As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 3, 2026

 

Securities Act Registration No. 333-265972

Investment Company Act Registration No. 811-23812

 

 

UNITED STATES 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 

Washington, D.C. 20549 

 

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 

 ☐ Pre-Effective Amendment No. __  
 ☒ Post-Effective Amendment No. 103  

  

and/or

 

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 

☒     Amendment No. 104

 

Elevation Series Trust 

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

1700 Broadway, Suite 2100 

Denver, CO 80290 

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code: 303-226-4150

 

Nicholas Adams 

Elevation Series Trust 

1700 Broadway, Suite 2100 

Denver, CO 80290

 

The Corporation Trust Company 

1209 Orange Street 

Wilmington, DE 19801 

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

With copy to:

 

JoAnn M. Strasser 

Thompson Hine LLP 

17th Floor 

41 South High Street 

Columbus, Ohio 43215

 

Approximate date of proposed public offering: As soon as practicable after the effective date of the Registration Statement.

 

It is proposed that this filing will become effective: 

 

  Immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
  On (date) pursuant to paragraph (b)
  60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
  On (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
  75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
  On (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485.

 

If appropriate, check the following box: 

 

  This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.

 

 

 

 

 

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION

Dated August 3, 2026

 

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 is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

PROSPECTUS

 

[    ], 2026

 

Vulcan Value Partners ETF– [ ]

 

Principal U.S. Listing Exchange: [   ]

 

THE U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (“SEC”) HAS NOT APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

 

  Page
Vulcan Value Partners ETF – Fund Summary 1
Additional Information About the Fund 5
Portfolio Holdings Information 10
Management 10
How to Buy and Sell Shares 12
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes 13
Distribution 15
Premium/Discount Information 15
Other Information and Additional Notices 15
Financial Highlights 16

 

 

Vulcan Value Partners ETF – [   ]

 

FUND Summary

 

Investment Objective

 

The Vulcan Value Partners ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to achieve long-term capital appreciation as its investment objective.

 

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

 

The following table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Fund (“Shares”). You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and Example below.

 

Annual Fund Operating Expenses   
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)  
Management Fees [0.75%]
Other Expenses1 [0.00%]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses [0.75%]
1  Other Expenses are estimated for the initial fiscal year.
     

Expense Example

 

This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. The Example does not take into account brokerage commissions that you may pay on your purchases and sales of Shares. 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
$[  ] $[  ] $[  ] $[   ]

 

Portfolio Turnover

 

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year of the Predecessor Fund (as defined below) ended April 30, 2026, when it operated as a mutual fund, the Predecessor Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 61% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

Principal Investment Strategies of the Fund

 

The Fund seeks to achieve long-term capital appreciation by purchasing securities primarily in publicly traded small-cap and large-cap companies that Vulcan Value Partners, LLC (“Vulcan” or the “Adviser”), the Fund’s investment adviser, believes to be both undervalued and possessing a quality that gives a company a non-temporary advantage over their peers (or a “Sustainable Competitive Advantage”). An example of a Sustainable Competitive Advantage includes, among others, companies with strong operational scale, pricing power, and brand loyalty operating in an industry with high switching costs.

 

The Adviser seeks to purchase publicly traded companies at significant discounts to intrinsic worth. The portfolio managers typically use a discounted cash flow analysis to determine intrinsic worth. The Adviser seeks to invest for the long term, limiting the selection of qualifying investments to good businesses with identifiable, Sustainable Competitive Advantages that allow a company to outcompete peers to maximize returns and to minimize risk. Identifiable, sustainable competitive advantages may include factors such as switching costs, brand recognition, and scalability, among others. The Adviser generally defines risk as the probability of permanently losing capital over a five-year period. Permanent loss of capital could occur if the Adviser has to sell a company at a loss because its estimated intrinsic value falls below the market price resulting in the loss of a margin of safety. The Adviser generally sells stocks when they approach or exceed their intrinsic worth as determined by the portfolio managers. The Adviser seeks to determine business or intrinsic value through disciplined financial analysis. Typically, the intrinsic value analysis includes a discounted cash flow analysis based on individual company financial statements and guidance, internal estimates of future growth in earnings and profitability, and qualitative research. The amount a company utilizes leverage is an important consideration in the stock selection analysis because leverage increases a company’s risk and potential for return. The Adviser believes that good businesses can enhance their returns to equity investors with an efficient capital structure and prudent leverage, but the it generally views leveraged businesses with skepticism. The Adviser believes that equities purchased at prices substantially less than their intrinsic worth generally afford capital protection from significant permanent loss and also create the possibility of substantial appreciation if the market recognizes the company’s economic value. To minimize business ownership risk, the Adviser evaluates business risks, assesses key management employee’s business impact and scrutinizes competitive market strengths and weaknesses in the assessment of long-term investment qualifications. The Adviser seeks to limit Fund investments to businesses that are run by ethical, capable, stockholder-oriented management teams that also are good operators and, very importantly, understand the importance of capital allocation.

 

1

 

Generally, subject to price, any publicly traded company with profitable economics would be a potential investment for this Fund. A core position in the Fund is generally approximately 5% of the Fund’s portfolio, so that theoretically the Fund would hold about 20 companies, spread across various industries. Because it is rare that the Adviser would find exactly 20 companies meeting the Fund’s investment guidelines, allocations will vary with the price to value ratio of specific companies. The Adviser may invest in positions as small as 1% when price to value ratios are higher. The Adviser generally will not invest in any business that is trading above the its estimate of a business’s fair value. The Adviser will typically sell a position when the position’s market price exceeds its calculated estimate of intrinsic value. The Adviser may invest up to 30% of the Fund’s net assets in publicly traded foreign securities, which may consist in whole or in part of securities of issuers in emerging markets. The Fund may be subject to currency risk when the Adviser invests in securities denominated in, or which receive revenues in, non-U.S. currencies. The Adviser will ensure that no issuer’s securities will constitute more than 10% of the Fund’s assets at the time of purchase. In addition, the Adviser will be allowed to invest up to, but no more than, an aggregate of 40% of the Fund’s assets in positions where the investment in the securities of an issuer exceeds 5% of the Fund’s assets. If the investments meeting the Fund’s criteria are not available, the Adviser may invest the Fund’s assets temporarily in obligations of the U.S. government and its agencies, or in other money market instruments. Under the 1940 Act, to qualify as a diversified fund, a fund, with respect to 75% of its total assets, may not invest greater than 5% of its total assets in any one issuer and may not hold greater than 10% of the securities of one issuer, other than investments in cash and cash items (including receivables), U.S. government securities, and securities of other investment companies. The remaining 25% of a fund’s total assets does not need to be “diversified” and may be invested in securities of a single issuer, subject to other applicable laws. The Fund is non-diversified, which means that it is not subject to the 75-5-10 diversification requirements and the Adviser can invest a larger percentage of the Fund’s assets in a smaller number of issuers, meaning it is not constrained by the 5%/10% asset allocation rule for diversified funds.

 

Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund

 

The principal risks of investing in the Fund are summarized below. Each risk summarized below is considered a “principal risk” of investing in the Fund, regardless of the order in which it appears. As with any investment, there is a risk that you could lose all or a portion of your investment in the Fund. Some or all of these risks may adversely affect the Fund’s net asset value per share (“NAV”), trading price, yield, total return and/or ability to meet its objective. For more information about the risks of investing in the Fund, see the section in the Fund’s Prospectus titled “Additional Information About the Fund.”

 

  Equity Securities Risk. Equity prices fluctuate and may decline in response to developments at individual companies or general economic conditions including interest rate levels, political events, war, natural disasters and the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues. If the value of Fund’s investments goes down and you redeem your shares, you could lose money. While the ability to hold shares through periods of volatility may protect long-term investments from permanent loss, Fund investments might not be profitable either because the market fails to recognize the value or because the Adviser misjudged the value of the investment.
     
  Business Ownership Risk. The Fund treats investing as partial ownership of qualifying businesses. As partial owners of these companies, the Fund faces the risks inherent in owning a business, which may include financial, operational, and reputational risk associated with the operations of a business. Additionally, loss of profitability, cessation of operations resulting in a permanent capital loss, or harm to its public image, among other factors, may negatively impact a business’s price and intrinsic value resulting in the loss of capital invested.
     
 

Small-Size Company Risk. The Fund’s investments in securities issued by small-sized companies, which can include companies offering emerging products or services, may involve greater risks than are customarily associated with larger, more established companies. Securities issued by small-sized companies tend to be more volatile and somewhat more speculative than securities issued by larger or more established companies because small-sized companies tend to be less established and less developed in nature and may underperform compared to the securities of larger companies

 

2

 

 

 

Large-Size Company Risk. The Fund’s investments in larger companies are subject to the risk that larger companies are sometimes unable to attain the high growth rates of successful, smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion. 

     
  Currency Risk. The value of the Fund’s investments may fall as a result of changes in exchange rates.
     
  Economic and Market Events Risk. Markets can be volatile in response to a number of factors, as well as broader economic, political, military and regulatory conditions. Events in the U.S. and global financial markets, including actions taken by the U.S. Federal Reserve or foreign central banks to stimulate or stabilize economic growth, may at times result in unusually high market volatility, which could negatively impact performance and may prevent execution of the Fund’s strategy successfully. It is not always possible to access certain markets or to sell certain investments at a particular time or at an acceptable price, thereby impacting the liquidity of a given portfolio. The value of the fund will change daily based on changes in market, economic, industry, political, military, regulatory, geopolitical, and other considerations.
     
  Emerging Markets Risk. To the extent that the Fund invests in issuers located in emerging markets, the risk of loss may be heightened by political changes and changes in taxation or currency controls that could adversely affect the values of these investments. Emerging markets have the same risks as Non-U.S. Securities, however, have exacerbated risk because they have been more volatile than the markets of developed countries with more mature economies.
     
  ETF Risk. The Fund is an ETF and thus is subject to the risks of being structured as an ETF including certain risks noted below.
     
  Authorized Participants, Market Makers, and Liquidity Providers Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants (“APs”). In addition, there may be a limited number of market makers and/or liquidity providers in the marketplace. To the extent either of the following events occur, Shares may trade at a material discount to NAV and possibly face delisting: (i) APs exit the business or otherwise become unable to process creation and/or redemption orders and no other APs step forward to perform these services, or (ii) market makers and/or liquidity providers exit the business or significantly reduce their business activities and no other entities step forward to perform their functions.
     
  Costs of Buying or Selling Shares. Due to the costs of buying or selling Shares, including brokerage commissions imposed by brokers and bid-ask spreads, frequent trading of Shares may significantly reduce investment results and an investment in Shares may not be advisable for investors who anticipate regularly making small investments.
     
  Shares May Trade at Prices Other Than NAV. As with all ETFs, Shares may be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. Although it is expected that the market price of Shares will approximate the Fund’s NAV, there may be times when the market price of Shares is more than the NAV intra-day (premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (discount) due to supply and demand of Shares or during periods of market volatility. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility, periods of steep market declines, and periods when there is limited trading activity for Shares in the secondary market, in which case such premiums or discounts may be significant.
     
  Trading. Although Shares are listed for trading on [        ] (the “Exchange”) and may be traded on U.S. exchanges other than the Exchange, there can be no assurance that Shares will trade with any volume, or at all, on any stock exchange. In stressed market conditions, the liquidity of Shares may begin to mirror the liquidity of the Fund’s underlying portfolio holdings, which can be significantly less liquid than Shares, and this could lead to differences between the market price of the Shares and the underlying value of those Shares.

 

  Managed Portfolio Risk. The manager’s investment strategies or choice of specific securities may be unsuccessful and may cause the Fund to incur losses.
     
  Non-diversification Risk and Securities Concentration Limitations. The Fund is classified as non-diversified. As a result, an increase or decrease in the value of a single security may have a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and total return. Being non-diversified may also make the Fund more susceptible to financial, economic, political or other developments that may impact a security. Although the Fund may from time to time satisfy the requirements for a diversified fund, its non-diversified classification gives the Fund’s portfolio managers more flexibility to hold larger positions in a smaller number of securities than a fund that is classified as diversified.
     
  Non-U.S. Securities Risk. Non-U.S. securities are subject to the risks of foreign currency fluctuations, generally higher volatility and lower liquidity than U.S. securities, less developed securities markets and economic systems and political and economic instability. Non-U.S. investments are also not subject to the same regulatory and transparency requirements and protections as those of U.S. based transactions.

 

3

 

  Value Stocks Risk. The Fund invests in companies that the portfolio managers believe to be selling at a discount to their intrinsic value. Value investing is subject to the risk that a company’s intrinsic value may never be fully realized by the market or that a company judged by the Fund to be undervalued may actually be appropriately priced.

 

An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of the bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

 

Performance

 

The Fund acquired all of the assets and liabilities of the Vulcan Value Partners Fund, a series of Trust (the “Predecessor Fund”), in a reorganization (the “Reorganization”) of the Predecessor Fund on [    ], 2026. The Fund has adopted the financial statements of the Predecessor Fund, as the accounting survivor of the Reorganization. Performance results shown in the bar chart and the performance table below reflect the performance of the Investor Class shares of the Predecessor Fund. The Fund is an exchange-traded fund, while the Predecessor Fund, prior to the Reorganization, was a mutual fund with substantially similar investment objectives, policies, and restrictions as the Fund. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) does not necessarily indicate how it will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available on the Fund’s website at [   ] or by calling 1.877.421.5078.

 

[bar chart to be inserted in subsequent filing]

 

During the period shown in the bar chart, the best performance for a quarter was [ ]% (for the quarter ended [   ], [   ]) and the worst performance was [   ]% (for the quarter ended [   ], [   ]).

 

As of June 30, 2026, the year-to-date total return was [   ]% for the Investor Class shares.

 

Average Annual Total Returns (as of December 31, 2025)

 

  1 Year 5 Years 10 Years
Return Before Taxes [  ]% [  ]% [  ]%
Return After Taxes on Distributions [  ]% [  ]% [  ]%
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Shares [  ]% [  ]% [  ]%
S&P 500 Total Return Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes) [  ]% [  ]% [  ]%

Russell 1000 Value Index® 

(reflects no deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes) 

[  ]% [  ]% [  ]%

 

4

 

After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates during the periods covered by the table above and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Shares through tax deferred arrangements such as an individual retirement account (“IRA”) or other tax-advantaged accounts. In certain cases, the figure representing “Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Shares” may be higher than the other return figures for the same period. A higher after-tax return results when a capital loss occurs upon redemption and provides an assumed tax deduction that benefits the investor.

 

Management

 

Adviser: Vulcan Value Partners, LLC
   
Portfolio Managers: C.T. Fitzpatrick, Chief Investment Officer of Vulcan Value Partners, LLC, has served as the Fund’s portfolio manager since its inception in December 2009. In addition, Stephen Simmons, CFA, Colin Casey, and Taylor Cline, CFA of Vulcan Value Partners, LLC have served as the Fund’s portfolio manager since 2024, and David Shelton has served as the Fund’s portfolio manager since 2025. Mr. Fitzpatrick, Mr. Simmons, Mr. Casey, Mr. Cline and Mr. Shelton are jointly and primarily responsible for day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio.

 

Purchase and Sale of Shares

 

Shares are listed on the Exchange, and individual Shares may only be bought and sold in the secondary market through brokers at market prices, rather than NAV. Because Shares trade at market prices rather than NAV, Shares may trade at a price greater than NAV (premium) or less than NAV (discount).

 

The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in large blocks known as “Creation Units,” which only APs (typically, broker-dealers) may purchase or redeem. The Fund generally issues and redeems Creation Units in exchange for a portfolio of securities and/ or a designated amount of U.S. cash.

 

Investors may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase Shares (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for Shares (ask) when buying or selling Shares in the secondary market (the “bid-ask spread”). Recent information about the Fund, including its NAV, market price, premiums and discounts, and bid-ask spreads is available on the Fund’s website at www.vulcanvaluepartners.com.

 

Tax Information

 

Fund distributions are generally taxable as ordinary income or capital gains (or a combination), unless your investment is in an IRA or other tax-advantaged account. Distributions on investments made through tax-deferred arrangements may be taxed later upon withdrawal of assets from those accounts.

 

Financial Intermediary Compensation

 

If you purchase Shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank) (an “Intermediary”), the Adviser or its affiliates may pay Intermediaries for certain activities related to the Fund, including participation in activities that are designed to make Intermediaries more knowledgeable about exchange traded products, including the Fund, or for other activities, such as marketing, educational training or other initiatives related to the sale or promotion of Shares. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the Intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Any such arrangements do not result in increased Fund expenses. Ask your salesperson or visit the Intermediary’s website for more information.

 

Additional Information About the Fund

 

Additional Information About the Fund’s Investment Objective. The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.

 

The Fund’s investment objective may be changed by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) without shareholder approval upon written notice to shareholders.

 

Additional Information About the Fund’s Principal Investment Strategies.

 

The Fund seeks to achieve long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in publicly traded small- and large-capitalization U.S. companies believed to be both undervalued and possessing a quality that gives a company a non-temporary advantage over their peers (a “Sustainable Competitive Advantage”).

 

5

 

The Fund is a value fund. The Adviser is the investment adviser to the Fund. The Adviser views equity investments as ownership in a business enterprise and approach investing as long-term partial ownership of businesses. The Adviser seeks to purchase publicly traded companies at significant discounts to intrinsic worth. The Adviser seeks to invest for the long term, limiting the selection of qualifying investments to good businesses with identifiable, sustainable competitive advantages to maximize returns and to minimize risk. Identifiable, Sustainable Competitive Advantages may include factors such as switching costs, brand recognition, and scalability, among others. An example of a Sustainable Competitive Advantage includes, among others, companies with strong operational scale, pricing power, and brand loyalty operating in an industry with high switching costs.

 

The Adviser generally defines risk as the probability of permanently losing capital over a five-year period. Permanent loss of capital could occur if the Adviser has to sell a Fund position at a loss because its estimated intrinsic value falls below the market price resulting in the loss of a margin of safety.

 

The Adviser generally sells stocks when they approach their appraised value. The Fund seeks to determine business or intrinsic value through disciplined financial analysis. Typically, the intrinsic value analysis includes a discounted cash flow analysis based on individual company financial statements and guidance, internal estimates of future growth in earnings and profitability, and qualitative research. The Adviser believes that equities purchased at prices substantially less than their intrinsic worth generally afford capital protection from significant permanent loss and also create the possibility of substantial appreciation if the market recognizes the company’s economic value.

 

The Adviser identifies companies that are believed to have sustainable competitive advantages allowing them to produce free cash flow and earn superior cash returns on capital relative to their peers. Free cash flow is determined by the amount of cash left over after a company has paid all of its expense and includes investments. The Adviser seeks to invest in businesses that are run by ethical, capable, stockholder-oriented management teams that also are good operators, and, very importantly, understand the importance of capital allocation. The Adviser then focuses its analysis on the difference between price and value; that is, the difference between the price of the company’s securities and the appraised value of the securities. The greater the difference of value over price, the larger the margin of safety and the more attractive the investment. The Adviser will generally invest larger amounts of the Fund’s assets in companies determined to have lower price to value ratios and reduce capital committed to companies determined to have higher price to value ratios.

 

To minimize business ownership risk, the Adviser evaluates business risks, assess people and scrutinize competitive strengths in the assessment of long-term investment qualifications. The Adviser seeks to limit the Fund’s investments to businesses that are run by ethical, capable, stockholder-oriented management teams that also are good operators and, very importantly, understand the importance of capital allocation. The Adviser seeks to minimize business ownership risk of loss of capital by (i) seeking a substantial margin of safety for securities purchases in terms of the extent to which the Adviser’s appraised value for a security exceeds the corresponding price, and (ii) limiting investments to companies believed to have identifiable, sustainable competitive advantages that will allow them to produce free cash flow and earn superior cash returns on capital.

 

The portfolio strategy for the Fund invests in companies with larger market capitalizations. Generally, subject to price, any publicly traded company with profitable economics would be a potential investment in this portfolio. Potential companies exhibit profitable economics when its revenues are greater than its total costs. A core position in the Fund is generally approximately 5% of the Fund’s portfolio, so that theoretically the Adviser would position the Fund to hold about 20 companies, spread across various industries. Because it is rare that the Adviser would find exactly 20 companies meeting the Fund’s investment guidelines, allocations will vary with the price to value ratio of specific companies. The Adviser may invest in positions as small as 1% of the Fund’s total assets when price to value ratios are higher. The Adviser generally will not invest the Fund’s assets in any business that is trading above the Adviser’s estimate of the business’s fair value. The Adviser may invest up to 30% of the Fund’s net assets in publicly traded foreign securities. The Fund may hold up to 15% of net assets in illiquid securities, but it does not intend to invest in illiquid securities. An illiquid investment is an investment that the Adviser reasonably expects cannot be sold in current market conditions in seven calendar days without significantly changing the market value of the investment. The Adviser will generally not invest in any illiquid security that is not publicly traded. If investments meeting the Adviser’s criteria are not available, the Adviser may invest the Fund’s assets temporarily in obligations of the U.S. government and its agencies, or in other money market instruments.

 

6

 

Non-Principal Investment Strategies

 

Illiquid Investments

 

The Fund defines an illiquid security as “any investment that may not reasonable be expected to be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment.”

 

The Fund is prohibited from holding more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities at any time, but the Fund does not intend on investing in illiquid securities. The Fund will determine whether or not a security is “illiquid” using information obtained after reasonable inquiry and taking into account market, trading, and investment-specific considerations.

 

Temporary Defensive Investments/Cash Positions

 

The Fund may, from time to time, invest all of its assets in short-term instruments or hold cash when the Adviser determines that adverse market, economic, political or other conditions call for a temporary defensive posture. For example, when the Adviser believes that market conditions are unfavorable for profitable investing, or when it is otherwise unable to locate attractive investment opportunities, the Fund’s cash or similar investments may increase. When the Fund’s investments in cash or similar investments increase, it may not participate in market advance or declines to the same extent that it would if the Fund remained more fully invested. Such a defensive position may result in the Fund failing to achieve its investment objective.

 

Investment Limitations

 

Unless otherwise indicated all limitations on the Fund’s investments listed in this Prospectus will apply to the Fund’s holdings on an ongoing basis. Unless otherwise indicated, references to assets in the percentage limitations on the Fund’s investments refer to the total asset value including securities and cash or cash equivalents.

 

Additional Information About the Fund’s Principal Risks. An investment in the Fund entails risks. The Fund could lose money, or its performance could trail that of other investment alternatives. The following provides additional information about the Fund’s principal risks. It is important that investors closely review and understand these risks before making an investment in the Fund. The principal risks below are presented in alphabetical order to facilitate finding particular risks and comparing them with those of other funds. Each risk summarized below is considered a “principal risk” of investing in the Fund, regardless of the order in which it appears.

 

 

Business Ownership Risk. The Fund treats investing as partial ownership of qualifying businesses. As partial owners of these companies, the Fund faces the risks inherent in owning a business. First, the company’s operations must be successful. The successful operation of a business depends heavily on the skills and performance of that company’s management team.

 

Another risk of owning a company is financial risk. The analysis of a company’s financial strength is important, as the Fund does not intend to invest in business enterprises with inferior economics that are trading at a discount to its estimate of intrinsic value. The Fund believes that a good business produces free cash flow and high returns on investment capital without leverage. Leverage is an important consideration in the analysis because it increases both the risk and the potential for return. The Fund believes that good businesses can enhance their returns to equity investors with an efficient capital structure and prudent leverage, but the Fund generally views leveraged businesses with skepticism.

 

A third risk is whether a company can control costs and retain pricing power. The Fund strives to limit the selection of qualifying investments to good businesses with identifiable, sustainable competitive advantages. The Fund prefers to own businesses with strong purchasing and pricing power which entails the company having flexibility to modify its pricing structure and the ability to pass cost increases on to customers while avoiding subsequent loss of customers 

     
  Currency Risk. This is the risk that fluctuations in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and non-U.S. currencies may cause the value of the Fund’s non-U.S. investments to decline in terms of U.S. dollars. Additionally, certain of the Fund’s foreign currency transactions 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. Funds that may invest in securities denominated in, or which receive revenues in, non-U.S. currencies are subject to this risk.
     
  Economic and Market Events Risk. Markets can be volatile in response to a number of factors, as well as broader economic, political, military and regulatory conditions. Events in the U.S. and global financial markets, including actions taken by the U.S. Federal Reserve or foreign central banks to stimulate or stabilize economic growth, may at times result in unusually high market volatility, which could negatively impact performance and may prevent execution of the Fund’s strategy successfully. It is not always possible to access certain markets or to sell certain investments at a particular time or at an acceptable price, thereby impacting the liquidity of a given portfolio. The value of the Fund will change daily based on changes in market, economic, industry, political, military, regulatory, geopolitical, and other considerations.

 

7

 

  Emerging Markets Risk. To the extent that the Fund invests in issuers located in emerging markets, the risk of loss may be heightened by political changes and changes in taxation or currency controls that could adversely affect the values of these investments. Emerging markets have the same risks as Non-U.S. Securities, however, have exacerbated risk because they have been more volatile than the markets of developed countries with more mature economies.
     
  Equity Securities Risk. The Fund invests primarily in common stocks or securities convertible to common stocks. Equity investments are subject to declines in a company’s share price or in the overall stock market. Equity prices fluctuate and may decline in response to developments at individual companies or general economic conditions including interest rate levels, political events, war, natural disasters and the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues. The value of your investment in the Fund fluctuates daily with stock price movements and, upon redemption, may be worth more or less than what you paid. While the ability to hold shares through periods of volatility may protect long-term investors from permanent loss, there is a risk that investments may never reach what the Fund believes are their true values, either because the market fails to recognize that value or because the Fund did not accurately predict the true value. Loss of money is, therefore, a risk of investing in the Fund.
     
  ETF Risk. The Fund is an ETF and thus is subject to the risks of being structured as an ETF including certain risks noted below.
     
  Authorized Participants, Market Makers, and Liquidity Providers Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that may act as Authorized Participants (“APs”). In addition, there may be a limited number of market makers and/or liquidity providers in the marketplace. To the extent either of the following events occur, Shares may trade at a material discount to NAV and possibly face delisting: (i) APs exit the business or otherwise become unable to process creation and/or redemption orders and no other APs step forward to perform these services, or (ii) market makers and/or liquidity providers exit the business or significantly reduce their business activities and no other entities step forward to perform their functions.
     
  Costs of Buying or Selling Shares. Due to the costs of buying or selling Shares, including brokerage commissions imposed by brokers and bid-ask spreads, frequent trading of Shares may significantly reduce investment results and an investment in Shares may not be advisable for investors who anticipate regularly making small investments.
     
  Shares May Trade at Prices Other Than NAV. As with all ETFs, Shares may be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. Although it is expected that the market price of Shares will approximate the Fund’s NAV, there may be times when the market price of Shares is more than the NAV intra-day (premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (discount) due to supply and demand of Shares or during periods of market volatility. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility, periods of steep market declines, and periods when there is limited trading activity for Shares in the secondary market, in which case such premiums or discounts may be significant.
     
  Trading. Although Shares are listed for trading on [    ] (the “Exchange”) and may be traded on U.S. exchanges other than the Exchange, there can be no assurance that Shares will trade with any volume, or at all, on any stock exchange. In stressed market conditions, the liquidity of Shares may begin to mirror the liquidity of the Fund’s underlying portfolio holdings, which can be significantly less liquid than Shares, and this could lead to differences between the market price of the Shares and the underlying value of those Shares.
     
  Large-Size Company Risk. The Vulcan Value Partners Fund may invest in large-capitalization companies. The Fund’s investments in larger companies are subject to the risk that larger companies are sometimes unable to attain the high growth rates of successful, smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion. Larger, more established companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges such as changes in technology and consumer tastes.
     
 

Liquidity and Valuation Risk. Because the Fund is non-diversified under the 1940 Act, the Fund is permitted to take relatively large ownership positions in some companies, and Vulcan may purchase the same security for more than one Fund as well as Vulcan’s separately managed account clients. It is possible that the Fund, or more than one Fund in combination with Vulcan’s separately managed account clients, may own more than 5% of a company’s equity securities and may own up to 15% or more of some companies, though the Fund is limited to no more than 10% of any company. Depending on market conditions and trading volume, disposing of such holdings could be more difficult than if the Fund and Vulcan’s other clients owned a smaller amount. Because selling a large position may take longer, the Fund may be more susceptible to price fluctuations. The Fund’s SAI contains more information about the diversification tests and concentration limits with respect to the companies in which the Fund may invest. 

     
  Managed Portfolio Risk. As an actively managed portfolio, the value of the Fund’s investments could decline because the financial condition of an issuer may change (due to such factors as management performance, reduced demand or overall market changes), financial markets may fluctuate or overall prices may decline, or the Adviser’s investment techniques could fail to achieve the Fund’s investment objective. This includes the risk of the Adviser making poor investment decisions regarding the purchase and sale of securities within the Fund resulting in a loss of capital.

 

8

 

 

Non-Diversification Risk and Securities Industry Focused Risk. A mutual fund may elect to operate as a “diversified company,” which generally is defined in Section 5(b)(1) of the 1940 Act as any management investment company, if at least 75 percent of the company’s assets consist of cash, cash items, government securities, securities of other investment companies, and other securities. For the purposes of this calculation, “other securities” are limited in regard to any issuer to an amount not greater than 5 percent of the value of the total assets of the management company and to not more than 10 percent of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer. The Fund has chosen to be classified as non-diversified. As a result, an increase or decrease in the value of a single security may have a greater impact on the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) and total return. Being non-diversified may also cause the Fund to be more susceptible to financial, economic, political or other developments that may impact a security. Although the Fund may from time to time satisfy the requirements for a diversified fund, its non-diversified classification gives the Fund’s portfolio manager more flexibility to hold larger positions in a smaller number of securities than the Fund that is classified as diversified.

