for market share, short product cycles due to an accelerated rate of technological developments, evolving industry standards, changing customer demands and the potential for limited earnings and/or falling profit margins. The failure of a company to adapt to such changes could have a material adverse effect on the company's business, results of operations, and financial condition. Many technology companies have limited operating histories.

 

As with all mutual funds, investors may lose money by investing in the ESG Beta Quality Fund.

 

The foregoing descriptions are only summaries. Please see "About the Funds—Principal Risks" on page 55 for more detailed descriptions of the foregoing risks.

Performance Information

Effective June 30, 2016 the Pax Growth Fund was renamed the Pax ESG Beta Quality Fund and the strategy of the Fund changed. Accordingly, performance of the Fund for periods prior to June 30, 2016 may not be representative of the performance the Fund would have achieved had the Fund been following its current strategy.

 

The bar chart below presents the calendar year total returns for Individual Investor Class shares of the ESG Beta Quality Fund before taxes. The bar chart is intended to provide some indication of the risk of investing in the ESG Beta Quality Fund by showing changes in the ESG Beta Quality Fund's performance from year to year. As with all mutual funds, past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of future performance.

Individual Investor Class

Bar Chart
For the periods shown in the bar chart: Best quarter: 2nd quarter 2009, 15.98%
  Worst quarter: 4th quarter 2008, -26.10%

Average Annual Total Returns The performance table below presents the average annual total returns for Individual Investor Class, Class A and Institutional Class shares of the ESG Beta Quality Fund. The performance table is intended to provide some indication of the risks of investment in the ESG Beta Quality Fund by showing how the ESG Beta Quality Fund's average annual total returns compare with the returns of a broad-based securities market index and a performance average of other similar mutual funds over a one-year, five-year and ten-year period. After-tax performance is presented only for Individual Investor Class Shares of the Fund. After-tax returns for Class A and Institutional Class shares may vary. After-tax returns are estimated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the effect of local, state or foreign taxes. Actual after-tax returns will depend on a shareholder's own tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns may not be relevant to shareholders who hold their shares through tax-advantaged arrangements (such as 401(k) plans and individual retirement accounts). As with all mutual funds, past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of future performance.

Average Annual Total Returns - PAX ESG Beta Quality Fund
1 Year
5 Years
10 Years
Institutional Class [1],[2] 6.49% 12.45% 7.19%
Individual Investor Class [2] 6.26% 12.17% 6.95%
Individual Investor Class | After Taxes on Distributions [2] 3.70% 10.89% 6.09%
Individual Investor Class | After Taxes on Distributions and Sales [2] 5.34% 9.58% 5.54%
Class A [2],[3] 0.39% 10.91% 6.35%
Russell 1000 Index [4],[5] 12.05% 14.69% 7.08%
Lipper Multi-Cap Core Funds Index [5],[6] 12.27% 13.39% 6.32%
Russell 1000 Growth Index [5],[7] 7.08% 14.50% 8.33%
[1] Inception of Institutional Class shares is April 2, 2007. The performance information shown for Institutional Class shares includes the performance of Individual Investor Class shares for the period prior to Institutional Class inception. Expenses have not been adjusted to reflect the expenses allocable to Institutional Class shares. If such expenses were reflected, the returns would be higher than those shown.
[2] The Fund's inception date is April 11, 1997. The Fund's investment adviser assumed certain expenses during the period; total returns would have been lower had these expenses not been assumed. For more recent month-end performance data, please visit www.paxworld.com or call 800.767.1729.
[3] Inception of Class A shares is May 1, 2013. The performance information shown for Class A shares includes the performance of Individual Investor Class shares, adjusted to reflect the sales charge applicable to Class A shares, for the period prior to Class A inception.
[4] The Russell 1000 Index measures the performance of the 1,000 largest U.S. companies, as measured by market capitalization. It is a subset of the Russell 3000 Index, which measures the largest 3,000 companies. The Russell 1000 Index is comprised of over 90% of the total market capitalization of all listed U.S stocks.
[5] Unlike the ESG Beta Quality Fund, the Russell 1000 Index, the Russell 1000 Growth Index and the Lipper Multi-Cap Core Funds Index are not investments, are not professionally managed, have no policy of sustainable investing and (with the exception of the Lipper Multi-Cap Core Funds Index) do not reflect deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. One cannot invest directly in any index.
[6] The Lipper Multi-Cap Core Funds Index tracks the results of the 30 largest mutual funds in the Lipper Multi-Cap Core Funds Index Average. The Lipper Multi-Cap Core Funds Index Funds Average is a total return performance average of mutual funds tracked by Lipper, Inc. that invest in a variety of market capitalization ranges without concentrating 75% of their equity assets in any one market capitalization range over an extended period of time. These funds typically have average characteristics compared to the S&P SuperComposite 1500 Index. The Lipper Multi-Cap Core Funds Index is not what is typically considered to be an "index" because it tracks the performance of other mutual funds rather than the changes in the value of a group of securities, a securities index, or some other traditional economic indicator.
[7] The Russell 1000 Growth Index measures the performance of the large-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those companies in the Russell 1000 Index with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. The Russell 1000 Index measures the performance of the 1,000 largest U.S. companies, as measured by market capitalization.
PAX ESG BETA DIVIDEND FUND

Pax ESG Beta Dividend Fund

 

(the "ESG Beta Dividend Fund")

 

Summary of Key Information

Investment Objectives

The ESG Beta Dividend Fund's primary investment objective is income and capital appreciation.

As a secondary objective and to the extent consistent with its primary investment objective, the ESG Beta Dividend Fund seeks capital preservation.

Fees & Expenses

The tables below describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Institutional Class or Individual Investor Class shares of the ESG Beta Dividend Fund.

Shareholder Fees (Fees Paid Directly From Your Investment)

Shareholder Fees - PAX ESG BETA DIVIDEND FUND
Institutional Class
Individual Investor Class
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a % of offering price) none none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) imposed on redemptions (as a % of the lower of original purchase price or net asset value) none none

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

Annual Fund Operating Expenses - PAX ESG BETA DIVIDEND FUND
Institutional Class
Individual Investor Class
Management Fee [1] 0.65% 0.65%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees none 0.25%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0.65% 0.90%
[1] The management fee is a unified fee that includes all of the operating costs and expenses of the Fund (other than taxes, charges of governmental agencies, interest, brokerage commissions incurred in connection with portfolio transactions, distribution and/or service fees payable under a plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses), including accounting expenses, administrator, transfer agent and custodian fees, Fund legal fees and other expenses.

Example of Expenses

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in Institutional Class or Individual Investor Class shares of the ESG Beta Dividend Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.

 

The table assumes that an investor invests $10,000 in Institutional Class or Individual Investor Class shares of the ESG Beta Dividend Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeems all of his or her shares at the end of those periods. The table also assumes that the investment has a 5% return each year, that all dividends and distributions are reinvested and that the ESG Beta Dividend Fund's operating expenses remain the same throughout those periods. Although an investor's actual expenses may be higher or lower than those shown in the table, based on these assumptions his or her expenses would be:

Expense Example - PAX ESG BETA DIVIDEND FUND - USD ($)
One Year
Three Years
Institutional Class 66 208
Individual Investor Class 92 287

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when shares are held in a taxable account. These transaction costs, which are not reflected in "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" or in the "Example of Expenses," affect the ESG Beta Dividend Fund's performance. Because the ESG Beta Dividend Fund has not yet completed its initial fiscal year, the Fund has no reportable portfolio turnover rate.

Principal Investment Strategies

The ESG Beta Dividend Fund follows a sustainable investing approach, combining rigorous financial analysis with equally rigorous environmental, social and governance (ESG) analysis in order to identify investments.

 

"ESG Beta" is a term indicating that the Fund follows a "smart beta" or factor strategy incorporating ESG along with financial factors in its investment approach. In this type of investing, a portfolio of securities is overweighted toward certain factors in an effort to enhance return and/or reduce risk.

 

Under normal market conditions, the ESG Beta Dividend Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities that pay dividends. The portfolio strategy favors large-capitalization domestic equity securities with stronger ESG scores (as determined by the Adviser), higher dividends and underlying fundamentals to support those dividends, and higher quality investment fundamentals (based on a quantitative assessment of operating fundamentals and accruals) relative to the Russell 1000 Index.

 

The Adviser utilizes a quantitative process, optimizing ESG, dividend yield and earnings quality factors relative to benchmark constraints.

 

ESG scores are calculated based on the Adviser's assessment of an issuer's ESG profile. The scores emphasize management of ESG-related risks, incorporate ESG trends (taking into account progress or regression in a company's ESG profile) and adjust for involvement in significant ESG-related controversies.

 

Quality factors include but are not limited to quantitative determinations of profitability, earnings quality and risk.

