# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001558107
**File Stem:** 0001398344-26-001837
**Filing Date:** 2026-2
**Character Count:** 1353479
**Document Hash:** 1f9b9ab28848010f278df53cc9dab0d4
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001398344-26-001837.hdr.sgml**: 20260202

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001398344-26-001837

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 497

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 1

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20260202

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20260202

**EFFECTIVENESS DATE**: 20260202

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** ALPS Series Trust
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001558107

**ORGANIZATION NAME:**
- **EIN:** 000000000
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** DE
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 0930

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 497
- **SEC ACT:** 1933 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 333-183945
- **FILM NUMBER:** 26586985

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 1290 BROADWAY, SUITE 1000
- **CITY:** DENVER
- **STATE:** CO
- **ZIP:** 80203
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 303.623.2577

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 1290 BROADWAY, SUITE 1000
- **CITY:** DENVER
- **STATE:** CO
- **ZIP:** 80203

## Series and Classes Contracts Data

### Clarkston Partners Fund (Series ID: S000050589)

---

|  |  |  |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Class Name          | Ticker Symbol | Class ID   |
| Founders Class      | CFSMX         | C000159696 |
| Institutional Class | CISMX         | C000159697 |

---

### Clarkston Fund (Series ID: S000050590)

---

|  |  |  |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Class Name          | Ticker Symbol | Class ID   |
| Institutional Class | CILGX         | C000159698 |

---

### Clarkston Founders Fund (Series ID: S000053615)

---

|  |  |  |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Class Name          | Ticker Symbol | Class ID   |
| Institutional Class | CIMDX         | C000168469 |
| Founders Class      | CFMDX         | C000225903 |

---

### Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund (Series ID: S000058975)

---

|  |  |  |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Class Name          | Ticker Symbol | Class ID   |
| Institutional Class | BPRLX         | C000193426 |

---

### Carret Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund (Series ID: S000062895)

---

|  |  |  |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Class Name                 | Ticker Symbol | Class ID   |
| Institutional Class Shares | SEKSX         | C000203690 |
| Class A Shares             | IKSTX         | C000203691 |

---

### Hillman Value Fund (Series ID: S000070920)

---

|  |  |  |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Class Name         | Ticker Symbol | Class ID   |
| Hillman Value Fund | HCMAX         | C000225205 |

---

### Brigade High Income Fund (Series ID: S000079888)

---

|  |  |  |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Class Name          | Ticker Symbol | Class ID   |
| Founders Class      | BHIMX         | C000241324 |
| Institutional Class | BHIIX         | C000241325 |

---

## Series and Classes Contracts Data

### Clarkston Partners Fund (Series ID: S000050589)

| Class ID   | Class Name          | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000159696 | Founders Class      | CFSMX           |
| C000159697 | Institutional Class | CISMX           |

### Clarkston Fund (Series ID: S000050590)

| Class ID   | Class Name          | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000159698 | Institutional Class | CILGX           |

### Clarkston Founders Fund (Series ID: S000053615)

| Class ID   | Class Name          | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000168469 | Institutional Class | CIMDX           |
| C000225903 | Founders Class      | CFMDX           |

### Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund (Series ID: S000058975)

| Class ID   | Class Name          | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000193426 | Institutional Class | BPRLX           |

### Carret Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund (Series ID: S000062895)

| Class ID   | Class Name                 | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000203690 | Institutional Class Shares | SEKSX           |
| C000203691 | Class A Shares             | IKSTX           |

### Hillman Value Fund (Series ID: S000070920)

| Class ID   | Class Name         | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000225205 | Hillman Value Fund | HCMAX           |

### Brigade High Income Fund (Series ID: S000079888)

| Class ID   | Class Name          | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000241324 | Founders Class      | BHIMX           |
| C000241325 | Institutional Class | BHIIX           |

Beacon Investment Fund

This material must be preceded by a prospectus.<br> The Beacon Investment Fund is distributed by ALPS Distributors, Inc.

**STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION**

**February 1, 2026**

**BEACON PLANNED RETURN STRATEGY FUND**

**Institutional Class BPRLX**

ALPS Series Trust

Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund (the "Fund")

1290 Broadway, Suite 1000

Denver, CO 80203

This Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") expands upon and supplements the information contained in the current Prospectus for the Fund listed above, each of which is a separate series of ALPS Series Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the "Trust"). Each series of the Trust represents shares of beneficial interest in a separate portfolio of securities and other assets with its own objective and policies. Beacon Investment Advisory Services, Inc. (the "Adviser") is the investment adviser of the Fund.

This SAI is not a prospectus and is only authorized for distribution when preceded or accompanied by the Fund's current prospectus dated February 1, 2026, as supplemented from time to time (collectively, the Fund's "Prospectus"). This SAI supplements and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus, a copy of which may be obtained without charge by writing the Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund at the address listed above, or by calling the Fund's transfer agent at 1-844-894-9222. The Fund's most recent [Annual Report](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0001558107/000139834425021967/fp0096372-1_ncsrixbrl.htm) is incorporated by reference into this SAI and can be obtained free of charge, by calling the toll-free number printed above.

**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | Page |
| ORGANIZATION AND CLASSIFICATION | 1 |
| ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES AND RISKS | 1 |
| INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS | 25 |
| PORTFOLIO TURNOVER | 27 |
| DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS | 27 |
| PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE | 29 |
| PURCHASE, EXCHANGE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES | 32 |
| TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS | 34 |
| INVESTMENT MANAGER | 42 |
| DISTRIBUTOR | 44 |
| CODE OF ETHICS | 44 |
| ADMINISTRATOR | 44 |
| PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES | 44 |
| PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS | 45 |
| EXPENSES | 45 |
| PORTFOLIO MANAGER | 46 |
| NET ASSET VALUE | 48 |
| FEDERAL INCOME TAXES | 48 |
| DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST | 61 |
| OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND | 62 |
| PERFORMANCE INFORMATION | 62 |
| FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 63 |
| Appendix A – Description of Securities Ratings | A-1 |
| Appendix B – Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures | B-1 |

---

**ORGANIZATION AND CLASSIFICATION**

**ALPS Series Trust**

This SAI includes information about the Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund (the "Fund"). The Fund is a series of the ALPS Series Trust (the "Trust"), an open-end, management investment company organized as a Delaware statutory trust on January 12, 2012.

**Classification**

The Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), classifies mutual funds as either diversified or non-diversified. The following table shows the Fund's classification:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Classification** |
| Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund | Non-Diversified |

---

**ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES AND RISKS**

The Fund's principal investment objectives and strategies are discussed in the Prospectus under the "**SUMMARY SECTION**" for the Fund and under "**INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES**." In order to achieve its investment objective, the Fund generally makes investments of the sort described in the Prospectus.

The Fund may also invest in certain types of securities, or engage in certain investment activities, as generally discussed below. In addition, the Fund may be subject to additional risks in connection with its investments in such securities or as a result of the Fund's investment strategies or activities.

**Bank Obligations**

Bank obligations that may be purchased by the Fund include certificates of deposit, banker's acceptances and fixed time deposits. A certificate of deposit is a short-term negotiable certificate issued by a commercial bank against funds deposited in the bank and is either interest-bearing or purchased on a discount basis. A banker's acceptance is a short-term draft drawn on a commercial bank by a borrower, usually in connection with an international commercial transaction. The borrower is liable for payment, as is the bank, which unconditionally guarantees to pay the draft at its face amount on the maturity date. Fixed time deposits are obligations of branches of U.S. or non-U.S. banks which are payable at a stated maturity date and bear a fixed rate of interest. Although fixed time deposits do not have a market, there are no contractual restrictions on the right to transfer a beneficial interest in the deposit to a third party. Bank obligations may be general obligations of the parent bank or may be limited to the issuing branch by the terms of the specific obligations or by government regulation. Securities issued or guaranteed by non-U.S. banks and non-U.S. branches of U.S. banks are subject to many of the risks of investing in non-U.S. securities generally.

Banks are subject to extensive governmental regulations which may limit both the amounts and types of loans and other financial commitments which may be made and interest rates and fees which may be charged. The profitability of this industry is to a significant extent dependent upon the availability and cost of capital of funds used by the bank to finance its lending operations. Also, general economic conditions play an important part in the operations of this industry and exposure to credit losses arising from possible financial difficulties of borrowers might affect a bank's ability to meet its obligations.

**Borrowing**

Borrowing creates an opportunity for increased return, but, at the same time, creates special risks. Furthermore, if the Fund were to engage in borrowing, an increase in interest rates could reduce the value of the Fund's shares by increasing the Fund's interest expense.

Subject to the limitations described under "**Investment Limitations**" below, the Fund may be permitted to borrow for temporary purposes and/or for investment purposes. Such a practice will result in leveraging of the Fund's assets and may cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so. This borrowing may be secured or unsecured. Provisions of the 1940 Act require the Fund to maintain continuous asset coverage (that is, total assets including borrowings, less liabilities exclusive of borrowings) of 300% of the amount borrowed, with an exception for borrowings not in excess of 5% of the Fund's total assets made for temporary emergency purposes. Any borrowings for temporary emergency purposes in excess of 5% of the Fund's total assets must maintain continuous asset coverage. If the 300% asset coverage should decline as a result of market fluctuations or other reasons, the Fund may be required to sell some of its portfolio holdings within three days (excluding Sundays and holidays) or such longer period as the Commission may prescribe by rules and regulations in order to reduce the debt and restore the 300% asset coverage, even though it may be disadvantageous from an investment standpoint if the Fund sells securities at that time. Borrowing will tend to exaggerate the effect on net asset value of any increase or decrease in the market value of the Fund's portfolio. Money borrowed will be subject to interest costs which may or may not be recovered by appreciation of the securities purchased, if any. The Fund also may be required to maintain minimum average balances in connection with such borrowings or to pay a commitment or other fee to maintain a line of credit; either of these requirements would increase the cost of borrowing over the stated interest rate. Reverse repurchase agreements are considered to be borrowings by the Fund. See "**Reverse Repurchase Agreements**" below.

**Brady Bonds**

Brady Bonds are securities created through the exchange of existing commercial bank loans to sovereign entities for new obligations in connection with debt restructurings under a debt restructuring plan introduced by former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, Nicholas P. Brady. Brady Bonds may be collateralized or uncollateralized, are issued in various currencies (but primarily the U.S. dollar), and are traded in the over-the-counter secondary market. Brady Bonds are not considered to be U.S. government securities. In light of the residual risk of Brady Bonds and, among other factors, the history of defaults with respect to commercial bank loans by public and private entities in countries issuing Brady Bonds, investments in Brady Bonds may be viewed as speculative. If the Fund acquires a Brady Bond, there can be no assurance that the Brady Bonds will not be subject to restructuring arrangements or to requests for new credit, which may cause the Fund to suffer a loss of interest or principal on any of its holdings.

**Combined Transactions**

The Fund may enter into multiple transactions, including multiple options transactions, multiple currency transactions (including forward currency contracts), multiple interest rate transactions and any combination of options, currency and interest rate transactions, instead of a single derivative, as part of a single or combined strategy when, in the judgment of the Adviser, it is in the best interests of the Fund to do so. A combined transaction will usually contain elements of risk that are present in each of its component transactions. Although combined transactions will normally be entered into by the Fund based on the Adviser's judgment that the combined strategies will reduce risk or otherwise more effectively achieve the desired portfolio management goal, it is possible that the combination will instead increase the risks or hinder achievement of the Fund's investment objective.

**Convertible Securities**

The Fund may invest in convertible securities, which are bonds, debentures, notes, preferred stock or other securities, which may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock of the same or different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A convertible security entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt or the dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion, convertible securities ordinarily provide a stream of income, which generate higher yields than those of common stocks of the same or similar issuers but lower than the yield on non-convertible debt. Convertible securities are usually subordinate or are comparable to non-convertible securities but rank senior to common stock or shares in a company's capital structure. The value of a convertible security is a function of (i) its yield in comparison with the yields of other securities of comparable maturity and quality that do not have a conversion privilege and (ii) its worth, at market value, if converted into the underlying common stock. Convertible securities are typically issued by smaller capitalized companies whose stock prices may be volatile. The price of a convertible security often reflects such variations in the price of the underlying common stock in a way that non-convertible debt does not. A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the convertible security's governing instrument.

**Common Stock**

Common stocks are shares of a corporation or other entity that entitle the holder to a pro rata share of the profits of the corporation, if any, without preference over any other shareholder or class of shareholders, including holders of the entity's preferred stock and other senior equity. Common stock usually carries with it the right to vote and frequently an exclusive right to do so.

Common stocks of companies that the Adviser believes have earnings that will grow faster than the economy as a whole are known as growth stocks. Growth stocks typically trade at higher multiples of current earnings than other stocks. As a result, the values of growth stocks may be more sensitive to changes in current or expected earnings than the values of other stocks. If the Adviser's assessment of the prospects for a company's earnings growth is wrong, or if its judgment of how other investors will value the company's earnings growth is wrong, then the price of that company's stock may fall or may not approach the value that the Adviser has placed on it.

Common stocks of companies that are not expected to experience significant earnings growth, but whose stocks the Adviser believes are undervalued compared to their true worth, are known as value stocks. These companies may have experienced adverse business developments or may be subject to special risks that have caused their stocks to be out of favor. If the Adviser's assessment of a company's prospects is wrong, or if other investors do not eventually recognize the value of the company, then the price of the company's stocks may fall or may not approach the value that the Adviser has placed on it.

Many stocks have both "growth" and "value" characteristics, and for some stocks it may be unclear which category, if any, it fits into.

**Credit Default Swaps**

The Fund may enter into credit default swap contracts. When used for hedging purposes, the Fund would be the buyer of a credit default swap contract. In that case, the Fund would be entitled to receive the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation, index or other investment from the counterparty to the contract in the event of a default by a third party, such as a U.S. or foreign issuer, on the referenced debt obligation. In return, the Fund would pay to the counterparty a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided that no event of default has occurred. If no default occurs, the Fund would have spent the stream of payments and received no benefit from the contract. When the Fund is the seller of a credit default swap contract, it receives the stream of payments but is obligated to pay upon default of the referenced debt obligation. As the seller, the Fund would effectively add leverage to its portfolio because, in addition to its total assets, the Fund would be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap.

In addition to the risks applicable to derivatives generally, credit default swaps involve special risks because they are difficult to value, are highly susceptible to liquidity and credit risk, and generally pay a return to the party that has paid the premium only in the event of an actual default by the issuer of the underlying obligation, as opposed to a credit downgrade or other indication of financial difficulty.

Credit default swaps may be subject to regulation by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC"), Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") or both. Both the CFTC and the SEC have issued or amended guidance and relief regarding the implementation of various provisions of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the "Dodd-Frank Act") relating to the use of swaps. Further action by the CFTC or SEC may affect the Fund's ability to use credit default swaps or may require additional disclosure by the Fund.

**Credit Ratings**

The fixed-income securities in which the Fund may invest will not be required to meet a minimum rating standard. Fixed-income securities that are not rated for creditworthiness by any internationally recognized credit rating organization are commonly referred to as "junk bonds" and involve significantly greater risks, including price volatility and risk of default of payment of interest and principal than higher rated securities. A description of the ratings used by Moody's and S&P is set forth in <u>Appendix A</u> to this SAI.

**Currency Transactions**

The Fund may engage in currency transactions with counterparties to hedge the value of portfolio securities denominated in particular currencies against fluctuations in relative value, to gain or reduce exposure to certain currencies or to generate income or gains.

Currency transactions include currency forward contracts and exchange-listed and over-the-counter ("OTC") options on currencies and currency swaps. A forward currency contract involves a privately negotiated obligation to purchase or sell (with delivery generally required) a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. A currency swap is an agreement to exchange cash flows based on the notional difference among two or more currencies and operates similarly to an interest rate swap, which is described below under "Interest Rate and Equity Swaps and Related Transactions."

The Fund may enter into a forward contract to sell, for a fixed amount of U.S. dollars, the amount of that currency approximating the value of some or all of the Fund's portfolio securities denominated in such currency. For example, the Fund may do this if the Adviser believes that the currency of a particular country may decline in relation to the U.S. dollar. Forward contracts may limit potential gain from a positive change in the relationship between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. Transaction hedging includes entering into a currency transaction with respect to specific assets or liabilities of the Fund, which will generally arise in connection with the purchase or sale of portfolio securities or the receipt of income from them. Position hedging is entering into a currency transaction with respect to portfolio securities positions denominated or generally quoted in that currency.

The Fund may cross-hedge currencies by entering into transactions to purchase or sell one or more currencies that are expected to increase or decline in value relative to other currencies to which the Fund has or in which the Fund expects to have exposure. To reduce the effect of currency fluctuations on the value of existing or anticipated holdings of its securities, the Fund may also engage in proxy hedging. Proxy hedging is often used when the currency to which the Fund's holdings is exposed is difficult to hedge generally or difficult to hedge against the dollar. Proxy hedging entails entering into a forward contract to sell a currency, the changes in the value of which are generally considered to be linked to a currency or currencies in which some or all of the Fund's securities are or are expected to be denominated and to buy dollars.

Currency hedging involves some of the same risks and considerations as other derivative transactions. Currency transactions can result in losses to the Fund if the currency being hedged fluctuates in value to a degree or in a direction that is not anticipated. Further, the risk exists that the perceived linkage between various currencies may not be present or may not be present during the particular time that the Fund is engaging in these transactions. Currency transactions are also subject to risks different from those of other portfolio transactions. Because currency control is of great importance to the issuing governments and influences economic planning and policy, purchases and sales of currency and related instruments can be adversely affected by government exchange controls, limitations or restrictions on repatriation of currency and manipulations or exchange restrictions imposed by governments. These forms of governmental actions can result in losses to the Fund if it is unable to deliver or receive currency or monies in settlement of obligations and could also cause hedges it has entered into to be rendered useless, resulting in full currency exposure as well as incurring transaction costs. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate based on factors extrinsic to that country's economy.

**Cyber Security Risk**

In connection with the increased use of technologies such as the Internet and the dependence on computer systems to perform necessary business functions, the Fund may be susceptible to operational, information security and related risks due to the possibility of cyber-attacks or other incidents. Cyber incidents may result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. Cyber-attacks include, but are not limited to, infection by computer viruses or other malicious software code, gaining unauthorized access to systems, networks or devices that are used to service the Fund's operations through hacking or other means for the purpose of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data or causing operational disruption. Cyber-attacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks (which can make a website unavailable) on the Fund's website. In addition, authorized persons could inadvertently or intentionally release confidential or proprietary information stored on the Fund's systems.

Cyber security failures or breaches by the Fund's third-party service providers (including, but not limited to, the Adviser, distributor, custodian, transfer agent and financial intermediaries) may cause disruptions and impact the service providers' and the Fund's business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses, the inability of Fund shareholders to transact business and the mutual funds to process transactions, inability to calculate the Fund's net asset value, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs and/or additional compliance costs. The Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result of successful cyber-attacks against, or security breakdowns of, the Fund or its third-party service providers.

The Fund may incur substantial costs to prevent or address cyber incidents in the future. In addition, there is a possibility that certain risks have not been adequately identified or prepared for. Furthermore, the Fund cannot directly control any cyber security plans and systems put in place by third party service providers. 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 investment in such securities to lose value.

**Depositary Receipts**

Depositary receipts include sponsored and unsponsored depositary receipts that are or become available, including American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs") and Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") and other depositary receipts. Depositary receipts are typically issued by a financial institution ("depositary") and evidence ownership interests in a security or a pool of securities ("underlying securities") that have been deposited with the depositary. The depositary for ADRs is typically a U.S. financial institution and the underlying securities are issued by a non-U.S. issuer. ADRs are publicly traded on exchanges or OTC in the United States and are issued through "sponsored" or "unsponsored" arrangements. In a sponsored ADR arrangement, the non-U.S. issuer assumes the obligation to pay some or all of the depositary's transaction fees, whereas under an unsponsored arrangement, the non-U.S. issuer assumes no obligation and the depositary's transaction fees are paid by the ADR holders. In addition, less information is available in the United States about an unsponsored ADR than about a sponsored ADR, and the financial information about a company may not be as reliable for an unsponsored ADR as it is for a sponsored ADR. In the case of GDRs, the depositary can be a non-U.S. or a U.S. financial institution and the underlying securities are issued by a non-U.S. issuer. GDRs allow companies in Europe, Asia, the United States and Latin America to offer shares in many markets around the world, thus allowing them to raise capital in these markets, as opposed to just in their home market. The advantage of GDRs is that shares do not have to be bought through the issuing company's home exchange, which may be difficult and expensive, but can be bought on all major stock exchanges. In addition, the share price and all dividends are converted to the shareholder's home currency. As for other depositary receipts, the depositary may be a non-U.S. or a U.S. entity, and the underlying securities may have a non-U.S. or a U.S. issuer. For purposes of the Fund's investment policies, investments in depositary receipts will be deemed to be investments in the underlying securities. Thus, a depositary receipt representing ownership of common stock will be treated as common stock. Depositary receipts purchased by the Fund may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the underlying securities into which they may be converted, in which case the Fund may be exposed to relative currency fluctuations.

**Derivatives**

The Fund may engage in a variety of derivative transactions in accordance with the applicable rules of the CFTC, and, to the extent applicable, the rules and regulations of certain national or foreign exchanges; however, the Fund will not be obligated to use derivatives and the Fund makes no representations as to the availability of these techniques at this time or at any time in the future. Generally, derivatives are financial contracts whose value depends on, or is derived from, the value of an underlying asset, reference rate or index and may relate to stocks, bonds, interest rates, currencies or currency exchange rates, commodities, related indexes and other assets. The types of derivatives in which the Fund may invest include, but are not limited to, futures contracts, currency forward contracts and currency swaps, the purchase and sale (or writing) of exchange listed and OTC put and call options on debt and equity securities, currencies, entering into various interest rate transactions such as swaps, caps floors, and collars, entering into equity swaps, caps and floors, the purchase and sale of indexed debt securities or trading in other similar types of instruments.

Derivatives may be used, among other reasons, as part of the Fund's investment strategy, to attempt to protect against possible changes in the market value of securities held or to be purchased for the Fund's portfolio resulting from securities markets or currency exchange rate fluctuations, to protect the Fund's unrealized gains in the value of its securities, to facilitate the sale of those securities for investment purposes, to manage the effective maturity or duration of the Fund's portfolio or to establish a position in the derivatives markets as a temporary substitute for purchasing or selling particular securities or to seek to enhance the Fund's income or gain. The Fund may use any or all types of derivatives which it is authorized to use at any time; no particular strategy will dictate the use of one type of transaction rather than another, as use of any authorized derivative will be a function of numerous variables, including market conditions.

The ability of the Fund to utilize derivatives successfully will depend on numerous factors including the Adviser's ability to predict pertinent market movements, which cannot be assured. These skills are different from those needed to select the Fund's portfolio securities.

Subject to the constraints described above, the Fund may (if and to the extent so authorized) enter into futures contracts, currency forward contracts and currency swaps, purchase and sell (or write) exchange listed and OTC put and call options on securities, loan participations and assignments, currencies, futures contracts, indices and other financial instruments, and the Fund may enter into interest rate transactions, equity swaps and related transactions and other similar transactions which may be developed to the extent the Adviser determines that they are consistent with the Fund's investment objective and policies and applicable regulatory requirements. The Fund's interest rate transactions may take the form of swaps, caps, floors and collars, and the Fund's currency transactions may take the form of currency forward contracts, currency swaps and options on currencies.

Certain standardized swap transactions are currently subject to mandatory central clearing or may be eligible for voluntary central clearing. Central clearing is expected to decrease counterparty risk and increase liquidity compared to uncleared swaps because central clearing interposes the central clearinghouse as the counterpart to each participant's swap. However, central clearing does not eliminate counterparty risk or illiquidity risk entirely. In addition, depending on the size of the Fund and other factors, the margin required under the rules of a clearinghouse and by a clearing member may be in excess of the collateral required to be posted by a fund to support its obligations under a similar uncleared swap.

In connection with the use of certain derivatives, the Adviser intends to comply with the requirements of the Commodity Exchange Act ("CEA") by operating the Fund in a manner consistent with the restrictions of Rule 4.5, including filing a notice of eligibility of exemption from registration in accordance with applicable procedures and deadlines.

Derivatives involve special risks, including possible default by the other party to the transaction, illiquidity and, to the extent the Adviser's view as to certain market movements is incorrect, the risk that the use of derivatives could result in significantly greater losses than if it had not been used. Losses resulting from the use of derivatives will reduce the Fund's net asset value, and possibly income, and the losses may be significantly greater than if derivatives had not been used.

The Fund's use of derivatives may be limited by certain provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). When used, derivatives may increase the amount and affect the timing and character of taxes payable by shareholders. See "**FEDERAL INCOME TAXES** – **Special Tax Considerations** *– Options and other Financial Products*."

***Risks of Derivatives Outside of the United States***

When conducted outside the United States, derivatives may not be regulated as rigorously as in the United States, may not involve a clearing mechanism and related guarantees, and will be subject to the risk of governmental actions affecting trading in, or the prices of, foreign securities, currencies and other instruments. In addition, the price of any foreign options contract and, therefore, the potential profit and loss thereon, may be affected by any variance in the foreign exchange rate between the time an order is placed and the time it is liquidated, offset or exercised. The value of positions taken as part of non-U.S. derivatives also could be adversely affected by: (i) other complex foreign political, legal and economic factors; (ii) lesser availability of data on which to make trading decisions than in the United States; (iii) delays in the Fund's ability to act upon economic events occurring in foreign markets during nonbusiness hours in the United States; (iv) the imposition of different exercise and settlement terms and procedures and margin requirements than in the United States; and (v) lower trading volume and liquidity.