 

The Fund has chosen to operate under certain self-imposed limitations that are unrelated to the diversification tests under Section 5(b)(1) of the 1940 Act. The Fund may invest no more than 10% of its net assets in securities issued by the same issuer, provided that the aggregate value of the securities held in issuers in each of which it invests more than 5% of its assets is less than 40% of the Fund’s total assets. This test will be applied to the Fund’s holdings on an ongoing basis. 

     
  Non-U.S. Securities Risk. Investments in non-U.S. securities may experience additional risks compared to investments in securities of U.S. companies. The securities markets of many non-U.S. countries are relatively small, with a limited number of issuers and securities. Furthermore, non-U.S. taxes also could detract from performance. Companies based in non-U.S. countries may not be subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and practices as stringent as those in the United States. Therefore, their financial reports may present an incomplete, untimely or misleading picture of a non-U.S. company, as compared to the financial reports of U.S. companies. Nationalization, expropriations or confiscatory taxation, currency blockage, political changes or diplomatic developments can cause the value of the Fund’s investments in a non-U.S. country to decline. In the event of nationalization, expropriation or other confiscation, the Fund could lose its entire investment in that country.
     
  Small-Size Company Risk. The Fund may invest in the securities of companies with small market capitalizations. Small-sized companies may have more limited product lines, markets, and financial resources than larger companies. In addition, their securities may trade less frequently and in more limited volume than those of larger companies. Small-cap stocks may be more volatile than those of larger companies and, where trading volume is thin, the ability to dispose of such securities may be more limited.
     
 

Value Stock Risk. Value stocks involve the risk that they may never reach their expected full market value, either because the market fails to recognize the stock’s intrinsic worth, or the expected value was misgauged. Value stocks also may decline in price even though the portfolio manager believes that they are already undervalued. In addition, value stocks, at times, may not perform as well as growth stocks or the stock market in general, and may be out of favor with investors for varying periods of time.

 

In addition, certain investments of the Fund may be exposed to liquidity risk due to low trading volume, lack of a market maker or legal restrictions limiting the ability of the Fund to sell particular securities at an advantageous price and/or time. As a result, these securities may be more difficult to value. Securities that involve substantial interest rate or credit risk tend to involve greater liquidity risk. In addition, liquidity and valuation risk tends to increase to the extent the Fund invests in securities whose sale may be restricted by law or by contract, such as Rule 144A securities and foreign securities, particularly those of issuers located in emerging markets

 

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Portfolio Holdings Information

 

Information about the Fund’s daily portfolio holdings is available at [      ]. A description of the Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings is available in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”).

 

Management

 

Investment Adviser

 

Vulcan Value Partners, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company located at Three Protective Center, 2801 Highway 280 South, Suite 300, Birmingham, AL 35223 (“Vulcan” or the “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser for the Fund. The Adviser, subject to the oversight of the Board, provides an investment management program for the Fund and manages the day-to-day operations of the Fund. The Adviser also arranges for transfer agency, custody, fund administration, distribution, and all other services necessary for the Fund to operate. The Adviser is an SEC-registered investment adviser.

 

Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays Vulcan a unitary management fee, which is calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of [0.75]% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

 

Out of the unitary management fee, Vulcan has agreed to pay substantially all expenses of the Fund, including the cost of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, securities lending and other non-distribution related services necessary for the Fund to operate, except for: the fee paid to Vulcan pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, interest charges on any borrowings, dividends and other expenses on securities sold short, taxes, brokerage commissions and other expenses incurred in placing orders for the purchase and sale of securities and other investment instruments, acquired fund fees and expenses, accrued deferred tax liability, distribution (12b-1) fees and expenses, and litigation expenses and other non-routine or extraordinary expenses.

 

The basis for the Board’s (as defined below) approval of the Fund’s Investment Advisory Agreement will be available in the Fund’s first N-CSR filing.

 

Manager of Managers Structure

 

Section 15(a) of the 1940 Act requires that all contracts pursuant to which persons serve as investment advisers to investment companies be approved by shareholders. This requirement also applies to the appointment of sub-advisers to the Fund. The Trust and the Adviser intend to apply for exemptive relief from the SEC (the “Order”), which will permit the Adviser, subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees (“Board”), including the approval of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust, as defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Trustees”), to hire, replace, and/or modify any existing or future sub-advisory agreement with sub-advisers (the “Manager-of-Managers Structure”). The Adviser, subject to the oversight of the Board, has the ultimate responsibility for overseeing the Fund’s sub-advisers and recommending their hiring, termination and replacement. Assuming the Order is granted, it will also provide relief from certain disclosure obligations with regard to sub-advisory fees paid by the Adviser (not the Fund). The Order will be subject to various conditions, including that the Fund will notify shareholders and provide them with certain information required by the exemptive order within 90 days of hiring a new sub-adviser. The sole initial shareholder of the Fund has approved the Fund’s operation under the Manager-of-Managers Structure as permitted by the Order.

 

The Manager-of-Managers Structure will enable the Fund to operate with greater efficiency by not incurring the expense and delays associated with obtaining shareholder approvals for matters relating to sub-advisers or sub-advisory agreements. Operation of the Fund under the Manager-of-Managers Structure will not permit management fees paid by the Fund to the Adviser to be increased without shareholder approval. Shareholders will be notified of any changes made to a sub-adviser or material changes to sub-advisory agreements within 90 days of the change. There is no assurance that the Order will be granted.

 

Portfolio Managers

 

The portfolio managers are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Fund. Mr. Fitzpatrick has served as the Fund’s portfolio manager since the Fund’s inception. Mr. Simmons, Mr. Casey and Mr. Cline have served as the Fund’s portfolio managers since 2024, and Mr. Shelton has served as the Fund’s portfolio manager since 2025.

 

C.T. Fitzpatrick, CFA

 

Mr. Fitzpatrick, as the Chief Investment Officer of Vulcan and a portfolio manager for the Fund, leads Vulcan’s research team, which is responsible for stock selection. As the Chief Investment Officer, Mr. Fitzpatrick has discretion over the Fund’s assets and has final investment decision-making for the Fund. In addition, Mr. Fitzpatrick oversees the structuring of portfolios for consistency with the Fund’s guidelines and regulatory requirements. Mr. Fitzpatrick is the Founder of Vulcan and has been the Chief Investment Officer of Vulcan since 2007. Prior to founding Vulcan in 2007, Mr. Fitzpatrick was a principal and portfolio manager at Southeastern Asset Management from 1990 to 2007.

 

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Stephen Simmons, CFA

 

Mr. Simmons, as a member of Vulcan’s Portfolio Management team and a portfolio manager for the Fund, has the responsibility of stock selection for the Fund. As an additional portfolio manager for the Fund, Mr. Simmons can exercise discretion over the Fund’s assets and works with Mr. Fitzpatrick to assist in final investment decision-making for the Fund. In addition, Mr. Simmons assists in the structure of portfolios for consistency with the Fund’s guidelines and regulatory requirements. Mr. Simmons is a Principal of Vulcan and has been with the Firm since 2013. Prior to joining Vulcan, Mr. Simmons served as Chief Financial Officer for Consolidate Shoe Company.

 

Colin Casey

 

Mr. Casey, as a member of Vulcan’s Portfolio Management team and a portfolio manager for the Fund, has the responsibility of stock selection for the Fund. As an additional portfolio manager for the Fund, Mr. Casey can exercise discretion over the Fund’s assets and works with Mr. Fitzpatrick to assist in final investment decision-making for the Fund. In addition, Mr. Casey assists in the structure of portfolios for consistency with the Fund’s guidelines and regulatory requirements. Mr. Casey is a Principal of Vulcan and has been with the Firm since 2017. Prior to joining Vulcan, Mr. Casey served as a business teaching fellow at the Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology and began his career as analyst at Croft & Bender.

 

Taylor Cline, CFA

 

Mr. Cline, as a member of Vulcan’s Portfolio Management team and a portfolio manager for the Fund, has the responsibility of stock selection for the Fund. As an additional portfolio manager for the Fund, Mr. Cline can exercise discretion over the Fund’s assets and works with Mr. Fitzpatrick to assist in final investment decision-making for the Fund. In addition, Mr. Cline assists in the structure of portfolios for consistency with the Fund’s guidelines and regulatory requirements. Mr. Cline is a Principal of Vulcan and has been with the Firm since 2019. Prior to joining Vulcan, Mr. Cline served as a research associate at Janus Henderson Investors.

 

David Shelton

 

Mr. Shelton, as a member of Vulcan’s Portfolio Management team and a portfolio manager for the Fund, has the responsibility of stock selection for the Fund. As an additional portfolio manager for the Fund, Mr. Shelton can exercise discretion over the Fund’s assets and works with Mr. Fitzpatrick to assist in final investment decision-making for the Fund. In addition, Mr. Shelton assists in the structure of portfolios for consistency with the Fund’s guidelines and regulatory requirements. Mr. Shelton is a Principal of Vulcan and has been with the Firm since 2020. Prior to joining Vulcan, David was a Vice President in the Debt Capital Markets group at Stephens Inc., where he executed debt placements across a variety of industries.

 

Team Approach. Day-to-day management of the Fund is a team effort, requiring the involvement of Vulcan’s full research staff as well as administrative support. Each member of the research team is encouraged to produce ideas for any portfolio in any industry, limited only by the parameters of the Fund’ and Vulcan’s investment criteria. Once an idea is generated, it is reviewed and analyzed by the full research team for qualification under Vulcan’s investment criteria. This team approach reinforces Vulcan’s discipline, as it requires each team member to participate in the analysis and evaluation of each potential investment. Once an idea has qualified for investment, the research team recommends to Mr. Fitzpatrick which model portfolio to assign the investment to and in what amount. To monitor individual client guidelines, regulatory requirements, cash movements and progress regarding purchases and sales of securities, the research team works with Vulcan’s trading, legal, accounting, compliance and client service functions. The research team receives regular reports from each of these departments to facilitate day-to-day management of portfolios, and to ensure that investment decisions are consistent with investment mandates and regulatory requirements.

 

The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio manager’s compensation structure, other accounts managed by the portfolio manager and the portfolio manager’s ownership of Shares.

 

11

 

How to Buy and Sell Shares

 

The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in Creation Units. Only authorized participants (“APs”) may acquire Shares directly from the Fund, and only APs may tender their Shares for redemption directly to the Fund, at NAV. APs must be a member or participant of a clearing agency registered with the SEC and must execute a Participant Agreement that has been agreed to by the Distributor (defined below), and that has been accepted by the Fund’s transfer agent, with respect to purchases and redemptions of Creation Units. Once created, Shares trade in the secondary market in quantities less than a Creation Unit. 

 

Most investors buy and sell Shares in secondary market transactions through brokers. Shares are listed for trading on the secondary market on the Exchange and can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like other publicly traded securities.

 

When buying or selling Shares through a broker, you will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges, and you may pay some or all of the spread between the bid and the offer price in the secondary market on each leg of a round trip (purchase and sale) transaction. In addition, because secondary market transactions occur at market prices, you may pay more than NAV when you buy Shares and receive less than NAV when you sell those Shares.

 

Book Entry

 

Shares are held in book-entry form, which means that no stock certificates are issued. The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) or its nominee is the record owner of all outstanding Shares.

 

Investors owning Shares are beneficial owners as shown on the records of DTC or its participants. DTC serves as the securities depository for all Shares. DTC’s participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and other institutions that directly or indirectly maintain a custodial relationship with DTC. As a beneficial owner of Shares, you are not entitled to receive physical delivery of stock certificates or to have Shares registered in your name, and you are not considered a registered owner of Shares. Therefore, to exercise any right as an owner of Shares, you must rely upon the procedures of DTC and its participants. These procedures are the same as those that apply to any other securities that you hold in book entry or “street name” through your brokerage account.

 

Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Shares

 

The Fund imposes no restrictions on the frequency of purchases and redemptions of Shares. In determining not to approve a written, established policy, the Board evaluated the risks of market timing activities by Fund shareholders. Purchases and redemptions by APs, who are the only parties that may purchase or redeem Shares directly with the Fund, are an essential part of the ETF process and help keep Share trading prices in line with NAV. As such, the Fund accommodates frequent purchases and redemptions by APs. However, the Board has also determined that frequent purchases and redemptions for cash may increase tracking error and portfolio transaction costs and may lead to the realization of capital gains. To minimize these potential consequences of frequent purchases and redemptions, the Fund employs fair value pricing and may impose transaction fees on purchases and redemptions of Creation Units to cover the custodial and other costs incurred by the Fund in effecting trades. In addition, the Fund and the Adviser reserve the right to reject any purchase order at any time.

 

Determination of NAV

 

The Fund’s NAV is calculated as of the scheduled close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, each day the NYSE is open for business. The NAV for the Fund is calculated by dividing the Fund’s net assets by its Shares outstanding.

 

In calculating its NAV, the Fund generally values its assets on the basis of market quotations, last sale prices, or estimates of value furnished by a pricing service or brokers who make markets in such instruments. If the foregoing information is not available for a security held by the Fund or is determined to be unreliable, the security will be valued at fair value estimates under guidelines established by the Board (as described below).

 

Fair Value Pricing

 

The Adviser has been designated by the Board as the valuation designee for the Fund pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act. In its capacity as valuation designee, the Adviser has adopted procedures and methodologies to fair value Fund securities whose market prices are not “readily available” or are deemed to be unreliable. For example, such circumstances may arise when: (i) a security has been de-listed or has had its trading halted or suspended; (ii) a security’s primary pricing source is unable or unwilling to provide a price; (iii) a security’s primary trading market is closed during regular market hours; or (iv) a security’s value is materially affected by events occurring after the close of the security’s primary trading market.

 

Generally, when fair valuing a security held by the Fund, the Adviser will take into account all reasonably available information that may be relevant to a particular valuation including, but not limited to, fundamental analytical data regarding the issuer, information relating to the issuer’s business, recent trades or offers of the security, general and/or specific market conditions and the specific facts giving rise to the need to fair value the security. Fair value determinations are made in good faith by the Adviser and in accordance with the Adviser’s fair value methodologies. Due to the subjective and variable nature of determining the fair value of a security or other investment, there can be no assurance that Adviser’s fair value will match or closely correlate to any market quotation that subsequently becomes available or the price quoted or published by other sources. In addition, the Adviser may not be able to obtain the fair value assigned to the security upon the sale of such security.

 

12

 

Delivery of Shareholder Documents – Householding

 

Householding is an option available to certain investors of the Fund. Householding is a method of delivery, based on the preference of the individual investor, in which a single copy of certain shareholder documents can be delivered to investors who share the same address, even if their accounts are registered under different names. Householding for the Fund is available through certain broker- dealers. If you are interested in enrolling in householding and receiving a single copy of prospectuses and other shareholder documents, please contact your broker-dealer. If you are currently enrolled in householding and wish to change your householding status, please contact your broker-dealer.

 

Dividends, Distributions and Taxes

 

Dividends and Distributions

 

The Fund intends to pay out dividends, if any, annually. The Fund intends to distribute any net realized capital gains to its shareholders at least annually. The Fund will declare and pay capital gain distributions, if any, in cash. Distributions in cash may be reinvested automatically in additional whole Shares only if the broker through whom you purchased Shares makes such option available. Your broker is responsible for distributing the income and capital gain distributions to you.

 

Taxes

 

The following discussion is a summary of some important U.S. federal income tax considerations generally applicable to investments in the Fund. Your investment in the Fund may have other tax implications. Please consult your tax advisor about the tax consequences of an investment in Shares, including the possible application of foreign, state, and local tax laws.

 

The Fund has elected and intends to qualify each year for treatment as a regulated investment company (a “RIC”) within the meaning of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). If it meets certain minimum distribution requirements, a RIC is not subject to tax at the fund level on income and gains from investments that are timely distributed to shareholders. However, the Fund’s failure to qualify as a RIC or to meet minimum distribution requirements would result (if certain relief provisions were not available) in fund-level taxation and, consequently, a reduction in income available for distribution to shareholders.

 

Unless your investment in Shares is made through a tax-exempt entity or tax-advantaged account, such as an IRA plan, you need to be aware of the possible tax consequences when the Fund makes distributions, when you sell your Shares listed on the Exchange, and when you purchase or redeem Creation Units (APs only).

 

Taxes on Distributions

 

The Fund intends to distribute, at least annually, substantially all of its net investment income and net capital gains. For federal income tax purposes, distributions of investment income are generally taxable as ordinary income or qualified dividend income. Taxes on distributions of capital gains (if any) are determined by how long the Fund owned the investments that generated them, rather than how long a shareholder has owned his or her Shares. Sales of assets held by the Fund for more than one year generally result in long-term capital gains and losses, and sales of assets held by the Fund for one year or less generally result in short-term capital gains and losses. Distributions of the Fund’s net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses) that are reported by the Fund as capital gain dividends (“Capital Gain Dividends”) will be taxable as long-term capital gains, which for non- corporate shareholders are subject to tax at reduced rates of up to 20% (lower rates apply to individuals in lower tax brackets). Distributions of short-term capital gain will generally be taxable as ordinary income. Dividends and distributions are generally taxable to you whether you receive them in cash or reinvest them in additional Shares.

 

Distributions reported by the Fund as “qualified dividend income” are generally taxed to non-corporate shareholders at rates applicable to long-term capital gains, provided holding period and other requirements are met. “Qualified dividend income” generally is income derived from dividends paid by U.S. corporations or certain foreign corporations that are either incorporated in a U.S. possession or eligible for tax benefits under certain U.S. income tax treaties. In addition, dividends that the Fund received in respect of stock of certain foreign corporations may be qualified dividend income if that stock is readily tradable on an established U.S. securities market. Corporate shareholders may be entitled to a dividends received deduction for the portion of dividends they receive from the Fund that are attributable to dividends received by the Fund from U.S. corporations, subject to certain limitations.

 

Under recently issued final Treasury Regulations, 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 (“IRS”).

 

13

 

Shortly after the close of each calendar year, you will be informed of the amount and character of any distributions received from the Fund.

 

In general, your distributions are subject to federal income tax for the year in which they are paid. Certain distributions paid in January, however, may be treated as paid on December 31 of the prior year. Distributions are generally taxable even if they are paid from income or gains earned by the Fund before your investment (and thus were included in the Shares’ NAV when you purchased your Shares).

 

You may wish to avoid investing in the Fund shortly before a dividend or other distribution, because such a distribution will generally be taxable even though it may economically represent a return of a portion of your investment.

 

If you are neither a resident nor a citizen of the United States or if you are a foreign entity, distributions (other than Capital Gain Dividends) paid to you by the Fund will generally be subject to a U.S. withholding tax at the rate of 30%, unless a lower treaty rate applies. Gains from the sale or other disposition of your Shares generally are not subject to U.S. taxation, unless you are a nonresident alien individual who is physically present in the U.S. for 183 days or more per year. The Fund may, under certain circumstances, report all or a portion of a dividend as an “interest-related dividend” or a “short-term capital gain dividend,” which would generally be exempt from this 30% U.S. withholding tax, provided certain other requirements are met. Different tax consequences may result if you are a foreign shareholder engaged in a trade or business within the United States or if a tax treaty applies.

 

Under legislation generally known as “FATCA” (the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act), the Fund is required to withhold 30% of certain ordinary dividends it pays to shareholders that are foreign entities and that fail to meet prescribed information reporting or certification requirements.

 

The Fund (or a financial intermediary, such as a broker, through which a shareholder owns Shares) generally is required to withhold and remit to the U.S. Treasury a percentage of the taxable distributions and sale or redemption proceeds paid to any shareholder who fails to properly furnish a correct taxpayer identification number, who has underreported dividend or interest income, or who fails to certify that he, she or it is not subject to such withholding.

 

Taxes When Fund Shares are Sold on the Exchange

 

Any capital gain or loss realized upon a sale of Shares generally is treated as a long-term capital gain or loss if Shares have been held for more than one year and as a short-term capital gain or loss if Shares have been held for one year or less. However, any capital loss on a sale of Shares held for six months or less is treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of Capital Gain Dividends paid with respect to such Shares. Any loss realized on a sale will be disallowed to the extent Shares of the Fund are acquired, including through reinvestment of dividends, within a 61-day period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the disposition of Shares. The ability to deduct capital losses may be limited.

 

The cost basis of Shares of the Fund acquired by purchase will generally be based on the amount paid for the Shares and then may be subsequently adjusted for other applicable transactions as required by the Code. The difference between the selling price and the cost basis of Shares generally determines the amount of the capital gain or loss realized on the sale or exchange of Shares. Contact the broker through whom you purchased your Shares to obtain information with respect to the available cost basis reporting methods and elections for your account.

 

Taxes on Purchases and Redemptions of Creation Units

 

An AP having the U.S. dollar as its functional currency for U.S. federal income tax purposes who exchanges securities for Creation Units generally recognizes a gain or a loss. The gain or loss will be equal to the difference between the value of the Creation Units at the time of the exchange and the exchanging AP’s aggregate basis in the securities delivered, plus the amount of any cash paid for the Creation Units. An AP who exchanges Creation Units for securities will generally recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the exchanging AP’s basis in the Creation Units and the aggregate U.S. dollar market value of the securities received, plus any cash received for such Creation Units. The IRS may assert, however, that a loss that is realized upon an exchange of securities for Creation Units may not be currently deducted under the rules governing “wash sales” (for an AP who does not mark-to-market their holdings), or on the basis that there has been no significant change in economic position. APs exchanging securities should consult their own tax advisor with respect to whether wash sale rules apply and when a loss might be deductible.

 

14

 

Any gain or loss realized upon a creation or redemption of Creation Units will be treated as capital or ordinary gain or loss, depending on the circumstances. Any capital gain or loss realized upon redemption of Creation Units is generally treated as long-term capital gain or loss if Shares have been held for more than one year and as a short-term capital gain or loss if Shares have been held for one year or less.

 

The Fund may include a payment of cash in addition to, or in place of, the delivery of a basket of securities upon the redemption of Creation Units. The Fund may sell portfolio securities to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds. This may cause the Fund to recognize investment income and/or capital gains or losses that it might not have recognized if it had completely satisfied the redemption in-kind. As a result, the Fund may be less tax efficient if it includes such a cash payment in the proceeds paid upon the redemption of Creation Units.

 

Net Investment Income Tax

 

U.S. individuals with income exceeding specified thresholds are subject to a 3.8% tax on all or a portion of their “net investment income,” which includes interest, dividends, and certain capital gains (generally including capital gains distributions and capital gains realized on the sale of Shares). 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.

 

The foregoing discussion summarizes some of the possible consequences under current federal tax law of an investment in the Fund. It is not a substitute for personal tax advice. You also may be subject to state and local tax on Fund distributions and sales of Shares. Consult your personal tax advisor about the potential tax consequences of an investment in Shares under all applicable tax laws. For more information, please see the section entitled “Federal Income Taxes” in the SAI.

 

Distribution

 

The Distributor, Paralel Distributors LLC, is a broker-dealer registered with the SEC. The Distributor distributes Creation Units for the Fund on an agency basis and does not maintain a secondary market in Shares. The Distributor has no role in determining the policies of the Fund or the securities that are purchased or sold by the Fund. The Distributor’s principal address is 1700 Broadway, Suite 2100, Denver, Colorado 80290 and is under common control of the Fund’s Administrator.

 

Premium/Discount Information

 

Information regarding how often Shares of the Fund trade on the Exchange at a price above (i.e., at a premium) or below (i.e., at a discount) the NAV of the Fund is available on the Fund’s website at [    ].

 

OTHER INFORMATION AND Additional Notices

 

Certain Conditions on Shareholder Legal Actions

 

Pursuant to the Trust’s primary governing document, the Second Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust, shareholders wishing to pursue a derivative action (a suit brought by a shareholder on behalf of the Fund) are subject to various conditions including that: (i) the Trustees must have a reasonable amount of time to assess the complaining shareholders’ request for action, (ii) at least 10% of shareholders of the Fund must participate in the action (except with respect to claims arising under federal securities laws), and (iii) complaining shareholders must undertake to pay the expenses of advisers that the Trustees engage in consideration of whether to bring an action in the event the Trustees determine not to bring an action (except with respect to claims arising under federal securities laws).

 

In addition, shareholders wishing to pursue a derivative action (except with respect to claims arising under federal securities law) must bring the compliant all shareholder legal complaints must be brought in the courts of the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, or if such court does not have subject matter jurisdiction, any other court with appropriate subject matter jurisdiction in the State of Delaware. For non-federal securities laws claims, this requirement may be inconvenient for some shareholders and may cause such claims to be made in a less favorable forum than otherwise may have been made.

 

15

 

Additional Notices

 

Shares are not sponsored, endorsed, or promoted by the Exchange. The Exchange makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the Shares. The Exchange is not responsible for, nor has it participated in, the determination of the timing of, prices of, or quantities of the Shares to be issued, nor in the determination or calculation of the equation by which the Shares are redeemable. The Exchange has no obligation or liability to owners of the Shares in connection with the administration, marketing, or trading of the Shares.

 

Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall the Exchange have any liability for any lost profits or indirect, punitive, special, or consequential damages even if notified of the possibility thereof.

 

Neither the Adviser nor the Fund make any representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of Shares or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Fund particularly.

 

Financial Highlights

 

The financial highlights are intended to help you understand the Investor Class Predecessor Fund’s financial performance for the past 5 fiscal years. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Predecessor Fund share. The total returns in the tables represent the rate that an investor would have earned on an investment in the Predecessor Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). The information for fiscal years ended April 30, 2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, and 2022, has been derived from the financial statements audited by [ ], the independent registered public accounting firm of the Predecessor Fund, whose report, along with the Predecessor Fund’s financial statements, are included in the Predecessor Fund’s most recent Form N-CSR filing, which is available upon request and free of charge by calling the Distributor at 1.877.421.5078.

 

[To be included in subsequent filing]

 

Adviser

Vulcan Value Partners, LLC 

Three Protective Center,
2801 Highway 280 South, Suite 300,
Birmingham, AL 35223

Fund Accountant, Administrator and Transfer Agent

Paralel Technologies LLC  

1700 Broadway, Suite 2100 

Denver, Colorado 80290

Custodian

State Street and Trust Co. 

1 Congress Street 

Boston, MA 02114 

Distributor

Paralel Distributors LLC 

1700 Broadway, Suite 2100

Denver, Colorado 80290  

Legal Counsel

Thompson Hine LLP 

41 S. High Street, Suite 1700 

Columbus, Ohio 43215  

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm [        ] 

 

The Fund’s SAI provides additional details about the investments of the Fund and certain other additional information. A current SAI dated [    ], 2026 is on file with the SEC and is herein incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. It is legally considered a part of this Prospectus.

 

Annual/Semi-Annual Reports: Additional information about the Fund’s investments will be available in the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders. In the annual report you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund’s performance.

 

To make shareholder inquiries, for more detailed information on the Fund, or to request the SAI or annual or semi-annual shareholder reports (once available) free of charge, please call the Fund’s Distributor at 1.877.421.5078. Free copies of the Fund’s shareholder reports, Prospectus, and the Statement of Additional Information are also available from our website at [    ].

 

Shareholder reports and other information about the Fund are also available, free of charge, on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and copies of this information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov.

 

No person is authorized to give any information or to make any representations about the Fund and its Shares not contained in this Prospectus and you should not rely on any other information. Read and keep this Prospectus for future reference.

 

SEC Investment Company Act File No. 811-23812

 

16

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION

Dated August 3, 2026

 

THE INFORMATION HEREIN IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. WE MAY NOT SELL THESE SECURITIES UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED WITH THE SEC IS EFFECTIVE. THIS SAI IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.

 

Vulcan Value Partners ETF – [   ] 

 

a series of Elevation Series Trust

 

Listed on [   ]

 

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

[   ], 2026

 

This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) is not a prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the prospectus dated [   ], 2026, as may be supplemented from time to time (“Prospectus”), of the Vulcan Value Partners ETF (the “Fund”), a series of Elevation Series Trust (the “Trust”). Capitalized terms used herein that are not defined have the same meaning as in the Prospectus, unless otherwise noted.

 

A copy of the Prospectus may be obtained, without charge by calling [   ], visiting [   ] or writing to Paralel Distributors LLC, 1700 Broadway Suite 2100, Denver, Colorado 80290.

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

  Page
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST AND THE FUND 1
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND’S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, POLICIES, AND RELATED RISKS 1
DESCRIPTION OF PERMITTED INVESTMENTS 2
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS 11
EXCHANGE LISTING AND TRADING 11
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST 12
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS, CONTROL PERSONS, AND MANAGEMENT OWNERSHIP 17
CODES OF ETHICS 17
PROXY VOTING POLICIES 17
INVESTMENT ADVISER 18
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS 18
THE DISTRIBUTOR 19
THE ADMINISTRATOR, CUSTODIAN, AND TRANSFER AGENT 20
LEGAL COUNSEL 21
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 21
PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS DISCLOSURE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 21
DESCRIPTION OF SHARES 21
LIMITATION OF TRUSTEE LIABILITY 22
BROKERAGE TRANSACTIONS 22
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE 23
BOOK ENTRY ONLY SYSTEM 24
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES IN CREATION UNITS 24
DETERMINATION OF NAV 30
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS 30
FEDERAL INCOME TAXES 31
SHAREHOLDER REPORTS 36
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 36

 

 

 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST AND THE FUND

 

The Trust is an open-end management investment company, currently consisting of several investment series. This SAI relates to the Vulcan Value Partners ETF (the “Fund”). The Trust was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on March 7, 2022. The Trust is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (together with the rules and regulations adopted thereunder, as amended, the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company, and the offering of the Fund’s shares (“Shares”) is registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The Fund is actively managed. The Trust is governed by its Board of Trustees (the “Board”). Vulcan Value Partners, LLC (“Vulcan” or the “Adviser”) serves as investment adviser to the Fund. The investment objective of the Fund is long-term capital appreciation.