 

The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers, including emerging market investments and American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), but may invest no more than 25% of its assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers other than ADRs.

 

The Fund may utilize derivatives for hedging and for investment purposes.

Principal Risks

·Market Risk Conditions in a broad or specialized market, a sector thereof or an individual industry may adversely affect security prices, thereby reducing the value of the Fund's investments.

 

·Derivatives Risk Derivatives involve special risks and may result in losses. The values of derivatives can be very volatile, especially in unusual market conditions, and that volatility can be exacerbated by the use of leverage, which is common for derivative strategies. Derivatives may be illiquid, and may also be subject to the risk of nonperformance by a transaction counterparty. The Fund may not be able to enter into, or terminate, a derivatives position when desired. Derivatives also may be subject to mispricing and improper valuation, and may increase the amount of taxes payable by shareholders.

 

·Non-U.S. Securities Risk Non-U.S. securities may have less liquidity and more volatile prices than domestic securities, which can make it difficult for the Fund to sell such securities at desired times or prices. Non-U.S. markets may differ from U.S. markets in material and adverse ways. For example, securities transaction expenses generally are higher, transaction settlement may be slower, recourse in the event of default may be more limited and taxes and currency exchange controls may limit amounts available for distribution to shareholders. Non-U.S. investments are also subject to the effects of local political, social, diplomatic or economic events.

 

·Turnover Risk Frequent changes in the securities held by a Fund increases the Fund's transaction costs and may result in adverse tax consequences, which together may adversely affect the Fund's performance.

 

·Growth Securities Risk Growth securities typically trade at higher multiples of current earnings than other securities. Therefore, the values of growth securities may be more sensitive to changes in current or expected earnings than the values of other securities.

 

·Value Securities Risk The Fund may invest in companies that may not be expected to experience significant earnings growth, but whose securities the investment adviser believes are selling at a price lower than their true value. Companies that issue value securities may have experienced adverse business developments or may be subject to special risks that have caused their securities to be out of favor. If the investment adviser's assessment of a company's prospects is wrong, or if the market does not recognize the value of the company, the price of its securities may decline or may not approach the value that the investment adviser anticipates.

 

·Quantitative Models Risk Aperio uses quantitative analyses and models as part of its investment process, and any imperfections, errors, or limitations in those analyses and models could affect the Fund's performance. By necessity, these analyses and models make simplifying assumptions that limit their efficacy. Models that appear to explain prior market data can fail to predict future market events. Further, the data used in models may be inaccurate or subjective and may not include the most recent information about a company or a security. The Fund also runs the risk that PWM's or Aperio's assessment of an investment or its attributes may be wrong or that deficiencies in their internal systems or controls will cause losses for the Fund or impair Fund operations.

 

·Management Risk The Fund is actively managed. The investment techniques and decisions of the investment adviser and the Fund's portfolio manager(s) may not produce the desired results.

 

·Equity Securities Risk The market price of equity securities may fluctuate significantly, rapidly and unpredictably, causing the Fund to experience losses. The prices of equity securities generally are more volatile than the prices of debt securities.

 

·Emerging Markets Risk Investments in emerging markets are likely to have greater exposure to the risks associated with investments in non-U.S. securities generally. Additionally, emerging market countries generally have less mature economies and less developed securities markets with more limited trading activity, are more heavily dependent on international trade and support, have a higher risk of currency devaluation, and may have more volatile inflation rates or longer periods of high inflation than more developed countries.

 

As with all mutual funds, investors may lose money by investing in the ESG Beta Dividend Fund.

 

The foregoing descriptions are only summaries. Please see "About the Funds—Principal Risks" on page 55 for more detailed descriptions of the foregoing risks.

Performance Information

No performance information is shown for the ESG Beta Dividend Fund because, as of December 31, 2016, it had not yet been in operation for a full calendar year.

Pax MSCI EAFE ESG Leaders Index Fund

Pax MSCI EAFE ESG Leaders Index Fund

 

(the "International Index Fund")

 

Summary of Key Information

Investment Objective

The International Index Fund seeks investment returns that closely correspond to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI EAFE ESG Leaders Index.

Fees & Expenses

The tables below describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Institutional Class or Individual Investor shares of the Fund.

Shareholder Fees (Fees Paid Directly From Your Investment)

Shareholder Fees - Pax MSCI EAFE ESG Leaders Index Fund
Institutional Class
Individual Investor Class
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a % of offering price) none none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) imposed on redemptions (as a % of the lower of original purchase price or net asset value) none none

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

Annual Fund Operating Expenses - Pax MSCI EAFE ESG Leaders Index Fund
Institutional Class
Individual Investor Class
Management Fee [1] 0.55% 0.55%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees none 0.25%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses [2] 0.01% 0.01%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0.56% 0.81%
[1] The management fee is a unified fee that includes all of the operating costs and expenses of the Fund (other than taxes, charges of governmental agencies, interest, brokerage commissions incurred in connection with portfolio transactions, distribution and/or service fees payable under a plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and extraordinary expenses), including accounting expenses, administrator, transfer agent and custodian fees, Fund legal fees and other expenses. (For this purpose, PWM does not consider acquired fund fees and expenses to be operating costs and expenses of the Fund.)
[2] Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses represent expenses indirectly borne by the Fund through its investment in other investment companies.

Example of Expenses

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in Institutional Class or Individual Investor Class shares of the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.

 

The table assumes that an investor invests $10,000 in Institutional Class or Individual Investor Class shares of the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeems all of his or her shares at the end of those periods. The table also assumes that the investment has a 5% return each year, that all dividends and distributions are reinvested and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same throughout those periods. Although an investor's actual expenses may be higher or lower than those shown in the table, based on these assumptions his or her expenses would be:

Expense Example - Pax MSCI EAFE ESG Leaders Index Fund - USD ($)
One Year
Three Years
Five Years
Ten Years
Institutional Class 57 179 313 701
Individual Investor Class 83 259 450 1,002

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when shares are held in a taxable account. These transaction costs, which are not reflected in "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" or in the "Example of Expenses," affect the Fund's performance. During the International Index Fund's most recent fiscal year, the International Index Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 44% of the average value of the portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The International Index Fund employs a "passive management"—or indexing—investment approach designed to track the performance of the MSCI EAFE ESG Leaders Index, which is created and maintained by MSCI, Inc. The MSCI EAFE ESG Leaders Index consists of equity securities of issuers organized or operating in developed market countries around the world excluding the U.S. and Canada that have high sustainability or environmental, social and governance (ESG) ratings relative to their sector and industry group peers, as rated by MSCI ESG Research annually. The MSCI EAFE ESG Leaders Index is composed of approximately 400 securities. As of December 31, 2016, the MSCI EAFE ESG Leaders Index included companies with market capitalization between approximately $2.3 billion and $195 billion.

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests more than 80% of its total assets in the component securities of the MSCI EAFE ESG Leaders Index and in American Depositary Receipts, Global Depositary Receipts and Euro Depositary Receipts representing the component securities of the MSCI EAFE ESG Leaders Index. The Fund may use a representative sampling strategy to achieve its investment objective, which means that it may not always hold the same securities in the same proportions as the MSCI EAFE ESG Leaders Index. The Fund also may invest up to 20% of its total assets in certain futures, options and swap contracts, cash and cash equivalents, and stocks not included in the MSCI EAFE ESG Leaders Index, but which Pax World Management LLC ("PWM") believes will help the Fund track the price and yield performance of the MSCI EAFE ESG Leaders Index. Any investments in stocks or stock options not included in the MSCI EAFE ESG Leaders Index will be evaluated by PWM for satisfaction of PWM's ESG criteria. See "Pax Sustainability/ESG Criteria" on page 61. PWM intends that, over time, the correlation between the Fund's performance and that of the MSCI EAFE ESG Leaders Index, before fees and expenses, will be 95% or better. If the MSCI EAFE ESG Leaders Index concentrates (i.e., holds 25% or more of its total assets) in the securities of a particular industry or group of industries, the Fund will concentrate its investments in the same industry or group of industries. As of the date of this Prospectus, the MSCI EAFE ESG Leaders Index is not concentrated in any industry or group of industries; however, the Fund may take significant positions in the financial services sector.

Principal Risks

Market Risk Conditions in a broad or specialized market, a sector thereof or an individual industry may adversely affect security prices, thereby reducing the value of the Fund's investments.

 

Derivatives Risk Derivatives involve special risks and may result in losses. The values of derivatives can be very volatile, especially in unusual market conditions, and that volatility can be exacerbated by the use of leverage, which is common for derivative strategies. Derivatives may be illiquid, and may also be subject to the risk of nonperformance by a transaction counterparty. The Fund may not be able to enter into, or terminate, a derivatives position when desired. Derivatives also may be subject to mispricing and improper valuation, and may increase the amount of taxes payable by shareholders.