**Equity Investments**

The Fund will invest in equity securities. Equity securities (which generally include common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants, securities convertible into common or preferred stocks and similar securities) are generally volatile and riskier than some other forms of investment. Equity securities of companies with relatively small market capitalizations may be more volatile than the securities of larger, more established companies or broad equity market indices generally. Common stock and other equity securities may take the form of stock in corporations, partnership interests, interests in limited liability companies and other direct or indirect interests in business organizations.

**Exchange-Traded Funds and Other Similar Instruments**

Shares of exchange-traded funds ("ETFs") and other similar instruments may be purchased by the Fund. Generally, an ETF is an investment company that is registered under the 1940 Act Index ETFs that holds a portfolio of securities designed to track the performance of a particular index or index segment, actively managed ETFs are actively managed by an investment adviser. Similar instruments, issued by pools that are not investment companies, offer characteristics similar to index ETFs and may be designed to track the performance of an index or basket of securities of companies engaged in a particular market or sector. ETFs sell and redeem their shares at net asset value in large blocks (typically 50,000 of its shares) called "creation units." Shares representing fractional interests in these creation units are listed for trading on national securities exchanges and can be purchased and sold in the secondary market in lots of any size at any time during the trading day.

Investments in ETFs and other similar instruments involve certain inherent risks generally associated with investments in a broadly-based portfolio of stocks including: (i) risks that the general level of stock prices may decline, thereby adversely affecting the value of each unit of the ETF or other instrument; (ii) an index ETF may not fully replicate the performance of its benchmark index because of temporary unavailability of certain index securities in the secondary market or discrepancies between the ETF and the index with respect to the weightings of securities or number of stocks held; (iii) an ETF may also be adversely affected by the performance of the specific index, market sector or group of industries on which it is based; and (iv) an index ETF may not track an index as well as a traditional index mutual fund because ETFs are valued by the market and, therefore, there may be a difference between the market value and the ETF's net asset value. The Fund may both purchase and effect short sales of shares of ETFs and may also purchase and sell options on shares of ETFs. These investments may be used for hedging purposes or to seek to increase total return (which is considered a speculative activity).

Because ETFs and pools that issue similar instruments incur various fees and expenses, the Fund's investment in these instruments will involve certain indirect costs, as well as transaction costs, such as brokerage commissions. The Adviser will consider expenses associated with an investment in determining whether to invest in an ETF or other instrument. In the case of ETFs that are investment companies, they invest substantially all of their assets in securities of various securities indices or a particular segment of a securities index. The market price of ETFs is expected to fluctuate in accordance with both changes in the asset values of their underlying indices and supply and demand of an ETF's shares on the exchange. ETFs may trade at relatively modest discounts or premiums to net asset value. In general, most ETFs have a limited operating history and information may be lacking regarding the actual performance and trading liquidity of such shares for extended periods or over complete market cycles. In addition, there is no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of ETFs in which the Fund invests will continue to be met or will remain unchanged. In the event substantial market or other disruptions affecting the shares of ETFs held by the Fund should occur in the future, the liquidity and value of that Fund's shares could also be adversely affected.

Limitations of the 1940 Act, which prohibit the Fund from acquiring more than 3% of the outstanding shares of another investment company, may restrict the Fund's ability to purchase shares of certain ETFs.

**Firm Commitments and When-Issued Securities**

The Fund may purchase securities on a firm commitment basis, including when-issued securities. The Fund may also be entitled to receive when-issued securities in relation to its holdings in common stock of companies that undertake certain corporate actions and reorganizations. Securities purchased on a firm commitment basis are purchased for delivery beyond the normal settlement date at a stated price and yield. No income accrues to the purchaser of a security on a firm commitment basis prior to delivery. Such securities are recorded as an asset and are subject to changes in value based upon changes in the general level of interest rates. Purchasing a security on a firm commitment basis can involve a risk that the market price at the time of delivery may be lower than the agreed upon purchase price, in which case there could be an unrealized loss at the time of delivery. The Fund will only make commitments to purchase securities on a firm commitment basis with the intention of actually acquiring the securities, but may sell them before the settlement date if it is deemed advisable. As when-issued securities are subject to delayed or deferred settlement, such securities may be either illiquid, or suffer from severe constraints in liquidity. When purchasing securities pursuant to a when-issued or forward commitment transaction, payment for the securities is not required until the delivery date. However, the purchaser assumes the rights and risks of ownership, including the risks of price and yield fluctuations. When the Fund has sold a security pursuant to one of these transactions, the Fund does not participate in further gains or losses with respect to the security. The Fund may renegotiate a when-issued or firm commitment transaction and may sell the underlying securities before delivery, which may result in capital gains or losses for the Fund. When-issued and forward-commitment transactions will not be considered to constitute issuance by the Fund of a "senior security" as that term is defined in Section 18(g) of the 1940 Act, and therefore, such transactions will not be subject to the 300% asset coverage requirement otherwise applicable to borrowings by the Fund, if the Fund reasonably believes, at the time it enters into such agreement, that it will have sufficient cash and cash equivalents to meet its obligations with respect to all of its unfunded commitment agreements, in each case as they come due.

**Fixed-Income Securities**

The Fund may invest in fixed-income securities. Fixed-income securities generally pay a specified rate of interest or dividends, or a rate that is adjusted periodically by reference to some specified index or market rate or other factor. Fixed-income securities may include securities issued by U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. governments and other agencies and instrumentalities, and by a wide range of private or corporate issuers. Fixed-income securities include, among others, bonds, notes, bills, debentures, convertible securities, bank obligations, mortgage and other asset-backed securities, loan participations and assignments and commercial paper.

Because interest rates vary, it is impossible to predict the income of the Fund for any particular period. Except to the extent that values are affected independently by other factors such as developments relating to a specific issuer or group of issuers, when interest rates decline, the value of fixed-income securities can generally be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of fixed-income securities can generally be expected to decline. Prices of longer term securities generally increase or decrease more sharply than those of shorter term securities in response to interest rate changes, particularly if such securities were purchased at a discount. It should be noted that the market values of securities rated below investment grade and comparable unrated securities tend to react less to fluctuations in interest rate levels than do those of higher-rated securities.

*Call or Buy-Back Features*. In addition, many fixed-income securities contain call or buy-back features that permit their issuers to call or repurchase the securities from their holders. Such securities may present risks based on payment expectations. Although the Fund may typically receive a premium if an issuer were to redeem a security, if an issuer exercises such a "call option" and redeems the security during a time of declining interest rates, the Fund may realize a capital loss on its investment if the security was purchased at a premium and the Fund may have to replace the called security with a lower yielding security, resulting in a decreased rate of return to the Fund.

**Floating and Variable Rate Instruments**

The Fund may invest in floating and variable rate obligations. Floating or variable rate obligations bear interest at rates that are not fixed, but vary with changes in specified market rates or indices, such as the prime rate, and at specified intervals. Variable rate obligations invest include variable rate master demand notes, which are unsecured instruments issued pursuant to an agreement between the issuer and the holder that permit the indebtedness thereunder to vary and provide for periodic adjustments in the interest rate.

Certain floating or variable rate obligations may carry a demand feature that would permit the holder to tender them back to the issuer of the instrument or to a third party at par value prior to maturity. Some demand instruments may not be traded in a secondary market and derive their liquidity solely from the ability of the holder to demand repayment from the issuer or third party providing credit support. If a demand instrument is not traded in a secondary market, the Fund will nonetheless treat the instrument as liquid for the purposes of its investment restriction limiting investments in illiquid securities unless the demand feature has a notice period of more than seven days; if the notice period is greater than seven days, such a demand instrument will be characterized as illiquid for such purpose. The Fund's right to obtain payment at par on a demand instrument could be affected by events occurring between the date the Fund elects to demand payment and the date payment is due that may affect the ability of the issuer of the instrument or a third party providing credit support to make payment when due. To facilitate settlement, some demand instruments may be held in book entry form at a bank other than the Fund's custodian subject to a sub-custodian agreement approved by the Fund between that bank and the Fund's custodian.

**Foreign Bank Time Deposits**

The Fund may make time deposits in interest-bearing foreign bank accounts. Such time deposits will be subject to conditions placed on the time deposit account by the applicable bank (*e.g.*, higher interest payments for maintaining funds in the account for longer periods of time). The Adviser generally expects its foreign bank time deposits to be made and maintained in U.S. dollars; however, the Adviser may make such deposits in foreign currencies where the Adviser deems such investments to be in the best interest of the Fund. Foreign bank time deposit accounts may be subject to restrictions on withdrawal, including penalties or reductions in interest for withdrawals before the end of the expected or intended duration of the time deposit.

**High-Yield Securities**

The Fund may invest in high-yield securities. High-yield securities are considered speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligations. Under rating agency guidelines, any quality and protective characteristics of high-yield securities will likely be outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions. Medium and lower rated securities may have poor prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing, may have a current identifiable vulnerability to default, may be unlikely to have the capacity to pay interest and repay principal when due in the event of adverse business, financial or economic conditions, and/or may be in default or not current in the payment of interest or principal.

The credit ratings of S&P, Fitch, Moody's or other agencies are evaluations of the safety of principal and interest payments, not market value risk, of lower-rated securities. Credit rating agencies may fail to change timely the credit ratings to reflect subsequent events. Many debt securities in international markets, especially in emerging markets, bear no rating whatsoever. Ratings organizations have declined to determine ratings for such securities for a host of reasons, including but not limited to the issuer's lack of scale, insufficient or inadequate disclosure by the issuer, or insufficient operating history on the part of the issuer.

Neither the Fund nor the Adviser can conclude that ratings issued by recognized agencies reflect the true financial position of the underlying issuer; nor can any Fund or the Adviser be certain an issuer will maintain its current credit rating in the future. When available, the Adviser may refer to selected ratings from recognized agencies. The Adviser may also choose to augment such ratings with its own analyses of issuers, which may include, among other things, review of historic and current financial conditions and anticipated future cash flows.

*Changes in Credit Ratings*. Changes by recognized rating services in their ratings of a high-yield security and in the ability of an issuer to make payments of interest and principal may also affect the value of these investments. A description of the ratings used by Moody's and S&P is set forth in <u>Appendix A</u> to this SAI. The ratings of Moody's and S&P generally represent the opinions of those organizations as to the quality of the securities that they rate. Such ratings, however, are relative and subjective, are not absolute standards of quality, are subject to change and do not evaluate the market risk or liquidity of the securities. Ratings of a non-U.S. debt instrument, to the extent that those ratings are undertaken, are related to evaluations of the country in which the issuer of the instrument is located, which may cause a rating to be lower than would otherwise by suggested by the intrinsic creditworthiness of the issuer.

*Liquidity.* The secondary markets for high-yield securities are not as liquid as the secondary markets for higher rated securities. The secondary markets for high-yield securities are concentrated in relatively few market makers and participants in the market are mostly institutional investors, including insurance companies, banks, other financial institutions and mutual funds. In addition, the trading volume for high-yield securities is generally lower than that for higher-rated securities and the secondary markets could contract under adverse market or economic conditions independent of any specific adverse changes in the condition of a particular issuer, decreasing the liquidity of high-yield securities held in general. These factors may have an adverse effect on the ability of the Fund holding such securities to dispose of particular portfolio investments at the price it would wish, may adversely affect the Fund's net asset value per share and may limit the ability of the Fund to obtain accurate market quotations for purposes of valuing securities and calculating net asset value.

*Legislative and Regulatory Developments.* Prices for high-yield securities may be affected by legislative and regulatory developments. These laws could adversely affect the Fund's investments in high-yield securities, the secondary market for high-yield securities, the financial condition of issuers of these securities and the value of outstanding high-yield securities. For example, federal legislation requiring the divestiture by federally insured savings and loan associations of their investments in high-yield bonds and limiting the deductibility of interest by certain corporate issuers of high-yield bonds adversely affected the market in prior years.

*High-yield Corporate Securities.* While the market values of securities rated below investment grade and comparable unrated securities tend to react less to fluctuations in interest rate levels than do those of higher-rated securities, the values of certain of these securities also tend to be more sensitive to individual corporate developments and changes in economic conditions than higher-rated securities. In addition, such securities present a higher degree of credit risk. Issuers of these securities are often highly leveraged and may not have more traditional methods of financing available to them, so that their ability to service their debt obligations during an economic downturn or during sustained periods of rising interest rates may be impaired. The risk of loss due to default by such issuers is significantly greater than with investment grade securities because such securities generally are unsecured and subordinated to the prior payment of senior indebtedness. If the Fund holds such securities, the Fund also could incur additional expenses to the extent that it is required to seek recovery upon a default in the payment of principal or interest on its portfolio holdings. These risks may be greater for non-U.S. high-yield securities especially those of issuers located in emerging markets.

The development of markets for high-yield corporate securities has been a relatively recent phenomenon, especially outside the United States. In addition, these markets have undergone significant changes in the past and may undergo significant changes in the future.

The Fund may invest in high-yield securities that bear interest at fixed rates, securities with variable rates of interest, or securities that involve equity features, such as contingent interest or participations based on revenues, sales or profits (*i.e.*, interest or other payments, often in addition to a fixed rate of return, that are based on the borrower's attainment of specified levels of revenues, sales or profits and thus enable the holder of the security to share in the potential success of the venture).

*High-yield Non-U.S. Debt Securities.* Investing in fixed and floating rate high-yield non-U.S. debt securities, especially those of issuers located in emerging market countries, will expose the Fund to the direct or indirect consequences of political, social or economic changes in the countries that issue the securities or in which the issuers are located, in addition to the risks of investing in high-yield securities generally. For example, the ability and willingness of sovereign obligors in emerging market countries or the governmental authorities that control repayment of their external debt to pay principal and interest on such debt when due may depend on general economic and political conditions within the relevant country. Certain countries in which the Fund may invest, especially emerging market countries, have historically experienced, and may continue to experience, high rates of inflation, high interest rates, exchange rate trade difficulties and extreme poverty and unemployment. Many of these countries are also characterized by political uncertainty or instability. Additional factors which may influence the ability or willingness to service debt include, but are not limited to, an issuer's (including sovereign issuers) cash flow situation, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, and the relative size of its debt service burden. Non-U.S. issuers, including government issuers, may also have debt (such as commercial bank debt) which is senior to its high-yield securities.

The ability of a non-U.S. sovereign obligor, especially an obligor in an emerging market country, to make timely payments on its external debt obligations will also be strongly influenced by the obligor's balance of payments, including export performance, its access to international credit and investments, fluctuations in interest rates and the extent of its foreign reserves, and the issuing government's policy toward the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and other international agencies. A country whose exports are concentrated in a few commodities or whose economy depends on certain strategic imports could be vulnerable to fluctuations in international prices of these commodities or imports. To the extent that a country receives payment for its exports in currencies other than dollars, its ability to make debt payments denominated in dollars could be adversely affected. If a non-U.S. sovereign obligor cannot generate sufficient earnings from foreign trade to service its external debt, it may need to depend on continuing loans and aid from foreign governments, commercial banks and multilateral organizations, and inflows of foreign investment. The commitment on the part of these foreign governments, multilateral organizations and others to make such disbursements may be conditioned on the government's implementation of economic reforms and/or economic performance and the timely service of its obligations. Failure to implement such reforms, achieve such levels of economic performance or repay principal or interest when due may result in the cancellation of such third parties' commitments to lend funds, which may further impair the obligor's ability or willingness to timely service its debts. The cost of servicing external debt will also generally be adversely affected by rising international interest rates, because many external debt obligations bear interest at rates which are adjusted based upon international interest rates. The ability to service external debt will also depend on the level of the relevant government's international currency reserves and its access to foreign exchange. Currency devaluations may affect the ability of an issuer to obtain sufficient foreign exchange to service its debt. The risks enumerated above are particularly heightened with regard to issuers in emerging market countries.

As a result of the foregoing or other factors, a governmental obligor, especially an obligor in an emerging market country, may default on its obligations. If such an event occurs, the Fund may have limited legal recourse against the issuer and/or guarantor. Remedies must, in some cases, be pursued in the courts of the defaulting party itself, and the ability of the holder of non-U.S. sovereign debt securities to obtain recourse may be subject to the political climate in the relevant country.

**Illiquid Securities**

The Fund may invest up to 15% of the value of its net assets in illiquid securities. The term "illiquid securities" for this purpose means securities that cannot be disposed of within seven days in the ordinary course of business at approximately the amount at which the Fund has valued the securities. Illiquid securities are considered to include, among other things, written OTC options, repurchase agreements with maturities in excess of seven days, certain loan participation interests, fixed time deposits which are not subject to prepayment or provide for withdrawal penalties upon prepayment (other than overnight deposits), and other securities whose disposition is restricted under the federal securities laws.

To the extent that instruments that the Fund holds become illiquid due to the lack of sufficient buyers or market or other conditions, the percentage of the Fund's assets invested in illiquid assets would increase. The Adviser, under the supervision of the Board of Trustees, monitors Fund investments in assignments and loan participations and will, in such a case, consider appropriate measures to enable the Fund to maintain sufficient liquidity for operating purposes and to meet redemption requests.

**Indirect Foreign Exposure and Foreign Security Risk**

The Fund may invest in U.S. traded securities of companies that are organized under the laws of a foreign country or have significant business operations abroad. Such companies may be impacted by certain foreign exposure risks indirectly, including risks related to foreign currencies. Foreign currencies will fluctuate in value relative to the U.S. dollar, adversely affecting the value of the Fund's investments and its returns. Because the Fund's net asset value ("NAV") is determined on the basis of U.S. dollars, you may lose money if the local currency of a foreign market depreciates against the U.S. dollar, even if the market value of the Fund's holdings appreciates. Currency exchange rates can be affected unpredictably by the intervention or the failure to intervene by U.S. or foreign governments or central banks, or by currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad. These risks will vary from time to time and from country to country especially if the country is considered an emerging market or developing country. In addition, Securities of foreign issuers may be less liquid, more volatile and harder to value than U.S. securities.

**Inflation-Indexed Bonds**

Inflation-indexed bonds are fixed-income securities whose principal value is periodically adjusted according to the rate of inflation. Two structures are common. The U.S. Treasury and some other issuers use a structure that accrues inflation into the principal value of the bond. Most other issuers pay out the Consumer Price Index accruals as part of a semiannual coupon.

Inflation-indexed securities issued by the U.S. Treasury have maturities of five, ten or twenty years, although it is possible that securities with other maturities will be issued in the future. The U.S. Treasury securities pay interest on a semiannual basis, equal to a fixed percentage of the inflation-adjusted principal amount. For example, if the Fund purchased an inflation-indexed bond with a par value of $1,000 and a 3% real rate of return coupon (payable 1.5% semi-annually), and inflation over the first six months were 1%, the mid-year par value of the bond would be $1,010 and the first semi-annual interest payment would be $15.15 ($1,010 times 1.5%). If inflation during the second half of the year resulted in the whole year's inflation equaling 3%, the end-of-year par value of the bond would be $1,030 and the second semi-annual interest payment would be $15.45 ($1,030 times 1.5%).

If the periodic adjustment rate measuring inflation falls, the principal value of inflation-indexed bonds will be adjusted downward, and consequently the interest payable on these securities (calculated with respect to a smaller principal amount) will be reduced. Repayment of the original bond principal upon maturity (as adjusted for inflation) is guaranteed in the case of U.S. Treasury inflation-indexed bonds, even during a period of deflation. However, the current market value of the bonds is not guaranteed, and will fluctuate. The Fund may also invest in other inflation related bonds which may or may not provide a similar guarantee. If a guarantee of principal is not provided, the adjusted principal value of the bond repaid at maturity may be less than the original principal. The value of inflation-indexed bonds is expected to change in response to changes in real interest rates. Real interest rates in turn are tied to the relationship between nominal interest rates and the rate of inflation.

**Interest-Only Securities**

Interest only securities ("IOs") are a form of stripped mortgage security. Stripped mortgage securities may be issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government, or by private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans, including savings and loan associations, mortgage banks and special purpose subsidiaries of the foregoing. The risk of early prepayment is the primary risk associated with IOs.

Stripped mortgage securities are structured with two or more classes of securities that receive different proportions of the interest and principal distributions on a pool of mortgage assets. IOs are one class of a stripped mortgage security that receives all of the interest (while another class will receive all of the principal ("POs" or "principal only class")).

**Interest-Rate and Equity Swaps and Related Transactions**

The Fund may enter into interest rate and equity swaps and may purchase or sell (*i.e.*, write) interest rate and equity caps, floors and collars. If the Fund enters into these types of transactions, the Fund expects that it would do so in order to hedge against either a decline in the value of the securities included in the Fund's portfolio, or against an increase in the price of the securities which it plans to purchase, in order to preserve or maintain a return or spread on a particular investment or portion of its portfolio or to achieve a particular return on cash balances, or in order to increase income or gain. Interest rate and equity swaps involve the exchange between the parties to the swap of their respective commitments to make or receive payments based on a notional principal amount. The purchase of an interest rate or equity cap entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index exceeds a predetermined level, to receive payments on a contractually-based principal amount from the party selling the interest rate or equity cap. The purchase of an interest rate or equity floor entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index falls below a predetermined rate, to receive payments on a contractually-based principal amount from the party selling the interest rate or equity floor. A collar is a combination of a cap and a floor which preserve a certain return within a predetermined range of values.

If the Fund enters into interest-rate and equity swaps, the Fund expects that it will usually enter into the swap on a net basis (*i.e.*, the two payment streams are netted out), with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments.

The use of interest rate and equity swaps is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. There is a risk that is incorrect forecasts of market values, interest rates and other applicable factors, will diminish the investment performance of the Fund compared with what it would have been if these investment techniques were not utilized. Moreover, even if the forecasts are correct, there is a risk that the swap position may correlate imperfectly with the price of the asset or liability being hedged.

As is the case with options strategies, the effective use of swaps and related transactions by the Fund may depend, among other things, on the Fund's ability to terminate the transactions at times when the Adviser deems it desirable to do so. To the extent a transaction is not or cannot be terminated in a timely manner, the Fund may suffer a loss in excess of any amounts that it may have received, or expected to receive, as a result of entering into the transaction.

The liquidity of swap agreements will be determined based on various factors, including (i) the frequency of trades and quotations, (ii) the number of dealers and prospective purchasers in the marketplace, (iii) dealer undertakings to make a market, (iv) the nature of the security (including any demand or tender features), and (v) the nature of the marketplace for trades (including the ability to assign or offset the Fund's rights and obligations relating to the investment).

There is no limit on the amount of interest rate and equity swap transactions that may be entered into by the Fund. Because swaps and related transactions are bilateral contractual arrangements between the counterparties to the transactions, the Fund's ability to terminate such an arrangement may be considerably more limited than in the case of an exchange traded instrument. If the other party to a swap defaults, the Fund's risk of loss is the net amount of payments that the Fund contractually is entitled to receive, if any.

**Investment Focus Risk**

To the extent that the Fund focuses its investments in particular industries, classes or sectors (such as healthcare, technology, retail, financial services and business services) of the economy, any market price movements, regulatory or technological changes, or economic conditions affecting companies in those industries, asset classes or sectors will have a significant impact on the Fund's performance. The Fund will not concentrate its investments, as defined under the 1940 Act.

**Liquidity Risk**

From time to time, the trading market for a particular security or type of security in which the Fund invests may become less liquid or even illiquid. Reduced liquidity will have an adverse impact on the Fund's ability to sell such securities when necessary to meet the Fund's liquidity needs or in response to a specific economic event. Market quotations for such securities may be volatile.

**Loans of Portfolio Securities**

Upon approval by the Board of Trustees, the Fund may lend portfolio securities to brokers or dealers or other financial institutions in accordance with policies and procedures of the Trust, as may be adopted from time to time. The procedure for the lending of securities will typically include the following features and conditions. The collateral will consist either of U.S. Government Securities or the borrower of the securities will deposit cash with the Fund in an amount equal to a minimum of 100% of the market value of the securities lent. The Fund will seek to invest the collateral in short-term debt securities, cash equivalents (or pooled investment vehicle interests in cash, cash equivalents and short-term debt instruments) and earn the income thereon. A negotiated portion of the income so earned may be paid to the securities lending agent (e.g. a bank or trust company) who arranged the loan. The collateral will be marked to market daily, and if the value of the collateral drops below the required minimum at any time, the borrower may typically be called upon to post additional collateral. These will be "demand" loans and may be terminated by the Fund at any time. The Fund will receive any payments in lieu of dividends and interest paid on the securities lent, although the U.S. federal income tax characteristics of such payment may change. The Fund's performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned.

The terms of the structure of the loan arrangements, as well as the aggregate amount of securities loans, must be consistent with the 1940 Act and rules and interpretations of the SEC thereunder. These provisions limit the amount of securities the Fund may lend to 33 1/3% of the Fund's total assets and require (1) the borrower pledge and maintain with the Fund collateral consisting of cash, an irrevocable letter of credit, or securities issued by the U.S. government having at all times not less than 100% of the value of the securities lent; (2) the borrower add to such collateral whenever the price of the securities lent rises; (3) the loan be made subject to termination by the Fund at any time; and (4) the Fund receives reasonable interest on the loan (which may include the Fund's investing any cash collateral in interest-bearing short-term investments), any distributions on the lent securities, and any increase in their market value. Loan arrangements made by the Fund will comply with all other applicable regulatory requirements, including the rules of the New York Stock Exchange, which presently require the borrower, after notice, to redeliver the securities within the normal settlement time of three business days. The Adviser will consider the creditworthiness of the borrower, among other things, in making decisions with respect to lending securities, subject to the oversight of the Board of Trustees. At present time, the SEC does not object if any investment company pays reasonable negotiated fees in connection with lent securities, so long as such fees are set forth in a written contract and approved by the investment company's trustees. In addition, voting rights pass with the lent securities, but if the Fund has knowledge that a material event will occur affecting securities on loan, and with respect to which the holder of securities will be entitled to vote or consent, the lender must be entitled to call the loaned securities in time to vote or consent. The Fund bears the risk that there may be a delay in the return of the securities, which may impair the Fund's ability to vote on such a matter. The Fund may include, as part of its total assets, the assets that it receives as collateral for loans of its portfolio securities, for purposes of determining compliance with the requirement that a mutual fund should not have on loan at any given time securities representing more than one-third of its total asset value.

