Securities Act File No. 333-[   ]

1940 Act File No. 811-24195

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM N-2

 

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
Pre-Effective Amendment No. __
Post-Effective Amendment No. __
 
and
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
Amendment No. __

 

WCM Select US Equity Fund

(Registrant Exact Name as Specified in Charter)

 

c/o UMB Fund Services, Inc.

235 West Galena Street

Milwaukee, WI 53212

(Address of Principal Executive Offices (Number, Street, City, State, Zip Code))

 

626-385-5777

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code)

 

Diane J. Drake

WCM Select U.S. Equity Fund

c/o Mutual Fund Administration, LLC

2220 E. Route 66, Suite 226

Glendora, CA 91740

(Name and Address (Number, Street, City, State, Zip Code) of Agent for Service)

 

Copy to:

Laurie Anne Dee

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

600 Anton Boulevard, Suite 1800

Costa Mesa, CA 92626-7653

 

714-830-0679

 

Approximate Date of Commencement of Proposed Public Offering: As soon as practicable after the date on which this registration statement becomes effective

 

  Check box if the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans.
  Check box if any securities being registered on this Form will be offered on a delayed or continuous basis in reliance on Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933 (“Securities Act”), other than securities offered in connection with a dividend reinvestment plan.
  Check box if this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction A.2 or a post-effective amendment thereto.
  Check box if this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction B or a post-effective amendment thereto that will become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act.
  Check box if this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction B to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act.

 

 

 

 

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

 

  when declared effective pursuant to Section 8(c) of the Securities Act

 

If appropriate, check the following box:

 

  This [post-effective] amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed [post-effective amendment] [registration statement].
  This Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, and the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering is:
  This Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, and the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering is:
  This Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, and the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering is:

 

Check each box that appropriately characterizes the Registrant:

 

  Registered Closed-End Fund (closed-end company that is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“Investment Company Act”)).
  Business Development Company (closed-end company that intends or has elected to be regulated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act).
  Interval Fund (Registered Closed-End Fund or a Business Development Company that makes periodic repurchase offers under Rule 23c-3 under the Investment Company Act).
  A.2 Qualified (qualified to register securities pursuant to General Instruction A.2 of this Form).
  Well-Known Seasoned Issuer (as defined by Rule 405 under the Securities Act).
  Emerging Growth Company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934) (“Exchange Act”).
  If an Emerging Growth Company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act.
  New Registrant (registered or regulated under the Investment Company Act for less than 12 calendar months preceding this filing).

 

THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE.

 

 

 

 

 

The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

Subject to Completion

 

Preliminary Prospectus Dated June 9, 2026

 

WCM SELECT US EQUITY FUND

 

PROSPECTUS

 

The Fund. The WCM Select US Equity Fund (the “Fund”), a Delaware statutory trust, is a non-diversified, closed-end investment company that continuously offers its shares.

 

Investment Objective. The Fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation.

 

Principal Investment Strategies.

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities of U.S. companies. The Fund’s investment advisor considers a company to be a U.S. company if the company has been organized under the laws of, has its principal offices in, or has its securities principally traded in the United States, or if the company derives at least 50% of its revenues or net profits from, or has at least 50% of its assets or production capacities in, the United States.

 

The Fund’s investments in equity securities may include (i) common stock of publicly traded companies or private equity securities, (ii) depositary receipts (including American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”), Canadian Depositary Receipts (“CDRs”) and Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”)), and (iii) co-investments in various types of operating companies, holding companies and business ventures, including partnerships and business development companies (“BDCs”), through the acquisition of equity or interests in special purpose vehicles that acquire the securities of privately-owned companies. Private equity securities will generally mean non-publicly traded equity securities and securities purchased through co-investments. ADRs and CDRs are receipts that represent interests in foreign securities held on deposit by U.S. and Canadian banks or trust companies, respectively. EDRs and GDRs have the same qualities as ADRs and CDRs, except that they may be traded in several international trading markets. The Fund may invest in securities of any size company.

 

The Fund may invest in shares of companies through initial public offerings (“IPOs”). The Fund may also invest, without limit, in privately placed or restricted securities (including in Rule 144A securities, which are privately placed securities purchased by qualified institutional buyers), illiquid securities and securities in which no secondary market is readily available, including those of private companies.

 

The Fund’s advisor uses a bottom-up approach that seeks to identify companies with attractive fundamentals, such as long-term historical growth in revenue and earnings, and/or a strong probability for superior future growth. The advisor’s investment process seeks companies that are industry leaders with strengthening competitive advantages; corporate cultures emphasizing strong, quality and experienced management; low or no debt; and attractive relative valuations. The Fund’s advisor also considers other factors including political risk, monetary policy risk, and regulatory risk in selecting securities.

 

The Fund will be managed pursuant to a “focused” strategy whereby the Fund’s advisor will typically invest the Fund’s assets in the equity securities of a small number of issuers. Generally, the Fund expects to hold the equity securities of approximately [50] or less issuers. From time to time, the Fund may also make significant investments in certain sectors.

 

 

 

Investment Advisor. The Fund’s investment advisor is WCM Investment Management, LLC (the “Advisor”).

 

The Offering. The shares of beneficial interest of the Fund (the “Shares”) will be offered on a continuous basis at the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) per Share. The Fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number of Shares. No arrangement has been made to place investors’ funds in an escrow, trust or similar account. [_______] is the exclusive distributor for Shares on a best efforts basis. See “The Offering.”

 

Interval Fund. The Fund has an interval fund structure pursuant to which the Fund will conduct quarterly repurchase offers typically for 5% of the Fund’s outstanding Shares at NAV per Share, subject to applicable law and to approval of the Board of Trustees of the Trust. In all cases such repurchases will be for at least 5% and not more than 25% of the Fund’s outstanding Shares. Written notification of each quarterly repurchase offer will be sent to shareholders at least 21 and no more than 42 calendar days before the repurchase request deadline (i.e., the date by which shareholders can tender their Shares in response to a repurchase offer) (the “Repurchase Request Deadline”). The date on which the Fund’s NAV applicable to a repurchase offer is calculated will occur no later than 14 calendar days after the Repurchase Request Deadline (or the next business day if the fourteenth calendar day is not a business day) (the “Repurchase Pricing Date”). The Fund will distribute payment to Shareholders within seven calendar days after the Repurchase Pricing Date. The Fund’s initial quarterly repurchase offer is expected to occur in the [first or second quarter of 2027]. A repurchase offer may be oversubscribed, with the result that shareholders may only be able to have a portion of their Shares repurchased. The Fund does not currently intend to list its Shares for trading on any national securities exchange and does not expect any secondary trading market in the Shares to develop. The Shares are, therefore, not readily marketable. Even though the Fund will make quarterly offers to repurchase a portion of the Shares in an attempt to provide liquidity to shareholders, you should consider the Shares to be illiquid. See “Periodic Repurchase Offers.”

 

Risks. Investors should carefully consider the Fund’s risks and investment objective, as an investment in the Fund may not be appropriate for all investors and is not designed to be a complete investment program. An investment in the Fund involves a high degree of risk. Investing in the Fund may result in a loss of some or all of the amount invested. Before making an investment/allocation decision, investors should (i) consider the suitability of this investment with respect to an investor’s or a client’s investment objectives and individual situation, and (ii) consider factors such as an investor’s or a client’s net worth, income, age, and risk tolerance. Investment should be avoided when an investor/client has a short-term investing horizon and/or cannot bear the loss of some or all of his or her investment. Before investing in the Fund, an investor should read the discussion of the risks of investing in the Fund in the “Principal Risks” section beginning on page 18 of this Prospectus.

 

An investment in the Fund should be considered a speculative investment that entails substantial risks, including but not limited to the following:

 

·You will not have access to the money you invest for an extended period of time.

 

·You will not be able to sell your Shares regardless of how the Fund performs.

 

·Because you will be unable to sell your Shares, you will be unable to reduce your exposure to Shares upon any market downturn.

 

·The Fund does not intend to list its Shares on any securities exchange and the Fund does not expect a secondary market in its Shares to develop.

 

 

 

·The Fund has implemented a Share repurchase program, but the Fund is required to repurchase only 5% (and may not repurchase more than 25%) of its outstanding Shares per quarter.

 

·Shares are appropriate only for those investors who can tolerate a high degree of risk, do not require a liquid investment, and for whom an investment in the Fund does not constitute a complete investment program.

 

·The amount of distributions that the Fund may pay, if any, is uncertain.

 

·The Fund’s distributions may be funded from offering proceeds or borrowings, which may constitute a return of capital and reduce the amount of capital available to the Fund for investment. A return of capital to shareholders is a return of a portion of their original investment in the Fund, thereby reducing the tax basis of their investment. As a result of such reduction in tax basis, shareholders may have taxable gains in connection with the sale of Shares, even if such Shares are sold at a loss relative to the shareholder’s original investment.

 

·Fund distributions may also be funded from the waiver or payment of certain expenses by the Advisor that will be subject to repayment in the future. The repayment of any amounts owed to the Advisor will reduce the future distributions to which you would otherwise be entitled.

 

This Prospectus concisely provides the information that a prospective investor should know about the Fund before investing. Read this Prospectus carefully and retain it for future reference. Additional information about the Fund, including a Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) dated [_________, 2026], has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The SAI is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. The SAI, annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders, and other information about the Fund, are available upon request and without charge by writing to the Fund via the following addresses: for regular mail at [P.O. Box 2175, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201]; and for overnight delivery at 235 W. Galena Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212, by calling [_____________] or by visiting the Fund’s website at [https://www. ].

 

The table of contents of the SAI appears on page B-1 of the SAI. The SAI, and other information about the Fund, is also available on the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov). The address of the SEC’s Internet site is provided solely for the information of current and prospective investors and is not intended to be an active link.

 

The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

Shares of the Fund do not represent a deposit or obligation of, and are not guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank or other insured depositary institution, and are not federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board or any other government agency.

 

You should not construe the contents of this Prospectus as legal, tax or financial advice. You should consult with your own professional advisors as to the legal, tax, financial or other matters relevant to the suitability of an investment in the Fund.

 

You should rely only on the information contained in this Prospectus. The Fund has not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. You should not assume that the information provided by this Prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of this Prospectus.

 

The date of this Prospectus is [___________], 2026.

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

SUMMARY 1
SUMMARY OF FEES AND EXPENSES 15
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 16
THE FUND 16
USE OF PROCEEDS 16
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, POLICIES AND STRATEGIES 17
PRINCIPAL RISKS 18
LIMITS OF RISK DISCLOSURE 27
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND 27
THE FUND’S SERVICE PROVIDERS 29
THE DISTRIBUTOR 30
PURCHASE OF SHARES 30
PERIODIC REPURCHASE OFFERS 34
CALCULATION OF NET ASSET VALUE; VALUATION 38
TAX MATTERS 39
DESCRIPTION OF SHARES 43
REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS 44
FISCAL YEAR 44
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 44

 

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SUMMARY

 

This is only a summary and does not contain all of the information that you should consider before investing in the WCM Select US Equity Fund (the “Fund”). Before investing in the Fund, you should carefully read the more detailed information appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus and the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”), each of which should be retained for future reference by any prospective investor.

 

The Fund

The Fund, a Delaware statutory trust, is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company that continuously offers its shares of beneficial interest (“Shares”). The Fund is operated as an “interval fund” (as defined below). An investment in the Fund may not be appropriate for all investors.

 

WCM Investment Management, LLC is the Fund’s investment advisor (the “Advisor”).

 

The Offering

Shares of the Fund will be offered on a continuous basis at the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) per Share. Shares will generally be offered for purchase on each day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open for business (each, a “Business Day”), except that Shares may be offered more or less frequently as determined by the Fund in its sole discretion.

 

The Fund’s Shares are offered through [_______ (“________ ” or the “Distributor”)] as the exclusive distributor. A prospective investor must submit a completed investor application on or prior to the acceptance date set by the Fund. The Fund reserves the right to reject a purchase order for any reason. The Fund also reserves the right to suspend or terminate offerings of Shares at any time at the discretion of the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board” or “Board of Trustees”). See “Purchase of Shares.” Shareholders will not have the right to redeem their Shares. However, as described below, in order to provide liquidity to shareholders, the Fund will conduct periodic repurchase offers for a portion of its outstanding Shares.

 

Periodic Repurchase Offers

The Fund is an “interval fund,” a type of fund which, in order to provide liquidity to shareholders, has adopted a fundamental investment policy to make quarterly offers to repurchase between 5% and 25% of its outstanding Shares at NAV per Share. Subject to applicable law and approval of the Board, the Fund will seek to conduct such quarterly repurchase offers typically for 5% of the Fund’s outstanding Shares at NAV per Share. In connection with any repurchase offer, the Fund may offer to repurchase only the minimum amount of 5% of its outstanding Shares. Written notification of each quarterly repurchase offer will be sent to shareholders at least 21 days and not more than 42 days before the repurchase request deadline (i.e., the date by which shareholders can tender their Shares in response to a repurchase offer) (the “Repurchase Request Deadline”). The date on which the repurchase price for Shares is determined will be no later than the 14th day after the Repurchase Request Deadline (or the next Business Day, if the 14th day is not a Business Day). See “Periodic Repurchase Offers.”

 

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A repurchase offer may be oversubscribed, with the result that shareholders may only be able to have a portion of their Shares repurchased. The Fund’s Shares are not listed on any securities exchange, and the Fund does not anticipate that a secondary market will develop for its Shares. Accordingly, you may not be able to sell Shares when and/or in the amount that you desire. Thus, the Shares are appropriate only as a long-term investment. In addition, the Fund’s repurchase offers may subject the Fund and shareholders to special risks. See “Principal Risks — Repurchase Offers Risk.”

 

Investment Objective

The Fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation.

 

Principal Investment Strategies

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities of U.S. companies. The Advisor considers a company to be a U.S. company if the company has been organized under the laws of, has its principal offices in, or has its securities principally traded in the United States, or if the company derives at least 50% of its revenues or net profits from, or has at least 50% of its assets or production capacities in, the United States.

 

The Fund’s investments in equity securities may include (i) common stock of publicly traded companies or private equity securities, (ii) depositary receipts (including American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”), Canadian Depositary Receipts (“CDRs”) and Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”)), and (iii) co-investments in various types of operating companies, holding companies and business ventures, including partnerships and business development companies (“BDCs”), through the acquisition of equity or interests in special purpose vehicles that acquire the securities of privately-owned companies. . Private equity securities will generally mean non-publicly traded equity securities and securities purchased through co-investments. ADRs and CDRs are receipts that represent interests in foreign securities held on deposit by U.S. and Canadian banks or trust companies, respectively. EDRs and GDRs have the same qualities as ADRs and CDRs, except that they may be traded in several international trading markets. The Fund may invest in securities of any size company.

 

The Fund may invest in shares of companies through initial public offerings (“IPOs”). The Fund may also invest in privately placed or restricted securities (including in Rule 144A securities, which are privately placed securities purchased by qualified institutional buyers), illiquid securities and securities in which no secondary market is readily available, including those of private companies.

 

The Fund intends to apply for exemptive relief from the SEC that would permit it to, among other things, co-invest with certain other persons, including certain affiliates of the Advisor, and certain public or private funds managed by the Advisor and its affiliates, subject to certain terms and conditions.

 

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The Advisor uses a bottom-up approach that seeks to identify companies with attractive fundamentals, such as long-term historical growth in revenue and earnings, and/or a strong probability for superior future growth. The Advisor’s investment process seeks companies that are industry leaders with strengthening competitive advantages; corporate cultures emphasizing strong, quality and experienced management; low or no debt; and attractive relative valuations. The Advisor also considers other factors including political risk, monetary policy risk, and regulatory risk in selecting securities.

 

The Fund will be managed pursuant to a “focused” strategy whereby the Advisor will typically invest the Fund’s assets in the equity securities of a small number of issuers. Generally, the Fund expects to hold the equity securities of approximately [50] or less issuers. From time to time, the Fund may also make significant investments in certain sectors.

 

The Fund is classified as “non-diversified” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), which means that it may invest more of its assets in a smaller number of issuers than “diversified” funds.

 

Principal Risks

An investment in the Fund involves a high degree of risk. There can be no assurance that the Fund’s investment objective will be achieved. You should consider carefully the risks summarized below, which are described in more detail under “Principal Risks” beginning on page 18 of this Prospectus.

 

RISKS RELATED TO AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUND

 

No Operating History. The Fund is a recently organized entity with no history upon which to evaluate the Fund’s performance. There is no assurance that the Fund or any particular investment will be successful.

 

Unlisted Closed-End Fund Structure; Limited Liquidity. The Fund has been organized as a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company and designed primarily for long-term investors. An investor should not invest in the Fund if the investor needs a liquid investment. Although the Fund will offer a limited degree of liquidity by conducting quarterly repurchase offers, a shareholder may not be able to tender its Shares in the Fund promptly after it has made a decision to do so. There is no assurance that you will be able to tender your Shares when or in the amount that you desire. In addition, with very limited exceptions, Shares are not transferable, and liquidity will be provided only through repurchase offers made quarterly by the Fund. An investment in the Fund is suitable only for investors who can bear the risks associated with the limited liquidity of Shares and the underlying investments of the Fund.

 

Repurchase Offers Risk. Repurchase offers risk is the risk that the Fund’s repurchases of Shares may hurt investment performance by forcing the Fund to maintain a higher percentage of its assets in liquid investments or to liquidate certain investments when it is not desirable to do so. Repurchases may be oversubscribed, preventing shareholders from selling some or all of their tendered Shares back to the Fund.

 

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Market Risk. The market price of a security or instrument may decline, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic, political, or geopolitical conditions throughout the world, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. The market value of a security or instrument also may decline because of factors that affect a particular industry or industries, such as tariffs, labor shortages or increased production costs and competitive conditions within an industry. In addition, local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, international conflicts, trade disputes, supply chain disruptions, cybersecurity events, technological advances (such as artificial intelligence and machine learning), the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, natural disasters or climate events, or other events could have a significant impact on a security or instrument. The increasing interconnectivity between global economies and financial markets increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one region or financial market may adversely impact issuers in a different country, region or financial market.

 

Recent Market Events. Periods of market volatility may occur in response to market events, public health emergencies, natural disasters or climate events, and other economic, political, and global macro factors. U.S. and international markets have recently experienced, and may continue to experience, periods of significant volatility due to various factors, including uncertainty regarding inflation and central banks’ interest rate changes, the possibility of a national or global recession, trade tensions and tariffs, and political and geopolitical events. In addition, wars or threats of war and aggression, such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and conflicts among nations and militant groups in the Middle East, have led, and in the future may lead, to increased short-term market volatility and may have adverse long-term effects on the U.S. and world economies and markets generally, each of which may negatively impact the Fund’s investments. Damage to energy infrastructure from conflicts in the Middle East, reduced shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and other energy supply constraints could also have long-term adverse impacts on the U.S. and world economies. Additionally, since the change in the U.S. presidential administration in 2025, the administration has pursued an aggressive foreign policy agenda, including through suggestions that the United States should control certain sovereign foreign territories, attempts to restructure federal government agencies with international influence, and the imposition of tariffs and trade barriers on certain foreign countries, including China and long-time U.S. allies. These and other similar events could be prolonged and could adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments, impair the Fund’s ability to satisfy repurchase requests, and negatively impact the Fund’s performance.

 

Non-Diversification Risk. The Fund is classified as “non-diversified,” which means the Fund may invest a larger percentage of its assets in the securities of a smaller number of issuers than a diversified fund. Investment in securities of a limited number of issuers exposes the Fund to greater market risk and potential losses than if its assets were diversified among the securities of a greater number of issuers.

 

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Tax Risks. Special tax risks are associated with an investment in the Fund. The Fund intends to qualify and elect to be treated as a regulated investment company (a “RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). As such, the Fund must satisfy, among other requirements, diversification and 90% gross income requirements, and a requirement that it distribute at least 90% of its investment company taxable income and net short-term gains in the form of deductible dividends. The Fund intends to make many of its investments through entities taxable as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The determination of the value and the identity of the issuer of such investments for purposes of the diversification requirement may be unclear. Although the Fund intends to carefully monitor its investments to ensure that it is adequately diversified, there are no assurances that the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) will agree with the Fund’s determination of the issuer under the diversification requirement with respect to such investments.

 

[In addition, income derived from direct and certain indirect investments may not be qualifying income for purposes of the 90% gross income requirement and may compromise the Fund’s ability to qualify as a RIC. The Fund will seek to restrict its income from investments that do not generate qualifying income to a maximum of 10% of its gross income (when combined with its other investments that produce non-qualifying income). However, the Fund might generate more non-qualifying income than anticipated, might not be able to generate qualifying income in a particular taxable year at levels sufficient to meet the qualifying income test, or might not be able to determine the percentage of qualifying income it derives for a taxable year until after year-end.]

 

If the Fund were to fail to satisfy the asset diversification or other RIC requirements, absent a cure, it would lose its status as a RIC under the Code. Such loss of RIC status could affect the amount, timing and character of the Fund’s distributions and would cause all of the Fund’s taxable income to be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the regular corporate rate (currently 21%) without any deduction for distributions to shareholders. In addition, all distributions (including distributions of net capital gain) would be taxed to their recipients as dividend income to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits. Accordingly, disqualification as a RIC would have a significant adverse effect on the value of the Fund’s Shares.

 

Cybersecurity Risks. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to Fund assets, customer data (including private shareholder information), or proprietary information, or cause the Fund, the Fund’s advisor, and/or other service providers (including custodians, sub-custodians, transfer agents and financial intermediaries) to suffer data breaches, data corruption or loss of operational functionality. In an extreme case, a shareholder’s ability to exchange or redeem Fund shares may be affected. The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning could exacerbate these risks. Issuers of securities in which the Fund invests are also subject to cybersecurity risks, and the value of those securities could decline if the issuers experience cybersecurity incidents.

 

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RISKS RELATED TO THE FUND’S INVESTMENTS

 

Equity Risk. The value of the equity securities held by the Fund may fall due to general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the industries in which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors relating to specific companies in which the Fund invests.

 

Focused Investing Risk. Because the Fund invests a greater proportion of its assets in the securities of a smaller number of issuers, the Fund will be more susceptible to negative events affecting those issuers, and the value of its shares may be more volatile than a fund that invests in a larger number of issuers.

 

Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause a security held by the Fund to be more volatile than the market generally. The prices of, and income generated by, securities held by the Fund may decline in response to various factors directly related to the issuers of such securities, including reduced demand for an issuer’s goods or services, poor management performance, major litigation, investigations or other controversies related to the issuer, changes in the issuer’s financial condition or credit rating, changes in government regulation affecting the issuer or its competitive environment, and strategic initiatives such as mergers, acquisitions or dispositions and the market response to any such initiatives. An individual security may also be affected by factors related to the industry or sector of the issuer or the securities markets as a whole, and conversely an industry or sector or the securities markets may be affected by a change in financial condition or another event affecting a single issuer. The value of an individual security or particular type of security may be more volatile than the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of the market as a whole. At times, the Fund may invest more significantly in a single issuer, which could increase the Fund’s volatility and the risk of loss arising from the factors described above.

 

IPO Risk. The market value of IPO shares will fluctuate considerably due to factors such as the absence of a prior public market, unseasoned trading, the small number of shares available for trading and limited information about the issuer. The purchase of IPO shares may involve high transaction costs. IPO shares are subject to market risk and liquidity risk.

 

Investing in Private Equity Securities. Investments in private equity involve the same types of risks associated with an investment in any operating company. However, securities of the underlying companies tend to be more illiquid, and highly speculative. Private equity investments have generally been dependent on the availability of debt or equity financing to fund the acquisitions of such investments. Depending on market conditions, however, the availability of such financing may be reduced dramatically, which may in turn reduce the availability of private equity investment opportunities for the fund.

 

Costs associated with investments in private equity are generally greater than those of investments in other asset classes.

 

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The Fund may have exposure to portfolio companies that are in a conceptual or early stage of development. These companies are often characterized by short operating histories, new technologies or products, quickly evolving markets and management teams that may have limited experience working together, all of which enhance the difficulty of evaluating these acquisition opportunities. The management of such companies will need to implement and maintain successful sales and marketing and finance capabilities and other operational strategies in order to become and remain successful. The loss of key management personnel could be detrimental to the prospects of such companies. Other substantial operational risks to which such companies are subject include uncertain market acceptance of the company’s products or services, a high degree of regulatory risk for new or untried and/or untested business models, products and services, high levels of competition among similarly situated companies, lower capitalizations and fewer financial resources and the potential for rapid organizational or strategic change. Emerging technology companies are subject to risk based on the characterization of the industry, including the possibility that rapid technological developments may render such companies’ technology obsolete, uneconomical or uncompetitive prior to the company achieving profitability. Certain of these companies will need substantial additional capital to support expansion or to achieve or maintain a competitive position. Such companies also have shorter operating histories on which to judge future performance and in many cases, if operating, will have negative cash flow. In addition, emerging growth companies are more susceptible to macroeconomic effects and industry downturns. Such companies also face intense competition, including from companies with greater financial resources, more extensive marketing and service capabilities and a larger number of qualified personnel.

 

Moreover, the Fund may have exposure to certain portfolio companies that have and are expected to have significantly fewer products, services or clients than more established companies. Competition to such companies can develop from other new and existing companies, products and services. If a company is dependent on a limited number of products or services or the business of a limited number of clients, a significant risk exists that a proposed service or product cannot be developed successfully with the resources available to the company. Rapidly changing technology can also make a product or service obsolete in a short period of time. There is no assurance that the development efforts of any company will be successful, or, if successful, will be completed within the budget or time period originally estimated. The consequences of failure of such products or services or the loss of such clients could be devastating to the prospects of such company, which in turn could negatively affect the fund’s performance.

 

The Fund may have investment exposure to companies that have already received one or more rounds of financing. These securities may be among the most junior in a portfolio company’s capital structure and thus subject the fund to a greater risk of losing all or part of its invested capital. There will often be no collateral to protect the fund’s investment exposure to such securities once made.

 

7 

 

 

Most of the Fund’s investments in private equity will be highly illiquid, and there can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to realize any such investment at any given time. Although investments by the Fund may generate current income, the return of capital and the realization of gains, if any, from such an investment will generally occur only upon the partial or complete disposition or refinancing of the investment. While a portfolio company may be sold at any time, it is not generally expected that this will occur for a number of years after the investment in such portfolio company is made, and some investments may be held for much longer periods of time. Moreover, an investment that initially consists of an interest in assets may be exchanged, contributed or otherwise converted into private or publicly-traded stock of a corporation, interests in a limited liability company or other interests or assets (and vice-versa), and any such exchange, contribution or conversion will likely not constitute a disposition of the type that results in investors receiving distributions. In addition, the Fund will generally not be able to sell its private equity securities publicly unless their sale is registered under applicable securities laws, or unless an exemption from such registration requirements is available. In addition, in some cases the Fund may be prohibited by contract or legal or regulatory reasons from selling certain securities for a period of time.

 

Valuation Risk of Private Equity. Unlike publicly traded equity securities which trade on national exchanges, there is no central place or exchange for private equity securities to trade. Due to the lack of centralized information and trading, the valuation of private equity securities generally carries more risk than that of publicly traded equity securities. In addition, other market participants may value securities differently than the Fund. As a result, the Fund may be subject to the risk that when a private equity security is sold in the market, the amount received by the Fund is less than the value carried on the Fund’s books. These risks are heightened with respect to private equity investments, which rarely have readily available market quotations. As a result, such securities require the investment advisor to estimate, in accordance with their valuation policies, the fair value of such investments on the valuation date.

 

The valuation of the Fund’s interests in private equity investments is ordinarily determined each Business Day based in part on estimated valuations determinations made by the Advisor, which may be based in whole or in part on information from third-party valuation services, under the general supervision of the Board. Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Board has designated the Advisor as the Fund’s “Valuation Designee” to perform the Fund’s fair value determinations, which are subject to Board oversight, as applicable, and certain reporting and other requirements intended to ensure that the Board receives the information it needs to oversee the Advisor’s fair value determinations.

 

Investors should be aware that situations involving uncertainties as to the valuations of private equity investments could have a material adverse effect on the Fund if judgments regarding valuations should prove incorrect. Persons who are unwilling to assume such risks should not make an investment in the Fund.

 

Competition for Private Equity Investment Opportunities. Over the past several years, a number of competing investment vehicles with similar investment objectives have been formed (and many such existing entities have grown in size). Additional entities with similar investment objectives could be formed in the future by other unrelated parties. It is possible that competition for appropriate private equity investment opportunities could increase, thus reducing the number of such opportunities available to the Fund.

 

8 

 

 

Growth-Oriented Investment Strategies Risk. Growth funds generally focus on stocks of companies believed to have above-average potential for growth in revenue and earnings. Growth securities typically are very sensitive to market movements because their market prices frequently reflect projections of future earnings or revenues, and when it appears that those expectations will not be met, the prices of growth securities typically fall.

 

Foreign Investment Risk. The prices of foreign securities may be more volatile than the prices of securities of U.S. issuers because of economic and social conditions abroad, political developments, and changes in the regulatory environments of foreign countries. Changes in exchange rates and interest rates, and the imposition of sanctions, confiscations, trade restrictions (including tariffs) and other government restrictions by the United States and/or other governments may adversely affect the values of the Fund’s foreign investments. Foreign companies are generally subject to different legal and accounting standards than U.S. companies, and foreign financial intermediaries may be subject to less supervision and regulation than U.S. financial firms. Foreign securities include ADRs, EDRs, CDRs, and GDRs. Unsponsored ADRs, EDRs, CDRs, and GDRs are organized independently and without the cooperation of the foreign issuer of the underlying securities, and involve additional risks because U.S. reporting requirements do not apply. In addition, the issuing bank may deduct shareholder distribution, custody, foreign currency exchange, and other fees from the payment of dividends.

 

Management and Strategy Risk. The value of your investment depends on the judgment of the Fund’s advisor about the quality, relative yield, value or market trends affecting a particular security, industry, sector or region, which may prove to be incorrect.

 

Market Capitalization Risk. Larger, more established companies may be unable to attain the high growth rates of successful, smaller companies during periods of economic expansion. The securities of small-capitalization or mid-capitalization companies may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements and may have lower trading volumes or more erratic trading than securities of larger, more established companies or market averages in general. In addition, such companies typically are more likely to be adversely affected than large capitalization companies by changes in earning results, business prospects, investor expectations or poor economic or market conditions.

 

9 

 

  Risks Related to Co-Investments. Co-Investments will be subject to each of the risks set forth below and those risks should be carefully evaluated before making an investment in the Fund. Co-Investments will also be subject to a number of additional risks and uncertainties.  

 

    ·

No Control of Co-Investment Vehicles. The Fund may invest indirectly in portfolio companies with third-party co-investors by means of co-investment vehicles formed to facilitate such investments. The realization of portfolio company investments made as co-investments may take longer than would the realization of investments under the sole control of the Fund, because the third-party fund managers may control the exit process or because the co-investors may require an exit procedure requiring notification of the other co-investors and possibly giving the other co-investors a right of first refusal or a right to initiate a buy-sell procedure.

 

    ·

Adverse Effects of Third-Party Co-Investors. Co-Investments may involve risks in connection with such third-party involvement, including the possibility that a third party may have financial difficulties, resulting in a negative impact on such investment, or that the Fund may in certain circumstances be held liable for the actions of such third-party co-investor. Third-party co-investors may also have economic or business interests or goals which are inconsistent with those of the Fund or may be in a position to take or block action in a manner contrary to the Fund’s investment objective.

  

    ·

Reliance on Managers of Co-Investment Vehicles. The Fund will be highly dependent upon the capabilities of the private markets fund managers alongside whom the investment is made. The Fund may make binding commitments to co-investment vehicles without an ability to participate in their management and control and with no or limited ability to transfer its interests in such co-investment vehicles. Neither the Advisor nor the Fund will have control over the timing of capital calls or distributions received from co-investment vehicles, or over investment decisions made by such co-investment vehicles. 

       
      The Fund also will generally not have control over any of the underlying portfolio companies and will not be able to direct the policies or management decisions of such portfolio companies. Thus, the returns to the Fund from any such investments will be dependent upon the performance of the particular portfolio company and its management and the Fund will not be able to direct the policies or management decisions of such portfolio companies.  

 

    · Reliance on Reporting from Co-Investment Vehicles and Portfolio Companies. The Fund’s ability to deliver accurate and timely reports is dependent upon the accuracy and timeliness of the reports received from co-investment vehicles or the portfolio companies. If the Fund does not have the right to access particular information about the underlying portfolio companies, investors’ positions, including their tax position, may be prejudiced.  

 

10 

 

     

Managers of co-investment vehicles and portfolio companies utilize divergent reporting standards that may make it difficult for the Advisor to accurately assess the prior performance of the sponsor of a potential co-investment vehicle. In addition, such reporting variances may affect the ability of the Advisor to accurately value and monitor underlying investments.

 

    ·

Affiliated Transactions. The 1940 Act contains prohibitions and restrictions relating to transactions with affiliates of the Fund. The Advisor and the Fund intend to obtain an exemptive order from the SEC that permits the Fund to co-invest alongside its affiliates in privately negotiated investments. However, there is no guarantee that the SEC will grant the exemptive order requested and, if granted, the exemptive order is expected to include certain conditions that would limit or restrict the Fund’s ability to participate in such transactions, including, without limitation, where affiliated funds have an existing investment in the Portfolio Company. Additionally, third parties, such as the managers of co-investment vehicles and Portfolio Funds, may not prioritize an allocation to the Fund when faced with a more established pool of capital also competing for allocation. Ultimately, an inability to receive the desired allocation to certain assets could represent a risk to the Fund’s ability to achieve the desired investment returns.

 

    · Risk of Dilution. The Fund or a co-investment vehicle may not obtain the right to participate in all follow-on investment opportunities of a portfolio company or may not obtain other anti-dilution rights. If the Fund or a co-investment vehicle does not participate in a follow-on investment or does not obtain anti-dilution rights, the initial investment of the Fund or a co-investment vehicle in such portfolio company may be subject to dilution over time.

 

 

Liquidity Risk. The Fund may not be able to sell some or all of the investments that it holds due to a lack of demand in the marketplace or other factors such as market turmoil, or if the Fund is forced to sell an illiquid asset to meet repurchase requests or other cash needs it may only be able to sell those investments at a loss. Illiquid assets may also be difficult to value.

 

Private Placements and Restricted Securities Risk. Private placements and other restricted securities may be considered illiquid securities. Private placements typically are subject to restrictions on resale as a matter of contract or under federal securities laws. Because there may be relatively few potential purchasers for such securities, especially under adverse market or economic conditions or in the event of adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuer, the Fund could find it more difficult to sell such securities when it may be advisable to do so or it may be able to sell such securities only at prices lower than if such securities were more widely held. The absence of a liquid trading market may also make it difficult to determine the fair value of such securities for purposes of computing the Fund’s net asset value.

 

11 

 

Management of the Fund

The Board has overall responsibility for monitoring and overseeing the Fund’s investment program and its management and operations. See “Management of the Fund.”

 

The Advisor

The Fund’s investment advisor, WCM Investment Management, LLC, 281 Brooks Street, Laguna Beach, California 92651, is registered as an investment advisor with the SEC. As the Fund’s investment advisor pursuant to an investment advisory agreement between the Fund and the Advisor (the “Advisory Agreement”), the Advisor provides investment advice to the Fund under the ultimate supervision of, and subject to any policies established by, the Board.

 

Co-Administrators

UMB Fund Services, Inc. (“UMBFS”) and Mutual Fund Administration, LLC (“MFAC” and together with UMBFS, the “Co-Administrators”) act as co-administrators for the Fund. The Co-Administrators provide certain administrative services to the Fund, including, among other responsibilities, coordinating the negotiation of contracts and fees with, and the monitoring of performance and billing of, the Fund’s independent contractors and agents; preparing for signature all documents required to be filed for compliance by the Fund with applicable laws and regulations, including those of the securities laws of various states; arranging for the computation of performance data, including NAV and yield; arranging for the maintenance of books and records of the Fund; and providing, at their own expense, office facilities, equipment and personnel necessary to carry out their duties. As compensation for their services, the Fund pays the Co-Administrators a fee payable monthly based on the Fund’s average daily net assets.

 

Distributor

The Fund has entered into a distribution agreement with [ ________] pursuant to which [__________] acts as a distributor and agent of the Fund by assisting the Fund in connection with the offering and sale of Shares. Among other things, [_________], at the Fund’s request, facilitates or enters into agreements with investment advisors, broker-dealers and other financial intermediaries (each an “Intermediary” and collectively, the “Intermediaries”), as described more fully below, in order that such Intermediaries may offer and sell Shares of the Fund.

 

Intermediaries

The Advisor may pay compensation, out of its own funds and not as an additional charge to the Fund, to selected affiliated or unaffiliated Intermediaries in connection with the sale, distribution and retention of Shares and/or account servicing. For example, the Advisor may pay compensation to Intermediaries for the purpose of promoting the sale of Shares, maintaining balances in the Fund and/or sub-accounting, administrative or account processing services. The amount of these payments is determined from time to time by the Advisor and may be substantial.

 

 

12 

 

 

With respect to each Intermediary that may receive such payments from the Advisor, these payments will be paid by the Advisor from its own funds, based in most cases on the NAV of the Fund attributable to each client of such Intermediary who invests in the Fund. A portion of these payments may be paid through to the professional responsible for the client relationship and/or selling Shares. These payments may be made as long as a client of an Intermediary is invested in the Fund.

 

The prospect of receiving, or the receipt of, ongoing compensation as described above by Intermediaries, out of the Advisor’s own funds and not as a charge to the Fund, may provide such Intermediaries and/or their salespersons with an incentive to favor sales of Shares over sales of shares of funds (or other fund investments) with respect to which the Intermediary receives either no additional compensation or lower levels of additional compensation. The prospect of receiving, or the receipt of, such compensation may also provide Intermediaries and/or their salespersons with an incentive to favor recommending that shareholders maintain their assets in the Fund rather than re-allocate assets to other investments. These payment arrangements will not, however, change the price that an investor pays for any Shares or the amount that the Fund receives upon repurchase of any Shares. Investors should take such payment arrangements into account when considering and evaluating any recommendations relating to any class of Shares.