 

The Fund acquired all of the assets and liabilities of the Vulcan Value Partners Fund, a mutual fund series of Trust (the “Predecessor Fund”), in a tax-free reorganization (the “Reorganization”) on [   ], 2026. The Predecessor Fund acquired all of the assets and liabilities of the predecessor Vulcan Value Partners Fund, a mutual fund series of Financial Investors Trust, in a tax-free reorganization on September 12, 2025, which had the same investment objectives, strategies and policies as the Predecessor Fund at the time of that reorganization.

 

The Fund offers and issues Shares at its net asset value (“NAV”) only in aggregations of a specified number of Shares (each, a “Creation Unit”). The Fund generally offers and issues Shares in exchange for a basket of securities (“Deposit Securities”) together with the deposit of a specified cash payment (“Cash Component”). The Trust reserves the right to permit or require the substitution of a “cash in lieu” amount (“Deposit Cash”) to be added to the Cash Component to replace any Deposit Security. Shares are listed on the [   ] (the “Exchange”) and trade on the Exchange at market prices that may differ from the Shares’ NAV. Shares are also redeemable only in Creation Unit aggregations, primarily for a basket of Deposit Securities together with a Cash Component. A Creation Unit of the Fund generally consists of 10,000 Shares, though this may change from time to time. As a practical matter, only institutions or large investors purchase or redeem Creation Units. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, Shares are not redeemable securities.

 

Shares may be issued in advance of receipt of Deposit Securities subject to various conditions, including a requirement to maintain on deposit with the Trust cash at least equal to a specified percentage of the value of the missing Deposit Securities, as set forth in the Participant Agreement (as defined below). The Trust may impose a transaction fee for each creation or redemption. In all cases, such fees will be limited in accordance with the requirements of the SEC applicable to management investment companies offering redeemable securities. As in the case of other publicly traded securities, brokers’ commissions on transactions in the secondary market will be based on negotiated commission rates at customary levels.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND’S INVESTMENTS

 

Objective, Policies, And Related Risks

 

The Fund’s investment objective and principal investment strategies are described in the Prospectus. The following information supplements, and should be read in conjunction with, the Prospectus. For a description of certain permitted investments, see “Description of Permitted Investments” in this SAI.

 

With respect to the Fund’s investments, unless otherwise noted, if a percentage limitation on investment is adhered to at the time of investment or contract, a subsequent increase or decrease as a result of market movement or redemption will not result in a violation of such investment limitation.

 

Non-Diversification

 

The Fund is classified as non-diversified. As a result, an increase or decrease in the value of a single security may have a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and total return. Being non-diversified may also make the Fund more susceptible to financial, economic, political or other developments that may impact a security. Although the Fund may from time to time satisfy the requirements for a diversified fund, its non-diversified classification gives the Fund’s portfolio managers more flexibility to hold larger positions in a smaller number of securities than a fund that is classified as diversified.

 

General Risks

 

The value of the Fund’s portfolio securities may fluctuate with changes in the financial condition of an issuer or counterparty, changes in specific economic or political conditions that affect a particular security or issuer and changes in general economic or political conditions. An investor in the Fund could lose money over short or long periods of time.

 

There can be no guarantee that a liquid market for the securities held by the Fund will be maintained. The existence of a liquid trading market for certain securities may depend on whether dealers will make a market in such securities. There can be no assurance that a market will be made or maintained or that any such market will be or remain liquid. The price at which securities may be sold and the value of Shares will be adversely affected if trading markets for the Fund’s portfolio securities are limited or absent, or if bid-ask spreads are wide.

 

 1

 

 

Cyber Security 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 cyber security breaches. Cyber attacks affecting the Fund, the Adviser, custodian, transfer agent, intermediaries and 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 NAV, 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 cyber security risk management purposes. Similar types of cyber security 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 investments in such portfolio companies to lose value.

 

Recent Market Events. U.S. and international markets have experienced and may continue to experience significant periods of volatility in recent years and months due to a number of economic, political and global macro factors including rising inflation, uncertainty regarding central banks’ interest rate increases, the possibility of a national or global recession, trade tensions, political events, the war between Russia and Ukraine and the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic. As a result of continuing political tensions and armed conflicts, including the war between Ukraine and Russia, the U.S. and the European Union imposed sanctions on certain Russian individuals and companies, including certain financial institutions, and have limited certain exports and imports to and from Russia. The war has contributed to recent market volatility and may continue to do so.

 

These developments, as well as other events, could result in further market volatility and negatively affect financial asset prices, the liquidity of certain securities and the normal operations of securities exchanges and other markets, despite government efforts to address market disruptions. As a result, the risk environment remains elevated. The Adviser will monitor developments and seek to manage the Fund in a manner consistent with achieving the Fund’s investment objective, but there can be no assurance that they will be successful in doing so.

 

DESCRIPTION OF PERMITTED INVESTMENTS

 

The following are descriptions of the Fund’s permitted investments and investment practices and the associated risk factors. The Fund will only invest in any of the following instruments or engage in any of the following investment practices if such investment or activity is consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and permitted by the Fund’s stated investment policies.

 

Borrowing

 

Although the Fund does not intend to borrow money, the Fund may do so to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund may borrow up to one-third (1/3) of its total assets. The Fund will borrow money only for short-term or emergency purposes. Such borrowing is not for investment purposes and will be repaid by the borrowing Fund promptly. Borrowing will tend to exaggerate the effect on NAV of any increase or decrease in the market value of the borrowing Funds’ portfolio. Money borrowed will be subject to interest costs that may or may not be recovered by earnings on the securities purchased. The Fund also may be required to maintain minimum average balances in connection with a borrowing 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.

 

Closed-End Funds

 

Closed-end funds are investment companies registered with the SEC that issue a fixed number of shares through an initial public offering, after which shares will typically be traded on an exchange such as the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) or the Nasdaq National Market System. Unlike open-end investment companies, shares of closed-end funds are not redeemable with the fund on a daily basis. The Adviser seeks to select closed-end funds for the Fund’s portfolio whose shares are trading at a discount or premium relative to their underlying net asset values (NAV).

 

Depositary Receipts

 

To the extent the Fund invests in stocks of foreign corporations, such Fund’s investment in securities of foreign companies may be in the form of depositary receipts or other securities convertible into securities of foreign issuers. American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) are dollar-denominated receipts representing interests in the securities of a foreign issuer, which securities may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the securities into which they may be converted. ADRs are receipts typically issued by U.S. banks and trust companies which evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation. Generally, ADRs in registered form are designed for use in domestic securities markets and are traded on exchanges or over-the-counter in the United States.

 

 2

 

 

 Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”), European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”), and International Depositary Receipts (“IDRs”) are similar to ADRs in that they are certificates evidencing ownership of shares of a foreign issuer; however, GDRs, EDRs, and IDRs may be issued in bearer form and denominated in other currencies and are generally designed for use in specific or multiple securities markets outside the U.S. EDRs, for example, are designed for use in European securities markets, while GDRs are designed for use throughout the world. Depositary receipts will not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as their underlying securities.

 

The Fund will not invest in any unlisted depositary receipts or any depositary receipt that the Adviser deems to be illiquid or for which pricing information is not readily available. In addition, all depositary receipts generally must be sponsored. However, the Fund may invest in unsponsored depositary receipts under certain limited circumstances. The issuers of unsponsored depositary receipts are not obligated to disclose material information in the United States and, therefore, there may be less information available regarding such issuers and there may not be a correlation between such information and the value of the depositary receipts.

 

Derivative Instruments

 

Derivatives are financial instruments whose values are based on the value of one or more indicators, such as a security, asset, currency, interest rate, or index. Examples of derivative instruments include forward contracts, currency and interest rate swaps, currency options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, and swap agreements. The Fund’s use of derivatives involves risks different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other more traditional investments. Moreover, although the value of a derivative is based on an underlying indicator, a derivative does not carry the same rights as would be the case if the Fund invested directly in the underlying securities.

 

Rule 18f-4 governs the use of derivatives by registered investment companies. Rule 18f-4 imposes limits on the amount of derivatives the Fund can enter into, treats derivatives as senior securities, and if the Fund’s use of derivatives is more than a limited specified exposure amount, requires the Fund to establish and maintain a comprehensive derivatives risk management program and appoint a derivatives risk manager.

 

Derivative instruments may be used for “hedging,” which means that they may be used when the Adviser seeks to protect the Fund’s investments from a decline in value resulting from changes to interest rates, market prices, currency fluctuations or other market factors. Derivative instruments may also be used for other purposes, including to seek to increase liquidity, provide efficient portfolio management, broaden investment opportunities (including taking short or negative positions), implement a tax or cash management strategy, gain exposure to a particular security or segment of the market, modify the effective duration of the Fund’s portfolio investments and/or enhance total return. However derivative instruments are used, their successful use is not assured and will depend upon, among other factors, the Adviser’s ability to gauge relevant market movements.

 

Derivative instruments may be used for the purpose of direct hedging. Direct hedging means that the transaction must be intended to reduce a specific risk exposure of a portfolio security or its denominated currency and must also be directly related to such security or currency. The Fund’s use of derivative instruments may be limited from time to time by policies adopted by the Board or the Adviser.

 

Options. An option is a contract that gives the purchaser of the option, in return for the premium paid, the right to buy an underlying reference instrument, such as a specified security, currency, index, or other instrument, from the writer of the option (in the case of a call option), or to sell a specified reference instrument to the writer of the option (in the case of a put option) at a designated price during the term of the option. The premium paid by the buyer of an option will reflect, among other things, the relationship of the exercise price to the market price and the volatility of the underlying reference instrument, the remaining term of the option, supply, demand, interest rates and/or currency exchange rates. An American style put or call option may be exercised at any time during the option period while a European style put or call option may be exercised only upon expiration or during a fixed period prior thereto. Put and call options are traded on national securities exchanges and in the OTC market.

 

Options traded on national securities exchanges are within the jurisdiction of the SEC or other appropriate national securities regulator, as are securities traded on such exchanges. As a result, many of the protections provided to traders on organized exchanges will be available with respect to such transactions. In particular, all option positions entered into on a national securities exchange in the United States are cleared and guaranteed by the Options Clearing Corporation, thereby reducing the risk of counterparty default. Furthermore, a liquid secondary market in options traded on a national securities exchange may be more readily available than in the OTC market, potentially permitting the Fund to liquidate open positions at a profit prior to exercise or expiration, or to limit losses in the event of adverse market movements. There is no assurance, however, that higher than anticipated trading activity or other unforeseen events might not temporarily render the capabilities of the Options Clearing Corporation inadequate, and thereby result in the exchange instituting special procedures which may interfere with the timely execution of the Fund’s orders to close out open options positions.

 

 3

 

 

Purchasing call and put options. As the buyer of a call option, the Fund has a right to buy the underlying reference instrument (e.g., a currency or security) at the exercise price at any time during the option period (for American style options). The Fund may enter into closing sale transactions with respect to call options, exercise them, or permit them to expire. For example, the Fund may buy call options on underlying reference instruments that it intends to buy with the goal of limiting the risk of a substantial increase in their market price before the purchase is effected. Unless the price of the underlying reference instrument changes sufficiently, a call option purchased by the Fund may expire without any value to the Fund, in which case the Fund would experience a loss to the extent of the premium paid for the option plus related transaction costs.

 

As the buyer of a put option, the Fund has the right to sell the underlying reference instrument at the exercise price at any time during the option period (for American style options). Like a call option, the Fund may enter into closing sale transactions with respect to put options, exercise them or permit them to expire. The Fund may buy a put option on an underlying reference instrument owned by the Fund (a protective put) as a hedging technique in an attempt to protect against an anticipated decline in the market value of the underlying reference instrument. Such hedge protection is provided only during the life of the put option when the Fund, as the buyer of the put option, is able to sell the underlying reference instrument at the put exercise price, regardless of any decline in the underlying instrument’s market price. The Fund may also seek to offset a decline in the value of the underlying reference instrument through appreciation in the value of the put option. A put option may also be purchased with the intent of protecting unrealized appreciation of an instrument when the Adviser deems it desirable to continue to hold the instrument because of tax or other considerations. The premium paid for the put option and any transaction costs would reduce any short-term capital gain that may be available for distribution when the instrument is eventually sold. Buying put options at a time when the buyer does not own the underlying reference instrument allows the buyer to benefit from a decline in the market price of the underlying reference instrument, which generally increases the value of the put option.

 

If a put option was not terminated in a closing sale transaction when it has remaining value, and if the market price of the underlying reference instrument remains equal to or greater than the exercise price during the life of the put option, the buyer would not make any gain upon exercise of the option and would experience a loss to the extent of the premium paid for the option plus related transaction costs. In order for the purchase of a put option to be profitable, the market price of the underlying reference instrument must decline sufficiently below the exercise price to cover the premium and transaction costs.

 

Writing call and put options. Writing options may permit the writer to generate additional income in the form of the premium received for writing the option. The writer of an option may have no control over when the underlying reference instruments must be sold (in the case of a call option) or purchased (in the case of a put option) because the writer may be notified of exercise at any time prior to the expiration of the option (for American style options). In general, though, options are infrequently exercised prior to expiration. Whether or not an option expires unexercised, the writer retains the amount of the premium. Writing “covered” call options means that the writer owns the underlying reference instrument that is subject to the call option. Call options may also be written on reference instruments that the writer does not own.

 

If the Fund writes a covered call option, any underlying reference instruments that are held by the Fund and are subject to the call option will be earmarked on the books of the Fund as segregated to satisfy its obligations under the option. The Fund will be unable to sell the underlying reference instruments that are subject to the written call option until it either effects a closing transaction with respect to the written call, or otherwise satisfies the conditions for release of the underlying reference instruments from segregation. As the writer of a covered call option, the Fund gives up the potential for capital appreciation above the exercise price of the option should the underlying reference instrument rise in value. If the value of the underlying reference instrument rises above the exercise price of the call option, the reference instrument will likely be “called away,” requiring the Fund to sell the underlying instrument at the exercise price. In that case, the Fund will sell the underlying reference instrument to the option buyer for less than its market value, and the Fund will experience a loss (which will be offset by the premium received by the Fund as the writer of such option). If a call option expires unexercised, the Fund will realize a gain in the amount of the premium received. If the market price of the underlying reference instrument decreases, the call option will not be exercised, and the Fund will be able to use the amount of the premium received to hedge against the loss in value of the underlying reference instrument. The exercise price of a call option will be chosen based upon the expected price movement of the underlying reference instrument. The exercise price of a call option may be below, equal to (at-the-money), or above the current value of the underlying reference instrument at the time the option is written.

 

As the writer of a put option, the Fund has a risk of loss should the underlying reference instrument decline in value. If the value of the underlying reference instrument declines below the exercise price of the put option and the put option is exercised, the Fund, as the writer of the put option, will be required to buy the instrument at the exercise price, which will exceed the market value of the underlying reference instrument at that time. The Fund will incur a loss to the extent that the current market value of the underlying reference instrument is less than the exercise price of the put option. However, the loss will be offset in part by the premium received from the buyer of the put. If a put option written by the Fund expires unexercised, the Fund will realize a gain in the amount of the premium received.

 

 4

 

 

Closing out options (exchange-traded options). If the writer of an option wants to terminate its obligation, the writer may effect a “closing purchase transaction” by buying an option of the same series as the option previously written. The effect of the purchase is that the clearing corporation will cancel the option writer’s position. However, a writer may not effect a closing purchase transaction after being notified of the exercise of an option. Likewise, the buyer of an option may recover all or a portion of the premium that it paid by effecting a “closing sale transaction” by selling an option of the same series as the option previously purchased and receiving a premium on the sale. There is no guarantee that either a closing purchase or a closing sale transaction may be made at a time desired by the Fund. Closing transactions allow the Fund to terminate its positions in written and purchased options. The Fund will realize a profit from a closing transaction if the price of the transaction is less than the premium received from writing the original option (in the case of written options) or is more than the premium paid by the Fund to buy the option (in the case of purchased options). For example, increases in the market price of a call option sold by the Fund will generally reflect increases in the market price of the underlying reference instrument. As a result, any loss resulting from a closing transaction on a written call option is likely to be offset in whole or in part by appreciation of the underlying instrument owned by the Fund.

 

Risks of options. The Fund’s options investments involve certain risks, including general risks related to derivative instruments. There can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an exchange will exist for any particular option, or at any particular time, and the Fund may have difficulty effecting closing transactions in particular options. Therefore, the Fund would have to exercise the options it purchased in order to realize any profit, thus taking or making delivery of the underlying reference instrument when not desired. The Fund could then incur transaction costs upon the sale of the underlying reference instruments. Similarly, when the Fund cannot effect a closing transaction with respect to a put option it wrote, and the buyer exercises, the Fund would be required to take delivery and would incur transaction costs upon the sale of the underlying reference instruments purchased. If the Fund, as a covered call option writer, is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction in a secondary market, it will not be able to sell the underlying reference instrument until the option expires, or it delivers the underlying instrument upon exercise. When trading options on non-U.S. exchanges or in the OTC market, many of the protections afforded to exchange participants will not be available. For example, there may be no daily price fluctuation limits, and adverse market movements could therefore continue to an unlimited extent over an indefinite period of time.

 

The effectiveness of an options strategy for hedging depends on the degree to which price movements in the underlying reference instruments correlate with price movements in the relevant portion of the Fund’s portfolio that is being hedged. In addition, the Fund bears the risk that the prices of its portfolio investments will not move in the same amount as the option it has purchased or sold for hedging purposes, or that there may be a negative correlation that would result in a loss on both the investments and the option. If the Adviser is not successful in using options in managing the Fund’s investments, the Fund’s performance will be worse than if the Adviser did not employ such strategies.

 

Developing government regulation of derivatives. The regulation of certain derivatives is a rapidly changing area of law and is subject to modification by government and judicial action. In addition, the SEC, CFTC, and the exchanges are authorized to take extraordinary actions in the event of a market emergency, including, for example, the implementation or reduction of speculative position limits, the implementation of higher margin requirements, the establishment of daily price limits and the suspension of trading.

 

It is not possible to predict fully the effects of current or future regulation. However, it is possible that developments in government regulation of various types of derivative instruments, such as speculative position limits on certain types of derivatives, or limits or restrictions on the counterparties with which the Fund engages in derivative transactions, may limit or prevent the Fund from using or limit the Fund’s use of these instruments effectively as a part of its investment strategy, and could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment goal(s). The Adviser will continue to monitor developments in the area, particularly to the extent regulatory changes affect the Fund’s ability to enter into desired swap agreements. New requirements, even if not directly applicable to the Fund, may increase the cost of the Fund’s investments and cost of doing business.

 

Equity Securities

 

Equity securities, such as the common stock of an issuer, are subject to stock market fluctuations and therefore may experience volatile changes in value as market conditions, consumer sentiment or the financial condition of the issuers change. A decrease in value of the equity securities in the Fund’s portfolio also may cause the value of such Fund’s Shares to decline.

 

An investment in the Fund should be made with an understanding of the risks inherent in an investment in equity securities, including the risk that the financial condition of issuers may become impaired or that the general condition of the stock market may deteriorate (either of which may cause a decrease in the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities and therefore a decrease in the value of Shares). Common stocks are susceptible to general stock market fluctuations and to volatile increases and decreases in value as market confidence and perceptions change. These investor perceptions are based on various and unpredictable factors, including expectations regarding government, economic, monetary and fiscal policies; inflation and interest rates; economic expansion or contraction; and global or regional political, economic or banking crises.

 

 5

 

 

Holders of common stocks incur more risk than holders of preferred stocks and debt obligations because common stockholders, as owners of the issuer, generally have inferior rights to receive payments from the issuer in comparison with the rights of creditors or holders of debt obligations or preferred stocks. Further, unlike debt securities, which typically have a stated principal amount payable at maturity (whose value, however, is subject to market fluctuations prior thereto), or preferred stocks, which typically have a liquidation preference and which may have stated optional or mandatory redemption provisions, common stocks have neither a fixed principal amount nor a maturity. Common stock values are subject to market fluctuations as long as the common stock remains outstanding.

 

When-Issued Securities - A when-issued security is one whose terms are available and for which a market exists, but which has not been issued. When the Fund engages in when-issued transactions, it relies on the other party to consummate the sale. If the other party fails to complete the sale, the Fund may miss the opportunity to obtain the security at a favorable price or yield.

 

When purchasing a security on a when-issued basis, the Fund assumes the rights and risks of ownership of the security, including the risk of price and yield changes. At the time of settlement, the value of the security may be more or less than the purchase price. The yield available in the market when the delivery takes place also may be higher than those obtained in the transaction itself. Because the Fund does not pay for the security until the delivery date, these risks are in addition to the risks associated with its other investments.

 

Decisions to enter into “when-issued” transactions will be considered on a case-by-case basis when necessary to maintain continuity in a company’s index membership.

 

Types of Equity Securities:

 

Common Stocks — Common stocks represent units of ownership in a company. Common stocks usually carry voting rights and earn dividends. Unlike preferred stocks, which are described below, dividends on common stocks are not fixed but are declared at the discretion of the company’s board of directors.

 

Preferred Stocks — Preferred stocks also are units of ownership in a company. Preferred stocks normally have preference over common stock in the payment of dividends and the liquidation of the company. However, in all other respects, preferred stocks are subordinated to the liabilities of the issuer. Unlike common stocks, preferred stocks are generally not entitled to vote on corporate matters. Types of preferred stocks include adjustable-rate preferred stock, fixed dividend preferred stock, perpetual preferred stock, and sinking fund preferred stock.

 

Generally, the market values of preferred stock with a fixed dividend rate and no conversion element vary inversely with interest rates and perceived credit risk.

 

Rights and Warrants — A right is a privilege granted to existing shareholders of a corporation to subscribe to shares of a new issue of common stock before it is issued. Rights normally have a short life of usually two to four weeks, are freely transferable and entitle the holder to buy the new common stock at a lower price than the public offering price. Warrants are securities that are usually issued together with a debt security or preferred stock and that give the holder the right to buy proportionate amount of common stock at a specified price. Warrants are freely transferable and are traded on major exchanges. Unlike rights, warrants normally have a life that is measured in years and entitles the holder to buy common stock of a company at a price that is usually higher than the market price at the time the warrant is issued. Corporations often issue warrants to make the accompanying debt security more attractive.

 

An investment in warrants and rights may entail greater risks than certain other types of investments. Generally, rights and warrants do not carry the right to receive dividends or exercise voting rights with respect to the underlying securities, and they do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuer. In addition, their value does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities, and they cease to have value if they are not exercised on or before their expiration date. Investing in rights and warrants increases the potential profit or loss to be realized from the investment as compared with investing the same amount in the underlying securities.

 

Medium-Sized Companies — Investors in medium-sized companies typically take on greater risk and price volatility than they would by investing in larger, more established companies. This increased risk may be due to the greater business risks of their medium size, limited markets and financial resources, narrow product lines and frequent lack of management depth. The securities of medium-sized companies are often traded in the over-the-counter market and might not be traded in volumes typical of securities traded on a national securities exchange. Thus, the securities of medium capitalization companies are likely to be less liquid, and subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements, than securities of larger, more established companies.

 

Smaller Companies — The securities of small- and mid-capitalization companies may be more vulnerable to adverse issuer, market, political, or economic developments than securities of larger-capitalization companies. The securities of small- and mid-capitalization companies generally trade in lower volumes and are subject to greater and more unpredictable price changes than larger capitalization stocks or the stock market as a whole. Some small- or mid-capitalization companies have limited product lines, markets, and financial and managerial resources and tend to concentrate on fewer geographical markets relative to larger capitalization companies. There is typically less publicly available information concerning small- and mid-capitalization companies than for larger, more established companies. Small- and mid-capitalization companies also may be particularly sensitive to changes in interest rates, government regulation, borrowing costs, and earnings.

 

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Tracking Stocks — A tracking stock is a separate class of common stock whose value is linked to a specific business unit or operating division within a larger company, and which is designed to “track” the performance of such business unit or division. The tracking stock may pay dividends to shareholders independent of the parent company. The parent company, rather than the business unit or division, generally is the issuer of tracking stock. However, holders of the tracking stock may not have the same rights as holders of the company’s common stock.

 

Exchange-Traded Funds

 

The Fund will invest in shares of other investment companies (including exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”)). As the shareholder of another ETF, the Fund would bear, along with other shareholders, its pro rata portion of the other ETF’s expenses, including advisory fees. Such expenses are in addition to the expenses the Fund pays in connection with its own operations. The Fund’s investments in other ETFs may be limited by applicable law.

 

Disruptions in the markets for the securities underlying ETFs purchased or sold by the Fund could result in losses on investments in ETFs. ETFs also carry the risk that the price the Fund pays or receives may be higher or lower than the ETF’s NAV. ETFs are also subject to certain additional risks, including the risks of illiquidity and of possible trading halts due to market conditions or other reasons, based on the policies of the relevant exchange. ETFs and other investment companies in which the Fund may invest may be leveraged, which would increase the volatility of the Fund’s NAV. The Fund also may invest in ETFs and other investment companies that seek to return the inverse of the performance of an underlying index on a daily, monthly, or other basis, including inverse leveraged ETFs.

 

Inverse and leveraged ETFs are subject to additional risks not generally associated with traditional ETFs. To the extent that the Fund invests in inverse ETFs, the value of the Fund’s investments will decrease when the index underlying the ETF’s benchmark rises, a result that is the opposite from traditional equity or bond funds. The NAV and market price of leveraged or inverse ETFs are usually more volatile than the value of the tracked index or of other ETFs that do not use leverage. This is because inverse and leveraged ETFs use investment techniques and financial instruments that may be considered aggressive, including the use of derivative transactions and short selling techniques. The use of these techniques may cause the inverse or leveraged ETFs to lose more money in market environments that are adverse to their investment strategies than other funds that do not use such techniques.

 

Illiquid Investments

 

The Fund may invest up to an aggregate amount of 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments, as such term is defined by Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act. The Fund may not invest in illiquid investments if, as a result of such investment, more than 15% of the Fund’s net assets would be invested in illiquid investments. Illiquid investments include securities subject to contractual or other restrictions on resale and other instruments that lack readily available markets. The inability of the Fund to dispose of illiquid investments readily or at a reasonable price could impair the Fund’s ability to raise cash for redemptions or other purposes. The liquidity of securities purchased by the Fund that are eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A, except for certain 144A bonds, will be monitored by the Fund on an ongoing basis. In the event that more than 15% of the Fund’s net assets are invested in illiquid investments, the Fund, in accordance with Rule 22e-4(b)(1)(iv), will report the occurrence to both the Board and the SEC and seek to reduce its holdings of illiquid investments within a reasonable period of time.

 

Investment Company Securities

 

The Fund intends to invest in the securities of other investment companies, including ETFs and money market funds, subject to applicable limitations under Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder. Pursuant to Section 12(d)(1), the Fund may invest in the securities of another investment company (the “acquired company”) provided that such Fund, immediately after such purchase or acquisition, does not own in the aggregate: (i) more than 3% of the total outstanding voting stock of the acquired company; (ii) securities issued by the acquired company having an aggregate value in excess of 5% of the value of the total assets of such Fund; or (iii) securities issued by the acquired company and all other investment companies (other than treasury stock of such Fund) having an aggregate value in excess of 10% of the value of the total assets of the applicable Fund. Under certain circumstances, including in compliance with Rule 12d1-4 under the 1940 Act, the Fund may invest its assets in securities of investment companies, including money market funds, in excess of the limits discussed above.

 

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Investing in another pooled vehicle exposes the Fund to all the risks of that pooled vehicle. In addition, if the Fund invests in and, thus, is a shareholder of, another investment company, the Fund’s shareholders will indirectly bear the Fund’s proportionate share of the fees and expenses paid by such other investment company, including advisory fees, in addition to both the management fees payable directly by the Fund to the Fund’s own investment adviser and the other expenses that the Fund bears directly in connection with the Fund’s own operations.

 

Money Market Instruments

 

The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in high-quality money market instruments on an ongoing basis to provide liquidity or for other reasons. The instruments in which the Fund may invest include: (i) short-term obligations issued by the U.S. government; (ii) negotiable certificates of deposit (“CDs”), fixed time deposits and bankers’ acceptances of U.S. and foreign banks and similar institutions; (iii) commercial paper rated at the date of purchase “Prime-1” by Moody’s or “A-1+” or “A-1” by Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) or, if unrated, of comparable quality as determined by the Fund; and (iv) repurchase agreements. CDs are short-term negotiable obligations of commercial banks. Time deposits are non-negotiable deposits maintained in banking institutions for specified periods of time at stated interest rates. Banker’s acceptances are time drafts drawn on commercial banks by borrowers, usually in connection with international transactions.