 

Equity Securities Risk The market price of equity securities may fluctuate significantly, rapidly and unpredictably, causing the Fund to experience losses. The prices of equity securities generally are more volatile than the prices of debt securities.

 

Investment Approach Risk The Fund does not attempt to outperform the MSCI EAFE ESG Leaders Index or take defensive positions in declining markets. Accordingly, the Fund's performance would likely be adversely affected by a decline in the MSCI EAFE ESG Leaders Index.

 

Concentration Risk A fund that concentrates in a single industry or group of industries may be more susceptible to an economic, market, political or regulatory occurrence affecting that specific industry or group of industries. If the MSCI EAFE ESG Leaders Index concentrates in an industry or group of industries, the Fund will concentrate in the same industry or group of industries.

 

Non-U.S. Securities Risk Non-U.S. securities may have less liquidity and more volatile prices than domestic securities, which can make it difficult for the Fund to sell such securities at desired times or prices. Non-U.S. markets may differ from U.S. markets in material and adverse ways. For example, securities transaction expenses generally are higher, transaction settlement may be slower, recourse in the event of default may be more limited and taxes and currency exchange controls may limit amounts available for distribution to shareholders. Non-U.S. investments are also subject to the effects of local political, social, diplomatic or economic events.

 

Asian/Pacific Investment Risk Certain Asia and Pacific region economies have experienced over-extension of credit, currency devaluations and restrictions, high unemployment, high inflation, decreased exports and economic recessions. Asia and Pacific region economies generally are dependent on the economies of Europe and the United States, especially with respect to agricultural products and natural resources. Political and social instability and deteriorating economic conditions may result in significant downturns and increased volatility in many Asia and Pacific region economies. Portions of the Asia and Pacific region have historically been prone to natural disasters such as tsunamis and droughts and the region is economically sensitive to environmental events. Any such event could have a significant adverse effect on Asia and Pacific region economies. The Australian and New Zealand economies, in particular, are dependent on exports from the agricultural and mining sectors, which make those economies particularly susceptible to fluctuations in the commodities markets. Australian and New Zealand economies are also increasingly dependent on their growing service industries. Economic events in any one country can have a significant economic effect on the entire Asia and Pacific region.

 

European Investment Risk The Economic and Monetary Union of the European Union ("EU") requires compliance with restrictions on inflation rates, deficits, interest rates, debt levels and fiscal and monetary controls, each of which may significantly affect EU member countries, as well as other European countries. Decreasing imports or exports, changes in governmental regulations on trade, changes in the exchange rate of the euro and recessions in EU economies may have a significant adverse effect on the economies of EU members and their trading partners, including non-member European countries. Additionally, eastern European markets remain relatively undeveloped and may be particularly sensitive to political and economic developments.

 

Currency Risk The U.S. dollar value of your investment in the Fund may go down if the value of the local currency of the non-U.S. markets in which the Fund invests depreciates against the U.S. dollar.

 

Issuer Risk The value of a security may fluctuate due to factors affecting only the entity that issued the security.

 

Non-Correlation Risk The performance of the International Index Fund and of the MSCI EAFE ESG Leaders Index may vary somewhat for a variety of reasons. For example, the International Index Fund incurs operating expenses and portfolio transaction costs not incurred by the MSCI EAFE ESG Leaders Index. In addition, the International Index Fund may not be able to be fully invested in the component securities of the MSCI EAFE ESG Leaders Index. Any use of sampling techniques may affect the International Index Fund's ability to achieve close correlation with the MSCI EAFE ESG Leaders Index.

 

Management Risk At any time that the Fund employs a representative sampling strategy, investment decisions made by PWM and the Fund's portfolio manager may cause the Fund to underperform the MSCI EAFE ESG Leaders Index.

 

Small- and Medium-Sized Company Risk Securities of small- and medium-sized companies may have less liquidity and more volatile prices than securities of larger companies, which can make it difficult for the Fund to sell such securities at desired times or prices.

 

Financial Services Sector Risk Companies in the financial services sector are subject to the risk of regulatory change, decreased liquidity in credit markets and unstable interest rates. Such companies may have concentrated portfolios, such as a high level of loans to real estate developers, which makes them vulnerable to economic conditions that affect that industry. Performance of such companies may be affected by competitive pressures and exposure to investments or agreements that, under certain circumstances, may lead to losses. Companies in the financial services sector are subject to extensive governmental regulation that may limit the amount and types of loans and other financial commitments they can make, and interest rates and fees that they may charge. In addition, profitability of such companies is largely dependent upon the availability and the cost of capital.

 

As with all mutual funds, investors may lose money by investing in the International Index Fund.

 

The foregoing descriptions are only summaries. Please see "About the Fund—Principal Risks" on page 55 for more detailed descriptions of the foregoing risks.

Performance Information

Effective March 31, 2014 the International Index Fund acquired the assets of Pax World International Fund, a series of Pax World Funds Series Trust I, and of Pax MSCI EAFE ESG Index ETF, a series of Pax World Funds Trust II, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization dated December 13, 2013 (the "Reorganizations"). Because the International Index Fund had no investment operations prior to the closing of the Reorganizations, and based on the similarity of the International Index Fund to Pax MSCI EAFE ESG Index ETF, Pax MSCI EAFE ESG Index ETF (the "Predecessor Fund") is treated as the survivor of the Reorganizations for accounting and performance reporting purposes. Accordingly, all performance and other information shown for the International Index Fund for periods prior to March 31, 2014 is that of the Predecessor Fund.

 

The bar chart below presents the calendar year total returns for Institutional Class shares of the International Index Fund before taxes. The bar chart is intended to provide some indication of the risk of investing in the International Index Fund by showing changes in the International Index Fund's performance from year to year. All performance information shown for the International Index Fund for periods prior to March 31, 2014 is that of the Predecessor Fund. As with all mutual funds, past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of future performance.

Institutional Class Shares

Bar Chart
For the periods shown in the bar chart: Best quarter: 3rd quarter 2013, 10.78%
  Worst quarter: 3rd quarter 2011, -17.36%

Average Annual Total Returns The performance table below presents the average annual total returns for Institutional Class and Individual Investor Class shares of the Fund. The performance table is intended to provide some indication of the risk of investing in the Fund by showing how the Fund's average annual total returns compare with the returns of a broad-based securities market index over a one-year, five-year and ten-year period. All performance information shown for the Fund for periods prior to March 31, 2014 is that of the Predecessor Fund. After-tax performance is presented only for Institutional Class Shares of the Fund. After-tax returns for Individual Investor Class shares would be lower. After-tax returns are estimated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the effect of local, state or foreign taxes. Actual after-tax returns will depend on a shareholder's own tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns may not be relevant to investors who hold shares of the Fund through tax-advantaged arrangements (such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts) As with all mutual funds, past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of future performance.

Average Annual Total Returns - Pax MSCI EAFE ESG Leaders Index Fund
1 Year
5 Years
Since Inception
Institutional Class [1] (1.63%) 6.55% 2.86%
Institutional Class | After Taxes on Distributions [1] (2.77%) 5.41% 1.77%
Institutional Class | After Taxes on Distributions and Sales [1] (0.92%) 4.62% 1.74%
Individual Investor Class [1],[2] (1.85%) 6.29% 2.60%
MSCI EAFE ESG Leaders (Net) Index [3],[4] (0.45%) 7.20% 3.53%
MSCI EAFE (Net) Index [4],[5] 1.00% 6.53% 2.60%
Lipper International Large-Cap Core Funds Index [4],[6] 2.64% 6.27% 2.19%
[1] The Fund's inception date is January 27, 2011. For more recent month-end performance data, please visit www.paxworld.com or call us at 800.767.1729.
[2] Inception of Individual Investor Class shares is March 31, 2014. The returns shown for Individual Investor Class shares for the period prior to Individual Investor Class shares inception are those of the Predecessor Fund. These returns have been adjusted to reflect the expenses allocable to Individual Investor Class shares.
[3] The MSCI EAFE ESG Leaders Index is an index of equity securities of issuers organized or operating in developed market countries around the world excluding the U.S. and Canada that have high sustainability or environmental, social and governance (ESG) ratings relative to their sector and industry group peers, as rated by MSCI ESG Research annually. MSCI ESG Research evaluates companies' ESG characteristics and derives corresponding ESG scores and ratings. Companies are ranked by ESG score against their sector peers to determine their eligibility for the MSCI ESG indices. MSCI ESG Research identifies the highest-rated companies in each peer group to meet the float-adjusted market capitalization sector targets. The rating system is based on general and industry-specific ESG criteria, assigning ratings on a 7-point scale from AAA (highest) to CCC (lowest). Performance for the MSCI EAFE ESG Leaders Index is shown "net", which includes dividend reinvestments after deduction of foreign withholding tax.
[4] Unlike the International Index Fund, the MSCI EAFE ESG Leaders Index and the MSCI EAFE Index and the Lipper International Large-Cap Core Funds Index are not investments, are not professionally managed, and (with the exception of the Lipper International Large-Cap Core Funds Index) do not reflect deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. One cannot invest directly in any index.
[5] The MSCI EAFE (Europe, Australasia, Far East) Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the U.S. and Canada. The MSCI EAFE Index consists of the following 21 developed market country indices: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Performance for the MSCI EAFE Index is shown "net", which includes dividend reinvestments after deduction of foreign withholding tax.
[6] The Lipper International Large-Cap Core Funds Index tracks the results of funds that, by portfolio practice, invest at least 75% of their equity assets in companies strictly outside of the U.S. with market capitalizations (on a three-year weighted basis) above Lipper's international large-cap floor. International large-cap core funds typically have an average price-to-cash flow ratio, price-to-book ratio, and three-year sales-per-share growth value compared to the S&P/Citigroup World ex-U.S. BMI. The Lipper International Large-Cap Core Funds Index is not what is typically considered to be an "index" because it tracks the performance of other mutual funds rather than the changes in the value of a group of securities, a securities index, or some other traditional economic indicator.
Pax Global Environmental Markets Fund