 

Investment Minimums

The minimum initial investment is [$1,000,000], and minimum subsequent investments are [$1,000]. Registered investment advisors (“RIAs”) may, in certain cases, aggregate client accounts for purposes of meeting the applicable investment minimum. Some Intermediaries may impose different or additional investment minimums. Initial and subsequent investment minimums may be reduced or waived at the Advisor’s discretion. See “Investment Minimums” below.

 

Distributions

The Fund expects to declare and pay dividends of net investment income and net realized gains annually. Unless shareholders specify otherwise, dividends will be reinvested in Shares of the Fund. Shareholders who elect not to participate in the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan will receive all distributions in cash paid to the shareholder of record (or, if the Shares are held in street or other nominee name, then to such nominee).

 

Unlisted Closed-End Fund Structure; Limited Liquidity The Fund does not currently intend to list its Shares for trading on any securities exchange and does not expect any secondary market to develop for its Shares. Shareholders of the Fund are not able to have their Shares redeemed or otherwise sell their Shares on a daily basis because the Fund is an unlisted closed-end fund. In order to provide liquidity to shareholders, the Fund is structured as an “interval fund” and conducts periodic repurchase offers for a portion of its outstanding Shares, as described in this Prospectus. Subject to applicable law and approval of the Board, the Fund will seek to conduct such quarterly repurchase offers typically for 5% of the Fund’s outstanding Shares at NAV per Share. In connection with any repurchase offer, the Fund may offer to repurchase only the minimum amount of 5% of its outstanding Shares. An investment in the Fund is suitable only for long-term investors who can bear the risks associated with the limited liquidity of the Shares.

 

13 

 

Conflicts of Interest

The Advisor and its affiliates engage in other business activities and may trade in securities for their own accounts and manage the accounts of clients other than the Fund, including other investment vehicles, in which the Fund has no interest. Such activities may give rise to potential or actual conflicts of interest with the management and administration of the Fund. Any such conflicts could have a material adverse effect on the Fund and its shareholders. The Advisor will manage conflicts in accordance with its respective conflict management procedures, however, there can be no assurance that all conflicts will be resolved in a manner that is favorable to the Fund or its shareholders. See “Conflicts of Interest.”

 

Fees and Expenses

Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Advisor receives a management fee accrued daily and paid monthly in arrears at the annual rate of [x.xx]% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The Fund bears all expenses incurred in its business and operations, other than those borne by the Advisor, pursuant to its agreement with the Fund, including, but not limited to all investment related expenses (e.g., costs and expenses directly related to portfolio transactions and positions for the Fund’s account such as direct and indirect expenses associated with investments; brokerage commissions; the management fee; any non-investment related interest expense; legal and accounting fees; audit and tax preparation fees and expenses; the fees of any administrator or transfer agent retained by the Fund and related expenses; custody fees and expenses; insurance costs; fees and travel-related expenses of members of the Board who are not employees of the Advisor or affiliates of the Advisor; fees and expenses in connection with repurchase offers and any repurchases of Fund Shares; and any extraordinary expenses).

 

The Advisor has contractually agreed to waive or reduce its management fees and/or reimburse expenses of the Fund to ensure that total annual fund operating expenses (excluding any taxes, leverage interest, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on short sales, acquired fund fees and expenses (as determined in accordance with SEC Form N-2), professional fees related to services for the collection of foreign tax reclaims, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization, or extraordinary expenses such as litigation, indemnification and other expenses resulting from events and transactions that are distinguished by their unusual nature and by the infrequency of their occurrence) do not exceed [x.xx]%, the average daily net assets of the Fund. This agreement is in effect through [_______ , 202_], and it may be terminated before that date only by the Board of Trustees. Any reduction in advisory fees or payment of the Fund’s expenses made by the Advisor in a fiscal year may be reimbursed by the Fund for a period ending three fiscal years after the date of reduction or payment if the Advisor so requests. This reimbursement may be requested from the Fund if the reimbursement will not cause the Fund’s annual expense ratio to exceed the lesser of (a) the expense limitation in effect at the time such fees were waived or payments made, or (b) the expense limitation in effect at the time of the reimbursement.

 

14 

 

Tax Matters

The Fund intends to elect to be treated and intends to qualify each year for taxation as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. As such, the Fund will generally not be subject to federal income tax on its net investment income and gains that it timely distributes to shareholders. The Fund intends to distribute its income and gains in such a way that it will not be subject to federal excise tax on undistributed amounts, if any. The Fund’s distributions will generally be taxable to shareholders whether or not they are reinvested in additional Shares of the Fund.

 

Custodian

UMB Bank, n.a. (the “Custodian”) serves as the primary custodian of the assets of the Fund. The Custodian’s principal business address is 928 Grand Boulevard, 5th Floor, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

 

Transfer Agent

UMBFS (the “Transfer Agent”) serves as transfer agent and registrar with respect to each class of Shares of the Fund.

 

Legal Counsel for the Fund

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP serves as legal counsel to the Fund.

 

Independent Auditors [_____________] serves as the independent registered public accounting firm to the Fund.

 

SUMMARY OF FEES AND EXPENSES

 

The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold Shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as fees or commissions to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and example below.

 

SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION FEES  
Maximum Sales Load None
Maximum Early Repurchase Fee (as a percentage of repurchased amount) None

ANNUAL EXPENSES(1)

(as a percentage of net assets attributable to common Shares)

 
Management Fees [x.xx]%
Other Expenses(2)  
Shareholder Services Fee [x.xx]%
All Other Expenses [x.xx]%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses [x.xx]%
Fees Waived and/or Expenses Reimbursed(3) [x.xx]%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Waiving Fees and/or Reimbursing Expenses(3) [x.xx]%

 

 

 

(1)The Fund’s annual expense ratio will increase or decrease over time as the Fund’s asset level decreases or increases, respectively, and as actual Fund expenses vary.

 

(2)Other Expenses are based on estimated amounts for the Fund’s current fiscal year. Other Expenses include all other expenses incurred by the Fund, such as professional fees relating to legal, accounting, tax and audit expenses; shareholder services fees, Fund operating expenses such as transfer agency fees, custody fees, administration fees, trustee fees, and [non-interest related line of credit fees (e.g., origination and maintenance fees)]; and expenses relating to the continuous offering and sale of Shares.

 

15 

 

(3)The Fund’s advisor has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or pay for operating expenses of the Fund to ensure that total annual fund operating expenses (excluding any taxes, leverage interest, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on short sales, acquired fund fees and expenses, professional fees related to services for the collection of foreign tax reclaims, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization, and extraordinary expenses such as litigation expenses) do not exceed [x.xx]% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. This agreement is in effect through [__________, 2027], and it may be terminated before that date only by the Trust’s Board of Trustees. The Fund’s advisor is permitted to seek reimbursement from the Fund, subject to certain limitations, of fees waived or payments made to the Fund for a period ending three years after the date of the waiver or payment. This reimbursement may be requested from the Fund if the reimbursement will not cause the Fund’s annual expense ratio to exceed the lesser of (a) the expense limitation in effect at the time such fees were waived or payments made, or (b) the expense limitation in effect at the time of the reimbursement.

 

The purpose of the table above is to assist prospective investors in understanding the various fees and expenses holders of Shares will bear directly or indirectly.

 

The following Example is intended to help you understand the various costs and expenses that you, as a holder of Shares, would bear directly or indirectly. The Example assumes that you invest $1,000 in Shares of the Fund for the time periods indicated. Because there are no costs associated with repurchases at this time, your costs would be the same whether you hold your Shares or tender your Shares for repurchase at the end of the time periods indicated. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year, that all dividends and distributions are reinvested at NAV per Share, and that the Fund’s operating expenses (as described above) remain the same. The Example is based on these assumptions and should not be considered a representation of the Fund’s future expenses. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

1 Year

3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
$[xx] $[xx] $[xx] $[xx]

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

Because the Fund has not yet commenced operations, no financial highlights are shown.

 

THE FUND

 

The Fund is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company registered under the 1940 Act. The Trust’s principal office is located at 235 W. Galena Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212.

 

USE OF PROCEEDS

 

The Fund will invest the proceeds of the offering of Shares in accordance with its investment objective and strategies as stated below. The Advisor generally expects that, under normal circumstances, the Fund will be able to fully invest the net proceeds according to its investment objective and strategies within approximately three months after receipt of the proceeds. However, in certain limited circumstances, such as in the case of unusually large cash inflows, the Fund may take up to six months to fully invest the net proceeds. A delay in the anticipated use of proceeds could lower returns and reduce the Fund’s distribution to shareholders. Pending investment of the net proceeds, the Fund will invest the offering proceeds in equity securities and instruments; shares of registered investment companies that invest primarily in equity securities or instruments, including mutual funds, ETFs, and money market funds; and/or cash, cash equivalents, and other short-term investments.

 

16 

 

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, POLICIES AND STRATEGIES

 

Investment Objective

 

The Fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation. There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. The Fund’s investment objective is not fundamental and may be changed by the Board of Trustees without shareholder approval, upon at least 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders. The Fund’s investment strategies and policies may be changed from time to time without shareholder approval or prior written notice, unless specifically stated otherwise in this Prospectus or the Fund’s SAI.

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities of U.S. companies. This investment policy is not fundamental, and the Fund will not change this investment policy unless it gives shareholders at least 60 days’ advance written notice. The Advisor considers a company to be a U.S. company if the company has been organized under the laws of, has its principal offices in, or has its securities principally traded in the United States, or if the company derives at least 50% of its revenues or net profits from, or has at least 50% of its assets or production capacities in, the United States.

 

The Fund’s investments in equity securities may include (i) common stock of publicly traded companies or private equity securities, (ii) depositary receipts (including ADRs, EDRs, CDRs and GDRs), and (iii) co-investments in various types of operating companies, holding companies and business ventures, including partnerships and BDCs, through the acquisition of equity or interests in special purpose vehicles that acquire the securities of privately-owned companies. Private equity securities will generally mean non-publicly traded equity securities and securities purchased through co-investments. ADRs and CDRs are receipts that represent interests in foreign securities held on deposit by U.S. and Canadian banks or trust companies, respectively. EDRs and GDRs have the same qualities as ADRs and CDRs, except that they may be traded in several international trading markets. The Fund may invest in securities of any size company.

 

The Fund may invest in shares of companies through IPOs. The Fund may also invest in privately placed or restricted securities (including in Rule 144A securities, which are privately placed securities purchased by qualified institutional buyers), illiquid securities and securities in which no secondary market is readily available, including those of private companies.

 

The Fund intends to apply for exemptive relief from the SEC that would permit it to, among other things, co-invest with certain other persons, including certain affiliates of the Advisor, and certain public or private funds managed by the Advisor and its affiliates, subject to certain terms and conditions.

 

The Advisor uses a bottom-up approach that seeks to identify companies with attractive fundamentals, such as long-term historical growth in revenue and earnings, and/or a strong probability for superior future growth. The Advisor’s investment process seeks companies that are industry leaders with strengthening competitive advantages; corporate cultures emphasizing strong, quality and experienced management; low or no debt; and attractive relative valuations. The Advisor also considers other factors including political risk, monetary policy risk, and regulatory risk in selecting securities.

 

The Fund will be managed pursuant to a “focused” strategy whereby the Advisor will typically invest the Fund’s assets in the equity securities of a small number of issuers. Generally, the Fund expects to hold the equity securities of approximately [50] or less issuers. From time to time, the Fund may also make significant investments in certain sectors.

 

17 

 

The Fund is classified as “non-diversified” under the 1940 Act, which means that it may invest more of its assets in a smaller number of issuers than “diversified” funds.

 

Further, when current market, economic, political or other conditions are unsuitable and would impair the pursuit of the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund may temporarily invest up to 100% of its assets in cash or cash equivalents, including but not limited to, obligations of the U.S. government, money market fund shares, commercial paper, repurchase agreements, certificates of deposit and/or bankers’ acceptances, as well as other interest bearing or discount obligations. When the Fund takes a temporary defensive position, it may not achieve its investment objective.

 

PRINCIPAL RISKS

 

An investment in the Fund involves significant risks and considerations which prospective shareholders should evaluate carefully before making a decision to acquire Shares. The Advisor and its affiliates cannot assure the Fund’s success or profitability. The success of the Fund will depend upon a variety of factors, many of which are beyond the Advisor’s control. A prospective shareholder should carefully consider the following factors and risks relating to an investment in the Fund. This section also describes certain risk factors applicable to the Fund’s investments. The following does not purport to be a summary of all the risks associated with such investments.

 

RISKS RELATED TO AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUND

 

No Operating History. The Fund is a newly organized entity with no history upon which to evaluate the Fund’s performance. The Fund is subject to all of the business risks and uncertainties associated with any new business, including the risk that it will not achieve its investment objective and that the value of an investor’s investment could decline substantially or even result in a total loss. There is no assurance that the Fund or any particular investment will be successful.

 

Unlisted Closed-End Fund Structure; Limited Liquidity. The Fund has been organized as a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company and designed primarily for long-term investors. An investor should not invest in the Fund if the investor needs a liquid investment. Closed-end funds differ from open-end management investment companies (i.e., mutual funds) in that investors in a closed-end fund do not have the right to redeem their shares on a daily basis. Unlike most closed-end funds, which typically list their shares on a securities exchange, the Fund does not intend to list the Shares for trading on any securities exchange, and the Fund does not expect any secondary market to develop for the Shares. Although the Fund will offer a limited degree of liquidity by conducting quarterly repurchase offers, a shareholder may not be able to tender its Shares in the Fund promptly after it has made a decision to do so. There is no assurance that you will be able to tender your Shares when or in the amount that you desire. In addition, with very limited exceptions, Shares are not transferable, and liquidity will be provided only through repurchase offers made quarterly by the Fund. Shares are considerably less liquid than shares of funds that trade on a stock exchange or shares of open-end registered investment companies, and are therefore suitable only for investors who can bear the risks associated with the limited liquidity of Shares, and should be viewed as a long-term investment.

 

There will be a substantial period of time between the date as of which shareholders must submit a request to have their Shares repurchased and the date they can expect to receive payment for their Shares from the Fund. Shareholders whose Shares are accepted for repurchase bear the risk that the Fund’s NAV may fluctuate significantly between the time that they submit their repurchase requests and the date as of which such Shares are valued for purposes of such repurchase. Shareholders will have to decide whether to request that the Fund repurchase their Shares without the benefit of having future information regarding the value of Shares on a date proximate to the date on which Shares are valued by the Fund for purposes of effecting such repurchases.

 

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Repurchases of Shares may be suspended, postponed or terminated by the Board under certain limited circumstances. See “Periodic Repurchase Offers.” An investment in the Fund is suitable only for investors who can bear the risks associated with the limited liquidity of Shares and the underlying investments of the Fund. Also, because Shares are not listed on any securities exchange, the Fund is not required, and does not intend, to hold annual meetings of its shareholders unless called for under the provisions of the 1940 Act.

 

Repurchase Offers Risk. As described under “Periodic Repurchase Offers” below, the Fund is an “interval fund” and, in order to provide liquidity to shareholders, the Fund will conduct quarterly repurchase offers, typically for 5% of the Fund’s outstanding Shares at NAV per Share, subject to applicable law and approval of the Board of Trustees. In all cases such repurchases will be for at least 5% and not more than 25% of the Fund’s outstanding Shares at the NAV per Share, pursuant to Rule 23c-3 under the 1940 Act. The Fund believes that these repurchase offers are generally beneficial to the Fund’s shareholders, and repurchases generally will be funded from available cash or sales of portfolio securities. However, repurchase offers and the need to fund repurchase obligations may affect the ability of the Fund to be fully invested or force the Fund to maintain a higher percentage of its assets in liquid investments than would otherwise be the case, which may harm the Fund’s investment performance. Moreover, diminution in the size of the Fund through repurchases may result in untimely sales of portfolio securities (with associated imputed transaction costs, which may be significant), and may limit the ability of the Fund to participate in new investment opportunities or to achieve its investment objective. If the Fund employs investment leverage, repurchases of Shares would compound the adverse effects of leverage in a declining market. In addition, if the Fund borrows money to finance repurchases, interest on that borrowing will negatively affect shareholders who do not tender their Shares by increasing Fund expenses and reducing any net investment income. If a repurchase offer is oversubscribed and the Fund determines not to repurchase additional Shares beyond the repurchase offer amount, or if shareholders tender an amount of Shares greater than that which the Fund is entitled to purchase, the Fund will repurchase the Shares tendered on a pro rata basis, and shareholders will have to wait until the next repurchase offer to make another repurchase request. As a result, shareholders may be unable to liquidate all or a given percentage of their investments in the Fund at NAV per Share during a particular repurchase offer. Some shareholders, in anticipation of proration, may tender more Shares than they wish to have repurchased in a particular quarter, thereby increasing the likelihood that proration will occur. A shareholder may be subject to market and other risks, and the NAV per Share of Shares tendered in a repurchase offer may decline to the extent there is any delay between the repurchase request deadline and the date on which the NAV per Share for tendered Shares is determined. In addition, the repurchase of Shares by the Fund may be a taxable event to shareholders.

 

Market Risk. The market price of a security or instrument may decline, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic, political, or geopolitical conditions throughout the world, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. The market value of a security or instrument also may decline because of factors that affect a particular industry or industries, such as tariffs, labor shortages or increased production costs and competitive conditions within an industry. In addition, local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, international conflicts, trade disputes, supply chain disruptions, cybersecurity events, technological advances (such as artificial intelligence and machine learning), the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, natural disasters or climate events, or other events could have a significant impact on a security or instrument. Such events could make identifying investment risks and opportunities especially difficult for the Advisor. In response to certain crises, the United States and other governments have taken steps to support financial markets. The withdrawal of this support or failure of efforts in response to a crisis could negatively affect financial markets generally as well as the value and liquidity of certain securities. In addition, policy and legislative changes in the United States and in other countries are changing many aspects of financial regulation. The impact of these changes on the markets, and the practical implications for market participants, may not be fully known for some time. The increasing interconnectivity between global economies and financial markets increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one region or financial market may adversely impact issuers in a different country, region or financial market.

 

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Recent Market Events. Periods of market volatility may occur in response to market events, public health emergencies, natural disasters or climate events, and other economic, political, and global macro factors. U.S. and international markets have recently experienced, and may continue to experience, periods of significant volatility due to various factors, including uncertainty regarding inflation and central banks’ interest rate changes, the possibility of a national or global recession, trade tensions and tariffs, and political and geopolitical events. In addition, wars or threats of war and aggression, such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and conflicts among nations and militant groups in the Middle East, have led, and in the future may lead, to increased short-term market volatility and may have adverse long-term effects on the U.S. and world economies and markets generally, each of which may negatively impact the Fund’s investments. Damage to energy infrastructure from conflicts in the Middle East, reduced shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and other energy supply constraints could also have long-term adverse impacts on the U.S. and world economies. Additionally, since the change in the U.S. presidential administration in 2025, the administration has pursued an aggressive foreign policy agenda, including through suggestions that the United States should control certain sovereign foreign territories, attempts to restructure federal government agencies with international influence, and the imposition of tariffs and trade barriers on certain foreign countries, including China and long-time U.S. allies. In particular, the imposition of tariffs has led to retaliatory tariffs by targeted foreign countries and could lead to retaliatory tariffs by additional foreign countries, as well as increased and prolonged market volatility, and sector-specific downturns in industries reliant on international trade. The administration has also sought to reduce the headcount of and freeze or reduce funding available to certain U.S. government agencies. Such efforts may continue throughout U.S. federal agencies, which could increase administrative burdens on remaining government employees, increase processing times of company filings, alter regulatory policymaking, and increase regulatory volatility. These efforts and other similar actions may have unforeseen consequences on the economy and markets generally, and could negatively impact the Fund.

 

Raising the ceiling on U.S. government debt and passing periodic legislation to fund the government have become increasingly politicized. Any failure to do either could lead to a default on U.S. government obligations, with unpredictable consequences for economies and markets in the United States and elsewhere.

 

Changing interest rate environments (whether downward or upward) impact various sectors of the economy and asset classes in different ways. For example, low interest rate environments tend to be positive for the equity markets, whereas high interest rate environments tend to apply downward pressure on earnings and equity prices. It is difficult to accurately predict the pace at which interest rates might change, the timing, frequency or magnitude of any such changes in interest rates, or when such changes might stop or reverse course. Unexpected changes in interest rates could lead to significant market volatility or reduce liquidity in certain sectors of the market.

 

The events and circumstances described above could be prolonged and could adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments, impair the Fund’s ability to satisfy repurchase requests, and negatively impact the Fund’s performance. Other market events may cause similar disruptions and effects.

 

Non-Diversification Risk. The Fund is classified as “non-diversified,” which means the Fund may invest a larger percentage of its assets in the securities of a smaller number of issuers than a diversified fund. Investment in securities of a limited number of issuers exposes the Fund to greater market risk and potential losses than if its assets were diversified among the securities of a greater number of issuers.

 

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Tax Risks. Special tax risks are associated with an investment in the Fund. The Fund intends to qualify and elect to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. As such, the Fund must satisfy, among other requirements, diversification and 90% gross income requirements, and a requirement that it distribute at least 90% of its investment company taxable income and net short-term gains in the form of deductible dividends.

 

In the event that the Fund believes that it is possible that it will fail the asset diversification requirement at the end of any quarter of a taxable year, it may seek to take certain actions to avert such failure, including by acquiring additional investments to come into compliance with the asset diversification tests or by disposing of non-diversified assets. Although the Code affords the Fund the opportunity, in certain circumstances, to cure a failure to meet the asset diversification test, including by disposing of non-diversified assets within six months, there may be constraints on the Fund’s ability to dispose of its interest in a Portfolio Fund that limit utilization of this cure period.

 

If the Fund were to fail to satisfy the asset diversification or other RIC requirements, absent a cure, it would lose its status as a RIC under the Code. Such loss of RIC status could affect the amount, timing and character of the Fund’s distributions and would cause all of the Fund’s taxable income to be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the regular corporate rate without any deduction for distributions to shareholders. In addition, all distributions (including distributions of net capital gain) would be taxed to their recipients as dividend income to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, although corporate shareholders could be eligible for the dividends received deduction (subject to certain limitations) and individuals may be able to benefit from the lower tax rates available to qualified dividend income. Accordingly, disqualification as a RIC would have a significant adverse effect on the value of the Fund’s Shares.

 

The Fund must distribute at least 90% of its investment company taxable income, in a manner qualifying for the dividends-paid deduction, to qualify as a RIC, and must distribute substantially all its income in order to avoid a fund-level tax. In addition, if the Fund were to fail to distribute in a calendar year a sufficient amount of its income for such year, it would be subject to an excise tax. The determination of the amount of distributions sufficient to qualify as a RIC and avoid a fund-level income or excise tax will depend on income and gain information that must be obtained from the underlying Portfolio Funds. The Fund’s investment in Portfolio Funds may make it difficult to estimate the Fund’s income and gains in a timely fashion. Given the difficulty of estimating Fund income and gains in a timely fashion, each year the Fund is likely to be liable for a 4% excise tax.

 

Cybersecurity Risks. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to Fund assets, customer data (including private shareholder information), or proprietary information, or cause the Fund, the Advisor, and/or other service providers (including custodians, sub-custodians, transfer agents and financial intermediaries) to suffer data breaches, data corruption or loss of operational functionality. A cybersecurity incident may disrupt the processing of shareholder transactions, impact the Fund’s ability to calculate its net asset values, and prevent shareholders from redeeming their shares. The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning could exacerbate these risks. Issuers of securities in which the Fund invests are also subject to cybersecurity risks, and the value of those securities could decline if the issuers experience cybersecurity incidents.

 

RISKS RELATED TO THE FUND’S INVESTMENTS

 

Equity Risk. The value of equity securities held by the Fund may fall due to general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the industries in which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, or factors relating to specific companies in which the Fund invests. The price of common stock of an issuer in the Fund’s portfolio may decline if the issuer fails to make anticipated dividend payments because, among other reasons, the financial condition of the issuer declines. Common stock is subordinated to preferred stocks, bonds and other debt instruments in a company’s capital structure in terms of priority with respect to corporate income, and therefore will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred stocks or debt instruments of such issuers. In addition, while broad market measures of common stocks have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income securities, common stocks have also experienced significantly more volatility in those returns.

 

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Focused Investing Risk. Because the Fund invests a greater proportion of its assets in the securities of a smaller number of issuers, the Fund will be more susceptible to negative events affecting those issuers, and the value of its shares may be more volatile than a fund that invests in a larger number of issuers.

 

Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause a security held by the Fund to be more volatile than the market generally. The prices of, and income generated by, securities held by the Fund may decline in response to various factors directly related to the issuers of such securities, including reduced demand for an issuer’s goods or services, poor management performance, major litigation, investigations or other controversies related to the issuer, changes in the issuer’s financial condition or credit rating, changes in government regulation affecting the issuer or its competitive environment, and strategic initiatives such as mergers, acquisitions or dispositions and the market response to any such initiatives. An individual security may also be affected by factors related to the industry or sector of the issuer or the securities markets as a whole, and conversely an industry or sector or the securities markets may be affected by a change in financial condition or another event affecting a single issuer. The value of an individual security or particular type of security may be more volatile than the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of the market as a whole. To the extent that the securities of issuers in the same or related industries or sectors behave similarly to each other, and these issuers make up a sizeable portion of the market, events affecting one issuer, industry or sector or the securities markets generally may have a larger impact. If such issuers represent a substantial portion of major market indices, a downturn in their stock prices may have a disproportionate adverse effect on the overall equity markets, even if other segments of the market perform well. At times, the Fund may invest more significantly in a single issuer, which could increase the Fund’s volatility and the risk of loss arising from the factors described above.

 

IPO Risk. The market value of IPO shares will fluctuate considerably due to factors such as the absence of a prior public market, unseasoned trading, the small number of shares available for trading and limited information about the issuer. The purchase of IPO shares may involve high transaction costs. IPO shares are subject to market risk and liquidity risk.

 

Investing in Private Equity Securities. Investments in private equity involve the same types of risks associated with an investment in any operating company. However, securities of the underlying companies tend to be more illiquid, and highly speculative. Private equity investments have generally been dependent on the availability of debt or equity financing to fund the acquisitions of such investments. Depending on market conditions, however, the availability of such financing may be reduced dramatically, which may in turn reduce the availability of private equity investment opportunities for the fund.

 

Costs associated with investments in private equity are generally greater than those of investments in other asset classes.

 

The Fund may have exposure to portfolio companies that are in a conceptual or early stage of development. These companies are often characterized by short operating histories, new technologies or products, quickly evolving markets and management teams that may have limited experience working together, all of which enhance the difficulty of evaluating these acquisition opportunities. The management of such companies will need to implement and maintain successful sales and marketing and finance capabilities and other operational strategies in order to become and remain successful. The loss of key management personnel could be detrimental to the prospects of such companies. Other substantial operational risks to which such companies are subject include uncertain market acceptance of the company’s products or services, a high degree of regulatory risk for new or untried and/or untested business models, products and services, high levels of competition among similarly situated companies, lower capitalizations and fewer financial resources and the potential for rapid organizational or strategic change. Emerging technology companies are subject to risk based on the characterization of the industry, including the possibility that rapid technological developments may render such companies’ technology obsolete, uneconomical or uncompetitive prior to the company achieving profitability. Certain of these companies will need substantial additional capital to support expansion or to achieve or maintain a competitive position. Such companies also have shorter operating histories on which to judge future performance and in many cases, if operating, will have negative cash flow. In addition, emerging growth companies are more susceptible to macroeconomic effects and industry downturns. Such companies also face intense competition, including from companies with greater financial resources, more extensive marketing and service capabilities and a larger number of qualified personnel.

 

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Moreover, the Fund may have exposure to certain portfolio companies that have and are expected to have significantly fewer products, services or clients than more established companies. Competition to such companies can develop from other new and existing companies, products and services. If a company is dependent on a limited number of products or services or the business of a limited number of clients, a significant risk exists that a proposed service or product cannot be developed successfully with the resources available to the company. Rapidly changing technology can also make a product or service obsolete in a short period of time. There is no assurance that the development efforts of any company will be successful, or, if successful, will be completed within the budget or time period originally estimated. The consequences of failure of such products or services or the loss of such clients could be devastating to the prospects of such company, which in turn could negatively affect the fund’s performance.

 

The Fund may have investment exposure to companies that have already received one or more rounds of financing. These securities may be among the most junior in a portfolio company’s capital structure and thus subject the fund to a greater risk of losing all or part of its invested capital. There will often be no collateral to protect the fund’s investment exposure to such securities once made.

 

Most of the Fund’s investments in private equity will be highly illiquid, and there can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to realize any such investment at any given time. Although investments by the Fund may generate current income, the return of capital and the realization of gains, if any, from such an investment will generally occur only upon the partial or complete disposition or refinancing of the investment. While a portfolio company may be sold at any time, it is not generally expected that this will occur for a number of years after the investment in such portfolio company is made, and some investments may be held for much longer periods of time. Moreover, an investment that initially consists of an interest in assets may be exchanged, contributed or otherwise converted into private or publicly-traded stock of a corporation, interests in a limited liability company or other interests or assets (and vice-versa), and any such exchange, contribution or conversion will likely not constitute a disposition of the type that results in investors receiving distributions. In addition, the Fund will generally not be able to sell its private equity securities publicly unless their sale is registered under applicable securities laws, or unless an exemption from such registration requirements is available. In addition, in some cases the Fund may be prohibited by contract or legal or regulatory reasons from selling certain securities for a period of time.

 

Valuation Risk of Private Equity. Unlike publicly traded equity securities which trade on national exchanges, there is no central place or exchange for private equity securities to trade. Due to the lack of centralized information and trading, the valuation of private equity securities generally carries more risk than that of publicly traded equity securities. In addition, other market participants may value securities differently than the Fund. As a result, the Fund may be subject to the risk that when a private equity security is sold in the market, the amount received by the Fund is less than the value carried on the Fund’s books. These risks are heightened with respect to private equity investments, which rarely have readily available market quotations. As a result, such securities require the investment advisor to estimate, in accordance with their valuation policies, the fair value of such investments on the valuation date.

 

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The valuation of the Fund’s interests in private equity investments is ordinarily determined each Business Day based in part on estimated valuations determinations made by the Advisor, which may be based in whole or in part on information from third-party valuation services, under the general supervision of the Board. Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Board has designated the Advisor as the Fund’s “Valuation Designee” to perform the Fund’s fair value determinations, which are subject to Board oversight, as applicable, and certain reporting and other requirements intended to ensure that the Board receives the information it needs to oversee the Advisor’s fair value determinations.

 

Investors should be aware that situations involving uncertainties as to the valuations of private equity investments could have a material adverse effect on the Fund if judgments regarding valuations should prove incorrect. Persons who are unwilling to assume such risks should not make an investment in the Fund.

 

Competition for Private Equity Investment Opportunities. Over the past several years, a number of competing investment vehicles with similar investment objectives have been formed (and many such existing entities have grown in size). Additional entities with similar investment objectives could be formed in the future by other unrelated parties. It is possible that competition for appropriate private equity investment opportunities could increase, thus reducing the number of such opportunities available to the Fund.

 

Growth-Oriented Investment Strategies Risk. Growth funds generally focus on stocks of companies believed to have above-average potential for growth in revenue and earnings. Growth securities typically are very sensitive to market movements because their market prices frequently reflect projections of future earnings or revenues, and when it appears that those expectations will not be met, the prices of growth securities typically fall.

 

Foreign Investment Risk. The prices of foreign securities may be more volatile than the prices of securities of U.S. issuers because of economic and social conditions abroad, political developments, and changes in the regulatory environments of foreign countries. Changes in exchange rates and interest rates, and the imposition of sanctions, confiscations, trade restrictions (including tariffs) and other government restrictions by the United States and/or other governments may adversely affect the values of the Fund’s foreign investments. Foreign companies are generally subject to different legal and accounting standards than U.S. companies, and foreign financial intermediaries may be subject to less supervision and regulation than U.S. financial firms. Foreign securities include ADRs, EDRs, CDRs, and GDRs. Unsponsored ADRs, EDRs, CDRs, and GDRs are organized independently and without the cooperation of the foreign issuer of the underlying securities, and involve additional risks because U.S. reporting requirements do not apply. In addition, the issuing bank may deduct shareholder distribution, custody, foreign currency exchange, and other fees from the payment of dividends.

 

Management and Strategy Risk. The value of your investment depends on the judgment of the Advisor about the quality, relative yield, value or market trends affecting a particular security, industry, sector or region, which may prove to be incorrect. Investment strategies employed by the Advisor in selecting investments for the Fund may not result in an increase in the value of your investment or in overall performance equal to other investments.

 

Market Capitalization Risk. Larger, more established companies may be unable to attain the high growth rates of successful, smaller companies during periods of economic expansion. In addition, large-capitalization companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges, such as changes in technology and consumer tastes and may be more prone to global economic risks. Investing in small-capitalization and mid-capitalization companies generally involves greater risks than investing in large-capitalization companies. Small- or mid-cap companies may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources or may depend on the expertise of a few people and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than securities of larger, more established companies or market averages in general. Many small-capitalization companies may be in the early stages of development. Since equity securities of smaller companies may lack sufficient market liquidity and may not be regularly traded, it may be difficult or impossible to sell securities at an advantageous time or a desirable price.

 

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Risks Related to Co-Investments. Co-Investments will be subject to each of the risks set forth below and those risks should be carefully evaluated before making an investment in the Fund. Co-Investments will also be subject to a number of additional risks and uncertainties.

 

·No Control of Co-Investment Vehicles. The Fund may invest indirectly in Portfolio Companies with third-party co-investors by means of co-investment vehicles formed to facilitate such investments. It is anticipated that co-investment vehicles will be formed and managed by third-party fund managers and that neither the Advisor nor the Fund will control the co-investment vehicles. The realization of Portfolio Company investments made as co-investments may take longer than would the realization of investments under the sole control of the Fund, because the third-party fund managers may control the exit process or because the co-investors may require an exit procedure requiring notification of the other co-investors and possibly giving the other co-investors a right of first refusal or a right to initiate a buy-sell procedure (i.e. one party specifying the terms upon which it is prepared to purchase the other party’s or parties’ participation in the investment and the non-initiating party or parties having the option of either buying the initiating party’s participation or selling its or their participation in the investment on the specified terms).

 

·Adverse Effects of Third-Party Co-Investors. Co-Investments may involve risks in connection with such third-party involvement, including the possibility that a third party may have financial difficulties, resulting in a negative impact on such investment, or that the Fund may in certain circumstances be held liable for the actions of such third-party co-investor. Third-party co-investors may also have economic or business interests or goals which are inconsistent with those of the Fund or may be in a position to take or block action in a manner contrary to the Fund’s investment objective. In those circumstances where such third parties involve a management group, such third parties may receive compensation arrangements relating to such investments, including incentive compensation arrangements, and the interests of such third parties may not be aligned with the interests of the Fund. In addition, where the Fund participates in any investment with third-party co-investors, the size of the investment opportunity otherwise available to the Fund may be less than it would otherwise have been without the participation of one or more of such third-party co-investors.

 

·Reliance on Managers of Co-Investment Vehicles. The Fund will be highly dependent upon the capabilities of the private markets fund managers alongside whom the investment is made. The Fund may make binding commitments to co-investment vehicles without an ability to participate in their management and control and with no or limited ability to transfer its interests in such co-investment vehicles. In some cases, the Fund will be obligated to fund its entire investment for a co-investment vehicle up front, and in other cases the Fund will make commitments to fund from time to time as called by the managers of the underlying co-investment vehicles. Neither the Advisor nor the Fund will have control over the timing of capital calls or distributions received from co-investment vehicles, or over investment decisions made by such co-investment vehicles.

 

The Fund also will generally not have control over any of the underlying Portfolio Companies and will not be able to direct the policies or management decisions of such Portfolio Companies. Thus, the returns to the Fund from any such investments will be dependent upon the performance of the particular Portfolio Company and its management and the Fund will not be able to direct the policies or management decisions of such Portfolio Companies.

 

·Reliance on Reporting from Co-Investment Vehicles and Portfolio Companies. The Fund’s ability to deliver accurate and timely reports is dependent upon the accuracy and timeliness of the reports received from co-investment vehicles or the Portfolio Companies. The position of investors in the Fund may depend on the amount of information the Fund receives from the Portfolio Companies and co-investment vehicles about their underlying Portfolio Companies. If the Fund does not have the right to access particular information about the underlying Portfolio Companies, investors’ positions, including their tax position, may be prejudiced.

 

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Managers of co-investment vehicles and Portfolio Companies utilize divergent reporting standards that may make it difficult for the Advisor to accurately assess the prior performance of the sponsor of a potential co-investment vehicle. In addition, such reporting variances may affect the ability of the Advisor to accurately value and monitor underlying investments. Such variances typically involve the calculation of the internal rate of return on investment, and a co-investment vehicle or a Portfolio Company may have different policies regarding the inclusion of fees due to the manager and/or investment professionals and expenses of such co-investment vehicle when calculating the return on investment.

 

·Affiliated Transactions. The 1940 Act contains prohibitions and restrictions relating to transactions between investment companies and their affiliates (including the Advisor), principal underwriters and affiliates of those affiliates or underwriters. Under these restrictions, the Fund and any Portfolio Company that the Fund controls are generally prohibited from knowingly participating in a joint transaction, including co-investments in a portfolio company, with an affiliated person, including any trustees or officers of the Fund, the Advisor, or any entity controlled or advised by any of them. These restrictions also generally prohibit the Fund’s affiliates, principal underwriters and affiliates of those affiliates or underwriters from knowingly purchasing from or selling to the Fund or any Portfolio Company controlled by the Fund certain securities or other property and from lending to and borrowing from the Fund or any Portfolio Company controlled by the Fund monies or other properties. The Fund and its affiliates may be precluded from co-investing in private placements of securities, including in any portfolio companies controlled by the Fund. The Fund, its affiliates and Portfolio Companies controlled by the Fund may from time to time engage in certain joint transactions, purchases, sales and loans in reliance upon and in compliance with the conditions of certain positions promulgated by the SEC and its staff. There can be no assurance that the Fund would be able to satisfy these conditions with respect to any particular transaction. As a result of these prohibitions, restrictions may be imposed on the size of positions or the type of investments that the Fund could make.