These transactions must be fully collateralized at all times, but involve some credit risk to the Fund if the borrower or the party (if any) guaranteeing the loan should default on its obligations. In the event of the default or bankruptcy of the other party to a securities loan, the Fund could experience delays in recovering the securities it lent. To the extent that, in the meantime, the value of the securities the Fund lent has increased or the value of the collateral decreased, the Fund could experience a loss. In the event of a default by the borrower, the Fund will, if permitted by law, dispose of such collateral except that the Fund may retain any such part thereof that is a security in which the Fund is permitted to invest. The Fund may also lose money if it incurs losses on the reinvestment of cash collateral.

Although voting rights or rights to consent with respect to the loaned securities pass to the borrower, the Fund, as the lender, generally retains the right to call the loans and obtain the return of the securities loaned at any time on reasonable notice, and it will attempt to do so in order that the securities may be voted by the Fund if the holders of such securities are asked to vote upon or consent to matters which the Adviser believes materially affect the investment; however, the Fund may not be able to recall the securities in time for the Fund to be the owner on the record date for determining shareholders entitled to vote or consent on the matter. The Fund may typically also call such loans in order to sell the securities involved.

**Managed Portfolio Risk**

The Adviser's investment strategies or choice of specific securities may be unsuccessful and may cause the Fund to incur losses.

**Money Market Instruments/Securities**

The Fund may hold money market instruments, including commercial paper, bankers acceptances, certificates of deposit and other short-term debt securities. The Fund may hold money market instruments for many reasons including, (i) as part of the Adviser's strategy in order to take advantage of investment opportunities as they arise, (ii) when the portfolio managers believe that market conditions are unfavorable for profitable investing for the Fund, (iii) when the portfolio managers are otherwise unable to locate attractive investment opportunities for the Fund, (iv) as a temporary measure in order to meet redemption requests, or (v) as a defensive measure in response to adverse market or economic conditions. During periods when the Fund maintains exposure to money market instruments, it may not participate in market movements to the same extent that it would if the Fund was more fully invested in equity securities.

**Non-U.S. Securities**

Investors should recognize that investing in the securities of non-U.S. issuers generally, and particularly in emerging and frontier market issuers, involves special considerations which are not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers. Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may involve risks arising from differences between U.S. and non-U.S. securities markets, including less volume, much greater price volatility in and relative illiquidity of non-U.S. securities markets, different trading and settlement practices, and less governmental supervision and regulation, from changes in currency exchange rates, from high and volatile rates of inflation, from economic, social and political conditions and, as with domestic multinational corporations, from fluctuating interest rates.

Since most non-U.S. securities are denominated in non-U.S. currencies or traded primarily in securities markets in which settlements are made in non-U.S. currencies, the value of these investments and the net investment income available for distribution to shareholders of the Fund may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in currency exchange rates or exchange control regulations. To the extent the Fund purchases securities denominated in non-U.S. currencies, a change in the value of any such currency against the U.S. dollar will result in a change in the U.S. dollar value of the Fund's assets and the Fund's income available for distribution. The Fund's foreign currency transactions may give rise to ordinary income or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes, to the extent such income or loss results from fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency. See "**FEDERAL INCOME TAXES** – **Special Tax Considerations** *– Non-U.S. Currency Transactions*."

In addition, even though the Fund's income may be received or realized in foreign currencies, the Fund will be required to compute and distribute its income in U.S. dollars. Therefore, if the value of a currency relative to the U.S. dollar declines after the Fund's income has been earned in that currency, translated into U.S. dollars and declared as a dividend, but before payment of such dividend, the Fund could be required to liquidate portfolio securities to pay such dividend. Similarly, if the value of a currency relative to the U.S. dollar declines between the time the Fund incurs expenses or other obligations in U.S. dollars in order to pay such expenses in U.S. dollars will be greater than the equivalent amount in such currency of such expenses at the time they were incurred.

Certain markets are in only the earliest stages of development. There is also a high concentration of market capitalization and trading volume in a small number of issuers representing a limited number of industries, as well as a high concentration of investors and financial intermediaries. Many of such markets also may be affected by developments with respect to more established markets in the region. Brokers in non-U.S. and emerging/frontier market countries typically are fewer in number and less capitalized than brokers in the United States. These factors, combined with the U.S. regulatory requirements for open-end investment companies and the restrictions on foreign investment, may have an adverse impact on the investment performance of the Fund to the extent the Fund invests in these markets. There generally is less governmental supervision and regulation of exchanges, brokers and issuers in non-U.S. countries than there is in the United States. For example, there may be no comparable provisions under certain non-U.S. laws to insider trading and similar investor protection securities laws that apply with respect to securities transactions consummated in the United States. Further, brokerage commissions and other transaction costs on non-U.S. securities exchanges, particularly in frontier markets, generally are higher than in the United States. With respect to investments in certain emerging market countries, less comprehensive legal systems may have an adverse impact on the Fund. For example, while the potential liability of a shareholder in a U.S. corporation with respect to acts of the corporation is generally limited to the amount of the shareholder's investment, the notion of limited liability is less clear in emerging market countries. Similarly, the rights of investors in emerging market companies may be more limited than those of shareholders of U.S. corporations.

Other risks associated with investments in non-U.S. securities include the possible imposition of foreign withholding taxes on certain amounts of the Fund's income which may reduce the net return on non-U.S. investments as compared to income received from a U.S. issuer, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign assets and the possible establishment of exchange controls, expropriation, confiscatory taxation, other foreign governmental laws or restrictions which might affect adversely payments due on securities held by the Fund, the lack of extensive operating experience of eligible foreign sub-custodians, and legal limitations on the ability of the Fund to recover assets held in custody by a foreign sub-custodian in the event of the sub-custodian's bankruptcy.

In addition, there may be less publicly-available information about a non-U.S. issuer than about a U.S. issuer, and non-U.S. issuers may not be subject to the same accounting, auditing and financial record-keeping standards and requirements as U.S. issuers. In particular, the assets and profits appearing on the financial statements of an emerging or frontier market country issuer may not reflect its financial position or results of operations in the way they would be reflected had the financial statements been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. In addition, for an issuer that keeps accounting records in local currency, inflation accounting rules may require, for both tax and accounting purposes, that certain assets and liabilities be restated on the issuer's balance sheet in order to express items in terms of currency of constant purchasing power. Inflation accounting may indirectly generate losses or profits. Consequently, financial data may be materially affected by restatements for inflation and may not accurately reflect the real condition of those issuers and securities markets. Finally, in the event of a default of any such foreign obligations, it may be more difficult for the Fund to obtain or enforce a judgment against the issuers of such obligations. The manner in which foreign investors may invest in companies in certain emerging and frontier market countries, as well as limitations on such investments, also may have an adverse impact on the operations of the Fund to the extent the Fund invests in those markets. For example, the Fund may be required in certain of such countries to invest initially through a local broker or other entity and then have the shares purchased re-registered in the name of the Fund. Re-registration may in some instances not be able to occur on a timely basis, resulting in a delay during which the Fund may be denied certain of its rights as an investor.

Non-U.S. markets have different clearance and settlement procedures, and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have failed to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. Further, satisfactory custodial services for investment securities may not be available in some countries having smaller emerging markets, which may result in the Fund incurring additional costs and delays in transporting and custodying such securities outside such countries. Delays in settlement or other problems could result in periods when assets of the Fund are uninvested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of the Fund to make intended security purchases due to settlement problems or the risk of intermediary counterparty failures could cause the Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities. The inability to dispose of a portfolio security due to settlement problems could result either in losses to the Fund due to subsequent declines in the value of such portfolio security or, if the Fund has entered into a contract to sell the security, could result in possible liability to the purchaser.

**Non-U.S. Sub-custodians**

Rules adopted under the 1940 Act permit the Fund to maintain its non-U.S. securities and cash in the custody of certain eligible non-U.S. banks and securities depositories.

Certain banks in non-U.S. countries may not be eligible sub-custodians for the Fund, in which event the Fund may be precluded from purchasing securities in certain non-U.S. countries in which it otherwise would invest or which may result in the Fund's incurring additional costs and delays in providing transportation and custody services for such securities outside of such countries. The Fund may encounter difficulties in effecting on a timely basis portfolio transactions with respect to any securities of issuers held outside their countries. Other banks that are eligible non-U.S. sub-custodians may be recently organized or otherwise lack extensive operating experience. In addition, in certain countries there may be legal restrictions or limitations on the ability of the Fund to recover assets held in custody by non-U.S. sub-custodians in the event of the bankruptcy of the sub-custodian.

**Options**

In addition to the options on instruments and indices described in this SAI, the Fund reserves the right to purchase or sell options on other instruments and indices and those which may be developed in the future to the extent consistent with applicable law, the Fund's investment objective and the restrictions set forth herein.

A put option gives the purchaser of the option, upon payment of a premium, the right to sell, and the writer of the option the obligation to buy (if the option is exercised), the underlying security, index, currency or other instrument at the exercise price. If the Fund were to purchase a put option on a security, for example, it might do so in an attempt to protect its holdings in the underlying instrument (or, in some cases, a similar instrument) against a substantial decline in the market value of such instrument by giving the Fund the right to sell the instrument at the option exercise price. A call option, upon payment of a premium, gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy (if the option is exercised), and the seller the obligation to sell, the underlying instrument at the exercise price. If the Fund were to purchase a call option on a security, index, currency or other instrument, for example, it might do so in an attempt to protect the Fund against an increase in the price of the underlying instrument that it intends to purchase in the future by fixing the price at which it may purchase the instrument. An "American" style put or call option may be exercised at any time during the option period, whereas a "European" style put or call option may be exercised only upon expiration or during a fixed period prior to expiration. Exchange-listed options are issued by a regulated intermediary such as the Options Clearing Corporation ("OCC"), which guarantees the performance of the obligations of the parties to the options.

The Fund may purchase put and call options or write "covered" put and call options on stock indices, interest rates and currencies in order to hedge against adverse market shifts or to potentially increase income or gain. In addition, the Fund may utilize options on currencies in order to hedge against currency exchange rate risks or to gain exposure to one or more currencies. A call option written by the Fund is "covered" so long as the Fund owns: (i) the underlying investment subject to the option; (ii) securities convertible or exchangeable without the payment of any consideration into the securities subject to the option; or (iii) a call option on the relevant security or currency with an exercise price no higher than the exercise price on the call option written. A put option written by the Fund is "covered" if the Fund has certain offsetting puts. Parties to options transactions must make certain payments and/or set aside certain amounts of assets in connection with each transaction.

If the Fund writes a call, the Fund will generally limit its opportunity to profit from an increase in the market value of the underlying investment above the exercise price of the option for as long as the Fund's obligation as writer of the option continues. If the Fund writes a put, the Fund will generally limit its opportunity to profit from a decrease in the market value of the underlying investment below the exercise price of the option for as long as the Fund's obligation as writer of the option continues. Upon the exercise of a put option written by the Fund, the Fund may suffer an economic loss equal to the difference between the price at which the Fund is required to purchase the underlying investment and its market value at the time of the option exercise, less the premium received for writing the option. Upon the exercise of a call option written by the Fund, the Fund may suffer an economic loss equal to an amount not less than the Fund's acquisition cost of the investment underlying the option, less the sum of the premium received for writing the option and the exercise price paid to the Fund.

The Fund may choose to exercise the options it holds, permit them to expire or terminate them prior to their expiration by entering into closing transactions. The Fund may enter into a closing purchase transaction in which the Fund purchases an option having the same terms as the option it had written or a closing sale transaction in which the Fund sells an option having the same terms as the option it had purchased.

Exchange-listed options on securities and currencies, with certain exceptions, generally settle by physical delivery of the underlying security or currency, although in the future, cash settlement may become available. Frequently, rather than taking or making delivery of the underlying instrument through the process of exercising the option, listed options are closed by entering into offsetting purchase or sale transactions that do not result in ownership of the new option. Index options are cash settled for the net amount, if any, by which the option is "in-the-money" (that is, the amount by which the value of the underlying instrument exceeds, in the case of a call option, or is less than, in the case of a put option, the exercise price of the option) at the time the option is exercised.

OTC options are purchased from or sold to securities dealers, financial institutions or other parties (collectively referred to as "counterparties" and individually referred to as a "counterparty") through a direct bilateral agreement with the counterparty. In contrast to exchange-listed options, which generally have standardized terms and performance mechanics, the terms of an OTC option, including such terms as method of settlement, term, exercise price, premium, guaranties and security, are determined by negotiation of the parties.

Unless the parties provide for it, no central clearing or guaranty function is involved in an OTC option. As a result, if a counterparty fails to make or take delivery of the security, currency or other instrument underlying an OTC option it has entered into with the Fund or fails to make a cash settlement payment due in accordance with the terms of that option, the Fund will lose any premium it paid for the option as well as any anticipated benefit of the transaction. Thus, the Adviser must assess the creditworthiness of each such counterparty or any guarantor or credit enhancement of the counterparty's credit to determine the likelihood that the terms of the OTC option will be met.

If the Fund sells a call option, the premium that it receives may serve as a partial hedge, to the extent of the option premium, against a decrease in the value of the underlying securities or instruments held by the Fund or will increase the Fund's income. Similarly, the sale of put options can also provide gains for the Fund. The Fund may purchase and sell call options on securities that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and in the OTC markets, and on securities indices and currencies. Even though the Fund will receive the option premium to help protect it against loss, use of options could result in losses to the Fund, force the purchase or sale of portfolio securities at inopportune times or for prices higher or lower than current market values, or cause the Fund to hold a security it might otherwise sell or sell a security it might otherwise hold.

The Fund's ability to close out its position as a purchaser or seller of an OCC-issued or exchange-listed put or call option is dependent, in part, upon the liquidity of the particular option market. Among the possible reasons for the absence of a liquid option market on an exchange are: (i) insufficient trading interest in certain options; (ii) restrictions on transactions imposed by an exchange; (iii) trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions imposed with respect to particular classes or series of options or underlying securities, including reaching daily price limits; (iv) interruption of the normal operations of the OCC or an exchange; (v) inadequacy of the facilities of an exchange or the OCC to handle current trading volume; or (vi) a decision by one or more exchanges to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options), in which event the relevant market for that option on that exchange would cease to exist, although any such outstanding options on that exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.

The hours of trading for listed options may not coincide with the hours during which the underlying financial instruments are traded. To the extent that the option markets close before the markets for the underlying financial instruments, significant price and rate movements can take place in the underlying markets that would not be reflected in the corresponding option markets.

*Options on Stocks and Stock Indices*. The Fund may purchase put and call options and write covered put and call options on stocks and stock indices in order to hedge against movements in the equity markets or to potentially increase income or gain to the Fund. In addition, the Fund may purchase options on stocks that are traded over-the-counter. Options on stock indices are similar to options on specific securities. However, because options on stock indices do not involve the delivery of an underlying security, the option represents the holder's right to obtain from the writer cash in an amount equal to a fixed multiple of the amount by which the exercise price exceeds (in the case of a put) or is less than (in the case of a call) the closing value of the underlying stock index on the exercise date. Options are also traded in certain industry or market segment indices. Stock index options are subject to position and exercise limits and other regulations imposed by the exchange on which they are traded.

For example, a purchase of a call option on a stock index could be used as a hedge against an increase in prices of particular equity securities the Fund wanted ultimately to buy if the Adviser expected general stock market prices to rise. If the stock index does rise, the price of the particular equity securities intended to be purchased may also increase, but that increase should be offset in part by the increase in the value of the Fund's index option resulting from the increase in the index. On the other hand, a purchase of a put option on the index could be used if the Adviser expected general stock market prices to decline. If that index does decline, the value of some or all of the equity securities in the Fund's portfolio may also be expected to decline, but that decrease would be offset in part by the increase in the value of the Fund's position in such put option.

*Options on Currencies*. The Fund may invest in options on currencies traded on domestic and foreign securities exchanges in order to hedge against currency exchange rate risks or to increase income or gain, as described above in "**Currency Transactions**."

**Other Investment Companies (excluding ETFs)**

The Fund may invest in shares of other investment companies, including open-end investment companies, subject to limits prescribed by the 1940 Act. These investment companies typically incur fees that are separate from those fees incurred directly by the Fund. The Fund's purchase of such investment company securities results in the layering of expenses, such that shareholders would indirectly bear a proportionate share of the operating expenses of such investment companies, including advisory fees, in addition to paying Fund expenses. No adjustments will be made to the advisory fee with respect to assets of the Fund invested in such investment companies.

The Fund's investment in other investment companies may include securities of closed-end investment companies investing in foreign securities. The Fund will invest in closed-end investment companies only in furtherance of their investment objectives. Growth in appreciation and dividends in foreign markets sometimes occurs at a faster rate than in domestic markets. The ability of the Fund to invest in closed-end investment companies that invest in foreign securities provides, indirectly, greater variety and added expertise with respect to investments in foreign markets than if the Fund invested directly in such markets. Such companies themselves, however, may have policies that are different from those of the Fund.

The Fund's investment in other investment companies may also include shares of ETFs, which are described elsewhere in this section under the heading "**Exchange-Traded Funds and Other Similar Instruments**."

**Preferred Stock**

Preferred stocks, like debt obligations, are generally fixed-income securities. Shareholders of preferred stocks normally have the right to receive dividends at a fixed rate when and as declared by the issuer's board of directors, but do not participate in other amounts available for distribution by the issuing corporation. Dividends on the preferred stock may be cumulative, and generally all cumulative dividends must be paid prior to common shareholders receiving any dividends. Because as a general matter preferred stock dividends must be paid before common stock dividends, preferred stocks generally entail less risk than common stocks. Upon liquidation, preferred stocks are generally entitled to a specified liquidation preference, which is generally the same as the par or stated value, and are senior in right of payment to common stock. Preferred stocks are, however, equity securities in the sense that they do not represent a liability of the issuer and, therefore, do not offer as great a degree of protection of capital or assurance of continued income as investments in corporate debt securities. In addition, preferred stocks are subordinated in right of payment to all debt obligations and creditors of the issuer, and convertible preferred stocks may be subordinated to other preferred stock of the same issuer.

**Repurchase Agreements**

The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements. A repurchase agreement is a transaction in which the seller of a security commits itself at the time of sale to repurchase that security from the buyer at a mutually agreed upon time and price. The resale price is in excess of the purchase price and reflects an agreed-upon market interest rate unrelated to the coupon rate on the purchased security. Such transactions afford the opportunity to earn a return on temporarily available cash at relatively low market risk. When the Fund enters into a repurchase agreement, the Adviser will monitor the value of the securities underlying the repurchase agreement at the time the transaction is entered into and at all times during the term of the repurchase agreement to ensure that the value of the securities always equals or exceeds the repurchase price. The Fund will require that additional securities be deposited if the value of the securities purchased decreases below their resale price and does not bear the risk of a decline in the value of the underlying security unless the seller defaults under the repurchase obligation.

While the underlying security may be a bill, certificate of indebtedness, note or bond issued by an agency, authority or instrumentality of the U.S. government, the obligation of the seller is not guaranteed by the U.S. government and there is a risk that the seller may fail to repurchase the underlying security. In such event, the Fund would attempt to exercise rights with respect to the underlying security, including possible disposition in the market. However, the Fund may be subject to various delays and risks of loss, including (i) possible declines in the value of the underlying security during the period while the Fund seeks to enforce its rights thereto, (ii) possible reduced levels of income and lack of access to income during this period, and (iii) inability to enforce rights and the expenses involved in the attempted enforcement.

Repurchase agreements with maturities of more than seven days will be treated as illiquid securities.

**Reverse Repurchase Agreements**

The Fund may enter into "reverse" repurchase agreements to avoid selling securities during unfavorable market conditions to meet redemptions. Pursuant to a reverse repurchase agreement, the Fund sells portfolio securities and agree to repurchase them from the buyer at a particular date and price. The Fund will pay interest on amounts obtained pursuant to reverse repurchase agreements. Reverse repurchase agreements are considered to be borrowings by the Fund. See "**Borrowing**" above.

**Restricted Securities and Securities with Limited Trading Markets (Rule 144A)**

The Fund may purchase securities for which there is a limited trading market or which are subject to restrictions on resale to the public. If the Fund were to acquire substantial positions in securities with limited trading markets, the activities of the Fund could have an adverse effect upon the liquidity and marketability of such securities and the Fund might not be able to dispose of its holdings in those securities at then current market prices. Circumstances could also exist (to satisfy redemptions, for example) when portfolio securities might have to be sold by the Fund at times which otherwise might be considered to be disadvantageous so that the Fund might receive lower proceeds from such sales than it had expected to realize. Investments in securities which are "restricted" may involve added expenses to the Fund should the Fund be required to bear registration costs with respect to such securities and could involve delays in disposing of such securities which might have an adverse effect upon the price and timing of sales of such securities and the liquidity of the Fund with respect to redemptions. Restricted securities and securities for which there is a limited trading market may be significantly more difficult to value due to the unavailability of reliable market quotations for such securities, and investment in such securities may have an adverse impact on net asset value. The Fund may purchase Rule 144A securities for which there may be a secondary market of qualified institutional buyers as contemplated by Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"). Liquidity determinations with respect to Rule 144A securities will be made by the Board of Trustees or by the Adviser pursuant to guidelines established by the Board. The Fund's holdings of Rule 144A securities which are considered liquid securities will not be subject to the Fund's applicable limitation on investments in illiquid securities.

**Securities Related Issuers**

The 1940 Act limits the Fund's ability to invest in any equity security of an issuer which, in its most recent fiscal year, derived more than 15% of its revenues from "securities related activities," as defined by the rules thereunder. These provisions may also restrict the Fund's investments in certain non-U.S. banks and other financial institutions.

**Short Sales**

The Fund may make short sales of securities consistent with its strategies. A short sale is a transaction in which the Fund sells a security it does not own in anticipation that the market price of that security will decline.

When the Fund makes a short sale, it must borrow the security sold short and deliver a security equal in value to the security sold short to the broker-dealer through which it made the short sale as collateral for its obligation to deliver the security upon conclusion of the sale. The Fund may have to pay a fee to borrow particular securities and may be obligated to pay over any accrued interest and dividends on such borrowed securities.

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

A short sale is "against the box" to the extent that the Fund contemporaneously owns, or has the right to obtain at no added cost, securities identical to those sold short. The Fund may engage in short selling to the extent permitted by the federal securities laws and rules and interpretations thereunder. To the extent the Fund engages in short selling in foreign (non-U.S.) jurisdictions, the Fund will do so to the extent permitted by the laws and regulations of such jurisdiction.

**Small-Cap and Mid-Cap Company Risk**

The Fund focuses on investments in small and mid-capitalization companies. The securities of small-capitalization and mid-capitalization companies may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements and may have lower trading volumes or more erratic trading than securities of larger, more established companies or market averages in general. In addition, such companies typically are more likely to be adversely affected than large-capitalization companies by changes in earnings results, business prospects, investor expectations or poor economic or market conditions.

**Swap Agreement Risk**

The Fund may enter into equity and index swap agreements. Swap agreements are two-party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors for periods ranging from a few weeks to more than a year. In a standard swap transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns earned on specific assets, such as the return on, or increase in value of, a particular dollar amount invested in a "basket" of securities representing a particular index. A swap contract may not be assigned without the consent of the counter-party, and may result in losses in the event of a default or bankruptcy of the counter-party.

**Temporary Defensive Positions**

The Fund may depart from its principal investment strategies to meet redemption requests in response to adverse market, economic or political conditions by taking temporary defensive positions. While in a temporary investment position, the Fund may invest some or all of its assets in cash and/or cash equivalent securities. Cash equivalent securities include, but are not limited to, obligations of the U.S. government or by its agencies or instrumentalities, money market fund shares, commercial paper, certificates of deposit and/or banker's acceptances, as well as other interest bearing or discount obligations or debt instruments that carry an investment grade rating by a national rating agency. Under such circumstances, the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.

**U.S. Government Securities**

The Fund may invest without limit in securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or by its agencies or instrumentalities. U.S. government securities in general include a wide variety of U.S. Treasury obligations consisting of bills, notes and bonds, which principally differ only in their interest rates, maturities and times of issuance. Securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies and instrumentalities are debt securities issued by agencies or instrumentalities established or sponsored by the U.S. government and may be backed only by the credit of the issuing agency or instrumentality. The Fund will invest in such obligations only where the Adviser is satisfied that the credit risk with respect to the issuer is minimal.

Securities issued by the U.S. Treasury generally do not involve the credit risks associated with investments in other types of fixed-income securities, although, as a result, the yields available from these securities are generally lower than the yields available from corporate fixed-income securities. Like other debt securities, however, the values of U.S. government securities change as interest rates fluctuate, which could affect the Fund's net asset value. Under certain market conditions the Fund may, for temporary defensive purposes, accept lower current income from short-term investments rather than investing in higher yielding long-term securities. Some U.S. government securities (such as Fannie Maes and Freddie Macs) are guaranteed as to the payment of principal and interest by the relevant entity (e.g., FNMA or FHLMC) but are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. Therefore, the securities would generally be neither issued nor guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury.