Pax Global Environmental Markets Fund

 

(the "Global Environmental Markets Fund")

 

Summary of Key Information

Investment Objective

The Global Environmental Markets Fund's investment objective is to seek long term growth of capital by investing in innovative companies around the world whose businesses and technologies focus on environmental markets, including alternative energy and energy efficiency; water infrastructure technologies and pollution control; environmental support services and waste management technologies; and sustainable food, agriculture and forestry.

Fees & Expenses

The tables below describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Institutional Class, Individual Investor Class or Class A shares of the Global Environmental Markets Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts for Class A shares if you and your spouse or minor children invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Class A shares of the Global Environmental Markets Fund. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial intermediary, under "Shareholder Guide—Sales Charges" on page 68 of this Prospectus and under "Distribution and Shareholder Services—Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers" on page 93 in the Statement of Additional Information.

Shareholder Fees (Fees Paid Directly From Your Investment)

Shareholder Fees - Pax Global Environmental Markets Fund
Institutional Class
Individual Investor Class
Class A
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a % of offering price) none none 5.50%
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) imposed on redemptions (as a % of the lower of original purchase price or net asset value) none none 1.00% [1]
[1] This charge applies to investors who purchase $1 million or more of Class A shares without an initial sales charge and redeem them within 18 months of purchase, with certain exceptions. See "Shareholder Guide-Sales Charges."

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

Annual Fund Operating Expenses - Pax Global Environmental Markets Fund
Institutional Class
Individual Investor Class
Class A
Management Fee [1] 0.80% 0.80% 0.80%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees none 0.25% 0.25%
Other Expenses 0.24% 0.24% 0.24%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 1.04% 1.29% 1.29%
Contractual Reimbursements [2] (0.06%) (0.06%) (0.06%)
Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0.98% 1.23% 1.23%
[1] The management fee has been restated to reflect changes in the Fund's investment advisory agreement effective June 30, 2016.
[2] The Global Environmental Markets Fund's investment adviser has contractually agreed to reimburse expenses (excluding Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, if any) allocable to Institutional Class, Individual Investor Class and Class A shares of the Global Environmental Markets Fund to the extent such expenses exceed 0.98%, 1.23% and 1.23% of the average daily net assets of Institutional Class, Individual Investor Class and Class A shares, respectively. This reimbursement arrangement may not be amended or terminated without the approval of the Fund's Board of Trustees before December 31, 2018.

Example of Expenses

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in Institutional Class, Individual Investor Class or Class A shares of the Global Environmental Markets Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.

 

The table assumes that an investor invests $10,000 in Institutional Class, Individual Investor Class or Class A shares of the Global Environmental Markets Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeems all of his or her shares at the end of those periods. The table also assumes that the investment has a 5% return each year, that all dividends and distributions are reinvested and that the Global Environmental Markets Fund's operating expenses remain the same throughout those periods. Although an investor's actual expenses may be higher or lower than those shown in the table, based on these assumptions his or her expenses would be:

Expense Example - Pax Global Environmental Markets Fund - USD ($)
One Year
Three Years
Five Years
Ten Years
Institutional Class 100 325 568 1,266
Individual Investor Class 125 403 702 1,551
Class A 668 931 1,213 2,016

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when shares are held in a taxable account. These transaction costs, which are not reflected in "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" or in the "Example of Expenses," affect the Global Environmental Markets Fund's performance. During the Global Environmental Markets Fund's most recent fiscal year, the Global Environmental Markets Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 30% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Global Environmental Markets Fund follows a sustainable investing approach, combining rigorous financial analysis with equally rigorous environmental, social and governance (ESG) analysis in order to identify investments.

 

Under normal market conditons, the Global Environmental Markets Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in companies whose businesses and technologies focus on environmental markets, including alternative energy and energy efficiency; water infrastructure technologies and pollution control; environmental support services and waste management technologies; and sustainable food, agriculture and forestry. Under normal market conditions, the Global Environmental Markets Fund will invest primarily in equity securities (such as common stocks, preferred stocks and securities convertible into common and preferred stocks) of companies located around the world, including at least 40% of its net assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers, including those located in emerging markets. The Fund's investments may be diversified across multiple countries or geographic regions, or may be focused on a select geographic region, although the Global Environmental Markets Fund will normally have investments in a minimum of three countries other than the United States.

 

The Global Environmental Markets Fund's Sub-Adviser selects equity securities on a company-by-company basis primarily through the use of fundamental analysis. The Global Environmental Markets Fund is not constrained by any particular investment style, and may therefore invest in "growth" stocks, "value" stocks or a combination of both. Additionally, it may buy stocks in any sector or industry, and it is not limited to investing in securities of a specific market capitalization.

 

The Global Environmental Markets Fund may utilize derivatives for hedging and for investment purposes.

 

The Global Environmental Markets Fund seeks to invest in companies with positive overall environmental performance and whose products or services help other companies and countries improve their environmental performance, and avoids investing in companies with significant environmental problems or worsening environmental profiles. In addition, the Fund strives to be fossil fuel-free (avoiding investing in companies that PWM determines are significantly involved in the extraction and/or refining of fossil fuels).

Principal Risks

Market Risk Conditions in a broad or specialized market, a sector thereof or an individual industry may adversely affect security prices, thereby reducing the value of the Fund's investments.

 

Derivatives Risk Derivatives involve special risks and may result in losses. The values of derivatives can be very volatile, especially in unusual market conditions, and that volatility can be exacerbated by the use of leverage, which is common for derivative strategies. Derivatives may be illiquid, and may also be subject to the risk of nonperformance by a transaction counterparty. The Fund may not be able to enter into, or terminate, a derivatives position when desired. Derivatives also may be subject to mispricing and improper valuation, and may increase the amount of taxes payable by shareholders.

 

Non-U.S. Securities Risk Non-U.S. securities may have less liquidity and more volatile prices than domestic securities, which can make it difficult for the Fund to sell such securities at desired times or prices. Non-U.S. markets may differ from U.S. markets in material and adverse ways. For example, securities transaction expenses generally are higher, transaction settlement may be slower, recourse in the event of default may be more limited and taxes and currency exchange controls may limit amounts available for distribution to shareholders. Non-U.S. investments are also subject to the effects of local political, social, diplomatic or economic events.

 

Turnover Risk Frequent changes in the securities held by a Fund increases the Fund's transaction costs and may result in adverse tax consequences, which together may adversely affect the Fund's performance.

 

Growth Securities Risk Growth securities typically trade at higher multiples of current earnings than other securities. Therefore, the values of growth securities may be more sensitive to changes in current or expected earnings than the values of other securities.

 

Small- and Medium-Sized Capitalization Company Risk Securities of small- and medium-sized companies may have less liquidity and more volatile prices than securities of larger companies, which can make it difficult for the Fund to sell such securities at desired times or prices.

 

Value Securities Risk Value securities are securities the investment adviser believes are selling at a price lower than their true value, perhaps due to adverse business developments or special risks. If that belief is wrong or remains unrecognized by the market, the price of the securities may decline or may not appreciate as anticipated.

 

As with all mutual funds, investors may lose money by investing in the Global Environmental Markets Fund.

 

The foregoing descriptions are only summaries. Please see "About the Funds—Principal Risks" on page 55 for more detailed descriptions of the foregoing risks.

Performance Information

The bar chart below presents the calendar year total returns for Individual Investor Class shares of the Global Environmental Markets Fund before taxes. The bar chart is intended to provide some indication of the risk of investing in the Global Environmental Markets Fund by showing changes in the Global Environmental Markets Fund's performance from year to year. As with all mutual funds, past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of future performance.