 

The Advisor and the Fund intend to obtain an exemptive order from the SEC that permits the Fund to co-invest alongside its affiliates in privately negotiated investments. However, there is no guarantee that the SEC will grant the exemptive order requested and, if granted, the exemptive order is expected to include certain conditions that would limit or restrict the Fund’s ability to participate in such transactions, including, without limitation, where affiliated funds have an existing investment in the Portfolio Company. Additionally, third parties, such as the managers of co-investment vehicles and Portfolio Funds, may not prioritize an allocation to the Fund when faced with a more established pool of capital also competing for allocation. Ultimately, an inability to receive the desired allocation to certain assets could represent a risk to the Fund’s ability to achieve the desired investment returns.

 

·Risk of Dilution. The Fund or a co-investment vehicle may not obtain the right to participate in all follow-on investment opportunities of a Portfolio Company or may not obtain other anti-dilution rights. If the Fund or a co-investment vehicle does not participate in a follow-on investment or does not obtain anti-dilution rights, the initial investment of the Fund or a co-investment vehicle in such Portfolio Company may be subject to dilution over time.

 

Liquidity Risk. Due to a lack of demand in the marketplace or other factors, such as market turmoil, the Fund may not be able to sell some or all of the investments that it holds, or if the Fund is forced to sell an illiquid asset to meet repurchase requests or other cash needs, it may only be able to sell those investments at a loss.  Liquidity risk arises, for example, from small average trading volumes, trading restrictions, or temporary suspensions of trading.  In addition, when the market for certain investments is illiquid, the Fund may be unable to achieve its desired level of exposure to a certain sector. Liquid investments may become illiquid or less liquid after purchase by the Fund, particularly during periods of market turmoil. Illiquid and relatively less liquid investments may be harder to value, especially in changing markets. [Moreover, the reduction in dealer market-making capacity in the fixed income markets that has occurred in recent years has the potential to decrease the liquidity of the Fund’s investments.

 

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Private Placements and Restricted Securities Risk. Private placement securities are securities that have been privately placed and are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). They are eligible for sale only to certain eligible investors. Private placements often may offer attractive opportunities for investment not otherwise available on the open market. Private placement and other “restricted” securities often cannot be sold to the public without registration under the Securities Act or an exemption from registration (such as Rules 144 or 144A).

 

Investing in private placements and other restricted securities is subject to certain risks. Private placements may be considered illiquid securities. Private placements typically are subject to restrictions on resale as a matter of contract or under federal securities laws. Because there may be relatively few potential purchasers for such securities, especially under adverse market or economic conditions or in the event of adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuer, the Fund could find it more difficult to sell such securities when it may be advisable to do so or it may be able to sell such securities only at prices lower than if such securities were more widely held. At times, it also may be more difficult to determine the fair value of such securities for purposes of computing the Fund’s net asset value due to the absence of a trading market. Also, the Fund may get only limited information about the issuer of a restricted security, so it may be less able to predict a loss.

 

LIMITS OF RISK DISCLOSURE

 

The above discussions relate to the various principal risks associated with the Fund, the Fund’s investments, and Shares, and are not intended to be a complete enumeration or explanation of the risks involved in an investment in the Fund. Prospective investors should read this entire Prospectus and the SAI, and consult with their own advisors before deciding whether to invest in the Fund. In addition, as the Fund’s investment program or market conditions change or develop over time, an investment in the Fund may be subject to risk factors not currently contemplated or described in this Prospectus.

 

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

 

General

 

The Board of Trustees has overall responsibility for monitoring and overseeing the Fund’s investment program and its management and operations.

 

The Advisor

 

The Fund’s investment advisor, WCM Investment Management, LLC, founded in 1976 and with its principal address at 281 Brooks Street, Laguna Beach, California 92651, is registered as an investment advisor with the SEC. As the Fund’s investment advisor pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Advisor provides investment advice to the Fund under the ultimate supervision of, and subject to any policies established by, the Board. WCM has approximately $117.8 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2025.

 

Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays the Advisor an annual advisory fee of [x.xx]% of the Fund’s average daily net assets for the services and facilities it provides, payable on a monthly basis. After its initial two-year period, the Advisory Agreement will continue in effect with respect to the Fund from year to year only if such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Board or by vote of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities and by a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the Advisory Agreement or interested persons of any such party, at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the Advisory Agreement. The Advisory Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Trust on behalf of the Fund, upon giving the Advisor 60 days’ notice when authorized either by a majority vote of the Fund’s shareholders or by a vote of a majority of the Board, or by the Advisor on 60 days’ written notice, and will automatically terminate in the event of its “assignment” (as defined in the 1940 Act).

 

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The Fund bears all expenses incurred in its business and operations, other than those borne by the Advisor, pursuant to its agreement with the Fund, including, but not limited to [all investment related expenses (e.g., costs and expenses directly related to portfolio transactions and positions for the Fund’s account such as direct and indirect expenses associated with investments)]; brokerage commissions; the management fee; any non-investment related interest expense; legal and accounting fees; audit and tax preparation fees and expenses; the fees of any administrator or transfer agent retained by the Fund and related expenses; custody fees and expenses; insurance costs; fees and travel-related expenses of members of the Board who are not employees of the Advisor or affiliates of the Advisor; fees and expenses in connection with repurchase offers and any repurchases of Fund Shares; and any extraordinary expenses.

 

The Advisor has contractually agreed to waive or reduce its management fees and/or reimburse expenses of the Fund to ensure that total annual fund operating expenses (excluding any taxes, leverage interest, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on short sales, acquired fund fees and expenses (as determined in accordance with SEC Form N-2), professional fees related to services for the collection of foreign tax reclaims, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization, or extraordinary expenses such as litigation, indemnification and other expenses resulting from events and transactions that are distinguished by their unusual nature and by the infrequency of their occurrence) do not exceed [x.xx]%, of the Fund’s average daily net assets. This agreement is in effect through [_________, 2027], and it may be terminated before that date only by the Board of Trustees. Any reduction in advisory fees or payment of the Fund’s expenses made by the Advisor in a fiscal year may be reimbursed by the Fund for a period ending three years after the date of reduction or payment if the Advisor so requests. This reimbursement may be requested from the Fund if the reimbursement will not cause the Fund’s annual expense ratio to exceed the lesser of (a) the expense limitation in effect at the time such fees were waived or payments made, or (b) the expense limitation in effect at the time of the reimbursement. However, the reimbursement amount may not exceed the total amount of fees waived and/or Fund expenses paid by the Advisor and will not include any amounts previously reimbursed to the Advisor by the Fund. Any such reimbursement is contingent upon the Board’s subsequent review of the reimbursed amounts. The Fund must pay current ordinary operating expenses before the Advisor is entitled to any reimbursement of fees and/or Fund expenses.

 

A discussion regarding the basis for the approval of the Advisory Agreement will be available in the Fund’s first Annual or Semi-Annual Report to shareholders.

 

Portfolio Managers

 

The Fund is team-managed by members of the Advisor’s Select U.S. Equity Fund Investment Strategy Group (the “ISG”) and is comprised of Michael Trigg, Co-CEO and President, Sanjay Ayer, CFA, Portfolio Manager, Michael Hayward, Portfolio Manager, and Ross Bendetson, Portfolio Manager. Messrs. Trigg, Ayer, Hayward, and Bendetson have served as portfolio managers of the Fund since its inception on [______, 202_]. The members of the portfolio management team are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio.

 

Sanjay Ayer, CFA began his investment career in 2003. He has served as a Portfolio Manager and Business Analyst for the Advisor since 2007. He is a member of the Advisor’s ISG and his primary responsibilities include portfolio management and equity research.

 

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Ross Bendetson began his investment career in 2018. He has served as a Portfolio Manage and Business Analyst for the Advisor since 2022. He is a member of the Advisor’s ISG and his primary responsibility is equity research for the firm’s global, fundamental growth strategies. Prior to joining the Advisor, Mr. Bendetson’s experience includes a position as an Equity Analyst on Blackrock’s US Growth Team from 2018 to 2022, where he focused on small/midcap growth investing.

 

Michael Hayward began his investment career in 2009. He has served as a Portfolio Manager and Business Analyst for the Advisor since 2021 and his primary responsibilities include portfolio management and equity research. Prior to joining the Advisor, Mr. Hayward was a Portfolio Manager and Equity Research Analyst at Investec Asset Management (London), Equity Research Analyst at RMB Asset Management (Johannesburg), and an Actuarial Consultant at Deloitte.

 

Michael B. Trigg began his investment career in 2001. He has served as a Portfolio Manager and Business Analyst for the Advisor since 2006, and Co-CEO and President since January 2025. He is a member of the Advisor’s ISG and his primary responsibilities include portfolio management and equity research.

 

The Statement of Additional Information provides additional information about the portfolio managers’ compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers, and the portfolio managers’ ownership of securities in the Fund.

 

THE FUND’S SERVICE PROVIDERS

 

Custodian

 

UMB Bank, n.a., located at 928 Grand Boulevard, 5th Floor, Kansas City, Missouri 64106, is the Fund’s custodian.

 

Co-Administrators

 

UMBFS, located at 235 W. Galena Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212, and MFAC, 2220 E. Route 66, Suite 226, Glendora, California 91740, act as co-administrators of the Fund.

 

Transfer Agent

 

UMBFS acts as the Fund’s fund accountant, transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent.

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

[____________], located at [_______________], serves as the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm. Its services include auditing the Fund’s financial statements and the performance of related tax services.

 

Legal Counsel

 

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, located at 600 Anton Boulevard, Suite 1800, Costa Mesa, California 92626, serves as legal counsel to the Fund.

 

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THE DISTRIBUTOR

 

[___________________] is the distributor (also known as the principal underwriter) of Shares of the Fund and is located at [____]. The Distributor is a registered broker-dealer and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”). [The Distributor is not affiliated with the Fund, the Advisor or any other service provider for the Fund].

 

Under a distribution agreement with the Fund dated [_______, 2026] (the “Distribution Agreement”), the Distributor acts as the agent of the Fund in connection with the continuous offering of Shares of the Fund. The Distributor continually distributes Shares on a [best efforts] basis. The Distributor has no obligation to sell any specific quantity of Fund Shares. The Distributor and its officers have no role in determining the investment policies or which investments are to be purchased or sold by the Fund. The Distributor may enter into agreements with Intermediaries for distribution of Shares. With respect to certain Intermediaries and related fund “supermarket” platform arrangements, the Fund and/or the Advisor, rather than the Distributor, typically enter into such agreements. These Intermediaries may charge a fee for their services and may receive shareholder service or other fees from parties other than the Distributor. These Intermediaries may otherwise act as processing agents and are responsible for promptly transmitting purchase, repurchase and other requests to the Fund.

 

Investors who purchase Shares through Intermediaries will be subject to the procedures of those Intermediaries through which they purchase Shares, which may include charges, investment minimums, cutoff times and other restrictions in addition to, or different from, those listed in this prospectus. Information concerning any charges or services will be provided to customers by the financial intermediary through which they purchase Shares. Investors purchasing Shares through Intermediaries should acquaint themselves with their Intermediary’s procedures and should read the Prospectus in conjunction with any materials and information provided by their Intermediary. The Intermediary, and not its customers, will be the shareholder of record, although customers may have the right to vote Shares depending upon their arrangement with the Intermediary. The Advisor pays the Distributor a fee for certain distribution-related services.

 

[The Fund has agreed to indemnify the Distributor against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Such indemnification does not include indemnification against liability resulting from the Distributor’s willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of such duties and obligations, or by reason of its reckless disregard thereof. The Distribution Agreement will continue in effect with respect to the Fund only if such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Board or by vote of a majority of the trustees who are not parties to the Distribution Agreement or “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any such party. The Distribution Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Fund on 60 days’ written notice when authorized either by a majority vote of the Fund’s shareholders or by vote of a majority of the Board, including a majority of the trustees who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund, or by the Distributor on 60 days’ written notice, and will automatically terminate in the event of its “assignment” (as defined in the 1940 Act).]

 

PURCHASE OF SHARES

 

Shareholders who invest in the Fund through an Intermediary should contact their Intermediary regarding purchase procedures. All investors must complete and submit the necessary account registration forms in good order. Investors may be charged a fee if they effect transactions through an intermediary, broker, or agent. The Fund reserves the right to reject any initial or additional investment and to suspend the offering of Shares. Purchase through an Intermediary does not affect these eligibility requirements.

 

Initial and any additional purchases of Shares of the Fund by any shareholder must be made via wire transfer of funds or another method of immediately available funds. Payment for each initial or subsequent additional purchases of Shares must be made in one installment. Except as otherwise permitted by the Board, initial and subsequent purchases of Shares will be payable in cash. A purchase of Shares will be made at the NAV per Share next determined following receipt of a purchase order in good order by the Fund, its authorized agent, or authorized Intermediary or the Intermediary’s authorized designee. A purchase order is in “good order” when the Fund, an authorized Intermediary or, if applicable, an Intermediary’s authorized designee, receives all required information, including properly completed and signed documents. Once the Fund (or one of its authorized agents) accepts a purchase order, you may not cancel or revoke it. The Fund reserves the right to cancel any purchase order it receives if the Fund believes that it is in the best interest of the Fund’s shareholders to do so.

 

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The Fund has authorized one or more brokers to receive on its behalf purchase and repurchase orders. Such brokers are authorized to designate other intermediaries to receive purchase and repurchase orders on the Fund’s behalf. The Fund is also offered directly. The Fund will be deemed to have received a purchase or repurchase order when an authorized broker or, if applicable, a broker’s authorized designee, receives the order. Customer orders will be priced at the Fund’s NAV next computed after they are received by an authorized broker or the broker’s authorized designee. Your financial intermediary will hold your Shares in a pooled account in its (or its agent’s) name. The Fund may pay your financial intermediary (or its agent) to maintain your individual ownership information, maintain required records, and provide other shareholder services.

 

The Advisor may also pay compensation, out of its own funds and not as a charge to the Fund, to Intermediaries in connection with the sale, distribution and retention of Shares and/or account servicing. For example, the Advisor may pay compensation to Intermediaries for the purpose of promoting the sale of Shares, maintaining balances in the Fund and/or for sub-accounting, administrative or account processing services. The amount of these payments is determined from time to time by the Advisor and may be substantial.

 

With respect to each Intermediary that may receive such payments from the Advisor, these payments will be paid by the Advisor from its own funds, based in most cases on the NAV of the Fund attributable to each client of such Intermediary who invests in the Fund. A portion of these payments may be paid through to the professional responsible for the client relationship and/or selling Shares. These payments may be made as long as a client of an Intermediary is invested in the Fund.

 

The prospect of receiving, or the receipt of, additional ongoing compensation as described above by Intermediaries, out of the Advisor’s own funds and not as charge to the Fund, may provide such Intermediaries and/or their salespersons with an incentive to favor sales of Shares over sales of shares of funds (or other fund investments) with respect to which the Intermediary receives either no compensation or lower levels of compensation. The prospect of receiving, or the receipt of, such compensation may also provide Intermediaries and/or their salespersons with an incentive to favor recommending that shareholders maintain their assets in the Fund rather than re-allocate assets to other investments. These payment arrangements will not, however, change the price that an investor pays for any class of Shares or the amount that the Fund receives upon repurchase of any class of Shares. Investors should take such payment arrangements into account when considering and evaluating any recommendations relating to the Shares.

 

Clients of investment advisory organizations may also be subject to investment advisory fees under their own arrangements with such organizations.

 

Some Intermediaries may impose different or additional eligibility requirements. The Advisor has the discretion to further modify or waive their eligibility requirements.

 

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The Fund reserves the right to refuse any request to purchase any class of Shares. Each class of Shares are subject to the investment minimums described below.

 

Methods of Buying

 

Through a broker-dealer or other Intermediary

The Fund is offered through certain approved Intermediaries (and their designees). The Fund is also offered directly. A purchase order placed with an Intermediary or its authorized designee is treated as if such order were placed directly with the Fund, and will be deemed to have been received by the Fund when the Intermediary or its authorized designee receives the order. A purchase of Shares will be executed at the next NAV per Share (plus any sales charge, as applicable) calculated by the Fund. Your Intermediary will hold your Shares in a pooled account in its (or its designee’s) name. The Fund may pay your Intermediary (or its designee) to maintain your individual ownership information, maintain required records, and provide other shareholder services. An Intermediary which offers Shares may charge its individual clients transaction fees, which may be in addition to those described in this Prospectus. If you invest through your Intermediary, its policies and fees may be different than those described in this Prospectus. For example, the Intermediary may charge transaction fees or set different minimum investments. Your Intermediary is responsible for processing your order correctly and promptly, keeping you advised of the status of your account, confirming your transactions and ensuring that you receive copies of the Fund’s Prospectus. Please contact your Intermediary to determine whether it is an approved Intermediary of the Fund or for additional information. The Fund has authorized one or more brokers to receive purchase orders on its behalf.

 

By mail

The Fund will not accept payment in cash, including cashier’s checks. Also, to prevent check fraud, the Fund will not accept third party checks, Treasury checks, credit card checks, traveler’s checks, money orders or starter checks for the purchase of Shares. All checks must be made in U.S. dollars and drawn on U.S. financial institutions.

 

To buy Shares directly from the Fund by mail, complete an account registration form and send it, together with your check for the amount you wish to invest, to the Fund at the address indicated below. To make additional investments once you have opened your account, write your account number on the check and send it to the Fund together with the most recent confirmation statement received from the Transfer Agent. If your check is returned for insufficient funds, your purchase will be canceled, and a $25 fee will be assessed against your account by the Transfer Agent.

 

Regular Mail

WCM Funds

P.O. Box [2175]

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201

Overnight Delivery

WCM Funds

235 W. Galena Street

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212

 

The Fund does not consider the U.S. Postal Service or other independent delivery services to be its agents.

 

By telephone

To make additional investments by telephone, you must authorize telephone purchases on your account registration form. If you have given authorization for telephone transactions and your account has been open for at least 15 days, call the Transfer Agent toll-free at [________] and you will be allowed to move money in amounts of at least [$_____], but not greater than [$______], from your bank account to the Fund’s account upon request. Only bank accounts held at U.S. institutions that are ACH members may be used for telephone transactions. If your order is placed before 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on a Business Day, Shares will be purchased in your account at the NAV per Share (plus any sales charge, as applicable) calculated on that day. Orders received at or after 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) will be transacted at the next Business Day’s NAV per Share. For security reasons, requests by telephone will be recorded.

 

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By wire

To open an account by wire, a completed account registration form must be received by the Fund before your wire can be accepted. You may mail or send by overnight delivery your account registration form to the Transfer Agent. Upon receipt of your completed account registration form, an account will be established for you. The account number assigned to you will be required as part of the wiring instruction that should be provided to your bank to send the wire. Your bank must include the name of the Fund, the account number, and your name so that monies can be correctly applied. Your bank should transmit monies by wire to:

 

UMB Bank, n.a.

ABA Number [101000695]

For credit to WCM Funds

A/C # [   ]

 

For further credit to:

Your account number

WCM Select U.S. Equity Fund

Name(s) of investor(s)

Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number

 

Before sending your wire, please contact the Transfer Agent at [________] to notify it of your intention to wire funds. This will ensure prompt and accurate credit upon receipt of your wire. Your bank may charge a fee for its wiring service.

 

Wired funds must be received prior to 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on a Business Day to be eligible for same day pricing. The Fund and UMB Bank, n.a. are not responsible for the consequences of delays resulting from the banking or Federal Reserve wire system, or from incomplete wiring instructions.

 

Purchases in-kind Under certain circumstances, you may purchase Shares of the Fund by transferring securities to the Fund in exchange for Shares (“in-kind purchase”). In-kind purchases may be made only upon the approval of the Advisor and upon the determination that the securities are acceptable investments for the Fund. The Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate this practice at any time. Please contact the Fund at [_________] before sending any securities.

 

Shareholder Services Fee

 

The Fund may pay a fee at an annual rate of up to [x.xx]% of its average daily net assets to shareholder servicing agents. Shareholder servicing agents provide non-distribution administrative and support services to their customers, which may include establishing and maintaining accounts and records relating to shareholders, processing dividend and distribution payments from the Fund on behalf of shareholders, forwarding communications from the Fund, providing sub-accounting with respect to Fund shares, and other similar services.

 

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Investment Minimums

 

The minimum initial investment is [$1,000,000], and minimum subsequent investments are [$1,000]. RIAs may, in certain cases, aggregate client accounts for purposes of meeting the applicable investment minimum. Some Intermediaries may impose different or additional investment minimums.

 

Initial and subsequent investment minimums may be reduced or waived at the Advisor’s discretion.

 

Additional Information

 

The Fund enters into contractual arrangements with various parties, including among others, the Advisor, each of which provide services to the Fund. Shareholders are not parties to, or intended (or “third party”) beneficiaries of, those contractual arrangements.

 

The Prospectus and the SAI provide information concerning the Fund that you should consider in determining whether to purchase Shares of the Fund. The Fund may make changes to this information from time to time. Neither this Prospectus nor the SAI is intended to give rise to any contract rights or other rights in any shareholder, other than any rights conferred explicitly by federal or state securities laws that may not be waived.

 

PERIODIC REPURCHASE OFFERS

 

The Fund is a closed-end “interval” fund and, to provide liquidity and the ability to receive NAV per Share on a disposition of at least a portion of your Shares, makes periodic offers to repurchase each class of Shares. Except as permitted by the Fund’s interval structure, no shareholder will have the right to require the Fund to repurchase its Shares. No public market for any class of Shares exists, and none is expected to develop in the future. Consequently, shareholders generally will not be able to liquidate their investment other than as a result of repurchases of their Shares by the Fund.

 

The Fund has adopted, pursuant to Rule 23c-3 under the 1940 Act, a fundamental policy, which cannot be changed without shareholder approval, requiring the Fund to offer to repurchase at least 5% and up to 25% of its Shares at NAV per Share on a regular schedule. Although the policy permits repurchases of between 5% and 25% of the Fund’s outstanding Shares, for each repurchase offer the Fund will conduct quarterly repurchase offers, typically for 5% of the Fund’s outstanding Shares at NAV per Share, subject to applicable law and approval of the Board of Trustees.

 

The schedule requires the Fund to make repurchase offers every three months. For each repurchase offer, if you own Fund Shares on the Fund’s record date, you will be entitled to participate in the repurchase offer. The Fund’s record date will be established at the discretion of the Fund’s officers.

 

The date on which the repurchase price for each class of Shares is determined will be no later than the 14th day after the Repurchase Request Deadline (or the next Business Day, if the 14th day is not a Business Day) (the “Repurchase Pricing Date”).

 

When a repurchase offer commences, the Fund will send, at least 21 and not more than 42 days before the Repurchase Request Deadline, written notice to each shareholder setting forth, among other things:

 

·The percentage of outstanding Shares that the Fund is offering to repurchase and how the Fund will purchase Shares on a pro rata basis if the offer is oversubscribed.

 

·The Repurchase Request Deadline.

 

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·The Repurchase Pricing Date, or the date that will be used to determine the Fund’s NAV per Share applicable to the repurchase offer.

 

·The date by which the Fund will pay to shareholders the proceeds from the repurchase of their Shares accepted for repurchase (the “Repurchase Payment Deadline”).

 

·The NAV per Share of the Shares as of a date no more than seven days before the date of the written notice and the means by which shareholders may ascertain the NAV per Share.

 

·The procedures by which shareholders may tender their Shares and the right of shareholders to withdraw or modify their tenders before the Repurchase Request Deadline.

 

·The circumstances in which the Fund may suspend or postpone the repurchase offer.

 

This notice may be included in a shareholder report or other Fund document. The Repurchase Request Deadline will be strictly observed. If a shareholder fails to submit a repurchase request in good order (including a tender of stock in response to a repurchase offer) by the Repurchase Request Deadline, the shareholder will be unable to liquidate Shares until a subsequent repurchase offer, and will have to resubmit a request in the next repurchase offer. A repurchase request is in “good order” when the Fund, an authorized Intermediary or, if applicable, an Intermediary’s authorized designee, receives all required information, including properly completed and signed documents. Shareholders may withdraw or change a repurchase request with a proper instruction submitted in good form at any point before the Repurchase Request Deadline.

 

Determination of Repurchase Price and Payment for Shares

 

The Repurchase Pricing Date for Shares will occur no later than the 14th day after the repurchase request deadline (or the next Business Day, if the 14th day is not a Business Day). The Fund expects to distribute payment to shareholders between one and three Business Days after the Repurchase Pricing Date and will distribute such payment no later than seven calendar days after such date. The Fund’s NAV per Share may change materially between the date a repurchase offer is mailed and the Repurchase Request Deadline, and it may also change materially between the Repurchase Request Deadline and Repurchase Pricing Date. The method by which the Fund calculates NAV per Share is discussed below under “Calculation of Net Asset Value; Valuation.” During the period an offer to repurchase is open, shareholders may obtain the current NAV per Share by calling the Transfer Agent at [_-___-___-____].

 

Suspension or Postponement of Repurchase Offers

 

The Fund may suspend or postpone a repurchase offer in limited circumstances set forth in Rule 23c-3 under the 1940 Act, as described below, but only with the approval of a majority of the Trustees, including a majority of Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act.

 

The Fund may suspend or postpone a repurchase offer only: (1) if making or effecting the repurchase offer would cause the Fund to lose its status as a RIC under the Code; (2) if making or effecting the repurchase offer would cause the Shares that are subject to the offer that are either listed on a national securities exchange or quoted in an inter-dealer quotation system of a national securities association to be neither listed on any national securities exchange nor quoted on any inter-dealer quotation system of a national securities association; (3) for any period during which the NYSE or any other market in which the securities owned by the Fund are principally traded is closed, other than customary weekend and holiday closings, or during which trading in such market is restricted; (4) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal by the Fund of securities owned by it is not reasonably practicable, or during which it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund fairly to determine the value of its net assets; or (5) for such other periods as the SEC may by order permit for the protection of shareholders of the Fund.

 

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Oversubscribed Repurchase Offers

 

There is no minimum number of Shares that must be tendered before the Fund will honor repurchase requests. However, the Fund’s Board sets for each repurchase offer a maximum percentage of Shares that may be repurchased by the Fund. If a repurchase offer by the Fund is oversubscribed, the Fund may repurchase, but is not required to repurchase, additional Shares up to a maximum amount of [___%] of the outstanding Shares of the Fund. If the Fund determines not to repurchase additional Shares beyond the repurchase offer amount, or if shareholders tender an amount of Shares greater than that which the Fund is entitled to repurchase, the Fund will repurchase the Shares tendered on a pro rata basis. However, the Fund may accept (1) all Shares tendered for repurchase by shareholders who own less than 100 Shares and who tender all of their Shares, before prorating other amounts tendered, or (2) by lot Shares tendered by shareholders who request repurchase of all Shares held by them and who, when tendering their Shares, elect to have either (a) all or none or (b) at least a minimum amount or none accepted, if the Fund first accepts all shares tendered by shareholders who do not make this election. With respect to any required minimum distributions from an IRA or other qualified retirement plan, it is the obligation of the shareholder to determine the amount of any such required minimum distribution and to otherwise satisfy the required minimum.

 

If any Shares that you wish to tender to the Fund are not repurchased because of proration, you will have to wait until the next repurchase offer and resubmit a new repurchase request, and your repurchase request will not be given any priority over other shareholders’ requests. Thus, there is a risk that the Fund may not purchase all of the Shares you wish to have repurchased in a given repurchase offer or in any subsequent repurchase offer. In anticipation of the possibility of proration, some shareholders may tender more Shares than they wish to have repurchased in a particular quarter, increasing the likelihood of proration.

 

There is no assurance that you will be able to tender your Shares when or in the amount that you desire.

 

Consequences of Repurchase Offers

 

From the time the Fund distributes or publishes each repurchase offer notification until the Repurchase Pricing Date for that offer, the Fund must maintain liquid assets at least equal to the percentage of its Shares subject to the repurchase offer. For this purpose, “liquid assets” means assets that may be sold or otherwise disposed of in the ordinary course of business, at approximately the price at which the Fund values them, within the period between the repurchase request deadline and the repurchase payment date, or which mature by the repurchase payment date. The Fund is also permitted to borrow up to the maximum extent permitted under the 1940 Act to meet repurchase requests.

 

If the Fund borrows to finance repurchases, interest on that borrowing will negatively affect shareholders who do not tender their Shares by increasing the Fund’s expenses and reducing any net investment income. There is no assurance that the Fund will be able sell a significant amount of additional Shares so as to mitigate these effects.

 

These and other possible risks associated with the Fund’s repurchase offers are described under “Principal Risks—Repurchase Offers Risk” above. In addition, the repurchase of Shares by the Fund may be a taxable event to shareholders, potentially even to those shareholders that do not participate in the repurchase. For a discussion of these tax consequences, see “Tax Matters” below and “Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” in the SAI.

 

Cost Basis Information

 

Federal tax law requires that a RIC, such as the Fund, report their shareholders’ cost basis, gain/loss, and holding periods to the IRS on Forms 1099 when Shares of the Fund are sold.

 

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The Fund has chosen “first-in, first-out” (“FIFO”) as its standing (default) tax lot identification method for all shareholders, which means this is the method the Fund will use to determine which specific Shares are deemed to be sold when there are multiple purchases on different dates at differing NAVs and the entire position is not sold at one time. The Fund’s standing tax lot identification method is the method it will use to report the sale of covered Shares on your Consolidated Form 1099 if you do not select a specific tax lot identification method.

 

Subject to certain limitations, you may choose a method other than the Fund’s standing (default) method at the time of your purchase or upon the sale of Fund Shares. Please refer to the appropriate Treasury regulations or consult your tax advisor with regard to your personal circumstances.

 

Distributions; Automatic Reinvestment Plan

 

It is the Fund’s policy to make distributions at least annually of all or substantially all of its net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any. The Fund will pay distributions on a per-Share basis. As a result, on the ex-dividend date of such a payment, the NAV per Share of the Fund will be reduced by the amount of the payment.

 

The Fund expects to declare and pay dividends of net investment income and net realized gains annually. Dividends and capital gains distributions are automatically reinvested in Shares of the Fund, unless otherwise noted. You may notify the Transfer Agent in writing to:

 

·Choose to receive net investment income dividends or gain distributions (or both) in cash; or

 

·Change the way you currently receive distributions.

 

The Fund’s distributions will generally be taxable to shareholders whether or not they are reinvested in additional Shares of the Fund. For further information about dividend reinvestment, contact the Transfer Agent by telephone at [_-___-___-____].

 

Transfers of Shares

 

Shares may be transferred only (i) by operation of law pursuant to the death, bankruptcy, insolvency, adjudicated incompetence or dissolution of a shareholders or (ii) with the written consent of the Board, or an officer of the Fund on behalf of the Board, which consent may be withheld in its sole and absolute discretion and is expected to be granted, if at all, only in limited circumstances. Notice to the Fund of any proposed transfer must include evidence satisfactory to the Fund that the proposed transferee meets any requirements imposed by the Fund with respect to shareholder eligibility and suitability.

 

Each shareholder and transferee is required to pay all expenses, including attorneys’ and accountants’ fees, incurred by the Fund in connection with such transfer. If such a transferee does not meet the shareholder eligibility requirements, the Fund reserves the right to repurchase the Shares transferred.

 

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CALCULATION OF NET ASSET VALUE; VALUATION

 

The offering price of the Fund’s Shares is the NAV per Share of that class (plus any sales charges, as applicable). The Fund’s NAV per Share is calculated as of 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, the normal close of regular trading on the NYSE, on each day the NYSE is open for trading. If for example, the NYSE closes at 1:00 p.m. Eastern time, the Fund’s NAV per Share would still be determined as of 4:00 p.m. Eastern time. In this example, portfolio securities traded on the NYSE would be valued at their closing prices unless the Advisor, acting pursuant to procedures approved by the Board, determines that a “fair value” adjustment is appropriate due to subsequent events. The NAV per Share may be calculated earlier if permitted by the SEC. The NYSE is closed on weekends and most U.S. national holidays. However, foreign securities listed primarily on non-U.S. markets may trade on weekends or other days on which the Fund does not value its Shares, which may significantly affect the Fund’s NAV per Share on days when you are not able to buy or sell Fund Shares. The NYSE annually announces the days on which it will not be open for trading. The most recent announcement indicates that the NYSE will not be open for the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. However, the NYSE may close on days not included in that announcement.

 

The NAV per Share is computed by dividing (a) the difference between the value of the Fund’s securities, cash and other assets and the amount of the expenses and liabilities, by (b) the number of outstanding Shares. The NAV per Share takes into account all of the expenses and fees, including management fees and administration fees, which are accrued daily.

 

The Fund’s investments are valued using readily available market quotations or, in the absence of readily available market quotations, at fair value as determined in good faith by the Advisor pursuant to procedures approved by the Board. Pursuant to those procedures, the Board has designated the Advisor as the Fund’s valuation designee (the “Valuation Designee”) responsible for determining whether market quotations are readily available and reliable, and making good faith determinations of fair value when appropriate. The Valuation Designee carries out its responsibilities with respect to fair value determinations through its Valuation Committee. As the Valuation Designee, the Advisor is responsible for the establishment and application, in a consistent manner, of appropriate methodologies for determining the fair value of investments, periodically reviewing the selected methodologies used for continuing appropriateness and accuracy, and making any changes or adjustments to the methodologies as appropriate. The Valuation Designee is also responsible for the identification, periodic assessment, and management of material risks, including material conflicts of interest, associated with fair value determinations, taking into account the Fund’s investments, significant changes in the Fund’s investment strategies or policies, market events, and other relevant factors. The Valuation Designee is also responsible for selecting, overseeing and evaluating pricing services, which provide pricing estimates or information to assist in determining the fair value of Fund investments. The Valuation Designee is subject to the general oversight of the Board.

 

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

 

Securities that are traded on more than one exchange are valued on the exchange determined by the Advisor to be the primary market. Securities primarily traded in the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation (“NASDAQ”), National Market System for which market quotations are readily available are valued using the NASDAQ Official Closing Price (“NOCP”). If the NOCP is not available, such securities are valued at the last sale price on the day of valuation, or if there has not been any sale on such day, at the mean between the bid and ask prices. OTC securities which are not traded in the NASDAQ National Market System are valued at the most recent trade price.

 

Stocks that are “thinly traded” or events occurring when a foreign market is closed but the NYSE is open (for example, the value of a security held by the Fund has been materially affected by events occurring after the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded) may create a situation where a market quote would not be readily available. When a market quote is not readily available, the security’s value is based on “fair value” as determined by procedures adopted by the Board. The Advisor will periodically test the appropriateness and accuracy of the fair value methodologies that have been selected for the Fund. The Fund may hold portfolio securities, such as those traded on foreign exchanges, that trade on weekends or other days when the Fund’s Shares are not priced. Therefore, the value of the Fund’s Shares may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or redeem Shares. Fair value pricing may involve subjective judgments and it is possible that the fair value determination for a security may be materially different than the value that could be realized upon the sale of the security.

 

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Debt obligations with remaining maturities in excess of 60 days generally are valued based on prices provided by pricing services. Debt obligations which mature in 60 days or less, including those that originally had maturities of more than 60 days at acquisition date, shall be valued based on prices provided by a pricing service, when available. If no price is available, certain short-term securities, such as money market instruments (e.g., Treasury bills, commercial paper, certificate of deposits), may be valued at amortized cost.

 

Pricing services generally value debt securities assuming orderly transactions of an institutional round lot size, but such securities may be held or transactions may be conducted in such securities in smaller, odd lot sizes. Odd lots often trade at lower prices than institutional round lots.

 

Determining fair value involves subjective judgments, and it is possible that the fair value determined by the Valuation Committee for an investment may differ materially from the value that could be realized upon the ultimate sale of the investment. There is no single standard for determining fair value of an investment.

 

The Advisor may in the future act as investment advisor to other clients that invest in securities for which no public market price exists. Valuation determinations by the Advisor for other clients may result in different values than those ascribed to the same security owned by the Fund. Consequently, the fees charged to the Fund may be different than those charged to other clients, since the method of calculating the fees takes the value of all assets, including assets carried at different valuations, into consideration.

 

TAX MATTERS

 

Please consult your tax advisor regarding your specific questions about U.S. federal, state and local income taxes. Below is a summary of certain important U.S. federal income tax issues that affect the Fund and its shareholders. This summary is based on current tax laws, which may change. This summary does not apply to shares held in an individual retirement account or other tax-qualified plans, which are not subject to current tax. Transactions relating to Shares held in such accounts may, however, be taxable at some time in the future.

 

The Fund intends to elect to be and intends to qualify each year for treatment as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. To qualify for treatment as a RIC, the Fund must meet certain income, asset diversification and distribution requirements. Assuming it qualifies for treatment as a RIC, the Fund generally will not be subject to federal income or excise taxes on ordinary income and capital gains distributed to shareholders within applicable time limits. If the Fund were to fail to qualify for treatment as a RIC, it would be subject to federal income tax at the Fund level, which would reduce the income available for distribution to you and other shareholders.

 

The Fund may in certain instances be required to liquidate Fund investments in order to repurchase Fund shares at a time when the Advisor might not otherwise have chosen to do so, and liquidation of investments in such circumstances may affect the ability of the Fund to satisfy the requirements for qualification as a RIC.