 

Other Short-Term Instruments

 

The Fund may invest in short-term instruments, including money market instruments, on an ongoing basis to provide liquidity or for other reasons. Money market instruments are generally short-term investments that may include but are not limited to: (i) shares of money market funds; (ii) obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities (including government-sponsored enterprises); (iii) negotiable certificates of deposit (“CDs”), bankers’ acceptances, fixed time deposits and other obligations of U.S. and foreign banks (including foreign branches) and similar institutions; (iv) commercial paper rated at the date of purchase “Prime-1” by Moody’s or “A-1” by S&P or, if unrated, of comparable quality as determined by the Adviser; (v) non-convertible corporate debt securities (e.g., bonds and debentures) with remaining maturities at the date of purchase of not more than 397 days and that satisfy the rating requirements set forth in Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act; and (vi) short-term U.S. dollar-denominated obligations of foreign banks (including U.S. branches) that, in the opinion of the Adviser, are of comparable quality to obligations of U.S. banks which may be purchased by the Fund. Any of these instruments may be purchased on a current or a forward-settled basis. Money market instruments also include shares of money market funds. Time deposits are non-negotiable deposits maintained in banking institutions for specified periods of time at stated interest rates. Bankers’ acceptances are time drafts drawn on commercial banks by borrowers, usually in connection with international transactions.

 

Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”)

 

A U.S. REIT is a corporation or business trust (that would otherwise be taxed as a corporation) which meets the definitional requirements of the Code. The Code permits a qualifying REIT to deduct from taxable income the dividends paid, thereby effectively eliminating corporate level federal income tax. To meet the definitional requirements of the Code, a REIT must, among other things: invest substantially all of its assets in interests in real estate (including mortgages and other REITs), cash and government securities; derive most of its income from rents from real property or interest on loans secured by mortgages on real property; and, in general, distribute annually 90% or more of its taxable income (other than net capital gains) to shareholders.

 

REITs are sometimes informally characterized as Equity REITs and Mortgage REITs. An Equity REIT invests primarily in the fee ownership or leasehold ownership of land and buildings (e.g., commercial equity REITs and residential equity REITs); a Mortgage REIT invests primarily in mortgages on real property, which may secure construction, development or long-term loans.

 

REITs may be affected by changes in underlying real estate values, which may have an exaggerated effect to the extent that REITs in which the Fund invests may concentrate investments in particular geographic regions or property types. Additionally, rising interest rates may cause investors in REITs to demand a higher annual yield from future distributions, which may in turn decrease market prices for equity securities issued by REITs. Rising interest rates also generally increase the costs of obtaining financing, which could cause the value of the Fund’s investments to decline. During periods of declining interest rates, certain Mortgage REITs may hold mortgages that the mortgagors elect to prepay, which prepayment may diminish the yield on securities issued by such Mortgage REITs. In addition, Mortgage REITs may be affected by the ability of borrowers to repay when due the debt extended by the REIT and Equity REITs may be affected by the ability of tenants to pay rent.

 

Certain REITs have relatively small market capitalization, which may tend to increase the volatility of the market price of securities issued by such REITs. Furthermore, REITs are dependent upon specialized management skills, have limited diversification and are, therefore, subject to risks inherent in operating and financing a limited number of projects. By investing in REITs indirectly through the Fund, a shareholder will bear not only his or her proportionate share of the expenses of the Fund, but also, indirectly, similar expenses of the REITs. REITs depend generally on their ability to generate cash flow to make distributions to shareholders.

 

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In addition to these risks, Equity REITs may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the trusts, while Mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of any credit extended. Further, Equity and Mortgage REITs are dependent upon management skills and generally may not be diversified. Equity and Mortgage REITs are also subject to heavy cash flow dependency defaults by borrowers and self-liquidation. In addition, Equity and Mortgage REITs could possibly fail to qualify for the favorable U.S. federal income tax treatment generally available to REITs under the Code or fail to maintain their exemptions from registration under the 1940 Act. The above factors also may adversely affect a borrower’s or a lessee’s ability to meet its obligations to the REIT. In the event of default by a borrower or lessee, the REIT may experience delays in enforcing its rights as a mortgagee or lessor and may incur substantial costs associated with protecting its investments.

 

Repurchase Agreements

 

The Fund may invest in repurchase agreements with commercial banks, brokers, or dealers to generate income from its excess cash balances and to invest in securities lending cash collateral. A repurchase agreement is an agreement under which the Fund acquires a financial instrument (e.g., a security issued by the U.S. government or an agency thereof, a banker’s acceptance or a certificate of deposit) from a seller, subject to resale to the seller at an agreed upon price and date (normally, the next Business Day). A repurchase agreement may be considered a loan collateralized by securities. The resale price reflects an agreed upon interest rate effective for the period the instrument is held by the applicable Fund and is unrelated to the interest rate on the underlying instrument.

 

In these repurchase agreement transactions, the securities acquired by the Fund (including accrued interest earned thereon) must have a total value in excess of the value of the repurchase agreement and are held by the Custodian until repurchased. No more than an aggregate of 15% of the Fund’s net assets will be invested in illiquid investments, including repurchase agreements having maturities longer than seven days and securities subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale, or for which there are no readily available market quotations.

 

The use of repurchase agreements involves certain risks. For example, if the other party to the agreement defaults on its obligation to repurchase the underlying security at a time when the value of the security has declined, the Fund may incur a loss upon disposition of the security. If the other party to the agreement becomes insolvent and subject to liquidation or reorganization under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code or other laws, a court may determine that the underlying security is collateral for a loan by the Fund not within the control of the Fund and, therefore, the Fund may not be able to substantiate its interest in the underlying security and may be deemed an unsecured creditor of the other party to the agreement.

 

Securities Lending

 

The Fund may lend portfolio securities in an amount up to one-third of its total assets to brokers, dealers and other financial institutions. In a portfolio securities lending transaction, the Fund receives from the borrower an amount equal to the interest paid or the dividends declared on the loaned securities during the term of the loan as well as the interest on the collateral securities, less any fees (such as finders or administrative fees) the Fund pays in arranging the loan. The Fund may share the interest it receives on the collateral securities with the borrower. The terms of the Fund’s loans permit it to reacquire loaned securities on five business days’ notice or in time to vote on any important matter. Loans are subject to termination at the option of the applicable Fund or borrower at any time, and the borrowed securities must be returned when the loan is terminated. The Fund may pay fees to arrange for securities loans.

 

The SEC currently requires that the following conditions must be met whenever the Fund’s portfolio securities are loaned: (1) the Fund must receive at least 100% cash collateral from the borrower; (2) the borrower must increase such collateral whenever the market value of the securities rises above the level of such collateral; (3) the Fund must be able to terminate the loan at any time; (4) the Fund must receive reasonable interest on the loan, as well as any dividends, interest or other distributions on the loaned securities, and any increase in market value; (5) the Fund may pay only reasonable custodian fees approved by the Board in connection with the loan; (6) while voting rights on the loaned securities may pass to the borrower, the Board must terminate the loan and regain the right to vote the securities if a material event adversely affecting the investment occurs, and (7) the Fund may not loan its portfolio securities so that the value of the loaned securities is more than one-third of its total asset value, including collateral received from such loans. These conditions may be subject to future modification. Such loans will be terminable at any time upon specified notice. The Fund might experience the risk of loss if the institution with which it has engaged in a portfolio loan transaction breaches its agreement with the Fund. In addition, the Fund will not enter into any portfolio security lending arrangement having a duration of longer than one year. The principal risk of portfolio lending is potential default or insolvency of the borrower. In either of these cases, the Fund could experience delays in recovering securities or collateral or could lose all or part of the value of the loaned securities. As part of participating in a lending program, the applicable Fund may be required to invest in collateralized debt or other securities that bear the risk of loss of principal. In addition, all investments made with the collateral received are subject to the risks associated with such investments. If such investments lose value, the Fund will have to cover the loss when repaying the collateral.

 

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Any loans of portfolio securities are fully collateralized based on values that are marked-to-market daily. Any securities that the Fund may receive as collateral will not become part of the Fund’s investment portfolio at the time of the loan and, in the event of a default by the borrower, the Fund will, if permitted by law, dispose of such collateral except for such part thereof that is a security in which the Fund is permitted to invest. During the time securities are on loan, the borrower will pay the Fund any accrued income on those securities, and the Fund may invest the cash collateral and earn income or receive an agreed-upon fee from a borrower that has delivered cash-equivalent collateral.

 

Short Sales

 

The Fund may engage in short sales. Short sales are transactions in which the Fund sells an instrument it does not own in anticipation of a decline in the market value of that instrument. To complete a short sale transaction, the Fund must borrow the instrument to make delivery to the buyer. The Fund then is obligated to replace the instrument borrowed by purchasing it at the market price at the time of replacement. The price at such time may be more or less than the price at which the instrument was sold by the Fund. Until the instrument is replaced, the Fund is required to pay to the lender amounts equal to any interest or dividends which accrue during the period of the loan. To borrow the instrument, the Fund also may be required to pay a premium, which would increase the cost of the instrument sold. There will also be other costs associated with short sales.

 

The Fund will incur a loss as a result of the short sale if the price of the instrument increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which the Fund replaces the borrowed instrument. Unlike taking a long position in an instrument by purchasing the instrument, where potential losses are limited to the purchase price, short sales have no cap on maximum loss. The Fund will realize a gain if the instrument declines in price between those dates. This result is the opposite of what one would expect from a cash purchase of a long position in an instrument.

 

Until the Fund replaces a borrowed instrument in connection with a short sale, the Fund will (a) designate on its records as collateral cash or liquid assets at such a level that the designated assets plus any amount deposited with the broker as collateral will equal the current value of the instrument sold short or (b) otherwise cover its short position in accordance with applicable law. The amount designated on the Fund’s records will be marked to market daily. This may limit the Fund’s investment flexibility, as well as its ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations.

 

There is no guarantee that the Fund will be able to close out a short position at any particular time or at an acceptable price. During the time that the Fund is short an instrument, it is subject to the risk that the lender of the instrument will terminate the loan at a time when the Fund is unable to borrow the same instrument from another lender. If that occurs, the Fund may be “bought in” at the price required to purchase the instrument needed to close out the short position, which may be a disadvantageous price. Thus, there is a risk that the Fund may be unable to fully implement its investment strategy due to a lack of available instruments or for some other reason. It is possible that the market value of the instruments the Fund holds in long positions will decline at the same time that the market value of the instruments the Fund has sold short increases, thereby increasing the Fund’s potential volatility. Short sales also involve other costs. The Fund must normally repay to the lender an amount equal to any dividends or interest that accrues while the loan is outstanding. In addition, to borrow the instrument, the Fund may be required to pay a premium. The Fund also will incur transaction costs in effecting short sales. The amount of any ultimate gain for the Fund resulting from a short sale will be decreased, and the amount of any ultimate loss will be increased, by the amount of premiums, dividends, interest or expenses the Fund may be required to pay in connection with the short sale.

 

U.S. Government Securities

 

The Fund may invest in U.S. government securities. Securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities include U.S. Treasury securities, which are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury and which differ only in their interest rates, maturities, and times of issuance. U.S. Treasury bills have initial maturities of one-year or less; U.S. Treasury notes have initial maturities of one to ten years; and U.S. Treasury bonds generally have initial maturities of greater than ten years. Certain U.S. government securities are issued or guaranteed by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government including, but not limited to, obligations of U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”), the Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”), the Small Business Administration, the Federal Farm Credit Administration, the Federal Home Loan Banks, Banks for Cooperatives (including the Central Bank for Cooperatives), the Federal Land Banks, the Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Export-Import Bank of the United States, the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Federal Financing Bank, the Student Loan Marketing Association, the National Credit Union Administration and the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (“Farmer Mac”).

 

Some obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies and instrumentalities, including, for example, Ginnie Mae pass- through certificates, are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury. Other obligations issued by or guaranteed by federal agencies, such as those securities issued by Fannie Mae, are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase certain obligations of the federal agency, while other obligations issued by or guaranteed by federal agencies, such as those of the Federal Home Loan Banks, are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury, while the U.S. government provides financial support to such U.S. government-sponsored federal agencies, no assurance can be given that the U.S. government will always do so, since the U.S. government is not so obligated by law. U.S. Treasury notes and bonds typically pay coupon interest semi- annually and repay the principal at maturity.

 

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INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

 

The Trust has adopted the following investment restrictions as fundamental policies with respect to the Fund. These restrictions cannot be changed with respect to the Fund without the approval of the holders of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities. For the purposes of the 1940 Act, a “majority of outstanding shares” means the vote of the lesser of: (1) 67% or more of the voting securities of the Fund present at the meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities are present or represented by proxy; or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. Except with the approval of a majority of the outstanding voting securities, the Fund may not:

 

  1. Purchase the securities of any issuer (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities) if, as a result, more than 25% of the Fund’s total assets would be invested in the securities of companies whose principal business activities are in the same industry or group of industries.
  2. Issue senior securities, except as permitted under the 1940 Act.
  3. Borrow money, except as permitted under the 1940 Act.
  4. Lend any security or make any other loan except as permitted under the 1940 Act. This means that no more than 331/3% of its total assets would be lent to other parties. This limitation does not apply to purchases of debt securities or to repurchase agreements, or to acquisitions of loans, loan participations or other forms of debt instruments, permissible under the Fund’s investment policies.
  5. Purchase or sell real estate unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent the Fund from investing in securities or other instruments backed by real estate, real estate investment trusts or securities of companies engaged in the real estate business).
  6. Purchase or sell physical commodities unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent the Fund from purchasing or selling options and futures contracts or from investing in securities or other instruments backed by physical commodities).
  7. Act as an underwriter of another issuer’s securities, except to the extent that the Fund may be considered an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act in the disposition of portfolio securities.

If a percentage limitation is adhered to at the time of investment or contract, a later increase or decrease in percentage resulting from any change in value or total or net assets will not result in a violation of such restriction, except that the percentage limitation with respect to the borrowing of money will be observed continuously.

 

EXCHANGE LISTING AND TRADING

 

Shares are listed for trading and trade throughout the day on the Exchange.

 

There can be no assurance that the Fund will continue to meet the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of Shares. The Exchange will consider the suspension of trading in, and will initiate delisting proceedings of, the Shares if any of the requirements set forth in the Exchange rules, including compliance with Rule 6c-11(c) under the 1940 Act, are not continuously maintained or such other event shall occur or condition shall exist that, in the opinion of the Exchange, makes further dealings on the Exchange inadvisable. The Exchange will remove the Shares of the Fund from listing and trading upon termination of the Fund.

 

The Trust reserves the right to adjust the price levels of Shares in the future to help maintain convenient trading ranges for investors. Any adjustments would be accomplished through stock splits or reverse stock splits, which would have no effect on the net assets of the Fund.

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST

 

Board Responsibilities. The management and affairs of the Trust and its series are overseen by the Board, which elects the officers of the Trust who are responsible for administering the day-to-day operations of the Trust and the Fund. The Board has approved contracts, as described below, under which certain companies provide essential services to the Trust.

 

The day-to-day business of the Trust, including the management of risk, is performed by third-party service providers, such as the Adviser, the Distributor, and the Administrator. The Board is responsible for overseeing the Trust’s service providers and, thus, has oversight responsibility with respect to risk management performed by those service providers. 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. The Fund and its service providers employ a variety of processes, procedures and controls to identify such 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. Each service provider is responsible for one or more discrete aspects of the Trust’s business and, consequently, for managing the risks associated with that business. The Board has emphasized to the Fund’s service providers the importance of maintaining vigorous risk management.

 

The Board’s role in risk oversight begins before the inception of the Fund, at which time certain of the Fund’s service providers present the Board with information concerning the investment objectives, strategies, and risks of the Fund as well as proposed investment limitations for the Fund. Additionally, the Adviser provides the Board with an overview of, among other things, its investment philosophy, brokerage practices, and compliance infrastructure. Thereafter, the Board continues its oversight function as various personnel, including the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer, and other service providers such as the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm, make periodic reports to the Audit Committee or to the Board with respect to various aspects of risk management. The Board and the Audit Committee oversee efforts by management and service providers to manage risks to which the Fund may be exposed.

 

The Board is responsible for overseeing the nature, extent, and quality of the services provided to the Fund by the Adviser and receives information about those services at its regular meetings. In addition, on an annual basis (following the initial two-year period), in connection with its consideration of whether to renew the Advisory Agreement with the Adviser (as defined below), the Board or its designee may meet with the Adviser to review such services. Among other things, the Board regularly considers the Adviser’s adherence to the Fund’s investment restrictions and compliance with various Fund policies and procedures and with applicable securities regulations. The Board also reviews information about the Fund’s performance and the Fund’s investments, including, for example, portfolio holdings schedules.

 

The Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer reports regularly to the Board to review and discuss compliance issues and Fund and Adviser risk assessments. At least annually, the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer provides the Board with a report reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of the Trust’s policies and procedures and those of its service providers, including the Adviser. The report addresses the operation of the policies and procedures of the Trust and each service provider since the date of the last report; any material changes to the policies and procedures since the date of the last report; any recommendations for material changes to the policies and procedures; and any material compliance matters since the date of the last report.

 

The Board receives reports from the Fund’s service providers regarding operational risks and risks related to the valuation and liquidity of portfolio securities. Annually, the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm reviews with the Audit Committee its audit of the Fund’s financial statements, focusing on major areas of risk encountered by the Fund and noting any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in the Fund’s internal controls. Additionally, in connection with its oversight function, the Board oversees Fund management’s implementation of disclosure controls and procedures, which are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Trust in its periodic reports with the SEC are recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the required time periods. The Board also oversees the Trust’s internal controls over financial reporting, which comprise policies and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of the Trust’s financial reporting and the preparation of the Trust’s financial statements.

 

From their review of these reports and discussions with the Adviser, the Chief Compliance Officer, independent registered public accounting firm and other service providers, the Board and the Audit Committee learn in detail about the material risks of the Fund, thereby facilitating a dialogue about how management and service providers identify and mitigate those risks.

 

The Board recognizes that not all risks that may affect the Fund can be identified and/or quantified, 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 goals, and that the processes, procedures and controls employed to address certain risks may be limited in their effectiveness. Moreover, reports received by the Board as to risk management matters are typically summaries of the relevant information. Most of the Fund’s investment management and business affairs are carried out by or through the Adviser, and other service providers, each of which has an independent interest in risk management but whose policies and the methods by which one or more risk management functions are carried out may differ from the Fund’s and each other’s in the setting of priorities, the resources available or the effectiveness of relevant controls. As a result of the foregoing and other factors, the Board’s ability to monitor and manage risk, as a practical matter, is subject to limitations.

 

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Members of the Board. There are four members of the Board, three of whom are not interested persons of the Trust, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Trustees”). Mr. Bradley Swenson serves as Chairman of the Board and is an interested person of the Trust, and Mr. Steven Norgaard serves as the Trust’s Lead Independent Trustee. As Lead Independent Trustee, Mr. Norgaard acts as a spokesperson for the Independent Trustees in between meetings of the Board, serves as a liaison for the Independent Trustees with the Trust’s service providers, officers, and legal counsel to discuss ideas informally, and participates in setting the agenda for meetings of the Board and separate meetings or executive sessions of the Independent Trustees.

 

The Board is comprised of a super-majority (75 percent) of Independent Trustees. There is an Audit Committee of the Board that is chaired by an Independent Trustee and comprised solely of Independent Trustees. The Audit Committee chair presides at the Audit Committee meetings, participates in formulating agendas for Audit Committee meetings, and coordinates with management to serve as a liaison between the Independent Trustees and management on matters within the scope of responsibilities of the Audit Committee as set forth in its Board-approved charter. The Trust has determined its leadership structure is appropriate given the specific characteristics and circumstances of the Trust. The Trust made this determination in consideration of, among other things, the fact that the Independent Trustees of the Trust constitute a super-majority of the Board, the number of Independent Trustees that constitute the Board, the amount of assets under management in the Trust, and the number of funds overseen by the Board. The Board also believes that its leadership structure facilitates the orderly and efficient flow of information to the Independent Trustees from management.

 

Additional information about each Trustee of the Trust is set forth below. The address of each Trustee of the Trust is c/o Paralel Technologies LLC, 1700 Broadway, Suite 2100, Denver, Colorado 80290.

 

Name and
Year of Birth
Position(s) Held with the
Trust
Term of Office and Length of Time Served Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee(1) Other Directorships Held by Trustee During Past 5 Years
Independent Trustees

Kimberly Storms 

Birth Year: 1972 

Trustee Since 2022 Ms. Storms served at various roles at ALPS Fund Services, Inc. from 1998 through 2020, including as Senior Vice President - Director of Fund Administration (2004-2020) and Senior Vice President - Director of Fund Management (2020).  During her tenure, Ms. Storms served as an officer to certain ETF, closed-end and open-end investment companies (1998-2020) and, within the past 5 years, Principal Financial Officer of ALPS Series Trust (2012-2020), Financial Investors Trust (2013-2020), Liberty All-Star Funds (2013-2020), and Cambria ETF Trust (2020).   [  ] Sterling Capital Funds (Since October 2022)

Steven Norgaard 

Birth Year: 1964 

Trustee Since 2022 Mr. Norgaard has been an attorney with Steven K. Norgaard, P.C. since 1994. [  ](2) MFG Funds (fka Frontier Funds) (2 Funds) (since 2013); SRH Total Return Fund, Inc. (Since 2011)

Corey Dillon 

Birth Year: 1969 

Trustee Since 2026 Mr. Dillon co-founded Benefitness Partners, a Denver-based provider of corporate wellness programs, in 2015, and served as the firm's CEO through 2021. He was previously Senior Vice President and Director of Advisory Services for ALPS Advisors (2007-2015) and served as Vice President and Director at Janus Capital Group (1993-2006). [  ] NY Life Mainstay Funds (f/k/a Fiera Capital Series Trust) (2018-2023)

 

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Name and
Year of Birth
Position(s) Held with the
Trust
Term of Office and Length of Time Served Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee(1) Other Directorships Held by Trustee During Past 5 Years
Interested Trustees

Bradley J. Swenson 

Birth Year: 1972

 

Trustee; President Since 2022 Mr. Swenson is President of Paralel Distributors LLC (May 2022 to present) and Chief Compliance Officer of Paralel Technologies LLC (January 2023 to present). He previously served as President of TruePeak Consulting, LLC (August 2021 to December 2023). Mr. Swenson joined ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (“ALPS”) in 2004 and served as its President from June 2019 until June 2021. In this role, he served as an officer to certain other closed-end and open-end investment companies. He previously served as the Chief Operating Officer of ALPS (2015-2019). Mr. Swenson also previously served as Chief Compliance Officer to ALPS, its affiliated entities, and to certain ETF, closed-end and open-end investment companies (2004-2015). [  ] ALPS Series Trust (March 2021 to March 2022)

 

  (1) The term “Fund Complex” means two or more registered investment companies that hold themselves out to investors as related companies for purposes of investment and investor services; or have a common investment adviser or that have an investment adviser that is an affiliated person of the investment adviser of any of the other registered investment companies. For the purposes of this table, all series of the Trust ([  ] funds, including the Fund) are included in the Fund Complex.
  (2) Mr. Norgaard also serves as a Director of the SRH Total Return Fund, Inc. whose investment adviser is the same as the investment adviser of SRH U.S. Quality GARP ETF and SRH REIT Covered Call ETF, two series of the Trust.

 

Individual Trustee Qualifications. The Trust has concluded that each of the Trustees should serve on the Board because of their ability to review and understand information about the Fund provided to them by management, to identify and request other information they may deem relevant to the performance of their duties, to question management and other service providers regarding material factors bearing on the management and administration of the Fund, and to exercise their business judgment in a manner that serves the best interests of the Fund’s shareholders. The Trust has concluded that each of the Trustees should serve as a Trustee based on his or her own experience, qualifications, attributes and skills as described below.

 

Bradley Swenson. Mr. Swenson has more than 25 years of experience focused on compliance and distribution in the mutual fund industry. Prior to joining Paralel, he spent seventeen years at ALPS in various capacities including, but not limited to, Chief Compliance Officer, Chief Operating Officer and President of ALPS Fund Services and ALPS Distributors. In addition to those roles Mr. Swenson built and led the Fund CCO services division and served as Fund CCO and President to various closed-end, ETF and mutual fund trusts. Mr. Swenson also held various roles at Janus Capital Group and Oppenheimer Funds including Senior Audit Manager and Compliance Manager. Mr. Swenson graduated from the University of Minnesota-Duluth with a B.S. in Accounting. Mr. Swenson holds FINRA Series 3, 6, 7, 24, 26, and 27 licenses.

 

Steven K. Norgaard. Mr. Norgaard serves as the lead Independent Trustee of the Trust, bringing more than 30 years of integrated legal, financial, and regulatory expertise to the Trust. He is an attorney and has successfully passed the certified public accountants (CPA) exam. Since 1994, he has been the principal of the law firm Steven K. Norgaard, P.C., having previously practiced law at the international firm McDermott, Will & Schulte. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the SRH Total Return Fund, Inc. and as the lead independent director for the MFG Funds (formerly the Frontier Funds). His extensive background in corporate governance includes nearly a decade of senior leadership at Attorneys’ Title Guaranty Fund, Inc., where he served as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Additionally, he served on the Board of Directors of ATG Trust Company from 2007 to 2021. Prior to March 2015, Mr. Norgaard held independent directorships for the Boulder Total Return Fund, Inc., the Denali Fund, Inc., and the First Opportunity Fund, Inc., until their merger into the fund now known as SRH Total Return Fund, Inc.

 

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Kimberly Storms. Ms. Storms is the chair of the Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees and is the Trust’s Audit Committee Financial Expert. Ms. Storms has more than 25 years of experience concentrated on mutual fund back office and accounting operations. Ms. Storms served in various roles at ALPS Fund Services from 1998 through 2020, including as Senior Vice President - Director of Fund Administration. She graduated with a B.S. in Finance from the University of Louisiana. Ms. Storms brings significant experience from her prior time serving as an executive officer of several large fund complexes, as well as her knowledge in the accounting, investment and regulatory fields.

 

Corey Dillon. Mr. Dillon has spent more than 30 years in the investment management industry - building, selling, servicing, consulting on, and overseeing registered investment products. A 1992 graduate of Colorado State University, he worked at Janus Capital Group from 1993-2006, serving as Vice President and Director of Global Client Management. From 2007-2015, Mr. Dillon was Senior Vice President and Director of Advisory Services at ALPS Advisors, where he specialized in product development, fund distribution, pricing structures and sub-advisor oversight. In 2018, his experience led to a role as an Independent Trustee to the Fiera Capital Series Trust, which was subsequently merged into the NY Life Mainstay Funds in 2023.

 

In its periodic assessment of the effectiveness of the Board, the Board considers 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 funds.

 

Board Committees. The Board has established the following standing committees of the Board:

 

Audit Committee. The Board has a standing Audit Committee that is composed of each of the Independent Trustees of the Trust. The Audit Committee operates under a written charter approved by the Board. The principal responsibilities of the Audit Committee include: recommending which firm to engage as the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm and whether to terminate this relationship; reviewing the independent registered public accounting firm’s compensation, the proposed scope and terms of its engagement, and the firm’s independence; pre-approving audit and non-audit services provided by the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm to the Trust and certain other affiliated entities; serving as a channel of communication between the independent registered public accounting firm and the Trustees; reviewing the results of each external audit, including any qualifications in the independent registered public accounting firm’s opinion, any related management letter, management’s responses to recommendations made by the independent registered public accounting firm in connection with the audit, reports submitted to the Committee by the internal auditing department of the Trust’s Administrator that are material to the Trust as a whole, if any, and management’s responses to any such reports; reviewing the Fund’s audited financial statements and considering any significant disputes between the Trust’s management and the independent registered public accounting firm that arose in connection with the preparation of those financial statements; considering, in consultation with the independent registered public accounting firm and the Trust’s senior internal accounting executive, if any, the independent registered public accounting firms’ report on the adequacy of the Trust’s internal financial controls; reviewing, in consultation with the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm, major changes regarding auditing and accounting principles and practices to be followed when preparing the Fund’s financial statements; and other audit related matters.

 

The Audit Committee also serves as the Qualified Legal Compliance Committee (“QLCC”) for the Trust for the purpose of compliance with Rules 205.2(k) and 205.3(c) of the Code of Federal Regulations, regarding alternative reporting procedures for attorneys retained or employed by an issuer who appear and practice before the SEC on behalf of the issuer (the “issuer attorneys”). An issuer attorney who becomes aware of evidence of a material violation by the Trust, or by any officer, director, employee, or agent of the Trust, may report evidence of such material violation to the QLCC as an alternative to the reporting requirements of Rule 205.3(b) (which requires reporting to the chief legal officer and potentially “up the ladder” to other entities). During the past fiscal year, the Audit Committee met 5 times.

 

Nominating Committee. The Board has a standing Nominating Committee that is composed of each of the Independent Trustees of the Trust. The Nominating Committee operates under a written charter approved by the Board. The principal responsibility of the Nominating Committee is to consider, recommend and nominate candidates to fill vacancies on the Trust’s Board, if any. The Nominating Committee generally will not consider nominees recommended by shareholders. The Nominating Committee meets periodically, as necessary.