Individual Investor Class

Bar Chart
For the periods shown in the bar chart: Best quarter: 2nd quarter 2009, 29.43%
  Worst quarter: 3rd quarter 2011, -21.05%

Average Annual Total Returns The performance table below presents the average annual total returns for Individual Investor Class, Class A and Institutional Class shares of the Global Environmental Markets Fund. The performance table is intended to provide some indication of the risks of investment in the Global Environmental Markets Fund by showing how the Global Environmental Markets Fund's average annual total returns compare with the returns of a broad-based securities market index over a one-year, five-year and ten-year period. After-tax performance is presented only for Individual Investor Class shares of the Fund. After-tax returns for Class A and Institutional Class shares may vary. After-tax returns are estimated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the effect of local, state or foreign taxes. Actual after-tax returns will depend on a shareholder's own tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns may not be relevant to shareholders who hold their shares through tax-advantaged arrangements (such as 401(k) plans and individual retirement accounts). As with all mutual funds, past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of future performance.

Average Annual Total Returns - Pax Global Environmental Markets Fund
1 Year
5 Years
Since Inception
Institutional Class [1] 10.91% 11.04% 4.72%
Individual Investor Class [1] 10.62% 10.77% 4.46%
Individual Investor Class | After Taxes on Distributions [1] 10.48% 10.45% 4.20%
Individual Investor Class | After Taxes on Distributions and Sales [1] 6.12% 8.56% 3.51%
Class A [1],[2] 4.58% 9.54% 3.79%
MSCI AC World (Net) Index [3],[4] 7.86% 9.36% 3.87%
FTSE Environmental Opportunities Index Series [4],[5] 11.68% 11.04%  
[1] The Fund's inception date is March 27, 2008. The Fund's investment adviser assumed certain expenses during the period; total returns would have been lower had these expenses not been assumed. For more recent month-end performance data, please visit www.paxworld.com or call us at 800.767.1729.
[2] Inception of Class A shares is May 1, 2013. The performance information shown for Class A shares includes the performance of Individual Investor Class shares, adjusted to reflect the sales charge applicable to Class A shares, for the period prior to Class A inception.
[3] The MSCI ACWI (Net) Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed and emerging markets. The MSCI ACWI consists of 46 country indexes comprising 23 developed and 23 emerging market country indexes. The developed market country indexes included are: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States. The emerging market country indexes included are: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Russia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and United Arab Emirates. Performance for the MSCI ACWI Index is shown "net," which includes dividend reinvestments after deduction of foreign withholding tax.
[4] Unlike the Global Environmental Markets Fund, the MSCI ACWI (Net) Index, and the FTSE Environmental Opportunities Index Series are not investments, are not professionally managed, have no policy of sustainable investing and do not reflect deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. One cannot invest directly in any index.
[5] The FTSE Environmental Opportunities Index Series measures the performance of global companies that have significant involvement in environmental business activities, including renewable and alternative energy, energy efficiency, water technology; waste and pollution control; and food, agriculture and forestry. The FTSE Environmental Opportunities Index Series requires companies to have at least 20% of their business derived from environmental markets and technologies. The FTSE Environmental Opportunities Index Series is published by a joint venture of Impax Asset Management, Ltd. ("Impax") with FTSE International. Impax is also the sub-adviser to the Pax World Global Environmental Markets Fund.
PAX CORE BOND FUND

Pax Core Bond Fund

 

(the "Core Bond Fund")

 

Summary of Key Information

Investment Objective

The Core Bond Fund's investment objective is to seek income and conservation of principal.

Fees & Expenses

The tables below describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Institutional Class or Individual Investor Class shares of the Core Bond Fund.

Shareholder Fees (Fees Paid Directly From Your Investment)

Shareholder Fees - PAX CORE BOND FUND
Institutional Class
Individual Investor Class
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a % of offering price) none none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) imposed on redemptions (as a % of the lower of original purchase price or net asset value) none none

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

Annual Fund Operating Expenses - PAX CORE BOND FUND
Institutional Class
Individual Investor Class
Management Fee 0.40% 0.40%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees none 0.25%
Other Expenses [1] 0.09% 0.09%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0.49% 0.74%
[1] "Other Expenses" are based on annualized estimated amounts.

Example of Expenses

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in Institutional Class or Individual Investor Class shares of the Core Bond Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.

 

The table assumes that an investor invests $10,000 in Institutional Class or Individual Investor Class shares of the Core Bond Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeems all of his or her shares at the end of those periods. The table also assumes that the investment has a 5% return each year, that all dividends and distributions are reinvested and that the Core Bond Fund's operating expenses remain the same throughout those periods. Although an investor's actual expenses may be higher or lower than those shown in the table, based on these assumptions his or her expenses would be:

Expense Example - PAX CORE BOND FUND - USD ($)
One Year
Three Years
Institutional Class 50 157
Individual Investor Class 76 237

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when shares are held in a taxable account. These transaction costs, which are not reflected in "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" or in the "Example of Expenses," affect the Core Bond Fund's performance. Because the Core Bond Fund has not yet completed its initial fiscal year, the Fund has no reportable portfolio turnover rate.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Core Bond Fund follows a sustainable investing approach, combining rigorous financial analysis with equally rigorous environmental, social and governance (ESG) analysis in order to identify investments.

 

Under normal market conditions, the Core Bond Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in bonds, which include debt obligations such as mortgage-related securities, securities issued by the United States government or its agencies and instrumentalities, municipal bonds, corporate bonds and high-impact bonds (which provide financing to support solutions to global sustainability challenges) across the spectrum of issuers, each of which is, at the time of purchase, rated at least investment grade (rated BBB- or higher by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group or Baa or higher by Moody's Investors Service) or unrated and determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality. The Fund also may have a small allocation of higher-rated high yield bonds, also commonly known as "junk bonds" (rated B or higher by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group or Moody's Investors Service). Although the Fund is not constrained with respect to duration, it seeks to maintain an average duration within .50 years of the duration of the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, which had a duration of 5.44 years as of December 31, 2016.

 

In determining which securities to buy for the Core Bond Fund, the portfolio manager seeks to determine the most attractive asset class and establish if each security's return is appropriate for its level of risk. In making these determinations, the portfolio manager generally performs a relative value analysis at the asset class level.

 

The Core Bond Fund may invest up to 45% of its assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers, including emerging market investments.

 

The Core Bond Fund may utilize derivatives, including but not limited to repurchase agreements, foreign currency exchange contracts, options and futures contracts, for hedging and for investment purposes.

Principal Risks

Market Risk Conditions in a broad or specialized market, a sector thereof or an individual industry may adversely affect security prices, thereby reducing the value of the Fund's investments.

 

Derivatives Risk Derivatives involve special risks and may result in losses. The values of derivatives can be very volatile, especially in unusual market conditions, and that volatility can be exacerbated by the use of leverage, which is common for derivative strategies. Derivatives may be illiquid, and may also be subject to the risk of nonperformance by a transaction counterparty. The Fund may not be able to enter into, or terminate, a derivatives position when desired. Derivatives also may be subject to mispricing and improper valuation, and may increase the amount of taxes payable by shareholders.

 

Non-U.S. Securities Risk Non-U.S. securities may have less liquidity and more volatile prices than domestic securities, which can make it difficult for the Fund to sell such securities at desired times or prices. Non-U.S. markets may differ from U.S. markets in material and adverse ways. For example, securities transaction expenses generally are higher, transaction settlement may be slower, recourse in the event of default may be more limited and taxes and currency exchange controls may limit amounts available for distribution to shareholders. Non-U.S. investments are also subject to the effects of local political, social, diplomatic or economic events.

 

Interest Rate Risk The value of debt securities tends to decrease when nominal interest rates rise. Longer-duration securities tend to be more sensitive to interest rate changes, and thus more volatile, than shorter-duration securities. A period of rising interest rates may negatively affect the Fund's performance. For example, if a debt security has a duration of four years, a 1% increase in interest rates could be expected to result in a 4% decrease in the value of the security.

 

Liquidity Risk Liquidity risk is the risk associated with a lack of marketability of investments, which may make it difficult to sell an investment at a desirable time or price. A lack of liquidity may cause the value of an investment to decline. The Fund may have to lower the selling price, sell other investments, or forego another, more appealing investment opportunity. Changing regulatory and market conditions, including a decline in the number or capacity of financial institutions to make markets in the Fund's investments, as well as increases in interest rates or credit spreads, may adversely affect the liquidity of the Fund's investments. Illiquid investments may also be more difficult to value, and judgment plays a larger role in valuing these investments as compared to valuing more liquid investments.

 

Credit Risk Changing economic conditions may adversely affect an obligated entity's actual or perceived ability to pay interest or principal on a fixed income security when due, which in turn can adversely affect the price of or income derived from the security.