 

The Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any. The dividends and distributions you receive may be subject to federal, state, and local taxation, depending upon your tax situation. Distributions you receive from the Fund may be taxable whether or not you reinvest them in additional shares of the Fund. Income distributions, other than distributions of qualified dividend income, and distributions of short-term capital gains are generally taxable at ordinary income tax rates. Distributions reported by the Fund as long-term capital gains and as qualified dividend income are generally taxable at the rates applicable to long-term capital gains currently set at a maximum tax rate for individuals at 20% (lower rates apply to individuals in lower tax brackets). The Fund’s investment strategies may limit its ability to make distributions eligible for treatment as qualified dividend income. Once a year the Fund (or its administrative agent) will send you a statement showing the types and total amount of distributions you received during the previous year.

 

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A RIC that receives business interest income may pass through its net business interest income for purposes of the tax rules applicable to the interest expense limitations under Section 163(j) of the Code. A RIC’s total “Section 163(j) Interest Dividend” for a tax year is limited to the excess of the RIC’s business interest income over the sum of its business interest expense and its other deductions properly allocable to its business interest income. A RIC may, in its discretion, designate all or a portion of ordinary dividends as Section 163(j) Interest Dividends, which would allow the recipient shareholder to treat the designated portion of such dividends as interest income for purposes of determining such shareholder’s interest expense deduction limitation under Section 163(j). This can potentially increase the amount of a shareholder’s interest expense deductible under Section 163(j). In general, to be eligible to treat a Section 163(j) Interest Dividend as interest income, you must have held your shares in the Fund for more than 180 days during the 361-day period beginning on the date that is 180 days before the date on which the share becomes ex-dividend with respect to such dividend. Section 163(j) Interest Dividends, if so designated by the Fund, will be reported to your financial intermediary or otherwise in accordance with the requirements specified by the IRS.

 

A distribution will be treated as paid on December 31 of a year if it is declared by the Fund in October, November or December of the year, payable to shareholders of record in such a month and paid by the Fund during January of the following year.

 

Distributions are taxable to you even if they are paid from income or gains earned before your investment (and thus were included in the price you paid for your shares). In general, you will be taxed on the distributions you receive from the Fund, whether you receive them as additional shares or in cash.

 

You should note that if you purchase shares just before a distribution, the purchase price would reflect the amount of the upcoming distribution. In this case, you would be taxed on the entire amount of the distribution received, even though, as an economic matter, the distribution simply constitutes a return of your investment. This is known as “buying a dividend” and generally should be avoided by taxable investors.

 

The Fund’s investment in foreign securities may be subject to foreign withholding taxes. In that case, the Fund’s yield on those securities would be decreased. Depending on the composition of its investments, the Fund may be able to pass through to you the foreign taxes that it pays, in which case you will include your proportionate share of such taxes in calculating your gross income, but may be eligible to claim a deduction or credit for such foreign taxes, as further described in the SAI. In addition, the Fund’s investments in foreign securities or foreign currencies may increase or accelerate the Fund’s recognition of ordinary income and may affect the timing, amount or character of the Fund’s distributions.

 

Sale, Repurchase or Exchange of Shares. The repurchase (or other sale or taxable exchange) of Fund shares may give rise to a taxable gain or loss. In general, any gain or loss realized upon a taxable disposition of shares will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than 12 months if shares are held by a shareholder as a capital asset. Otherwise the gain or loss will generally be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. Any loss realized by a shareholder upon a taxable disposition of shares held for six months or less will be treated as long-term, rather than short-term, to the extent of any long-term capital gain dividends received (or deemed received) by the shareholder with respect to the shares. All or a portion of any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of Fund shares will be disallowed if you purchase other substantially identical shares within 30 days before or after the disposition. In such a case, the basis of the newly purchased shares will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.

 

Net Investment Income Tax. Fund distributions and gains on the sale of Fund shares will generally be included in the computation of net investment income for purposes of the 3.8% net investment income tax, which applies to U.S. individuals with income exceeding specified thresholds. This 3.8% tax also applies to all or a portion of the undistributed net investment income of certain shareholders that are estates and trusts.

 

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Tax Withholding and Reporting. After the end of each calendar year, we will send you a statement showing the tax status of your distributions for the year.

 

If you are a non-U.S. person, your distributions from the Fund (other than distributions reported by the Fund as interest-related dividends and short-term capital gain dividends), including deemed distributions that may result from a share repurchase, as described above, will generally be subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at the rate of 30%, or any lower rate provided by an applicable tax treaty. In general, the Fund may report interest-related dividends to the extent of its net income derived from U.S. source interest and the Fund may report short-term capital gain dividends to the extent its net short-term capital gain for the taxable year exceeds its net long-term capital loss. This 30% withholding tax generally will not apply to distributions of net capital gains or to the proceeds of share sales or repurchases that are not recharacterized as dividends.

 

Special rules apply to non-U.S. persons who receive distributions from the Fund that are attributable to gain from USRPIs. The Code defines USRPIs to include direct holdings of U.S. real property and any interest (other than an interest solely as a creditor) in a USRPHC or a former USRPHC. The Code defines a USRPHC as any corporation whose USRPIs make up 50% or more of the fair market value of its USRPIs, its interests in real property located outside the United States, plus any other assets it uses in a trade or business. In general, if the Fund is a USRPHC (determined without regard to certain exceptions), distributions by the Fund that are attributable to (i) gains realized on the disposition of USPRIs by the Fund and (ii) distributions received by the Fund from a lower-tier RIC or real estate investment trust that the Fund is required to treat as USRPI gain in its hands will retain their character as gains realized from USRPIs in the hands of the foreign persons and will be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax. In addition, such distributions could result in the non-U.S. person being required to file a U.S. tax return and pay tax on the distributions at regular U.S. federal income tax rates. The consequences to a non-U.S. person, including the rate of such withholding and character of such distributions (e.g., ordinary income or USRPI gain) will vary depending on the extent of the non-U.S. person’s current and past ownership of the Fund.

 

In addition, if the Fund is a USRPHC or former USRPHC, the Fund may be required to withhold U.S. tax upon a redemption of shares by a non-U.S. person, and that non-U.S. person would be required to file a U.S. income tax return for the year of the disposition of the USRPI and pay any additional tax due on the gain. However, no such withholding is generally required with respect to amounts paid in redemption of shares if the Fund is a domestically controlled qualified investment entity. A domestically controlled qualified investment entity includes a RIC in which, at all times during a specified testing period, less than 50% in value of its shares is held directly or indirectly by non-U.S. persons. There are no assurances as to whether the Fund will be considered a domestically controlled qualified investment entity.

 

The Fund may be required in certain circumstances to apply backup withholding to dividends, distributions and repurchase requests proceeds payable to non-corporate shareholders who fail to provide the Fund with their correct taxpayer identification numbers or to make required certifications, or who have been notified by the IRS that they are subject to backup withholding. The backup withholding rate is currently 24%. Backup withholding is not an additional tax and any amount withheld may be credited against a shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liabilities. Backup withholding will not be applied to payments that have been subject to the 30% withholding tax described in the preceding paragraph.

 

Unless certain non-U.S. entities that hold Shares comply with IRS requirements that will generally require them to report information regarding U.S. persons investing in, or holding accounts with, such entities, a 30% withholding tax may apply to Fund distributions payable to such entities. A non-U.S. shareholder may be exempt from the withholding described in this paragraph under an applicable intergovernmental agreement between the U.S. and a foreign government, provided that the shareholder and the applicable foreign government comply with the terms of such agreement.

 

41 

 

Taxation of Complex Securities. The Fund may invest in complex securities. These investments may be subject to numerous special and complex tax rules. To the extent the Fund invests in an underlying fund that is taxable as a RIC, the following discussion regarding the tax treatment of complex securities will also apply to the underlying funds that also invest in such complex securities. These rules could affect the Fund’s ability to qualify as a RIC, affect whether gains and losses recognized by the Fund is treated as ordinary income or capital gain, accelerate the recognition of income to the Fund and/or defer the Fund’s ability to recognize losses, and, in limited cases, subject the Fund to U.S. federal income tax on income from certain of their foreign securities. In turn, these rules may affect the amount, timing or character of the income distributed to you by the Fund and may require the Fund to sell securities to mitigate the effect of these rules and prevent disqualification of the Fund as a RIC at a time when the advisors might not otherwise have chosen to do so.

 

The Fund may make certain investments through special purposes vehicles (“SPVs”). To the extent that those SPVs are treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the material U.S. tax consequences with respect to such an investment would be similar to the above description with respect to investments in partnerships. To the extent that an SPV is a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Fund is generally permitted to invest up to 25% of its total assets in one or more SPVs that the Fund controls and which are engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses or related trades or businesses.

 

In the event that the SPV is a U.S. entity that is treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Fund generally does not take into account income earned by a U.S. corporation in which it invests unless and until the corporation distributes such income to the RIC as a dividend. The U.S. SPV, however, will be liable for an entity-level U.S. federal income tax on its income from U.S. and non-U.S. sources, as well as any applicable state taxes, which will reduce the Fund’s return on its investment in the U.S. SPV. If a net loss is realized by the U.S. SPV, such loss is not generally available to offset the income of the Fund.

 

A non-U.S. SPV that is treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes may be a passive foreign investment company or a controlled foreign corporation. If the Fund owns shares in certain foreign investment entities, referred to as “passive foreign investment companies” or “PFICs,” the Fund will generally be subject to one of the following special tax regimes: (i) the Fund may be liable for U.S. federal income tax, and an additional interest charge, on a portion of any “excess distribution” from such foreign entity or any gain from the disposition of such shares, even if the entire distribution or gain is paid out by the Fund as a dividend to its shareholders; (ii) if the Fund were able and elected to treat a PFIC as a “qualified electing fund” or “QEF,” the Fund would be required each year to include in income, and distribute to shareholders in accordance with the distribution requirements set forth above, the Fund’s pro rata share of the ordinary earnings and net capital gains of the PFIC, whether or not such earnings or gains are distributed to the Fund; or (iii) the Fund may be entitled to mark-to-market annually shares of the PFIC, whether or not any distributions are made to the Fund, and in such event would be required to distribute to shareholders any such mark-to-market gains in accordance with the distribution requirements set forth above. The Fund intends to make the appropriate tax elections, if possible, and take any additional steps that are necessary to mitigate the effect of these rules. Amounts included in income each year by the Fund arising from a QEF election, will be “qualifying income” even if not distributed to the Fund, if the Fund derives such income from its business of investing in stock, securities, or currencies.

 

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Alternatively, a non-U.S. SPV may be treated as a controlled foreign corporation. A U.S. person that owns (directly, indirectly or constructively) 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock or 10% or more of the total value of shares of all classes of stock of a foreign corporation is a “U.S. Shareholder” for purposes of Subpart F of the Code. A foreign corporation is a “controlled foreign corporation” within the meaning of Section 957 of the Code (a “CFC”) if, on any day of its taxable year, more than 50% of the voting power or value of its stock is owned (directly, indirectly or constructively) by “U.S. Shareholders.” If the Fund is a “U.S. Shareholder” of a CFC, the Fund will be required to include in its gross income for United States federal income tax purposes the CFCs “subpart F income” (described below), whether or not such income is distributed by the CFC. “Subpart F income” generally includes interest, original issue discount, dividends, net gains from the disposition of stocks or securities, receipts with respect to securities loans and net payments received with respect to equity swaps and similar derivatives. “Subpart F income” also includes the excess of gains over losses from transactions (including futures, forward and similar transactions) in any commodities. The Fund’s recognition of “subpart F income” and GILTI (as defined below) will increase the Fund’s tax basis in the CFC. Distributions by a CFC to the Fund will be tax-free, to the extent of its previously undistributed “subpart F income” and GILTI and will correspondingly reduce the Fund’s tax basis in the CFC. “Subpart F income” and GILTI is generally treated as ordinary income, regardless of the character of the CFC’s underlying income.

 

The “Subpart F” income of the Fund attributable to its investment in a non-U.S. SPV that is a CFC is “qualifying income” to the Fund to the extent that such income is derived with respect to the Fund’s business of investing in stock, securities or currencies. “Global intangible low-taxed income” (“GILTI”) generally includes the active operating profits of the CFC, reduced by a deemed return on the tax basis of the CFC’s depreciable tangible assets. The Fund expects any “Subpart F” income and GILTI attributable to a non-U.S. SPV that is a CFC to be derived with respect to the Fund’s business of investing in stock, securities or currencies and accordingly expects its “Subpart F” income and GILTI attributable to such an investment to be treated as “qualifying income.”

 

The foregoing discussion summarizes some of the consequences under current federal tax law of an investment in the Fund. It is not a substitute for personal tax advice. Consult your personal tax advisor about the potential tax consequences of an investment in the Fund under all applicable tax laws.

 

More information about taxes is in the SAI.

 

DESCRIPTION OF SHARES

 

The Trust is a statutory trust established under the laws of State of Delaware by a Certificate of Trust dated [__________, 2026]. The Trust’s Declaration of Trust authorizes the issuance of an unlimited number of common Shares of beneficial interest. Each Shares will, when issued, be fully paid and nonassessable by the Trust, except to the extent provided in the Declaration of Trust, and will have no preemptive or conversion rights or rights to cumulative voting.

 

Shareholders are entitled to share equally in dividends declared by the Board of Trustees payable to holders of Shares and in the net assets of the Fund available for distribution to holders of Shares upon liquidation after payment of the preferential amounts payable to holders of any outstanding preferred Shares.

 

The Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification out of Fund property for all loss and expense of any shareholder or former shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of the Fund solely by reason of such person’s status as a shareholder or former shareholder. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which the Fund would be unable to meet its obligations.

 

Upon liquidation of the Fund, after paying or adequately providing for the payment of all liabilities of the Fund, and upon receipt of such releases, indemnities and refunding agreements as they deem necessary for their protection, the Trustees may distribute the remaining assets of the Fund among the holders of the Shares.

 

The Board of Trustees may classify or reclassify any issued or unissued Shares of the Fund into Shares of any class by redesignating such Shares or by setting or changing in any one or more respects, from time to time, the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications, or terms or conditions of repurchase of such Shares. Any such classification or reclassification will comply with the provisions of the Declaration of Trust and the 1940 Act.

 

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REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS

 

The Fund will furnish to its shareholders as soon as practicable after the end of each taxable year such information as is necessary for such shareholders to complete Federal and state income tax or information returns, along with any other tax information required by law. The Fund will prepare and transmit to its shareholders, a semi-annual and an audited annual report within 60 days after the close of the period for which it is being made, or as otherwise required by the 1940 Act. Quarterly reports from the Advisor regarding the Fund’s operations during such period also will be made available to the Fund’s shareholders.

 

FISCAL YEAR

 

For accounting purposes, the fiscal year of the Fund is the 12-month period ending on [December 31]. The 12-month period ending [December 31] of each year will be the taxable year of the Fund unless otherwise determined by the Fund.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

Portfolio Holdings Information

 

The Fund will file information regarding its portfolio holdings with the SEC on its Form N-PORT. When available, the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports on Form N-CSR and certain information filed on Form N-PORT may be viewed on the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov). The most recent fiscal quarter-end holdings, when available, may also be viewed on the Fund’s website at [https://www.________].

 

Portfolio holdings information that is not made publicly available as described above may be provided to third parties (including, without limitation, individuals, institutional investors, intermediaries that sell shares of the Fund, consultants and third-party data and other service providers) only for legitimate business purposes and to comply with certain regulatory and/or tax filing requirements, and only if the third-party recipients are required to keep all such portfolio holdings information confidential and are prohibited from trading on the information they receive in violation of the U.S. federal securities laws. Disclosure to such third parties must be approved in advance by the Advisor’s legal or compliance department. In general, each recipient of non-public portfolio holdings information must sign a confidentiality agreement and agree not to trade on the basis of such information in violation of the federal securities laws, although this requirement will not apply when the recipient is otherwise subject to a duty of confidentiality.

 

Derivative Actions

 

The Fund’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust provides that in addition to the requirements set forth in Section 3816 of the Delaware Statutory Trust Act, a shareholder may bring a derivative action on behalf of the Fund or Class only if the following conditions are met: (i) the shareholder or shareholders must make a pre-suit demand upon the Trustees to bring the subject action unless an effort to cause the Trustees to bring such an action is not likely to succeed; and a demand on the Trustees shall only be deemed not likely to succeed and therefore excused if a majority of the Trustees, or a majority of any committee established to consider the merits of such action, has a personal financial interest in the transaction at issue, and a Trustee shall not be deemed interested in a transaction or otherwise disqualified from ruling on the merits of a shareholder demand by virtue of the fact that (a) such Trustee receives remuneration for his/her service as a Trustee of the Fund or as a trustee or director of one or more investment companies that are under common management with or otherwise affiliated with the Fund (b) such Trustee was identified as a potential defendant or witness, (c) the Trustee approved the act being challenged (if the act did not result in any material personal benefit to the Trustee, or if the Trustee is also a shareholder the act did not result in any material benefit that is not shared pro rata with other shareholders) or (d) the Trustee is a shareholder; and (ii) unless a demand is not required under clause (i) of this paragraph, the Trustees must be afforded a reasonable amount of time (in any case, not less than 90 days) to consider such shareholder request and to investigate the basis of such claim; and the Trustees shall be entitled to retain counsel or other advisers in considering the merits of the request and shall require an undertaking by the shareholders making such request to reimburse the Fund for the expense of any such advisers in the event that the Trustees determine not to bring such action. The foregoing section of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust does not apply to claims arising under the U.S. federal securities laws.

 

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The information in this Statement of Additional Information is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This Statement of Additional Information is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer of sale is not permitted.

 

Subject to Completion

 

WCM Select US Equity Fund

 

[______], 2026

 

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) is not a prospectus. This SAI relates to and should be read in conjunction with the prospectus (the “Prospectus”) of the WCM Select US Equity Fund (the “Fund”) dated [______], 2026. Copies of the Fund’s Prospectus may be obtained by calling the Fund at [______] or by writing the Fund at [______].

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

INVESTMENT POLICIES AND PRACTICES 2
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES, POLICIES AND RISKS 2
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS 19
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND 20
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES 26
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS 28
CODES OF ETHICS 30
PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 30
CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS 30
SERVICE PROVIDERS 40
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE 41
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER 42
DESCRIPTION OF FUND 42
REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS 43
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 43
APPENDIX A 44
APPENDIX B 50

 

i

 

 

INVESTMENT POLICIES AND PRACTICES

 

The Fund is a closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), and is structured as an “interval fund.” The Fund is a Delaware statutory trust that was organized on [____________].

 

The Fund is classified as a non-diversified fund, which means it is not subject to the diversification requirements under the 1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act, a diversified fund may not, with respect to 75% of its total assets, invest more than 5% of its total assets in the securities of one issuer (and in not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of an issuer), excluding cash, government securities, and securities of other investment companies. Although the Fund is not required to comply with the above requirement, the Fund intends to diversify its assets to the extent necessary to qualify for tax treatment as a regulated investment company (a “RIC”) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).

 

The investment objectives and principal investment strategies of the Fund, as well as the principal risks associated with the investment strategies of the Fund, are set forth in the Prospectus. Certain additional investment information is set forth below.

 

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES, POLICIES AND RISKS

 

Market Conditions

 

Events in certain sectors historically have resulted, and may in the future result, in an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestic and foreign. These events have included, but are not limited to: bankruptcies, corporate restructurings, and other events related to the sub-prime mortgage crisis in 2008; governmental efforts to limit short selling and high frequency trading; measures to address U.S. federal and state budget deficits; social, political, and economic instability in various countries and regions; economic stimulus by the Japanese central bank; steep declines in oil prices; dramatic changes in currency exchange rates; public health emergencies (including widespread health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic); China’s economic slowdown; expansion of government deficits and debt; bank failures; higher inflation; and military conflicts and wars, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and conflicts among nations and other militant groups in the Middle East, and the increase in protectionist trade policies, including the imposition of tariffs and trade barriers. Interconnected global economies and financial markets increase the possibility that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact issuers in a different country or region. Such events may cause significant declines in the values and liquidity of many securities and other instruments. It is impossible to predict whether such conditions will recur. Because such situations may be widespread, it may be difficult to identify both risks and opportunities using past models of the interplay of market forces, or to predict the duration of such events.

 

High public debt in the United States and other countries creates ongoing systemic and market risks and policymaking uncertainty. Raising the ceiling on U.S. Government debt and passing periodic legislation to fund the U.S. Government have become increasingly politicized. Any failure to do either could lead to a default on U.S. Government obligations, with unpredictable consequences for economies and markets in the United States and elsewhere, and the Fund’s investments.

 

Rates of inflation have risen in recent years. Inflation has affected the global economy and global financial markets. Inflation occurs when prices increase and the purchasing power of money decreases. The value of assets or income from an investment may be worth less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the real value of a portfolio’s assets can decline as can the value of a portfolio’s distributions.

 

Advancements in technology, including the rapid development and increased regulation of artificial intelligence, may adversely impact markets and liquidity. As artificial intelligence becomes more widely utilized, the profitability and growth of certain issuers and industries may be negatively impacted in ways that cannot be predicted, which could adversely impact the performance of the Fund’s investments.

 

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Changing interest rate environments (whether downward or upward) impact various sectors of the economy and asset classes in different ways. For example, low interest rate environments tend to be positive for the equity markets, whereas high interest rate environments tend to apply downward pressure on earnings and equity prices. It is difficult to accurately predict the pact at which interest rates might change, the timing, frequency or magnitude of any such changes in interest rates, or when such changes might stop or reverse course. Unexpected changes in interest rates could lead to significant market volatility or reduce liquidity in certain sectors of the market.

 

Equity Securities

 

Common Stock

 

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

 

The fundamental risk of investing in common stock is that the value of the stock might decrease. Stock values fluctuate in response to the activities of an individual company or in response to general market and/or economic conditions. While common stocks have historically provided greater long-term returns than preferred stocks, fixed- income and money market investments, common stocks have also experienced significantly more volatility than the returns from those other investments.

 

Preferred Stock

 

The Fund may invest in preferred stock. Preferred stock is a class of stock having a preference over common stock as to the payment of dividends and a share of the proceeds resulting from the issuer’s liquidation although preferred stock is usually subordinate to the debt securities of the issuer. Some preferred stocks also entitle their holders to receive additional liquidation proceeds on the same basis as the holders of the issuer’s common stock. Preferred stock typically does not possess voting rights and its market value may change based on changes in interest rates. If interest rates rise, the fixed dividend on preferred stocks may be less attractive, causing the price of preferred stocks to decline. Preferred stock may have mandatory sinking fund provisions, as well as call/redemption provisions prior to maturity, a negative feature when interest rates decline. In addition, the Fund may receive stocks or warrants as a result of an exchange or tender of fixed income securities. Preference stock, which is more common in emerging markets than in developed markets, is a special type of common stock that shares in the earnings of an issuer, has limited voting rights, may have a dividend preference, and may also have a liquidation preference. Depending on the features of the particular security, holders of preferred and preference stock may bear the risks regarding common stock or fixed income securities.

 

Small- and Mid-Cap Stocks

 

The Fund may invest in stock of companies with market capitalizations that are small compared to other publicly traded companies. Investments in larger companies present certain advantages in that such companies generally have greater financial resources, more extensive research and development, manufacturing, marketing and service capabilities, and more stability and greater depth of management and personnel. Investments in smaller, less seasoned companies may present greater opportunities for growth but also may involve greater risks than customarily are associated with more established companies. The securities of smaller companies may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than larger, more established companies. These companies may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources, or they may be dependent upon a limited management group. Their securities may be traded in the over-the-counter market or on a regional exchange, or may otherwise have limited liquidity. As a result of owning large positions in this type of security, the Fund is subject to the additional risk of possibly having to sell portfolio securities at disadvantageous times and prices if repurchases require the Fund to liquidate its securities positions. In addition, it may be prudent for the Fund, as its asset size grows, to limit the number of relatively small positions it holds in securities having limited liquidity in order to minimize its exposure to such risks, to minimize transaction costs, and to maximize the benefits of research. As a consequence, as the Fund’s asset size increases, the Fund may reduce its exposure to illiquid small capitalization securities, which could adversely affect performance.

 

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The Fund may also invest in stocks of companies with medium market capitalizations (i.e., mid-cap companies). Such investments share some of the risk characteristics of investments in stocks of companies with small market capitalizations described above, although mid cap companies tend to have longer operating histories, broader product lines and greater financial resources and their stocks tend to be more liquid and less volatile than those of smaller capitalization issuers.

 

Warrants and Rights

 

The Fund may invest in warrants or rights (including those acquired in units or attached to other securities) that entitle (but do not obligate) the holder to buy equity securities at a specific price for a specific period of time but will do so only if such equity securities are deemed appropriate by the Advisor. Rights are similar to warrants but typically have a shorter duration and are issued by a company to existing stockholders to provide those holders the right to purchase additional shares of stock at a later date. Warrants and rights do not have voting rights, do not earn dividends, and do not entitle the holder to any rights with respect to the assets of the company that has issued them. They do not represent ownership of the underlying companies but only the right to purchase shares of those companies at a specified price on or before a specified exercise date. Warrants and rights tend to be more volatile than the underlying stock, and if at a warrant’s expiration date the stock is trading at a price below the price set in the warrant, the warrant will expire worthless. Conversely, if at the expiration date the stock is trading at a price higher than the price set in the warrant or right, the Fund can acquire the stock at a price below its market value. The prices of warrants and rights do not necessarily parallel the prices of the underlying securities. An investment in warrants or rights may be considered speculative.

 

Convertible Securities

 

The Fund may invest in convertible securities. A convertible security is a preferred stock, warrant or other security that may be converted or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock or other security of the same or a different issuer or into cash within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A convertible security generally entitles the holder to receive the dividend or interest until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion, convertible securities generally have characteristics similar to both fixed income and equity securities. Although to a lesser extent than with fixed income securities generally, the market value of convertible securities tends to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, tends to increase as interest rates decline. In addition, because of the conversion feature, the market value of convertible securities tends to vary with fluctuations in the market value of the underlying common stocks and, therefore, also will react to variations in the general market for equity securities. A significant feature of convertible securities is that as the market price of the underlying common stock declines, convertible securities tend to trade increasingly on a yield basis, and so they may not experience market value declines to the same extent as the underlying common stock. When the market price of the underlying common stock increases, the prices of the convertible securities tend to rise as a reflection of the value of the underlying common stock. While no securities investments are without risk, investments in convertible securities generally entail less risk than investments in common stock of the same issuer.

 

Depositary Receipts

 

The Fund may invest in depositary receipts. American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) are negotiable receipts issued by a U.S. bank or trust company that evidence ownership of securities in a foreign company which have been deposited with such bank or trust company’s office or agent in a foreign country. European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”) are negotiable certificates held in the bank of one country representing a specific number of shares of a stock traded on an exchange of another country. Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”) are negotiable certificates held in the bank of one country representing a specific number of shares of a stock traded on an exchange of another country. Canadian Depositary Receipts (“CDRs”) are negotiable receipts issued by a Canadian bank or trust company that evidence ownership of securities in a foreign company which have been deposited with such bank or trust company’s office or agent in a foreign country.

 

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Investing in ADRs, EDRs, GDRs, and CDRs presents risks that may not be equal to the risk inherent in holding the equivalent shares of the same companies that are traded in the local markets even though the Fund will purchase, sell and be paid dividends on ADRs in U.S. dollars. These risks include fluctuations in currency exchange rates, which are affected by international balances of payments and other economic and financial conditions; government intervention; speculation; and other factors. With respect to certain foreign countries, there is the possibility of expropriation or nationalization of assets, confiscatory taxation, political and social upheaval, and economic instability. The Fund may be required to pay foreign withholding or other taxes on certain ADRs, EDRs, GDRs, or CDRs that it owns, but investors may or may not be able to deduct their pro-rata share of such taxes in computing their taxable income, or take such shares as a credit against their U.S. federal income tax. See “Federal Income Tax Matters.” ADRs, EDRs, GDRs, and CDRs may be sponsored by the foreign issuer or may be unsponsored. Unsponsored ADRs, EDRs, GDRs, and CDRs are organized independently and without the cooperation of the foreign issuer of the underlying securities. Unsponsored ADRs, EDRs, GDRs, and CDRs are offered by companies which are not prepared to meet either the reporting or accounting standards of the United States. While readily exchangeable with stock in local markets, unsponsored ADRs, EDRs, GDRs, and CDRs may be less liquid than sponsored ADRs, EDRs, GDRs, and CDRs. Additionally, there generally is less publicly available information with respect to unsponsored ADRs, EDRs, GDRs, and CDRs.

 

Initial Public Offerings

 

The Fund may invest in securities offered companies in initial public offerings (“IPOs”). Because IPO shares frequently are volatile in price, the Fund may hold IPO shares for a very short period of time. This may increase the turnover of the Fund’s portfolio and may lead to increased expenses to the Fund, such as commissions and transaction costs. By selling IPO shares, the Fund may realize taxable capital gains that it will subsequently distribute to shareholders. Companies that offer securities in IPOs tend to typically have small market capitalizations and therefore their securities may be more volatile and less liquid that those issued by larger companies. Certain companies offering securities in an IPO may have limited operating experience and, as a result face a greater risk of business failure. The effect of IPOs on the Fund’s performance depends on a variety of factors, including the number of IPOs the Fund invests in relative to the size of the Fund and whether and to what extent a security purchased in an IPO appreciates or depreciates in value.

 

SPCIAL PURPOSE ACQUISITION COMPANIES (“SPACs”)

 

SPACs are collective investment structures that pool funds in order to seek potential acquisition opportunities. The Funds may invest in stock, warrants, and other securities of SPACs or similar special purpose entities. Unless and until an acquisition is completed, a SPAC generally invests its assets (less a portion retained to cover expenses) in U.S. government securities, money market fund securities and cash. To the extent the SPAC is invested in cash or similar securities, this may impact a Fund’s ability to meet its investment objective. If an acquisition that meets the requirements for the SPAC is not completed within a pre-established period of time, the invested funds are returned to the entity’s shareholders, less certain permitted expenses, and any warrants issued by the SPAC will expire worthless. As SPACs and similar entities generally have no operating history or ongoing business other than seeking acquisitions, the value of their securities is particularly dependent on the ability of the entity’s management to identify and complete a profitable acquisition. Certain SPACs may pursue acquisitions only within certain industries or regions, which may increase the volatility of their prices. In addition, these securities, which are typically traded in the OTC market, may be considered illiquid and/or be subject to restrictions on resale.

 

SPAC Management. Each SPAC’s management team will be responsible for identifying business combination opportunities and negotiating the terms of the transaction and, consequently, a Fund will be dependent upon the integrity, skill and judgment of the management team of each SPAC in which the Fund invests. Often a SPAC’s management team consists of financial industry professionals who may have little, if any, experience in managing companies in the business sectors in which the potential issuers to be acquired by the SPAC operate. It is not generally expected that the officers and directors of a SPAC will be required to commit their full business time and attention to the management of the SPAC, which could create a conflict of interest when allocating their time between the SPAC’s operations and their other commitments. If such other commitments require the SPAC’s management team to devote more substantial amounts of time to their other business and affairs, their ability to devote time to the SPAC’s management would be limited, possibly having a negative impact on the SPAC’s ability to consummate a transaction. In addition, the officers and directors of a SPAC in which a Fund invests may become involved with other SPACs in which the Fund does not invest which may engage in similar business opportunities. Consequently, the officers and directors could have conflicts of interest in determining to which SPAC a particular business opportunity should be presented. In such circumstances, there can be no assurance that a given business opportunity would be presented to the SPAC in which the Fund holds an investment. After a transaction, the management of a SPAC, while often retaining a seat on the board of directors of the post-combination entity, will often step down from day-to-day management of the post-combination entity, leaving investors dependent on the skill of the incumbent or new management of the issuer acquired by the SPAC.

 

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SPAC Transaction Targets and the Consummation of Transactions. The typical SPAC transaction target is a private company. Due diligence on these companies may be difficult and they will often not have the same level of financial controls as public entities. To the extent that a SPAC completes a business combination with a financially unstable company or an entity in its development stage, the SPAC may be affected by numerous risks inherent in the business operations of that entity. If a SPAC completes a business combination with an entity in an industry characterized by a high level of risk, the SPAC may be affected by the risks of that industry. At times when general market conditions are not favorable for mergers and acquisitions activity or other capital formation, the percentage of SPACs that fail to find transactions and must dissolve is likely to increase. During such periods a Fund, if invested in SPAC securities, may experience less attractive risk adjusted returns.

 

SPACs are subject to significant “event risk;” that is, a SPAC’s success depends on its ability to identify and close a transaction within a relatively short period delimited in its charter. If a SPAC fails to close a transaction within that period it is typically required to liquidate and dissolve. As noted, upon such dissolution the holders of common stock receive a fixed distribution from a trust established to hold initial public offering (“IPO”) proceeds. Upon a SPAC’s dissolution, the warrants will expire worthless. Therefore, a Fund may expect from time to time to suffer complete losses of its investments in certain SPAC warrants.

 

If a SPAC consummates a transaction, there can be no assurance that an investment in the units, shares or warrants of the SPAC will ultimately prove to be more favorable to investors than a direct investment, if an opportunity were available, in the target business. This is especially the case with regards to SPAC warrants - warrant holders may sustain losses even in the event of a consummation if the value of the SPAC’s common stock after the transaction is less than the strike price of the warrants. In addition, because a SPAC may be able to call warrants for redemption after the warrants become exercisable if the sale price of the common stock equals or exceeds a specified price for a specified number of trading days, a Fund’s profit potential with respect to SPAC warrants may be limited by such call feature.

 

The operating companies that result from SPAC transactions face all of the risks that typically follow a major business transaction, including the risks relating to integration following the transaction and the risks inherent in trying to achieve a new business plan. Further, SPAC operating companies often are public companies for the first time following consummation of a transaction, and therefore may not be experienced in facing the challenges, expenses and risks of being a public company, including the increased regulatory and financial scrutiny and the need to comply with applicable governance and accounting requirements.

 

Private Placements

 

The Fund may invest in restricted securities (securities with limited transferability under the securities laws) acquired from the issuer in “private placement” transactions. Private placement securities are not registered under Securities Act and are subject to restrictions on resale. They are eligible for sale only to certain qualified institutional buyers, like the Fund, and are not sold on a trading market or exchange. While private placement securities offer attractive investment opportunities otherwise not available on an open market, because such securities are available to few buyers, they are often both difficult to sell and to value. Certain of the Fund’s investments may be placed in smaller, less seasoned, issuers that present a greater risk due to limited product lines and/or financial resources. The issuer of privately placed securities may not be subject to the disclosure and other investor protection requirements of a public trade. Additionally, the Fund could obtain material non-public information from the issuer of such securities that would restrict the Fund’s ability to conduct transactions in underlying securities.

 

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Privately placed securities can usually only be resold to other qualified institutional buyers, or in a private transaction, or to a limited number of purchasers, or in a limited quantities after they have been held for a specified period of time and other conditions are met pursuant to an exemption from registration. Privately placed securities cannot be resold to the public unless they have been registered under the Securities Act or pursuant to an exemption, such as Rule 144A. The Fund may incur more cost in the disposition of such securities because of the time and legal expense required to negotiate a private placement. Because of the limited market, the Fund may find it difficult to sell the securities when it finds it advisable to do so and, to the extent such securities are sold in private negotiations, they may be sold for less than the price for which they were purchased or less than their fair market value.

 

Illiquid and Restricted Securities

 

The Fund may invest in illiquid securities, including (i) securities for which there is no readily available market; (ii) securities in which the disposition would be subject to legal restrictions (so called “restricted securities”); (iii) repurchase agreements having more than seven days to maturity; and (iv) securities that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the securities. The Board has delegated to the Advisor the day-to-day determination of the illiquidity of any security held by the Fund, although it has retained oversight and ultimate responsibility for such determinations. Although no definitive liquidity criteria are used, the Board has directed the Advisor to consider to such factors as (a) frequency of trading and availability of quotations; (b) the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the security and the availability of buyers; (c) the willingness of dealers to be market makers in the security; and (d) the nature of trading activity including (i) the time needed to dispose of a position or part of a position and (ii) offer and solicitation methods. A considerable period of time may elapse between the Fund’s decision to sell such securities and the time when the Fund is able to sell them, during which time the value of the securities could decline. Illiquid securities will usually be priced at fair value as determined in good faith by the Board or its delegate.

 

The Fund may invest in restricted securities. Restricted securities are securities that may not be sold freely to the public absent registration under the Securities Act or an exemption from registration. While restricted securities are generally presumed to be illiquid, it may be determined that a particular restricted security is liquid. Rule 144A under the Securities Act establishes a safe harbor from the registration requirements of the Securities Act for resales of certain securities to qualified institutional buyers. Institutional markets for restricted securities sold pursuant to Rule 144A in many cases provide both readily ascertainable values for restricted securities and the ability to liquidate an investment to satisfy Share repurchase requests. Such markets might include automated systems for the trading, clearance and settlement of unregistered securities of domestic and foreign issuers, such as the PORTAL System sponsored by NASDAQ. An insufficient number of qualified buyers interested in purchasing Rule 144A eligible restricted securities, however, could adversely affect the marketability of such portfolio securities and result in the Fund’s inability to dispose of such securities promptly or at favorable prices.

 

The Fund may also purchase certain commercial paper issued in reliance on the exemption from regulations in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act (“4(a)(2) Paper”). The Advisor will determine the liquidity of Rule 144A securities and 4(a)(2) Paper under the supervision of the Board of Trustees. The liquidity of Rule 144A securities and 4(a)(2) Paper will be monitored by the Advisor, and if as a result of changed conditions it is determined that a Rule 144A security or 4(a)(2) Paper is no longer liquid, the Fund’s holdings of illiquid securities will be reviewed to determine what, if any, action is required to assure that the Fund does not exceed its percentage limitation for investments in illiquid securities.

 

Private Equity Investments

 

The Funds may invest in private equity investments. Private equity investing seeks to generate capital appreciation through investments (directly or indirectly through private equity companies) in private companies in need of capital. Private equity investing seeks to profit from, among other things, inefficiencies through valuation and due diligence analysis of available business opportunities. Private equity companies include those whose principal business is to invest in, lend capital to or provide services to privately held companies, including buyout, venture capital, growth capital or distressed companies.