 

 15

 

 

Principal Officers of the Trust

 

The officers of the Trust conduct and supervise its daily business. The address of each officer of the Trust is c/o Paralel Technologies LLC, 1700 Broadway, Suite 2100, Denver, Colorado 80290. Additional information about the Trust’s officers is as follows:

 

Name and Year of Birth Position(s) Held with the Trust Term of Office and Length of Time Served Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
Brenna Fudjack
Birth Year: 1986
Chief Compliance Officer Indefinite term; since 2023 Ms. Fudjack joined Paralel Technologies LLC as Deputy Chief Compliance Officer in 2023.  Prior to her current role, Ms. Fudjack served as Manager, Risk & Financial Advisory for Deloitte & Touche LLP from 2022-2023; Director of Compliance for Perella Weinberg Partners Capital Management LP / Agility from 2018-2022; Compliance Officer for Shelton Capital Management from 2017-2018; and Compliance Manager among other compliance roles for ALPS Fund Services, Inc. from 2010-2017.
Nicholas Austin
Birth Year: 1981
Treasurer Indefinite term; since 2023 Mr. Austin joined Paralel Technologies, LLC as Senior Controller in 2022. Prior to his current role, Mr. Austin served as Vice President/Fund Controller for SS&C ALPS from 2018 until 2022, and as Chief Financial Officer of Champion Medical Center from 2016 until 2018.

Nicholas Adams 

Birth Year: 1983

 

Secretary Indefinite term; since 2025 Mr. Adams joined Paralel Technologies LLC as Investment Counsel in 2025. Prior to his current role, Mr. Adams served as Principal Legal Counsel for SS&C ALPS from 2022-2024, and associate counsel for Arnold, Newbold, Sollars and Hollins, P.C. from 2020-2022 and Stanziola Estate Law from 2019-2020.   

 

Trustee Ownership of Shares. The Fund is required to show the dollar amount ranges of each Trustee’s “beneficial ownership” of Shares and each other series of the Trust as of the end of the most recently completed calendar year. Dollar amount ranges disclosed are established by the SEC. “Beneficial ownership” is determined in accordance with Rule 16a-1(a)(2) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”).

 

As of the date of this SAI, the Trustees beneficially owned the following amounts in the Fund and the same Family of Investment Companies of the Fund:

 

Name Dollar Range of Equity
Securities in the Fund
Aggregate Dollar Range of Securities in the Family of Investment Companies
Interested Trustees
Bradley J. Swenson None None
Independent Trustees
Kimberly Storms None None
Steven Norgaard None None
Corey Dillon None None

 

Board Compensation. The Independent Trustees each receive a fee of $20,000 per quarter, a special meeting fee of $2,500, as well as reimbursement for reasonable travel, lodging and other expenses in connection with attendance at meetings. Additionally, the Audit Committee Chair receives a fee of $8,000 per year. The Trust has no pension or retirement plan.

 

 16

 

 

Independent Trustee fees are paid by the adviser of each series of the Trust through the applicable adviser’s unitary management fee, and not by the funds. Trustee compensation does not include reimbursed out-of-pocket expenses in connection with attendance at meetings.

 

The following table shows the compensation anticipated to be earned by each Trustee during the most recent fiscal year of the Fund.

 

Name Aggregate Compensation From Fund Total Compensation From Fund Complex Paid to Trustees
Interested Trustees
Bradley J. Swenson $0 $0
Independent Trustees
Kimberly Storms $ [  ] $ [  ]
Steven Norgaard $ [  ] $ [   ]
Corey Dillon $ [  ] $ [  ]

 

PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS, CONTROL PERSONS, AND MANAGEMENT OWNERSHIP

 

A principal shareholder is any person who owns of record or beneficially 5% or more of the outstanding Shares of the Fund. A control person is a shareholder that owns beneficially or through controlled companies more than 25% of the voting securities of a company or acknowledges the existence of control. Shareholders owning voting securities in excess of 25% may determine the outcome of any matter affecting and voted on by shareholders of the Fund. The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) or its nominee is the record owner of all outstanding shares and is recognized as the owner of all shares for all purposes. Investors owning shares are beneficial owners as shown on the records of DTC or its participants. As of the date of this SAI, no Trustees or officers of the Trust owned Shares of the Fund.

 

CODES OF ETHICS

 

The Trust, the Adviser, and the Distributor (as defined under “The Distributor”) have each adopted codes of ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act. These codes of ethics are designed to prevent affiliated persons of the Trust, the Adviser and the Distributor from engaging in deceptive, manipulative or fraudulent activities in connection with securities held or to be acquired by the Fund (which may also be held by persons subject to the codes of ethics). Each Code of Ethics permits personnel subject to that Code of Ethics to invest in securities for their personal investment accounts, subject to certain limitations, including limitations related to securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund.

 

There can be no assurance that the codes of ethics will be effective in preventing such activities. Each code of ethics may be found on the Internet at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

PROXY VOTING POLICIES

 

The Fund has delegated proxy voting responsibilities to the Adviser, subject to the Board’s oversight. In delegating proxy responsibilities, the Board has directed that proxies be voted consistent with the Fund’s and its shareholders’ best interests and in compliance with all applicable proxy voting rules and regulations. A copy of the Adviser’s Proxy Voting Policies are set forth in Appendix A to this SAI. The Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer is responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of the Proxy Voting Policies. The Proxy Voting Policies have been approved by the Trust as the policies and procedures that the Adviser will use when voting proxies on behalf of the Fund.

 

The Proxy Voting Policies address, among other things, material conflicts of interest that may arise between the interests of the Fund and the interests of the Adviser. The Proxy Voting Policies will ensure that all issues brought to shareholders are analyzed in light of the Adviser’s fiduciary responsibilities.

 

How the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available (1) without charge, upon request, by calling the Distributor at [   ] and (2) on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

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INVESTMENT ADVISER

 

Investment Adviser

 

Vulcan Value Partners, LLC (the “Adviser” or “Vulcan”) serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. Vulcan is a SEC registered investment adviser with approximately $[   ] in assets under management (“AUM”) as of [   ], 2026. Its principal office is located at Three Protective Center, 2801 Highway 280 South, Suite 300, Birmingham, AL 35223.  

 

Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement between the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and the Adviser (the “Advisory Agreement”), the Fund pays the Adviser a unitary management fee, which is calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of [0.75]% based on a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets. Out of the unitary management fee, the Adviser has agreed to pay substantially all expenses of the Fund, including the cost of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, securities lending and other non-distribution related services necessary for the Fund to operate, except for: the fee paid to the Adviser pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, interest charges on any borrowings, dividends and other expenses on securities sold short, taxes and related services, brokerage commissions and other expenses incurred in placing orders for the purchase and sale of securities and other investment instruments, acquired fund fees and expenses, accrued deferred tax liability, distribution (12b-1) fees and expenses, and litigation expenses and other non-routine or extraordinary expenses.

 

The Advisory Agreement with respect to the Fund will continue in force for an initial period of two years. Thereafter, the Advisory Agreement will be renewable from year to year with respect to the Fund, so long as its continuance is approved at least annually (1) by the vote, cast in person at a meeting called for that purpose, of a majority of those Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Adviser or the Trust; and (2) by the majority vote of either the full Board or the vote of a majority of the outstanding Shares of the Fund. The Advisory Agreement automatically terminates on assignment and is terminable on a 60-day written notice either by the Trust or the Adviser.

 

The Adviser shall not be liable to the Trust or any shareholder for anything done or omitted by it, except acts or omissions involving willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties imposed upon it by its agreement with the Trust or for any losses that may be sustained in the purchase, holding or sale of any security.

 

The table below shows the management fees paid by the Predecessor Fund to the Adviser (when serving in its capacity as adviser to the Predecessor Fund) for the periods ended April 30 as indicated:

 

Fiscal Year Ended Gross Advisory Fees Waiver/Reimbursement* Net Advisory
Fees
2026 $3,186,258‌ ($684,717) $2,501,541
2025 $ 5,124,874 ($1,257,958) $3,866,916
2024 $8,125,821 ($1,693,410) $6,432,411

 * The Adviser had contractually agreed to limit the Predecessor Fund’s total annual fund operating expenses (exclusive of Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (if any), brokerage expenses, interest expense, taxes and extraordinary expenses) to 1.10% and 0.85% of the Predecessor Fund’s average daily net assets with respect to Investor Class shares and Institutional Class shares, respectively. This expense limitation agreement was in effect until September 16, 2026. The Adviser will be permitted to recapture expenses it has borne through the agreement to the extent that the Fund’s expenses in later periods fall below the annual rates set forth in the agreement provided, however, that such recapture payments do not cause the Fund’s expense ratio (after recapture) to exceed the lesser of (i) the expense cap in effect at the time of the waiver and (ii) the expense cap then in effect at the time of the recapture. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Fund will not pay any such deferred fees and expenses more than thirty-six months after the date on which the fee and expenses were deferred.

 

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

 

Compensation

 

Mr. Fitzpatrick is the majority equity owner of the Adviser and is entitled to receive distributions from the Adviser if and when made to the equity owners of the Adviser, pro rata in proportion to his equity interest. He does not receive a base salary and is not anticipated to receive a bonus.

 

Mr. Simmons, as a Principal, is entitled to receive distributions from the Adviser if and when made to the equity owners of the Adviser, pro rata in proportion to his equity interest. He does receive a base salary and has the potential for a bonus.

 

Mr. Casey, as a Principal, is entitled to receive distributions from the Adviser if and when made to the equity owners of the Adviser, pro rata in proportion to his equity interest. He does receive a base salary and has the potential for a bonus.

 

Mr. Cline, as a Principal, is entitled to receive distributions from the Adviser if and when made to the equity owners of the Adviser, pro rata in proportion to his equity interest. He does receive a base salary and has the potential for a bonus.

 

 18

 

 

Mr. Shelton, as a Principal, is entitled to receive distributions from the Adviser if and when made to the equity owners of the Adviser, pro rata in proportion to his equity interest. He does receive a base salary and has the potential for a bonus.

 

Share Ownership

 

The Fund is required to show the dollar ranges of the portfolio managers’ “beneficial ownership” of Shares of the Fund as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal year or a more recent date for a new portfolio manager. Dollar amount ranges disclosed are established by the SEC. “Beneficial ownership” is determined in accordance with Rule 16a-1(a)(2) under the Exchange Act. The following reflects the level of investment by the Portfolio Managers in the Predecessor Fund.

 

Portfolio Manager Dollar Value of Shares Owned Beneficially as of [  ], 2026
C.T. Fitzpatrick [    ]
Stephen Simmons [    ]
Colin Casey [    ]
Taylor Cline [    ]
David Shelton [    ]

 

Other Accounts

 

In addition to the Fund, the portfolio managers managed the following other accounts as of [   ], 2026, none of which are subject to a performance fee:

 

  Registered Investment Companies Other Pooled Investment Vehicles Other Accounts
Portfolio Manager Number of Accounts Total Assets in the Accounts Number of Accounts Total Assets in the Accounts Number of Accounts Total Assets in the Accounts
C.T. Fitzpatrick [  ] [  ] [  ] [  ] [  ] [  ]
Stephen Simmons [  ] [  ] [  ] [  ] [  ] [  ]
Colin Casey [  ] [  ] [  ] [  ] [  ] [  ]
Taylor Cline [  ] [  ] [  ] [  ] [  ] [  ]
David Shelton [  ] [  ] [  ] [  ] [  ] [  ]

 

Conflicts of Interest

 

A Portfolio Manager’s management of “other accounts” may give rise to potential conflicts of interest in connection with their management of the Fund’s investments, on the one hand, and the investments of the other accounts, on the other. The other accounts may have the same investment objectives as the Fund. Therefore, a potential conflict of interest may arise as a result of the identical investment objectives, whereby a Portfolio Manager could favor one account over another. Another potential conflict could include a Portfolio Manager’s knowledge about the size, timing and possible market impact of Fund trades, whereby a Portfolio Manager could use this information to the advantage of other accounts and to the disadvantage of the funds they manage. However, the Adviser has established policies and procedures to ensure that the purchase and sale of securities among all accounts the Adviser manages is fairly and equitably allocated.

 

Conflicts may also arise because portfolio decisions regarding the Fund may benefit other accounts managed by the Adviser or its affiliates. For example, the sale of a long position or establishment of a short position by a fund advised by the Adviser may impair the price of the same security sold short by (and therefore benefit) one or more other funds advised by the Adviser, and the purchase of a security or covering of a short position in a security by a fund may increase the price of the same security held by (and therefore benefit) one or more other funds advised by the Adviser.

  

THE DISTRIBUTOR

 

The Trust and Paralel Distributors LLC (the “Distributor”) are parties to a distribution agreement (“Distribution Agreement”), whereby the Distributor acts as principal underwriter for the Trust and distributes Shares. Shares are continuously offered for sale by the Distributor only in Creation Units. The Distributor will not distribute Shares in amounts less than a Creation Unit and does not maintain a secondary market in Shares. The principal business address of the Distributor is 1700 Broadway, Suite 2100, Denver, CO 80290.

 

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Under the Distribution Agreement, the Distributor, as agent for the Trust, will review orders for the purchase and redemption of Creation Units, provided that any subscriptions and orders will not be binding on the Trust until accepted by the Trust. The Distributor is a broker-dealer registered under the Exchange Act and a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”).

 

The Distributor may also enter into agreements with securities dealers (“Soliciting Dealers”) who will solicit purchases of Creation Units of Shares. Such Soliciting Dealers may also be Authorized Participants (as discussed in “Procedures for Purchase of Creation Units” below) or DTC participants (as defined below).

 

The Distribution Agreement will continue for two years from its effective date and is renewable annually thereafter. The continuance of the Distribution Agreement must be specifically approved at least annually (i) by the vote of the Trustees or by a vote of the shareholders of the Fund and (ii) by the vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operations of the Distribution Agreement or any related agreement, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Distribution Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Trust on 60 days’ written notice when authorized either by majority vote of its outstanding voting Shares or by a vote of a majority of its Board (including a majority of the Independent Trustees), or by the Distributor on 60 days’ written notice, and will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment. The Distribution Agreement provides that in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the Distributor, or reckless disregard by it of its obligations thereunder, the Distributor shall not be liable for any action or failure to act in accordance with its duties thereunder.

 

Intermediary Compensation. The Adviser or its affiliates, out of their own resources and not out of Fund assets (i.e., without additional cost to the Fund or its shareholders), may pay certain broker dealers, banks and other financial intermediaries (“Intermediaries”) for certain activities related to the Fund, including participation in activities that are designed to make Intermediaries more knowledgeable about exchange traded products, including the Fund, or for other activities, such as marketing and educational training or support. These arrangements are not financed by the Fund and, thus, do not result in increased Fund expenses. They are not reflected in the fees and expenses listed in the fees and expenses sections of the Fund’s Prospectus and they do not change the price paid by investors for the purchase of Shares or the amount received by a shareholder as proceeds from the redemption of Shares.

 

Such compensation may be paid to Intermediaries that provide services to the Fund, including marketing and education support (such as through conferences, webinars and printed communications). The Adviser periodically assesses the advisability of continuing to make these payments. Payments to an Intermediary may be significant to the Intermediary, and amounts that Intermediaries pay to your adviser, broker or other investment professional, if any, may also be significant to such adviser, broker or investment professional. Because an Intermediary may make decisions about what investment options it will make available or recommend, and what services to provide in connection with various products, based on payments it receives or is eligible to receive, such payments create conflicts of interest between the Intermediary and its clients. For example, these financial incentives may cause the Intermediary to recommend the Fund over other investments. The same conflict of interest exists with respect to your financial adviser, broker or investment professional if he or she receives similar payments from his or her Intermediary firm.

 

Intermediary information is current only as of the date of this SAI. Please contact your adviser, broker, or other investment professional for more information regarding any payments his or her Intermediary firm may receive. Any payments made by the Adviser, or its affiliates to an Intermediary may create the incentive for an Intermediary to encourage customers to buy Shares.

 

If you have any additional questions, please call [    ].

 

THE ADMINISTRATOR, CUSTODIAN, AND TRANSFER AGENT

 

Paralel Technologies LLC (“PTL”), located at 1700 Broadway Suite 2100, Denver, Colorado 80290 serves as the Fund’s administrator and fund accountant. PTL is the parent company of Paralel Distributors LLC, the Fund’s Distributor.

 

Pursuant to an Administration Servicing Agreement and a Fund Accounting Servicing Agreement between the Trust and Paralel Technologies, PTL provides the Trust with administrative and management services (other than investment advisory services) and accounting services, including portfolio accounting services, tax accounting services and furnishing financial reports. In this capacity, PTL does not have any responsibility or authority for the management of the Fund, the determination of investment policy, or for any matter pertaining to the distribution of Shares. As compensation for the administration, accounting and management services, the Adviser pays PTL a fee based on the Fund’s average daily net assets, subject to a minimum annual fee. PTL also is entitled to certain out-of-pocket expenses for the services mentioned above.

 

Pursuant to a Custody Agreement, State Street Bank and Trust (the “Custodian” or “State Street”), serves as the Custodian of the Fund’s assets. The Custodian holds and administers the assets in the Fund’s portfolio. Pursuant to the Custody Agreement, the Custodian receives an annual fee from the Adviser based on the Trust’s total average daily net assets, subject to a minimum annual fee, and certain settlement charges. The Custodian also is entitled to certain out-of-pocket expenses.

 

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Pursuant to a Transfer Agency Agreement, State Street (in such capacity, the “Transfer Agent”) serves as Transfer Agent for the Fund. Pursuant to the Transfer Agency Agreement, the Transfer Agent receives an annual fee from the Adviser.

 

The Predecessor Fund paid the Fund’s administrator the following amounts for transfer agency, fund administration and fund accounting services.

 

Administration, Fund Accounting, Transfer Agency
Fees For the Fiscal Year Ended April 30
2026 $[  ]
2025 $278,166
2024 $315,789

 

LEGAL COUNSEL

 

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

 

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

[   ] located at [   ], serves as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund. Its services include auditing the Fund’s financial statements. [   ], an affiliate of [   ], provides tax services as requested.

 

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS DISCLOSURE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

 

The Board has adopted a policy regarding the disclosure of information about the Fund’s security holdings. The Fund’s entire portfolio holdings are publicly disseminated each day the Fund is open for business and may be available through financial reporting and news services, including publicly available internet web sites. In addition, the composition of the Deposit Securities (as defined below) is publicly disseminated daily prior to the opening of the Exchange via the National Securities Clearing Corporation (“NSCC”).

 

DESCRIPTION OF SHARES

 

The Declaration of Trust authorizes the issuance of an unlimited number of funds and Shares. Each Share represents an equal proportionate interest in the Fund with each other Share. Shares are entitled upon liquidation to a pro rata share in the net assets of the Fund. Shareholders have no preemptive rights. The Declaration of Trust provides that the Trustees may create additional series or classes of Shares. All consideration received by the Trust for shares of any additional funds and all assets in which such consideration is invested would belong to that fund and would be subject to the liabilities related thereto. Share certificates representing Shares will not be issued. Shares, when issued, are fully paid and non-assessable.

 

Each Share has one vote with respect to matters upon which a shareholder vote is required, consistent with the requirements of the 1940 Act and the rules promulgated thereunder. Shares of all funds of the Trust vote together as a single class, except that if the matter being voted on affects only a particular fund it will be voted on only by that fund and if a matter affects a particular fund differently from other funds, that fund will vote separately on such matter. As a Delaware statutory trust, the Trust is not required, and does not intend, to hold annual meetings of shareholders. Approval of shareholders will be sought, however, for certain changes in the operation of the Trust and for the election of Trustees under certain circumstances. Upon the written request of shareholders owning at least 10% of the Trust’s Shares, the Trust will call for a meeting of shareholders to consider the removal of one or more Trustees and other certain matters. In the event that such a meeting is requested, the Trust will provide appropriate assistance and information to the shareholders requesting the meeting.

 

Under the Declaration of Trust, the Trustees have the power to liquidate the Fund without shareholder approval. While the Trustees have no present intention of exercising this power, they may do so if the Fund fails to reach a viable size within a reasonable amount of time or for such other reasons as may be determined by the Board.

 

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LIMITATION OF TRUSTEE LIABILITY

 

The Second Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust (“Declaration of Trust”) provides that a Trustee shall be liable only for his or her own willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of the office of Trustee, and shall not be liable for errors of judgment or mistakes of fact or law. The Trustees shall not be responsible or liable in any event for any neglect or wrong-doing of any officer, agent, employee, adviser or principal underwriter of the Trust, nor shall any Trustee be responsible for the act or omission of any other Trustee. The Declaration of Trust also provides that the Trust shall indemnify each person who is, or has been, a Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Trust, any person who is serving or has served at the Trust’s request as a Trustee, officer, trustee, employee or agent of another organization in which the Trust has any interest as a shareholder, creditor or otherwise to the extent and in the manner provided in the Amended and Restated By-laws. However, nothing in the Declaration of Trust shall protect or indemnify a Trustee against any liability for his or her willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of the office of Trustee. Nothing contained in this section attempts to disclaim a Trustee’s individual liability in any manner inconsistent with the federal securities laws.

 

BROKERAGE TRANSACTIONS

 

The policy of the Trust regarding purchases and sales of securities for the Fund is that primary consideration will be given to obtaining the most favorable prices and efficient executions of transactions. Consistent with this policy, when securities transactions are effected on a stock exchange, the Trust’s policy is to pay commissions which are considered fair and reasonable without necessarily determining that the lowest possible commissions are paid in all circumstances. The Trust believes that a requirement always to seek the lowest possible commission cost could impede effective portfolio management and preclude the Fund and the Adviser from obtaining a high quality of brokerage and research services. In seeking to determine the reasonableness of brokerage commissions paid in any transaction, the Adviser will rely upon its experience and knowledge regarding commissions generally charged by various brokers and on its judgment in evaluating the brokerage services received from the broker effecting the transaction. Such determinations are necessarily subjective and imprecise, as in most cases, an exact dollar value for those services is not ascertainable. The Trust has adopted policies and procedures that prohibit the consideration of sales of Shares as a factor in the selection of a broker or dealer to execute its portfolio transactions.

 

The Adviser owes a fiduciary duty to its clients to seek to provide best execution on trades effected. In selecting a broker-dealer for each specific transaction, the Adviser chooses the broker-dealer deemed most capable of providing the services necessary to obtain the most favorable execution. “Best execution” is generally understood to mean the most favorable cost or net proceeds reasonably obtainable under the circumstances. The full range of brokerage services applicable to a particular transaction may be considered when making this judgment, which may include, but is not limited to: liquidity, price, commission, timing, aggregated trades, capable floor brokers or traders, competent block trading coverage, ability to position, capital strength and stability, reliable and accurate communications and settlement processing, use of automation, knowledge of other buyers or sellers, arbitrage skills, administrative ability, underwriting and provision of information on a particular security or market in which the transaction is to occur. The specific criteria will vary depending upon the nature of the transaction, the market in which it is executed, and the extent to which it is possible to select from among multiple broker-dealers. The Adviser will also use electronic crossing networks (“ECNs”) when appropriate.

 

Subject to the foregoing policies, brokers or dealers selected to execute the Fund’s portfolio transactions may include the Fund’s Authorized Participants (as discussed in “Procedures for Purchase of Creation Units” below) or their affiliates. An Authorized Participant or its affiliates may be selected to execute the Fund’s portfolio transactions in conjunction with an all-cash creation unit order or an order including “cash-in-lieu” (as described below under “Purchase and Redemption of Shares in Creation Units”), so long as such selection is in keeping with the foregoing policies. As described below under “Purchase and Redemption of Shares in Creation Units—Creation Transaction Fee” and “Redemption Transaction Fee”, the Fund may determine to not charge a variable fee on certain orders when the Adviser has determined that doing so is in the best interests of Fund shareholders, e.g., for creation orders that facilitate the rebalance of the Fund’s portfolio in a more tax efficient manner than could be achieved without such order, even if the decision to not charge a variable fee could be viewed as benefiting the Authorized Participant or its affiliate selected to execute the Fund’s portfolio transactions in connection with such orders. 

 

The Adviser may use the Fund’s assets for, or participate in, third-party soft dollar arrangements, in addition to receiving proprietary research from various full-service brokers, the cost of which is bundled with the cost of the broker’s execution services. The Adviser does not “pay up” for the value of any such proprietary research. Section 28(e) of the Exchange Act permits the Adviser, under certain circumstances, to cause the Fund to pay a broker or dealer a commission for effecting a transaction in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting the transaction in recognition of the value of brokerage and research services provided by the broker or dealer. The Adviser may receive a variety of research services and information on many topics, which it can use in connection with its management responsibilities with respect to the various accounts over which it exercises investment discretion or otherwise provides investment advice. The research services may include qualifying order management systems, portfolio attribution and monitoring services and computer software and access charges which are directly related to investment research. Accordingly, the Fund may pay a broker commission higher than the lowest available in recognition of the broker’s provision of such services to the Adviser, but only if the Adviser determines the total commission (including the soft dollar benefit) is comparable to the best commission rate that could be expected to be received from other brokers. The amount of soft dollar benefits received depends on the amount of brokerage transactions effected with the brokers. A conflict of interest exists because there is an incentive to: 1) cause clients to pay a higher commission than the firm might otherwise be able to negotiate; 2) cause clients to engage in more securities transactions than would otherwise be optimal; and 3) only recommend brokers that provide soft dollar benefits.

 

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The Adviser faces a potential conflict of interest when it uses client trades to obtain brokerage or research services. This conflict exists because the Adviser is able to use the brokerage or research services to manage client accounts without paying cash for such services, which reduces the Adviser’s expenses to the extent that the Adviser would have purchased such products had they not been provided by brokers. Section 28(e) permits the Adviser to use brokerage or research services for the benefit of any account it manages. Certain accounts managed by the Adviser may generate soft dollars used to purchase brokerage or research services that ultimately benefit other accounts managed by the Adviser, effectively cross subsidizing the other accounts managed by the Adviser that benefit directly from the product. The Adviser may not necessarily use all of the brokerage or research services in connection with managing the Fund whose trades generated the soft dollars used to purchase such products.

 

The Fund may deal with affiliates in principal transactions to the extent permitted by exemptive order or applicable rule or regulation.

 

The following table shows the brokerage commissions paid by the Predecessor Fund for the fiscal years ended April 30:

 


2026

2025 

2024 

$ [  ] $ 233,950 $ 226,505

 

Directed Brokerage. The Fund does not intend to direct brokerage transactions to a broker because of research services provided.

 

Brokerage with Fund Affiliates. The Fund may execute brokerage or other agency transactions through registered broker-dealer affiliates of the Fund, the Adviser or the Distributor for a commission in conformity with the 1940 Act, the Exchange Act and rules promulgated by the SEC. These rules require that commissions paid to the affiliate by the Fund for exchange transactions not exceed “usual and customary” brokerage commissions. The rules define “usual and customary” commissions to include amounts which are “reasonable and fair compared to the commission, fee or other remuneration received or to be received by other brokers in connection with comparable transactions involving similar securities being purchased or sold on a securities exchange during a comparable period of time.” The Trustees, including those who are not “interested persons” of the Fund, have adopted procedures for evaluating the reasonableness of commissions paid to affiliates and review these procedures periodically.

 

Securities of “Regular Broker-Dealers.The Fund is required to identify any securities of its “regular brokers and dealers” (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) that it may hold at the close of its most recent fiscal year. “Regular brokers or dealers” 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 portfolio transactions of the Fund; or (iii) sold the largest dollar amounts of Shares.

 

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE

 

Portfolio turnover may vary from year to year, as well as within a year. High turnover rates are likely to result in comparatively greater brokerage expenses. The overall reasonableness of brokerage commissions is evaluated by the Adviser based upon its knowledge of available information as to the general level of commissions paid by other institutional investors for comparable services. For the fiscal years ended April 30, 2025 and April 30, 2026, the Predecessor Fund’s portfolio turnover amounted to 56% and 61%, respectively.

 

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BOOK ENTRY ONLY SYSTEM

 

The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) acts as securities depositary for Shares. Shares are represented by securities registered in the name of DTC or its nominee, Cede & Co., and deposited with, or on behalf of, DTC. Except in limited circumstances set forth below, certificates will not be issued for Shares.

 

DTC is a limited-purpose trust company that was created to hold securities of its participants (the “DTC Participants”) and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions among the DTC Participants in such securities through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the DTC Participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. DTC Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations, some of whom (and/or their representatives) own DTC. More specifically, DTC is owned by a number of its DTC Participants and by the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) and FINRA. Access to the DTC system is also available to others such as banks, brokers, dealers, and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a DTC Participant, either directly or indirectly (the “Indirect Participants”).

 

Beneficial ownership of Shares is limited to DTC Participants, Indirect Participants, and persons holding interests through DTC Participants and Indirect Participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in Shares (owners of such beneficial interests are referred to in this SAI as “Beneficial Owners”) is shown on, and the transfer of ownership is effected only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to DTC Participants) and on the records of DTC Participants (with respect to Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners that are not DTC Participants). Beneficial Owners will receive from or through the DTC Participant a written confirmation relating to their purchase of Shares. The Trust recognizes DTC or its nominee as the record owner of all Shares for all purposes. Beneficial Owners of Shares are not entitled to have Shares registered in their names and will not receive or be entitled to physical delivery of Share certificates. Each Beneficial Owner must rely on the procedures of DTC and any DTC Participant and/or Indirect Participant through which such Beneficial Owner holds its interests, to exercise any rights of a holder of Shares.

 

Conveyance of all notices, statements, and other communications to Beneficial Owners is effected as follows. DTC will make available to the Trust upon request and for a fee a listing of Shares held by each DTC Participant. The Trust shall obtain from each such DTC Participant the number of Beneficial Owners holding Shares, directly or indirectly, through such DTC Participant. The Trust shall provide each such DTC Participant with copies of such notice, statement, or other communication, in such form, number and at such place as such DTC Participant may reasonably request, in order that such notice, statement or communication may be transmitted by such DTC Participant, directly or indirectly, to such Beneficial Owners. In addition, the Trust shall pay to each such DTC Participant a fair and reasonable amount as reimbursement for the expenses attendant to such transmittal, all subject to applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

 

Share distributions shall be made to DTC or its nominee, Cede & Co., as the registered holder of all Shares. DTC or its nominee, upon receipt of any such distributions, shall credit immediately DTC Participants’ accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the Fund as shown on the records of DTC or its nominee. Payments by DTC Participants to Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners of Shares held through such DTC Participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in a “street name,” and will be the responsibility of such DTC Participants.