 

Management Risk The Fund is actively managed. The investment techniques and decisions of the investment adviser and the Fund's portfolio manager(s) may not produce the desired results.

 

U.S. Government Securities Risk U.S. government securities that are not issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury are generally more susceptible to loss than are securities that are so issued or guaranteed.

 

Mortgage Risk Mortgage related securities tend to become more sensitive to interest rate changes as interest rates rise, increasing their volatility. When interest rates decline, underlying borrowers may pay off their loans sooner than expected, forcing the Fund to reinvest disposition proceeds at lower prevailing interest rates.

 

Reinvestment Risk Income from the Fund's investments may decline if the Fund is forced to invest the proceeds from matured, called or otherwise disposed of debt securities or convertible securities at interest rates that are below the Fund's earnings rate at that time.

 

Emerging Markets Risk Investments in emerging markets are likely to have greater exposure to the risks associated with investments in non-U.S. securities generally. Additionally, emerging market countries generally have less mature economies and less developed securities markets with more limited trading activity, are more heavily dependent on international trade and support, have a higher risk of currency devaluation, and may have more volatile inflation rates or longer periods of high inflation than more developed countries.

 

High Yield Securities Risk High yield securities ("junk bonds") are considered predominately speculative with respect to the issuer's continuing ability to make principal and interest payments when due. Investments in such securities tend to increase the Fund's exposure to interest rate risk, credit risk and liquidity risk.

 

Turnover Risk Frequent changes in the securities held by a Fund increases the Fund's transaction costs and may result in adverse tax consequences, which together may adversely affect the Fund's performance.

 

As with all mutual funds, investors may lose money by investing in the Core Bond Fund.

 

The foregoing descriptions are only summaries. Please see "About the Funds—Principal Risks" on page 55 for more detailed descriptions of the foregoing risks.

Performance Information

No performance information is shown for the Core Bond Fund because, as of December 31, 2016, it had not yet been in operation for a full calendar year.

Pax High Yield Bond Fund

Pax High Yield Bond Fund

 

(the "High Yield Bond Fund")

 

Summary of Key Information

Investment Objectives

The High Yield Bond Fund's primary investment objective is to seek high current income.

As a secondary investment objective the High Yield Bond Fund seeks capital appreciation.

Fees & Expenses

The tables below describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Institutional Class, Individual Investor Class or Class A shares of the High Yield Bond Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts for Class A shares if you and your spouse or minor children invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Class A shares of the High Yield Bond Fund. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial intermediary, under "Shareholder Guide—Sales Charges" on page 68 of this Prospectus and under "Distribution and Shareholder Services—Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers" on page 93 in the Statement of Additional Information.

Shareholder Fees (Fees Paid Directly From Your Investment)

Shareholder Fees - Pax High Yield Bond Fund
Institutional Class
Individual Investor Class
Class A
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a % of offering price) none none 4.50%
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) imposed on redemptions (as a % of the lower of original purchase price or net asset value) none none 1.00% [1]
[1] This charge applies to investors who purchase $1 million or more of Class A shares without an initial sales charge and redeem them within 18 months of purchase, with certain exceptions. See "Shareholder Guide-Sales Charges."

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

Annual Fund Operating Expenses - Pax High Yield Bond Fund
Institutional Class
Individual Investor Class
Class A
Management Fee 0.50% 0.50% 0.50%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees none 0.25% 0.25%
Other Expenses 0.24% 0.24% 0.23%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0.74% 0.99% 0.98%

Example of Expenses

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in Institutional Class, Individual Investor Class or Class A shares of the High Yield Bond Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.

 

The table assumes that an investor invests $10,000 in Institutional Class, Individual Investor Class or Class A shares of the High Yield Bond Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeems all of his or her shares at the end of those periods. The table also assumes that the investment has a 5% return each year, that all dividends and distributions are reinvested and that the High Yield Bond Fund's operating expenses remain the same throughout those periods. Although an investor's actual expenses may be higher or lower than those shown in the table, based on these assumptions his or her expenses would be:

Expense Example - Pax High Yield Bond Fund - USD ($)
One Year
Three Years
Five Years
Ten Years
Institutional Class 76 237 411 918
Individual Investor Class 101 315 547 1,213
Class A 545 748 967 1,597

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when shares are held in a taxable account. These transaction costs, which are not reflected in "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" or in the "Example of Expenses," affect the High Yield Bond Fund's performance. During the High Yield Bond Fund's most recent fiscal year, the High Yield Bond Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 111% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The High Yield Bond Fund follows a sustainable investing approach, combining rigorous financial analysis with equally rigorous environmental, social and governance (ESG) analysis in order to identify investments.

 

Under normal market conditions, the High Yield Bond Fund invests at least 80% of its assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in high-yield, fixed income securities (such as bonds, notes or debentures) that are rated below BBB- by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group or below Baa3 by Moody's Investors Service, similarly rated by another major rating service, or unrated and determined by the High Yield Bond Fund's investment adviser to be of comparable quality. These fixed income securities are commonly referred to as "junk bonds." The Fund may invest in securities of any maturity. The High Yield Bond Fund may, on a short-term basis pending longer term investment, invest in exchange traded funds that invest primarily in high-yield securities. The High Yield Bond Fund treats these short-term investments as high-yield, fixed income securities for purposes of its 80% policy.

 

In determining which securities to buy for the High Yield Bond Fund, the portfolio managers seek to establish if each security's return is appropriate for its level of risk.

 

In making this determination, the portfolio managers generally perform fundamental credit analysis. The High Yield Bond Fund may invest up to 40% of its assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers, including investments in emerging markets.

 

The High Yield Bond Fund may utilize derivatives for hedging and for investment purposes, and may invest in credit default swaps on indices of high-yield securities on a short-term basis (generally less than 90 days) pending longer term investment.

Principal Risks

Market Risk Conditions in a broad or specialized market, a sector thereof or an individual industry may adversely affect security prices, thereby reducing the value of the Fund's investments.

 

Derivatives Risk Derivatives involve special risks and may result in losses. The values of derivatives can be very volatile, especially in unusual market conditions, and that volatility can be exacerbated by the use of leverage, which is common for derivative strategies. Derivatives may be illiquid, and may also be subject to the risk of nonperformance by a transaction counterparty. The Fund may not be able to enter into, or terminate, a derivatives position when desired. Derivatives also may be subject to mispricing and improper valuation, and may increase the amount of taxes payable by shareholders.

 

Non-U.S. Securities Risk Non-U.S. securities may have less liquidity and more volatile prices than domestic securities, which can make it difficult for the Fund to sell such securities at desired times or prices. Non-U.S. markets may differ from U.S. markets in material and adverse ways. For example, securities transaction expenses generally are higher, transaction settlement may be slower, recourse in the event of default may be more limited and taxes and currency exchange controls may limit amounts available for distribution to shareholders. Non-U.S. investments are also subject to the effects of local political, social, diplomatic or economic events.

 

Interest Rate Risk The value of debt securities tends to decrease when nominal interest rates rise. Longer-duration securities tend to be more sensitive to interest rate changes, and thus more volatile, than shorter-duration securities. A period of rising interest rates may negatively affect the Fund's performance. For example, if a debt security has a duration of four years, a 1% increase in interest rates could be expected to result in a 4% decrease in the value of the security.

 

Liquidity Risk Liquidity risk is the risk associated with a lack of marketability of investments, which may make it difficult to sell an investment at a desirable time or price. A lack of liquidity may cause the value of an investment to decline. The Fund may have to lower the selling price, sell other investments, or forego another, more appealing investment opportunity. Changing regulatory and market conditions, including a decline in the number or capacity of financial institutions to make markets in the Fund's investments, as well as increases in interest rates or credit spreads, may adversely affect the liquidity of the Fund's investments. Illiquid investments may also be more difficult to value, and judgment plays a larger role in valuing these investments as compared to valuing more liquid investments.

 

Credit Risk Changing economic conditions may adversely affect an obligated entity's actual or perceived ability to pay interest or principal on a fixed income security when due, which in turn can adversely affect the price of or income derived from the security.

 

Reinvestment Risk Income from the Fund's investments may decline if the Fund is forced to invest the proceeds from matured, called or otherwise disposed of debt securities or convertible securities at interest rates that are below the Fund's earnings rate at that time.

 

Small- and Medium-Sized Capitalization Company Risk Securities of small- and medium-sized companies may have less liquidity and more volatile prices than securities of larger companies, which can make it difficult for the Fund to sell such securities at desired times or prices.

 

High Yield Securities Risk High yield securities ("junk bonds") are considered predominately speculative with respect to the issuer's continuing ability to make principal and interest payments when due. Investments in such securities tend to increase the Fund's exposure to interest rate risk, credit risk and liquidity risk.