 

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In addition to the risks associated with a Fund’s other investments, the Fund’s private equity investments are also subject to the underlying risks that affect the private equity companies, including, but not limited to, liquidity risk, valuation risk and credit risk. Additional special risks inherent in investing in private equity companies include that little public information exists for private and thinly traded companies, and there is a risk that the Advisor may not be able to make a fully informed investment decision. Private equity companies may also have relatively concentrated investment portfolios, consisting of a relatively small number of holdings and the returns realized by a Fund on these investments may be adversely impacted by the poor performance of a small number of investments, or even a single investment, held by the private equity company.

 

Business Development Companies

 

The Fund may invest in business development companies. A business development company (“BDC”) is a less common type of closed-end investment company that more closely resembles an operating company than a typical investment company. The 1940 Act imposes certain restraints upon the operations of a BDC.  For example, BDCs are required to invest at least 70% of their total assets primarily in securities of private companies or thinly traded U.S. public companies, cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and high quality debt investments that mature in one year or less.  Generally, little public information exists for private and thinly traded companies, and there is a risk that investors may not be able to make a fully informed investment decision.  With investments in debt instruments, there is a risk that the issuer may default on its payments or declare bankruptcy.  Additionally, a BDC may incur indebtedness only in amounts such that the BDC’s asset coverage equals at least 200% after such incurrence.  These limitations on asset mix and leverage may prohibit the way that the BDC raises capital.  BDCs generally invest in less mature private companies, which involve greater risk than well-established, publicly traded companies.

 

Borrowing and Leverage

 

The Fund may engage in borrowing activities. Borrowing creates an opportunity for increased return, but, at the same time, creates special risks. Furthermore, if the Fund were to engage in borrowing, an increase in interest rates could reduce the value of the Fund’s Shares by increasing the Fund’s interest expense. Subject to the limitations described under “Investment Limitations” below, the Fund may be permitted to borrow for temporary purposes and/or for investment purposes. Such a practice will result in leveraging of the Fund’s assets and may cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so. This borrowing may be secured or unsecured. Provisions of the 1940 Act require the Fund, immediately after a borrowing, to have asset coverage (that is, total assets including borrowings, less liabilities exclusive of borrowings) of 300% of the amount of its borrowings, with an exception for borrowings not in excess of 5% of the Fund’s total assets made for temporary administrative purposes. Any borrowings for temporary administrative purposes in excess of 5% of the Fund’s total assets will be subject to the asset coverage requirement. In addition, the Fund is not permitted to declare any cash dividend or other distribution unless, at the time of such declaration, the asset coverage test is satisfied. Borrowing will tend to exaggerate the effect on net asset value of any increase or decrease in the market value of the Fund’s portfolio. Money borrowed will be subject to interest costs which may or may not be recovered by appreciation of the securities purchased, if any. The Fund also may be required to maintain minimum average balances in connection with such borrowings or to pay a commitment or other fee to maintain a line of credit; either of these requirements would increase the cost of borrowing over the stated interest rate.

 

Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act governs the use of certain transactions that create future obligations by registered investment companies. Under Rule 18f-4 of the 1940 Act, the Fund will be permitted to enter into an unfunded commitment agreement, and such unfunded commitment agreement will not be subject to the asset coverage requirements under the 1940 Act, if the Fund reasonably believes, at the time it enters into such agreement, that it will have sufficient cash and cash equivalents to meet its obligations with respect to all such agreements as they come due.

 

The Fund is permitted by its investment policies to utilize leverage for investment purposes and/or to enhance returns, although the Fund has no present intention to do so.

 

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Cybersecurity Risk

 

Investment companies, such as the Fund, and its service providers may be subject to operational and information security risks resulting from cyber attacks. Cyber attacks include, among other behaviors, stealing or corrupting data maintained online or digitally, denial of service attacks on websites, the unauthorized release of confidential information or various other forms of cybersecurity breaches. Cyber attacks affecting the Fund or the Advisor, the Fund’s custodian, or transfer agent, or intermediaries or other third-party service providers may adversely impact the Fund. For instance, cyber attacks may interfere with the processing of shareholder transactions, impact the Fund’s ability to calculate its net asset value, cause the release of private shareholder information or confidential company information, impede trading, subject the Fund to regulatory fines or financial losses, and cause reputational damage. The Fund may also incur additional costs for cybersecurity risk management purposes. While the Fund and its service providers have established business continuity plans and risk management systems designed to prevent or reduce the impact of cybersecurity attacks, such plans and systems have inherent limitations due in part to the ever-changing nature of technology and cybersecurity attack tactics, and there is a possibility that certain risks have not been adequately identified or prepared for. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control any cybersecurity plans or systems implemented by its service providers.

 

Similar types of cybersecurity risks are also present for issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers, and may cause the Fund’s investment in such portfolio companies to lose value.

 

OTHER INVESTMENT STRATEGIES, POLICIES AND RISKS

 

Investment Company Shares

 

The Fund may invest in shares of other investment companies (each, an “Underlying Fund”), including open- end funds, closed-end funds, unit investment trusts (“UITs”) and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), to the extent permitted by applicable law and subject to certain restrictions set forth in this SAI. The Fund’s investment in other investment companies may include investment in other funds managed by the Advisor.

 

Under Section 12(d)(1)(A) of the 1940 Act, the Fund may acquire shares of an Underlying Fund in amounts which, as determined immediately after the acquisition is made, (i) do not exceed 3% of the total outstanding voting stock of such Underlying Fund, (ii) do not exceed 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets and (iii) do not exceed 10% of the value of the Fund’s total assets when combined with all other Underlying Fund shares held by the Fund. The Fund may exceed these statutory limits when permitted by SEC order or other applicable law or regulatory guidance, such as is the case with many ETFs. In October 2020, the SEC adopted certain regulatory changes and took other actions related to the ability of an investment company to invest in the shares of another investment company. These changes include, in part, the rescission of certain SEC exemptive orders permitting investments in excess of the statutory limits, the withdrawal of certain related SEC staff no-action letters, and the adoption of Rule 12d1-4 under the 1940 Act, which permits the Fund to invest in other investment companies beyond the statutory limits, subject to certain conditions. Rule 12d1-4, among other things, (1) applies to both “acquired funds” and “acquiring funds,” each as defined under the rule; (2) includes limits on control and voting of acquired funds’ shares; (3) requires that the investment advisors of acquired funds and acquiring funds relying on the rule make certain specified findings based on their evaluation of the relevant fund of funds structure; (4) requires acquired funds and acquiring funds that are relying on the rule, and which do not have the same investment advisor, to enter into fund of funds investment agreements, which must include specific terms; and (5) includes certain limits on complex fund of funds structures.

 

Generally, under Sections 12(d)(1)(F) and 12(d)(1)(G) of the 1940 Act and SEC rules adopted pursuant to the 1940 Act, the Fund may acquire the shares of affiliated and unaffiliated Underlying Funds subject to the following guidelines and restrictions:

 

·The Fund may own an unlimited amount of the shares of any registered open-end fund or registered unit investment trust that is affiliated with the Fund, so long as any such Underlying Fund has a policy that prohibits it from acquiring any shares of registered open-end funds or registered UITs in reliance on certain sections of the 1940 Act.

 

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·The Fund and its “affiliated persons” may own up to 3% of the outstanding stock of any fund, subject to the following restrictions:

 

i.the Fund and each Underlying Fund, in the aggregate, may not charge a sales load greater than the limits set forth in Rule 2830(d)(3) of the Conduct Rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) applicable to funds of funds;

 

ii.each Underlying Fund is not obligated to redeem more than 1% of its total outstanding shares during any period less than 30 days; and

 

iii.the Fund is obligated either to (i) seek instructions from its shareholders with regard to the voting of all proxies with respect to the Underlying Fund and to vote in accordance with such instructions, or (ii) to vote the shares of the Underlying Fund held by the Fund in the same proportion as the vote of all other shareholders of the Underlying Fund.

 

Underlying Funds typically incur fees that are separate from those fees incurred directly by the Fund. The Fund’s purchase of such investment company shares results in the layering of expenses as Fund shareholders would indirectly bear a proportionate share of the operating expenses of such investment companies, including advisory fees, in addition to paying Fund expenses. In addition, the securities of other investment companies may also be leveraged and will therefore be subject to certain leverage risks. The net asset value and market value of leveraged securities will be more volatile and the yield to shareholders will tend to fluctuate more than the yield generated by unleveraged securities. Investment companies may have investment policies that differ from those of the Fund.

 

Under certain circumstances an open-end investment company in which the Fund invests may determine to make payment of a redemption by the Fund wholly or in part by a distribution in kind of securities from its portfolio, instead of in cash. As a result, the Fund may hold such securities until the Advisor determines it is appropriate to dispose of them. Such disposition will impose additional costs on the Fund.

 

Investment decisions by the investment advisors to the registered investment companies in which the Fund invests are made independently of the Fund. At any particular time, one Underlying Fund may be purchasing shares of an issuer whose shares are being sold by another Underlying Fund. As a result, under these circumstances the Fund indirectly would incur certain transactional costs without accomplishing any investment purpose.

 

Closed-End Funds

 

The Fund may invest in shares of closed-end funds. Investments in closed-end funds are subject to various risks, including reliance on management’s ability to meet the closed-end fund’s investment objective and to manage the closed-end fund portfolio; fluctuation in the net asset value of closed-end fund shares compared to the changes in the value of the underlying securities that the closed-end fund owns; and bearing a pro rata share of the management fees and expenses of each underlying closed-end fund resulting in the Fund’s shareholders being subject to higher expenses than if he or she invested directly in the closed-end fund(s).

 

Exchange-Traded Funds

 

The Fund may invest in ETFs. ETFs are pooled investment vehicles that generally seek to track the performance of specific indices. ETFs may be organized as open-end funds or as unit investment trusts. Their shares are listed on stock exchanges and can be traded throughout the day at market-determined prices.

 

An ETF generally issues index-based investments in large aggregations of shares known as “Creation Units” in exchange for a “Portfolio Deposit” consisting of (a) a portfolio of securities designated by the ETF, (b) a cash payment equal to a pro rata portion of the dividends accrued on the ETF’s portfolio securities since the last dividend payment by the ETF, net of expenses and liabilities, and (c) a cash payment or credit designed to equalize the net asset value of the shares and the net asset value of a Portfolio Deposit.

 

Shares of ETFs are not individually redeemable, except upon the reorganization, merger, conversion or liquidation of the ETF. To redeem shares of an ETF, an investor must accumulate enough shares of the ETF to reconstitute a Creation Unit. The liquidity of small holdings of ETF shares, therefore, will depend upon the existence of a secondary market for such shares. Upon redemption of a Creation Unit, the investor will receive securities designated by the ETF (“Redemption Securities”) and a cash payment in an amount equal to the difference between the net asset value of the shares being redeemed and the net asset value of the Redemption Securities.

 

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The price of ETF shares is based upon (but not necessarily identical to) the value of the securities held by the ETF. Accordingly, the level of risk involved in the purchase or sale of ETF shares is similar to the risk involved in the purchase or sale of traditional common stock, with the exception that the pricing mechanism for ETF shares is based on a basket of stocks. Disruptions in the markets for the securities underlying ETF shares purchased or sold by the Fund could result in losses on such shares. There is no assurance that the requirements of the national securities exchanges necessary to maintain the listing of shares of any ETF will continue to be met.

 

Foreign Investments

 

The Fund may make foreign investments. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers and other non-U.S. investments may involve risks in addition to those normally associated with investments in the securities of U.S. issuers or other U.S. investments. All foreign investments are subject to risks of foreign political and economic instability, adverse movements in foreign exchange rates, and the imposition or tightening of exchange controls and limitations on the repatriation of foreign capital. Other risks stem from potential changes in governmental attitude or policy toward private investment, which in turn raises the risk of nationalization, increased taxation or confiscation of foreign investors’ assets. Additionally, the imposition of sanctions, trade restrictions (including tariffs) and other government restrictions by the United States and/or other governments may adversely affect the values of a Fund’s foreign investments.

 

The financial problems in global economies over the past several years, including the European sovereign debt crisis, may continue to cause high volatility in global financial markets. In addition, global economies are increasingly interconnected, which increases the possibilities that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact a different country or region. The severity or duration of these conditions may also be affected if one or more countries leave the Euro currency or by other policy changes made by governments or quasi-governmental organizations.

 

Additional non-U.S. taxes and expenses may also adversely affect the Fund’s performance, including foreign withholding taxes on foreign securities’ dividends. Brokerage commissions and other transaction costs on foreign securities exchanges are generally higher than in the United States. Foreign companies may be subject to different accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards. To the extent foreign securities held by the Fund are not registered with the SEC or with any other U.S. regulator, the issuers thereof will not be subject to the reporting requirements of the SEC or any other U.S. regulator. Accordingly, less information may be available about foreign companies and other investments than is generally available on issuers of comparable securities and other investments in the United States. Foreign securities and other investments may also trade less frequently and with lower volume and may exhibit greater price volatility than U.S. securities and other investments.

 

Changes in foreign exchange rates will affect the value in U.S. dollars of any foreign currency-denominated securities and other investments held by the Fund. Exchange rates are influenced generally by the forces of supply and demand in the foreign currency markets and by numerous other political and economic events occurring outside the United States, many of which may be difficult, if not impossible, to predict.

 

Income from any foreign securities and other investments will be received and realized in foreign currencies, and the Fund is required to compute and distribute income in U.S. dollars. Accordingly, a decline in the value of a particular foreign currency against the U.S. dollar occurring after the Fund’s income has been earned and computed in U.S. dollars may require the Fund to liquidate portfolio securities or other investments to acquire sufficient U.S. dollars to make a distribution. Similarly, if the exchange rate declines between the time the Fund incurs expenses in U.S. dollars and the time such expenses are paid, the Fund may be required to liquidate additional portfolio securities or other investments to purchase the U.S. dollars required to meet such expenses.

 

The Fund may purchase foreign bank obligations. In addition to the risks described above that are generally applicable to foreign investments, the investments that the Fund makes in obligations of foreign banks, branches or subsidiaries may involve further risks, including differences between foreign banks and U.S. banks in applicable accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, and the possible establishment of exchange controls or other foreign government laws or restrictions applicable to the payment of certificates of deposit or time deposits that may affect adversely the payment of principal and interest on the securities and other investments held by the Fund.

 

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Temporary Investments

 

The Fund may take temporary defensive measures that are inconsistent with the Fund’s normal fundamental or non-fundamental investment policies and strategies in response to adverse market, economic, political, or other conditions as determined by the Advisor. Such measures could include, but are not limited to, investments in (1) highly liquid short-term fixed income securities issued by or on behalf of municipal or corporate issuers, obligations of the U.S. government and its agencies, commercial paper, and bank certificates of deposit; (2) repurchase agreements involving any such securities; and (3) other money market instruments. The Fund also may invest in shares of money market mutual funds to the extent permitted under applicable law. Money market mutual funds are investment companies, and the investments in those companies by the Fund are in some cases subject to certain fundamental investment restrictions. As a shareholder in a mutual fund, the Fund will bear its ratable share of its expenses, including management fees, and will remain subject to payment of the fees to the Advisor, with respect to assets so invested. The Fund may not achieve its investment objective(s) during temporary defensive periods.

 

Government Obligations

 

The Fund may invest in U.S. government obligations. U.S. government obligations include securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities. Treasury bills, the most frequently issued marketable government securities, have a maturity of up to one year and are issued on a discount basis.

 

U.S. government obligations include securities issued or guaranteed by government-sponsored enterprises.

 

Payment of principal and interest on U.S. government obligations may be backed by the full faith and credit of the United States or may be backed solely by the issuing or guaranteeing agency or instrumentality itself. In the latter case, the investor must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment, which agency or instrumentality may be privately owned. There can be no assurance that the U.S. government would provide financial support to its agencies or instrumentalities, including government-sponsored enterprises, where it is not obligated to do so (see “Agency Obligations,” below). In addition, U.S. government obligations are subject to fluctuations in market value due to fluctuations in market interest rates. As a general matter, the value of debt instruments, including U.S. government obligations, declines when market interest rates increase and rises when market interest rates decrease. Certain types of U.S. government obligations are subject to fluctuations in yield or value due to their structure or contract terms. Credit rating downgrades with respect to U.S. government obligations could decrease the value and increase the volatility of the Fund’s investments in such securities.

 

Short-Term Investments

 

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

 

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

 

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Domestic banks and foreign banks are subject to different governmental regulations with respect to the amount and types of loans that may be made and interest rates that may be charged. In addition, the profitability of the banking industry depends largely upon the availability and cost of funds and the interest income generated from lending operations. General economic conditions, government policy (including emergency reasons) and the quality of loan portfolios affect the banking industry.

 

As a result of federal and state laws and regulations, domestic banks are required to maintain specified levels of reserves, limited in the amount that they can loan to a single borrower, and are subject to regulations designed to promote financial soundness. However, such laws and regulations may not necessarily apply to foreign banks, thereby affecting the risk involved in bank obligations that the Fund may acquire.

 

In addition to purchasing certificates of deposit and bankers’ acceptances, to the extent permitted under its investment strategies and policies stated above and in the Prospectus, the Fund may invest in interest-bearing time deposits or other interest-bearing deposits in commercial or savings banks. Time deposits are non-negotiable deposits maintained at a banking institution for a specified period of time at a specified interest rate.

 

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

 

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

 

The Fund’s investment in commercial paper and short-term notes will consist of issues rated at the time of purchase “A-3” or higher by S&P, “Prime-3” or higher by Moody’s, or similarly rated by another nationally recognized statistical rating organization or, if unrated, will be determined by the Advisor to be of comparable quality. These rating symbols are described in Appendix A.

 

Corporate debt obligations are subject to the risk of an issuer’s inability to meet principal and interest payments on the obligations, i.e., credit risk. The Advisor may actively expose the Fund to credit risk. However, there can be no guarantee that the Advisor will be successful in making the right selections and thus fully mitigate the impact of credit risk changes on the Fund.

 

Repurchase Agreements

 

The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with respect to its portfolio securities. Pursuant to such agreements, the Fund acquires securities from financial institutions such as banks and broker-dealers deemed to be creditworthy by the Advisor, subject to the seller’s agreement to repurchase and the Fund’s agreement to resell such securities at a mutually agreed upon date and price. The repurchase price generally equals the price paid by the Fund plus interest negotiated on the basis of current short-term rates (which may be more or less than the rate on the underlying portfolio security). Securities subject to repurchase agreements will be held by the Custodian or in the Federal Reserve/Treasury Book-Entry System or an equivalent foreign system. The seller under a repurchase agreement will be required to maintain the value of the underlying securities at not less than 102% of the repurchase price under the agreement. If the seller defaults on its repurchase obligation, the Fund will suffer a loss to the extent that the proceeds from a sale of the underlying securities are less than the repurchase price under the agreement. Bankruptcy or insolvency of such a defaulting seller may cause the Fund’s rights with respect to such securities to be delayed or limited. Repurchase agreements are considered to be loans under the 1940 Act.

 

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Reverse Repurchase Agreements

 

The Fund may enter into “reverse” repurchase agreements to avoid selling securities during unfavorable market conditions to meet repurchases. Pursuant to a reverse repurchase agreement, the Fund will sell portfolio securities and agree to repurchase them from the buyer at a particular date and price. Whenever the Fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, it will either (i) consistent with Section 18 of the 1940 Act, maintain asset coverage of at least 300% of the value of the repurchase agreement or (ii) treat the reverse repurchase agreement as a derivatives transaction for purposes of Rule 18f-4, including, as applicable, the VaR based limit on leverage risk. The Fund pays interest on amounts obtained pursuant to reverse repurchase agreements. Reverse repurchase agreements are considered to be borrowings by the Fund.

 

Lending Portfolio Securities

 

Consistent with applicable regulatory requirements and the Fund’s investment restrictions, the Fund may lend portfolio securities to securities broker-dealers or financial institutions, provided that such loans are callable at any time by the Fund (subject to notice provisions described below), and are at all times secured by cash or cash equivalents, which are maintained in a segregated account pursuant to applicable regulations and that are at least equal to the market value, determined daily, of the loaned securities. The advantage of such loans is that the Fund continues to receive the income on the loaned securities while at the same time earns interest on the cash amounts deposited as collateral, which will be invested in short-term obligations. The Fund will not lend portfolio securities if such loans are not permitted by the laws or regulations of any state in which its Shares are qualified for sale. The Fund’s loans of portfolio securities will be collateralized in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements and no loan will cause the value of all loaned securities to exceed 33 1/3% of the value of the Fund’s total assets.

 

A loan may generally be terminated by the borrower on one business day’s notice, or by the Fund on five business days’ notice. If the borrower fails to deliver the loaned securities within five days after receipt of notice or fails to maintain the requisite amount of collateral, the Fund could use the collateral to replace the securities while holding the borrower liable for any excess of replacement cost over collateral. As with any extensions of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery and in some cases even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially. However, these loans of portfolio securities will only be made to firms deemed by the Fund’s management to be creditworthy and when the income that can be earned from such loans justifies the attendant risks. Upon termination of the loan, the borrower is required to return the securities to the Fund. Any gain or loss in the market price during the loan period would inure to the Fund. The risks associated with loans of portfolio securities are substantially similar to those associated with repurchase agreements. Thus, if the counterparty to the loan petitions for bankruptcy or becomes subject to the United States Bankruptcy Code, the law regarding the rights of the Fund is unsettled. As a result, under extreme circumstances, there may be a restriction on the Fund’s ability to sell the collateral, and the Fund would suffer a loss. When voting or consent rights that accompany loaned securities pass to the borrower, the Fund will follow the policy of calling the loaned securities, to be delivered within one day after notice, to permit the exercise of such rights if the matters involved would have a material effect on the Fund’s investment in such loaned securities. The Fund will pay reasonable finder’s, administrative and custodial fees in connection with a loan of its securities.

 

Master Limited Partnerships (“MLPs”)

 

The Fund may invest in MLPs. An MLP is an entity eligible for partnership taxation treatment under the Code, the interests or “units” of which are traded on securities exchanges like shares of corporate stock. A typical MLP consists of a general partner and limited partners; however, some entities treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes are established as limited liability companies. The general partner manages the partnership; has an ownership stake in the partnership, typically a 2% general partner equity interest and usually additional common units and subordinated units; and is typically eligible to receive an incentive distribution. The limited partners provide capital to the partnership, have a limited (if any) role in the operation and management of the partnership, and receive cash distributions. An MLP typically pays an established minimum quarterly distribution to common unit holders, as provided under the terms of its partnership agreement. Common units have arrearage rights in distributions to the extent that the MLP fails to make minimum quarterly distributions. Once the MLP distributes the minimum quarterly distribution to common units, subordinated units then are entitled to receive distributions of up to the minimum quarterly distribution, but have no arrearage rights. At the discretion of the general partners’ board of directors, any distributable cash that exceeds the minimum quarterly distribution that the MLP distributed to the common and subordinated units is then distributed to both common and subordinated units, typically on a pro rata basis. Incentive distributions are often paid to the general partner such that as the distribution to limited partnership interests increases, the general partner may receive a proportionately larger share of the total distribution. Incentive distributions are designed to encourage the general partner, who controls and operates the partnership, to maximize the partnership’s cash flow and increase distributions to the limited partners.

 

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Generally speaking, MLP investment returns are enhanced during periods of declining or low interest rates and tend to be negatively influenced when interest rates are rising. As an income vehicle, the unit price can be influenced by general interest rate trends independent of specific underlying fundamentals. In addition, most MLPs are leveraged and typically carry a portion of a “floating” rate debt, and a significant upward swing in interest rates would also drive interest expense higher. Furthermore, most MLPs grow by acquisitions partly financed by debt, and higher interest rates could make it more difficult to make acquisitions.

 

Europe – Recent Events

 

Most developed countries in Western Europe are members of the European Union (the “EU”), and many are also members of the European Monetary Union (“EMU”), and most EMU members are part of the euro zone, a group of EMU countries that share the euro as their common currency. Members of the EMU must comply with restrictions on inflation rates, deficits, debt levels, and fiscal and monetary controls. The implementation of any of these EMU restrictions or controls, as well as any of the following events in Europe, may have a significant impact on the economies of some or all European countries: (i) the default or threat of default by an EU member country on its sovereign debt, (ii) economic recession in an EU member country, (iii) changes in EU or governmental regulations on trade, (iv) changes in currency exchange rates of the euro, the British pound, and other European currencies, (v) changes in the supply and demand for European imports or exports, and (vi) high unemployment rates. In the recent past, European financial markets have experienced volatility and adverse trends due to concerns about economic downturns and/or rising government debt levels in certain European countries, which in turn negatively affected the euro’s exchange rate. A significant decline in the value of the euro may produce unpredictable effects on trade and commerce generally and could lead to increased volatility in financial markets worldwide. In the event that an EMU member defaults on its sovereign debt or exits from the EMU, especially if either such event occurs in a disorderly manner, the default or exit may adversely affect the value of the euro as well as the performance of other European economies and issuers.

 

Adverse economic and political events in one European country, including war, may have adverse effects across Europe. For example, the extent and duration of Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine, initiated in February 2022, and the broad-ranging economic sanctions levied against Russia by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and other countries, remain unknown, but these events could have a significant adverse impact on Europe’s overall economy.

 

United Kingdom Exit from the EU. On January 31, 2020, the United Kingdom (the “UK”) formally withdrew from the EU (commonly referred to as “Brexit”) and, after a transition period, left the EU single market and customs union under the terms of a new trade agreement, effective January 1, 2021. The effects of Brexit are also being shaped by the trade agreements that the UK negotiates with other countries and will depend largely upon the UK’s ability to negotiate favorable terms with the EU regarding trade and market access. Although the longer term political, regulatory, and economic consequences of Brexit are uncertain, Brexit has caused volatility in UK, EU, and global markets. The potential negative effects of Brexit on the UK and EU economies and the broader global economy could include, among others, business and trade disruptions, increased volatility and illiquidity, currency fluctuations, and potentially lower economic growth of markets in the UK, EU, and globally, which could negatively impact the value of the Fund’s investments. Brexit could also lead to legal uncertainty and politically divergent national laws and regulations while the relationship between the UK and EU continues to be defined and the UK determines which EU laws to replace or replicate.

 

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Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine. Russia has attempted to assert its influence in Eastern Europe in the recent past through economic and military measures, including military incursions into Georgia in 2008 and eastern Ukraine in 2014, heightening geopolitical risk in the region and tensions with the West. On February 24, 2022, Russia initiated a large-scale invasion of Ukraine resulting in the displacement of millions of Ukrainians from their homes, a substantial loss of life, and the widespread destruction of property and infrastructure throughout Ukraine. In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the governments of the United States, Canada, Japan, the EU, the UK, and many other nations joined together to impose heavy economic sanctions on certain Russian individuals, including its political leaders, as well as Russian corporate and banking entities and other Russian industries and businesses. The sanctions restrict companies from doing business with Russia and Russian companies, prohibit transactions with the Russian central bank and other key Russian financial institutions and entities, ban Russian airlines and ships from using many other countries’ airspace and ports, respectively, and place a freeze on certain Russian assets. The sanctions also removed some Russian banks from the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications (SWIFT), the electronic network that connects banks globally to facilitate cross-border payments. In addition, the United States has banned oil and other energy imports from Russia as well as other popular Russian exports, such as diamonds, seafood, and vodka. The EU, the UK and other countries have also placed restrictions on certain oil, energy, and luxury good imports from Russia. The extent and duration of the war in Ukraine and the longevity and severity of sanctions remain unknown, but they could have a significant adverse impact on the European economy as well as the price and availability of certain commodities, including oil and natural gas, throughout the world. Further, an escalation of the military conflict beyond Ukraine’s borders could result in significant, long-lasting damage to the economies of Eastern and Western Europe as well as the global economy.

 

General. Whether or not the Fund invests in securities of issuers located in Europe or with significant exposure to European issuers or countries, these events could negatively affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments due to the interconnected nature of the global economy and capital markets. The Fund may also be susceptible to these events to the extent that the Fund invests in municipal obligations with credit support by non-U.S. financial institutions.

 

Developments in the China Region

 

Although China’s economy has experienced past periods of rapid growth, there is no assurance that such growth rates will recur. In particular, the growth rate of China’s economy had slowed over the years leading up to the global economic recession in 2020. China’s economy rebounded in 2021 as China recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic, but China’s economy grew at a slower rate in 2022 through 2024 than any year in the decade leading up to 2020. It remains unclear though whether these trends will continue in the future. In addition, China’s economic slowdown has negatively impacted the once rapidly growing Chinese real estate market, leading to the financial collapse of China’s largest real estate company. The slowdown in China’s real estate market has also resulted in local Chinese governments facing high levels of debt and fewer viable means to raise revenue, especially with the fall in demand for housing.

 

Despite attempts to restructure its economy towards consumption, China remains heavily dependent on exports. Reduction in spending on Chinese products and services, supply chain diversification, institution of additional tariffs, sanctions or other trade barriers, or a downturn in any of the economies of China’s key trading partners may have an adverse impact on both the Chinese economy and Chinese companies. Additionally, Chinese actions to lay claim to disputed islands have caused relations with certain of China’s trading partners to suffer, and could cause further disruption to regional and international trade. From time to time, China has experienced outbreaks of infectious illnesses, and the country may be subject to other public health threats, infectious illnesses, diseases or similar issues in the future. Any spread of an infectious illness, public health threat or similar issue could reduce consumer demand or economic output, result in market closures, travel restrictions or quarantines, and generally have a significant impact on the Chinese economy. In the long run, China’s ability to develop and sustain a credible legal, regulatory, monetary, and socioeconomic system could influence the course of outside investment.

 

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Investments in China

 

The Chinese economy is generally considered an emerging market and can be significantly affected by economic and political conditions and policy in China and surrounding Asian countries. A relatively small number of Chinese companies represent a large portion of China’s total market and thus may be more sensitive to adverse political or economic circumstances and market movements. The economy of China differs, often unfavorably, from the U.S. economy in such respects as structure, general development, government involvement, wealth distribution, rate of inflation, growth rate, allocation of resources and capital reinvestment, among others. Disclosure and regulatory standards in China are less stringent than U.S. standards, and there is substantially less publicly available information about Chinese issuers than there is about U.S. issuers. Under China’s political and economic system, the central government has historically exercised substantial control over virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through administrative regulation and/or state ownership. In addition, expropriation, including nationalization, confiscatory taxation, political, economic or social instability or other developments could adversely affect and significantly diminish the values of the Chinese companies in which a Fund invests. Moreover, the imposition of restrictions on repatriation of capital invested may have an adverse effect on a Fund’s performance and the Fund’s ability to meet repurchase requests. International trade tensions may arise from time to time which can result in trade tariffs, embargoes, trade limitations, trade wars and other negative consequences. These consequences may trigger a reduction in international trade, the oversupply of certain manufactured goods, substantial price reductions of goods and possible failure of individual companies and/or large segments of China’s export industry with a potentially severe negative impact to a Fund. China’s currency, which historically has been managed in a tight range relative to the U.S. dollar, may in the future be subject to greater uncertainty as Chinese authorities change the policies that determine the exchange rate mechanism. From time to time, China has experienced outbreaks of infectious illnesses, and the country may be subject to other public health threats or similar issues in the future. Any spread of an infectious illness, public health threat or similar issue could reduce consumer demand or economic output, result in market closures, travel restrictions or quarantines, and generally have a significant impact on the Chinese economy. A Fund’s rights with respect to its investments in A-Shares, if any, will generally be governed by Chinese law. China operates under a civil law system in which court precedent is not binding, which means that there is no binding precedent to interpret existing statutes and thus there is uncertainty regarding the implementation of existing law. It may therefore be difficult or impossible for the Fund to enforce its rights as an investor under Chinese law. Ultimately, China’s ability to develop and sustain a credible legal, regulatory, monetary, and socioeconomic system could influence the course of outside investment.

 

The Fund may invest in equity securities of certain Chinese companies, referred to A-Shares, through the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect program or the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect program (collectively, “Stock Connect”). Stock Connect is a securities trading and clearing linked program between either Shanghai Stock Exchange or Shenzhen Stock Exchange, and the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, Hong Kong Securities Clearing Company Limited, and China Securities Depository and Clearing Corporation Limited, with an aim to achieve mutual stock market access between China and Hong Kong. Stock Connect is subject to daily quota limitations, which may restrict a Fund’s ability to invest in A-Shares through Stock Connect and to enter into or exit trades on a timely basis. The Shanghai and Shenzhen markets may be open at a time when Stock Connect is not trading, with the result that prices of A-Shares may fluctuate at times when a Fund is unable to add to or exit its position. Only certain A-Shares are eligible to be accessed through Stock Connect. Such securities may lose their eligibility at any time, in which case they could be sold but could no longer be purchased through Stock Connect. Because Stock Connect is in its early stages, the actual effect on the market for trading A-Shares with the introduction of large numbers of foreign investors is currently unknown. Stock Connect is subject to regulations promulgated by regulatory authorities for the Shanghai Stock Exchange, the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, and existing and additional regulations or restrictions, such as limitations on redemptions, suspension of trading and limitations on profits, may adversely impact Stock Connect and/or a Fund’s investments through Stock Connect. There is no guarantee that all three exchanges will continue to support Stock Connect in the future.

 

The Fund’s investments in securities, including A-Shares, issued by Chinese companies may cause the Fund to become subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by China tax authorities. China generally imposes withholding income tax at a rate of 10% on dividends, premiums, interest and capital gains originating in China and paid to a company that is not a resident of China for tax purposes and that has no permanent establishment in China. Currently, the capital gain from disposal of A-Shares by foreign investors via Stock Connect is temporarily exempt from withholding income tax, but the dividends derived from A-Shares by foreign investors is subject to a 10% withholding income tax. There is no indication of how long the temporary exemption will remain in effect and the Fund may be subject to such withholding income tax in the future. Uncertainties in China tax rules governing taxation of income and gains from investments in A-Shares via Stock Connect could result in unexpected tax liabilities for the Fund and therefore could affect the amount of income which may be derived, and the amount of capital returned, from the investments in A-Shares by the Fund.

 

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The Fund’s investment may potentially be subject to a value added tax under the law of the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”) at a rate of 6% on capital gains derived from trading of A-Shares and interest income (if any). Existing guidance provides a value added tax exemption for overseas investors in respect of their gains derived from trading of PRC securities via Stock Connect. Because there is no indication of how long the temporary exemption will remain in effect, the Fund may be subject to such value added tax in the future.

 

In addition, urban maintenance and construction taxes (currently at rates ranging from 1% to 7%), educational surcharges (currently at a rate of 3%) and local educational surcharges (currently at a rate of 2%) (collectively, the “Surtaxes”) are imposed based on value added tax liabilities. Thus, if the Fund is liable for a value added tax, it would also be required to pay the applicable Surtaxes.

 

The Fund may also be subject to stamp duty under PRC law. Stamp duty is a tax that generally applies to the execution and receipt of taxable documents, which include contracts for the sale of A-Shares traded on stock exchanges in China. In the case of such contracts, stamp duty of 0.10% is currently imposed on sellers, but not on purchasers. The Fund would therefore be subject to PRC stamp duty upon the sale or transfer of A-Shares to another individual or institution.

 

In the event that the depository of the Shanghai Stock Exchange and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange defaulted, the Fund may not be able to recover fully its losses from the depository or may be delayed in receiving proceeds as part of any recovery process. In addition, because all trades on Stock Connect in respect of eligible A-Shares must be settled in Renminbi (RMB), the Chinese currency, funds investing through Stock Connect must have timely access to a reliable supply of offshore RMB, which cannot be guaranteed.

 

Stock Connect is novel in nature and is subject to regulations promulgated by regulatory authorities and implementation rules made by the stock exchanges in China and Hong Kong. The regulations are relatively untested and there is no certainty as to how they will be applied. A-Shares purchased through Stock Connect are held in nominee name and not the Fund’s name as the beneficial owner. It is possible, therefore, that a Fund’s ability to exercise its rights as a shareholder and to pursue claims against the issuer of A-Shares may be limited because the nominee structure has not been tested in Chinese courts. In addition, the Fund may not be able to participate in corporate actions affecting A-Shares held through Stock Connect due to time constraints or for other operational reasons.

 

Trades on Stock Connect are subject to certain requirements prior to trading. If these requirements are not completed prior to the market opening, the Fund cannot sell the shares on that trading day. In addition, these requirements may limit the number of brokers that the Fund may use to execute trades. If an investor holds 5% or more of the total shares issued by an A-Share issuer, the investor must return any profits obtained from the purchase and sale of those shares if both transactions occur within a six-month period. If the Fund holds 5% or more of the total shares of an A-Share issuer through its Stock Connect investments, its profits may be subject to these limitations. Any of the factors discussed above could have a negative impact on the Fund’s performance.

 

SOFR Risk

 

Public and private sector actors have worked to establish alternative reference rates, such as SOFR, to be used in place of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), the publication of which has ceased. Certain floating or variable rate obligations or investments of the Fund may reference SOFR.

 

SOFR is intended to be a broad measure of the cost of borrowing funds overnight in transactions that are collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities. SOFR is calculated based on transaction-level repo data collected from various sources. For each trading day, SOFR is calculated as a volume-weighted median rate derived from such data.

 

SOFR is calculated and published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (“FRBNY”). If data from a given source required by the FRBNY to calculate SOFR is unavailable for any day, then the most recently available data for that segment will be used, with certain adjustments. If errors are discovered in the transaction data or the calculations underlying SOFR after its initial publication on a given day, SOFR may be republished at a later time that day. Rate revisions will be effected only on the day of initial publication and will be republished only if the change in the rate exceeds one basis point.