*CMOs and MBS Derivatives*

The collateralized mortgage obligation ("CMO") and stripped mortgage-backed securities ("MBS") markets were developed specifically to reallocate the various risks inherent in MBS across various bond classes ("tranches"). For example, CMO "companion" classes typically experience much greater average life variability than other CMO classes or MBS pass-throughs. Interest-only pass-through securities experience greater yield variability relative to changes in prepayments. "Inverse floaters" experience greater variability of returns relative to changes in interest rates. To the extent that the Fund concentrates its investments in these or other "derivative" securities, the prepayment risks, interest rate risks, and hedging risks associated with such securities will be severely magnified.

**Warrants and Rights**

The Fund may invest in warrants and rights. Warrants are securities that are usually issued together with a debt security or preferred stock and that give the holder the right to buy a proportionate amount of common stock at a specified price until a stated expiration date. Buying a warrant generally can provide a greater potential for profit or loss than an investment of equivalent amounts in the underlying common stock. The market value of a warrant does not necessarily move with the value of the underlying securities. If a holder does not sell the warrant, it risks the loss of its entire investment if the market price of the underlying security does not, before the expiration date, exceed the exercise price of the warrant. Investing in warrants is a speculative activity. Warrants pay no dividends and confer no rights (other than the right to purchase the underlying securities) with respect to the assets of the issuer. A right is a privilege granted, typically to existing shareholders of a corporation, to subscribe for shares of a new issue of stock before it is issued. Rights normally have a short life, usually two to four weeks, may be freely transferable and generally entitle the holder to buy the new common stock at a lower price than the public offering price.

**Zero Coupon Securities, Pay-In-Kind Bonds and Deferred Payment Securities**

The Fund may invest in zero coupon securities, pay-in-kind bonds and deferred payment securities. Zero coupon securities are debt securities that pay no cash income but are sold at substantial discounts from their value at maturity. When a zero coupon security is held to maturity, its entire return, which consists of the amortization of discount, comes from the difference between its purchase price and its maturity value. This difference is known at the time of purchase, so that investors holding zero coupon securities until maturity know at the time of their investment what the expected return on their investment will be. Zero coupon securities may have conversion features. The Fund also may purchase pay-in-kind bonds. Pay-in-kind bonds pay all or a portion of their interest in the form of debt or equity securities. Deferred payment securities are securities that remain zero coupon securities until a predetermined date, at which time the stated coupon rate becomes effective and interest becomes payable at regular intervals.

Zero coupon securities, pay-in-kind bonds and deferred payment securities tend to be subject to greater price fluctuations in response to changes in interest rates than are ordinary interest-paying debt securities with similar maturities. The value of zero coupon securities appreciates more during periods of declining interest rates and depreciates more during periods of rising interest rates than ordinary interest-paying debt securities with similar maturities. Zero coupon securities, pay-in-kind bonds and deferred payment securities may be issued by a wide variety of corporate and governmental issuers. Although these instruments are generally not traded on a national securities exchange, they are widely traded by brokers and dealers and, to such extent, will not generally be considered illiquid for the purposes of the Fund's limitation on investments in illiquid securities.

Current U.S. federal income tax law requires the holder of a zero-coupon security, certain pay-in-kind bonds, deferred payment securities and certain other securities acquired at a discount to accrue income with respect to these securities prior to the receipt of cash payments. Accordingly, to avoid liability for U.S. federal income and excise taxes, the Fund may be required to distribute the amount of income accrued with respect to these securities and may have to dispose of portfolio securities under disadvantageous circumstances in order to generate cash to satisfy these distribution requirements. See "**FEDERAL INCOME TAXES** – **Special Tax Considerations** *– Securities Issued or Purchased at a Discount*."

**INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS**

**Fundamental and Non-Fundamental Investment Restrictions**

*Fundamental Investment Restrictions*

The following is a description of fundamental policies of the Fund that may not be changed without the vote of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities. Under the 1940 Act, the vote of a majority of the outstanding securities of a company means the vote, at the annual or a special meeting of the security holders of such company duly called: (A) of 67 per centum or more of the voting securities present at such meeting, if the holders of more than 50 per centum of the outstanding voting securities of such company are present or represented by proxy; or (B) of more than 50 per centum of the outstanding voting securities of such company, whichever is less. The other restrictions set forth below, as well as the Fund's investment objective and each of the other investment restrictions set forth in the Prospectus or this SAI and not designated as fundamental, are not fundamental policies and may be changed by the Board of Trustees. The percentages set forth below and the percentages set forth in the Prospectus apply at the time of the purchase of a security, except (i) with respect to fundamental investment restrictions (2) and (7), for which any such required percentages apply at all times and (ii) as otherwise required by applicable law.

The Fund may not:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) Purchase securities which would cause 25% or more of the value of its net assets at the time of the purchase to be invested in the securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry (excluding obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or any state or territory of the United States or any of their agencies, instrumentalities or political subdivisions);

(2) Borrow money, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act;

(3) Make loans, except that the Fund may purchase or hold debt instruments
 in accordance with its investment objectives and policies; provided however, this restriction does not apply to repurchase agreements
 or loans of portfolio securities;

(4) Act as an underwriter of securities of other issuers except that,
 in the disposition of portfolio securities, it may be deemed to be an underwriter under the federal securities laws;

(5) Purchase or sell real estate, although the Fund may purchase securities
 of issuers which deal in real estate, securities which are secured by interests in real estate, and securities which represent interests
 in real estate, and it may acquire and dispose of real estate or interests in real estate acquired through the exercise of its rights
 as a holder of debt obligations secured by real estate or interests therein;

(6) Purchase or sell commodities, unless acquired as a result of ownership
 of securities or other instruments; however, this restriction shall not prevent the Fund from engaging in transactions involving
 swaps, futures contracts, forward contracts, options or other derivative instruments, investing in securities that are secured by
 commodities or investing in companies or other entities that are engaged in a commodities or commodities trading business or that
 have a significant portion of their assets in commodities-related investments, subject to restrictions described in the Fund's
 Prospectus and elsewhere in this SAI; and

(7) Issue senior securities, except for permitted borrowings or as otherwise
 permitted under the 1940 Act.

For the purposes of restriction (1) above, industry classifications are determined for the Fund in accordance with the industry or sub-industry classifications established by Bloomberg Sector Classification System. The Fund may use other classification titles, standards and systems from time to time, as it determines to be in the best interests of shareholders. The use of any particular classification system is not a fundamental policy. With respect to the Fund's investments in options, futures, swaps and other derivative transactions, industries may be determined by reference to the industry of the reference asset. The Fund may invest in securities of other investment companies or investment vehicles that may concentrate their assets in one or more industries. The Fund intends to invest only in investment companies and other investment vehicles that track the S&P 500 Index and will consider the investments of such index and investment company in determining compliance with the fundamental restriction. Although the Fund does not intend to concentrate investments in a particular industry, the Fund will be concentrated in a particular industry or group of industries only to the extent the S&P 500 Index is so concentrated.

Restrictions (2) and (7) above shall be interpreted based upon no-action letters and other pronouncements of the staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Under current pronouncements, certain Fund positions may be excluded from the definition of "senior security" so long as the Fund complies with applicable regulatory requirements. See "**Borrowing**" above.

*Non-Fundamental Investment Restrictions*

In addition, it is contrary to the Fund's present policies, which may be changed without shareholder vote, to purchase any illiquid security, including any securities whose disposition is restricted under federal securities laws and securities that are not readily marketable, if, as a result, more than 15% of the Fund's net assets (based on then-current value) would then be invested in such securities. For purposes of this restriction, the staff of the SEC is presently of the view that repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days are subject to this restriction. Until that position is revised, modified or rescinded, the Fund will conduct its operations in a manner consistent with this view. This limitation on investment in illiquid securities does not apply to certain restricted securities, including securities pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and certain commercial paper that the Adviser has determined to be liquid under procedures approved by the Board of Trustees.

**PORTFOLIO TURNOVER**

Purchases and sales of portfolio securities may be made as considered advisable by the Adviser in the best interests of the shareholders. The Fund's portfolio turnover rate may vary from year to year, as well as within a year. The Fund's distributions of any net short-term capital gains realized from portfolio transactions are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. In addition, higher portfolio turnover rates can result in corresponding increases in portfolio transaction costs for the Fund. See "**PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE**" in this SAI.

For reporting purposes, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the fiscal year by the monthly average of the value of the portfolio securities owned by the Fund during the fiscal year. In determining such portfolio turnover, all securities whose maturities at the time of acquisition were one year or less are excluded. A 100% portfolio turnover rate would occur, for example, if all of the securities in the Fund's investment portfolio (other than short-term money market securities) were replaced once during the fiscal year. Portfolio turnover will not be a limiting factor should the Adviser deem it advisable to purchase or sell securities.

**DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS**

This Policy sets forth the conditions under which Portfolio Holdings (defined below) data for the Trust on behalf of the Fund may be disclosed to Third Parties (defined below) (which may include the public) and Service Providers (defined below). No data about the Fund's portfolio holdings may be disclosed except in accordance with this Policy.

Portfolio Holdings data includes, but is not limited to, the following information about the Fund: (i) specific securities held; (ii) industry sector breakdowns as a percentage of portfolio net assets; (iii) asset composition (*e.g.*, equities versus bonds); (iv) U.S. versus foreign holdings percentage breakdowns and regional breakdowns (*e.g.*, Asia, North America); and (v) top 10 portfolio holdings in order of position size, including percentage of portfolio.

"Third Parties" or a "Third Party" means a person other than a Service Provider, an employee of a Service Provider, a Trustee of the Board of Trustees of the Trust, or an officer of the Trust.

"Service Providers" or a "Service Provider" includes, but is not limited to, the investment adviser, administrator, custodian, transfer agent, fund accountant, principal underwriter, software or technology service providers, pricing and proxy voting service providers, research and trading service providers, auditors, accountants, and legal counsel, or any other entity that has a need to know such information in order to fulfill their contractual obligations to provide services to the Fund.

**Policy Overview**

The Board has adopted, on behalf of the Fund, policies and procedures relating to disclosure of the Portfolio Holdings. These policies and procedures are designed to protect the confidentiality of the Portfolio Holdings' information and to prevent the selective disclosure of such information. These policies and procedures may be modified at any time with the approval of the Board.

In order to protect the Fund from any trading practices or other use by a Third Party that could harm the Fund, Portfolio Holdings' and other Fund-specific information must not be selectively released or disclosed except under the circumstances described below.

Only officers of the Trust and their authorized agents, including, but not limited to, the Chief Compliance Officer of the investment adviser, may approve the disclosure of the Fund's Portfolio Holdings. Except as set forth under "**Policy Exceptions**" below, exceptions to this Policy may only be made if an officer of the Trust and its authorized agents, including, but not limited to, the Chief Compliance Officer of the investment adviser, determines that the disclosure is being made for a legitimate business purpose and such disclosures must be documented and reported to the Board on a quarterly basis. In all cases, Third Parties and Service Providers are required to execute a non-disclosure agreement requiring the recipient to keep confidential any Portfolio Holdings data received and not to trade on the Confidential Portfolio Information (defined below) received. Neither the Trust nor its Service Providers (nor any persons affiliated with either) can receive any compensation or other consideration in connection with the sharing of the Fund's Portfolio Holdings.

Disclosure of the Portfolio Holdings' information that is not publicly available ("Confidential Portfolio Information") may be made to Service Providers. In addition, to the extent permitted under applicable law, the investment adviser may distribute (or authorize the custodian or principal underwriter to distribute) Confidential Portfolio Information to the Fund's relevant Service Providers and to facilitate the review of the Fund by certain mutual fund analysts and ratings agencies (such as Morningstar and Lipper Analytical Services) ("Rating Agencies"); provided that such disclosure is limited to the information that the investment adviser believes is reasonably necessary in connection with the services to be provided. As noted above, except to the extent permitted under this Policy, Confidential Portfolio Information may not be disseminated for compensation or other consideration.

Before any disclosure of Confidential Portfolio Information to Service Providers or Rating Agencies is permitted, the Chief Compliance Officer for the Adviser (or persons designated by such Chief Compliance Officer) must determine in writing that, under the circumstances, the disclosure is being made for a legitimate business purpose. Furthermore, the recipient of Confidential Portfolio Information by a Service Provider or Rating Agency must be either subject to a written confidentiality agreement that prohibits any trading upon the Confidential Portfolio Information or subject to professional or ethical obligations not to disclose or otherwise improperly use the information, such as would apply to independent registered public accounting firms or legal counsel.

The identity of such entities is provided below:

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name of Recipient** | **Frequency of**<br> **Holdings**<br> **Disclosure** | **Information**<br> **Lag** | **Date of**<br> **Information** | **Date**<br> **Provided**<br> **to Recipients** |
| Beacon Investment Advisory Services, Inc. (Adviser) | Daily |  | Daily | Daily |
| ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (Administrator) | Daily |  | Daily | Daily |
| U.S. Bank, N.A. (Custodian) | Daily |  | Daily | Daily |
| Cohen & Company, Ltd. (Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm) | As needed |  | As needed | As needed |
| Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP (Trust Counsel) | As needed |  | As needed | As needed |
| Thompson Hine LLP (Independent Counsel) | As needed |  | As needed | As needed |
| Bloomberg L.P. | Monthly | 30 days | Monthly | Monthly |
| Thomson Reuters Lipper | Monthly | 30 days | Monthly | Monthly |
| Morningstar, Inc. | Monthly | 30 days | Monthly | Monthly |
| FactSet Research Systems Inc. | Monthly | 30 days | Monthly | Monthly |

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The Fund's investment adviser shall have primary responsibility for ensuring that the Portfolio Holdings' information is disclosed only in accordance with this Policy. As part of this responsibility, the Fund's investment adviser will maintain such internal policies and procedures as it believes are reasonably necessary for preventing the unauthorized disclosure of Confidential Portfolio Information.

**Full Portfolio Holdings**

The disclosure of the Fund's full Portfolio Holdings is required to be made quarterly on forms required to be filed with the SEC as follows: (i) Portfolio Holdings as of the end of each fiscal year will be filed as part of the annual report filed on Form N-CSR; (ii) Portfolio Holdings as of the end of the first and third fiscal quarters will be filed in Form N-PORT; and (iii) Portfolio Holdings as of the end of the second fiscal quarter will be filed as part of the semi-annual report filed on Form N-CSR. The Trust's Form N-CSRs and Form N-PORT are available free of charge on the SEC's website at <u>www.sec.gov</u>. Portfolio holdings information may be separately provided to any person, including rating and ranking organizations such as Morningstar and Lipper, at the same time that it is filed with the SEC.

**Policy Exceptions**

The following disclosures of Portfolio Holdings are not prohibited by this Policy:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| § | Disclosures that are required by law; |
| § | Disclosures necessary for Service Providers to perform services to the Fund, provided that they are made pursuant to a written agreement between the Service Provider and the receiving party that restricts the third party's use of the information; |
| § | Disclosure necessary for Rating Agencies to assess applicable fund ratings; |
| § | Disclosures necessary to broker-dealers or banks as a part of the normal buying, selling, shorting or other transactions in portfolio securities; |
| § | Disclosures to the applicable Fund's or Service Providers' regulatory authorities, accountants or counsel; and |
| § | Disclosures to the adviser of the Fund of compiled data concerning accounts managed by the adviser. |

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**PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE**

**Investment Decisions and Portfolio Transactions**

Investment decisions for the Fund are made with a view to achieving its investment objectives. Investment decisions are the product of many factors in addition to basic suitability for the particular client involved (including the Fund). Some securities considered for investment by the Fund may also be appropriate for other clients served by the Adviser. Thus, a particular security may be bought or sold for certain clients even though it could have been bought or sold for other clients at the same time.

When the Adviser determines that the purchase or sale of a particular security is appropriate for more than one client account, the Adviser may, but is not obligated to, aggregate client orders into one order ("Block Orders") for execution purposes. Block trading can avoid the adverse effect on a security's price when simultaneous separate and competing orders are placed. When aggregating orders and subsequently allocating Block Orders (purchases and sales) to individual client accounts, it is the Adviser's policy to treat all clients fairly and to achieve an equitable distribution of aggregated orders.

When a Block Order is filled in its entirety, each participating account will receive the average share price for the order on the same business day and transaction costs shall be shared pro rata based on each client's participation in the Block Order. If the total amount of securities bought or sold is less than the amount requested in the Block Order, the portion that is executed will be allocated pro rata between all accounts participating in the Block Order at the average price obtained, and transaction costs will be shared pro rata based on each client's allocation in the initial block. Participating accounts that had an order for a de minimis number of shares may be allocated their full order before the remaining shares are allocated. Such allocations will be made pro rata to all participating accounts which had an order for a de minimis number of shares based on each client's participation in the order unless the cost of such allocation is deemed excessive. In situations for which pro-rata allocations would result in excessive trading costs, the allocation will be based on simple random selection.

If the Adviser receives an order for a security at the same time as there exists an open order with a broker, the additional order may be added to the existing open order. However, any partial fills of the existing open order that occurred prior to the time of the placement of the second order with the same broker shall be allocated solely to the clients participating in the existing open order, and the unfilled portion of the existing open order will be added into the subsequent order.

Some types of purchase or sale transactions cannot be included in Block Orders. Such trades often must be executed on an individual basis rather than aggregated with other trades. In such cases, clients may not receive as favorable executions as they might otherwise receive from Block Orders. Likewise, a particular security may be bought for one or more clients when one or more clients are selling the security. In some instances, one client may sell a particular security to another client. There may be circumstances when purchases or sales of portfolio securities for one or more clients will have an adverse effect on other clients, including the Fund.

**Brokerage and Research Services**

The Adviser places orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio securities for the Fund through several brokers or dealers. The Adviser's general policy is to use its best efforts to seek to obtain best execution for all client portfolio transactions, taking into account a variety of factors such as: (i) the security price; (ii) the commission rate; (iii) the size and difficulty of the order and timing of the transaction; (iv) the broker-dealer's execution capability, which includes the broker-dealer's relative ability to execute an order at the best available price, as well as the speed, quality, overall cost and certainty of execution; (v) the broker-dealer's responsiveness and financial responsibility, which includes the broker-dealer's creditworthiness and other factors that may impact the Adviser's confidence in the broker-dealer's stability; (vi) any conflicts of interest associated with using a broker-dealer; (vii) confidentiality provided by the broker-dealer; (viii) other factors, such as, the broker-dealer's integrity and quality of communication, the adequacy of information provided by the broker-dealer, the ability of the broker-dealer to provide ad hoc information or services, and the ability of the broker-dealer to handle client directed brokerage arrangements; and (ix) research capabilities of the broker-dealer. It is not the Adviser's policy to seek the lowest available commission rate where it believes that a broker or dealer charging a higher commission rate would offer greater reliability or provide better price or execution. The Adviser cannot assure that best execution will be achieved for the Fund transaction. The Adviser maintains a list of approved broker-dealers it will use to place Fund and other client trades for execution. The Adviser will periodically reevaluate these broker-dealers to confirm that they meet the Adviser's criteria and standards, including that they provide trade execution services that the Adviser views as satisfactory. Upon reevaluation, the Adviser may add or remove broker-dealers to or from the list of approved broker-dealers. Although the Fund may use a broker-dealer that sells Fund shares to effect transactions for the Fund's portfolios, the Fund will not consider the sale of Fund shares as a factor when selecting broker-dealers to execute those transactions.

Subject to the Adviser's policy of seeking best execution for transactions, and subject to the criteria of Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act"), the Adviser may place trades with a broker-dealer that provides brokerage and research services. The Adviser may have an incentive to select or recommend a broker based on its interest in receiving research or other products or services, rather than its interest in receiving the most favorable execution for the Fund. However, in selecting a broker for research, the Adviser makes a good faith determination that the amount of commission charged is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and/or research received. The determination may be viewed in terms of a particular transaction or the Adviser's overall responsibilities with respect to the accounts over which it exercises investment discretion. Research and brokerage services provided by broker-dealers chosen by the Adviser to place the Fund's portfolio transactions may be useful to the Adviser in providing services to the Adviser's other clients, although not all of these services may be necessarily useful and of value to the Adviser in managing the Fund. Conversely, brokerage and research products and services provided to the Adviser by broker-dealers in connection with trades executed on behalf of other clients of the Adviser may be useful to the Adviser in managing the Fund, although not all of these brokerage and research products and services may be necessarily useful and of value to the Adviser in managing such other clients. Subject to Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act, the Adviser may pay a broker additional commission in recognition of the value of the brokerage and/or research services provided by that broker. When the Adviser uses Fund brokerage commissions to obtain research or other products or services, the Adviser receives a benefit because it does not have to produce or pay for the research, products or services. The advisory fees paid by the Fund are not reduced because the Adviser receives such services even though the receipt of such services relieves the Adviser from expenses it might otherwise bear.

The Adviser may place orders for the purchase and sale of exchange-listed portfolio securities with a broker-dealer that is an affiliate of the Adviser where, in the judgment of the Adviser, such firm will be able to obtain a price and execution at least as favorable as other qualified broker-dealers. Pursuant to rules of the SEC, a broker-dealer that is an affiliate of the Adviser may receive and retain compensation for effecting portfolio transactions for the Fund on a securities exchange if the commissions paid to such an affiliated broker-dealer by the Fund on exchange transactions do 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." As required by applicable SEC rules, the Board has adopted procedures which are reasonably designed to provide that any commissions, fees or other remuneration paid to an affiliated broker are consistent with the foregoing standards. As of the date hereof, the Adviser does not have any affiliated broker-dealer.

The following table lists the total amount of brokerage commissions paid by the Fund for the fiscal year noted:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **For the**<br> **Fiscal Year**<br> **Ended**<br> **September**<br> **30, 2025** | **For the**<br> **Fiscal Year**<br> **Ended**<br> **September**<br> **30, 2024** | **For the**<br> **Fiscal Year**<br> **Ended**<br> **September**<br> **30, 2023** |
| Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund | $138501 | $103685 | $108957 |

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**PURCHASE, EXCHANGE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES**

ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (the "Transfer Agent") will maintain an account for each shareholder upon which the registration and transfer of shares are recorded, and any transfers shall be reflected by bookkeeping entry, without physical delivery. Confirmations of each purchase or redemption are sent to each shareholder. Quarterly statements of account are sent which include shares purchased as a result of a reinvestment of Fund distributions. The Transfer Agent will require that a shareholder provide requests in writing, accompanied by a valid signature guarantee form, when changing certain information in an account (*i.e.*, wiring instructions, telephone privileges, etc.).

**Share Classes**

The Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund has one share class, the Institutional Class.

The assets received by a class of the Fund for the issue or sale of its shares and all income, earnings, profits, losses and proceeds therefrom, subject only to the rights of creditors, are allocated to, and constitute the underlying assets of, that class of the Fund. The underlying assets of a class of the Fund are segregated and are charged with the expenses with respect to that class of the Fund along with a share of the general expenses of the Fund and the Trust. Any general expenses of the Fund that are not readily identifiable as belonging to a particular class of the Fund are allocated by or under the direction of the Board of Trustees in such manner as they determine to be fair and reasonable.

**Purchase of Shares**

Institutional Class shares do not charge an initial sales load.

Institutional Class shares are typically offered only through certain types of financial intermediaries and to certain institutional investors. Institutional Class shares are offered directly, via the Fund's transfer agents, and through financial intermediaries (including, but not limited to, broker-dealers, retirement plans, bank trust departments, and financial advisors). Such intermediaries may require payment from the Fund or its service providers for the provision of distribution, administrative or shareholder retention services. Institutional investors may include, but are not limited to, corporations, retirement plans, public plans and foundations/endowments.

The minimum investments in the Fund are set forth in the Prospectus.

Subsequent investments may be made at any time by mailing a check to the Transfer Agent, along with a detachable stub from the Statement of Account (or a letter providing the account number). Shareholders should be sure to write the Fund's account number on the check. Purchases of Fund shares (initial or subsequent) may not be made by third-party check.

Shares of the Fund may be purchased on any business day at the net asset value per share next determined after receipt of a purchase order. Share certificates will not be issued. Share purchase orders are effective on the date the Fund receives a completed Account Application Form (and other required documents) and federal funds become available.

Initial and subsequent investments may also be made by wire transfer. Shareholders should note that their bank may charge a fee in connection with transferring money by bank wire.

For a share purchase order for the Fund to become effective on a particular business day, prior to 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time): (i) in the case of a wire transfer payment, a purchaser must call 1-844-894-9222 to inform the Transfer Agent of an incoming wire transfer; or (ii) in the case of payment by check or money order, a complete share purchase order must be actually received by the Transfer Agent, and, in either case, federal funds must be received by the Transfer Agent, on behalf of the Fund. If federal funds are received by the Transfer Agent that same day, the order will be effective on that day. If the Fund receives notification of a wire transfer or a complete share purchase order after 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time), or if federal funds are not received by the Transfer Agent, such purchase order shall be executed as of the date that federal funds are actually received.

The price of the Fund's shares and the valuation of Fund assets are discussed below in "**NET ASSET VALUE**."