 

As with all mutual funds, investors may lose money by investing in the High Yield Bond Fund.

 

The foregoing descriptions are only summaries. Please see "About the Funds—Principal Risks" on page 55 for more detailed descriptions of the foregoing risks.

Performance Information

The bar chart below presents the calendar year total returns for Individual Investor Class shares of the High Yield Bond Fund before taxes. The bar chart is intended to provide some indication of the risk of investing in the High Yield Bond Fund by showing changes in the High Yield Bond Fund's performance from year to year. As with all mutual funds, past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of future performance.

Individual Investor Class

Bar Chart
For the periods shown in the bar chart: Best quarter: 2nd quarter 2009, 11.79%
  Worst quarter: 4th quarter 2008, -17.51%

Average Annual Total Returns The performance table below presents the average annual total returns for Individual Investor Class, Class A and Institutional Class shares of the High Yield Bond Fund. The performance table is intended to provide some indication of the risks of investment in the High Yield Bond Fund by showing how the High Yield Bond Fund's average annual total returns compare with the returns of a broad-based securities market index and a performance average of other similar mutual funds, each over a one-year, five-year and ten-year period. After-tax performance is presented only for Individual Investor Class shares for the Fund. After-tax returns for Class A and Institutional Class shares may vary. After-tax returns are estimated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the effect of local, state or foreign taxes. Actual after-tax returns will depend on a shareholder's own tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns may not be relevant to shareholders who hold their shares through tax-advantaged arrangements (such as 401(k) plans and individual retirement accounts). As with all mutual funds, past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of future performance.

Average Annual Total Returns - Pax High Yield Bond Fund
1 Year
5 Years
10 Years
Institutional Class [1],[2] 13.96% 5.35% 5.55%
Individual Investor Class [2] 13.81% 5.09% 5.33%
Individual Investor Class | After Taxes on Distributions [2] 11.17% 2.41% 2.46%
Individual Investor Class | After Taxes on Distributions and Sales [2] 7.69% 2.76% 2.95%
Class A [2],[3] 8.76% 4.15% 4.86%
BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield -Cash Pay- BB-B (Constrained 2%) Index [4],[5] 14.76% 7.04% 6.95%
Lipper High Yield Bond Funds Index [5],[6] 14.54% 6.72% 5.92%
[1] Inception of Institutional Class shares is June 1, 2004.
[2] The Fund's investment adviser assumed certain expenses during the period; total returns would have been lower had these expenses not been assumed. For more recent month-end performance data, please visit www.paxworld.com or call 800.767.1729.
[3] Inception of Class A shares is May 1, 2013. The performance information shown for Class A shares includes the performance of Individual Investor Class shares, adjusted to reflect the sales charge applicable to Class A shares, for the period prior to Class A inception.
[4] The BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield-Cash Pay-BB-B (Constrained 2%) Index tracks the performance of BB- and B-rated fixed income securities publicly issued in the major domestic or eurobond markets, with total index allocation to an individual issuer limited to 2%.
[5] Unlike the High Yield Bond Fund, the BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield-Cash Pay-BB-B (Constrained 2%) Index and the Lipper High Yield Bond Funds Index are not investments, are not professionally managed, have no policy of sustainable investing and (with the exception of the Lipper High Yield Bond Funds Index) do not reflect deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. One cannot invest directly in any index.
[6] The Lipper High Yield Bond Funds Index tracks the results of the 30 largest mutual funds in the Lipper High Yield Bond Funds Average. The Lipper High Yield Bond Funds Average is a total return performance average of mutual funds tracked by Lipper, Inc. that aim at high (relative) current yield from fixed income securities, have no quality or maturity restrictions and tend to invest in lower grade debt issues. The Lipper High Yield Bond Funds Index is not what is typically considered an "index" because it tracks the performance of other mutual funds rather than changes in the value of a group of securities, a securities index or some other traditional economic indicator.
PAX Balanced Fund

Pax Balanced Fund

 

(the "Balanced Fund")

 

Summary of Key Information

Investment Objectives

The Balanced Fund's primary investment objective is to seek income and conservation of principal1. 

 

1 Although the Balanced Fund seeks conservation of principal, no assurance can be given that the Fund will achieve this objective, and an investment in the Fund involves the risk of loss.

 

As a secondary investment objective, the Balanced Fund seeks long-term growth of capital.

Fees & Expenses

The tables below describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Institutional Class or Individual Investor Class shares of the Balanced Fund.

Shareholder Fees (Fees Paid Directly From Your Investment)

Shareholder Fees - PAX Balanced Fund
Institutional Class
Individual Investor Class
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a % of offering price) none none
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) imposed on redemptions (as a % of the lower of original purchase price or net asset value) none none

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

Annual Fund Operating Expenses - PAX Balanced Fund
Institutional Class
Individual Investor Class
Management Fee [1],[2] 0.05% 0.05%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees none 0.25%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses [3] 0.63% 0.63%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0.68% 0.93%
[1] The management fee has been restated to reflect changes in the Fund's investment advisory agreement effective December 12, 2016.
[2] The management fee is a unified fee that includes all of the operating costs and expenses of the Fund (other than taxes, charges of governmental agencies, interest, brokerage commissions incurred in connection with portfolio transactions, distribution and/or service fees payable under a plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses), including accounting expenses, administrator, transfer agent and custodian fees, Fund legal fees and other expenses.
[3] Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses ("AFFEs") represent expenses indirectly borne by the Fund through its investment in other investment companies. The AFFEs have been restated to reflect the restructuring of the Fund as a fund of-funds effective December 12, 2016.

Example of Expenses

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in Institutional Class or Individual Investor Class shares of the Balanced Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.

 

The table assumes that an investor invests $10,000 in Institutional Class or Individual Investor Class shares of the Balanced Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeems all of his or her shares at the end of those periods. The table also assumes that the investment has a 5% return each year, that all dividends and distributions are reinvested and that the Balanced Fund's operating expenses remain the same throughout those periods. Although an investor's actual expenses may be higher or lower than those shown in the table, based on these assumptions his or her expenses would be:

Expense Example - PAX Balanced Fund - USD ($)
One Year
Three Years
Five Years
Ten Years
Institutional Class 69 218 379 847
Individual Investor Class 95 296 515 1,143

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when shares are held in a taxable account. These transaction costs, which are not reflected in "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" or in the "Example of Expenses," affect the Balanced Fund's performance. During the Balanced Fund's most recent fiscal year, the Balanced Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 49% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Balanced Fund follows a sustainable investing approach, combining rigorous financial analysis with equally rigorous environmental, social and governance (ESG) analysis in order to identify investments.

 

The Balanced Fund uses a team approach to allocate among multiple underlying funds managed by the Adviser ("Underlying Funds") in order to seek to achieve its investment objectives. The Adviser will allocate the Fund's assets among Underlying Funds in its sole discretion. Under normal market conditions, the Balanced Fund expects to invest (directly or indirectly through the use of Underlying Funds) approximately 60–75% of its assets in equity securities (such as common stocks, preferred stocks and securities convertible into common or preferred stocks) and 25–40% of its assets in debt securities (including but not limited to debt securities convertible into equity securities).

 

The Balanced Fund's fund-of-funds approach is designed to achieve lower volatility by combining complementary investment approaches. Allocation of assets among Underlying Funds is based on such factors as prudent diversification principles, the Adviser's general market outlooks (both domestic and global), historical performance, valuations and other economic factors. The Adviser may periodically adjust asset allocations to favor those Underlying Funds that it believes will provide the most favorable outlook for achieving the Fund's investment objective. The Adviser may periodically adjust the Fund's asset allocations at any time without notice to shareholders and without shareholder approval.

 

With respect to the fixed income portion of the portfolio, the Balanced Fund may, through Underlying Funds, be indirectly invested in (i) securities issued by the U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities, (ii) corporate bonds and asset backed securities of all types (including mortgage-backed securities), and (iii) securities of foreign issuers. The Fund may indirectly hold fixed income securities of any rating, including junk bonds (e.g., securities rated lower than BBB- by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group or Baa by Moody's Investors Service or unrated securities of comparable quality as determined by the Adviser), though it is not currently anticipated that the Fund will indirectly hold more than 20% of its assets in junk bonds. The Fund may invest in securities of any maturity. The Underlying Fund to be utilized for the fixed income portion of the Fund includes, but is not limited to, Pax Core Bond Fund.

 

With respect to the equity portion of its investment portfolio, the Fund may, through Underlying Funds, be indirectly invested in securities of companies with any market capitalization. The Underlying Funds to be utilized for the equity portion of the Fund include, but are not limited to, Pax Large Cap Fund, Pax ESG Beta Dividend Fund, Pax Mid Cap Fund and Pax MSCI EAFE ESG Leaders Index Fund.