 

The Trust has no responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or notices to Beneficial Owners, or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in Shares, or for maintaining, supervising, or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests, or for any other aspect of the relationship between DTC and the DTC Participants or the relationship between such DTC Participants and the Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners owning through such DTC Participants.

 

DTC may determine to discontinue providing its service with respect to the Fund at any time by giving reasonable notice to the Fund and discharging its responsibilities with respect thereto under applicable law. Under such circumstances, the Fund shall take action either to find a replacement for DTC to perform its functions at a comparable cost or, if such replacement is unavailable, to issue and deliver printed certificates representing ownership of Shares, unless the Trust makes other arrangements with respect thereto satisfactory to the Exchange.

 

PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES IN CREATION UNITS

 

The Trust issues and sells Shares only in Creation Units on a continuous basis through the Distributor, without a sales load (but subject to transaction fees, if applicable), at their NAV per share next determined after receipt of an order, on any Business Day, in proper form pursuant to the terms of the Authorized Participant Agreement (“Participant Agreement”). The NAV of Shares is calculated each business day as of the scheduled close of regular trading on the NYSE, generally 4:00 p.m., Eastern time. The Fund will not issue fractional Creation Units. A “Business Day” is any day on which the NYSE is open for business.

 

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Fund Deposit. The consideration for purchase of a Creation Unit of the Fund generally consists of either (i) the in-kind deposit of a designated portfolio of securities (the “Deposit Securities”) per each Creation Unit and the Cash Component (defined below), computed as described below or (ii) the cash value of the Deposit Securities (“Deposit Cash”) and “Cash Component,” computed as described below. When accepting purchases of Creation Units for cash, the Fund may incur additional costs associated with the acquisition of Deposit Securities that would otherwise be provided by an in-kind purchaser.

 

Together, the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable, and the Cash Component constitute the “Fund Deposit,” which represents the minimum initial and subsequent investment amount for a Creation Unit of the Fund. The “Cash Component” is an amount equal to the difference between the NAV of Shares (per Creation Unit) and the value of the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable. If the Cash Component is a positive number (i.e., the NAV per Creation Unit exceeds the value of the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable), the Cash Component shall be such positive amount. If the Cash Component is a negative number (i.e., the NAV per Creation Unit is less than the value of the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable), the Cash Component shall be such negative amount and the creator will be entitled to receive cash in an amount equal to the Cash Component. The Cash Component serves the function of compensating for any differences between the NAV per Creation Unit and the value of the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable. Computation of the Cash Component excludes any stamp duty or other similar fees and expenses payable upon transfer of beneficial ownership of the Deposit Securities, if applicable, which shall be the sole responsibility of the Authorized Participant (as defined below).

 

The Fund, through NSCC, makes available on each Business Day, prior to the opening of business on the Exchange (currently 9:30 a.m., Eastern time), the list of the names and the required number of Shares of each Deposit Security or the required amount of Deposit Cash, as applicable, to be included in the current Fund Deposit (based on information at the end of the previous Business Day) for the Fund. The Fund Deposit is subject to any applicable adjustments as described below, to effect purchases of Creation Units of the Fund until such time as the next-announced composition of the Deposit Securities or the required amount of Deposit Cash, as applicable, is made available.

 

The identity and number of Shares of the Deposit Securities or the amount of Deposit Cash, as applicable, required for the Fund Deposit for the Fund changes as rebalancing adjustments and corporate action events are reflected from time to time by the Adviser with a view to the investment objective of the Fund.

 

The Trust reserves the right to permit or require the substitution of Deposit Cash to replace any Deposit Security, which shall be added to the Cash Component, including, without limitation, in situations where the Deposit Security: (i) may not be available in sufficient quantity for delivery; (ii) may not be eligible for transfer through the systems of DTC for corporate securities and municipal securities; (iii) may not be eligible for trading by an Authorized Participant (as defined below) or the investor for which it is acting; (iv) would be restricted under the securities laws or where the delivery of the Deposit Security to the Authorized Participant would result in the disposition of the Deposit Security by the Authorized Participant becoming restricted under the securities laws; or (v) in certain other situations (collectively, “custom orders”). The Trust also reserves the right to permit or require the substitution of Deposit Securities in lieu of Deposit Cash. The adjustments described above will reflect changes, known to the Adviser on the date of announcement to be in effect by the time of delivery of the Fund Deposit, resulting from certain corporate actions.

 

Procedures for Purchase of Creation Units. To be eligible to place orders with the Distributor to purchase a Creation Unit of the Fund, an entity must be (i) a “Participating Party” (i.e., a broker-dealer or other participant in the clearing process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the NSCC (the “Clearing Process”)), a clearing agency that is registered with the SEC; or (ii) a DTC Participant (see “Book Entry Only System”). In addition, each Participating Party or DTC Participant (each, an “Authorized Participant”) must execute a Participant Agreement that has been agreed to by the Distributor, and that has been accepted by the Transfer Agent, with respect to purchases and redemptions of Creation Units. Each Authorized Participant will agree, pursuant to the terms of a Participant Agreement, on behalf of itself or any investor on whose behalf it will act, to certain conditions, including that it will pay to the Trust, an amount of cash sufficient to pay the Cash Component together with the creation transaction fee (described below), if applicable, and any other applicable fees and taxes.

 

All orders to purchase Shares directly from the Fund must be placed for one or more Creation Units and in the manner and by the time set forth in the Participant Agreement and/or applicable order form. The order cut-off time for orders to purchase Creation Units is 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, which time may be modified by the Fund from time-to-time by amendment to the Participant Agreement and/or applicable order form. In the case of custom orders, the order must be received by the Distributor no later than 3:00 p.m. Eastern time and 12:00 p.m. Eastern time for the Fund, or such earlier time as may be designated by the Fund and disclosed to Authorized Participants. The date on which an order to purchase Creation Units (or an order to redeem Creation Units, as set forth below) is received and accepted is referred to as the “Order Placement Date.”

 

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An Authorized Participant may require an investor to make certain representations or enter into agreements with respect to the order (e.g., to provide for payments of cash, when required). Investors should be aware that their particular broker may not have executed a Participant Agreement and that, therefore, orders to purchase Shares directly from the Fund in Creation Units have to be placed by the investor’s broker through an Authorized Participant that has executed a Participant Agreement. In such cases there may be additional charges to such investor. At any given time, there may be only a limited number of broker-dealers that have executed a Participant Agreement and only a small number of such Authorized Participants may have international capabilities.

 

On days when the Exchange closes earlier than normal, the Fund may require orders to create Creation Units to be placed earlier in the day. In addition, if a market or markets on which the Fund’s investments are primarily traded is closed, the Fund will also generally not accept orders on such day(s). Orders must be transmitted by an Authorized Participant by telephone or other transmission method acceptable to the Distributor pursuant to procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement and in accordance with the applicable order form. On behalf of the Fund, the Distributor will notify the Custodian of such order. The Custodian will then provide such information to the appropriate local sub-custodian(s). Those placing orders through an Authorized Participant should allow sufficient time to permit proper submission of the purchase order to the Distributor by the cut-off time on such Business Day. Economic or market disruptions or changes, or telephone or other communication failure may impede the ability to reach the Distributor or an Authorized Participant.

 

Fund Deposits must be delivered by an Authorized Participant through the Federal Reserve System (for cash) or through DTC (for corporate securities), through a sub-custody agent (for foreign securities) and/or through such other arrangements allowed by the Trust or its agents. With respect to foreign Deposit Securities, the Custodian shall cause the sub-custodian of the Fund to maintain an account into which the Authorized Participant shall deliver, on behalf of itself or the party on whose behalf it is acting, such Deposit Securities (or Deposit Cash for all or a part of such securities, as permitted or required), with any appropriate adjustments as advised by the Trust. Foreign Deposit Securities must be delivered to an account maintained at the applicable local sub-custodian. The Fund Deposit transfer must be ordered by the Authorized Participant in a timely fashion so as to ensure the delivery of the requisite number of Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable, to the account of the Fund or its agents by no later than 12:00 p.m. Eastern time (or such other time as specified by the Trust) on the Settlement Date. If the Fund or its agents do not receive all of the Deposit Securities, or the required Deposit Cash in lieu thereof, by such time, then the order may be deemed rejected and the Authorized Participant shall be liable to the Fund for losses, if any, resulting therefrom. The “Settlement Date” for the Fund is generally the Business Day after the Order Placement Date. All questions as to the number of Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash to be delivered, as applicable, and the validity, form and eligibility (including time of receipt) for the deposit of any tendered securities or cash, as applicable, will be determined by the Trust, whose determination shall be final and binding. The amount of cash represented by the Cash Component must be transferred directly to the Custodian through the Federal Reserve Bank wire transfer system in a timely manner so as to be received by the Custodian no later than the Settlement Date. If the Cash Component and the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable, are not received by the Custodian in a timely manner by the Settlement Date, the creation order may be cancelled. Upon written notice to the Distributor, such canceled order may be resubmitted the following Business Day using the Fund Deposit as newly constituted to reflect the then current NAV of the Fund.

 

The order shall be deemed to be received on the Business Day on which the order is placed provided that the order is placed in proper form prior to the applicable cut-off time and the federal funds in the appropriate amount are deposited with the Custodian on the Settlement Date. If the order is not placed in proper form as required, or federal funds in the appropriate amount are not received on the Settlement Date, then the order may be deemed to be rejected and the Authorized Participant shall be liable to the Fund for losses, if any, resulting therefrom. A creation request is considered to be in “proper form” if all procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement, order form and this SAI are properly followed.

 

Issuance of a Creation Unit. Except as provided in this SAI, Creation Units will not be issued until the transfer of good title to the Trust of the Deposit Securities or payment of Deposit Cash, as applicable, and the payment of the Cash Component have been completed. When the sub-custodian has confirmed to the Custodian that the required Deposit Securities (or the cash value thereof) have been delivered to the account of the relevant sub-custodian or sub-custodians, the Distributor and the Adviser shall be notified of such delivery, and the Trust will issue and cause the delivery of the Creation Units. The delivery of Creation Units so created generally will occur no later than the Business Day following the day on which the purchase order is deemed received by the Distributor. The Authorized Participant shall be liable to the Fund for losses, if any, resulting from unsettled orders.

 

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Creation Units may be purchased in advance of receipt by the Trust of all or a portion of the applicable Deposit Securities as described below. In these circumstances, the initial deposit will have a value greater than the NAV of Shares on the date the order is placed in proper form since, in addition to available Deposit Securities, cash must be deposited in an amount equal to the sum of (i) the Cash Component, plus (ii) an additional amount of cash equal to a percentage of the value as set forth in the Participant Agreement, of the undelivered Deposit Securities (the “Additional Cash Deposit”), which shall be maintained in a separate non-interest bearing collateral account. The Authorized Participant must deposit with the Custodian the Additional Cash Deposit, as applicable, by 12:00 p.m. Eastern time (or such other time as specified by the Trust) on the Settlement Date. If the Fund or its agents do not receive the Additional Cash Deposit in the appropriate amount, by such time, then the order may be deemed rejected and the Authorized Participant shall be liable to the Fund for losses, if any, resulting therefrom. An additional amount of cash shall be required to be deposited with the Trust, pending delivery of the missing Deposit Securities to the extent necessary to maintain the Additional Cash Deposit with the Trust in an amount at least equal to the applicable percentage, as set forth in the Participant Agreement, of the daily market value of the missing Deposit Securities. The Participant Agreement will permit the Trust to buy the missing Deposit Securities at any time. Authorized Participants will be liable to the Trust for the costs incurred by the Trust in connection with any such purchases. These costs will be deemed to include the amount by which the actual purchase price of the Deposit Securities exceeds the value of such Deposit Securities on the day the purchase order was deemed received by the Distributor plus the brokerage and related transaction costs associated with such purchases. The Trust will return any unused portion of the Additional Cash Deposit once all of the missing Deposit Securities have been properly received by the Custodian or purchased by the Trust and deposited into the Trust. In addition, a transaction fee, as described below under “Creation Transaction Fee,” may be charged. The delivery of Creation Units so created generally will occur no later than the Settlement Date.

 

Acceptance of Orders of Creation Units. The Trust reserves the right to reject an order for Creation Units transmitted to it by the Distributor with respect to the Fund including, without limitation, if (a) the order is not in proper form; (b) the Deposit Securities or Deposit Cash, as applicable, delivered by the Participant are not as disseminated through the facilities of the NSCC for that date by the Custodian; (c) the investor(s), upon obtaining Shares ordered, would own 80% or more of the currently outstanding Shares of the Fund; (d) the acceptance of the Fund Deposit would, in the opinion of counsel, be unlawful; () (e) the acceptance or receipt of the order for a Creation Unit would, in the opinion of counsel to the Trust, be unlawful; or (f) in the event that circumstances outside the control of the Trust, the Custodian, the Transfer Agent and/or the Adviser make it for all practical purposes not feasible to process orders for Creation Units.

 

Examples of such circumstances include acts of God or public service or utility problems such as fires, floods, extreme weather conditions and power outages resulting in telephone, telecopy and computer failures; market conditions or activities causing trading halts; systems failures involving computer or other information systems affecting the Trust, the Distributor, the Custodian, a sub- custodian, the Transfer Agent, DTC, NSCC, Federal Reserve System, or any other participant in the creation process, and other extraordinary events. The Distributor shall notify a prospective creator of a Creation Unit and/or the Authorized Participant acting on behalf of the creator of a Creation Unit of its rejection of the order of such person. The Trust, the Transfer Agent, the Custodian, any sub-custodian and the Distributor are under no duty, however, to give notification of any defects or irregularities in the delivery of Fund Deposits nor shall either of them incur any liability for the failure to give any such notification. The Trust, the Transfer Agent, the Custodian and the Distributor shall not be liable for the rejection of any purchase order for Creation Units.

 

All questions as to the number of Shares of each security in the Deposit Securities and the validity, form, eligibility and acceptance for deposit of any securities to be delivered shall be determined by the Trust, and the Trust’s determination shall be final and binding.

 

Creation Transaction Fee. A fixed purchase (i.e., creation) transaction fee, payable to the Fund’s custodian, may be imposed for the transfer and other transaction costs associated with the purchase of Creation Units (“Creation Order Costs”). The standard fixed creation transaction fee for the Fund, regardless of the number of Creation Units created in the transaction, can be found in the table below. The Fund may adjust the standard fixed creation transaction fee from time to time. The fixed creation fee may be waived on certain orders if the Fund’s custodian has determined to waive some or all of the Creation Order Costs associated with the order or another party, such as the Adviser, has agreed to pay such fee.

 

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In addition, a variable fee, payable to the Fund, of up to the maximum percentage listed in the table below of the value of the Creation Units subject to the transaction may be imposed for cash purchases, non-standard orders, or partial cash purchases of Creation Units. The variable charge is primarily designed to cover additional costs (e.g., brokerage, taxes) involved with buying the securities with cash. The Fund may determine to not charge a variable fee on certain orders when the Adviser has determined that doing so is in the best interests of Fund shareholders (e.g., for creation orders that facilitate the rebalance of the Fund’s portfolio in a more tax efficient manner than could be achieved without such order).

 

Fixed Creation
Transaction Fee (In-Kind)
Fixed Creation
Transaction Fee (Cash)
Maximum Variable
Transaction Fee
$[  ] $[  ] 0.02%

 

Investors who use the services of a broker or other such intermediary may be charged a fee for such services. Investors are responsible for the fixed costs of transferring the Fund Securities from the Trust to their account or on their order.

 

Risks of Purchasing Creation Units. There are certain legal risks unique to investors purchasing Creation Units directly from the Fund. Because Shares may be issued on an ongoing basis, a “distribution” of Shares could be occurring at any time. Certain activities that a shareholder performs as a dealer could, depending on the circumstances, result in the shareholder being deemed a participant in the distribution in a manner that could render the shareholder a statutory underwriter and subject to the prospectus delivery and liability provisions of the Securities Act. For example, a shareholder could be deemed a statutory underwriter if it purchases Creation Units from the Fund, breaks them down into the constituent Shares, and sells those Shares directly to customers, or if a shareholder chooses to couple the creation of a supply of new Shares with an active selling effort involving solicitation of secondary-market demand for Shares. Whether a person is an underwriter depends upon all of the facts and circumstances pertaining to that person’s activities, and the examples mentioned here should not be considered a complete description of all the activities that could cause you to be deemed an underwriter.

 

Dealers who are not “underwriters” but are participating in a distribution (as opposed to engaging in ordinary secondary-market transactions), and thus dealing with Shares as part of an “unsold allotment” within the meaning of Section 4(a)(3)(C) of the Securities Act, will be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(a)(3) of the Securities Act.

 

Redemption. Shares may be redeemed only in Creation Units at their NAV next determined after receipt of a redemption request in proper form by the Fund through the Transfer Agent and only on a Business Day. EXCEPT UPON LIQUIDATION OF THE FUND, THE TRUST WILL NOT REDEEM SHARES IN AMOUNTS LESS THAN CREATION UNITS. Investors must accumulate enough Shares in the secondary market to constitute a Creation Unit to have such Shares redeemed by the Trust. There can be no assurance, however, that there will be sufficient liquidity in the public trading market at any time to permit assembly of a Creation Unit. Investors should expect to incur brokerage and other costs in connection with assembling a sufficient number of Shares to constitute a redeemable Creation Unit.

 

With respect to the Fund, the Custodian, through the NSCC, makes available prior to the opening of business on the Exchange (currently 9:30 a.m., Eastern time) on each Business Day, the list of the names and Share quantities of the Fund’s portfolio securities that will be applicable (subject to possible amendment or correction) to redemption requests received in proper form (as defined below) on that day (“Fund Securities”). Fund Securities received on redemption may not be identical to Deposit Securities.

 

Redemption proceeds for a Creation Unit are paid either in-kind or in cash, or combination thereof, as determined by the Trust. With respect to in-kind redemptions of the Fund, redemption proceeds for a Creation Unit will consist of Fund Securities—as announced by the Custodian on the Business Day of the request for redemption received in proper form plus cash in an amount equal to the difference between the NAV of Shares being redeemed, as next determined after a receipt of a request in proper form, and the value of the Fund Securities (the “Cash Redemption Amount”), less a fixed redemption transaction fee, as applicable, as set forth below. In the event that the Fund Securities have a value greater than the NAV of Shares, a compensating cash payment equal to the differential is required to be made by or through an Authorized Participant by the redeeming shareholder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at the Trust’s discretion, an Authorized Participant may receive the corresponding cash value of the securities in lieu of the in-kind securities value representing one or more Fund Securities.

 

Redemption Transaction Fee. A fixed redemption transaction fee, payable to the Fund’s custodian, may be imposed for the transfer and other transaction costs associated with the redemption of Creation Units (“Redemption Order Costs”). The standard fixed redemption transaction fee for the Fund, regardless of the number of Creation Units redeemed in the transaction, can be found in the table below. The Fund may adjust the redemption transaction fee from time to time. The fixed redemption fee may be waived on certain orders if the Fund’s custodian has determined to waive some or all of the Redemption Order Costs associated with the order or another party, such as the Adviser, has agreed to pay such fee.

 

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In addition, a variable fee, payable to the Fund, of up to the maximum percentage listed in the table below of the value of the Creation Units subject to the transaction may be imposed for cash redemptions, non-standard orders, or partial cash redemptions (when cash redemptions are available) of Creation Units. The variable charge is primarily designed to cover additional costs (e.g., brokerage, taxes) involved with selling portfolio securities to satisfy a cash redemption. The Fund may determine to not charge a variable fee on certain orders when the Adviser has determined that doing so is in the best interests of Fund shareholders (e.g., for redemption orders that facilitate the rebalance of the Fund’s portfolio in a more tax efficient manner than could be achieved without such order).

 

Fixed Redemption
Transaction Fee (In-Kind)
Fixed Redemption
Transaction Fee (Cash)
Maximum Variable
Transaction Fee
$[  ] $[  ] 0.02%

 

Investors who use the services of a broker or other such intermediary may be charged a fee for such services. Investors are responsible for the fixed costs of transferring the Fund Securities from the Trust to their account or on their order.

 

Procedures for Redemption of Creation Units.

 

Orders to redeem Creation Units of the Fund must be submitted in proper form to the Transfer Agent prior to 4:00 p.m. A redemption request is considered to be in “proper form” if (i) an Authorized Participant has transferred or caused to be transferred to the Trust’s Transfer Agent the Creation Unit(s) being redeemed through the book-entry system of DTC so as to be effective by the time as set forth in the Participant Agreement and (ii) a request in form satisfactory to the Trust is received by the Transfer Agent from the Authorized Participant on behalf of itself or another redeeming investor within the time periods specified in the Participant Agreement. If the Transfer Agent does not receive the investor’s Shares through DTC’s facilities by the times and pursuant to the other terms and conditions set forth in the Participant Agreement, the redemption request shall be rejected.

 

The Authorized Participant must transmit the request for redemption, in the form required by the Trust, to the Transfer Agent in accordance with procedures set forth in the Authorized Participant Agreement. Investors should be aware that their particular broker may not have executed an Authorized Participant Agreement, and that, therefore, requests to redeem Creation Units may have to be placed by the investor’s broker through an Authorized Participant who has executed an Authorized Participant Agreement. Investors making a redemption request should be aware that such request must be in the form specified by such Authorized Participant.

 

Investors making a request to redeem Creation Units should allow sufficient time to permit proper submission of the request by an Authorized Participant and transfer of the Shares to the Trust’s Transfer Agent; such investors should allow for the additional time that may be required to effect redemptions through their banks, brokers or other financial intermediaries if such intermediaries are not Authorized Participants.

 

Additional Redemption Procedures. In connection with taking delivery of Shares of Fund Securities upon redemption of Creation Units, a redeeming shareholder or Authorized Participant acting on behalf of such shareholder must maintain appropriate custody arrangements with a qualified broker-dealer, bank, or other custody providers in each jurisdiction in which any of the Fund Securities are customarily traded, to which account such Fund Securities will be delivered. Deliveries of redemption proceeds generally will be made within one Business Day of the trade date. However, due to the schedule of holidays in certain countries, the different treatment among foreign and U.S. markets of dividend record dates and dividend ex-dates (that is the last date the holder of a security can sell the security and still receive dividends payable on the security sold), and in certain other circumstances, the delivery of in-kind redemption proceeds with respect to the Fund may take longer than one Business Day after the day on which the redemption request is received in proper form. If neither the redeeming Shareholder nor the Authorized Participant acting on behalf of such redeeming Shareholder has appropriate arrangements to take delivery of the Fund Securities in the applicable foreign jurisdiction and it is not possible to make other such arrangements, or if it is not possible to effect deliveries of the Fund Securities in such jurisdiction, the Trust may, in its discretion, exercise its option to redeem such Shares in cash, and the redeeming Shareholders will be required to receive its redemption proceeds in cash.

 

In addition, an investor may request a redemption in cash that the Fund may, in its sole discretion, permit. In either case, the investor will receive a cash payment equal to the NAV of its Shares based on the NAV of Shares of the Fund next determined after the redemption request is received in proper form (minus a redemption transaction fee, if applicable, and additional charge for requested cash redemptions specified above, to offset the Trust’s brokerage and other transaction costs associated with the disposition of Fund Securities). The Fund may also, in its sole discretion, upon request of a shareholder, provide such redeemer a portfolio of securities that differs from the exact composition of the Fund Securities but does not differ in NAV.

 

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Redemptions of Shares for Fund Securities will be subject to compliance with applicable federal and state securities laws and the Fund (whether or not it otherwise permits cash redemptions) reserve the right to redeem Creation Units for cash to the extent that the Trust could not lawfully deliver specific Fund Securities upon redemptions or could not do so without first registering the Fund Securities under such laws. An Authorized Participant or an investor for which it is acting subject to a legal restriction with respect to a particular security included in the Fund Securities applicable to the redemption of Creation Units may be paid an equivalent amount of cash. The Authorized Participant may request the redeeming investor of the Shares to complete an order form or to enter into agreements with respect to such matters as compensating cash payment. Further, an Authorized Participant that is not a “qualified institutional buyer,” (“QIB”) as such term is defined under Rule 144A of the Securities Act, will not be able to receive Fund Securities that are restricted securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A. An Authorized Participant may be required by the Trust to provide a written confirmation with respect to QIB status to receive Fund Securities.

 

Because the portfolio securities of the Fund may trade on other exchanges on days that the Exchange is closed or are otherwise not Business Days for such Fund, shareholders may not be able to redeem their Shares of the Fund, or to purchase or sell Shares of the Fund on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of the Fund could be significantly affecting by events in the relevant foreign markets.

 

The right of redemption may be suspended or the date of payment postponed with respect to the Fund (1) for any period during which the Exchange is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings); (2) for any period during which trading on the Exchange is suspended or restricted; (3) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal of the Shares of the Fund or determination of the NAV of the Shares is not reasonably practicable; or (4) in such other circumstance as is permitted by the SEC.

 

DETERMINATION OF NAV

 

NAV per Share for the Fund is computed by dividing the value of the net assets of the Fund (i.e., the value of its total assets less total liabilities) by the total number of Shares outstanding, rounded to the nearest cent. Expenses and fees, including the management fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for purposes of determining NAV. The NAV of the Fund is calculated by the Fund’s administrator and determined at the scheduled close of the regular trading session on the NYSE (ordinarily 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on each day that the NYSE is open, provided that fixed-income assets may be valued as of the announced closing time for trading in fixed-income instruments on any day that the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (“SIFMA”) announces an early closing time.

 

In calculating the Fund’s NAV per Share, the Fund’s investments are generally valued using market valuations. A market valuation generally means a valuation (i) obtained from an exchange, a pricing service, or a major market maker (or dealer), (ii) based on a price quotation or other equivalent indication of value supplied by an exchange, a pricing service, or a major market maker (or dealer) or (iii) based on amortized cost. In the case of shares of other funds that are not traded on an exchange, a market valuation means such fund’s published NAV per share. The Fund may use various pricing services, or discontinue the use of any pricing service, as approved by the Board from time to time. A price obtained from a pricing service based on such pricing service’s valuation matrix may be considered a market valuation.

 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

 

The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the section in the Prospectus entitled “Dividends, Distributions and Taxes.”

 

General Policies. Dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid at least annually by Fund. Distributions of net realized securities gains, if any, generally are declared and paid once a year, but the Fund may make distributions on a more frequent basis to reduce or eliminate federal excise or income taxes or to comply with the distribution requirements of the Code, in all events in a manner consistent with the provisions of the 1940 Act.

 

Dividends and other distributions on Shares are distributed, as described below, on a pro rata basis to Beneficial Owners of such Shares. Dividend payments are made through DTC Participants and Indirect Participants to Beneficial Owners then of record with proceeds received from the Trust.

 

The Fund makes additional distributions to the extent necessary (i) to distribute the entire annual taxable income of the Fund, plus any net capital gains and (ii) to avoid imposition of the excise tax imposed by Section 4982 of the Code. Management of the Trust reserves the right to declare special dividends if, in its reasonable discretion, such action is necessary or advisable to preserve the Fund’s eligibility for treatment as a RIC or to avoid imposition of income or excise taxes on undistributed income.

 

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Dividend Reinvestment Service. The Trust will not make the DTC book-entry dividend reinvestment service available for use by Beneficial Owners for reinvestment of their cash proceeds, but certain individual broker-dealers may make available the DTC book- entry Dividend Reinvestment Service for use by Beneficial Owners of the Fund through DTC Participants for reinvestment of their dividend distributions. Investors should contact their brokers to ascertain the availability and description of these services. Beneficial Owners should be aware that each broker may require investors to adhere to specific procedures and timetables to participate in the dividend reinvestment service and investors should ascertain from their brokers such necessary details. If this service is available and used, dividend distributions of both income and realized gains will be automatically reinvested in additional whole Shares issued by the Trust of the Fund at NAV per Share. Distributions reinvested in additional Shares will nevertheless be taxable to Beneficial Owners acquiring such additional Shares to the same extent as if such distributions had been received in cash.

 

FEDERAL INCOME TAXES

 

The following is only a summary of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations generally affecting the Fund and its shareholders that supplements the discussion in the Prospectus. No attempt is made to present a comprehensive explanation of the federal, state, local or foreign tax treatment of the Fund or its shareholders, and the discussion here and in the Prospectus is not intended to be a substitute for careful tax planning.

 

The following general discussion of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences is based on provisions of the Code and the regulations issued thereunder as in effect on the date of this SAI. New legislation, as well as administrative changes or court decisions, may significantly change the conclusions expressed herein, and may have a retroactive effect with respect to the transactions contemplated herein.

 

Shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisers regarding the application of the provisions of tax law described in this SAI in light of the particular tax situations of the shareholders and regarding specific questions as to federal, state, foreign or local taxes.