**Redemption of Shares**

If the Board of Trustees determines that it is in the best interests of the remaining shareholders of the Fund, the Fund may pay the redemption price in whole, or in part, by a distribution in kind from the Fund, in lieu of cash, taking such securities at their value employed for determining such redemption price, and selecting the securities in such manner as such Board may deem fair and equitable. A shareholder who receives a distribution in kind may incur a brokerage commission upon a later disposition of such securities and may receive less than the redemption value of such securities or property upon sale, particularly where such securities are sold prior to maturity. However, the Fund is required to redeem shares solely for cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the net asset value ("NAV") of the Fund during any 90-day period for any one shareholder. Should redemptions by any shareholder exceed such limitation, the Fund will have the option of redeeming the excess in cash or in-kind. Redemption in kind is not as liquid as a cash redemption. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund may suspend the right of redemption or postpone the date of payment upon redemption for any period: (i) during which the NYSE is closed, other than customary weekend and holiday closings; (ii) during which trading on the NYSE is restricted; or (iii) during which (as determined by the SEC by rule or regulation) an emergency exists as a result of which disposal or valuation of portfolio securities is not reasonably practicable, or for such other periods as the SEC may permit. The Fund may also suspend or postpone the recordation of the transfer of its shares upon the occurrence of any of the foregoing conditions.

*Redemption Procedures.* The Fund will redeem all full and fractional shares of the Fund upon request on any business day at the applicable net asset value determined after the receipt of proper redemption instructions, less any applicable redemption fees. Shareholders liquidating their holdings will receive upon redemption all dividends reinvested through the date of redemption. If notice of redemption is received on any business day, the redemption will be effective on the date of receipt. Payment will ordinarily be made by wire on the next business day, but, in any case, within no more than seven business days from the date of receipt. If the notice is received on a day that is not a business day or after the close of regularly scheduled trading on the NYSE, the redemption notice will be deemed received as of the next business day. The value of shares at the time of redemption may be more or less than the shareholder's cost.

*Redemption Fees.* If you sell or exchange your shares of the Fund after holding them 60 calendar days or less, a 2.00% redemption fee may be deducted from the redemption amount. For this purpose, shares held longest will be treated as being redeemed first and shares held shortest as being redeemed last.

Redemption requests for shares recently purchased by check will be accepted only after the Fund has confirmed receipt of payment for the shares, which may take up to 10 days.

*Note: Under the 1940 Act, the Fund has the right to suspend or postpone redemptions of shares for any period (i) during which the NYSE or exchange is closed, other than customary weekend and holiday closings; (ii) during which trading on the NYSE or exchange is restricted; (iii) during which (as determined by the SEC or other regulatory authority by rule or regulation) an emergency exists as a result of which disposal or valuation of portfolio securities is not reasonably practicable, or (iv) as otherwise permitted by the SEC or other regulatory authority. The Fund may also suspend or postpone the recordation of the transfer of its shares upon the occurrence of any of the foregoing conditions.*

**Shareholder Services Plan**

The Fund has adopted a non-Rule 12b-1 shareholder services plan (a "Services Plan") for Institutional Class shares which authorize the Fund to compensate select financial intermediaries and Fund affiliates an aggregate fee in an amount not to annually exceed 0.15% of the average daily net asset value of the Institutional Class shares of the Fund attributable to, or held in the name of, the financial intermediary for its clients as compensation for maintaining customer accounts that hold Fund shares. The Service Plan fee is compensation for providing, some or all of the following services: (i) establishing and maintaining Fund shareholder accounts, (ii) aggregating, processing and transmitting Fund shareholder orders and instructions regarding accounts, (iii) processing dividend and other distribution payments from the Fund on behalf of shareholders, (iv) preparing reports or forms on behalf of shareholders, (v) forwarding communications from the Fund to shareholders, and (vi) providing such other similar services as applicable statutes, rules or regulations permit. None of the aforementioned services includes distribution related services or activities. Any amount of the Services Plan fees not paid during the Fund's fiscal year for such services may be reimbursed to the applicable Fund.

**TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS**

The business and affairs of the Fund are managed under the direction of the Trust's Board of Trustees. The Board approves all significant agreements between/among the Fund and the persons or companies that furnish services to the Fund, including agreements with the Fund's distributor, Adviser, administrator, custodian and transfer agent. The day-to-day operations of the Fund are delegated to the Adviser and the Fund's administrator.

The name, address, year of birth, and principal occupations for the past five years of the Trustees and officers of the Trust are listed below, along with the number of portfolios in the Fund Complex overseen by and the other directorships held by the Trustee.

**<u>Independent Trustees</u>**

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Birth**<br> **Year & Address\*** | **Position(s)** <br> **Held with Fund** | **Term of Office and Length of Time Served\*\*** | **Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years\*\*\*** | **Number of Funds in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee\*\*\*\*** | **Other Directorships Held by Trustee During Past 5 Years\*\*\*** |
| **Ward D. Armstrong**,<br> **Birth year:<br> 1954** | Trustee and Chairman | Mr. Armstrong was appointed to the Board on May 27, 2016 and elected to the Board by shareholders on April 12, 2021. Mr. Armstrong was appointed Chairman of the Board at the August 24, 2017 meeting of the Board of Trustees. | Mr. Armstrong is currently retired. From February 2010 to July 2015, he was Co-Founder and Managing Partner of NorthRock Partners, a private wealth advisory firm providing comprehensive wealth management and family office services to the high net-worth marketplace. Previously, he was Senior Vice President, Ameriprise Financial (1984 to 2007); Chairman of Ameriprise Trust Company (1996 to 2007) and President, American Express Institutional Asset Management (2002 to 2004). He has also served on several investment related Boards including Kenwood Capital Management, RiverSource Investments, American Express Asset Management International and was Chair of the Ordway Theatre Endowment Committee. | 8 | Mr. Armstrong is a Director of the Heartland Group, Inc. (3 funds) (2008 to present). |

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Merrillyn J. Kosier,**<br> **Birth year:**<br> **1959** | Trustee | Ms. Kosier was appointed to the Board on November 17, 2021. | Ms. Kosier retired from Ariel Investments as Executive Vice President in 2019. During her twenty year tenure at the firm, she served as Chief Marketing Officer, Ariel Mutual Funds (2007 - 2019); Trustee for Ariel Investment Trust (2003 - 2019) and President of Ariel Distributors, LLC (2002 - 2019). Prior to joining Ariel Investments, she was Senior Vice President at Wanger Asset Management, the investment adviser to Acorn Investment Trust (1993 - 1998); Vice President of Marketing Communications at Kemper Financial Services (1984 - 1993); and a Registered Sales Representative at R. J. O'Brien & Associates (1982 - 1984). Most recently, Ms. Kosier joined the board of Miami Corporation Management, a multi-generation family office and family holding company (June 2023 - present). She is also Board and CEO Advisor to Bridgeway Capital Management, a U.S. asset manager specializing in statistically driven institutional investment strategies, mutual funds, and sub-advisory services (December 2023 - present). | 8 | Ms. Kosier is a Trustee at the Harris Theater For Music and Dance (2006 - present) where she currently serves as Chair of the Board (2022 - present). She is also a Board Member at The Arts Club of Chicago (2021 - present). |
| **Patrick Seese,**<br> **Birth year:**<br> **1971** | Trustee | Mr. Seese was elected to the Board on October 30, 2012. | Mr. Seese is an owner and a Managing Director of Integris Partners, a middle-market investment banking firm serving closely-held companies, financial sponsors and public companies (February 2008 to present). Prior to this, Mr. Seese was a Managing Director of Headwaters MB, a middle-market investing banking firm (December 2003 to February 2008). Prior to that, Mr. Seese worked in Credit Suisse First Boston's Mergers and Acquisitions Group and served as Head of Corporation Development, Katy Industries, a publicly traded industrial and consumer products company and at Deloitte & Touche LLP, where he began his career in 1994. | 8 | Mr. Seese is a Director of the Alpha Alternative Assets Fund (September 2021 to Present), The Mile High Five Foundation (2013 to present) and SJ Panthers Foundation (2016 to present). |

---

**<u>Officers</u>**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Birth**<br> **Year &<br> Address\*** | **Position(s) Held <br> with Fund** | **Term of**<br> **Office and**<br> **Length of<br> Time Served\*\*** | **Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years\*\*\*** |
| **Lucas Foss,<br> Birth Year:**<br> **1977** | President | President Since August 2022<br>Chief Compliance Officer from January 2018 - August 2022 | Mr. Foss rejoined ALPS in November 2017 and is currently Director, Fund Compliance & Governance at SS&C ALPS. Mr. Foss is also the President of Financial Investors Trust and Chief Compliance Officer of Sound Point Meridian Capital, Inc; Bluerock Total Income + Real Estate Fund; Bluerock High Income Institutional Credit Fund; SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust, SPDR® Dow Jones® Industrial Average ETF Trust, SPDR® S&P MIDCAP 400® ETF Trust. |
| **Jill McFate<br> Birth year:**<br> **1978** | Treasurer | Since December 2021 | Ms. McFate joined ALPS in 2021 and is currently Senior Director, Fund Administration of ALPS. Prior to joining SS&C ALPS, Jill managed financial reporting and N-PORT regulatory reporting services during her 14 years at The Northern Trust Company as Vice President, Financial Reporting Manager. |
| **Theodore J. Uhl,<br> Birth Year:**<br> **1974** | Chief Compliance and Anti-Money Laundering Officer | Since August 2024 | Mr. Uhl joined ALPS in October 2006, and is currently Deputy Compliance Officer of ALPS. Prior to his current role, Mr. Uhl served as Senior Risk Manager for ALPS from October 2006 until June 2010. Before joining ALPS, Mr. Uhl served a Sr. Analyst with Enenbach and Associates (RIA), and a Sr. Financial Analyst at Sprint. Because of his position with ALPS, Mr. Uhl is deemed an affiliate of the Trust as defined under the 1940 Act. Mr. Uhl is also Chief Compliance Officer of Financial Investors Trust, GraniteShares ETF Trust, Accordant ODCE Index Fund, Axonic Funds, and the SS&C Interval Fund Platform. |
| **Camilla Nwokonko,<br> Birth year:**<br> **1995** | Secretary | Since October 2024 | Ms. Nwokonko specializes in legal and regulatory matters in investment management, including regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and issues related to both registered and private funds. She holds a Juris Doctor from Marquette University Law School and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Texas A&M University, providing her with a solid academic foundation. Prior to her current role, she gained valuable experience as an Associate Attorney at U.S. Bank Global Fund services—a global fund administrator, where she navigated complex regulatory frameworks. Ms. Nwokonko has also obtained experience through internships and roles at Northwestern Mutual and Oracle Corporation. |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| \* | All communications to Trustees and Officers may be directed to ALPS Series Trust c/o 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, CO 80203. |
| \*\* | This is the period for which the Trustee or Officer began serving the Trust. Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until such Trustee's successor is elected and appointed, or such Trustee resigns or is deceased. Officers are elected on an annual basis. |
| \*\*\* | Except as otherwise indicated, each individual has held the office shown or other offices in the same company for the last five years. |
| \*\*\*\* | The Fund Complex currently consists of 8 series of the Trust. |

---

**Ward D. Armstrong -** Through his experience as a senior officer of and board member of financial and other organizations, Mr. Armstrong contributes his management and oversight experience to the Board. The Board also benefits from his experience as a member of the board of other funds and operating companies. He was selected to serve as a Trustee of the Trust based on his business, financial services and investment management experience. Additional information regarding Mr. Armstrong's principal occupations and other directorships held is presented in the chart above. Mr. Armstrong received a B.S. in Business Administration (Finance Emphasis) from the University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management.

**Merrillyn J. Kosier** - Through her experience as a senior officer and trustee in the investment management industry, Ms. Kosier contributes her management and oversight experience to the Board. The Board also benefits from her experience as a board member of other organizations. She was selected to serve as a Trustee of the Trust based on her business acumen, regulatory and 40 Act funds knowledge, distribution and marketing/communications experience in the financial services arena. Additional information regarding Ms. Kosier's principal occupations and other directorships held is presented in the chart above. Ms. Kosier is a graduate of Andrews University and earned an MBA from Loyola University Chicago.

**Patrick Seese** - Through his experience as a senior officer of and board member of financial and other organizations, Mr. Seese contributes his management and oversight experience to the Board. The Board also benefits from his experience as a member of the board of other organizations. He was selected to serve as a Trustee of the Trust based on his business, financial services and accounting experience. Additional information regarding Mr. Seese's principal occupations and other directorships held is presented in the chart above. Mr. Seese is a graduate of the University of Colorado and earned an MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He is one of the founders of The Mile High Five Foundation (MH5), a charity dedicated to fund youth/health-related organizations.

None of the Independent Trustees own securities in Beacon Investment Advisory Services, Inc. the Fund's investment adviser, or ALPS Distributors, Inc., the Fund's principal underwriter, nor do they own securities in any entity directly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with these entities.

*Leadership Structure and Oversight Responsibilities*

Overall responsibility for oversight of the Fund rests with the Trustees. The Trust has engaged the Adviser to manage the Fund on a day-to day basis. The Board is responsible for overseeing the Adviser and other service providers in the operations of the Fund in accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act, applicable provisions of state and other laws and the Trust's Declaration of Trust. The Board is currently composed of three members, all of whom are Independent Trustees. The Board meets at regularly scheduled quarterly meetings each year. In addition, the Board may hold special in-person or telephonic meetings or informal conference calls to discuss specific matters that may arise or require action between regular meetings. As described below, the Board has established a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and an Audit Committee, and may establish *ad hoc* committees or working groups from time to time, to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities. The Independent Trustees have also engaged independent legal counsel to assist them in performing their oversight responsibilities.

The Board has appointed Ward D. Armstrong, an Independent Trustee, to serve in the role of Chairman. The Chairman's role is to preside at all meetings of the Board and to act as a liaison with the Adviser, other service providers, counsel and other Trustees generally between meetings. The Chairman may also perform such other functions as may be delegated by the Board from time to time. The Board reviews matters related to its leadership structure annually. The Board has determined that the Board's leadership structure is appropriate given the Trust's characteristics and circumstances. These include the Trust's series of fund shares, each fund's single portfolio of assets, each fund's net assets and the services provided by the fund's service providers.

Risk oversight forms part of the Board's general oversight of the Fund and is addressed as part of various Board and Committee activities. As part of its regular oversight of the Fund, the Board, directly or through a Committee, interacts with and reviews reports from, among others, Fund management, the Adviser, the Fund's Chief Compliance Officer, the Fund's legal counsel and the independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund regarding risks faced by the Fund. The Board, with the assistance of Fund management and the Adviser, reviews investment policies and risks in connection with its review of the Fund's performance. The Board has appointed a Chief Compliance Officer to oversee the implementation and testing of the Fund's compliance program and reports to the Board regarding compliance matters for the Fund and their principal service providers. In addition, as part of the Board's periodic review of the Fund's advisory and other service provider agreements, the Board may consider risk management aspects of these service providers' operations and the functions for which they are responsible.

**<u>Audit Committee</u>**. The Board has an Audit Committee which considers such matters pertaining to the Trust's books of account, financial records, internal accounting controls and changes in accounting principles or practices as the Trustees may from time to time determine. The Audit Committee also considers the engagement and compensation of the independent registered public accounting firm ("Firm") and ensures receipt from the Firm of a formal written statement delineating relationships between the Firm and the Trust, consistent with Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Rule 3526. The Audit Committee also meets privately with the representatives of the Firm to review the scope and results of audits and other duties as set forth in the Audit Committee's Charter. The Audit Committee members, each of whom are Independent Trustees, are: Ward D. Armstrong, Merrillyn J. Kosier, and Patrick Seese. The Audit Committee met three times during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025.

**<u>Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee</u>**. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee meets periodically to advise and assist the Board in selecting nominees to serve as trustees of the Trust. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee believes the Board generally benefits from diversity of background, experience and views among its members and considers this a factor in evaluating the composition of the Board, but has not adopted any specific policy in this regard. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also advises and assists the Board in establishing, implementing and executing policies, procedures and practices that assure orderly and effective governance of the Trust and effective and efficient management of all business and financial affairs of the Trust. Members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are: Ward D. Armstrong, Merrillyn J. Kosier, and Patrick Seese. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board met one time during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025.

**<u>Independent Trustee Retirement Policy</u>**. The Trustees do not serve a specified term of office. Each Trustee will hold office until the termination of the Trust or his or her earlier death, resignation, retirement, incapacity, or removal. Under the Fund's Independent Trustee Retirement Policy ("Retirement Policy"), Independent Trustees are required to retire upon the end of the calendar year in which such Trustee attains age of 80. The Trustees review the Fund's Retirement Policy from time to time and may make changes as deemed appropriate.

**<u>Shareholder Nominations</u>**. The Board will consider shareholder nominees for Trustees. All nominees must possess the appropriate characteristics, skills and experience for serving on the Board. In particular, the Board and its Independent Trustees will consider each nominee's integrity, educational and professional background, understanding of the Trust's business on a technical level and commitment to devote the time and attention necessary to fulfill a Trustee's duties. All shareholders who wish to recommend nominees for consideration as Trustees shall submit the names and qualifications of the candidates to the Secretary of the Trust by writing to: ALPS Series Trust, c/o Secretary, 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado, 80203.

As of December 31, 2025, the dollar range of equity securities in the Fund beneficially owned by Trustees were as follows:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Trustees** | **Dollar Range of**<br> **Equity Securities in**<br> **the Fund** | **Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity**<br> **Securities in All Registered**<br> **Investment Companies Overseen by**<br> **Trustee in Family of Investment**<br> **Companies\*** |
| Ward Armstrong | None | None |
| Merrillyn J. Kosier | None | None |
| Patrick Seese | None | None |

---

\* The Fund Complex consists of 8 series of the Trust.

**<u>Remuneration of Trustees</u>**. Effective January 1, 2026, the Trustees of the Trust receive a quarterly retainer of $18,750, plus $5,937.50 for each regular Board or Committee meeting attended and $2,000 for each special telephonic or in-person Board or Committee meeting attended. Additionally, the Audit Committee Chair receives a quarterly retainer of $1,875, the Nominating Committee Chair receives a quarterly retainer of $500, and the Independent Chair receives a quarterly retainer of $4,250.

Prior to January 1, 2026, the Trustees of the Trust received a quarterly retainer of $16,250, plus $5,000 for each regular Board or Committee meeting attended and $2,000 for each special telephonic or in-person Board or Committee meeting attended. Additionally, the Audit Committee Chair received a quarterly retainer of $1,875 and the Independent Chair received a quarterly retainer of $4,250.

The Trustees are also reimbursed for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at meetings.

For the fiscal period ended September 30, 2025, the Trustees received the following compensation:

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Trustees** | **Aggregate**<br> **Compensation**<br> **From the**<br> **Trust** | **Pension Or**<br> **Retirement**<br> **Benefits**<br> **Accrued As**<br> **Part of** <br> **Fund** <br> **Expenses** | **Estimated**<br> **Annual**<br> **Benefits** <br> **Upon**<br> **Retirement** | **Aggregate<br> Compensation<br> From The<br> Trust**<br> **And Fund<br> Complex Paid<br> To<br> Trustees\*** |
| Ward D. Armstrong | $102000 | $0 | $0 | $102000 |
| J. Wayne Hutchens\*\* | $85000 | $0 | $0 | $85000 |
| Merrillyn J. Kosier | $85000 | $0 | $0 | $85000 |
| Patrick Seese | $92500 | $0 | $0 | $92500 |

---

\* The Fund Complex currently consists of 8 series of the Trust. <br> \*\* J. Wayne Hutchens resigned as a Trustee of the Trust effective after the close of business on November 20, 2025.

No officer, trustee or employee of the Adviser or any of its affiliates receives any compensation from the Fund for serving as an officer or trustee of the Fund.

**INVESTMENT MANAGER**

Beacon Investment Advisory Services, Inc. (the "Adviser"), subject to the authority of the Board of Trustees, furnishes continuing investment supervision to the Fund and is responsible for the management of the Fund's portfolio.

The Adviser is a full service financial services firm, offering investment management, financial planning, tax advisory, trust & estate, and private banking services to individuals and institutions. As of September 30, 2025, the Adviser had approximately $4.2 billion in assets under management.

The Adviser's principal address is 163 Madison Avenue, Suite 600, Morristown, NJ 07960.

Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement (the "Advisory Agreement") with the Adviser, the Fund pays the Adviser an annual management fee as set out below based on the Fund's average daily net assets.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Management Fee** |
| Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund | 1.00% |

---

The management fee is paid on a monthly basis. The initial term of the Advisory Agreement was two years. The Board may extend the Advisory Agreement for additional one-year terms. The Board and shareholders of the Fund may terminate the Advisory Agreement upon thirty (30) days' written notice and the Adviser may terminate the Advisory Agreement upon sixty (60) days' notice.

The Adviser has contractually agreed to limit the amount of the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding Rule 12b-1 Fees, Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, brokerage expenses, interest expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) to an annual rate, as set out below, of such Fund's average daily net assets.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Contractual Fee** <br> **Waiver** |
| Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund | 1.40% |

---

This agreement is in effect through at least January 31, 2026, and will automatically continue upon annual approval by the board for successive twelve-month periods unless (i) it is terminated earlier by the Board of Trustees, or (ii) the Adviser provides at least 30 days written notice of its non-continuance prior to the end of the then effective term. Except due to the Adviser's notice of non-renewal, this Agreement may only be amended or terminated with the approval of the Board of Trustees of the Trust. The Adviser will be permitted to recover, on a class-by-class basis, expenses it has borne through the agreement described above (whether through reduction of its management fee or otherwise) only to the extent that the Fund's expenses in later periods do not exceed the lesser of (1) the contractual expense limit in effect at the time the Adviser waives or limits the expenses or (2) the contractual expense limit in effect at the time the Adviser seeks to recover the expenses; provided, however, that the Fund will not be obligated to pay any such deferred fees or expenses more than three years after the date on which the fee and expense was reduced.

The table below shows the management fees for Beacon Investment Advisory Services, Inc. for the fiscal year indicated below:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **For the Fiscal Year Ended** <br> **September 30, 2025** | **For the Fiscal Year Ended** <br> **September 30, 2024** | **For the Fiscal Year Ended** <br> **September 30, 2023** |
| **Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund** |  |  |  |
| Gross Advisory Fees | $3361036 | $3685434 | $3380917 |
| Waiver of Advisory Fees | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Reimbursement of other Expenses | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Net Advisory Fees | $3361036 | $3685434 | $3380917 |

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**DISTRIBUTOR**

Shares of the Fund are offered on a continuous basis through ALPS Distributors, Inc. (an affiliate of ALPS Fund Services, Inc.) (the "Distributor"), located at 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80203, as distributor pursuant to a distribution agreement between the Distributor and the Trust on behalf of the Fund. The Distributor is not obligated to sell any specific amount of Fund shares.

**CODE OF ETHICS**

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

**ADMINISTRATOR**

The Trust on behalf of the Fund currently employs ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (an affiliate of the Distributor) ("ALPS" or the "Administrator"), located at 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80203, under an administration agreement to provide certain administrative services to the Fund.

The table below shows the administrative fees earned by ALPS for the fiscal year indicated below:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **For the Fiscal Year Ended**<br> **September 30, 2025** | **For the Fiscal Year Ended**<br> **September 30, 2024** | **For the Fiscal Year Ended<br> September 30, 2023** |
| **Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund** | $381244 | $348627 | $322886 |

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**PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES**

Although individual Board members may not agree with particular policies or votes by the Adviser, the Board has approved delegating proxy voting discretion to the Adviser believing that the Adviser should be responsible for voting because it is a matter relating to the investment decision making process.

Attached as <u>Appendix B</u> are the Trust's and the Adviser's Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures that the Adviser uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities, including the procedures that the Adviser uses when a vote presents a conflict between the interests of Fund shareholders, on the one hand, and those of the Adviser or any affiliated person of the Fund or the Adviser, on the other. <u>Appendix B</u> provides a general indication as to how the Adviser will vote proxies relating to portfolio securities on each issue listed. However, <u>Appendix B</u> does not address all potential voting issues or the intricacies that may surround individual proxy votes. For that reason, there may be instances in which votes may vary from the Trust's and the Adviser's Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Adviser always endeavors to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities in accordance with the Fund's investment objectives. Information on how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent prior 12-month period ended June 30 will be available without charge, (i) upon request, by calling 1-844-894-9222 and (ii) on the SEC's website at <u>http://www.sec.gov</u>.

**PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS**

To the best knowledge of the Trust, the names and addresses of the record and beneficial holders of 5% or more of the outstanding shares of each class of the Fund and the percentage of the outstanding shares held by such holders are set forth below. To the best knowledge of the Trust, entities shown as owning more than 25% of the outstanding Shares of a class of the Fund are not the beneficial owners of such Shares, unless otherwise indicated.

A shareholder who owns beneficially 25% or more of the outstanding securities of the Fund is presumed to "control" that Fund as defined in the 1940 Act. Such control may affect the voting rights of other shareholders.

As of December 31, 2025, the following shareholders owned 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund as listed below:

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Class** | **Shareholder Name** | **Address** | **Percentage<br> of Interest** | **Type of<br> Ownership** |

---

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Class** | **Shareholder Name** | **Address** | **Percentage**<br> **of Interest** | **Type of**<br> **Ownership** |
| Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund | Institutional | CHARLES SCHWAB & CO., INC. | ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS, 211 MAIN ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105 | 84.99% | Dealer |
| Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund | Institutional | NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES, LLC | 82 DEVONSHIRE ST, MAIL ZONE ZE7F, BOSTON, MA 02109 | 14.99% | Dealer |

---

As of December 31, 2025 the officers and Trustees of the Trust owned less than 1% of any class of the outstanding shares of the Fund.

**EXPENSES**

The Fund's expenses include taxes, interest, fees and salaries of the Trust's Trustees and officers who are not trustees, officers or employees of the Fund's service contractors, SEC fees, state securities qualification fees, costs of preparing and printing prospectuses for regulatory purposes and for distribution to existing shareholders, advisory and administration fees, charges of the custodian and of the transfer and dividend disbursing agent, certain insurance premiums, outside auditing and legal expenses, costs of shareholder reports and shareholder meetings and any extraordinary expenses. The Fund also pay for brokerage fees and commissions (if any) in connection with the purchase and sale of portfolio securities.