 

18

 

 

SOFR is a financing rate based on overnight secured funding transactions, and thus it differs fundamentally from LIBOR. LIBOR was intended to be an unsecured rate that represented interbank funding costs for different short-term maturities or tenors. It was a forward-looking rate that reflected expectations regarding interest rates for the applicable tenor. Thus, LIBOR was intended to be sensitive, in certain respects, to bank credit risk and to term interest rate risk. In contrast, SOFR is a secured overnight rate reflecting the credit of U.S. Treasury securities as collateral. Thus, it is largely insensitive to credit-risk considerations and to short-term interest rate risks. SOFR is a transaction-based rate, and it has been more volatile than other benchmark or market rates during certain periods. For these reasons, among others, there is no assurance that SOFR, or rates derived from SOFR, will perform in the same or similar way as LIBOR would have performed at any time, and there is no assurance that SOFR-based rates will be a suitable substitute for LIBOR. SOFR has a limited history, having been first published in April 2018. The future performance of SOFR, and SOFR-based reference rates, is not known based on SOFR’s history or otherwise. Levels of SOFR in the future may bear little or no relation to historical levels of SOFR, LIBOR or other rates.

 

INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

 

Fundamental Investment Restrictions

 

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

 

(1)Issue senior securities, borrow money or pledge its assets, except as permitted under the 1940 Act.

 

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

 

(3)Invest 25% or more of its total assets, calculated at the time of purchase, in any one industry (other than securities issued by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities).

 

(4)Purchase or sell real estate or interests in real estate or real estate limited partnerships (although the Fund may purchase and sell securities which are secured by real estate and securities of companies which invest or deal in real estate, such as real estate investment trusts (REITs)).

 

(5)Make loans of money, except (a) for purchases of debt securities consistent with the investment policies of the Fund, (b) by engaging in repurchase agreements or, (c) through the loan of portfolio securities in an amount up to 33 1/3% of the Fund’s net assets.

 

(6)Purchase or sell physical commodities, unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments. This limitation shall not prevent the Fund from purchasing, selling or entering into future contracts, or acquiring securities or other instruments and options thereon backed by, or related to, physical commodities.

 

The Fund has also adopted the following fundamental policies with respect to the repurchase of its Shares:

 

(1)On a quarterly basis, the Fund will make an offer to repurchase a designated percentage of the outstanding Shares from shareholders (a “Repurchase Offer”), pursuant to Rule 23c-3 under the 1940 Act, as it may be amended from time to time (“Rule 23c-3”). Currently, Rule 23c-3 requires Repurchase Offer amounts to be not less than 5% and not more than 25% of the common Shares outstanding on the Repurchase Request Deadline.

 

19

 

 

(2)The Fund will repurchase Shares that are tendered by a specific date. The Fund’s Board will establish the Repurchase Request Deadline for each Repurchase Offer in accordance with Rule 23c-3. Currently, Rule 23c-3 requires the Repurchase Request Deadline to be no less than 21 and no more than 42 days after the Fund sends notification to shareholders of the repurchase offer. The Repurchase Request Deadline may be revised by the Advisor, in its sole discretion, based on factors such as market conditions, the level of the Fund’s assets and shareholder servicing considerations provided that the Board is notified of this change and the reasons for it.

 

(3)There will be a maximum 14 calendar day period (or the next business day if the 14th calendar day is not a business day) between the Repurchase Request Deadline and the Repurchase Pricing Date applicable to the Repurchase Offer is determined.

 

Non-Fundamental Investment Restriction

 

The Fund’s investment objective is a non-fundamental policy and may be changed without shareholder approval. In addition, the Fund observes the following restriction as a matter of operating but not fundamental policy:

 

·Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities of U.S. companies. The Advisor considers a company to be a U.S. company if the company has been organized under the laws of, has its principal offices in, or has its securities principally traded in the United States, or if the company derives at least 50% of its revenues or net profits from, or has at least 50% of its assets or production capacities in, the United States. This policy may be changed with 60 days’ prior notice to shareholders.

 

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

 

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

 

The Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”) supervises the affairs of the Fund.

 

Trustees and Officers

 

The overall management of the business and affairs of the Fund is vested with the Board. The Board approves all significant agreements between the Fund and persons or companies furnishing services to it, including the agreements with the Advisor, co-administrators, distributor, custodian and transfer agent. The day-to-day operations of the Fund are delegated to its officers, except that the Advisor is responsible for making day-to-day investment decisions in accordance with the Fund’s investment objectives, strategies, and policies, all of which are subject to general supervision by the Board.

 

The Trustees and officers of the Fund, their years of birth and positions with the Fund, term of office with the Fund and length of time served, their business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years and other directorships held during the past five years are listed in the table below. Unless noted otherwise, each person has held the position listed for a minimum of five years. Jill Iacono Mavro, Ashley Toomey Rabun, William H. Young and James E. Ross are all of the Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Fund, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (collectively, the “Independent Trustees”).

 

20

 

 

Name, Address,
Year of Birth and
Position(s) held with
Fund

Term of
Officec and
Length of
Time
Served
Principal Occupation During the
Past Five Years and Other Affiliations
Number of
Portfolios in
the Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Trustee d
Other Directorships
Held by the Trusteee
“Independent” Trustees:

Jill Iacono Mavro a

(born 1972)

Trustee

Since [_____] Principal and Founder, Spoondrift Advisory, a consulting service for the asset management industry (2018 – present); Managing Director at Transaction Strategies, LLC (formerly CapWGlobal, LLC), a financial technology consulting company (2020 – 2025); Senior Managing Director (2015 – 2018), Managing Director (2012 – 2016), and Vice President (2004 – 2012), State Street Corporation, a financial services company. 11 Investment Managers Series Trust, a registered investment company (includes 27 portfolios) BNY Mellon ETF Trust, a registered investment company (includes 10 portfolios); BNY Mellon ETF Trust II, a registered investment company (includes 8 portfolios); GoldenTree Opportunistic Credit Fund; a closed-end investment company.

Ashley Toomey Rabun a

(born 1952)

Trustee and Chairperson of the Board

Since [_____] Retired (2016 – present); President and Founder, InvestorReach, Inc. a financial services consulting firm (1996 – 2015). 11 Investment Managers Series Trust, a registered investment company (includes 27 portfolios); Select Sector SPDR Trust, a registered investment company (includes 22 portfolios).

James E. Ross a

(born 1965)

Trustee

Since [_____] Non-Executive Chairman and Director, Fusion Acquisition Corp. II, a special purpose acquisition company (March 2021 – present); Non-Executive Chairman and Director, Fusion Acquisition Corp., a special purpose acquisition company (June 2020 – September 2021); Executive Vice President, State Street Global Advisors, a global asset management firm (2012 – March 2020); Chairman and Director, SSGA Funds Management, Inc., a registered investment advisor (2005 – March 2020); Chief Executive Officer, Manager and Director, SSGA Funds Distributor, LLC, a broker-dealer (2017 – March 2020). 11 Investment Managers Series Trust, a registered investment company (includes 27 portfolios); SPDR Index Shares Funds, a registered investment company (includes 25 portfolios); SPDR Series Trust, a registered investment company (includes 85 portfolios); Select Sector SPDR Trust, a registered investment company (includes 22 portfolios); SSGA Active Trust, a registered investment company (includes 32 portfolios); Fusion Acquisition Corp II.

 

21

 

 

Name, Address,
Year of Birth and
Position(s) held with
Fund

Term of
Officec and
Length of
Time
Served
Principal Occupation During the
Past Five Years and Other Affiliations
Number of
Portfolios in
the Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Trustee d
Other Directorships
Held by the Trusteee

William H. Young a

(born 1950)

Trustee

Since [_____] Retired (2014 – present): Independent financial services consultant (1996 – 2014): Interim CEO, Unified Fund Services Inc. (now Huntington Fund Services), a mutual fund service provider (2003 – 2006); Senior Vice President, Oppenheimer Management Company (1983 – 1996): Chairman, NICSA, an investment management trade association (1993 – 1996). 11 Investment Managers Series Trust, a registered investment company (includes 27 portfolios).
Interested Trustees:

Rita Dam b**

(born 1966)

Treasurer and Assistant Secretary

Since [_____] Co-Chief Executive Officer (2016 – present), and Vice President (2006 – 2015), Mutual Fund Administration, LLC; Co-President, Foothill Capital Management, LLC, a registered investment advisor (2018 – 2022).

1

 

None

Maureen Quill a*

(born 1963)

Trustee and President

Since [_____] President, Investment Managers Series Trust (June 2014 – present); President, Investment Managers Series Trust III (June 2023 – present); EVP/Executive Director Registered Funds (January 2018 – present), Chief Operating Officer (June 2014 – January 2018), and Executive Vice President (January 2007 – June 2014), UMB Fund Services, Inc.; President, UMB Distribution Services (March 2013 – December 2020); Vice President, Investment Managers Series Trust (December 2013 – June 2014). 11 Investment Managers Series Trust, a registered investment company (includes 27 portfolios). Investment Managers Series Trust III, a registered investment company (includes 14 portfolios); Source Capital, a closed-end investment company.
Officers of the Fund:        

Joy Ausili b

(born 1966)

Vice President, Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer

Since [_____] Co-Chief Executive Officer (2016 – present), and Vice President (2006 – 2015), Mutual Fund Administration, LLC; Co-President, Foothill Capital Management, LLC, a registered investment advisor (2018 – 2022); Secretary and Assistant Treasurer, Investment Managers Series Trust (December 2007 – March 2016). N/A N/A

 

22

 

 

Name, Address,
Year of Birth and
Position(s) held with
Fund

Term of
Officec and
Length of
Time
Served
Principal Occupation During the
Past Five Years and Other Affiliations
Number of
Portfolios in
the Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Trustee d
Other Directorships
Held by the Trusteee

Rita Dam b

(born 1966)

Treasurer and Assistant Secretary

Since [_____] Co-Chief Executive Officer (2016 – present), and Vice President (2006 – 2015), Mutual Fund Administration, LLC; Co-President, Foothill Capital Management, LLC, a registered investment advisor (2018 – 2022). N/A N/A

Diane Drake b

(born 1967)

Secretary

Since [_____] Senior Counsel, Mutual Fund Administration, LLC (October 2015 – present); Chief Compliance Officer, Foothill Capital Management, LLC, a registered investment advisor (2018 – 2019). N/A N/A

Michael Dziura b

(born 1985)

Chief Compliance Officer

Since [_____] Partner (July 2024 – present), Managing Director (2023 – 2024), and Director (2017 – 2023), Dziura Compliance Consulting, LLC; Chief Compliance Officer, Etna Capital Management Limited (2024 – present); Chief Compliance Officer, Westfuller Advisors, LLC (2023 – present), Chief Compliance Officer, Climate Finance Partners, LLC (2022 – present). N/A N/A

 

aAddress for certain Trustees and certain officers: 235 West Galena Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212.

 

bAddress for Ms. Ausili, Ms. Dam and Ms. Drake: 2220 E. Route 66, Suite 226, Glendora, California 91740.

 

Address for Mr. Dziura: 309 Woodridge Lane, Media, Pennsylvania 19063.

 

cTrustees and officers serve until their successors have been duly elected.

 

dThe term “Fund Complex” is composed of the Fund and ten series of Investment Managers Series Trust for which the Advisor also serves as investment advisor, which are offered in a separate prospectus (together with the Fund, the “WCM Funds”). The WCM Funds do not hold themselves out as related to any other series within Investment Managers Series Trust for purposes of investment and investor services.

 

e“Other Directorships Held” includes only directorships of companies required to register or file reports with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (that is, “public companies”), or other investment companies registered under the 1940 Act.

 

*Ms. Quill is an “interested person” of the Fund by virtue of her position with UMB Fund Services, Inc.

 

**Ms. Dam is an “interested person” of the Fund by virtue of her position with Mutual Fund Administration, LLC.

 

23

 

 

Compensation

 

Each Independent Trustee receives a quarterly retainer of $[_________]; $[_________]for each special meeting attended in person; $[_________]for each special in-person meeting attended by videoconference or teleconference in lieu of in-person attendance in accordance with SEC exemptive relief or to address particularly complex matters or matters requiring review of significant materials in advance of the meeting; and $[_________] for any other special meeting attended by videoconference or teleconference at which Board action is taken and/or materials were prepared for review. The Fund has no pension or retirement plan.

 

Ms. Quill and Ms. Dam are not compensated for their service as Trustees because of their affiliations with the Fund. Officers of the Fund are not compensated by the Fund for their services.

 

 

Name of Person/Position

Aggregate
Compensation
From the
Fund ($)1,3
Pension or
Retirement
Benefits Accrued as
Part of Fund’s
Expenses ($)
Estimated
Annual
Benefits Upon
Retirement ($)
Total Compensation
from Fund Complex
Paid to Trustees
($)1,2
Independent Trustees:
Jill Iacono Mavro, Trustee $[___] None None $[___]
Ashley Toomey Rabun, Trustee and Chairperson $[___] None None $[___]
James E. Ross, Trustee, Nominating, Governance and Regulatory Review Committee Chair $[     ] None None $[     ]
William H. Young, Trustee and Audit Committee Chair $[___] None None $[___]

 

1Estimated annual compensation for the first year.

 

2The term “Fund Complex” is composed of the Fund and ten series of Investment Managers Series Trust for which the Advisor also serves as investment advisor, which are offered in a separate prospectus.

 

Additional Information Concerning the Board and the Trustees

 

The current Trustees were selected in [___] with a view towards establishing a Board that would have the broad experience needed to oversee a registered investment company comprised of multiple series employing a variety of different investment strategies. As a group, the Board has extensive experience in many different aspects of the financial services and asset management industries.

 

The Trustees were selected to join the Board based upon the following factors, among others: character and integrity; willingness to serve and willingness and ability to commit the time necessary to perform the duties of a Trustee; as to each Trustee other than Ms. Quill, satisfying the criteria for not being classified as an “interested person” of the Fund as defined in the 1940 Act; and, as to Ms. Quill, her position with UMB Fund Services, Inc., one of the Fund’s co-administrators. In addition, the Trustees have the following specific experience, qualifications, attributes and/or skills relevant to the operations of the Fund:

 

·Ms. Mavro has extensive senior executive experience in the investment management industry, organizational management experience as a member of senior management, experience with advisers, private equity firms and broker dealers, and experience serving in board positions with funds, including multiple series trusts, similar to the Trust.

 

24

 

 

·Ms. Rabun has substantial senior executive experience in mutual fund marketing and distribution and serving in senior executive and board positions with registered investment companies.

 

·Mr. Ross has significant senior executive experience with respect to marketing and distribution of registered investment companies.

 

·Mr. Young has broad senior executive experience with respect to the operations and management of registered investment companies and administration service providers.

 

·Ms. Quill has substantial experience serving in senior executive positions at fund administration service providers.

 

In its periodic self-assessment of the effectiveness of the Board, the Board will consider the complementary individual skills and experience of the individual Trustees primarily in the broader context of the Board’s overall composition so that the Board, as a body, possesses the appropriate (and appropriately diverse) skills and experience to oversee the business of the Fund. The summaries set forth above as to the qualifications, attributes and skills of the Trustees are required by the registration form adopted by the SEC, do not constitute holding out the Board or any Trustee as having any special expertise or experience, and do not impose any greater responsibility or liability on any such person or on the Board as a whole than would otherwise be the case.

 

The Board has two standing committees: the Audit Committee and the Nominating, Governance and Regulatory Review Committee (the “Nominating Committee”).

 

·The function of the Audit Committee is to review the scope and results of the Fund’s annual audit and any matters bearing on the audit or the Fund’s financial statements and to assist the Board’s oversight of the integrity of the Fund’s pricing and financial reporting. The Audit Committee is composed of all of the Independent Trustees and is chaired by Mr. Young. The Audit Committee is expected to meet at least twice a year.

 

The Audit Committee also serves as the Qualified Legal Compliance Committee for the Fund for the purpose of compliance with Rules 205.2(k) and 205.3(c) of the Code of Federal Regulations regarding alternative reporting procedures for attorneys retained or employed by an issuer who appear and practice before the SEC on behalf of the issuer.

 

·The Nominating Committee is responsible for reviewing matters pertaining to composition, committees, and operations of the Board, as well as assisting the Board in overseeing matters related to certain regulatory issues. The Committee meets from time to time as needed. The Nominating Committee will consider trustee nominees properly recommended by the Fund’s shareholders. Shareholders who wish to recommend a nominee should send nominations that include, among other things, biographical data and the qualifications of the proposed nominee to the Fund’s Secretary. The Independent Trustees compose the Nominating Committee, and the Committee is chaired by Mr. Ross.

 

Independent Trustees compose 66.7% of the Board and Ashley Toomey Rabun, an Independent Trustee, serves as Chairperson of the Board. The Chairperson serves as a key point person for dealings between the Fund’s management and the other Independent Trustees. Through the committees of the Board the Independent Trustees consider and address important matters involving the Fund, including those presenting conflicts or potential conflicts of interest. The Independent Trustees also regularly meet outside the presence of management and are advised by independent legal counsel. The Board has determined that its organization and leadership structure are appropriate in light of its fiduciary and oversight obligations, the special obligations of the Independent Trustees, and the relationship between the Interested Trustee and the Trust’s co-administrator. The Board also believes that its structure facilitates the orderly and efficient flow of information to the Independent Trustees from Fund management.

 

Consistent with its responsibility for oversight of the Fund in the interests of shareholders, the Board among other things oversees risk management of the Fund’s investment programs and business affairs directly and through the Audit Committee. The Board has emphasized to the Advisor the importance of maintaining vigorous risk management programs and procedures.

 

25

 

 

The Fund faces a number of risks, such as investment risk, valuation risk, reputational risk, risk of operational failure or lack of business continuity, and legal, compliance and regulatory risk. Risk management seeks to identify and address risks, i.e., events or circumstances that could have material adverse effects on the business, operations, shareholder services, investment performance or reputation of the Fund. Under the overall supervision of the Board, the Advisor, the Sub-Advisors and other service providers to the Fund employ a variety of processes, procedures and controls to identify various of those possible events or circumstances, to lessen the probability of their occurrence and/or to mitigate the effects of such events or circumstances if they do occur. Different processes, procedures and controls are employed with respect to different types of risks. Various personnel, including the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer (the “CCO”), the Advisor’s and Sub-Advisors’ management, and other service providers (such as the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm) make periodic reports to the Board or to the Audit Committee with respect to various aspects of risk management. The Board recognizes that not all risks that may affect the Fund can be identified, that it may not be practical or cost-effective to eliminate or mitigate certain risks, that it may be necessary to bear certain risks (such as investment-related risks) to achieve the Fund’s investment objective, and that the processes, procedures and controls employed to address certain risks may be limited in their effectiveness. Moreover, reports received by the Trustees as to risk management matters are typically summaries of the relevant information. As a result of the foregoing and other factors, the Board’s risk management oversight is subject to substantial limitations.

 

Fund Shares Beneficially Owned by Trustees. Certain information regarding ownership by the Trustees of the Fund as of the date of this SAI is set forth in the following table.

 

 

Name of Trustee

Dollar Range of Equity
Securities in the Fund
(None, $1-$10,000, $10,001-
$50,000, $50,001-$100,000,
Over $100,000)

Aggregate Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in all
Registered Investment
Companies Overseen by
Trustee in Family of
Investment Companies
Jill Iacono Mavro, Independent Trustee None None
Ashley Toomey Rabun, Independent Trustee None None
James E. Ross, Independent Trustee None None
William H. Young, Independent Trustee None None
Rita Dam, Interested Trustee None None
Maureen Quill, Interested Trustee None None

 

Control Persons, Principal Shareholders, and Management Ownership

 

As of the date of this SAI, the Fund is under the control of [__________________], which had voting authority with respect to 100% of the outstanding Shares in the Fund on such date. However, once Shares of each class are sold to the public, this control will be diluted. The Trustees and officers of the Fund as a group do not own more than 1% of the outstanding Shares of the Fund as of the date of this SAI. Furthermore, neither the Independent Trustees, nor members of their immediate families, own securities beneficially or of record in the Advisor, the Fund’s distributor, [__________________] (the “Distributor”), or any of their respective affiliates.

 

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES

 

The Advisor

 

WCM Investment Management, LLC located at 281 Brooks Street, Laguna Beach, California 92651, acts as investment advisor to the Funds pursuant to an investment advisory agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”). 75.1% of the Advisor is owned by its employees and 24.9% is owned by Natixis Investment Managers, LLC (“NIM”). NIM is part of Natixis Investment Managers, an international asset management group based in Paris, France, that is in turn owned by Natixis, a French investment banking and financial services firm. Natixis is owned by Groupe BPCE (“BCPE”), France’s second largest banking group. BPCE is owned by banks comprising two autonomous and complementary retail banking networks consisting of the Caisse d’Epargne regional savings banks and the Banque Populaire regional cooperative banks. The registered address of Natixis is 7 promenade Germain Sablon, 75013 Paris, France. The registered address of BPCE is 7 promenade Germain Sablon, 75013 Paris, France. The Advisor’s Co-CEO, Paul R. Black, and its Chairman, Kurt R. Winrich, each own 18.3% of WCM and each retain over 25% of its voting interest.

 

26

 

 

Subject to such policies as the Board of Trustees may determine, the Advisor is ultimately responsible for investment decisions for the Funds. Pursuant to the terms of the Advisory Agreement, the Advisor provides the Funds with such investment advice and supervision as it deems necessary for the proper supervision of the Funds’ investments. The Advisor also continuously monitors and maintains the Funds’ investment criteria and determines from time to time what securities may be purchased by the Funds.

 

The Advisory Agreement will remain in effect for an initial two-year period. After the initial two-year period, the Advisory Agreement will continue in effect from year to year only if such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Board or by vote of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities and by a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the Advisory Agreement or interested persons of any such party, at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the Advisory Agreement. The Advisory Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Fund, upon giving the Advisor 60 days’ notice when authorized either by a majority vote of the Fund’s shareholders or by a vote of a majority of the Board, or by the Advisor on 60 days’ written notice, and will automatically terminate in the event of its “assignment” (as defined in the 1940 Act). The Advisory Agreement provides that the Advisor shall not be liable for any error of judgment or for any loss suffered by the Fund in connection with the Advisory Agreement, except for a loss resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty, or for a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties, or from reckless disregard by the Advisor of its duties under the Advisory Agreement.

 

In consideration of the services to be provided by the Advisor pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Advisor is entitled to receive from the Fund an investment advisory fee computed daily and paid monthly based on an annual rate equal to a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets specified in the Prospectus.

 

Fund Expenses

 

The Fund is responsible for its own operating expenses (all of which will be borne directly or indirectly by the Fund’s shareholders), including among others, legal fees and expenses of counsel to the Fund and the Independent Trustees; insurance (including Trustees’ and officers’ errors and omissions insurance); auditing and accounting expenses; taxes and governmental fees; dues and expenses incurred in connection with membership in investment company organizations; fees and expenses of the Fund’s custodians, administrators, transfer agents, registrars and other service providers; expenses for portfolio pricing services by a pricing agent, if any; expenses in connection with the issuance and offering of Shares; brokerage commissions and other costs of acquiring or disposing of any portfolio holding of the Fund; expenses of preparation and distribution of reports, notices and dividends to shareholders; expenses of the dividend reinvestment plan; compensation and expenses of Trustees; any litigation expenses; and costs of shareholders’ and other meetings. The Advisor has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or pay for operating expenses of the Fund to ensure that the total annual fund operating expenses (excluding any taxes, leverage interest, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on short sales, acquired fund fees and expenses (as determined in accordance with SEC Form N-2), professional fees related to services for the collection of foreign tax reclaims, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization, or extraordinary expenses such as litigation, indemnification and other expenses resulting from events and transactions that are distinguished by their unusual nature and by the infrequency of their occurrence) do not exceed [x.xx]% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

 

27

 

 

The agreement is effective through [_________], and it may be terminated before that date only by the Board.

 

Any reduction in advisory fees or payment of the Fund’s expenses made by the Advisor in a fiscal year may be reimbursed by the Fund for a period ending three fiscal years after the date of reduction or payment if the Advisor so requests. This reimbursement may be requested from the Fund if the reimbursement will not cause the Fund’s annual expense ratio to exceed the lesser of (a) the expense limitation in effect at the time such fees were waived or payments made, or (b) the expense limitation in effect at the time of the reimbursement. However, the reimbursement amount may not exceed the total amount of fees waived and/or Fund expenses paid by the Advisor with respect to the class and will not include any amounts previously reimbursed to the Advisor by the Fund with respect to the class. Any such reimbursement is contingent upon the Board’s subsequent review and ratification of the reimbursed amounts. The Fund must pay current ordinary operating expenses with respect to a class before the Advisor is entitled to any reimbursement of fees and/or Fund expenses.

 

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

 

Other Accounts Managed by the Portfolio Managers. As of [_____], certain information on other accounts managed by the Fund’s portfolio managers is set forth below:

 

  Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
Other Accounts  
Portfolio Managers Number of
Accounts

Total Assets
(in Million)

Number of
Accounts

Total Assets
(in Million)

Number of
Accounts

Total Assets
(in Million)

 
 
  [__] [__] [__] [__] [__] [__]  
  [__] [__] [__] [__] [__] [__]  
  [__] [__] [__] [__] [__] [__]  
  [__] [__] [__] [__] [__] [__]  

 

  Number of Accounts with Advisory Fee Based on Performance  
  Registered Investment
Companies
Other Pooled
Investment Vehicles
Other Accounts  
Portfolio Managers Number of
Accounts

Total Assets
($ millions)

Number of
Accounts

Total Assets
($ millions)

Number of
Accounts

Total Assets
($ millions)

 
 
  [__] [__] [__] [__] [__] [__]  
  [__] [__] [__] [__] [__] [__]  
  [__] [__] [__] [__] [__] [__]  
  [__] [__] [__] [__] [__] [__]  

 

Conflicts of Interest. Actual or apparent conflicts of interest may arise when a portfolio manager has day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to more than one fund or other account. Where conflicts of interest arise between a Fund and other accounts managed by the portfolio manager, the Advisor will proceed in a manner that ensures that no Fund will be treated less favorably. There may be instances where similar portfolio transactions may be executed for the same security for numerous accounts managed by the portfolio managers. In such instances, securities will be allocated in accordance with the Advisor’s trade allocation policy.

 

Compensation. WCM’s compensation practices employ a multi-pronged approach and play an important role in rewarding and retaining key professionals, whether investment (research), sales, or operations. To be clear, compensation arrangements are not determined on the basis of the number of accounts managed or the performance of specific funds.

 

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For investment (research) professionals, compensation breakdown includes:

 

Base Salaries: all investment professionals receive competitive base salaries reflective of their role and contribution to the investment (research) team.

 

Bonuses: Additional compensation comes in the form of periodic (nominally semi-annual) bonuses. WCM employs a qualitative, discretionary bonus system to incentivize and reward our team members based primarily on their performance in contributing to team results. This springs from our belief (supported by various academic studies) that small, cohesive, collaborative teams can and do provide better results than “star systems” or “armies of analysts”. And even though we subscribe to that old aphorism, “the whole can be greater than the sum of the parts,” individual performance is not ignored—it simply plays a subordinate role to team success. These evaluations are made on a regular basis by the investment (research) team leaders, utilizing a review system that begins with a “return-on-time” assessment for each investment (research) team member and is then supplemented, reviewed, and approved by the firm’s Leadership Team.

 

Profit-Sharing: WCM does not utilize a cash profit-sharing plan, but we do include a profit-sharing component in the Employee Benefit Plan (see below).

 

Employee Benefit Plan: All employees are eligible to participate in the WCM Employee Savings Plan (the “401(k)”) after six full months of employment. Besides the normal employee pre-tax deferral, the 401(k) has two possible employer components: 1) discretionary employer match, and 2) discretionary employer profit-sharing contribution. Currently, the only employer component being utilized is the profit-sharing component, which is determined annually and contributes a substantial amount to each employee’s retirement account. There is no vesting period for employer contributions.

 

Equity Ownership: All employees, upon completing three years of full-time employment, are eligible to be offered (and purchase) ownership. Further, WCM groups our partners into two categories: Principal Partners (owners of more than 1% of outstanding interest), and Regular Partners (owners of less than 1% outstanding interest).

 

[The Portfolio Managers are compensated with a base salary and a fixed percentage of the fees the firm receives from clients invested in the respective Fund.]

 

WCM categorizes its non-investment (non-research) personnel into two groups: Sales, and Operations. Compensation breakdown for these non-investment (non-research) personnel is identical in form and structure to that for investment (research) personnel with two differences:

 

1.Evaluations forming the basis for our qualitative, discretionary bonus system are made by the apropos team leaders, but are still supplemented, reviewed, and approved by the firm’s Leadership Team;

 

2.For Sales personnel only, an additional component in compensation is an ongoing revenue share intended to incentivize both sales and client service.

 

Ownership of the Fund by the Portfolio Managers. The following chart sets forth the dollar range of Shares owned by each portfolio manager in the Fund as of [_____].

 

 

Name of Portfolio Manager

Dollar Range of Fund Shares Owned
(None, $1-$10,000, $10,001-$50,000,
$50,001-$100,000, $100,001 - $500,000,
$500,001 - $1,000,000, Over $1,000,000)
  [____]
  [____]
  [____]
  [____]

 

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CODES OF ETHICS

 

Each of the Fund and the Advisor has adopted a code of ethics in accordance with Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act. These codes of ethics permit the personnel of these entities to invest in securities, including securities that the Fund may purchase or hold. The codes of ethics are on public file with, and are available from, the SEC.

 

PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

 

The Board has adopted Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (“Policies”) on behalf of the Fund, which delegate the responsibility for voting the Fund’s proxies to the Advisor, subject to the Board’s continuing oversight. The Policies require that the Advisor vote proxies received in a manner consistent with the best interests of the Fund. The Policies also require the Advisor to present to the Board, at least annually, the Advisor’s Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (“Proxy Policies”) and a record of each proxy voted by the Advisor on behalf of the Fund, including a report on the resolution of all proxies identified by the Advisor as involving a conflict of interest. See Appendix B for the Advisor’s Proxy Policies and Guidelines. The Proxy Policies are intended to serve as a guideline and to further the economic value of each security held by the Fund. The Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) will review the Proxy Policies on a regular basis. Each proxy will be considered individually, taking into account the relevant circumstances at the time of each vote.

 

If a proxy proposal raises a material conflict between the Advisor’s interests and the Fund’s interests, the Advisor will resolve the conflict by following the Advisor’s policy guidelines or the recommendation of an independent third party.

 

The Fund is required to annually file Form N-PX, which lists the Fund’s complete proxy voting record for the 12-month period ended June 30th each year. Once filed, the Fund’s proxy voting record will be available without charge, upon request, by calling toll-free [1-xxx-xxx-xxxx] and on the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov.

 

CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

 

Taxation of the Fund: In General

 

The following discussion of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the Fund is based on the Code, U.S. Treasury regulations, and other applicable authorities, as of the date of the preparation of this SAI. These authorities are subject to change by legislative or administrative action, possibly with retroactive effect. The following discussion is only a summary of some of the important U.S. federal tax considerations generally applicable to investments in the Fund. There may be other tax considerations applicable to particular shareholders. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisors regarding their particular situation and the possible application of foreign, state and local tax laws.

 

The Fund intends to elect to be, and intends to qualify each year for treatment as, a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. In order to qualify for the tax treatment accorded RICs, the Fund must, among others:

 

(a)derive at least 90% of its gross income for each taxable year from (i) dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans, and gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including but not limited to gains from options, futures, or forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities, or currencies and (ii) net income derived from interests in “qualified publicly traded partnerships” (as defined in the Code) (the “90% Income Test”);

 

(b)diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of each taxable year, (i) at least 50% of the market value of the Fund’s total assets consists of cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other RICs, and other securities, with such other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to a value not greater than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets and not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets is invested, including through corporations in which the Fund owns a 20% or more voting stock interest, (x) in the securities (other than those of the U.S. government or other RICs) of any one issuer or of two or more issuers that the Fund controls and that are engaged in the same, similar, or related trades or businesses, or (y) in the securities of one or more “qualified publicly traded partnerships” (as defined in the Code) (the “Asset Test”); and

 

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(c)distribute with respect to each taxable year an amount at least equal to the sum of 90% of the Fund’s investment company taxable income for such year (including, for this purpose, the excess, if any, of net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses), computed without regard to the dividends-paid deduction, and 90% of the Fund’s and net tax-exempt interest income for such year (the “Distribution Requirement”).

 

For purposes of the 90% Income Test, income derived from a partnership will generally be treated as qualifying income only to the extent such income is attributable to items of income of the partnership which would be qualifying income if recognized directly by the RIC. However, 100% of the net income derived from an interest in a “qualified publicly traded partnership” will be treated as qualifying income.

 

Gains from foreign currencies (including foreign currency options, foreign currency swaps, foreign currency futures and foreign currency forward contracts) currently constitute qualifying income for purposes of the 90% Income Test. However, the Treasury Department has the authority to issue regulations (possibly with retroactive effect) excluding from the definition of “qualifying income” the Fund’s foreign currency gains to the extent that such income is not directly related to the Fund’s principal business of investing in stock or securities (or options and futures with respect to stock or securities).

 

In general, if the Fund qualifies for treatment as a RIC, the Fund will not be subject to federal income tax on income distributed in a timely manner to its shareholders.

 

If the Fund fails to satisfy the 90% Income Test or the Asset Test, the Fund may be eligible for relief provisions if the failures are due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect and if a penalty tax is paid with respect to each failure to satisfy the applicable requirements. Additionally, relief is provided for certain de minimis failures of the Asset Test where the Fund corrects the failure within a specified period of time. In order to be eligible for the relief provisions with respect to a failure to meet the Asset Test, the Fund may be required to dispose of certain assets. If these relief provisions are not available to the Fund and it fails to qualify as a RIC in any taxable year, the Fund would be subject to tax on its taxable income at the regular corporate rate (currently 21%). In addition, all distributions from the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, including any distributions of net long-term capital gains, would be taxable to shareholders as dividend income. Such dividend income would generally be eligible for the dividends-received deduction for corporate shareholders or for treatment as qualified dividend income to noncorporate shareholders, subject to holding period and other limitations of general applicability. Finally, the Fund could be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest and make substantial distributions before requalifying as a RIC.

 

The Fund intends to distribute at least annually to its shareholders all or substantially all of its investment company taxable income (computed without regard to the dividends-paid deduction) and may distribute its net capital gain (i.e., the excess, if any, of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses). If the Fund failed to satisfy the Distribution Requirement for any taxable year, it would be taxed as a regular corporation, with consequences similar to those described above. If the Fund meets the Distribution Requirement but retains some or all of its taxable income or gains, it will be subject to tax at the regular corporate income tax rate to the extent any such taxable income or gains are not distributed. If the Fund retains any net capital gain, it will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates on the amount retained. However, the Fund may report the retained capital gain amount as undistributed capital gains in a notice to its shareholders who (i) will be required to include in income for federal income tax purposes, as long-term capital gain, their proportionate shares of such undistributed amount, (ii) will be entitled to credit their proportionate shares of the income tax paid by the Fund on that undistributed amount against their federal income tax liabilities, if any, and (iii) may claim refunds on properly-filed U.S. tax returns to the extent their respective credits exceed their respective liabilities. For federal income tax purposes, the tax basis of Shares owned by a shareholder of the Fund will be increased by an amount equal to the difference between the amount of undistributed capital gains included in the shareholder’s gross income and the tax deemed paid by the shareholder under clause (ii) of the preceding sentence.

 

If the Fund fails to distribute (and is not deemed to distribute) in a calendar year an amount at least equal to the sum of 98% of its ordinary income for the calendar year and 98.2% of its capital gain net income generally for the one-year period ending October 31 of that year, plus any retained amount from the prior year, the Fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax on the under-distributed taxable amounts. For this purpose, the Fund will be treated as having distributed any amount on which it has been subject to corporate income tax in the taxable year ending within the calendar year. The Fund intends to make distributions in the amounts sufficient and at the times necessary to avoid the imposition of this 4% excise tax, although there can be no assurance that it will be able to do so. For example, the Fund may receive delayed or corrected tax reporting statements from its investments that cause the Fund to accrue additional income and gains after the Fund has already made its excise tax distributions for the year. In such a situation, the Fund may incur an excise tax liability resulting from such delayed receipt of such tax information statements.

 

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Capital losses in excess of capital gains (“net capital losses”) are not permitted to be deducted against a RIC’s net investment income. Instead, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, potentially subject to certain limitations, a RIC may carry net capital losses from any taxable year forward to offset capital gains in future years. The Fund is permitted to carry forward a net capital loss indefinitely. To the extent subsequent capital gains are offset by such losses, they will not result in U.S. federal income tax liability to the Fund and may not be distributed as capital gains to shareholders. Generally, the Fund may not carry forward any losses other than net capital losses. Under certain circumstances, the Fund may elect to treat certain losses as though they were incurred on the first day of the taxable year immediately following the taxable year in which they were actually incurred.

 

Fund Distributions

 

Distributions are taxable to shareholders even if they are paid from income or gains earned by the Fund before a shareholder’s investment (and thus were included in the price the shareholder paid for his or her Shares). Such distributions may occur in respect of Shares purchased at a time when the Fund’s NAV reflects gains that are either unrealized or realized but not distributed. Such realized gains may be required to be distributed even when the Fund’s NAV also reflects unrealized losses.

 

Distributions of net capital gain that are reported by the Fund as capital gain dividends are taxable as long-term capital gains, whether paid in cash or reinvested in Shares and regardless of how long a shareholder has held Shares of the Fund. Long-term capital gains are generally taxed to non-corporate shareholders at rates of up to 20%. All other distributions from the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits are generally subject to tax as ordinary income.

 

Any distributions of investment income reported by the Fund as “qualified dividend income” will be taxed in the hands of individuals at the rates applicable to long-term capital gain, provided that both the shareholder and the Fund meet certain holding period and other requirements. Specifically, in order for some portion of the dividends received by the Fund shareholder to be “qualified dividend income,” the Fund must meet certain holding period and other requirements with respect to some portion of the dividend-paying stocks in its portfolio and the shareholder must meet certain holding period and other requirements with respect to the Fund’s Shares. A dividend will not be treated as qualified dividend income (at either the Fund or shareholder level) (1) if the dividend is received with respect to any share of stock held for fewer than 61 days during the 121-day period beginning on the date which is 60 days before the date on which such share becomes ex-dividend with respect to such dividend (or, in the case of certain preferred stock, 91 days during the 181-day period beginning 90 days before such date), (2) to the extent that the recipient is under an obligation (whether pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property, (3) if the recipient elects to have the dividend income treated as investment income for purposes of the limitation on deductibility of investment interest, or (4) if the dividend is received from a foreign corporation that is (a) not eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States (with the exception of dividends paid on stock of such a foreign corporation that is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States) or (b) a passive foreign investment company. The Fund’s investment strategies may limit its ability to make distributions eligible for treatment as qualified dividend income.