 

Taxation of the Fund. The Fund has elected and intends to continue to qualify each year to be treated as a separate RIC under the Code. As such, the Fund should not be subject to federal income taxes on their net investment income and capital gains, if any, to the extent that they timely distribute such income and capital gains to their shareholders. To qualify for treatment as a RIC, the Fund must distribute annually to its shareholders at least the sum of 90% of its net investment income (generally including the excess of net short- term capital gains over net long-term capital losses) and 90% of its net tax-exempt interest income, if any (the “Distribution Requirement”) and also must meet several additional requirements. Among these requirements are the following: (i) at least 90% of the Fund’s gross income each taxable year must be derived from dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or foreign currencies and net income derived from interests in qualified publicly traded partnerships (the “Qualifying Income Requirement”); and (ii) at the end of each quarter of the Fund’s taxable year, the Fund’s assets must be diversified so that (a) at least 50% of the value of the Fund’s total assets is represented by cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other RICs, and other securities, with such other securities limited, in respect to any one issuer, to an amount not greater in value than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets and to not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, including the equity securities of a qualified publicly traded partnership, and (b) not more than 25% of the value of its total assets is invested, including through corporations in which the Fund owns a 20% or more voting stock interest, in the securities (other than U.S. government securities or securities of other RICs) of any one issuer, the securities (other than securities of other RICs) of two or more issuers which the Fund controls and which are engaged in the same, similar, or related trades or businesses, or the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships (the “Diversification Requirement”).

 

To the extent the Fund makes investments that may generate income that is not qualifying income, including certain derivatives, the Fund will seek to restrict the resulting income from such investments so that the Fund’s non-qualifying income does not exceed 10% of its gross income.

 

Although the Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and may distribute their capital gains for any taxable year, the Fund will be subject to federal income taxation to the extent any such income or gains are not distributed. The Fund is treated as a separate corporation for federal income tax purposes. The Fund therefore is considered to be a separate entity in determining its treatment under the rules for RICs described herein. The requirements (other than certain organizational requirements) for qualifying RIC status are determined at the fund level rather than at the Trust level.

 

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If the Fund fails to satisfy the Qualifying Income Requirement or the Diversification Requirement in any taxable year, 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 Diversification Requirement where the Fund corrects the failure within a specified period of time. To be eligible for the relief provisions with respect to a failure to meet the Diversification Requirement, the Fund may be required to dispose of certain assets. If these relief provisions were not available to the Fund and it were to fail to qualify for treatment as a RIC for a taxable year, all of its taxable income would be subject to tax at the regular 21% corporate rate without any deduction for distributions to shareholders, and its distributions (including capital gains distributions) generally would be taxable to the shareholders of the Fund as ordinary income dividends, subject to the dividends received deduction for corporate shareholders and the lower tax rates on qualified dividend income received by non-corporate shareholders, subject to certain limitations. To requalify for treatment as a RIC in a subsequent taxable year, the Fund would be required to satisfy the RIC qualification requirements for that year and to distribute any earnings and profits from any year in which the Fund failed to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC. If the Fund failed to qualify as a RIC for a period greater than two taxable years, it would generally be required to pay a Fund-level tax on certain net built in gains recognized with respect to certain of its assets upon a disposition of such assets within five years of qualifying as a RIC in a subsequent year. The Board reserves the right not to maintain the qualification of the Fund for treatment as a RIC if it determines such course of action to be beneficial to shareholders. If the Fund determines that it will not qualify as a RIC, the Fund will establish procedures to reflect the anticipated tax liability in the Fund’s NAV.

 

The Fund may elect to treat part or all of any “qualified late year loss” as if it had been incurred in the succeeding taxable year in determining the Fund’s taxable income, net capital gain, net short-term capital gain, and earnings and profits. The effect of this election is to treat any such “qualified late year loss” as if it had been incurred in the succeeding taxable year in characterizing Fund distributions for any calendar year. A “qualified late year loss” generally includes net capital loss, net long-term capital loss, or net short-term capital loss incurred after October 31 of the current taxable year (commonly referred to as “post-October losses”) and certain other late-year losses.

 

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, the Fund may carry a net capital loss from any taxable year forward indefinitely to offset its capital gains, if any, in years following the year of the loss. 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 its shareholders. Generally, the Fund may not carry forward any losses other than net capital losses. The carryover of capital losses may be limited under the general loss limitation rules if the Fund experiences an ownership change as defined in the Code. As of April 30, 2026, the Fund did not have any capital loss carryforwards.

 

The Fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4% federal excise tax on certain undistributed income if it does not distribute to its shareholders in each calendar year an amount at least equal to 98% of its ordinary income for the calendar year plus 98.2% of its capital gain net income for the one-year period ending on October 31 of that year, subject to an increase for any shortfall in the prior year’s distribution. For this purpose, any ordinary income or capital gain net income retained by the Fund and subject to corporate income tax will be considered to have been distributed. The Fund intends to declare and distribute dividends and distributions in the amounts and at the times necessary to avoid the application of the excise tax, but can make no assurances that all such tax liability will be eliminated. The Fund may in certain circumstances be required to liquidate Fund investments in order to make sufficient distributions to avoid federal excise tax liability at a time when the investment adviser 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 requirement for qualification as a RIC.

 

If the Fund meets the Distribution Requirement but retains some or all of its income or gains, it will be subject to federal income tax to the extent any such income or gains are not distributed. The Fund may designate certain amounts retained as undistributed net capital gain in a notice to its shareholders, who (i) will be required to include in income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as long-term capital gain, their proportionate shares of the undistributed amount so designated, (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 and to claim refunds to the extent such credits exceed their tax liabilities, and (iii) will be entitled to increase their tax basis, for federal income tax purposes, in their Shares by an amount equal to the excess of the amount of undistributed net capital gain included in their respective income over their respective income tax credits.

 

Taxation of Shareholders – Distributions. The Fund intends to distribute annually to its shareholders substantially all of its investment company taxable income (computed without regard to the deduction for dividends paid), its net tax-exempt income, if any, and any net capital gain (net recognized long-term capital gains in excess of net recognized short-term capital losses, taking into account any capital loss carryforwards). The distribution of investment company taxable income (as so computed) and net realized capital gain will be taxable to Fund shareholders regardless of whether the shareholder receives these distributions in cash or reinvests them in additional Shares.

 

The Fund (or your broker) will report to shareholders annually the amounts of dividends paid from ordinary income, the amount of distributions of net capital gain, the portion of dividends which may qualify for the dividends-received deduction for corporations, and the portion of dividends which may qualify for treatment as qualified dividend income, which is taxable to non-corporate shareholders at rates of up to 20%.

 

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Qualified dividend income includes, in general, subject to certain holding period and other requirements, dividend income from taxable domestic corporations and certain foreign corporations. Subject to certain limitations, eligible foreign corporations include those incorporated in possessions of the United States, those incorporated in certain countries with comprehensive tax treaties with the United States, and other foreign corporations if the stock with respect to which the dividends are paid is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. Dividends received by the Fund from an ETF, an underlying fund taxable as a RIC, or from a REIT may be treated as qualified dividend income generally only to the extent so reported by such ETF, underlying fund, or REIT, however, dividends received by the Fund from a REIT are generally not treated as qualified dividend income. If 95% or more of the Fund’s gross income (calculated without taking into account net capital gain derived from sales or other dispositions of stock or securities) consists of qualified dividend income, the Fund may report all distributions of such income as qualified dividend income.

 

Fund dividends will not be treated as qualified dividend income if the Fund does not meet holding period and other requirements with respect to dividend paying stocks in its portfolio, and the shareholder does not meet holding period and other requirements with respect to the Shares on which the dividends were paid.

 

Distributions by the Fund of its net short-term capital gains will be taxable as ordinary income. Distributions from the Fund’s net capital gain will be taxable to shareholders at long-term capital gains rates, regardless of how long shareholders have held their Shares. Distributions may be subject to state and local taxes.

 

In the case of corporate shareholders, certain dividends received by the Fund from U.S. corporations (generally, dividends received by the Fund in respect of any share of stock (1) with a tax holding period of at least 46 days during the 91-day period beginning on the date that is 45 days before the date on which the stock becomes ex-dividend as to that dividend and (2) that is held in an unleveraged position) and distributed and appropriately so reported by the Fund may be eligible for the 50% dividends received deduction. Certain preferred stock must have a holding period of at least 91 days during the 181-day period beginning on the date that is 90 days before the date on which the stock becomes ex-dividend as to that dividend to be eligible. Capital gain dividends distributed to the Fund from other RICs are not eligible for the dividends received deduction. To qualify for the deduction, corporate shareholders must meet the minimum holding period requirement stated above with respect to their Shares, taking into account any holding period reductions from certain hedging or other transactions or positions that diminish their risk of loss with respect to their Shares, and, if they borrow to acquire or otherwise incur debt attributable to Shares, they may be denied a portion of the dividends received deduction with respect to those Shares.

 

Under recently issued final Treasury Regulations, 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 (“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.

 

Shareholders who have not held Shares for a full year should be aware that the Fund may report and distribute, as ordinary dividends or capital gain dividends, a percentage of income that is not equal to the percentage of the Fund’s ordinary income or net capital gain, respectively, actually earned during the applicable shareholder’s period of investment in the Fund. A taxable shareholder may wish to avoid investing in the Fund shortly before a dividend or other distribution, because the distribution will generally be taxable even though it may economically represent a return of a portion of the shareholder’s investment.

 

To the extent that the Fund makes a distribution of income received by the Fund in lieu of dividends (a “substitute payment”) with respect to securities on loan pursuant to a securities lending transaction, such income will not constitute qualified dividend income to individual shareholders and will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction for corporate shareholders. 

 

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If the Fund’s distributions exceed its earnings and profits, all or a portion of the distributions made for a taxable year may be recharacterized as a return of capital to shareholders. A return of capital distribution will generally not be taxable, but will reduce each shareholder’s cost basis in the Fund and result in a higher capital gain or lower capital loss when the Shares on which the distribution was received are sold. After a shareholder’s basis in the Shares has been reduced to zero, distributions in excess of earnings and profits will be treated as gain from the sale of the shareholder’s Shares.

 

Taxation of Shareholders – Sale, Redemption, or Exchange of Shares. A sale, redemption, or exchange of Shares may give rise to a gain or loss. For tax purposes, an exchange of your Fund shares of a different fund is the same as a sale. In general, any gain or loss realized upon a taxable disposition of Shares will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if Shares have been held for more than 12 months. Otherwise, the gain or loss on the taxable disposition of Shares will generally be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. Any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of Shares held for six months or less will be treated as long-term capital loss, rather than short-term capital loss, to the extent of any amounts treated as distributions to the shareholder of long-term capital gain (including any amounts credited to the shareholder as undistributed capital gains). All or a portion of any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of Shares may be disallowed if substantially identical Shares are acquired (through the reinvestment of dividends or otherwise) within a 61-day period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the disposition. In such a case, the basis of the newly acquired Shares will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.

 

The cost basis of Shares acquired by purchase will generally be based on the amount paid for Shares and then may be subsequently adjusted for other applicable transactions as required by the Code. The difference between the selling price and the cost basis of Shares generally determines the amount of the capital gain or loss realized on the sale or exchange of Shares. Contact the broker through whom you purchased your Shares to obtain information with respect to the available cost basis reporting methods and elections for your account.

 

An Authorized Participant who exchanges securities for Creation Units generally will recognize a gain or a loss. The gain or loss will be equal to the difference between the market value of the Creation Units at the time and the sum of the exchanger’s aggregate basis in the securities surrendered plus the amount of cash paid for such Creation Units. A person who redeems Creation Units will generally recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the exchanger’s basis in the Creation Units and the sum of the aggregate market value of any securities received plus the amount of any cash received for such Creation Units. The ability of Authorized Participants to receive a full or partial cash redemption of Creation Units of the Fund may limit the tax efficiency of such Fund. The IRS, however, may assert that a loss realized upon an exchange of securities for Creation Units cannot currently be deducted under the rules governing “wash sales” (for a person who does not mark-to-market its portfolio) or on the basis that there has been no significant change in economic position.

 

Any gain or loss realized upon a creation or redemption of Creation Units will be treated as capital or ordinary gain or loss, depending on the circumstances. Any capital gain or loss realized upon the creation of Creation Units will generally be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the securities exchanged for such Creation Units have been held for more than one year. Any capital gain or loss realized upon the redemption of Creation Units will generally be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if Shares comprising the Creation Units have been held for more than one year. Otherwise, such capital gains or losses will generally be treated as short-term capital gains or losses. Any capital loss upon a redemption of Creation Units held for six months or less may be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as distributions to the applicable Authorized Participant of long-term capital gain with respect to the Creation Units (including any amounts credited to the Authorized Participant as undistributed capital gains).

 

The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, has the right to reject an order for Creation Units if the purchaser (or a group of purchasers) would, upon obtaining the Creation Units so ordered, own 80% or more of the outstanding Shares and if, pursuant to Section 351 of the Code, the Fund would have a basis in the deposit securities different from the market value of such securities on the date of deposit. The Trust also has the right to require the provision of information necessary to determine beneficial Share ownership for purposes of the 80% determination. If the Fund does issue Creation Units to a purchaser (or a group of purchasers) that would, upon obtaining the Creation Units so ordered, own 80% or more of the outstanding Shares, the purchaser (or a group of purchasers) will not recognize gain or loss upon the exchange of securities for Creation Units.

 

Authorized Participants purchasing or redeeming Creation Units should consult their own tax advisers with respect to the tax treatment of any creation or redemption transaction and whether the wash sales rule applies and when a loss may be deductible.

 

Taxation of Shareholders – Net Investment Income Tax. U.S. individuals with adjusted gross income (subject to certain adjustments) exceeding certain threshold amounts ($250,000 if married filing jointly or if considered a “surviving spouse” for federal income tax purposes, $125,000 if married filing separately, and $200,000 in other cases) are subject to a 3.8% tax on all or a portion of their “net investment income,” which includes taxable interest, dividends, and certain capital gains (generally including capital gain distributions and capital gains realized on the sale of Shares). 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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Taxation of Fund Investments. Certain of the Fund’s investments may be subject to complex provisions of the Code (including provisions relating to hedging transactions, straddles, integrated transactions, foreign currency contracts, forward foreign currency contracts, and notional principal contracts) that, among other things, may affect the Fund’s ability to qualify as a RIC, affect the character of gains and losses realized by the Fund (e.g., 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 the Fund receiving cash with which to make distributions in amounts sufficient to enable the Fund to satisfy the RIC distribution requirements for avoiding income and excise taxes. The Fund intends to monitor its transactions, intends to make appropriate tax elections, and intends to make appropriate entries in its books and records in order to mitigate the effect of these rules and preserve the Fund’s qualification for treatment as a RIC. To the extent the Fund invests in an underlying fund that is taxable as a RIC, the rules applicable to the tax treatment of complex securities will also apply to the underlying funds that also invest in such complex securities and investments.

 

Backup Withholding. The Fund will be required in certain cases to withhold (as “backup withholding”) on amounts payable to any shareholder who (1) fails to provide a correct taxpayer identification number certified under penalty of perjury; (2) is subject to backup withholding by the IRS for failure to properly report all payments of interest or dividends; (3) fails to provide a certified statement 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 and any amounts withheld may be credited against the shareholder’s ultimate U.S. tax liability. Backup withholding will not be applied to payments that have been subject to the 30% withholding tax on shareholders who are neither citizens nor permanent residents of the U.S.

 

Non-U.S. Shareholders. Any non-U.S. investors in the Fund may be subject to U.S. withholding and estate tax and are encouraged to consult their tax advisers prior to investing in the Fund. Foreign shareholders (i.e., nonresident alien individuals and foreign corporations, partnerships, trusts and estates) are generally subject to U.S. withholding tax at the rate of 30% (or a lower tax treaty rate) on distributions derived from taxable ordinary income. The Fund may, under certain circumstances, report all or a portion of a dividend as an “interest-related dividend” or a “short-term capital gain dividend,” which would generally be exempt from this 30% U.S. withholding tax, provided certain other requirements are met. Short-term capital gain dividends received by a nonresident alien individual who is present in the U.S. for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the taxable year are not exempt from this 30% withholding tax. Gains realized by foreign shareholders from the sale or other disposition of Shares generally are not subject to U.S. taxation, unless the recipient is an individual who is physically present in the U.S. for 183 days or more per year. Foreign 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. Different tax consequences may result if the foreign shareholder is engaged in a trade or business within the United States. In addition, the tax consequences to a foreign shareholder entitled to claim the benefits of a tax treaty may be different than those described above.

 

Under legislation generally known as “FATCA” (the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act), the Fund is required to withhold 30% of certain ordinary dividends it pays to shareholders that fail to meet prescribed information reporting or certification requirements. In general, no such withholding will be required with respect to a U.S. person or non-U.S. person that timely provides the certifications required by a fund or its agent on a valid IRS Form W-9 or applicable series of IRS Form W-8, respectively. Shareholders potentially subject to withholding include foreign financial institutions (“FFIs”), such as non-U.S. investment funds, and non-financial foreign entities (“NFFEs”). To avoid withholding under FATCA, an FFI generally must enter into an information sharing agreement with the IRS in which it agrees to report certain identifying information (including name, address, and taxpayer identification number) with respect to its U.S. account holders (which, in the case of an entity shareholder, may include its direct and indirect U.S. owners), and an NFFE generally must identify and provide other required information to the Fund or other withholding agent regarding its U.S. owners, if any. Such non-U.S. shareholders also may fall into certain exempt, excepted or deemed compliant categories as established by regulations and other guidance. A non-U.S. shareholder resident or doing business in a country that has entered into an intergovernmental agreement with the United States to implement FATCA will be exempt from FATCA withholding provided that the shareholder and the applicable foreign government comply with the terms of the agreement.

 

A non-U.S. entity that invests in the Fund will need to provide the Fund with documentation properly certifying the entity’s status under FATCA in order to avoid FATCA withholding. Non-U.S. investors in the Fund should consult their tax advisors in this regard.

 

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Tax-Exempt Shareholders. Certain tax-exempt shareholders, including qualified pension plans, individual retirement accounts, salary deferral arrangements, 401(k) plans, 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 unrelated trade or business against the income or gain of another unrelated 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 its tax-exempt shareholders with respect to their shares of Fund income. However, notwithstanding the foregoing, tax-exempt shareholders could realize UBTI by virtue of their investment in the Fund if, 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 constitute debt-financed property in the hands of the tax-exempt shareholders within the meaning of section 514(b) of the Code. Charitable remainder trusts are subject to special rules and should consult their tax advisers. The IRS has issued guidance with respect to these issues and prospective shareholders, especially charitable remainder trusts, are strongly encouraged to consult with their tax advisers 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 advisors with specific reference to their own tax situations, including their state, local, and foreign tax liabilities.

 

Certain Potential Tax Reporting Requirements. Under U.S. Treasury regulations, if a shareholder recognizes a loss on disposition of Shares 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. Significant penalties may be imposed for the failure to comply with the reporting requirements. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer’s treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.

 

Other Issues. In those states which have income tax laws, the tax treatment of Fund and of Fund shareholders with respect to distributions by the Fund may differ from federal tax treatment.

 

SHAREHOLDER REPORTS

 

The Trust will issue through DTC Participants to its shareholders semi-annual reports containing unaudited financial statements and annual reports containing financial statements audited by an independent auditor approved by the Trust’s Trustees and by the shareholders when meetings are held and such other information as may be required by applicable laws, rules and regulations. Beneficial Owners also receive annually notification as to the tax status of the Trust’s distributions.

 

Shareholder inquiries may be made by writing to the Trust at c/o Paralel Distributors LLC, 1700 Broadway, Suite 2100, Denver, Colorado 80290.

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The Fund is a continuation of the Predecessor Fund. The audited financial statements and report of the independent registered public accounting firm required to be included in this SAI are hereby incorporated by reference to the Form N-CSR for the Predecessor Fund for fiscal year ended April 30, 2026. You can obtain a copy of the Predecessor Fund’s Semi-Annual and Annual Report without charge by contacting the Fund at the address or number on the front page of this SAI.

 

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Vulcan Value Partners – Compliance Policies and Procedures
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APPENDIX A

 

Vulcan Value Partners, LLC 

PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

 

 

Proxy Voting and Class Actions
Functional Area / Compliance Topic Proxy Voting and Class Actions
Oversight Responsibility Compliance
Source of Requirements

Rule 206(4)-6 under the Advisers Act of 1940

 

Investment Advisers Act Release No. 2106 (January 31, 2003)

https://www.sec.gov/rules/final/ia-2106.htm

Requirements

In Proxy Voting by Investment Advisers, Investment Advisers Act Release No. 2106 (January 31, 2003), the SEC noted that, “The federal securities laws do not specifically address how an adviser must exercise its proxy voting authority for its clients. Under the Advisers Act, however, an adviser is a fiduciary that owes each of its clients a duty of care and loyalty with respect to all services undertaken on the client’s behalf, including proxy voting. The duty of care requires an adviser with proxy voting authority to monitor corporate events and to vote the proxies.”

 

Rule 206(4)-6 under the Advisers Act requires each registered investment adviser that exercises proxy voting authority with respect to client securities to:

 

·        Adopt and implement written policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure that the adviser votes client securities in the clients’ best interests. Such policies and procedures must address the manner in which the adviser will resolve material conflicts of interest that can arise during the proxy voting process;

 

·        Disclose to clients how they may obtain information from the adviser about how the adviser voted with respect to their securities; and

 

·        Describe to clients the adviser’s proxy voting policies and procedures and, upon request, furnish a copy of the policies and procedures.

 

Additionally, paragraph (c)(2) of Rule 204-2 imposes additional recordkeeping requirements on investment advisers that execute proxy voting authority, as described in the Maintenance of Books and Records section of this Manual.

 

The Advisers Act lacks specific guidance regarding an adviser’s duty to direct clients’ participation in class actions. However, many investment advisers adopt policies and procedures regarding class actions.

 

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Policy

Proxies are assets of Vulcan’s Clients that must be voted with diligence, care, and loyalty. Vulcan will vote each proxy in accordance with its fiduciary duty to its Clients. Vulcan will generally seek to vote proxies in a way that maximizes the value of Clients’ assets. However, Vulcan will document cases in which it chooses to follow any specific proxy voting recommendations conveyed by a Client with respect to that Client’s securities. The Operations and Research Departments coordinate Vulcan’s proxy voting process while the Compliance Department reviews Vulcan’s elections for any conflicts of interest.

 

Paragraph (c)(ii) of Rule 204-2 under the Advisers Act requires Vulcan to maintain certain books and records associated with its proxy voting policies and procedures. The Chief Compliance Officer will ensure that Vulcan complies with all applicable recordkeeping requirements associated with proxy voting.

 

This policy applies to all client accounts, including private funds for which Vulcan serves as general partner.


PROCEDURE
RESPONSIBILITY PROCESS SUMMARY
Voting Procedures Research, Operations

Absent specific Client instructions, Vulcan has adopted the following proxy voting procedures designed to ensure that proxies are properly identified and voted, and that any conflicts of interest are addressed appropriately:

 

·        Any proxy materials received on behalf of clients are forwarded to the Operations Department;

·        The Operations Department will determine which client accounts hold the security to which the proxy relates;

·       Absent material conflicts, the Research Department determines how Vulcan should vote the proxy in accordance with the voting guidelines noted below, and provides instructions on how to vote the proxy to the Operations Department. The Operations Department completes the proxy and votes the proxy in a timely and appropriate manner.

·        Vulcan generally utilizes ISS ProxyExchange, an electronic voting service, to manage the process of meeting notification, voting, tracking, reporting and record maintenance. ProxyExchange provides an automated electronic interface directly to the custodian, bank or broker-dealer. For custodians that are not established in ProxyExchange, Vulcan will vote manually via paper ballot or through other online systems such as the custodian’s website or ProxyVote.com. 

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Voting Guidelines Research, Compliance

·        Vulcan will use its best judgment to vote proxies in the best interests of each client. Vulcan’s policy is to vote all proxies from a specific issuer the same way for each client absent qualifying restrictions from a client.

·        Vulcan will generally vote in favor of routine corporate governance proposals such as the election of directors, change in state of incorporation or capital structure and selection of auditors absent conflicts of interest raised by an auditor’s non-audit services.

·        Vulcan will generally vote in favor of management on non-routine corporate governance issues unless voting with management would limit shareholder rights or have a negative impact on shareholder value. Non-routine issues may include, but not be limited to, corporate restructuring, mergers and acquisitions, proposals affecting shareholder rights, anti-takeover issues, executive compensation, and social and political issues.

·        Vulcan may further consider the recommendations of management and the effect on management, and the effect on shareholder value and the issuer’s business practices.

Conflicts of Interest Compliance

·        Vulcan will identify any conflicts that exist between its interests and those of the client by reviewing Vulcan’s relationship with the issuer of each security to determine if Vulcan or any of its employees has any financial, business, or personal relationship with the isuer.

·        If a material conflict of interest exists, the CCO will determine whether it is appropriate to disclose the conflict to the affected client, to give the client an opportunity to vote the proxies themselves, or to address the voting issue through other objective means such as abstaining, voting in a manner consistent with a predetermined voting policy or receiving an independent third party voting recommendation.

·        Any decision to override a vote due to a conflict of interest will be made by the Research Team and reported to the CCO who will record in writing the basis for any such determination.

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·        Vulcan will maintain a record of the resolution of any conflict of interest concerning voting.

 

·        Vulcan will not neglect its proxy voting responsibilities, but the Company may abstain from voting if it deems that abstaining is in its Clients’ best interests. For example, Vulcan may be unable to vote securities that have been lent by the custodian. Also, proxy voting in certain countries involves “share blocking,” which limits Vulcan’s ability to sell the affected security during a blocking period that can last for several weeks. Vulcan believes that the potential consequences of being unable to sell a security usually outweigh the benefits of participating in a proxy vote, so Vulcan may elect to abstain from voting when share blocking is required. Vulcan will maintain records of the rationale for any instance in which Vulcan does not vote a Client’s proxy. Vulcan is only responsible for proxy materials received in a timely manner.

 

  • ProxyExchange will retain the following information in connection with each proxy vote:

o   The Issuer’s name;

o   The security’s ticker symbol or CUSIP, as applicable;

o   The shareholder meeting date;

o   The number of shares that Vulcan voted;

o   A brief identification of the matter voted on;

o   Whether the matter was proposed by the Issuer or a security-holder;

o   Whether Vulcan cast a vote;

o   How Vulcan cast its vote (for the proposal, against the proposal, or abstain); and

o   Whether Vulcan cast its vote with or against management.

 

  • If Vulcan votes the same proxy in two directions, the Compliance Department will maintain documentation describing the reasons for each vote (e.g., Vulcan believes that voting with management is in Clients’ best interests, but one Client gave specific instructions to vote against management).

  • Any attempt to influence the proxy voting process by Issuers or others not identified in these policies and procedures should be promptly reported to the Chief Compliance Officer. Similarly, any Client’s attempt to influence proxy voting with respect to other Clients’ securities should be promptly reported to the Chief Compliance Officer.

  • Proxies received after a Client terminates its advisory relationship with Vulcan will not be voted.

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Class Actions Compliance

As a fiduciary, Vulcan always seeks to act in Clients’ best interests with good faith, loyalty, and due care. If within Vulcan’s discretion, the Chief Compliance Officer will determine whether Clients will (a) participate in a recovery achieved through a class action, or (b) opt out of the class action or (c) separately pursue their own remedy. Vulcan utilizes a third party that oversees the completion of Proof of Claim forms and any associated documentation, the submission of such documents to the claim administrator, and the receipt of any recovered monies. The Chief Compliance Officer will maintain documentation associated with Clients’ participation in class actions.

 

Employees must notify the Chief Compliance Officer if they are aware of any material conflict of interest associated with Clients’ participation in class actions. The Chief Compliance Officer will evaluate any such conflicts and determine an appropriate course of action for Vulcan.

 

Vulcan generally does not serve as the lead plaintiff in class actions because the costs of such participation typically exceed any extra benefits that accrue to lead plaintiffs.

 

Disclosures to Clients Compliance

Vulcan includes a description of its policies and procedures regarding proxy voting and class actions in Part 2 of Form ADV, along with a statement that Clients can contact the Chief Compliance Officer to obtain a copy of these policies and procedures and information about how Vulcan voted with respect to the Client’s securities.

 

As a matter of policy, Vulcan does not disclose how it expects to vote on upcoming proxies. Additionally, Vulcan does not disclose the way it voted proxies to unaffiliated third parties without a legitimate need to know such information.

 

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Recordkeeping Compliance

The Chief Compliance Officer shall retain the following proxy records in accordance with the SEC’s five-year retention requirement.

 

·         These policies and procedures and any amendments;

·         Each proxy statement that Vulcan receives;

·         A record of each vote that Vulcan casts;

·         Any document Vulcan created that was material to making a decision how to vote proxies, or that memorializes that voting decision.

·         A copy of each written request from a client for information on how Vulcan voted such client fund’s proxies, and a copy of any written response.

Periodic Reviews Operations completes a proxy vote checklist and submits the checklist to the Compliance Department for review and approval.
Related Information Annual 206(4)-7 Compliance Program Review Report, Compliance Calendar

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PRIVACY NOTICE

 

Privacy Statement

 

Pursuant to SEC Regulation S-P (Privacy of Consumer Financial Information) the Trustees of the Elevation Series Trust (the “Trust”) has established the following policy regarding information about the Trust’s shareholders. We consider all shareholder data to be private and confidential, and we hold ourselves to the highest standards in its safekeeping and use.