**PORTFOLIO MANAGER**

The following sections set forth certain additional information with respect to the portfolio manager for the Fund. Unless noted otherwise, all information is provided as of September 30, 2025.

**Other Accounts Managed by Portfolio Manager**

The table below identifies as of September 30, 2025, the number of accounts (other than the Fund with respect to which information is provided) for which the Fund's portfolio manager has day-to-day management responsibilities and the total assets in such accounts within each of the following categories: registered investment companies, other pooled investment vehicles, and other accounts.

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Portfolio Manager** | **Registered** <br> **Investment**<br> **Companies** | **Registered** <br> **Investment**<br> **Companies** | **Other Pooled**<br> **Investment Vehicles** | **Other Pooled**<br> **Investment Vehicles** | **Other Accounts** | **Other Accounts** |
| **Portfolio Manager** | **Number** | **Total Assets**<br> **(in millions)** | **Number** | **Total Assets**<br> **(in millions)** | **Number** | **Total Assets**<br> **(in millions)** |
| John Longo, Ph.D. | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 | 2936 | $3900 |
| Christopher Shagawat | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 | 2936 | $3900 |

---

**Portfolio Manager Compensation**

The compensation plan of the portfolio manager includes a fixed annual salary, a bonus plan and equity ownership of parent company. The plan does not vary for any fund employee and is not based on performance of the Fund.

**Potential Conflicts of Interest with Other Accounts**

Potential conflicts of interest may arise when a fund's portfolio managers have day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to one or more other funds or other accounts, as is the case for the portfolio managers listed in the table above.

The Adviser and the Fund have adopted compliance policies and procedures that are designed to mitigate various conflicts of interest that may arise for the Adviser and the individuals that it employs. For example, the Adviser's Code of Ethics requires employees to place the Adviser's clients' interests ahead of the employee's own interests. The Adviser has also adopted trade allocation procedures that are designed to facilitate the allocation of investment opportunities among multiple client accounts. There is no guarantee, however, that the policies and procedures adopted by the Adviser and the Fund will be able to detect and/or prevent every situation in which an actual or potential conflict may appear. These potential conflicts include:

<u>Allocation of Limited Time and Attention</u>. A portfolio manager who is responsible for managing multiple funds and/or accounts may devote unequal time and attention to the management of those funds and/or accounts. As a result, the portfolio manager may not be able to formulate as complete a strategy or identify equally attractive investment opportunities for each of those accounts as might be the case if he were to devote substantially more attention to the management of a single fund. The effects of this potential conflict may be more pronounced where funds and/or accounts overseen by a particular portfolio manager have different investment strategies.

<u>Allocation of Limited Investment Opportunities</u>. If a portfolio manager identifies a limited investment opportunity that may be suitable for multiple funds and/or accounts, the opportunity may be allocated among these several funds or accounts, which may limit a fund's ability to take full advantage of the investment opportunity.

<u>Pursuit of Differing Strategies</u>. At times, a portfolio manager may determine that an investment opportunity may be appropriate for only some of the funds and/or accounts for which he exercises investment responsibility, or may decide that certain of the funds and/or accounts should take differing positions with respect to a particular security. In these cases, the portfolio manager may place separate transactions for one or more funds or accounts which may affect the market price of the security or the execution of the transaction, or both, to the detriment or benefit of one or more other funds and/or accounts.

<u>Selection of Brokers/Dealers</u>. Portfolio managers may be able to select or influence the selection of the brokers and dealers that are used to execute securities transactions for the funds and/or account that they supervise. In addition to executing trades, some brokers and dealers provide portfolio managers with brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act), which may result in the payment of higher brokerage fees than might have otherwise been available. These services may be more beneficial to certain funds or accounts than to others. Although the payment of brokerage commissions is subject to the requirement that the portfolio manager determine in good faith that the commissions are reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided to the fund, a portfolio manager's decision as to the selection of brokers and dealers could yield disproportionate costs and benefits among the funds and/or accounts that he manages.

<u>Variation in Compensation</u>. A conflict of interest may arise where the financial or other benefits available to the portfolio manager differ among the funds and/or accounts that he manages. If the structure of the investment adviser's management fee and/or the portfolio manager's compensation differs among funds and/or accounts (such as where certain funds or accounts pay higher management fees or performance-based management fees), the portfolio manager might be motivated to help certain funds and/or accounts over others. The portfolio manager might be motivated to favor funds and/or accounts in which he has an interest or in which the investment adviser and/or its affiliates have interests. Similarly, the desire to maintain or raise assets under management or to enhance the portfolio manager's performance record or to derive other rewards, financial or otherwise, could influence the portfolio manager to lend preferential treatment to those funds and/or accounts that could most significantly benefit the portfolio manager.

<u>Related Business Opportunities</u>. The Adviser or its affiliates may provide more services (such as distribution or recordkeeping) for some types of funds or accounts than for others. In such cases, a portfolio manager may benefit, either directly or indirectly, by devoting disproportionate attention to the management of funds and/or accounts that provide greater overall returns to the Adviser and its affiliates.

**Ownership of Securities**

The table below identifies ownership of Fund securities by each Portfolio Manager as of September 30, 2025.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Portfolio Manager** | **Dollar Range of Ownership of Securities** |
| | **Beacon Planned** <br> **Return**<br> **Strategy Fund** |
| John Longo, Ph.D. | None |
| Christopher Shagawat | None |

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**NET ASSET VALUE**

The following is a description of the procedures used by the Fund in valuing its assets. For the purpose of pricing purchase and redemption orders, the net asset value per share of the Fund is determined once daily as of the close of regularly scheduled trading on the NYSE (normally, 4:00 p.m. Eastern time). The Fund's net asset value is calculated on each day that the NYSE is open for trading, *i.e.*, Monday through Friday, except for New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, and the preceding Friday or subsequent Monday when one of those holidays falls on a Saturday or Sunday, respectively.

In calculating net asset value, portfolio securities listed or traded on national securities exchanges for which market quotations are available are valued at the official closing price. If there is no official closing price, the valuation designee values the securities at the mean of the last bid and ask price which represents the current value of the security.

Securities that are primarily traded on foreign exchanges generally are valued at the preceding closing values of such securities on their respective exchanges, except that when an occurrence subsequent to the time a value was so established is likely to have changed such value, then the fair value of those securities will be determined by consideration of other factors by the valuation designee. In valuing assets, prices denominated in foreign currencies are converted to U.S. dollar equivalents at the current exchange rate. Securities may be valued by independent pricing services which use prices provided by market-makers or estimates of market values obtained from yield data relating to instruments or securities with similar characteristics. In certain circumstances, bid and ask prices may be obtained from (i) a broker/dealer specified and deemed reliable by the valuation designee, (ii) pink sheets, yellow sheets or the blue list, or (iii) a pricing agent that obtains quotations from broker/dealers or evaluates the value of the respective bid and ask prices. All other securities and other assets of the Fund will be valued at fair value as determined in good faith pursuant to procedures adopted by the valuation designee. Valuing securities at fair value involves greater reliance on judgment than valuation of securities based on readily available market quotations.

**FEDERAL INCOME TAXES**

This section provides additional information concerning U.S. federal income taxes. It is based on the Code, applicable Treasury Regulations, judicial authority and administrative rulings and practice, all as of the date of this SAI, and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. The following does not address any state, local or foreign or estate or gift tax matters.

A shareholder's U.S. federal income tax consequences from acquiring, holding and disposing of shares in the Fund may vary depending upon the shareholder's particular situation. This discussion only applies to shareholders who are U.S. persons. For purposes of this discussion, U.S. persons are: (i) U.S. citizens or residents, (ii) U.S. corporations (i.e., entities classified as corporations for U.S. tax purposes that are organized under the laws of the United States or any state, (iii) an estate whose income is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source, or (iv) a trust, if a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over its administration and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all of its substantial decisions, or if the trust has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury Regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.

Except as noted otherwise, discussion does not address issues of significance to U.S. persons in special situations such as: (i) certain types of tax-exempt entities, (ii) shareholders holding shares through tax-qualified accounts (such as 401(k) plan accounts or individual retirement accounts), (iii) shareholders holding investments through foreign institutions (financial and non-financial), (iv) financial institutions, (v) broker-dealers, and traders in securities that elect to mark-to-market their securities holdings, (vi) shareholders holding shares as part of a hedge, straddle or conversion transaction, (vii) shareholders who are subject to either the U.S. federal alternative minimum tax or the U.S. federal corporate minimum tax, (viii) insurance companies, and (ix) shareholders that are pass-through entities.

If a pass-through entity (including for this purpose any entity treated as a partnership or S corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) is a beneficial owner of shares, the tax treatment of an owner in the pass-through entity will generally depend upon the status of the owner and the activities of the pass-through entity. Owners of pass-through entities that are considering the purchase of shares of the Fund should consult their tax advisers regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of shares.

The Fund have not requested and will not request an advance ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") as to the U.S. federal income tax matters described below. The IRS could adopt positions contrary to those discussed below and such positions could be sustained. In addition, the foregoing discussion only addresses some of the U.S. federal income tax considerations generally affecting investments in the Fund. Prospective shareholders are urged to consult with their tax advisers as to the particular U.S. federal tax consequences to them of an investment in the Fund, as well as the applicability and effect of any state, local or foreign laws, and the effect of possible changes in applicable tax laws.

**General Policies**

In general, it is the policy of the Fund to distribute annually to shareholders as "ordinary income dividends" substantially all of their investment company taxable income (which includes, among other items, dividends, interest and the excess of any net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses). It is the policy of all of the Fund to distribute annually the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses, if any, after offsetting any capital loss carryovers, as "capital gain dividends."

Ordinary income dividends and capital gain distributions are payable as of the close of the Exchange on the record date for each dividend or distribution. Shareholders may elect to re-invest their ordinary income dividends or capital gain distributions, or both. The election may be made at any time by submitting a written request directly to the Fund. In order for a change to be in effect for any dividend or distribution, it must be received by the Fund on or before the record date for such dividend or distribution.

Distributions and dividends are reinvested in additional Fund shares unless you instruct the Transfer Agent to have your distributions and/or dividends paid by check mailed to the address of record or transferred through an Automated Clearing House to the bank of your choice. If you elect to receive your dividends in cash and the dividend checks sent to you are returned "undeliverable" to the Fund or remain uncashed for six months, your cash election will automatically be changed and your future dividends will be reinvested. No interest will accrue on amounts represented by uncashed dividend or redemption checks.

As required by federal law, detailed U.S. federal tax information will be furnished to each shareholder for each calendar year.

**Taxation of the Fund**

The Fund intends to elect to be treated and qualify each year as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code. The Fund also intends to be treated as a separate entity for federal income tax purposes. The provisions of the Code applicable to regulated investment companies generally are expected to apply separately to the Fund even though the Fund is a series of the Trust. Furthermore, the Fund will separately determine its income, gain, losses and expenses for federal income tax purposes. This discussion assumes that the Fund will qualify under Subchapter M of the Code as a regulated investment company and will satisfy distribution requirements for taxation as a regulated investment company (as described below), although there can be no assurance that these assumptions will be correct.

In order to qualify for the special tax treatment accorded regulated investment companies and their shareholders, the Fund must, among other things: (i) derive at least 90% of its gross income in each taxable year 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 (including, but not limited to, gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies and net income derived from interests in "qualified publicly traded partnerships"; (ii) diversify its holdings so that at the end of each fiscal quarter, (a) at least 50% of the value of its total assets consists of cash and cash items (including receivables), U.S. government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies, and other securities limited generally, with respect to any one issuer, to no more than 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets and 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (b) not more than 25% of the value of the Fund's total assets is invested in (1) the securities (other than those of the U.S. government or other regulated investment companies) of any one issuer, (2) the securities (other than the securities of other regulated investment companies) of two or more issuers which the Fund controls and which are engaged in the same, similar or related trades or businesses, or (3) in the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships and (iii) distribute with respect to each taxable year an amount equal to or exceeding the sum of (a) 90% of its "investment company taxable income," as that term is defined in the Code (which generally includes, among other things, dividends, taxable interest, and the excess of any net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses, as reduced by certain deductible expenses) without regard to the deduction for dividends paid, and (b) 90% of its tax-exempt interest income, net of expenses allocable thereto. For purposes of meeting the diversification requirement described in (ii) above, in the case of the Fund's investment in loan participations, the issuer may be the financial intermediary or the borrower. The requirements for qualification as a regulated investment company may significantly limit the extent to which the Fund may invest in some investments.

With respect to (i) above, the IRS may limit qualifying income from foreign currency gains to the amount of such currency gains that are directly related to a regulated investment company's principal business of investing in stock or securities (or options and futures with respect thereto) pursuant to Treasury Regulations that may be promulgated in the future. For purposes of the 90% gross income requirement described in (i) above, income derived from a partnership will generally be treated as qualifying income only to the extent such income is attributable to items of income of the partnership which would be qualifying income if realized by the regulated investment company. However, 100% of the net income derived from an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership (defined as an entity taxed as a partnership (x) interests in which are traded on an established securities market or readily tradable on a secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof and (y) that derives less than 90% of its income from the qualifying income described in (i) above) will be treated as qualifying income. In addition, although in general the passive activity loss rules of the Code do not apply to regulated investment companies, such rules do apply to a regulated investment company with respect to items attributable to an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership. Finally, for purposes of (ii)(a) above, the term "outstanding voting securities of such issuer" will include the equity securities of a qualified publicly traded partnership.

To the extent that it qualifies for treatment as a regulated investment company, the Fund will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on income distributed to its shareholders in a timely manner in the form of dividends (including capital gain dividends, defined below). In certain situations, the Fund can cure failures to meet the income and diversification tests described above, including, in some cases, by paying the Fund-level tax and, in the case of diversification failures, disposing of certain assets. If the Fund were to fail to qualify as a regulated investment company accorded special tax treatment in any taxable year – for example, because it was not sufficiently diversified under the applicable Code tests – the Fund would be subject to tax on its taxable income at corporate rates, and all distributions from earnings and profits, including any distributions of net tax-exempt income and net long-term capital gains, would be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income or in some cases qualified dividend income. To qualify again to be taxed as a regulated investment company that is accorded special treatment in a subsequent year, the Fund could be required to pay substantial taxes, penalties and interest and make substantial distributions, which may be taxed to shareholders as either ordinary income or qualified dividend income. In addition, if the Fund fails to qualify as a regulated investment company for a period greater than two taxable years, the Fund may be required to recognize and pay tax on any net built-in gain (the excess of aggregate gain, including items of income, over aggregate loss that would have been realized if the Fund had been liquidated) or, alternatively, to be subject to taxation on such built-in gain recognized for a period of five years, in order to qualify as a regulated investment company in a subsequent year.

As a regulated investment company, the Fund generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on its net capital gains (that is, any net long-term capital gains in excess of net short-term capital losses) properly reported by the Fund in a written statement to shareholders as capital gain dividends ("capital gain dividends") and its investment company taxable income if any, that the Fund distributes to shareholders on a timely basis. The Fund generally intends to distribute substantially all of its investment company taxable income and net capital gains, after offsetting any capital loss carryforwards, in a taxable year. If the Fund does retain any investment company taxable income, it will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates on the amount retained. However, the Fund may elect to have certain distributions paid after the close of a tax year treated as having been paid during the tax year for purposes of the regulated investment company distribution requirements and for purposes of determining its taxable income ("spill-back dividends"). Spill-back dividends are taxed to shareholders in the year in which they are received.

If the Fund retains any net capital gain, the Fund will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates on the amount retained, but may designate the retained amount as undistributed capital gains 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 shares of such undistributed amount, and (ii) will be entitled to credit their proportionate shares of the tax paid by the Fund on such undistributed amount against their U.S. federal income tax liabilities, if any. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the tax basis of shares owned by a shareholder of the Fund will be increased by an amount equal to the difference between the amount of undistributed capital gains included in the shareholder's income and the tax deemed paid by the shareholder under clause (ii) of the preceding sentence.

Generally, the excess (if any) of the Fund's net short-term capital loss over the net long-term capital gain for a taxable year will carry over as a short-term capital loss arising on the first day of the next tax year. In addition, the excess (if any) of the Fund's net long-term capital loss over the net short-term capital gain for the year will carry over as a long-term capital loss arising on the first day of the next tax year. Unused capital losses realized by the Fund in a taxable year may be carried forward to future taxable years indefinitely until they can be used to offset capital gains.

The Fund may be limited under Code Section 382 in its ability to offset its taxable income by capital loss carryforwards and net unrealized built-in losses after an "ownership change" of the Fund. The term "net unrealized built-in loss" refers to the excess, if any, of the Fund's aggregate adjusted basis in its assets immediately before an ownership change, over the fair market value of such assets at such time, subject to a *de minimis* rule. The Fund would experience an ownership change under Code Section 382 if and when 5-percent shareholders of the Fund increase their ownership by more than 50 percentage points in the aggregate over their respective lowest percentage ownership of the Fund's shares in a 3-year period. Under Code Section 382, if the Fund experiences an ownership change, the Fund may use its pre-change tax capital loss carryforwards and net unrealized built-in losses in a year after the ownership change generally only up to the product of the fair market value of the Fund's equity immediately before the ownership change and a certain interest rate published monthly by the U.S. Treasury known as the applicable long-term tax-exempt rate. The foregoing limitation on the use of net unrealized built-in losses only applies for a period of five years after the ownership change, while the foregoing limitation on the use of pre-ownership change capital loss carryforwards lasts indefinitely.

If future capital gains are offset by carried-forward capital losses, such future capital gains are not subject to Fund-level federal income tax, regardless of whether they are distributed to shareholders. However, distributions of amounts of capital gains offset by carried-forward capital losses are generally treated as return of capital distributions to shareholders. The Fund cannot carry back or carry forward any net operating losses.

The Fund may elect to treat any post-October capital loss (defined as the Fund's net capital loss, net long-term capital loss, or net short-term capital loss, as applicable, in each case attributable to the portion of the taxable year after October 31) and late-year ordinary loss (generally, (i) net ordinary losses from the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of property, attributable to the portion of the taxable year after October 31, plus (ii) other net ordinary losses attributable to the portion of the taxable year after December 31) as if incurred in the succeeding taxable year.

If the Fund fails to distribute in a calendar year at least an amount equal to the sum of 98% of its ordinary income for such year (taking into account certain deferrals and elections) and 98.2% of its net capital gain income for the one year period ending on October 31 of such year, plus any retained amount for the prior year, the Fund will be subject to a non-deductible excise tax on the undistributed amounts. For these purposes, ordinary gains and losses from the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of property that would be properly taken into account after October 31 are treated as arising on January 1 of the following calendar year. For purposes of the excise tax, the Fund will be treated as having distributed any amount on which it has been subject to corporate income tax in the taxable year ending within the calendar year.

The Fund intends to make distributions sufficient to avoid imposition of the excise tax, although there can be no assurance that it will be able to do so. Moreover, the Fund reserves the right to pay an excise tax rather than make an additional distribution when circumstances warrant (for example, the amount of excise tax to be paid is deemed de minimis by the Fund).

**Equalization Accounting**

The Fund may use "equalization accounting" to determine the portion of its income and gains that has been distributed with respect to each taxable year. Under equalization accounting, the Fund would allocate a portion of its undistributed investment company taxable income and net capital gain to redemptions of Fund shares. This method would allow the Fund to reduce the amount of such income and gains that it distributes to non-redeeming shareholders. However, the IRS has not expressly authorized the particular equalization methods that the Fund may use, and the Fund's use of an equalization method may be subject to IRS scrutiny. If the IRS determines that the Fund's equalization method is improper and that the Fund has under-distributed its income and gain for any taxable year, the Fund may be liable for federal income and/or excise tax. Equalization accounting is not available for the Fund that is a personal holding company for federal income tax purposes.

**Personal Holding Company**

If the Fund is a "personal holding company" and fails to distribute (or to be treated as distributing) all of its investment company taxable income, the Fund may be subject to a 20% nondeductible tax on its "undistributed personal holding company income." The Fund would generally be a personal holding company for a taxable year if five or fewer individuals own more than 50% of its outstanding shares at any time in the last half of the taxable year. The term "individual" for this purpose includes private foundations and certain trusts. The Fund does not expect to be subject to the tax on undistributed personal holding company income, although there can be no assurance that this will never occur.

**Taxation of Fund Distributions**

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, distributions of investment company taxable income are generally taxable as ordinary income to the extent of the Fund's current or accumulated "earnings and profits." Taxes on distributions of capital gains are determined by how long the Fund owned the investments that generated them, rather than how long a shareholder has owned the shareholder's shares. Generally, distributions of net capital gains from the sale of investments that the Fund owned for more than one year and that are properly reported by the Fund as capital gain dividends (i.e., "capital gain dividends") will be taxable to Fund shareholders as long-term capital gains. Generally, distributions of gains from the sale of investments that the Fund owned for one year or less will be taxable as ordinary income.

The Fund may report certain dividends as derived from "qualified dividend income," which, when received by an individual, will be taxed at a maximum federal income tax rate applicable to long-term capital gain (assuming certain holding period requirements are satisfied), which (for this purpose) is 20%, in addition to the 3.8% Medicare tax discussed below. Dividend income distributed to individual shareholders will qualify as "qualified dividend income" as that term is defined in section 1(h)(11)(B) of the Code to the extent such distributions are attributable to income from the Fund's investments in common and preferred stock of U.S. companies and stock of certain qualified foreign corporations provided that certain holding period and other requirements are met by both the Fund (with respect to the dividend paying corporation's stock) and its shareholders (with respect to the Fund's shares).

If 95% or more of the Fund's gross income (excluding net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) constitutes qualified dividend income, all of its distributions (other than capital gain dividends) generally will be treated as qualified dividend income in the hands of individual shareholders, as long as they satisfy certain holding period requirements with respect to their Fund shares. If less than 95% of the Fund's income is attributable to qualified dividend income, then only the portion of the Fund's distributions that is attributable to qualified dividend income and reported as such in a timely manner will be so treated in the hands of individual shareholders. Portions of the Fund's distributions may be derived from qualified dividend income.

Distributions of earnings and gains to shareholders are taxable even if such distributions are paid from income or gains earned by the Fund before a shareholder invested in the Fund (and thus were included in the price the shareholder paid), and whether shareholders receive them in cash or reinvest them in additional shares (other than distributions, if any, reported by the Fund as "exempt-interest dividends," a designation which the Fund generally does not expect to make). Any gain resulting from the sale or redemption of Fund shares generally will be taxable as capital gains. Distributions declared and payable by the Fund during October, November or December to shareholders of record on a date in any such month and paid by the Fund during the following January will be treated for U.S. federal tax purposes as paid by the Fund and received by shareholders on December 31st of the year in which declared rather than the calendar year in which they were received.

An additional 3.8% Medicare tax will be imposed on certain net investment of U.S. individuals, estates and certain trusts, to the extent that such person's gross income, as adjusted, exceeds a threshold amount. Net investment income for this purpose includes interest, dividends, royalties, rents, gross income from a trade or business involving passive activities, and net gain from disposition of property (other than property held in a non-passive trade or business). Net investment income includes dividend income and capital gain distributions received with respect to shares of the Fund and net gains from redemptions or other taxable dispositions of Fund shares. Net investment income is reduced by deductions properly allocable to such income.

Dividends received by corporate shareholders that are reported by the Fund in a written statement furnished to shareholders may qualify for the 50% dividends received deduction with respect to qualifying dividends received by the Fund from domestic corporations and with respect to that portion (if any) of interest paid or accrued on certain high yield discount obligations owned by the Fund that is treated as dividends, so long as (in either case) certain holding period requirements are met.

A portion of the interest paid or accrued on certain high-yield discount obligations owned by the Fund may not be deductible to the issuer. If a portion of the interest paid or accrued on certain high-yield discount obligations is not deductible, that portion will be treated as a dividend for purposes of the corporate dividends-received deduction if certain requirements are met, and may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction to the extent of the dividend portion of such interest.

Section 163(j) of the Code generally limits the deductibility of business interest to the sum of the taxpayer's business interest income and 30% of its adjusted taxable income. Certain small businesses are exempt from such limitations. If the Fund, as a regulated investment company, earns business interest income, the Fund would be permitted to pay Code Section 163(j) interest dividends to its shareholders. A shareholder that receives a Code Section 163(j) interest dividend from the Fund generally may treat the dividend as interest income for purposes of Code Section 163(j) if certain holding period requirements are met. Generally, the shareholder must have held the fund shares for more than 180 days during the 361-day window beginning 180 days before the ex-dividend date, and the shareholder must not be obligated (under a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to substantially similar or related property.

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

**Sale or Redemption of Shares**

The sale or redemption of Fund shares may give rise to a gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount received for the shares (or deemed received in the case of an exchange of shares issued by different Fund) and the shareholder's tax basis in the shares. In general, any gain or loss realized upon a taxable disposition of Fund shares will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year. Otherwise, such gain or loss will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. However, any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of shares held for six months or less will be treated as long-term, rather than short-term, to the extent of any long-term capital gain distributions received (or deemed received) by the shareholder with respect to the shares. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

All or a portion of any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of Fund shares will be disallowed if other substantially identical shares of the same Fund or other substantially identical securities are purchased within 30 days before or after the disposition. In such a case, the basis of the newly purchased shares will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.

**Special Tax Considerations**

The following discussion relates to the particular U.S. federal income tax consequences of the investment policies of the Fund.