 

Dividends of net investment income received by corporate shareholders of the Fund will qualify for the 50% dividends received deduction generally available to corporations to the extent of the amount of qualifying dividends, if any, received by the Fund from domestic corporations for the taxable year. A dividend received by the Fund will not be treated as a qualifying dividend (1) if the stock on which the dividend is paid is considered to be “debt- financed” (generally, acquired with borrowed funds), (2) if it has been received with respect to any share of stock that the Fund has held for less than 46 days during the 91-day period beginning on the date which is 45 days before the date on which such share becomes ex-dividend with respect to such dividend (less than 91 days during the 181-day period beginning 90 days before such date in the case of certain preferred stock) or (3) to the extent that the Fund is under an obligation (pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property. Moreover, the dividends received deduction may be disallowed or reduced (1) if the corporate shareholder fails to satisfy the foregoing requirements with respect to its Shares of the Fund or (2) otherwise by application of the Code. The Fund’s investment strategies may limit its ability to make distributions eligible a dividends received deduction for corporate shareholders.

 

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Distributions are taxable to you even if they are paid from income or gains earned before your investment (and thus were included in the price you paid for your Shares). In general, you will be taxed on the distributions you receive from the Fund, whether you receive them as additional Shares or in cash.

 

You should note that if you purchase Shares of any class just before a distribution, the purchase price would reflect the amount of the upcoming distribution. In this case, you would be taxed on the entire amount of the distribution received, even though, as an economic matter, the distribution simply constitutes a return of your investment. This is known as “buying a dividend” and generally should be avoided by taxable investors.

 

A RIC that receives business interest income may pass through its net business interest income for purposes of the tax rules applicable to the interest expense limitations under Section 163(j) of the Code. A RIC’s total “Section 163(j) Interest Dividend” for a tax year is limited to the excess of the RIC’s business interest income over the sum of its business interest expense and its other deductions properly allocable to its business interest income. A RIC may, in its discretion, designate all or a portion of ordinary dividends as Section 163(j) Interest Dividends, which would allow the recipient shareholder to treat the designated portion of such dividends as interest income for purposes of determining such shareholder’s interest expense deduction limitation under Section 163(j). This can potentially increase the amount of a shareholder’s interest expense deductible under Section 163(j). In general, to be eligible to treat a Section 163(j) Interest Dividend as interest income, you must have held your Shares in the Fund for more than 180 days during the 361-day period beginning on the date that is 180 days before the date on which the Share becomes ex-dividend with respect to such dividend. Section 163(j) Interest Dividends, if so designated by the Fund, will be reported to your financial intermediary or otherwise in accordance with the requirements specified by the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”).

 

Although dividends generally will be treated as distributed when paid, any dividend declared by the Fund in October, November or December and payable to shareholders of record in such a month that is paid during the following January will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as received by shareholders on December 31 of the calendar year in which it was declared.

 

In addition, certain distributions made after the close of a taxable year of the Fund may be “spilled back” and treated for certain purposes as paid by the Fund during such taxable year. In such case, shareholders generally will be treated as having received such dividends in the taxable year in which the distributions were actually made. For purposes of calculating the amount of a RIC’s undistributed income and gain subject to the 4% excise tax described above, such “spilled back” dividends are treated as paid by the RIC when they are actually paid.

 

If the Fund makes a distribution to a shareholder in excess of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits in any taxable year, the excess distribution will be treated as a return of capital to the extent of such shareholder’s tax basis in its Shares, and thereafter as capital gain. A return of capital distribution generally will not be taxable, but will reduce the shareholder’s tax basis in its Shares, thus reducing any loss or increasing any gain on a subsequent taxable disposition of the Shares on which the distribution was received by the shareholder.

 

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Sale, Repurchases and Exchanges

 

The sale, repurchase or exchange of Fund Shares may give rise to a gain or loss. In general, any gain or loss realized upon a taxable disposition of Shares held by a shareholder as a capital asset will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the Shares have been held for more than 12 months. Otherwise, the gain or loss on a taxable disposition of Fund Shares will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. However, any loss realized by a shareholder upon a taxable disposition of Shares held for six months or less will be treated as long-term, rather than short-term, to the extent of any long-term capital gain distributions received (or deemed received) by the shareholder with respect to the Shares. All or a portion of any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of Fund Shares will be disallowed if other substantially identical Shares of the Fund are purchased within 30 days before or after the disposition. In such a case, the basis of the newly purchased Shares will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. A repurchase by the Fund of its Shares from a shareholder generally is expected to be treated as a sale of the Shares by the shareholder. The Fund could also recognize income in connection with the liquidation of portfolio securities to fund share repurchases. Any such income would be taken into account in determining whether the distribution requirements were satisfied. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisors with reference to their individual circumstances to determine whether any particular transaction in Fund Shares (including a repurchase) is properly treated as a sale for tax purposes, as this discussion generally assumes, and to ascertain the tax treatment of any gains or losses recognized in such transactions.

 

Net Investment Income Tax

 

Fund distributions and gains on the sale of Fund Shares will generally be included in the computation of net investment income for purposes of the 3.8% net investment income tax, which applies to U.S. individuals with income exceeding specified thresholds. This 3.8% tax also applies to all or a portion of the undistributed net investment income of certain shareholders that are estates and trusts.

 

Foreign Taxes and Investments

 

Income received by the Fund from sources within foreign countries may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by such countries. Tax treaties between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes. If more than 50% of the Fund’s assets at year-end consist of the securities of foreign corporations, the Fund may elect to permit shareholders to claim a credit or deduction on their income tax returns for their pro rata portions of qualified taxes paid by the Fund to foreign countries in respect of foreign securities that the Fund has held for at least the minimum period specified in the Code. In such a case, shareholders will include in gross income from foreign sources their pro rata share of such taxes. A shareholder’s ability to claim a foreign tax credit or deduction in respect of foreign taxes paid by the Fund may be subject to certain limitations imposed by the Code, which may result in the shareholder’s not getting a full credit or deduction for the amount of such taxes. Shareholders who do not itemize on their federal income tax returns may claim a credit (but not a deduction) for such foreign taxes.

 

The Fund’s transactions in foreign currencies, foreign currency-denominated debt obligations and certain foreign currency options, futures contracts and forward contracts (and similar instruments) may give rise to ordinary income or loss to the extent such income or loss results from fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency concerned.

 

Taxation of Complex Securities

 

The Fund may invest in complex securities. These investments may be subject to numerous special and complex tax rules. To the extent the Fund invests in an underlying fund that is taxable as a RIC, the following discussion regarding the tax treatment of complex securities will also apply to the underlying funds that also invest in such complex securities. These rules could affect the Fund’s ability to qualify as a RIC, affect whether gains and losses recognized by the Fund is treated as ordinary income or capital gain, accelerate the recognition of income to the Fund and/or defer the Fund’s ability to recognize losses, and, in limited cases, subject the Fund to U.S. federal income tax on income from certain of their foreign securities. In turn, these rules may affect the amount, timing or character of the income distributed to you by the Fund and may require the Fund to sell securities to mitigate the effect of these rules and prevent disqualification of the Fund as a RIC at a time when the advisor might not otherwise have chosen to do so.

 

The Fund is required for federal income tax purposes to mark to market and recognize as income for each taxable year its net unrealized gains and losses on certain futures and options contracts subject to section 1256 of the Code (“Section 1256 Contracts”) as of the end of the year as well as those actually realized during the year. Gain or loss from Section 1256 Contracts on broad-based indexes required to be marked to market will be 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gain or loss. Application of this rule may alter the timing and character of distributions to shareholders. The Fund may be required to defer the recognition of losses on Section 1256 Contracts to the extent of any unrecognized gains on offsetting positions held by the Fund. These provisions may also require the Fund to mark- to-market certain types of positions in its portfolio (i.e., treat them as if they were closed out), which may cause the Fund to recognize income without receiving cash with which to make distributions in amounts necessary to satisfy the distribution requirement and for avoiding the excise tax discussed above. Accordingly, to avoid certain income and excise taxes, the Fund may be required to liquidate its investments at a time when the investment advisor might not otherwise have chosen to do so.

 

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If the Fund purchases a debt obligation with acquisition discount or original issue discount (“OID”), the Fund may be required to include the acquisition discount or OID in income over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, usually when the debt security matures. The Fund may make one or more of the elections applicable to debt obligations having acquisition discount or OID, which could affect the character and timing of recognition of income by the Fund. The Fund may be required to pay out as an income distribution each year an amount which is greater than the total amount of cash interest the Fund actually received. Such distributions may be made from the cash assets of the Fund or by liquidation of portfolio securities, if necessary. The Fund may realize gains or losses from such liquidations. In the event the Fund realizes net capital gains from such transactions, its shareholders may receive larger distributions than they would in the absence of such transactions.

 

Payment-in-kind securities will also give rise to income which is required to be distributed even though the Fund holding the security receives no interest payment in cash on the security during the year. In addition, investments in certain ETNs may accrue interest, which is required to be distributed to shareholders, even though the Fund may not receive any interest payment in cash on the security during the year.

 

Investments in debt obligations that are in the lowest rating categories or are unrated, including debt obligations of issuers at risk of or in default present special tax issues for the Fund. Tax rules are not entirely clear about issues such as when the Fund may cease to accrue interest, OID or market discount, when and to what extent deductions may be taken for bad debts or worthless securities and how payments received on obligations in default should be allocated between principal and interest. These and other related issues will be addressed by the Fund when, as and if it invests in such securities, in order to seek to ensure that it distributes sufficient income to preserve its status as a RIC and does not become subject to U.S. federal income or excise tax.

 

In general, income derived from a partnership will be treated as qualifying income for purposes of satisfying the 90% Income Test only to the extent such income is attributable to items of income of the partnership that would be qualifying income if realized directly by the Fund. However, 100% of the net income derived from an interest in a “qualified publicly traded partnership” (“QPTP”) (generally, a partnership (i) interests in which are traded on an established securities market or are readily tradable on a secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof, (ii) that derives at least 90% of its income from the passive income sources specified in Section 7704(d) of the Code, and (iii) that generally derives less than 90% of its income from the same sources as described in the 90% Income Test) will be treated as qualifying income. In addition, although in general the passive loss rules of the Code do not apply to RICs, such rules do apply to a RIC with respect to items attributable to an interest in a QPTP.

 

The Fund may invest in certain MLPs which may be treated as QPTPs. Income from QPTPs is qualifying income, but the Fund’s investment in one or more of such QPTPs is limited to no more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s assets to comply with the Asset Test. The Fund will monitor their investments in such QPTPs in order to ensure compliance with the Asset Test.

 

Investments in QPTPs may require the Fund to accrue and distribute income not yet received. To generate sufficient cash to make the requisite distributions, the Fund may be required to sell securities in its portfolio (including when it is not advantageous to do so) that it otherwise would have continued to hold. The Fund’s investments in QPTPs may at other times result in the Fund’s receipt of nontaxable cash distributions from a QPTP and if the Fund then distributes these nontaxable distributions to Fund shareholders, it could constitute a return of capital to Fund shareholders for federal income tax purposes. Any cash distributions received by the Fund from a QPTP in excess of the Fund’s tax basis therein generally will be considered to be gain from the sale or exchange of the Fund’s QPTP shares. The Fund’s tax basis in its investments in a QPTP generally is equal to the amount the Fund paid for its interests in the QPTP (i) increased by the Fund’s allocable share of the QPTP’s net income and certain QPTP debt, if any, and (ii) decreased by the Fund’s allocable share of the QPTP’s net losses and distributions received by the Fund from the QPTP.

 

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MLPs and other partnerships that the Fund may invest in will deliver Schedules K-1 to the Fund to report their share of income, gains, losses, deductions, and credits of the MLP or other partnership. These Schedules K-1 may be delayed and may not be received until after the time that the Fund issues its tax reporting statements. As a result, the Fund may at times find it necessary to reclassify the amount and character of its distributions to you after it issues you your tax reporting statement. When such reclassification is necessary, the Fund (or its administrative agent) will send you a corrected, final Form 1099-DIV to reflect the reclassified information. If you receive a corrected Form 1099-DIV, use the information on this corrected form, and not the information on the previously issued tax reporting statement, in completing your tax returns.

 

“Qualified publicly traded partnership income” within the meaning of Section 199A(e)(4) of the Code is eligible for a 20% deduction by non-corporate taxpayers. “Qualified publicly traded partnership income” is generally income of a “publicly traded partnership” (within the meaning of Section 7704 of the Code) that is not treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes (pursuant to Section 7704(c) of the Code) with respect to such entity’s qualified trade or business, but does not include certain investment income. A “publicly traded partnership” for purposes of this deduction is not necessarily the same as a QPTP, as defined above. This deduction, if allowed in full, equates to a maximum effective tax rate of 29.6% (37% top rate applied to income after 20% deduction). RICs, such as the Fund, are not permitted to pass the special character of this income through to their shareholders. Direct investors in entities that generate “qualified publicly traded partnership income” will enjoy the lower rate, but investors in RICs that invest in such entities will not. Unless later extended or made permanent, this 20% deduction will no longer be available for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

 

The Fund may make certain investments through special purposes vehicles (“SPVs”). To the extent that those SPVs are treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the material U.S. tax consequences with respect to such an investment would be similar to the above description with respect to investments in partnerships. To the extent that an SPV is a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, for purposes of the Asset Test, the Fund is permitted to invest up to 25% of its total assets in one or more SPVs that the Fund controls and which are engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses or related trades or businesses.

 

In the event that the SPV is a U.S. entity that is treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Fund generally does not take into account income earned by a U.S. corporation in which it invests unless and until the corporation distributes such income to the RIC as a dividend. The U.S. SPV, however, will be liable for an entity-level U.S. federal income tax on its income from U.S. and non-U.S. sources, as well as any applicable state taxes, which will reduce the Fund’s return on its investment in the U.S. SPV. If a net loss is realized by the U.S. SPV, such loss is not generally available to offset the income of the Fund.

 

A non-U.S. SPV that is treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes may be a passive foreign investment company or a controlled foreign corporation. If the Fund owns shares in certain foreign investment entities (including certain non-U.S. SPVs), referred to as “passive foreign investment companies” or “PFICs,” the Fund will generally be subject to one of the following special tax regimes: (i) the Fund may be liable for U.S. federal income tax, and an additional interest charge, on a portion of any “excess distribution” from such foreign entity or any gain from the disposition of such shares, even if the entire distribution or gain is paid out by the Fund as a dividend to its shareholders; (ii) if the Fund were able and elected to treat a PFIC as a “qualified electing fund” or “QEF,” the Fund would be required each year to include in income, and distribute to shareholders in accordance with the distribution requirements set forth above, the Fund’s pro rata share of the ordinary earnings and net capital gains of the PFIC, whether or not such earnings or gains are distributed to the Fund; or (iii) the Fund may be entitled to mark-to-market annually shares of the PFIC, whether or not any distributions are made to the Fund, and in such event would be required to distribute to shareholders any such mark-to-market gains in accordance with the distribution requirements set forth above. The Fund intends to make the appropriate tax elections, if possible, and take any additional steps that are necessary to mitigate the effect of these rules. Amounts included in income each year by the Fund arising from a QEF election, will be “qualifying income” even if not distributed to the Fund, if the Fund derives such income from its business of investing in stock, securities, or currencies.

 

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Alternatively, a non-U.S. SPV may be treated as a controlled foreign corporation. A U.S. person that owns (directly, indirectly or constructively) 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock or 10% or more of the total value of shares of all classes of stock of a foreign corporation is a “U.S. Shareholder” for purposes of Subpart F of the Code. A foreign corporation is a “controlled foreign corporation” within the meaning of Section 957 of the Code (a “CFC”) if, on any day of its taxable year, more than 50% of the voting power or value of its stock is owned (directly, indirectly or constructively) by “U.S. Shareholders.” If the Fund is a “U.S. Shareholder” of a CFC, the Fund will be required to include in its gross income for United States federal income tax purposes the CFCs “subpart F income” (described below), whether or not such income is distributed by the CFC. “Subpart F income” generally includes interest, original issue discount, dividends, net gains from the disposition of stocks or securities, receipts with respect to securities loans and net payments received with respect to equity swaps and similar derivatives. “Subpart F income” also includes the excess of gains over losses from transactions (including futures, forward and similar transactions) in any commodities. The Fund’s recognition of “subpart F income” and GILTI (defined below) will increase the Fund’s tax basis in the CFC. Distributions by a CFC to the Fund will be tax-free, to the extent of its previously undistributed “subpart F income” and GILTI and will correspondingly reduce the Fund’s tax basis in the CFC. “Subpart F income” and GILTI is generally treated as ordinary income, regardless of the character of the CFC’s underlying income.

 

The “Subpart F” income of the Fund attributable to its investment in a non-U.S. SPV that is a CFC is “qualifying income” for purposes of the 90% Income Test to the Fund to the extent that such income is derived with respect to the Fund’s business of investing in stock, securities or currencies. “Global intangible low-taxed income” (“GILTI”) generally includes the active operating profits of the CFC, reduced by a deemed return on the tax basis of the CFC’s depreciable tangible assets. The Fund expects any “Subpart F” income and GILTI attributable to a non-U.S. SPV that is a CFC to be derived with respect to the Fund’s business of investing in stock, securities or currencies and accordingly expects its “Subpart F” income and GILTI attributable to such an investment to be treated as “qualifying income” for purposes of the 90% Income Test.

 

The Fund’s transactions in foreign currencies and forward foreign currency contracts will generally be subject to special provisions of the Code that, among other things, may affect the character of gains and losses realized by the Fund (i.e., may affect whether gains or losses are ordinary or capital), accelerate recognition of income to the Fund and defer losses. These rules could therefore affect the character, amount and timing of distributions to shareholders. These provisions also may require the Fund to mark-to-market certain types of positions in its portfolio (i.e., treat them as if they were closed out) which may cause the Fund to recognize income without receiving cash with which to make distributions in amounts necessary to satisfy the Distribution Requirements and for avoiding the excise tax described above. The Fund intends to monitor its transactions, intends to make the appropriate tax elections, and intends to make the appropriate entries in its books and records when it acquires any foreign currency or forward foreign currency contract in order to mitigate the effect of these rules so as to prevent disqualification of the Fund as a RIC and minimize the imposition of income and excise taxes.

 

Backup Withholding

 

The Fund generally is required to withhold (as “backup withholding”) at the applicable withholding rate on distributions and repurchase proceeds payable to any individual shareholder who (1) fails to provide a correct taxpayer identification number certified under penalty of perjury; (2) is subject to withholding by the IRS for failure to properly report all payments of dividend or interest income; (3) fails to certify to the Fund that he or she is not subject to backup withholding; or (4) fails to provide a certified statement that he or she is a U.S. person (including a U.S. resident alien). The backup withholding rate is currently 24%. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld may be credited against the shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the appropriate information is furnished to the IRS.

 

Non-U.S. Shareholders

 

In general, dividends derived from taxable ordinary income paid by the Fund to a shareholder that is not a “U.S. person” within the meaning of the Code (such shareholder, a “foreign person”) are subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate) even if such dividends are funded by income or gains (such as foreign-source dividend and interest income) that, if paid to a non-U.S. person directly, would not be subject to withholding.

 

The 30% withholding tax will not apply to dividends that the Fund reports as (a) interest-related dividends, to the extent such dividends are derived from the Fund’s “qualified net interest income,” or (b) short-term capital gain dividends, to the extent such dividends are derived from the Fund’s “qualified short-term gain.” Qualified net interest income is the Fund’s net income derived from U.S.-source interest and original issue discount, subject to certain exceptions and limitations. Qualified short-term gain generally means the excess of the net short-term capital gain of the Fund for the taxable year over its net long-term capital loss, if any. In the case of Shares held through an intermediary, the intermediary may withhold even if the Fund reports a payment as an interest-related dividend or a short-term capital gain dividend. Non-U.S. shareholders should contact their intermediaries with respect to the application of these rules to their accounts.

 

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Under U.S. federal tax law, a beneficial holder of Shares who is a non-U.S. person is not, in general, subject to U.S. federal income tax on gains (and is not allowed a deduction for losses) realized on the sale of Shares of the Fund or on the distribution of net capital gains unless (i) such gain or distribution is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business carried on by such holder within the United States, (ii) in the case of an individual holder, the holder is present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the year of the sale or distribution and certain other conditions are met or (iii) the Fund is a U.S. real property holding corporation (“USRPHC”). If a shareholder is eligible for the benefits of a tax treaty, any effectively connected income or gain will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net basis only if it is also attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the shareholder in the United States.

 

Special rules apply to non-U.S. persons who receive distributions from the Fund that are attributable to gain from “United States real property interests” (“USRPIs”). The Code defines USRPIs to include direct holdings of U.S. real property and any interest (other than an interest solely as a creditor) in a USRPHC or a former USRPHC. The Code defines a USRPHC as any corporation whose USRPIs make up 50% or more of the fair market value of its USRPIs, its interests in real property located outside the United States, plus any other assets it uses in a trade or business. In general, if the Fund is a USRPHC (determined without regard to certain exceptions), distributions by the Fund that are attributable to (i) gains realized on the disposition of USPRIs by the Fund and (ii) distributions received by the Fund from a lower-tier RIC or REIT that the Fund is required to treat as USRPI gain in its hands will retain their character as gains realized from USRPIs in the hands of the foreign persons and will be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax. In addition, such distributions could result in the non-U.S. person being required to file a U.S. tax return and pay tax on the distributions at regular U.S. federal income tax rates. The consequences to a non-U.S. person, including the rate of such withholding and character of such distributions (e.g., ordinary income or USRPI gain) will vary depending on the extent of the non-U.S. person’s current and past ownership of the Fund.

 

In addition, if the Fund is a USRPHC or former USRPHC, the Fund may be required to withhold U.S. tax upon a redemption of shares by a non-U.S. person, and that non-U.S. person would be required to file a U.S. income tax return for the year of the disposition of the USRPI and pay any additional tax due on the gain. However, no such withholding is generally required with respect to amounts paid in redemption of shares if the Fund is a domestically controlled qualified investment entity, or, in certain other limited cases, if a fund (whether or not domestically controlled) holds substantial investments in RICs that are domestically controlled qualified investment entities. A domestically controlled qualified investment entity includes a RIC in which, at all times during a specified testing period, less than 50% in value of its shares is held directly or indirectly by non-U.S. persons. There are no assurances as to whether the Fund will be considered a domestically controlled qualified investment entity.

 

Non-U.S. shareholders who fail to provide an applicable IRS form may be subject to backup withholding on certain payments from the Fund. Backup withholding will not be applied to payments that are subject to the 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate) withholding tax described in this paragraph.

 

Unless certain non-U.S. entities that hold Fund Shares comply with IRS requirements that generally require them to report information regarding U.S. persons investing in, or holding accounts with, such entities, a 30% withholding tax may apply to Fund dividends payable to such entities. A non-U.S. shareholder may be exempt from the withholding described in this paragraph under an applicable intergovernmental agreement between the U.S. and a foreign government, provided that the shareholder and the applicable foreign government comply with the terms of the agreement.

 

A beneficial holder of Shares who is a non-U.S. person may be subject to foreign, state and local tax and to the U.S. federal estate tax in addition to the federal tax consequences referred to above.

 

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Tax-Exempt Shareholders

 

Certain tax-exempt shareholders, including qualified pension plans, individual retirement accounts, salary deferral arrangements, 401(k)s, and other tax-exempt entities, generally are exempt from federal income taxation except with respect to their unrelated business taxable income (“UBTI”). Tax-exempt entities are not permitted to offset losses from one trade or business against the income or gain of another trade or business. Certain net losses incurred prior to January 1, 2018 are permitted to offset gain and income created by an unrelated trade or business, if otherwise available. Under current law, the Fund generally serves to block UBTI from being realized by their tax-exempt shareholders. However, notwithstanding the foregoing, the tax-exempt shareholder could realize UBTI by virtue of an investment in the Fund where, for example: (i) the Fund invests in residual interests of Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduits (“REMICs”), (ii) the Fund invests in a REIT that is a taxable mortgage pool (“TMP”) or that has a subsidiary that is a TMP or that invests in the residual interest of a REMIC, or (iii) Shares in the Fund constitute debt-financed property in the hands of the tax-exempt shareholder within the meaning of section 514(b) of the Code.

 

Special tax rules apply to investments through defined contribution plans and other tax-qualified plans. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors to determine the suitability of Shares of the Fund as an investment through such plans and the precise effect of such an investment on their particular tax situation. Charitable remainder trusts are subject to special rules and should consult their tax advisor. The IRS has issued guidance with respect to these issues and prospective shareholders, especially charitable remainder trusts, are strongly encouraged to consult their tax advisors regarding these issues.

 

The Fund’s Shares held in a tax-qualified retirement account will generally not be subject to federal taxation on income and capital gains distributions from the Fund until a shareholder begins receiving payments from their retirement account. Because each shareholder’s tax situation is different, shareholders should consult their tax advisor about the tax implications of an investment in the Fund.

 

Reporting

 

Under Treasury regulations, if a shareholder recognizes a loss of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder (or certain greater amounts over a combination of years), the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on IRS Form 8886. Direct shareholders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a RIC are not excepted. A shareholder who fails to make the required disclosure to the IRS may be subject to adverse tax consequences, including significant penalties. The fact that a loss is so reportable does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer’s treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors to determine the applicability of these rules in light of their individual circumstances.

 

Tax Basis Information

 

The Fund (or its administrative agent) must report to the IRS and furnish to Fund shareholders the cost basis information and holding period for Fund Shares that are repurchased. The Fund will permit Fund shareholders to elect from among several IRS-accepted cost basis methods, including the average cost basis method. In the absence of an election, shareholder cost basis will be determined under the Fund’s default method “first-in, first-out”. The cost basis method a shareholder elects (or the cost basis method applied by default) may not be changed with respect to a repurchase of Shares after the settlement date of the repurchase. Fund shareholders should consult with their tax advisors prior to any repurchase of their respective Shares to determine the best IRS-accepted cost basis method for their tax situation and to obtain more information about how the cost basis reporting rules apply to them.

 

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State Taxes

 

Depending upon state and local law, distributions by the Fund to its shareholders and the ownership of such Shares may be subject to state and local taxes. Rules of state and local taxation of dividend and capital gains distributions from RICs often differ from the rules for federal income taxation described above. It is expected that the Fund will not be liable for any corporate excise, income or franchise tax in Delaware if it qualifies as a RIC for federal income tax purposes.

 

Many states grant tax-free status to dividends paid to you from interest earned on direct obligations of the U.S. government, subject in some states to minimum investment requirements that must be met by a Fund. Investment in Ginnie Mae or Fannie Mae securities, banker’s acceptances, commercial paper, and repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. government securities do not generally qualify for such tax-free treatment. The rules on exclusion of this income are different for corporate shareholders. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding state and local taxes applicable to an investment in the Fund.

 

Other Issues

 

The Fund may be subject to tax or taxes in certain states where it does business. Furthermore, in those states which have income tax laws, the tax treatment of the Fund and its shareholders with respect to distributions by the Fund may differ from federal tax treatment.

 

The foregoing discussion is based on federal tax laws and regulations which are in effect on the date of this SAI. Such laws and regulations may be changed by legislative or administrative action. Shareholders are advised to consult their tax advisors concerning their specific situations and the application of federal, state, local and foreign taxes.

 

SERVICE PROVIDERS

 

Pursuant to a Co-Administration Agreement (the “Co-Administration Agreement”), UMB Fund Services, Inc. (“UMBFS”), 235 W. Galena Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212, and Mutual Fund Administration, LLC, 2220 E. Route 66, Suite 226, Glendora, California 91740 (collectively the “Co-Administrators”), act as co- administrators for the Fund. The Co-Administrators provide certain administrative services to the Fund, including, among other responsibilities, coordinating the negotiation of contracts and fees with, and the monitoring of performance and billing of, the Fund’s independent contractors and agents; preparing for signature by an officer of the Fund of all documents required to be filed for compliance with applicable laws and regulations including those of the securities laws of various states; arranging for the computation of performance data, including net asset value and yield; arranging for the maintenance of books and records of the Fund; and providing, at their own expense, office facilities, equipment and personnel necessary to carry out their duties. In this capacity, the Co-Administrators do not have any responsibility or authority for the management of the Fund, the determination of investment policy, or for any matter pertaining to the distribution of Fund Shares. The Co-Administration Agreement provides that neither Co- Administrator shall be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Fund or its series, except for losses resulting from a Co-Administrator’s willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard by it of its obligations and duties under the Agreement.

 

As compensation for their services, the Fund pays the Co-Administrators a fee for administration services. The fee is payable monthly based on the Fund’s average daily net assets.

 

UMBFS also acts as the Fund’s fund accountant, transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent pursuant to separate agreements.

 

UMB Bank, n.a. (the “Custodian”), an affiliate of UMBFS, is the custodian of the assets of the Fund pursuant to a custody agreement between the Custodian and the Fund, whereby the Custodian provides services for fees on a transactional basis plus out-of-pocket expenses. The Custodian’s address is 928 Grand Boulevard, 5th Floor, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. The Custodian does not participate in decisions pertaining to the purchase and sale of securities by the Fund.

 

[_____], [ADDRESS], is the independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund. Its services include auditing the Fund’s financial statements and the performance of related tax services.

 

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP (“Morgan Lewis”), 600 Anton Boulevard, Suite 1800, Costa Mesa, California 92626, serves as legal counsel to the Trust.

 

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[           ], is the distributor (also known as the principal underwriter) of the Fund and is located at [    ]. The Distributor is a registered broker-dealer and is a member of FINRA. The Distributor is not affiliated with the Fund, the Advisor, or any other service provider for the Fund.

 

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE

 

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

 

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

 

In placing portfolio transactions, the Advisor will use reasonable efforts to choose broker-dealers capable of providing the services necessary to obtain the most favorable price and execution available. The full range and quality of services available will be considered in making these determinations, such as the size of the order, the difficulty of execution, the operational facilities of the broker-dealer involved, the risk in positioning the block of securities, and other factors. In those instances where it is reasonably determined that more than one broker-dealer can offer the services needed to obtain the most favorable price and execution available, consideration may be given to those broker-dealers which furnish or supply research and statistical information to the Advisor that they may lawfully and appropriately use in their investment advisory capacities, as well as provide other services in addition to execution services. The Advisor considers such information, which is in addition to and not in lieu of the services required to be performed by it under its Advisory Agreement with the Fund, to be useful in varying degrees, but of indeterminable value.

 

While it is the Fund’s general policy to seek to obtain the most favorable price and execution available in selecting a broker-dealer to execute portfolio transactions for the Fund, weight is also given to the ability of a broker-dealer to furnish brokerage and research services as defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, to the Fund or to the Sub-advisor, even if the specific services are not directly useful to the Fund and may be useful to the Sub-Advisor in advising other clients. In negotiating commissions with a broker or evaluating the spread to be paid to a dealer, the Fund may therefore pay a higher commission or spread than would be the case if no weight were given to the furnishing of these supplemental services, provided that the amount of such commission or spread has been determined in good faith by the Sub-advisor to be reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and/or research services provided by such broker-dealer. The standard of reasonableness is to be measured in light of the Sub-advisor’s overall responsibilities to the Fund.

 

Investment decisions for the Fund are made independently from those of other client accounts that may be managed or advised by the Advisor or the Sub-advisor. Nevertheless, it is possible that at times, identical securities will be acceptable for both the Fund and one or more of such client accounts. In such event, the position of the Fund and such client accounts in the same issuer may vary and the holding period may likewise vary. However, to the extent any of these client accounts seek to acquire the same security as the Fund at the same time, the Fund may not be able to acquire as large a position in such security as it desires, or it may have to pay a higher price or obtain a lower yield for such security. Similarly, the Fund may not be able to obtain as high a price for, or as large an execution of, an order to sell any particular security at the same time as the Advisor’s or the Sub-advisor’s other client accounts.

 

The Fund does not effect securities transactions through brokers in accordance with any formula, nor does the Fund effect securities transactions through brokers for selling Shares of the Fund. However, broker-dealers who execute brokerage transactions may affect the purchase of the Fund’s Shares for their customers.

 

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Holdings of Securities of the Fund’s Regular Brokers or Dealers

 

From time to time, the Fund may acquire and hold securities issued by its “regular brokers or dealers” or the parents of those brokers or dealers. “Regular brokers or dealers” (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund are the ten brokers or dealers that, during the most recent fiscal year, (i) received the greatest dollar amounts of brokerage commissions from the Fund’s portfolio transactions, (ii) engaged as principal in the largest dollar amounts of the portfolio transactions of the Fund, or (iii) sold the largest dollar amounts of the Fund’s Shares.

 

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

 

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

 

DESCRIPTION OF FUND

 

The Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the Trust (the “Declaration of Trust”) permits the Trustees to issue an unlimited number of full and fractional Shares of beneficial interest. Each Share of the Fund, irrespective of class, represents an interest in the Fund proportionately equal to the interest in the assets belonging to that series. Upon the Fund’s liquidation or any series or class thereof, all shareholders would share pro rata to the number of Shares of that series (or class) in the net assets of the Fund available for distribution to shareholders.

 

Shares when issued are fully paid and non-assessable, except as set forth below. Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each Share held. The Fund may hold annual and special meetings of shareholders. The Fund will hold special meetings of shareholders of class when, in the judgment of the Board, it is necessary or desirable to submit matters for a shareholder vote. Shareholders have, under certain circumstances, the right to communicate with other shareholders in connection with requesting a meeting of shareholders for the purpose of removing one or more trustees. Shareholders also have, in certain circumstances, the right to remove one or more trustees without a meeting.

 

The Fund may be terminated at any time by a vote of a majority of the trustees and written notice to the shareholders. Any series of Shares may be dissolved at any time by vote of a majority of the Trustees and written notice to the shareholders of such series. Any action to dissolve the Fund will also be deemed to be an action to dissolve each series and each class thereof and any action to dissolve a series will also be deemed to be an action to terminate each class thereof.

 

Shareholders may send communications to the Board. Shareholders should send communications intended for the Board by addressing the communications to the Board, in care of the Secretary of the Fund and sending the communication to 235 West Galena Street Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212. A shareholder communication must (i) be in writing and be signed by the shareholder, (ii) provide contact information for the shareholder, (iii) identify the Fund to which it relates, and (iv) identify the series and number of Shares held by the shareholder. The Secretary of the Fund may, in good faith, determine that a shareholder communication should not be provided to the Board because it does not reasonably relate to the Fund or its operations, management, activities, policies, service providers, Board, officers, shareholders or other matters relating to an investment in the Fund or is otherwise ministerial in nature. Other shareholder communications received by the Fund not directly addressed and sent to the Board will be reviewed and generally responded to by management, and will be forwarded to the Board only at management’s discretion based on the matters contained therein.

 

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The Declaration of Trust provides that no Trustee or officer of the Fund shall be subject to any personal liability in connection with the assets or affairs of the Fund except for losses in connection with his or her willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of his or her duties. The Fund has also entered into an indemnification agreement with each Trustee which provides that the Fund shall advance expenses and indemnify and hold harmless the Trustee in certain circumstances against any expenses incurred by the Trustee in any proceeding arising out of or in connection with the Trustee’s service to the Fund, to the maximum extent permitted by the Delaware Statutory Trust Act, the Securities Act and the 1940 Act, and which provides for certain procedures in connection with such advancement of expenses and indemnification.

 

The Declaration of Trust also provides that the Fund shall maintain necessary or appropriate insurance (for example, fidelity bonding and errors and omissions insurance) for the protection of the Fund, its shareholders, trustees, officers, consultants, investment advisors, managers, employees and agents covering possible tort and other liabilities. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which both inadequate insurance existed and the Fund itself was unable to meet its obligations.

 

The Declaration of Trust does not require the issuance of stock certificates, except as the Board may otherwise determine from time to time.

 

The Declaration of Trust establishes a process pursuant to which a shareholder may bring a derivative action on behalf of the Fund with respect to a series or class, certain aspects of which are discussed here. In particular, a shareholder may bring a derivative action on behalf of the Fund only if the following conditions are met: (i) the shareholder must make a pre-suit demand upon the Board to bring the subject action unless an effort to cause the Board to bring such an action is not likely to succeed (the Declaration of Trust further specifies the only circumstances under which a demand on the Board is not likely to succeed and therefore would be excused); and (ii) unless a demand is not required under (i), the Board must be afforded a reasonable amount of time (in any case, not less than 90 days) to consider such shareholder request and to investigate the basis of such claim.

 

The Trust’s By-Laws (the “By-Laws”) provide that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any claims, suits, actions or proceedings arising out of or relating in any way to the Fund or its business and affairs, the Delaware Statutory Trust Act, the Declaration of Trust or the By-Laws or asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs (or similar) doctrine shall be exclusively brought, unless the Fund, in its sole discretion, consents in writing to an alternative forum, in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or, if such court does not have subject matter jurisdiction thereof, any other court in the State of Delaware with subject matter jurisdiction. The exclusive forum provision may require shareholders to bring an action in an inconvenient or less favorable forum. The By-Laws also provide that to the fullest extent permitted by law, a shareholder irrevocably waives any and all rights to a trial by jury in such claim, suit, action or proceeding. The exclusive forum and jury waiver provisions do not apply to claims arising under the U.S. federal securities laws.

 

No provision of the Declaration of Trust shall be eective to require a waiver of compliance with any provision of, or restrict any shareholder rights granted by, the Securities Act, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the 1940 Act, or of any valid rule, regulation or order of the Commission thereunder.