 

The Balanced Fund's portfolio managers use both qualitative analysis and quantitative techniques when allocating the Balanced Fund's assets between equity securities and debt securities.

 

The Balanced Fund may invest, directly or indirectly, up to 45% of its assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers, including emerging market investments and American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), but may invest, directly or indirectly, no more than 25% of its assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers other than ADRs.

 

The Balanced Fund may utilize derivatives for hedging and for investment purposes.

Principal Risks

Market Risk Conditions in a broad or specialized market, a sector thereof or an individual industry may adversely affect security prices, thereby reducing the value of the Fund's investments.

 

Derivatives Risk Derivatives involve special risks and may result in losses. The values of derivatives can be very volatile, especially in unusual market conditions, and that volatility can be exacerbated by the use of leverage, which is common for derivative strategies. Derivatives may be illiquid, and may also be subject to the risk of nonperformance by a transaction counterparty. The Fund may not be able to enter into, or terminate, a derivatives position when desired. Derivatives also may be subject to mispricing and improper valuation, and may increase the amount of taxes payable by shareholders.

 

Non-U.S. Securities Risk Non-U.S. securities may have less liquidity and more volatile prices than domestic securities, which can make it difficult for the Fund to sell such securities at desired times or prices. Non-U.S. markets may differ from U.S. markets in material and adverse ways. For example, securities transaction expenses generally are higher, transaction settlement may be slower, recourse in the event of default may be more limited and taxes and currency exchange controls may limit amounts available for distribution to shareholders. Non-U.S. investments are also subject to the effects of local political, social, diplomatic or economic events.

 

Interest Rate Risk The value of debt securities tends to decrease when nominal interest rates rise. Longer-duration securities tend to be more sensitive to interest rate changes, and thus more volatile, than shorter-duration securities. A period of rising interest rates may negatively affect the Fund's performance. For example, if a debt security has a duration of four years, a 1% increase in interest rates could be expected to result in a 4% decrease in the value of the security.

 

Liquidity Risk Liquidity risk is the risk associated with a lack of marketability of investments, which may make it difficult to sell an investment at a desirable time or price. A lack of liquidity may cause the value of an investment to decline. The Fund may have to lower the selling price, sell other investments, or forego another, more appealing investment opportunity. Changing regulatory and market conditions, including a decline in the number or capacity of financial institutions to make markets in the Fund's investments, as well as increases in interest rates or credit spreads, may adversely affect the liquidity of the Fund's investments. Illiquid investments may also be more difficult to value, and judgment plays a larger role in valuing these investments as compared to valuing more liquid investments.

 

Credit Risk Changing economic conditions may adversely affect an obligated entity's actual or perceived ability to pay interest or principal on a fixed income security when due, which in turn can adversely affect the price of or income derived from the security.

 

Allocation Risk The allocation techniques and decisions of the investment adviser may not produce the desired results.

 

U.S. Government Securities Risk U.S. government securities that are not issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury are generally more susceptible to loss than are securities that are so issued or guaranteed.

 

Mortgage Risk Mortgage related securities tend to become more sensitive to interest rate changes as interest rates rise, increasing their volatility. When interest rates decline, underlying borrowers may pay off their loans sooner than expected, forcing the Fund to reinvest disposition proceeds at lower prevailing interest rates.

 

Reinvestment Risk Income from the Fund's investments may decline if the Fund is forced to invest the proceeds from matured, called or otherwise disposed of debt securities or convertible securities at interest rates that are below the Fund's earnings rate at that time.

 

Growth Securities Risk Growth securities typically trade at higher multiples of current earnings than other securities. Therefore, the values of growth securities may be more sensitive to changes in current or expected earnings than the values of other securities.

 

Small- and Medium-Sized Capitalization Company Risk Securities of small- and medium-sized companies may have less liquidity and more volatile prices than securities of larger companies, which can make it difficult for the Fund to sell such securities at desired times or prices.

 

Value Securities Risk Value securities are securities the investment adviser believes are selling at a price lower than their true value, perhaps due to adverse business developments or special risks. If that belief is wrong or remains unrecognized by the market, the price of the securities may decline or may not appreciate as anticipated.

 

Emerging Markets Securities Risk Emerging market securities are likely to have greater exposure to Non-U.S. Securities Risk. In addition, emerging markets generally have less developed economies and securities markets, are more prone to rapid social, political and economic changes, have a higher risk of currency devaluation and have more volatile inflation rates than more developed countries.

 

Underlying Funds Risk Investments in shares of Underlying Funds are subject to the fees, expenses and risks of those Underlying Funds. The Fund may be limited in the extent to which it can invest in an Underlying Fund, and may have limited information about the Underlying Fund's investments, either of which may adversely affect the management of the Fund. If an Underlying Fund seeks to track the performance of an index, the value of the Fund's investment in such Underlying Fund also would fluctuate with the value of the index. The Adviser may have potential conflicts of interest in selecting affiliated Underlying Funds for investment by the Fund because the fees paid to it by some Underlying Funds are higher than the fees paid by other Underlying Funds, as well as a potential conflict in selecting affiliated funds over unaffiliated funds.

 

As with all mutual funds, investors may lose money by investing in the Balanced Fund.

 

The foregoing descriptions are only summaries. Please see "About the Funds—Principal Risks" on page 55 for more detailed descriptions of the foregoing risks.

Performance Information

The bar chart below presents the calendar year total returns for Individual Investor Class shares of the Balanced Fund before taxes. The bar chart is intended to provide some indication of the risk of investing in the Balanced Fund by showing changes in the Balanced Fund's performance from year to year. As with all mutual funds, past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of future performance.

Individual Investor Class

Bar Chart
For the periods shown in the bar chart: Best quarter: 2nd quarter 2009, 10.74%
  Worst quarter: 4th quarter 2008, -16.75%

Average Annual Total Returns The performance table below presents the average annual total returns for Individual Investor Class and Institutional Class shares of the Balanced Fund. The performance table is intended to provide some indication of the risks of investment in the Balanced Fund by showing how the Balanced Fund's average annual total returns compare with the returns of a broad-based securities market index and a performance average of other similar mutual funds, each over a one-year, five-year and ten-year period. After-tax performance is presented only for Individual Investor Class shares of the Fund. After-tax returns for Institutional Class shares may vary. After-tax returns are estimated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the effect of local, state or foreign taxes. Actual after-tax returns will depend on a shareholder's own tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns may not be relevant to shareholders who hold their shares through tax-advantaged arrangements (such as 401(k) plans and individual retirement accounts). As with all mutual funds, past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of future performance.

Average Annual Total Returns - PAX Balanced Fund
1 Year
5 Years
10 Years
Institutional Class [1],[2] 6.06% 8.30% 4.30%
Individual Investor Class [1] 5.81% 8.03% 4.05%
Individual Investor Class | After Taxes on Distributions [1] 4.97% 6.19% 2.85%
Individual Investor Class | After Taxes on Distributions and Sales [1] 3.81% 6.13% 3.04%
S&P 500 Index [3],[4] 11.96% 14.66% 6.95%
Blended Index [4],[5],[6] 8.31% 9.69% 6.21%
Lipper Mixed-Asset Target Alloc. Growth Funds Index [4],[7] 7.54% 9.38% 5.28%
[1] For more recent month-end performance data, please visit www.paxworld.com or call us at 800.767.1729.
[2] Inception of Institutional Class shares is April 2, 2007. The performance information shown for Institutional Class shares includes the performance of Individual Investor Class shares for the period prior to Institutional Class inception. Expenses have not been adjusted to reflect the expenses allocable to Institutional Class shares. If such expenses were reflected, the returns would be higher than those shown.
[3] The S&P 500 Index is an index of large capitalization common stocks.
[4] Unlike the Balanced Fund, the S&P 500 Index, the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index and the Lipper Mixed-Asset Target Allocation Growth Funds Index are not investments, are not professionally managed, have no policy of sustainable investing and (with the exception of the Lipper Mixed-Asset Target Allocation Growth Funds Index) do not reflect deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. One cannot invest directly in any index.
[5] The Blended Index is composed of 60% S&P 500 Index/40% Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index.
[6] The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index represents securities that are U.S. domestic, taxable and dollar denominated. The index covers the U.S.investment grade fixed rate bond market, with index components for government and corporate securities and asset-backed securities.
[7] Lipper Mixed-Asset Target Allocation Growth Funds Index tracks the results of the 30 largest mutual funds in the Lipper Mixed-Asset Target Allocation Growth Funds Average. The Lipper Mixed-Asset Target Allocation Growth Funds Average is a total return performance average of mutual funds tracked by Lipper, Inc. whose primary objective is to conserve principal by maintaining, at all times a mix of between 60%-80% equity securities, with the remainder invested in bonds, cash, and cash equivalents.