*Non-U.S. Taxes*

Investments in non-U.S. securities may cause the Fund to be liable to non-U.S. governments for taxes relating primarily to investment income or capital gains on non-U.S. securities in the Fund's portfolio. If at the close of its taxable year more than 50% of the value of the Fund's total assets consists of securities of foreign corporations (including foreign governments), the Fund may make an election under the Code that would allow Fund shareholders who are U.S. persons (including U.S. corporations) to claim a foreign tax credit or deduction (but not both) on their U.S. income tax return for their pro rata portion of qualified taxes paid by that Fund to non-U.S. countries in respect of non-U.S. securities held at least a minimum period as specified in the Code. If the Fund were eligible for and were to make the election, the amount of each shareholder's distribution reported on the information returns filed by the Fund with the IRS must be increased by the amount of the shareholder's portion of the Fund's foreign tax paid. A shareholder's ability to claim all or a part of a foreign tax credit or deduction in respect of non-U.S. taxes paid by the Fund would also be subject to certain holding period and other limitations imposed by the Code.

If the Fund were to qualify as a "qualified fund of funds," the Fund could be entitled to elect to pass-through its foreign tax credits without regard to the above described 50% requirement. For this purpose, the term "qualified fund of funds" means a regulated investment company if (at the close of each quarter of the taxable year) at least 50% of the value of its total assets is represented by interests in other regulated investment companies.

The Fund does not anticipate that they will be eligible for the elections discussed in this section.

*Options and Other Financial Products*

The Fund's investments in derivatives including options, hedging transactions, future contracts, forward contracts, swaps and certain other transactions will be subject to special tax rules (including mark-to-market, constructive sale, straddle, wash sale, short sale and other rules), the effect of which may be to accelerate income recognized by the Fund, defer the Fund's losses, cause adjustments in the holding periods of the Fund's securities, result in the recognition of short-term capital gain, convert capital gain into ordinary income and convert short-term capital losses into long-term capital losses. These rules could affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to Fund shareholders.

The Fund may purchase and sell put and call options. In general, option premiums received by the Fund are not immediately included in the income of the Fund. Instead, the premiums are recognized when the option contract expires, the option is exercised by the holder, or the Fund transfers or otherwise terminates the option (e.g., through a closing transaction). If a call option written by the Fund is exercised and the Fund sells or delivers the underlying stock, the Fund generally will recognize capital gain or loss equal to (a) the sum of the strike price and the option premium received by the Fund minus (b) the Fund's basis in the stock. Such gain or loss generally will be short-term or long-term depending upon the holding period of the underlying stock. If securities are purchased by the Fund pursuant to the exercise of a put option written by it, the Fund generally will subtract the premium received for purposes of computing its cost basis in the securities purchased. Gain or loss arising in respect of a termination of the Fund's obligation under an option other than through the exercise of the option will be short-term gain or loss depending on whether the premium income received by the Fund is greater or less than the amount paid by the Fund (if any) in terminating the transaction. Thus, for example, if an option written by the Fund expires unexercised, the Fund generally will recognize short-term gain equal to the premium received. Gain on the sale of a put or call option that is purchased by the Fund generally will be a capital gain or loss, and will be long-term or short-term, depending upon the holding period of the option. If the option expires, the resulting loss will be a capital loss and will be long-term or short-term, depending upon the holding period of the option. If the option is exercised, the cost of the option, in the case of a call option, will be added to the basis of the purchased security and in the case of a put option, will reduce the amount realized on the underlying security in determining gain or loss.

The sale by the Fund of a covered call option may result in the suspension of the fund's holding period in the underlying security unless the call option is a "qualified covered call option". Suspension of the holding period may result in short-term capital gains, taxable to fund shareholders at ordinary income rates, when the holder exercises the option, and may disqualify dividends issued on the underlying securities from being taxed to individual shareholders of the fund and other non-corporate shareholders as qualified dividends at rates applicable to long-term capital gains. A qualified covered call option is a covered call option that has a term of more than 30 days when issued, is not deeply in the money (as defined) when issued and satisfies certain other conditions.

Certain positions undertaken by the Fund may constitute "straddles" for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The straddle rules may affect the character of gains or losses realized by the Fund. Losses realized by the Fund that are part of a straddle may be deferred beyond the point in time that they are realized. The straddle rules, if applicable, could increase the amount of short-term capital gain realized by the Fund, which is taxed as ordinary income when distributed to shareholders. Certain tax elections that the Fund may make with respect to straddles could affect the character and timing of recognition of gains and losses.

The Fund may make short sales of securities. Short sales may increase the amount of short-term capital gains realized by the Fund, which is taxed as ordinary income to the shareholders when distributed. Short sales may also constitute part of "constructive sales," which would result in taxable income before the short-sale positions are terminated.

Certain hedging activities may cause a dividend that would be subject to the lower tax rate applicable to "qualified dividends" in the hands of non-corporate taxpayers to instead be taxed at the tax rate applicable to ordinary income. In addition, certain of the Fund's hedging activities including its transactions in options and foreign currencies, are likely to result in a difference between the Fund's book income and taxable income. This difference may cause a portion of the Fund's income distributions to constitute a return of capital or capital gain for tax purposes or require the Fund to make distributions exceeding book income to avoid excise tax liability and to qualify as a regulated investment company, which may have the effect of accelerating taxable distributions to shareholders.

Rules governing the tax aspects of notional principal contracts in which the Fund may invest are not clear in various respects. As a result, the IRS could challenge the Fund's methods of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes for such contracts, and such a challenge could affect the status of the Fund as a regulated investment company.

Some of the Fund's investments, such as certain option transactions, futures contract transactions, and forward foreign currency exchange contracts may be "section 1256 contracts." With certain exceptions, gains or losses attributable to section 1256 contracts generally are treated as sixty percent long-term capital gains or losses and forty percent short-term capital gains or losses ("60/40"). Section 1256 contracts held by the Fund at the end of a taxable year (and, generally, for purposes of the excise tax, on October 31 of each year) are "marked-to market" with the result that unrealized gains or losses are treated as though they were realized and the resulting gain or loss is treated as 60/40 gain or loss.

The qualifying income and diversification requirements applicable to the Fund's assets may limit the extent to which the Fund will be able to engage in transactions in options, futures contracts, forward contracts, swap agreements, and other derivative instruments. The application of certain requirements for qualification as a regulated investment company and the application of certain other federal income tax rules may be unclear in some respects in connection with investments in certain derivatives and other investments. In addition, the tax treatment of derivatives and certain other investments may be affected by future legislation, Treasury Regulations and guidance issued by the IRS (which could apply retroactively) that could affect the timing, character and amount of the Fund's income and gains and distributions to shareholders, affect whether the Fund has made sufficient distributions and otherwise satisfied the requirements to maintain its qualification as a regulated investment company and avoid federal income and excise taxes or limit the extent to which the Fund may invest in certain derivatives and other investments in the future.

*Non-U.S. Currency Transactions*

Transactions in non-U.S. currencies, non-U.S.-currency denominated debt obligations and certain non-U.S. currency options, future contracts, and forward contracts (and similar instruments) may give rise to ordinary income or loss to the extent such income or loss results from fluctuations in the value of the non-U.S. currency concerned and may increase the amount and affect the timing and character of taxes payable by shareholders. Certain foreign currency contracts may be subject to Code Section 1256, with the result that such contracts generally must be "marked to market" annually, and gains and losses with respect to such contracts would generally be treated as 60% long-term capital gain or loss and 40% short-term capital gain or loss. See "*Options and Other Financial Products*", above. Certain of the Fund's transactions, if any, in foreign currencies and foreign currency denominated instruments are likely to result in a difference between the Fund's book income and taxable income. This difference may cause a portion of the Fund's income distributions to constitute a return of capital or capital gain for tax purposes or require the Fund to make distributions exceeding book income to avoid excise tax liability and to qualify as a regulated investment company, which may have the effect of accelerating taxable distributions to shareholders of the Fund.

*Passive Foreign Investment Companies*

The Fund may own shares in foreign companies that may be classified under the Code as passive foreign investment companies ("PFICs"). In general, a foreign company is classified as a PFIC if at least one-half of its assets constitute investment-type assets or 75% or more of its gross income is investment-type income. When investing in PFIC securities, the Fund may elect to mark-to-market these securities under certain provisions of the Code and recognize any unrealized gains as ordinary income at the end of the Fund's fiscal and excise tax years.

If the Fund makes the mark-to-market election, the Fund could potentially mitigate certain adverse tax consequences from owning shares in a PFIC, but in any particular year may be required to recognize ordinary income in excess of the distributions it receives from PFICs and its proceeds from dispositions of PFIC stock. The Fund may have to distribute this "phantom" income and gain to satisfy distribution requirements and to avoid imposition of the excise tax described above.

Alternatively, the Fund may elect to treat a PFIC as a "qualified electing fund" (a "QEF election"), in which case the Fund must include its share of the company's income and net capital gains annually, regardless of whether it receives distributions from the PFIC. As with the mark-to-market election, these amounts would be taken into account by the Fund for purposes of satisfying the distribution requirement and the excise tax distribution requirement. Amounts included in income under a QEF election will be qualifying income for a regulated investment company if such earnings are (i) distributed in the taxable year in which they are included; or (ii) derived with respect to the Fund's business of investing in stock, securities, or currencies. In order to make a QEF election, the Fund must obtain certain annual information from the PFICs in which it invests, which may be difficult or impossible to obtain. Dividends paid by PFICs or by foreign corporations that were PFICs in the year preceding the payment of the dividend are not eligible to be treated as qualified dividend income.

If the Fund is unable to identify an investment as a PFIC and thus does not make a mark-to-market election or a QEF election, the Fund may be subject to U.S. federal income tax and an interest charge on distributions with respect to such shares, or gain from the disposition of such shares, under punitive tax rules that apply to so-called "excess distributions" from PFICs, even if such income is distributed as a taxable dividend by the Fund to its shareholders.

*Controlled Foreign Corporations*

The Fund may invest in entities classified as "controlled foreign corporations" ("CFCs"). A CFC is a foreign corporation in which more than 50% of the stock, by vote or value, is owned, directly or constructively, by U.S. persons each of whom own, directly or constructively, 10% or more of the stock of a foreign corporation by vote or by value ("U.S. shareholders"). If the Fund is a U.S. shareholder with respect to a CFC, the Fund generally must annually include in income its allocable share of the CFC's (i) "subpart F income" and (ii) net CFC tested income", both as defined by the Code, regardless of whether or not the CFC distributes such amounts to the Fund. Amounts included in gross income by the Fund as subpart F income of a CFC are qualifying income for a regulated investment company under Code Section 851(b) if either (i) such amounts are distributed to the Fund in the taxable year in which they are earned by the CFC, or (ii) such income is derived with respect to the Fund's business of investing in stock, securities or currencies. Net CFC tested income included in gross income is treated in the same manner as subpart F income for various purposes of the Code except as provided in future rules issued by the Treasury Department.

*Securities Issued or Purchased at a Discount*

The Fund may acquire debt obligations that have original issue discount. "Original issue discount" is the excess of a debt obligation's stated redemption price at maturity over the obligation's issue price. Under long-standing tax rules, a taxpayer that acquires an obligation with original issue discount generally must include the original issue discount in income on a constant yield-to-maturity basis without regard to when, or whether, payments are made on the obligation. Obligations owned by the Fund that have original issue discount may include investments in payment-in-kind securities, and certain other obligations. Obligations with original issue discount owned by the Fund will give rise to income that the Fund will be required to distribute even though the Fund does not receive an interest payment in cash on the obligation during the year and may never receive such payment. In order to generate sufficient cash to make the required distributions, the Fund may be required to sell securities in its portfolio that it otherwise would have continued to hold. The Fund may realize gains or losses from such sales. If the Fund realizes net capital gains from such transactions, its shareholders may receive a larger capital gain distribution than they would in the absence of such transactions.

Some debt obligations that are acquired by the Fund in the secondary market may be treated as having market discount. "Market discount" is generally the excess of the stated redemption price of the bond at maturity over the basis of the bond immediately after its acquisition by the taxpayer. Generally, any gain recognized on the disposition of a debt security having market discount is treated as ordinary income to the extent the gain does not exceed the "accrued market discount" on such debt security. Market discount generally accrues in equal daily installments. The Fund may make certain elections applicable to debt obligations having market discount, which could affect the character and timing of recognition of income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. When recognized, market discount is taxable as ordinary income even if interest on the debt obligation in question is tax exempt.

*Real Estate Investment Trusts*

The Fund's investments in equity securities of a real estate investment trust ("REIT"), if any, may result in such Fund's receipt of cash in excess of the REIT's earnings. If The Fund receives such distributions all or a portion of these distributions will constitute a return of capital to such Fund. Receiving a return of capital distribution from a REIT will reduce the amount of income available to be distributed to Fund shareholders. Income from REIT securities generally will not be eligible for treatment as qualified dividend income.

If the Fund invests in equity securities of a REIT, the Fund may be eligible to pay "section 199A dividends" to its shareholders with respect to certain dividends received by it from its investment in REITs. Section 199A dividends are taxable to individual and other noncorporate shareholders at a reduced effective federal income tax rate, provided that certain holding period requirements and other conditions are satisfied.

*High-Risk Securities*

The Fund may invest in debt obligations that are in the lowest rating categories or are unrated. Investments in debt obligations that are at risk of or in default present special tax issues for the Fund. The application of the U.S. federal income tax rules with respect to these types of investments is complicated and will depend upon the application of the law to facts that may be unclear, which may result in uncertainty about the U.S. federal income tax treatment of these investments (*e.g.*, such as when the Fund may cease to accrue interest, original issue discount or market discount, when and to what extent deductions may be taken for bad debts, or worthless securities and how payments received on obligations in default should be allocated between principal and income). These and other related issues will be addressed by the Fund if it invests in such securities in order to seek to ensure that the Fund distributes sufficient income to avoid becoming subject to U.S. federal income or excise tax.

**Backup Withholding**

The Fund generally is required to withhold and remit to the U.S. Treasury a percentage of the taxable distributions and redemption proceeds paid to any individual shareholder who (i) fails to properly furnish the Fund with a correct taxpayer identification number (TIN), (ii) is identified by the IRS as otherwise subject to backup withholding, or (iii) fails to certify to the Fund that the shareholder is a U.S. person who is not subject to such withholding. The backup withholding tax rate is currently 24%.

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules from a payment to a shareholder generally may be refunded or credited against the shareholder's federal income tax liability, if any, provided that certain required information is timely furnished to the IRS. A shareholder who has not been notified by the IRS that the shareholder has failed to report interest or dividends may normally avoid backup withholding by furnishing a properly completed IRS Form W-9. If a shareholder fails to furnish a valid TIN upon request, the shareholder can be subject to IRS penalties.

**Cost Basis Reporting**

The Fund (or their administrative agents) must report to the IRS and furnish to fund shareholders cost basis and holding period information for fund shares purchased on or after January 1, 2012 ("covered shares"), when such shares are subsequently redeemed, exchanged or otherwise sold and whether these shares had a short-term or long-term holding period. The Fund must report the gross proceeds from the sale of all Fund shares (whether or not they are covered shares).

Fund shareholders may elect from among several IRS-accepted cost basis methods to calculate the cost basis of their covered shares. In the absence of such an election, the Fund will use its default cost basis method. Once the Fund shareholder has elected a cost basis reporting method, the election will apply to all future transactions in covered shares, unless the shareholder revokes or changes the standing election. The cost basis method elected or applied may generally not be changed after the settlement date of a sale of Fund shares. Fund shareholders should consult with their tax advisers concerning the most desirable IRS-accepted cost basis method for their tax situation.

**Reportable Transactions**

If an individual shareholder recognizes a loss with respect to Fund shares of $2 million or more, or a corporate shareholder recognizes a loss of $10 million or more, in any single taxable year (or twice such amounts over a combination of years), the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886. A shareholder who fails to make the required disclosure to the IRS may be subject to substantial penalties. The fact that a loss is reportable under Treasury Regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether or not the taxpayer's treatment of the loss is proper.

**Withholding on Shares Held Through Foreign Accounts**

Under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (or "FATCA"), special withholding rules apply when U.S. persons hold investments in the Fund through foreign financial institutions as defined by FATCA ("FFIs") or non-financial foreign entities as defined by FATCA ("NFFEs"). FFIs and NFFEs that are shareholders of the Fund may be subject to a 30% withholding tax on certain distributions paid by the Fund. The FATCA withholding tax generally may be avoided on payments to an: (a) FFI, if it reports certain direct and indirect ownership of foreign financial accounts held by U.S. persons with the FFI, and satisfies certain withholding requirements, and (b) NFFE, if it: (i) certifies that is has no substantial U.S. persons as owners or (ii) reports information relating to them to the withholding agent (which may be the Fund). The U.S. Treasury has negotiated intergovernmental agreements (each, an "IGA") with certain countries and is in various stages of negotiations with other foreign countries with respect to one or more alternative approaches to implement FATCA. An entity in one of those countries may be required to comply with the terms of an IGA and applicable local law instead of U.S. Treasury Regulations.

An FFI can avoid FATCA withholding by becoming a "participating FFI," which requires the FFI to enter into a tax compliance agreement with the IRS under section 1471(b) of the Code under which it agrees to verify, report and disclose certain of its U.S. accountholders and provided that such entity meets certain other specified requirements. The FFI will report to the IRS, or, depending on the FFI's country of residence, to the government of that country (pursuant to the terms and conditions of an applicable IGA and applicable law), which will, in turn, report to the IRS. An FFI that is resident in a country that has entered into an IGA with the U.S. to implement FATCA will be exempt from FATCA withholding provided that the FFI shareholder and the applicable foreign government comply with the terms of such agreement.

A NFFE that is the beneficial owner of a payment from the Fund can avoid FATCA withholding generally by certifying that it does not have any substantial U.S. owners or by providing the name, address and taxpayer identification number of each substantial U.S. owner. The NFFE will report to the Fund or other applicable withholding agent, which will, in turn, report information to the IRS.

Shares held through such foreign shareholders also may fall into certain exempt, excepted or deemed compliant categories as established by U.S. Treasury Regulations, IGAs, and other guidance regarding FATCA.

An FFI or NFFE 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. The certification requirements imposed by FATCA are in addition to the U.S. certification rules to avoid backup withholding described above.

**Other Tax Matters**

Special tax rules not described in this discussion apply to investments through defined contribution plans and other tax-qualified plans, as well as investments by tax-exempt entities. Shareholders should consult their tax adviser to determine the suitability of shares of the Fund as an investment through such plans or by such entities and the precise effect that investment in the Fund would have on their particular tax situations.

A type of savings account called "Trump Accounts" were introduced into the Code in 2025 as a type of individual retirement account for children. Until the beginning of the first calendar year in which the account beneficiary attains the age of 18, a Trump Account can invest only in "eligible investments" which include only investments in mutual funds or exchange traded funds that track the returns of certain types of equity indexes. The Fund does not expect to qualify as an eligible investment for Trump accounts and investors will not be eligible to invest a Trump Account in the Fund before the first calendar year in which the account beneficiary reaches the age of 18.

The foregoing discussion relates solely to U.S. federal income tax law. Dividends and distributions also may be subject to state and local taxes. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding specific questions as to U.S. federal, state, local and, where applicable, foreign taxes. Foreign investors should consult their tax advisers concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences of ownership of shares of the Fund, including the certification and filing requirements imposed on foreign investors in order to qualify for exemption from the backup withholding tax rates (or a reduced rate of withholding provided by treaty and the potential applicability of the U.S. estate tax).

The foregoing is a general and abbreviated summary of the applicable provisions of the Code and related Treasury Regulations currently in effect. For the complete provisions, reference should be made to the pertinent Code sections and Treasury Regulations. The Code and Treasury Regulations are subject to change by legislative or administrative actions.

**DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST**

The Trust was organized as a Delaware business trust on January 12, 2012 and consists of multiple separate portfolios or series. The Board may establish additional series in the future. The capitalization of the Trust consists solely of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest with no par value.

The Trust consists of multiple separate portfolios or series. When certain matters affect one fund but not another, the shareholders vote as a fund regarding such matters. Subject to the foregoing, on any matter submitted to a vote of shareholders, all shares then entitled to vote will be voted separately by the fund unless otherwise required by the 1940 Act, in which case all shares will be voted in the aggregate. For example, a change in a fund's fundamental investment policies would be voted upon only by shareholders of the fund. Additionally, approvals of Investment Advisory Contracts are matters to be determined separately by the fund.

Approval by the shareholders of one fund is effective as to that fund whether or not sufficient votes are received from the shareholders of the other fund to approve the proposal as to that fund. The term "majority," when referring to approvals to be obtained from shareholders of a fund means the vote of the lesser of (i) 67% of the shares of the fund or class represented at a meeting if the holder of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the fund or class are present in person or by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the fund. The term "majority," when referring to the approvals to be obtained from shareholders of the Trust as a whole means the vote of the lesser of (i) 67% of the Trust's shares represented at a meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the Trust's outstanding shares are present in person or proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the Trust's outstanding shares. Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each full share held and fractional votes for fractional shares held.

The Trust is not required to hold regular annual meetings of a fund's shareholders and does not intend to do so. However, the Trust undertakes to hold a special meeting of its shareholders if the purpose of voting on the question of removal of a director or trustees is requested in writing by the holders of at least 10% of the Trust's outstanding voting securities, and to assist in communicating with other shareholders as required by Section 16(c) of the 1940 Act. The Declaration of Trust provides that the holders of not less than two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the Trust may remove a person serving as Trustee either by declaration in writing or at a meeting called for such purpose.

Each share of the Fund represents an equal proportional interest in the fund with each other share and is entitled to such dividends and distributions out of the income earned on the assets belonging to the Fund as are declared in the discretion of the Trustees. In the event of the liquidation or dissolution of the Trust, shareholders of the Fund are entitled to receive the assets attributable to the Fund that are available for distribution, and a distribution of any general assets of the Trust not attributable to the Fund that are available for distribution in such manner and on such basis as the Trustees in their sole discretion may determine.

Shareholders are not entitled to any preemptive rights. All shares, when issued, will be fully paid and non-assessable by the Trust.

Under Delaware law, shareholders could, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for the obligations of a series of the Trust but only to the extent of the shareholder's investment in such series. However, the Declaration of Trust disclaims liability of the shareholders, Trustees or officers of the Trust for acts or obligations of the Trust, which are binding only on the assets and property of each series of the Trust and requires that notice of the disclaimer be given in each contract or obligations entered into or executed by the Trust or the Trustees. The risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which the Trust itself would be unable to meet its obligations and should be considered remote and is limited to the amount of the shareholder's investment in the Fund.

**OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND**

*Custodian.* U.S. Bank, N.A., located at 777 E. Wisconsin Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53202, serves as the custodian for the Fund. As such, the Custodian holds in safekeeping certificated securities and cash belonging to the Fund and, in such capacity, is the registered owner of securities in book-entry form belonging to the Fund. Upon instruction, the Custodian receives and delivers cash and securities of the Fund in connection with Fund transactions and collects all dividends and other distributions made with respect to Fund portfolio securities. The Custodian also maintains certain accounts and records of the Fund. Sub-custodians provide custodial services for any foreign assets held outside of the United States.

*Transfer Agent.* ALPS, pursuant to a Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, serves as transfer agent for the Fund. As Transfer Agent, ALPS has, among other things, agreed to (i) issue and redeem shares of the Fund; (ii) make dividend and other distributions to shareholders of the Fund; (iii) effect transfers of shares; (iv) mail communications to shareholders of the Fund, including account statements, confirmations, and dividend and distribution notices; (v) facilitate the electronic delivery of shareholder statements and reports and (vi) maintain shareholder accounts. Under the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, ALPS receives from the Trust on behalf of the Fund an annual minimum fee and a fee based upon the number of shareholder accounts and is also reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses. As described above, ALPS is an affiliate of the Distributor.

*Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.* Cohen & Company, Ltd., 1350 Euclid Ave., Suite 800, Cleveland, Ohio 44115, serves as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Trust. Its services include auditing the Fund's financial statements. Cohen & Co Advisory, LLC, an affiliate of Cohen & Company, Ltd., provides tax services as requested.

*Counsel.* Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP serves as counsel to the Trust and is located at 3400 Walnut Street, Suite 700, Denver, Colorado 80205. Thompson Hine LLP serves as counsel to the Independent Trustees and is located at 41 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215.

**PERFORMANCE INFORMATION**

*Yield and Total Return.* The Fund may from time to time include the yield and/or total return of its shares in advertisements or information in advertisements or information furnished to present or prospective shareholders.

The Fund's yield will vary from time to time depending upon market conditions, the composition of its portfolios and operating expenses of the Trust allocated to the Fund. These factors, possible differences in the methods used in calculating yield, and the tax exempt status of distributions, should be considered when comparing the Fund's yield to yields published for other investment companies and other investment vehicles. Yield should also be considered relative to changes in the value of the Fund's shares and to the relative risks associated with the investment objectives and policies of the Fund.

At any time in the future, yields and total return may be higher or lower than past yields and there can be no assurance that any historical results will continue.

Investors in the Fund are specifically advised that share prices, expressed as the net asset value per share, will vary just as yield will vary. An investor's focus on the yield of the Fund to the exclusion of the consideration of the share price of the Fund may result in the investor's misunderstanding the total return he or she may derive from the Fund.

**FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

The audited financial statements of the Fund for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, and the report of Cohen & Company, Ltd., the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm, are incorporated herein by reference to the Fund's [Annual Report](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0001558107/000139834425021967/fp0096372-1_ncsrixbrl.htm)for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025. The Annual Report is available at no charge by writing or telephoning the Fund at the address or number on the front page of this Statement of Additional Information.