 

REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS

 

The Fund will furnish to shareholders as soon as practicable after the end of each taxable year such information as is necessary for investors to complete U.S. Federal and state income tax or information returns, along with any other tax information required by law.

 

The Fund will also send to shareholders an unaudited semi-annual and an audited annual report within 60 days after the close of the period for which the report is being made, or as otherwise required by the 1940 Act.

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Set forth on the following pages are the Fund’s statement of assets and liabilities as of ______, 20__ and the registered public accountant’s reports thereon. [To be provided by amendment.]

 

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APPENDIX A

DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS

 

Standard & Poor’s Corporation

 

A brief description of the applicable Standard & Poor’s Corporation (“S&P”) rating symbols and their meanings (as published by S&P) follows:

 

Long-Term Debt

 

An S&P corporate or municipal debt rating is a current assessment of the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific obligation. This assessment may take into consideration obligors such as guarantors, insurers or lessees. The debt rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold a security, in as much as it does not comment as to market price or suitability for a particular investor. The ratings are based on current information furnished by the issuer or obtained by S&P from other sources it considers reliable. S&P does not perform an audit in connection with any rating and may, on occasion, rely on unaudited financial information. The ratings may be changed, suspended or withdrawn as a result of changes in, or unavailability of, such information, or based on other circumstances. The ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following considerations:

 

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

 

2.Nature of and provisions of the obligation; and

 

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

 

Investment Grade

 

AAA Debt rated “AAA” has the highest rating assigned by S&P. Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
   
AA Debt rated “AA” has a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal and differs from the highest rated issues only in small degree.
   
A Debt rated “A” has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher rated categories.
   
BBB Debt rated “BBB” is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for debt in this category than in higher rated categories.

 

Speculative Grade Rating

 

Debt rated “BB”, “B”, “CCC”, “CC” and “C” is regarded as having predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal. “BB” indicates the least degree of speculation and “C” the highest. While such debt will likely have some quality and protective characteristics these are outweighed by major uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.

 

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

 

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B Debt rated “B” has a greater vulnerability to default but currently has the capacity to meet interest payments and principal repayments. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair capacity or willingness to pay interest and repay principal. The “B” rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied “BB” or “BB” rating.
   
CCC Debt rated “CCC” has a currently identifiable vulnerability to default, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions to meet timely payment of interest and repayment of principal. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, it is not likely to have the capacity to pay interest and repay principal. The “CCC” rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied “B” or “B” rating.
   
CC The rating “CC” typically is applied to debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied “CCC” debt rating.
   
C The rating “C” typically is applied to debt subordinated to senior debt which is assigned an actual or implied “CCC” debt rating. The “C” rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed, but debt service payments are continued.
   
CI The rating “CI” is reserved for income bonds on which no interest is being paid.
   
D Debt rated “D” is in payment default. The “D” rating category is used when interest payments or principal payments are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition if debt service payments are jeopardized.

 

Plus (+) or Minus (-): The ratings from “AA” to “CCC” may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.

 

Provisional Ratings: The letter “p” indicates that the rating is provisional. A provisional rating assumes the successful completion of the project financed by the debt being rated and indicates that payment of debt service requirements is largely or entirely dependent upon the successful and timely completion of the project. This rating, however, while addressing credit quality subsequent to completion of the project, makes no comment on the likelihood of, or the risk of default upon failure of, such completion. The investor should exercise judgment with respect to such likelihood and risk.

 

r The letter “r” is attached to highlight derivative, hybrid, and certain other obligations that S&P believes may experience high volatility or high variability in expected returns due to non-credit risks. Examples of such obligations are: securities whose principal or interest return is indexed to equities, commodities, or currencies; certain swaps and options; and interest only and principal only mortgage securities. The absence of an “r” symbol should not be taken as an indication that an obligation will exhibit no volatility or variability in total return.
   
L The letter “L” indicates that the rating pertains to the principal amount of those bonds to the extent that the underlying deposit collateral is Federally insured by the Federal Savings & Loan Insurance Corporation or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation* In the case of certificates of deposit the letter “L” indicates that the deposit, combined with other deposits being held in the same right and capacity will be honored for principal and accrued pre-default interest up to the Federal insurance limits within 30 days after closing of the insured institution or, in the event that the deposit is assumed by a successor insured institution, upon maturity.

 

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NR Indicates no rating has been requested, that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that S&P does not rate a particular type of obligation as a matter of policy.

 

Commercial Paper

 

An S&P commercial paper rating is a current assessment of the likelihood of timely payment of debt having an original maturity of no more than 365 days. Ratings are graded into several categories, ranging from “A-1” for the highest quality obligations to “D” for the lowest. These categories are as follows:

 

A-1 This highest category indicates that the degree of safety regarding timely payment is strong. Those issues determined to possess extremely strong safety characteristics are denoted with a plus sign (+) designation.
   
A-2 Capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is satisfactory. However, the relative degree of safety is not as high as for issues designated “A-1.”
   
* Continuance of the rating is contingent upon S&P’s receipt of an executed copy of the escrow agreement or closing documentation confirming investments and cash flow.
   
A-3 Issues carrying this designation have adequate capacity for timely payment. They are, however, somewhat more vulnerable to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances than obligations carrying the higher designations.
   
B Issues rated “B” are regarded as having only speculative capacity for timely payment.
   
C This rating is assigned to short-term debt obligations with a doubtful capacity for payment.
   
D Debt rated “D” is in payment default. The “D” rating category is used when interest payments or principal Payments are not made on the date due, even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P believes that such payments will be made during such grace period.

 

A commercial rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold a security in as much as it does not comment as to market price or suitability for a particular investor. The ratings are based on current information furnished to S&P by the issuer or obtained by S&P from other sources it considers reliable.

 

S&P does not perform an audit in connection with any rating and may, on occasion, rely on unaudited financial information. The ratings may be changed, suspended or withdrawn as a result of changes in or unavailability of such information or based on other circumstances.

 

Preferred Securities

 

AAA This is the highest rating that may be assigned to a preferred stock issue and indicates an extremely strong capacity to pay the preferred stock obligations.
   
AA A preferred stock issue rated AA also qualifies as a high quality fixed income security. The capacity to pay preferred stock obligations is very strong, although not as overwhelming as for issues rated AAA.
   
A An issue rated A is backed by a sound capacity to pay the preferred stock obligations, although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions.
   
BBB An issue rated BBB is regarded as backed by an adequate capacity to pay preferred stock obligations. Although it normally exhibits adequate protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to make payments for preferred stock in this category for issues in the A category.

 

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BB An issue rated BB is regarded, on balance, as predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay the preferred stock obligation. While such issues will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, they are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions.

 

Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.

 

A brief description of the applicable Moody’s rating symbols and their meanings (as published by Moody’s) follows:

 

Long-Term Debt

 

The following summarizes the ratings used by Moody’s for corporate and municipal long-term debt:

 

Aaa Bonds are judged to be of the best quality. They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as “gilt edged.” Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the Fundamentally strong position of such issuer.
   
Aa Bonds are judged to be of high quality by all standards. Together with the “Aaa” group they comprise what are generally known as high-grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of protection may not be as large as in “Aaa” securities or fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present which make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in “Aaa” securities.
   
A Bonds possess many favorable investment attributes and are to be considered as upper medium-grade obligations. Factors giving security to principal and interest are considered adequate but elements may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.
   
Baa Bonds considered medium-grade obligations, i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well.
   
Ba, B, Caa, Ca, and C Bonds that possess one of these ratings provide questionable protection of interest and principal (“Ba” indicates some speculative elements; “B” indicates a general lack of characteristics of desirable investment; “Caa” represents a poor standing; “Ca” represents obligations which are speculative in a high degree; and “C” represents the lowest rated class of bonds). “Caa,” “Ca” and “C” bonds may be in default.
   
Con. (---) Bonds for which the security depends upon the completion of some act or the fulfillment of some condition are rated conditionally. These are bonds secured by (a) earnings of projects under construction, (b) earnings of projects unseasoned in operation experience, (c) rentals which begin when facilities are completed, or (d) payments to which some other limiting condition attaches. Parenthetical rating denotes probable credit stature upon completion of construction or elimination of basis of condition.

 

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(P) When applied to forward delivery bonds, indicates that the rating is provisional pending delivery of the bonds. The rating may be revised prior to delivery if changes occur in the legal documents or the underlying credit quality of the bonds.
   
Note: Those bonds in the Aa, A, Baa, Ba and B groups which Moody’s believes possess the strongest investment attributes are designated by the symbols, Aa1, A1, Ba1 and B1.

 

Short-Term Loans

 

MIG 1/VMIG 1 This designation denotes best quality. There is present strong protection by established cash flows, superior liquidity support or demonstrated broad based access to the market for refinancing.
   
MIG 2/VMIG 2 This designation denotes high quality. Margins of protection are ample although not so large as in the preceding group.
   
MIG 3/VMIG 3 This designation denotes favorable quality. All security elements are accounted for but there is lacking the undeniable strength of the preceding grades. Liquidity and cash flow protection may be narrow and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established.
   
MIG 4/VMIG 4 This designation denotes adequate quality. Protection commonly regarded as required of an investment security is present and although not distinctly or predominantly speculative, there is specific risk.
S.G. This designation denotes speculative quality. Debt instruments in this category lack margins of protection.

 

Commercial Paper

 

Issuers rated Prime-1 (or related supporting institutions) have a superior capacity for repayment of short-term promissory obligations. Prime-1 repayment capacity will normally be evidenced by the following characteristics:

 

-Leading market positions in well-established industries.

 

-High rates of return on Funds employed.

 

-Conservative capitalization structures with moderate reliance on debt and ample asset protection.

 

-Broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed financial charges and high internal cash generation.

 

-Well-established access to a range of financial markets and assured sources of alternate liquidity.

 

Issuers rated Prime-2 (or related supporting institutions) have a strong capacity for repayment of short-term promissory obligations. This will normally be evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to a lesser degree. Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, will be more subject to variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained. Issuers rated Prime- 3 (or related supporting institutions) have an acceptable capacity for repayment of short-term promissory obligations. The effect of industry characteristics and market composition may be more pronounced. Variability in earnings and profitability may result in changes in the level of debt protection measurements and the requirement for relatively high financial leverage. Adequate alternate liquidity is maintained.

 

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Issuers rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.

 

Preferred Securities Ratings

 

aaa Preferred stocks which are rated “aaa” are considered to be top quality. This rating indicates good asset protection and the least risk of dividend impairment within the universe of preferred stocks.
   
aa Preferred stocks which are rated “aa” are considered to be high grade. This rating indicates that there is reasonable assurance that earnings and asset protection will remain relatively well maintained in the foreseeable future.
   
a Preferred stocks which are rated “a” are considered to be upper-medium grade. While risks are judged to be somewhat greater than in the “aaa” and “aa” classifications, earnings and asset protection are, nevertheless, expected to be maintained at adequate levels.
   
baa Preferred stocks which are rated “baa” are judged lower-medium grade, neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Earnings and asset protection appear adequate at present but may be questionable over any great length of time.
   
ba Preferred stocks which are rated “ba” are considered to have speculative elements and their future cannot be considered well assured. Earnings and asset protection may be very moderate and not well safeguarded during adverse periods. Uncertainty of position characterizes preferred stocks in this class.

 

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APPENDIX B

PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURES

 

WCM Investment Management, LLC

Proxy Voting Procedures

 

WCM accepts responsibility for voting proxies whenever requested by a Client or as required by law. Each Client’s investment management agreement should specify whether WCM is to vote proxies relating to securities held for the Client’s account. If the agreement is silent as to the proxy voting and no instructions from the client are on file, WCM will assume responsibility of proxy voting.

 

In cases in which WCM has proxy voting authority for securities held by its advisory clients, WCM will ensure securities are voted for the exclusive benefit, and in the best economic interest, of those clients and their beneficiaries, subject to any restrictions or directions from a client. Such voting responsibilities will be exercised in a manner that is consistent with the general antifraud provisions of the Advisers Act, the Proxy Voting Rule, Rule 206(4)-6, and for ERISA accounts, the DOL’s Proxy Voting Rule, as well as with WCM’s fiduciary duties under federal and state law to act in the best interests of its clients. Even when WCM has proxy voting authority, a Client may request that WCM vote in a certain manner. Any such instructions shall be provided to WCM, in writing or electronic communication, saved in the Client files and communicated to the Portfolio Associate and Proxy Admin.

 

Special Rules for ERISA.

 

Unless proxy voting responsibility has been expressly reserved by the plan, trust document, or investment management agreement, and is being exercised by another “named fiduciary” for an ERISA Plan Client, WCM, as the investment manager for the account, has the exclusive authority to vote proxies or exercise other shareholder actions relating to securities held for the Plan’s account. The interests or desires of plan sponsors should not be considered. In addition, if a “named fiduciary” for the plan has provided WCM with written proxy voting guidelines, those guidelines must be followed, unless the guidelines, or the results of following the guidelines, would be contrary to the economic interests of the plan's participants or beneficiaries, imprudent or otherwise contrary to ERISA.

 

Investors in WCM Private Funds which are deemed to hold “plan assets” under ERISA accept WCM’s investment policy statement and a proxy voting policy before they are allowed to invest.

 

1.Role of the Independent Proxy Adviser

 

WCM uses the proxy voting recommendations of Glass Lewis (our “Proxy Adviser”). The purpose of the Proxy Advisers proxy research and advice is to facilitate shareholder voting in favor of governance structures that will drive performance and create shareholder value. Because the Proxy Adviser is not in the business of providing consulting services to public companies, it can focus solely on the best interests of investors. The Proxy Adviser’s approach to corporate governance is to look at each company individually and determine what is in the best interests of the shareholders of each particular company. Research on proxies covers more than just corporate governance – the Proxy Adviser analyzes accounting, executive compensation, compliance with regulation and law, risks and risk disclosure, litigation and other matters that reflect on the quality of board oversight and company transparency.

 

The voting recommendations of the Proxy Adviser are strongly considered; however, the final determination for voting in the best economic interest of the clients is the responsibility of the relevant strategy Investment Strategy Group (“ISG”). When a decision is reached to vote contrary to the recommendation of the Proxy Adviser, the ISG will address any potential conflicts of interest (as described in this policy) and proceed accordingly. They will maintain documentation to support the decision, which will be reviewed by the Compliance Team.

 

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WCM will take reasonable steps under the circumstances to make sure that all proxies are received and for those that WCM has determined should be voted, are voted in a timely manner.

 

2.Role of the Portfolio Associate.

 

The Portfolio Associate is responsible for the onboarding and maintenance of Client accounts. For each Client, the Portfolio Associate:

 

a.Determines whether WCM is vested with proxy voting responsibility or whether voting is reserved to the Client or delegated to another designee;
b.Instructs registered owners of record (e.g., the Client, Trustee or Custodian) that receive proxy materials from the issuer or its information agent to send proxies electronically directly to Broadridge/ProxyEdge, a third party service provider, to: (1) provide notification of impending votes; (2) vote proxies based on the Proxy Adviser and/or WCM recommendations; and (3) maintain records of such votes electronically.
c.Assigns the appropriate proxy voting guidelines based on a Client’s Investment Policy Guidelines; and
d.Reports proxy voting records to the Client, as requested.

 

3.Role of the Proxy Admin.

 

The Proxy Admin circulates proxy ballot information and administers the proxy vote execution process. The Proxy Admin:

 

a.Monitors the integrity of the data feed between the Client’s registered owner of record and Broadridge/Proxy Edge;
b.Executes votes based on the recommendation of the Proxy Adviser or ISG; and
c.Ensures all votes are cast in a timely manner.

 

4.Role of the ISG and Analysts

 

With the support of the Analysts, and in consideration of the voting recommendation of the Proxy Adviser, the Investment Strategy Group (ISG) is responsible for review of the Proxy Adviser policy and final vote determination. The ISG:

 

a.Annually, reviews the policy of the Proxy Adviser to ensure voting recommendations are based on a Client’s best interest;
b.Reviews the ballot voting recommendations of the Proxy Adviser; and
c.Investigates ballot voting issues during the normal course of research, company visits, or discussions with company representatives.

 

If the ISG:

 

a.Agrees with the voting recommendation of the Proxy Adviser, no further action is required;
b.Disagrees with the voting recommendation of the Proxy Adviser, they will:
1)Deal with conflicts of interest, as described below;
2)Provide updated voting instructions to the Proxy Admin; and
3)Document the rationale for the decision, which is provided to Compliance.

 

5.Certain Proxy Votes May Not Be Cast

In some cases, WCM may determine that it is in the best interests of our clients to abstain from voting certain proxies. WCM will abstain from voting in the event any of the following conditions are met with regard to a proxy proposal:

 

a.Neither the Proxy Adviser’s recommendation nor specific client instructions cover an issue;
b.In circumstances where, in WCM’s judgment, the costs of voting the proxy exceed the expected benefits to the Client.

 

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In addition, WCM will only seek to vote proxies for securities on loan when such a vote is deemed to have a material impact on the account. In such cases, materiality is determined and documented by the ISG.

 

Further, in accordance with local law or business practices, many foreign companies prevent the sales of shares that have been voted for a certain period beginning prior to the shareholder meeting and ending on the day following the meeting (“share blocking”). Depending on the country in which a company is domiciled, the blocking period may begin a stated number of days prior to the meeting (e.g., one, three or five days) or on a date established by the company. While practices vary, in many countries the block period can be continued for a longer period if the shareholder meeting is adjourned and postponed to a later date. Similarly, practices vary widely as to the ability of a shareholder to have the “block” restriction lifted early (e.g., in some countries shares generally can be “unblocked” up to two days prior to the meeting whereas in other countries the removal of the block appears to be discretionary with the issuer’s transfer agent). WCM believes that the disadvantage of being unable to sell the stock regardless of changing conditions generally outweighs the advantages of voting at the shareholder meeting for routine items. Accordingly, WCM generally will not vote those proxies subject to “share blocking.”

 

6.Identifying and Dealing with Material Conflicts of Interest between WCM and Proxy Issuer

 

WCM believes the use of the Proxy Adviser’s independent guidelines helps to mitigate proxy voting related conflicts between the firm and its clients. Notwithstanding WCM may choose to vote a proxy against the recommendation of the Proxy Adviser, if WCM believes such vote is in the best economic interest of its clients. Such a decision will be made and documented by the ISG. Because WCM retains this authority, it creates a potential conflict of interest between WCM and the proxy issuer. As a result, WCM may not overrule the Proxy Adviser’s recommendation with respect to a proxy unless the following steps are taken by the CCO:

 

a.The CCO must determine whether WCM has a conflict of interest with respect to the issuer that is the subject of the proxy. The CCO will use the following standards to identify issuers with which WCM may have a conflict of interest.

 

1)Significant Business Relationships – The CCO will determine whether WCM may have a significant business relationship with the issuer, such as, for example, where WCM manages a pension plan. For this purpose, a “significant business relationship” is one that: (i) represents 1% or $1,000,000 of WCM’s revenues for the fiscal year, whichever is less, or is reasonably expected to represent this amount for the current fiscal year; or (ii) may not directly involve revenue to WCM but is otherwise determined by the CCO to be significant to WCM.
2)Significant Personal/Family Relationships – the CCO will determine whether any Supervised Persons who are involved in the proxy voting process may have a significant personal/family relationship with the issuer. For this purpose, a “significant personal/family relationship” is one that would be reasonably likely to influence how WCM votes proxies. To identify any such relationships, the CCO shall obtain information about any significant personal/family relationship between any Supervised Person of WCM who is involved in the proxy voting process (e.g., ISG members) and senior Supervised Persons of issuers for which WCM may vote proxies.

 

b.If the CCO determines that WCM has a conflict of interest with respect to the issuer, the CCO shall determine whether the conflict is “material” to any specific proposal included within the proxy. The CCO shall determine whether a proposal is material as follows:

 

1)Routine Proxy Proposals – Proxy proposals that are “routine” shall be presumed not to involve a material conflict of interest for WCM, unless the ISG has actual knowledge that a routine proposal should be treated as material. For this purpose, “routine” proposals would typically include matters such as the selection of an accountant, uncontested election of directors, meeting formalities, and approval of an annual report/financial statements.

 

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2)Non-Routine Proxy Proposals – Proxy proposals that are “non-routine” shall be presumed to involve a material conflict of interest for WCM, unless the CCO determines that WCM’s conflict is unrelated to the proposal in question (see 3. below). For this purpose, “non-routine” proposals would typically include any contested matter, including a contested election of directors, a merger or sale of substantial assets, a change in the articles of incorporation that materially affects the rights of shareholders, and compensation matters for management (e.g., stock option plans, retirement plans, profit sharing or other special remuneration plans).
3)Determining that a Non-Routine Proposal is Not Material – As discussed above, although non-routine proposals are presumed to involve a material conflict of interest, the CCO may determine on a case-by-case basis that particular non-routine proposals do not involve a material conflict of interest. To make this determination, the CCO must conclude that a proposal is not directly related to WCM’s conflict with the issuer or that it otherwise would not be considered important by a reasonable investor. The CCO shall record in writing the basis for any such determination.

 

c.For any proposal where the CCO determines that WCM has a material conflict of interest, WCM may vote a proxy regarding that proposal in any of the following manners:

 

1)Obtain Client Consent or Direction– If the CCO approves the proposal to overrule the recommendation of the Proxy Adviser, WCM shall fully disclose to each client holding the security at issue the nature of the conflict and obtain the client’s consent to how WCM will vote on the proposal (or otherwise obtain instructions from the client as to how the proxy on the proposal should be voted).
2)Use the Proxy Adviser’s Recommendation – Vote in accordance with the Proxy Adviser’s recommendation.

 

d.For any proposal where the CCO determines that WCM does not have a material conflict of interest, the ISG may overrule the Proxy Adviser’s recommendation if the ISG reasonably determines that doing so is in the best interest of WCM’s clients. If the ISG decides to overrule the Proxy Adviser’s recommendation, the ISG will maintain documentation to support their decision.

 

7.Dealing with Material Conflicts of Interest between a Client and the Proxy Adviser or Proxy Issuer

 

If WCM is notified by a client regarding a conflict of interest between them and the Proxy Adviser or the proxy issuer, The CCO will evaluate the circumstances and either:

 

a.elevate the decision to the ISG who will make a determination as to what would be in the Client’s best interest;
b.if practical, seek a waiver from the Client of the conflict; or
c.if agreed upon in writing with the Clients, forward the proxies to affected Clients allowing them to vote their own proxies.

 

8.Maintenance of Proxy Voting Records

 

As required by Rule 204-2 under the Advisers Act, and for ERISA accounts, the DOL’s Proxy Voting Rule, WCM will maintain or procure the maintenance of the following records relating to proxy voting for a period of at least five years:

 

a.a copy of these Proxy Policies, as they may be amended from time to time;

 

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b.copies of proxy statements received regarding Client securities;
c.a record of each proxy vote cast on behalf of its Clients;
d.a copy of any internal documents created by WCM that were material to making the decision how to vote proxies on behalf of its Clients; and
e.each written Client request for information on how WCM voted proxies on behalf of the Client and each written response by WCM to oral or written Client requests for this information.

 

As permitted by Rule 204-2(c), electronic proxy statements and the record of each vote cast on behalf of each Client account will be maintained by ProxyEdge. WCM shall obtain and maintain an undertaking from ProxyEdge to provide it with copies of proxy voting records and other documents relating to its Clients’ votes promptly upon request. WCM and ProxyEdge may rely on the SEC’s EDGAR system to keep records of certain proxy statements if the proxy statements are maintained by issuers on that system (e.g., large U.S.-based issuers).

 

9.Disclosure

 

WCM will provide all Clients a summary of these Proxy Policies, either directly or by delivery to the Client of a copy of its Form ADV, Part 2A containing such a summary, and information on how to obtain a copy of the full text of these Proxy Policies and a record of how WCM has voted the Client’s proxies. Upon receipt of a Client’s request for more information, WCM will provide to the Client a copy of these Proxy Policies and/or in accordance with the Client’s stated requirements, how the Client’s proxies were voted during the period requested. Such periodic reports will not be made available to third parties absent the express written request of the Client. However, to the extent that WCM serves as a sub-adviser to another adviser to a Client, WCM will be deemed to be authorized to provide proxy voting records on such Client accounts to such other adviser.

 

10.Oversight of the Proxy Adviser

 

Prior to adopting the proxy guidelines and recommendations of a Proxy Adviser, WCM will exercise prudence and diligence to determine that the guidelines for proxy recommendations are consistent with WCM’s fiduciary obligations. Each year, Compliance, in conjunction with input from the Proxy Admin, the ISG, and others as determined by the CCO, will review WCM’s relationship with, and services provided by the Proxy Adviser. To facilitate this review, WCM will request information from the Proxy Adviser in consideration of the Proxy Adviser processes, policies and procedures to:

 

·Analyze and formulate voting recommendations on the matters for which WCM is responsible for voting and to disclose its information sources and methods used to develop such voting recommendations;
·Ensure that it has complete and accurate information about issuers when making recommendations and to provide its clients and issuers timely opportunities to provide input on certain matters;
·Resolve any identified material deficiencies in the completeness or accuracy of information about issuers for whom voting recommendations are made; and
·Identify, resolve, and disclose actual and potential conflicts of interest associated with its recommendations.

 

Additionally, WCM will review the Proxy Adviser’s proposed changes to its proxy voting guidelines to ensure alignment with the ISG’s expectations. The Proxy Adviser typically distributes proposed changes to its guidelines annually; therefore, WCM’s review of these proposed changes will typically coincide with the Proxy Adviser’s schedule.

 

11.Limitations on Proxy Voting

 

In certain circumstances, additional information from Clients, such as residency declarations, limited power of attorneys or similar details, may be necessary for WCM to exercise its proxy voting authority in compliance with jurisdictional or regulatory requirements. If such information is not provided by the Client, WCM reserves the right to abstain from voting proxies for that Client without further notice.

 

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PART C

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 25. Financial Statements and Exhibits

 

(1)

Financial Statements:

 

Part A: Not applicable, as the WCM Select US Equity Fund (the “Registrant” or the “Fund”) has not yet commenced operations.

 

Part B: Financial Statements of the Registrant, to be filed by amendment.

 

(2) Exhibits:

 

(a)(1) Registrant’s Certificate of Trust, as filed with the State of Delaware on May 12, 2026 - filed herewith.

 

(a)(2)   Registrant’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust – filed herewith.
   
(a)(3) Certificate of Designation for the WCM Select US Equity Fund - filed herewith.

 

(b) Registrant’s Bylaws – filed herewith.

 

(c) Not applicable.

 

(d) Instruments Defining Rights of Security Holders is incorporated by reference to Exhibits (a)(2) and (b) above.

 

(e) Registrant’s dividend reinvestment plan is included in, and incorporated herein by reference to, the Registrant’s Prospectus, filed as part of this registration statement.

 

(f) Not applicable.

 

(g)(1) Investment Management Agreement between the Registrant and WCM Investment Management, LLC (the “Advisor”), to be filed by amendment.

 

(h)(1) Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and [___________________], to be filed by amendment.

 

(h)(2) Form of Dealer Agreement, to be filed by amendment.

 

(i) Not applicable.

 

(j) Custodian Agreement between the Registrant and UMB Bank, n.a., to be filed by amendment.

 

(k)(1) Transfer Agency Agreement between the Registrant and UMB Fund Services, Inc. (“UMBFS”), to be filed by amendment.

 

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(k)(2) Co-Administration Agreement among the Registrant, UMBFS, and Mutual Fund Administration, LLC, to be filed by amendment.

 

(k)(3) Expense Limitation Agreement between the Registrant and the Advisor, to be filed by amendment.

 

(k)(4) Fund Accounting Agreement between the Registrant and UMBFS, to be filed by amendment.

 

(k)(5) Shareholder Servicing Plan, to be filed by amendment.

 

(l) Opinion and Consent of Legal Counsel, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, to be filed by amendment.

 

(m) Not applicable.

 

(n) Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, to be filed by amendment.

 

(o) Not applicable.

 

(p) Subscription Agreement, to be filed by amendment.

 

(q) Not applicable.

 

(r)(1) Code of Ethics of the Registrant, to be filed by amendment.

 

(r)(2) Code of Ethics of the Advisorfiled herewith.

 

(s) Not applicable.

 

(t) Power of Attorney, to be filed by amendment.

 

Item 26. Marketing Arrangements

 

Reference is made to the Distribution Agreement to be filed as Exhibit (h)(1) to this Registration Statement.

  

Item 27. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution

 

The following table sets forth the estimated expenses to be incurred in connection with the offering described in this registration statement: [To be completed by amendment].

 

Registration Fees  $[   ] 
Federal Taxes  $[   ] 
State Taxes and Fees  $[   ] 
Trustees’ and Transfer Agent’s Fees  $[   ] 
Cost of Printing and Engraving  $[   ] 
Rating Agency Fees  $[   ] 
Legal and Accounting Fees  $[   ] 
Total  $[   ] 

 

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Item 28. Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with the Registrant

 

None.

 

Item 29. Number of Holders of Securities

 

As of: [______], 2026

 

Title of Class Number of Record Holders
[__] [__]

 

Item 30. Indemnification

 

Pursuant to Del. Code Ann. Title 12 Section 3817, a Delaware statutory trust may provide in its governing instrument for the indemnification of its officers and Trustees from and against any and all claims and demands whatsoever.

 

Reference is made to Article 8, Section 8.4 of the Registrant's Agreement and Declaration of Trust, which provides:

 

If any Shareholder (or former Shareholder) of the Trust shall be charged or held to be personally liable for any obligation or liability of the Trust solely by reason of being or having been a Shareholder and not because of such Shareholder’s acts or omissions or for some other reason, the Trust (upon proper and timely request by the Shareholder) may assume the defense against such charge and satisfy any judgment thereon or may reimburse the Shareholders for expenses, and the Shareholder or former Shareholder (or the heirs, executors, administrators or other legal representatives thereof, or in the case of a corporation or other entity, its corporate or other general successor) shall be entitled to be held harmless from and indemnified against all loss and expense arising from such liability. The indemnification and reimbursement required by this Section 8.4 shall be made only out of assets of the one or more Series or Classes the Shares of which were held by such Shareholder at the time the act or event occurred which gave rise to the claim against or liability of such Shareholder. The rights accruing to a Shareholder under this Section 8.4 shall not impair any other right to which such Shareholder may be lawfully entitled, nor shall anything herein contained restrict the right of the Trust or any Series or Class thereof to indemnify or reimburse a Shareholder in any appropriate situation even though not specifically provided herein. Neither the Trust nor the applicable Series or Class shall be responsible for satisfying any obligation arising from such a claim that has been settled by the Shareholder without prior written notice to the Trust and consent of the Trust to settle the claim.

 

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

 

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The Registrant has also entered into Indemnification Agreements with each of its trustees which provide that the Registrant shall advance expenses and indemnify and hold harmless each trustee in certain circumstances against any expenses incurred by a trustee in any proceeding arising out of or in connection with the trustee's service to the Registrant, to the maximum extent permitted by the Delaware Statutory Trust Act, the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, and which provide for certain procedures in connection with such advancement of expenses and indemnification.

 

Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement between the Trust and [_______________________] (the “Distributor”), the Trust has agreed to indemnify, defend and hold the Distributor, and each of its present or former directors, members, officers, employees, representatives and any person who controls or previously controlled the Distributor within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act (“Distributor Indemnitees”), free and harmless (a) from and against any and all losses, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, charges, payments, costs and expenses (including the costs of investigating or defending any alleged losses, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, charges, payments, costs or expenses and any counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) of any and every nature (“Losses”) which Distributor and/or each of the Distributor Indemnitees may incur under the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act, any other statute (including Blue Sky laws) or any rule or regulation thereunder, or under common law or otherwise, arising out of or based upon: (i) the inaccuracy of factual information furnished to the Distributor by the Trust or a Fund or the investment adviser, custodians, or other service providers of a Fund; (ii) any claim that the Registration Statement, Prospectus, statement of additional information, shareholder report, sales literature and advertisements approved for use by the Trust and/or the respective Fund’s investment adviser or other information filed or made public by the Trust relating to a Fund (as from time to time amended) including, but not limited to, such materials filed by the Distributor with FINRA or other regulatory authorities on behalf of the Trust and/or the respective Fund, included an untrue statement of a material fact or omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein (and in the case of the prospectus and statement of additional information, in light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading under the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act, or any other statute, regulation, self-regulatory organization rule or applicable common law, except to the extent the statement or omission was made in reliance upon, and in conformity with, information furnished by or on behalf of the Distributor in writing expressly for use in such materials; (iii) any wrongful act of the Trust or a Fund or any of their officers; (iv) any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Trust or a Fund in connection with the matters to which this Agreement relates; (v) the Trust’s or a Fund’s breach of any of its representations, warranties or covenants contained in this Agreement; (vi) the Trust’s or a Fund’s failure to comply with applicable laws or regulations; (vii) any liability of the Distributor resulting from a representation, covenant or warranty that the Distributor makes, or any indemnification that the Distributor provides, on behalf of the Trust or a Fund and in reliance on the Trust’s or a Fund’s representation, covenant or warranty in an intermediary agreement relating to the Trust or a Fund; (viii) the Distributor’s reliance on any instruction, direction, notice, instrument or other information that the Distributor reasonably believes to be genuine; (ix) loss of data or service interruptions caused by the Trust’s (or a Trust service provider’s) equipment failure; (x) the Distributor serving as distributor of a Fund pursuant to this Agreement; or (xi) any action taken or omitted by the Trust or a Fund prior to the effective date of this Agreement with respect to such Fund.

 

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Item 31. Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser

 

With respect to the Advisor, the response to this Item is incorporated by reference to the Advisor’s Uniform Application for Investment Adviser Registration (Form ADV) on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The Advisor’s Form ADV may be obtained, free of charge, at the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.

 

Item 32. Location of Accounts and Records

 

The books and records required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 are maintained at the following locations:

 

Records Relating to: Are located at:

Registrant’s Transfer Agent, Fund Accountant and

Co-Administrator

UMB Fund Services, Inc.
235 W. Galena Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212
Registrant’s Co-Administrator Mutual Fund Administration, LLC
2220 E. Route 66, Suite 226
Glendora, California 91740
Registrant’s Custodian UMB Bank, n.a.
928 Grand Boulevard, 5th Floor
Kansas City, Missouri 64106
Registrant’s Investment Adviser

WCM Investment Management

281 Brooks Street

Laguna Beach, California 92651

Registrant’s Distributor

[_________________________]

 

 

Item 33. Management Services

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 34. Undertakings

 

1. The Registrant hereby undertakes to suspend the offering of shares until the prospectus is amended if (1) subsequent to the effective date of its registration statement, the net asset value declines more than ten percent from its net asset value as of the effective date of the registration statement or (2) the net asset value increases to an amount greater than its net proceeds as stated in the prospectus.

 

2. Not applicable.

 

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3. The Registrant undertakes:

 

  a. to file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to the registration statement:

 

  (1) to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the 1933 Act;

 

  (2) to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement; and

 

  (3) to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.  

 

  b. that, for the purpose of determining any liability under the 1933 Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therei n, and the offering of those securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof;

 

  c. to remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering; and

 

  d. that, for the purpose of determining liability under the 1933 Act to any purchaser:    

 

  (1) If the Registrant is relying on Rule 430B under the 1933 Act:

 

  (A)  Each prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 497(b), (c), (d) or (e) under the 1933 Act shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and
     
  (B) Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 497(b), (c), (d) or (e) under the 1933 Act as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (x), or (xi) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the 1933 Act shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.

 

C-6

 

  (2) If the Registrant is subject to Rule 430C under the 1933 Act: each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 497(b), (c), (d) or (e) under the 1933 Act as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B under the 1933 Act or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A under the 1933 Act, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.

 

  e. that for the purpose of determining liability of the Registrant under the 1933 Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of securities, the undersigned Registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned Registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned Registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to the purchaser:  

 

(1)any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned Registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 497(b), (c), (d) or (e) under the 1933 Act;

 

(2)free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned Registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned Registrant;

 

(3)the portion of any other free writing prospectus or advertisement pursuant to Rule 482 under the 1933 Act relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned Registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned Registrant; and

 

(4)any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned Registrant to the purchaser.

 

C-7

 

4. If the Registrant is filing a registration statement permitted by Rule 430A under the 1933 Act, the Registrant undertakes:

 

  a. for the purpose of determining any liability under the 1933 Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the Registrant under Rule 424(b)(1) under the 1933 Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective; and

 

  b. for the purpose of determining any liability under the 1933 Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of the securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

5.  Not applicable.
   
6. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the 1933 Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
   
7. The Registrant undertakes to send by first class mail or other means designed to ensure equally prompt delivery within two business days of receipt of a written or oral request, any Prospectus or Statement of Additional Information.

 

C-8

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Glendora, and State of California, on the 9th day of June, 2026. 

 

  WCM Select US Equity Fund
   
  /s/ Maureen Quill
  Maureen Quill
  President and Principal Executive Officer

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Name   Title Date
       
/s/ Maureen Quill   President and Principal Executive Officer June 9th, 2026
Maureen Quill      
       
/s/ Rita Dam   Initial Trustee, Treasurer, Principal June 9th, 2026
Rita Dam   Financial and Accounting Officer  

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit Exhibit No.

Certificate of Trust of the Registrant, as filed with the State of Delaware on May 12, 2026

EX99.25(a)(1)
Agreement and Declaration of Trust EX99.25(a)(2)
Certificate of Designation for the WCM Select US Equity Fund EX99.25(a)(3)
By-Laws EX99.25(b)
Code of Ethics - Advisor EX99.25(r)(2)

 

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ATTACHMENTS / EXHIBITS

ATTACHMENTS / EXHIBITS

EXHIBIT 99.25(A)(1)

EXHIBIT 99.25(A)(2)

EXHIBIT 99.25(A)(3)

EXHIBIT 99.25(B)

EXHIBIT 99.25(R)(2)