 

General Statement

 

The Trust may collect nonpublic information (e.g., your name, address, e-mail address, Social Security Number, Trust holdings (collectively, “Personal Information”)) about shareholders from transactions in Trust shares. The Trust will not release Personal Information about current or former shareholders (except as permitted by law) unless one of the following conditions is met: we receive your prior written consent; (ii) we believe the recipient to be you or your authorized representative; (iii) to service or support the business functions of the Trust (as explained in more detail below), or (iv) we are required by law to release Personal Information to the recipient. The Trust have not and will not in the future give or sell Personal Information about their current or former shareholders to any company, individual, or group (except as per mitted by law) and as otherwise provided in this policy.

 

The Trust may make certain electronic services available to their shareholders and may solicit your email address and contact you by email, telephone or US mail regarding the availability of such services. The Trust may also contact shareholders by email, telephone or US mail in connection with these services, such as to confirm enrollment in electronic shareholder communications or to update your Personal Information. In no event will the Trust transmit your Personal Information via email without your consent.

 

Use of Personal Information

 

The Trust will only use Personal Information (i) as necessary to service or maintain shareholder accounts in the ordinary course of business and (ii) to support business functions of the Trust and their affiliated businesses. This means that the Trust may share certain Personal Information, only as per mitted by law, with affiliated businesses of the Trust, and that such information may be used for non- Trust-related solicitation. When Personal Information is shared with the Trust’s business affiliates, the Trust may do so without providing you the option of preventing these types of disclosures as permitted by law.

 

Safeguards Regarding Personal Information

 

Internally, we also restrict access to Personal Information to those who have a specific need for the records. We maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards that comply with Federal standards to guard Personal Information. Any doubts about the confidentiality of Personal Information, as required by law, are resolved in favor of confidentiality.

 

 
 

PART C 

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 28. Exhibits

 

(a) Declaration of Trust
   
  (1) Certificate of Trust dated March 7, 20221
     
  (2) Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Trust2
     
  (3) Second Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust of Elevation Series Trust dated September 26, 20222
     
(b) By-Laws
   
  (1) Amended By -Laws dated September 14, 20222
     
(c) Instruments Defining Rights of Security Holders
   
  (1) Instruments Defining Rights of Security Holders incorporated by reference to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust and By -Laws
     
(d) Investment Advisory Agreements
   
  (1) Investment Advisory Agreement between Elevation Series Trust and Paralel Advisors LLC on behalf of the SRH U.S. Quality GARP ETF2
     
  (2) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Elevation Series Trust, Paralel Advisors LLC and Vident Advisory , LLC on behalf of the SRH U.S. Quality GARP ETF3
     
  (3) Investment Advisory Agreement between Elevation Series Trust and Paralel Advisors LLC on behalf of the SRH REIT Covered Call ETF4
     
  (4) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Elevation Series Trust, Paralel Advisors LLC and Rocky Mountain Advisers, LLC on behalf of the SRH REIT Covered Call ETF4
     
  (5) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Elevation Series Trust, Paralel Advisors LLC and Vident Advisory , LLC on behalf of the SRH REIT Covered Call ETF4
     
  (6) Investment Advisory Agreement between Elevation Series Trust and Sovereigns Capital Management, LLC on behalf of the Sovereign’s Capital Flourish Fund3
     
  (7) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Elevation Series Trust, Sovereigns Capital Management, LLC and Vident Advisory , LLC on behalf of the Sovereign’s Capital Flourish Fund3
     
  (8) Investment Advisory Agreement between Elevation Series Trust and TrueMark Investments, LLC on behalf of the Polen International Dividend Income ETF (fka The Opal International Dividend Income ETF), TrueShares Seasonality Laddered Buffered ETF, TrueShares ConVequity ETF (fka TrueShares ConVex Protect ETF), TrueShares S&P Autocallable Defensive Income ETF and TrueShares S&P Autocallable High Income ETF (“TrueMark Investment Advisory Agreement One”)22
     
  (9) Investment Advisory Agreement between Elevation Series Trust and TrueMark Investments, LLC on behalf on behalf of the TrueShares Patriot Defense ETF (fka RiverNorth Patriot ETF), RiverNorth Market Neutral ETF (fka RiverNorth Enhanced Pre-Merger SPAC ETF), RiverNorth Active Income ETF, Polen Dividend Income ETF (fka Opal Dividend Income ETF), TrueShares Technology, AI, & Deep Learning ETF, TrueShares Eagle Global Next Gen Power Infrastructure ETF (fka TrueShares Eagle Global Renewable Energy Income ETF) and the TrueShares Structured Outcome ETFs (“TrueMark Investment Advisory Agreement Two”) 22
     
  (10) Amendment to Schedule A of TrueMark Investment Advisory Agreement One for the purpose of adding TrueShares Quarterly Bull Hedge ETF25

 C-1

 

  (11) Investment Advisory Agreement between Elevation Series Trust and Clough Capital Partners L.P. on behalf of the Clough Hedged Equity ETF and Clough Select Equity ETF (“Clough Investment Advisory Agreement”)9
     
  (12) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Elevation Series Trust, TrueMark Investments, LLC and Opal Capital LLC on behalf of Polen International Dividend Income Fund (fka The Opal International Dividend Income ETF) and the Polen Dividend Income ETF (fka Opal Dividend Income ETF)22
     
  (13) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Elevation Series Trust, TrueMark Investments, LLC and RiverNorth Capital Management, LLC on behalf of TrueShares Patriot Defense ETF (fka RiverNorth Patriot ETF), RiverNorth Market Neutral ETF (fka RiverNorth Enhanced Pre-Merger SPAC ETF) and RiverNorth Active Income ETF22
     
  (14) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Elevation Series Trust, TrueMark Investments, LLC and Black Hill Capital Partners, LLC on behalf of TrueShares Technology, AI, & Deep Learning ETF22 
     
  (15) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Elevation Series Trust, TrueMark Investments, LLC and Eagle Global Advisors, LLC on behalf of TrueShares Eagle Global Next Gen Power Infrastructure ETF (fka TrueShares Eagle Global Renewable Energy Income ETF)22
     
  (16) Investment Advisory Agreement between Elevation Series Trust and Vulcan Value Partners, LLC on behalf of the Vulcan Value Partners Fund and Vulcan Value Partners Small Cap Fund (together, the “Vulcan Funds”)(the “Vulcan Funds Advisory Agreement)18
     
  (17) Expense Limitation Agreement dated September 15, 2025 on behalf of the Vulcan Funds18
     
  (18) Investment Advisory Agreement between Elevation Series Trust and Disciplined Growth Investors, Inc. on behalf of The Disciplined Growth Investors Fund (“DGI Investment Advisory Agreement”)14
     
  (19) Investment Advisory Agreement between Elevation Series Trust and Norris Perné and French LLP d/b/a NPF Investment Advisors on behalf of NPF Core Equity ETF19
     
  (20) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Elevation Series Trust, Norris Perné and French LLP d/b/a NPF Investment Advisors and Vident Advisory, LLC on behalf of NPF Core Equity ETF19
     
  (21) Amendment to Schedule A of TrueMark Investment Advisory Agreement One for the purpose of adding TrueShares Equity Hedge ETF22
     
  (22) Amendment to Schedule A of DGI Investment Advisory Agreement for the purpose of adding The Disciplined Growth Investors Equity Fund21
     
  (23) Investment Advisory Agreement between Elevation Series Trust and CresAlta Investment Management, Inc. on behalf of CresAlta Global Dividend ETF and CresAlta Small and Mid-Cap ETF24 
     
  (24) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement between Elevation Series Trust, CresAlta Investment Management, Inc. and Vident Asset Management on behalf of CresAlta Global Dividend ETF and CresAlta Small and Mid-Cap ETF24 
     
  (25) Amendment to Schedule A of TrueMark Investment Advisory Agreement One for the purpose of adding TrueShares Quarterly Bear Hedge ETF25
     
  (26) Amendment to Schedule A of Clough Investment Advisory Agreement for the purpose of adding Clough Global Macro ETF (to be filed by amendment)
     
  (27) Amendment to Schedule A of the Vulcan Funds Advisory Agreement for the purposes of removing Vulcan Value Partners Fund (to be filed by amendment)
     
  (28) Investment Advisory Agreement between Elevation Series Trust and Vulcan Value Partners, LLC on behalf of the Vulcan Value Partners ETF (together, the “Vulcan ETF Advisory Agreement”) (to be filed by amendment)

 C-2

 

(e) Distribution Agreement
   
  (1) ETF Distribution Agreement between Elevation Series Trust and Paralel Distributors LLC on behalf of the SRH U.S. Quality GARP ETF (“ETF Distribution Agreement”)2
     
  (2) Amendment to the ETF Distribution Agreement to update Exhibit A (to be filed by amendment) 
     
  (3) Mutual Fund Distribution Agreement between Elevation Series Trust and Paralel Distributors LLC on behalf of The Disciplined Growth Investors Fund ( “Mutual Fund Distribution Agreement”)14
     
  (4) Form of Authorized Participant Agreement for Paralel Distributors LLC2
     
  (5) Amendment to the Mutual Fund Distribution Agreement between Elevation Series Trust and Paralel Distributors LLC to update Exhibit A, effective December 29, 202521
     
  (6) Amendment to the Mutual Fund Distribution Agreement to update Exhibit A (to be filed by amendment)
     
(f) Bonus or Profit-Sharing Contracts None 
     
(g) Custody Agreements
     
  (1) Custody Agreement between Elevation Series Trust and State Street Bank and Trust Company, with respect to the Trust and SRH U.S. Quality GARP ETF2
     
  (2) Letter Agreement adding the Sovereign’s Capital Flourish Fund to the Custody Agreement between Elevation Series Trust and State Street Bank and Trust Company3
     
  (3) Letter Agreement adding SRH REIT Covered Call ETF to the Custody Agreement between Elevation Series Trust and State Street Bank and Trust Company4
     
  (4) Letter Agreement adding the TrueShares Quarterly Bull Hedge ETF and TrueShares Quarterly Bear Hedge ETF to the Custody Agreement between Elevation Series Trust and State Street Bank and Trust Company5
     
  (5) Letter Agreement adding the Clough Hedged Equity ETF and Clough Select Equity ETF to the Custody Agreement between Elevation Series Trust and State Street Bank and Trust Company9
     
  (6) Letter Agreement adding Polen International Dividend Income ETF (fka The Opal International Dividend Income ETF) and TrueShares Seasonality Laddered Buffered ETF to the Custody Agreement between Elevation Series Trust and State Street Bank and Trust Company8
     
  (7) Letter Agreement adding the TrueShares Structured Outcome ETFs, TrueShares Patriot Defense ETF (fka RiverNorth Patriot ETF), RiverNorth Market Neutral ETF (fka RiverNorth Enhanced Pre-Merger SPAC ETF), RiverNorth Active Income ETF, Polen Dividend Income ETF (fka Opal Dividend Income ETF), TrueShares Technology , AI, & Deep Learning ETF, TrueShares Active Yield ETF, TrueShares Eagle Global Next Gen Power Infrastructure ETF (fka TrueShares Eagle Global Renewable Energy Income ETF), Vulcan Value Partners Fund and Vulcan Value Partners Small Cap Fund to the Custody Agreement between Elevation Series Trust and State Street Bank and Trust Company12
     
  (8) Letter Agreement adding the TrueShares ConVequity ETF (fka TrueShares ConVex Protect ETF) to the Custody Agreement between Elevation Series Trust and State Street Bank and Trust Company13
     
  (9) Letter Agreement adding NPF Core Equity ETF to the Custody Agreement between Elevation Series Trust and State Street Bank and Trust Company19
     
  (10) Custody Agreement between Elevation Series Trust and U.S. Bank National Association, with respect to the Trust and The Disciplined Growth Investors Fund14
     
  (11) Letter Agreement adding the TrueShares S&P Autocallable High Income ETF and TrueShares S&P Autocallable Defensive Income ETF to the Custody Agreement between Elevation Series Trust and State Street Bank and Trust Company20
     
  (12) Letter Agreement adding the TrueShares Equity Hedge ETF to the Custody Agreement between Elevation Series Trust and State Street Bank and Trust Company22

 C-3

 

  (13) Letter Agreement adding The Disciplined Growth Investors Equity Fund to the Custody Agreement between Elevation Series Trust and U.S. Bank National Association21
     
  (14) Letter Agreement adding CresAlta Global Dividend ETF and CresAlta Small and Mid-Cap ETF to the Custody Agreement between Elevation Series Trust and State Street Bank and Trust Company24 
     
  (15) Letter Agreement adding the Clough Global Macro ETF to the Custody Agreement between Elevation Series Trust and State Street Bank and Trust Company (to be filed by amendment)
     
  (16) Letter Agreement removing the Vulcan Value Partners Fund and adding the Vulcan Value Partners ETF to the Custody Agreement between Elevation Series Trust and State Street Bank and Trust Company (to be filed by amendment)
     
(h) Other Material Contracts
   
  (1) Transfer Agency and Service Agreement between Elevation Series Trust and State Street Bank and Trust (TA Agreement)  with respect to the Trust and SRH U.S. Quality GARP ETF2
     
  (2) Letter Agreement adding the Sovereign’s Capital Flourish Fund to the TA Agreement3
     
  (3) Letter Agreement adding the SRH REIT Covered Call ETF to the TA Agreement4
     
  (4) Letter Agreement adding the TrueShares Quarterly Bull Hedge ETF and TrueShares Quarterly Bear Hedge ETF to the TA Agreement5
     
  (5) Letter Agreement adding the Clough Hedged Equity ETF and Clough Select Equity ETF to the TA Agreement9
     
  (6) Master Transfer Agency and Services Agreement (“Paralel TA Agreement”) between Elevation Series Trust and Paralel Technologies LLC14
     
  (7) Letter Agreement adding Polen International Dividend Income ETF (fka The Opal International Dividend Income ETF) and TrueShares Seasonality Laddered Buffered ETF to the TA Agreement8
     
  (8) Letter Agreement adding TrueShares Structured Outcome ETFs, TrueShares Patriot Defense ETF (fka RiverNorth Patriot ETF), RiverNorth Market Neutral ETF (fka RiverNorth Enhanced Pre-Merger SPAC ETF), RiverNorth Active Income ETF, Polen Dividend Income ETF (fka Opal Dividend Income ETF), TrueShares Technology, AI, & Deep Learning ETF, TrueShares Active Yield ETF, and TrueShares Eagle Global Next Gen Power Infrastructure ETF (fka TrueShares Eagle Global Renewable Energy Income ETF) to the TA Agreement12
     
  (9) Letter Agreement adding the TrueShares ConVequity ETF (fka TrueShares ConVex Protect ETF) to the TA Agreement13
     
  (10) Letter Agreement adding NPF Core Equity ETF to the TA Agreement19
     
  (11) Letter Agreement adding  TrueShares S&P Autocallable High Income ETF and TrueShares S&P Autocallable Defensive Income ETF to the TA Agreement20
     
  (12) Letter Agreement adding TrueShares Equity Hedge ETF to the TA Agreement22
     
  (13) Letter Agreement adding CresAlta Global Dividend ETF and CresAlta Small and Mid-Cap ETF to the TA Agreement24 
     
  (14) Letter Agreement adding the Clough Global Macro ETF to the TA Agreement (to be filed by amendment)
     
  (15) Letter Agreement adding the Vulcan Value Partners ETF to the TA Agreement (to be filed by amendment)
     
  (16) Fund Addendum to the Paralel TA Agreement to add The Disciplined Growth Investors Fund14
     
  (17) Fund Addendum to the Paralel TA Agreement to remove the Vulcan Value Partners Fund (to be filed by amendment)
     
  (18) Fund Addendum to the Paralel TA Agreement to add The Disciplined Growth Investors Equity Fund21
     
  (19) Amended and Restated Master Administration and Fund Accounting  Agreement between Elevation Series Trust and Paralel Technologies LLC (Master Admin Agreement)3

 C-4

 

  (20) Amendment #1 to the Master Admin Agreement5
     
  (21) Second Amended and Restated Fund Addendum to the Master Admin Agreement with respect to the SRH Funds, dated May 1, 202517
     
  (22) Fund Addendum to the Master Admin Agreement with respect to the Sovereign’s Capital Flourish Fund3
     
  (23) Third Amended and Restated Fund Addendum to the Master Admin Agreement with respect to the TrueMark Funds, dated April 24, 202625
     
  (24) Amended and Restated Fund Addendum to the Master Admin Agreement with respect to the Clough Funds, dated [_____, 2026 (to be filed by amendment)
     
  (25) Amended and Restated Fund Addendum to the Master Admin Agreement with respect to the Vulcan Funds, dated [], 2026 (to be filed by amendment)
     
  (26) Amended and Restated Fund Addendum to the Master Admin Agreement with respect to The Disciplined Growth Investors Fund, dated July 8, 202514
     
  (27) Second Amended and Restated Master Administration and Fund Accounting Agreement (Second Master Admin Agreement)19
     
  (28) Amended and Restated Fund Addendum to the Second Master Admin Agreement with respect to the NPF Core Equity ETF, dated September 18, 202519
     
  (29) Amended and Restated Fund Addendum to the Second Master Admin Agreement with respect to the CresAlta Global Dividend ETF and CresAlta Small and Mid-Cap ETF24 
     
  (30) Index License Agreement between Paralel Advisors LLC and Index Provider with respect to the SRH U.S. Quality GARP ETF2
     
(i) Legal Opinions
   
  (1) Legal Opinion and Consent of Counsel (to be filed by amendment)
     
(j) Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
   
  (1) Consent of Independent Registered Accounting Firm (to be filed by amendment)
   
(k) Omitted Financial Statements. None
   
(l) Initial Capital Agreements
   
  (1) Share Purchase Agreement between Elevation Series Trust and Paralel Technologies LLC with respect to the SRH U.S. Quality GARP ETF2
     
(m) Rule 12b-1 Plans
   
  (1) Rule 12b-1 Plan with respect to the Vulcan Funds18
     
  (2) Rule 12b-1 Plan with respect to the Clough Global Macro ETF (to be filed by amendment)
     
  (3) Rule 12b-1 Plan with respect to the Vulcan Value Partners ETF (to be filed by amendment)
     
(n) Rule 18f-3 Plan with Respect to the Vulcan Funds18 
   
(o) Reserved 

 C-5

 

(p) Code of Ethics
   
  (1) Code of Ethics for Registrant2
     
  (2) Code of Ethics for Paralel Advisors LLC and Paralel Distributors LLC3
     
  (3) Code of Ethics for Vident Advisory , LLC3
     
  (4) Code of Ethics for Rocky Mountain Advisers, LLC4
     
  (5) Code of Ethics for Sovereign’s Capital Management, LLC3
     
  (6) Code of Ethics for TrueMark Investments, LLC5
     
  (7) Code of Ethics for Clough Capital Partners L.P.9
     
  (8) Code of Ethics for Opal Capital LLC7
     
  (9) Code of Ethics for Vulcan Value Partners, LLC18 
     
  (10) Code of Ethics for RiverNorth Capital Management, LLC12
     
  (11)  Code of Ethics for Black Hill Capital Partners, LLC12
     
  (12)  Code of Ethics for Wealth Builder Funds, LLC12 
     
  (13)  Code of Ethics for Eagle Global Advisors, LLC12
     
  (14)  Code of Ethics for Disciplined Growth Investors, Inc.14
     
  (15)  Code of Ethics for Norris Perné and French LLP d/b/a NPF Investment Advisors19
     
  (16) Code of Ethics for CresAlta Investment Management, Inc.24 
     
(q) Powers of Attorney
   
  (1) Power of Attorney of Trustee, Steve Norgaard, Trustee, Kimberly Storms, Trustee Corey Dillon25

 

1Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (1933 Act File No. 333-265972) filed on July 1, 2022.

 

2Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (1933 Act File No. 333-265972) filed on September 30, 2022.

 

3Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (1933 Act File No. 333-265972) filed on September 26, 2023.

 

4Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (1933 Act File No. 333-265972) filed on October 24, 2023.

 

5Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (1933 Act File No. 333-265972) filed on June 26, 2024.

 

6Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (1933 Act File No. 333-265972) filed on November 27, 2024.

 

7Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (1933 Act File No. 333-265972) filed on December 13, 2024.

 

8Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (1933 Act File No. 333-265972) filed on December 26, 2024.

 

9Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (1933 Act File No. 333-265972) filed on January 16, 2025.

 

 C-6

 

 

10Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (1933 Act File No. 333-265972) filed on January 17, 2025.

 

11Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (1933 Act File No. 333-265972) filed on February 28, 2025.

 

12Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (1933 Act File No. 333-265972) filed on June 10, 2025.

 

13Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (1933 Act File No. 333-265972) filed on June 25, 2025.

 

14Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (1933 Act File No. 333-265972) filed on July 09, 2025.

 

15Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (1933 Act File No. 333-265972) filed on July 29, 2025.

 

16Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (1933 Act File No. 333-265972) filed on August 5, 2025.

 

17Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (1933 Act File No. 333-265972) filed on September 3, 2025.

 

18Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (1933 Act File No. 333-265972) filed on September 11, 2025.

 

19Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (1933 Act File No. 333-265972) filed on September 19, 2025.

 

20Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (1933 Act File No. 333-265972) filed on December 23, 2025.

 

21Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (1933 Act File No. 333-265972) filed on December 29, 2025.

 

22Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (1933 Act File No. 333-265972) filed on January 8, 2026.

 

23Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (1933 Act File No. 333-265972) filed on February 27, 2026.

 

24Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (1933 Act File No. 333-265972) filed on April 30, 2026.

 

25Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (1933 Act File No. 333-265972) filed on July 6, 2026.

 

Item 29. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with Registrant.

 

The Registrant is not controlled by and does not control any other entity or person.

 

Item 30. Indemnification.

 

As permitted by Section 17(h) and (i) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), and pursuant to Article X of the Registrant’s Declaration of Trust (Exhibit (a)(2) to the Registration Statement) and Section 6 of the Distribution Agreement (Exhibit (e)(1)) to the Registration Statement), officers, trustees, employees and agents of the Registrant will not be liable to the Registrant, any shareholder, officer, trustee, employee, agent or other control person for any action or failure to act, except for bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard of duties, and those individuals may be indemnified against liabilities in connection with the Registrant, subject to the same exceptions.

 

 C-7

 

 

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

 

The Registrant has purchased an insurance policy insuring its officers and trustees against liabilities, and certain costs of defending claims against such officers and trustees, to the extent such officers and trustees are not found to have committed conduct constituting willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard in the performance of their duties. The insurance policy also insures the Registrant against the cost of indemnification payments to officers under certain circumstances.

 

The Registrant hereby undertakes that it will apply the indemnification provisions of its Declaration of Trust and Distribution Agreement in a manner consistent with Release No. 11330 of the Securities and Exchange Commission under the 1940 Act so long as the interpretations of Section 17(h) and 17(i) of such Act remain in effect and are consistently applied.

 

Item 31. Business and Other Connections of Investment Advisers

 

This Item 31 incorporated by reference each investment adviser’s Uniform Application for Investment Adviser Registration (“Form ADV”) on file with the SEC, as listed below. Each Form ADV may be obtained, free of charge, at the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. Additional information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature engaged in by each officer and director of the below-listed investment advisers is included in the Trust’s Statement of Additional Information.

 

Investment Adviser SEC File No.
Paralel Advisors LLC 801-122468
Vident Advisory, LLC 801-114538
Rocky Mountain Advisers, LLC 801-70202
Sovereign’s Capital Management, LLC 801-126307
TrueMark Investments, LLC 801-117961
Clough Capital Partners L.P. 801-21583
Opal Capital LLC 801-126398
Vulcan Value Partners, LLC 801-70739
RiverNorth Capital Management, LLC 801-61533
Black Hill Capital Partners, LLC 801-118997
Eagle Global Advisors, LLC 801-53294
Disciplined Growth Investors, Inc.  801-53297 
Norris Perné and French LLP d/b/a NPF Investment Advisors       801-3475   
CresAlta Investment Management, Inc. 801-135425

 

Item 32. Principal Underwriters.

 

(a)Paralel Distributors LLC acts as the distributor for the Registrant.

 

As of the date of this Registration Statement, in addition to each series of the Trust, Paralel Distributors LLC also acts as the underwriter for:

 

Cullen Funds (6 series), Collaborative Investment Series Trust (9 series), Reaves Utility Income Fund (ATM Offering), Coller Secondaries Private Equity Opportunities Fund, Coller Private Credit Secondaries Fund, HarbourVest Private Investments Fund, XAI CLO & Income Fund, XAI Octagon Floating Rate & Alternative Income Trust (ATM Offering), Shelton Equity Premium Income ETF, Corgi ETF Trust I (144 series), PFS Funds/Potomac (5 series), Azzad Funds (2 series), Spinnaker ETF Series (19 series), Starboard Investment Trust (7 series), Amana Mutual Funds Trust (3 series), The Pre-IPO and Growth Fund, Wisdom Short Duration Income ETF and Wisdom Short Term Government Fund.

 

(b)To the best of Registrant’s knowledge, the directors and executive officers of the distributor are as follows:

 

Paralel Distributors LLC

 

Name* Position with Underwriter Positions with Trust
Bradley Swenson President, Chief Compliance Officer and FINOP President, Chairman and Interested Trustee
Jeremy May Chief Executive Officer None
Christopher Moore General Counsel None

 

*Except as otherwise noted, the principal business address for each of the above directors and executive officers is 1700 Broadway, Suite 2100, Denver, Colorado 80290.

 

 C-8

 

 

(c)Not applicable.

 

Item 33. Location of Accounts and Records 

 

(a)The Registrant maintains accounts, books and other documents required by Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the rules thereunder (collectively, “Records”) at its offices at 1700 Broadway, Suite 2100, Denver, Colorado 80290.

 

(b)Paralel Advisors LLC maintains all Records relating to its services as investment adviser to the Registrant at 1700 Broadway, Suite 2100, Denver, Colorado 80290.

 

(c)Paralel Technologies LLC maintains all Records relating to its services as administrator, accounting and transfer agent of the Registrant at 1700 Broadway, Suite 2100, Denver, Colorado 80290.

 

(d)Paralel Distributors LLC maintains all Records relating to its services as Distributor of the Registrant at 1700 Broadway, Suite 2100, Denver, Colorado 80290.

 

(e)Vident Advisory, LLC maintains all Records relating to its services as sub-adviser to the Registrant at 1125 Sanctuary Parkway, Suite 515, Alpharetta, Georgia 30009.

 

(f)State Street Bank and Trust Company maintains all Records relating to its services as Custodian of the Registrant at One Congress Street, Suite 1, Boston, Massachusetts 02114.

 

(g)Rocky Mountain Advisers, LLC maintains all Records relating to its services as sub-adviser to the Registrant at 2121 E. Crawford Place, Salina, Kansas 67401.

 

(h)Sovereign’s Capital Management, LLC maintains all Records relating to its services as adviser to the Registrant at 310 S. West Street, Suite 100, Raleigh, North Carolina, 27603.

 

(i)TrueMark Investments, LLC maintains all Records relating to its services as adviser to the Registrant at 433 W Van Buren, Suite 1100-D, Chicago, Illinois 60607.

 

(j)Clough Capital Partners L.P. maintains all Records relating to its services as adviser to the Registrant at 53 State Street, Floor 27, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.

 

(k)Opal Capital LLC maintains all Records relating to its services as sub-adviser to the Registrant at 5200 Town Center Circle, Suite 305, Boca Raton, Florida 33486.

 

(l)Vulcan Value Partners, LLC maintains all Records relating to its services as adviser to the Registrant at Three Protective Center, 2801 Highway 280 South, Suite 300, Birmingham, Alabama 35223.

 

(m)RiverNorth Capital Management, LLC maintains all Records relating to its services as adviser to the Registrant at 360 South Rosemary Avenue, Suite 1420, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401.

 

(n)Black Hill Capital Partners, LLC maintains all Records relating to its services as adviser to the Registrant at 101 California Street, San Francisco, California 94111.

 

(o)Eagle Global Advisors, LLC maintains all Records relating to its services as adviser to the Registrant at 1330 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 3000, Houston, Texas 77056.

 

(p)Disciplined Growth Investors, Inc. maintains all Records relating to its services as adviser to the Registrant at Fifth Street Towers, 150 South Fifth Street, Suite 2550, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402.

 

(q)Norris Perné and French LLP d/b/a NPF Investment Advisors maintains all Records relating to its services as adviser to the Registrant at 40 Pearl Street NW, Suite 500, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503.

 

(r)CresAlta Investment Management, Inc. maintains all Records relating to its services as adviser to the Registrant at 6295 Greenwood Plaza Blvd., Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111.

 

Item 34. Management Services Not Discussed in Parts A and B.

 

Not applicable.

 

 C-9

 

 

Item 35. Undertakings.

 

Not applicable.

 

 C-10

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of Denver and the State of Colorado, on the 3rd day of August, 2026.

 

  ELEVATION SERIES TRUST  
     
  By: /s/ Bradley Swenson  
    Bradley Swenson  
    President  

 

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

 

Signature   Title   Date
         
/s/ Bradley Swenson   President, Principal Executive Officer and Trustee   August 3, 2026
Bradley Swenson        
         
/s/ Nicholas Austin   Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer   August 3, 2026
Nicholas Austin   (Principal Accounting Officer)    
         
/s/ Steve Norgaard*   Trustee    
Steve Norgaard        
         
/s/ Kimberly Storms*   Trustee    
Kimberly Storms        
         
/s/ Corey Dillon*   Trustee    

 

* By: /s/ Nicholas Adams  
Name: Nicholas Adams  
Title: Attorney-in-fact  
Date: August 3, 2026  

 

Attorney-in-Fact pursuant to Powers of Attorney, as filed on July 7, 2026.

 

 C-11

 

Exhibit Index

 

None

 

 C-12