**APPENDIX A**

**DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS**

The Fund may make use of average portfolio credit quality standards to assist institutional investors whose own investment guidelines limit their investments accordingly. In determining the Fund's overall dollar-weighted average quality, unrated securities are treated as if rated, based on the adviser's view of their comparability to rated securities. The Fund's use of average quality criteria is intended to be a guide for those investors whose investment guidelines require that assets be invested according to comparable criteria. Reference to an overall average quality rating for the Fund does not mean that all securities held by the Fund will be rated in that category or higher. The Fund's investments may range in quality from securities rated in the lowest category in which the Fund is permitted to invest to securities rated in the highest category (as rated by Moody's, S&P or Fitch or, if unrated, determined by the adviser to be of comparable quality). The percentage of the Fund's assets invested in securities in a particular rating category will vary. Following is a description of Moody's, S&P's and Fitch's ratings applicable to fixed-income securities.

**Moody's Investors Service, Inc.**

**Corporate and Municipal Bond Ratings**

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Moody's bond ratings, where specified, are applicable to financial contracts, senior bank obligations and insurance company senior policyholder and claims obligations with an original maturity in excess of one year. Obligations relying upon support mechanisms such as letter-of-credit and bonds of indemnity are excluded unless explicitly rated. Obligations of a branch of a bank are considered to be domiciled in the country in which the branch is located.

Unless noted as an exception, Moody's rating on a bank's ability to repay senior obligations extends only to branches located in countries which carry a Moody's Sovereign Rating for Bank Deposits. Such branch obligations are rated at the lower of the bank's rating or Moody's Sovereign Rating for the Bank Deposits for the country in which the branch is located. When the currency in which an obligation is denominated is not the same as the currency of the country in which the obligation is domiciled, Moody's ratings do not incorporate an opinion as to whether payment of the obligation will be affected by the actions of the government controlling the currency of denomination. In addition, risk associated with bilateral conflicts between an investor's home country and cither the issuer's home country or the country where an issuer branch is located are not incorporated into Moody's ratings.

Moody's makes no representation that rated bank obligations or insurance company obligations are exempt from registration under the Securities Act or issued in conformity with any other applicable law or regulation. Nor does Moody's represent that any specific bank or insurance company obligation is legally enforceable or a valid senior obligation of a rated issuer.

Moody's applies numerical modifiers, 1, 2, and 3 in each generic rating classified from Aa through Caa in its corporate bond rating system. The modifier 1 indicates that the security ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic rating category.

**Corporate Short-Term Debt Ratings**

Moody's short-term debt ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to repay punctually senior debt obligations. These obligations have an original maturity not exceeding one year, unless explicitly noted.

Moody's employs the following three designations, all judged to be investment-grade, to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:

PRIME-1: Issuers rated Prime-1 (or supporting institutions) have a superior ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. Prime-1 repayment ability will often be evidenced by many of the following characteristics: leading market positions in well-established industries; high rates of return on funds employed: conservative capitalization structure with moderate reliance on debt and ample asset protection; broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed financial charges and high internal cash generation; and well-established access to a range of financial markets and assured sources of alternate liquidity.

PRIME-2: Issuers rated Prime-2 (or supporting institutions) have a strong ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. This will normally be evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to a lesser degree. Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may be more subject to variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.

PRIME-3: Issuers rated Prime-3 (or supporting institutions) have an acceptable ability for repayment of senior short-term obligations. The effect of industry characteristics and market compositions may be more pronounced. Variability in earnings and profitability may result in changes in the level of debt protection measurements and may require relatively high financial leverage. Adequate alternate liquidity is maintained.

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

**Standard & Poor's Ratings Services**

**Issue Credit Rating Definitions**

A Standard & Poor's issue credit rating is a current opinion of the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The issue credit rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell, or hold a financial obligation, inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or suitability for a particular investor.

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

Issue credit ratings can be either long-term or short-term. Short-term ratings are generally assigned to those obligations considered short term in the relevant market. In the U.S., for example, that means obligations with an original maturity of no more than 365 days, including commercial paper. Short-term ratings are also used to indicate the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to put features on long-term obligations. The result is a dual rating, in which the short-term rating addresses the put feature, in addition to the usual long-term rating. Medium-term notes are assigned long-term ratings.

Issue credit ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following considerations: likelihood of payment; capacity and willingness of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on an obligation in accordance with the terms of the obligation; nature of and provisions of the obligation; and protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the event of bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors' rights.

The issue rating definitions are expressed in terms of default risk. As such, they pertain to senior obligations of an entity. Junior obligations are typically rated lower than senior obligations, to reflect the lower priority in bankruptcy, as noted above. (Such differentiation applies when an entity has both senior and subordinated obligations, secured and unsecured obligations, or operating company and holding company obligations.) Accordingly, in the case of junior debt the rating may not conform exactly with the category definition.

**Corporate and Municipal Bond Ratings**

***Investment-grade***

AAA: An obligation rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor's. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.

AA: An obligation rated 'AA' differs from the highest rated obligations only in small degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.

A: An obligation rated 'A' is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.

BBB: An obligation rated 'BBS' exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

***Speculative Grade***

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

BB: An obligation rated 'BB' is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

B: An obligation rated 'B' is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated 'BB', but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

CCC: An obligation rated 'CCC' is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

CC: An obligation rated 'CC' is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.

C: A subordinated debt or preferred stock obligation rated 'C' is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The 'C' rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed or similar action taken, but payments on this obligation are being continued. A 'C' also will be assigned to a preferred stock issue in arrears on dividends or sinking fund payments, but that is currently paying.

D: An obligation rated 'D' is in payment default. The 'D' rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor's believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The 'D' rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.

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

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

r: This symbol is attached to the ratings of instruments with significant noncredit risks. It highlights risks to principal or volatility of expected returns which are not addressed in the credit rating. Examples include: obligations linked or indexed to equities, currencies, or commodities; obligations exposed to severe prepayment risk - such as interest-only or principal-only mortgage securities; and obligations with unusually risky interest terms, such as inverse floaters.

The absence of an "r" symbol should not be taken as an indication that an obligation will exhibit no volatility or variability in total return.

N.R.: This indicates that no rating has been requested, that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that Standard & Poor's does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy.

Debt obligations of issuers outside the United States and its territories are rated on the same basis as domestic corporate and municipal issues. The ratings measure the creditworthiness of the obligor but do not take into account currency exchange and related uncertainties.

**Commercial Paper Rating Definitions**

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

A-1: A short-term obligation rated 'A-1' is rated in the highest category by Standard & Poor's. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.

A-2: A short-term obligation rated 'A-2' is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory.

A-3: A short-term obligation rated 'A-3' exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

B: A short-term obligation rated 'B' is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

C: A short-term obligation rated 'C' is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

D: A short-term obligation rated 'D' is in payment default. The 'D' rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor's believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The 'D' rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.

A commercial paper rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold a security inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or suitability for a particular investor. The ratings are based on current information furnished to Standard & Poor's by the issuer or obtained from other sources it considers reliable. Standard & Poor's does not perform an audit in connection with any rating and may, on occasion, rely on unaudited financial information. The ratings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a result of changes in or unavailability of such information.

**Fitch Investor Services, Inc.**

**Credit Ratings**

Fitch's credit ratings provide an opinion on the relative ability of an entity to meet financial commitments, such as interest, preferred dividends, repayment of principal, insurance claims or counterparty obligations. Credit ratings are used by investors as indications of the likelihood of receiving their money back in accordance with the terms on which they invested. Fitch's credit ratings cover the global spectrum of corporate, sovereign (including supranational and sub-national), financial, bank, insurance, municipal and other public finance entities and the securities or other obligations they issue, as well as structured finance securities backed by receivables or other financial assets.

The use of credit ratings defines their function: "investment grade" ratings (international Long-term 'AAA' to 'BBB-' categories; Short-term 'F1' to 'F3') indicate relatively low to moderate credit risk, while those in the "speculative" or "non-investment grade" categories (international Long-term 'BB+' to 'D'; Short-term 'B' to 'D') either signal a higher level of credit risk or that a default has already occurred. Credit ratings express risk in relative rank order, which is to say they are ordinal measures of credit risk and are not predictive of a specific frequency of default or loss.

Depending on their application, credit ratings address benchmark measures of probability of default as well relative expectations of loss given default. For example, issuers are typically assigned Issuer Default Ratings that are relative measures of default probability. Similarly, short-term credit ratings give primary consideration to the likelihood that obligations will be met on a timely basis. Securities, however, are rated taking into consideration probability of default and loss given default. As a result, for entities such as corporations, security ratings may be rated higher, lower or the same as the issuer rating to reflect expectations of the security's relative recovery prospects, as well as differences in ability and willingness to pay. While recovery analysis plays an important role throughout the ratings scale, it becomes a more critical consideration for below investment-grade securities and obligations, particularly at the lower end of the non-investment-grade ratings scale where Fitch often publishes actual Recovery Ratings that are complementary to the credit ratings.

Structured finance ratings typically are assigned to each individual security or tranche in a transaction, and not to an issuer. Each structured finance tranche is rated on the basis of various stress scenarios in combination with its relative seniority, prioritization of cash flows and other structural mechanisms.

**International Long-Term Credit Ratings**

International Long-Term Credit Ratings (LTCR) may also be referred to as Long-Term Ratings. When assigned to most issuers, it is used as a benchmark measure of probability of default and is formally described as an Issuer Default Rating (IDR). The major exception is within Public Finance, where IDRs will not be assigned as market convention has always focused on timeliness and does not draw analytical distinctions between issuers and their underlying obligations. When applied to issues or securities, the LTCR may be higher or lower than the issuer rating (IDR) to reflect relative differences in recovery expectations.

The following rating scale applies to foreign currency and local currency ratings:

***Investment Grade***

**AAA**

Highest credit quality. 'AAA' ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in case of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

**AA**

Very high credit quality. 'AA' ratings denote expectations of very low credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

**A**

High credit quality. 'A' ratings denote expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to changes in circumstances or in economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.

**BBB**

Good credit quality. 'BBB' ratings indicate that there is currently expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate but adverse changes in circumstances and economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity. This is the lowest investment grade category.

***Speculative Grade***

**BB**

**Speculative**

'BB' ratings indicate that there is a possibility of credit risk developing, particularly as the result of adverse economic change over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met. Securities rated in this category are not investment grade.

**B**

**Highly speculative**

For issuers and performing obligations, 'B' ratings indicate that significant credit risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is contingent upon a sustained, favorable business and economic environment.

For individual obligations, may indicate distressed or defaulted obligations with potential for extremely high recoveries. Such obligations would possess a Recovery Rating of 'R1' (outstanding).

**CCC**

For issuers and performing obligations, default is a real possibility. Capacity for meeting financial commitments is solely reliant upon sustained, favorable business or economic conditions.

For individual obligations, may indicate distressed or defaulted obligations with potential for average to superior levels of recovery. Differences in credit quality may be denoted by plus/minus distinctions. Such obligations typically would possess a Recovery Rating of 'R2' (superior), or 'R3' (good) or 'R4' (average).

**CC**

For issuers and performing obligations, default of some kind appears probable.

For individual obligations, may indicate distressed or defaulted obligations with a Recovery Rating of 'R4' (average) or 'R5' (below average).

**C**

For issuers and performing obligations, default is imminent.

For individual obligations, may indicate distressed or defaulted obligations with potential for below-average to poor recoveries. Such obligations would possess a Recovery Rating of 'R6' (poor).

**RD**

Indicates an entity that has failed to make due payments (within the applicable grace period) on some but not all material financial obligations, but continues to honor other classes of obligations.

**D**

Indicates an entity or sovereign that has defaulted on all of its financial obligations. Default generally is defined as one of the following:

● failure of an obligor to make timely payment of principal and/or interest under the contractual terms of any financial obligation;

● the bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other winding-up or cessation of business of an obligor; or

● the distressed or other coercive exchange of an obligation, where creditors were offered securities with diminished structural or economic terms compared with the existing obligation.

Default ratings are not assigned prospectively; within this context, non-payment on an instrument that contains a deferral feature or grace period will not be considered a default until after the expiration of the deferral or grace period.

Issuers will be rated 'D' upon a default. Defaulted and distressed obligations typically are rated along the continuum of 'C' to 'B' ratings categories, depending upon their recovery prospects and other relevant characteristics. Additionally, in structured finance transactions, where analysis indicates that an instrument is irrevocably impaired such that it is not expected to meet pay interest and or principal in full in accordance with the terms of the obligation's documentation during the life of the transaction, but where no payment default in accordance with the terms of the documentation is imminent, the obligation may be rated in the 'B' or 'CCC-C' categories.

Default is determined by reference to the terms of the obligations' documentation. Fitch will assign default ratings where it has reasonably determined that payment has not been made on a material obligation in accordance with the requirements of the obligation's documentation, or where it believes that default ratings consistent with Fitch's published definition of default are the most appropriate ratings to assign.

**International Short-Term Credit Ratings**

The following ratings scale applies to foreign currency and local currency ratings. A Short-term rating has a time horizon of less than 13 months for most obligations, or up to three years for US public finance, in line with industry standards, to reflect unique risk characteristics of bond, tax, and revenue anticipation notes that are commonly issued with terms up to three years. Short-term ratings thus place greater emphasis on the liquidity necessary to meet financial commitments in a timely manner.

**F1**

Highest credit quality. Indicates the strongest capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added "+" to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.

**F2**

Good credit quality. A satisfactory capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, but the margin of safety is not as great as in the case of the higher ratings.

**F3**

Fair credit quality. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate; however, near term adverse changes could result in a reduction to non-investment grade.

**B**

Speculative. Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.

**C**

High default risk. Default is a real possibility. Capacity for meeting financial commitments is solely reliant upon a sustained, favorable business and economic environment.

**RD**

Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other obligations.

**D**

Indicates an entity or sovereign that has defaulted on all of its financial obligations.

**Notes to International Long-Term and Short-Term ratings:**

The modifiers "+" or "–" may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the 'AAA' Long-term rating category, to categories below 'CCC' or to Short-term ratings other than 'Fl'. (The +/– modifiers are only used to denote issues within the CCC category, whereas issuers are only rated CCC without the use of modifiers.)

Rating Watch: Ratings are placed on Rating Watch to notify investors that there is a reasonable probability of a rating change and the likely direction of such change. These are designated as "Positive," indicating a potential upgrade, "Negative," for a potential downgrade, or "Evolving," if ratings may be raised, lowered or maintained. Rating Watch is typically resolved over a relatively short period.

Rating Outlook: An Outlook indicates the direction a rating is likely to move over a one to two-year period. Outlooks may be positive, stable or negative. A positive or negative Rating Outlook does not imply a rating change is inevitable. Similarly, ratings for which outlooks are "stable" could be upgraded or downgraded before an outlook moves to positive or negative if circumstances warrant such an action. Occasionally, Fitch Ratings may be unable to identify the fundamental trend. In these cases, the Rating Outlook may be described as evolving.

Program ratings (such as those assigned to MTN shelf registrations) relate only to standard issues made under the program concerned: it should not be assumed that these ratings apply to every issue made under the program. In particular, in the case of non-standard issues, i.e. those that are linked to the credit of a third party or linked to the performance of an index, ratings of these issues may deviate from the applicable program rating.

Variable rate demand obligations and other securities which contain a short-term "put" or other similar demand feature will have a dual rating, such as AAA/F1+. The first rating reflects the ability to meet long-term principal and interest payments, whereas the second rating reflects the ability to honor the demand feature in full and on time.

**Interest Only**

Interest Only ratings are assigned to interest strips. These ratings do not address the possibility that a security holder might fail to recover some or all of its initial investment due to voluntary or involuntary principal repayments.

**Principal Only**

Principal Only ratings address the likelihood that a security holder will receive their initial principal investment either before or by the scheduled maturity date.

**Rate of Return**

Ratings also may be assigned to gauge the likelihood of an investor receiving a certain predetermined internal rate of return without regard to the precise timing of any cash flows.

**'PIF'**

Paid-in-Full: denotes a security that is paid-in-full, matured, called, or refinanced.

'NR' indicates that Fitch Ratings does not rate the issuer or issue in question.

'Withdrawn': A rating is withdrawn when Fitch Ratings deems the amount of information available to be inadequate for rating purposes, or when an obligation matures, is called, or refinanced, or for any other reason Fitch Ratings deems sufficient.

**APPENDIX B**

**ALPS SERIES TRUST**

**PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES**

The Trust has adopted a Proxy Voting Policy used to determine how the Funds vote proxies relating to their portfolio securities. Under the Trust's Proxy Voting Policy, the Fund has, subject to the oversight of the Trust's Board, delegated to the Adviser the following duties: (1) to make the proxy voting decisions for the Funds, subject to the exceptions described below; and (2) to assist the Funds in disclosing their respective proxy voting record as required by Rule 30b1-4 under the 1940 Act.

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

The Fund CCO shall ensure that the Adviser has adopted a Proxy Voting Policy, which it uses to vote proxies for its clients, including the Funds.

**General**

The Trust and the Funds believe that the voting of proxies is an important part of portfolio management as it represents an opportunity for shareholders to make their voices heard and to influence the direction of a company. The Trust and the Funds are committed to voting corporate proxies in the manner that best serves the interests of the Fund's shareholders.

**Delegation to the Adviser**

The Trust believes that the Adviser is in the best position to make individual voting decisions for the Funds consistent with this Policy. Therefore, subject to the oversight of the Board, the Adviser is hereby delegated the following duties:

(1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; to make the proxy voting decisions for the Funds, in accordance with the Adviser's Proxy Voting Policy, except as provided herein; and

(2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; to assist the Funds in disclosing their respective proxy voting record as required by Rule 30b1-4 under the 1940 Act, including providing the following information for each matter with respect to which the Funds are entitled to vote: (a) information identifying the matter voted on; (b) whether the matter was proposed by the issuer or by a security holder; (c) whether and how the Fund cast its vote; and (d) whether the Fund cast its vote for or against management.

The Board, including a majority of the independent trustees of the Board, must approve the Adviser's Proxy Voting and Disclosure Policy (the "Adviser Voting Policy") as it relates to the Funds. The Board must also approve any material changes to the Adviser Voting Policy no later than six (6) months after adoption by the Adviser.

**Conflicts**

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

**BEACON INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES, INC.**

**PROXY VOTING/CLASS ACTION LITIGATION POLICY**

***Adviser's Proxy Voting Policy***. The Adviser follows the policies and procedures described below to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities held in the Funds. The Adviser recognizes its fiduciary responsibility to vote proxies solely in the Fund's best interests. The Adviser has adopted a Proxy Voting Policy as a means reasonably designed to ensure that the Adviser votes any shares owned by its clients that have delegated discretionary proxy voting authority to the Adviser prudently and solely in the best interest of the clients considering all relevant factors and without undue influence from individuals or groups who may have an economic interest in the outcome of a proxy vote.

The Adviser has retained Proxy Trust the ("Proxy Agent") to provide proxy voting agent services. The Proxy Agent is responsible for ensuring that all proxy ballots received for securities held in the Fund's portfolios are submitted in a timely manner. As part of its arrangement with the Proxy Agent, the Adviser utilizes Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (the "Proxy Research Firm"), a third party research provider, to provide a recommendation as to how to vote on each issue based on the individual facts and circumstances of the proxy issue and the Proxy Research Firm's application of its research findings to its Proxy Voting Principles and Guidelines.

Absent a determination to override the recommendation of the Proxy Research Firm or the Fund's directive to vote proxies in a certain manner, Fund proxies will be voted in accordance with the applicable Proxy Research Firm guidelines and recommendations pertaining to the Fund. In certain instances, the Adviser has determined that the nature of the issues raised by the proxy proposal together with the costs of reviewing the Proxy Research Firm's recommendations with respect to a particular security and the limited influence that the aggregate vote of the Adviser is likely to have on the outcome of the vote outweigh the potential benefits to clients from the Adviser's review of the Proxy Research Firm's advice and recommendations. In such instances, the Adviser follows the applicable recommendation of the Proxy Research Firm in voting the proxy. In all other circumstances, the Adviser reviews the applicable Proxy Research Firm recommendation and determines if it agrees that the recommendation is in the best interests of the Fund. If the Adviser agrees, the shares are voted according to the Proxy Research Firm recommendation. If the Adviser disagrees, the Adviser will document the rationale used to reach its conclusion. On occasion, the Adviser has discretionary voting authority to vote on a proposal for which the Proxy Research Firm does not provide a recommendation. In such circumstances, the Adviser will review the proposals and make a determination as to how to vote the proxy.

Conflicts of interest between the Adviser or a principal of the Adviser and the Funds with respect to a proxy issue conceivably may arise, for example, from personal or professional relationships with a company or with the directors, candidates for director, or senior executives of a company that is the issuer of shares subject to the voting discretion of the Adviser. If the Adviser determines that a material conflict of interest exists: (i) the Adviser may disclose the existence and nature of the conflict to the Fund(s) owning the shares and seek direction on how to vote the proxies; (2) the Adviser may abstain from voting, particularly if there are conflicting client interests; or (3) the Adviser may follow the applicable Proxy Research Firm recommendation in voting the proxies.

The Adviser may choose not to vote a proxy if a jurisdiction whose laws or regulations govern the voting of proxies with respect to the portfolio holding impose share blocking restrictions which prevent the Adviser from exercising its voting authority. Administrative matters beyond the Adviser's control may at times prevent the Adviser from voting proxies.

**STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION**

**DATED FEBRUARY 1, 2026**

**BRIGADE HIGH INCOME FUND**

<u>Classes</u> <u>Tickers</u> <br> Founders Class BHIMX <br> Institutional Class BHIIX

ALPS Series Trust

1290 Broadway, Suite 1000

Denver, CO 80203

This Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") expands upon and supplements the information contained in the current Prospectus for Founders Class and Institutional Class shares of the Fund listed above, which is a separate series of ALPS Series Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the "Trust"). Each series of the Trust represents shares of beneficial interest in a separate portfolio of securities and other assets with its own objective and policies. Brigade Capital Management, LP (the "Adviser") is the investment adviser of the Fund.

This SAI is not a prospectus and is only authorized for distribution when preceded or accompanied by the Fund's current prospectus dated February 1, 2026, as supplemented from time to time (the "Prospectus"). This SAI supplements and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus, a copy of which may be obtained without charge by writing the Brigade High Income Fund at the address listed above, or by calling the Fund's transfer agent at 844-903-0443. The Fund's most recent [Annual Report](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0001558107/000139834425021967/fp0096372-1_ncsrixbrl.htm), is incorporated by reference into this SAI and can be obtained free of charge, by calling the toll-free number printed above.

**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | Page |
| Organization and Classification | 1 |
| Additional Investment Activities and Risks | 1 |
| Investment Limitations | 5 |
| Portfolio Turnover | 7 |
| Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings | 7 |
| Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage | 10 |
| Purchase, Exchange and Redemption of Shares | 11 |
| Trustees and Officers | 14 |
| Investment Manager | 22 |
| Distributor | 24 |
| Code of Ethics | 24 |
| Administrator | 24 |
| Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures | 25 |
| Principal Shareholders | 25 |
| Expenses | 26 |
| Portfolio Managers | 26 |
| Net Asset Value | 29 |
| Federal Income Taxes | 30 |
| Description of the Trust | 42 |
| Other Information about the Fund | 43 |
| Performance Information | 43 |
| Financial Statements | 44 |
| Appendix A - Description of Securities Ratings | A-1 |
| Appendix B - Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures | B-1 |

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**ORGANIZATION AND CLASSIFICATION**

**ALPS Series Trust**

This SAI includes information about the Brigade High Income Fund (the "Fund"). The Fund is a series of the ALPS Series Trust (the "Trust"), an open-end, management investment company organized as a Delaware statutory trust on January 12, 2012.

**Classification**

The Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), classifies mutual funds as either diversified or non-diversified. The Fund is considered a diversified fund under this classification.

**ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES AND RISKS**

The Fund's principal investment objectives and strategies are discussed in the Prospectus under the "**SUMMARY SECTION**" for the Fund and under "**INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES**." In order to achieve its investment objective, the Fund generally makes investments of the sort described in the Prospectus.

The Fund may also invest in certain types of securities, or engage in certain investment activities, as generally discussed below. In addition, the Fund may be subject to additional risks in connection with its investments in such securities or as a result of the Fund's investment strategies or activities.

***Bank Loan Risk***. The Fund may (and typically does) invest a significant amount of its net asset value in bank loans. Such loans may not be rated by a national ratings agency at the time of investment, will not be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and typically will not be listed on a securities exchange. In addition, the amount of public information available with respect to loans generally will be less extensive than that available for more widely traded, registered and exchange-listed securities. Because the interest rates of loans reset frequently, if market interest rates fall, the loans' interest rates may be reset to lower levels, potentially reducing the Fund's income.

The size of the trading market for loans is generally smaller than that for registered equities and investment grade rated bond securities; as such, loans may be relatively illiquid compared to those types of securities. Liquidity relates to the ability of a portfolio to sell an investment in a timely manner at a price approximately equal to its value on the portfolio's books. The Fund's ability to realize the full value of its assets may be impaired in the event of a voluntary or involuntary liquidation of any illiquid assets. Furthermore, in the event of an economic downturn, a substantial increase or decrease in interest rates, or other type of market dislocation, the market for loans may be subject to irregular trading activity, wide bid/ask spreads and extended trade settlement periods. In those instances, loans may be difficult to value and prices provided by external pricing services may not reflect the true fair value of the assets.

Borrowers may default on their obligations to pay principal or interest owed under loans when due. This non-payment would result in a reduction of income to the Fund and a reduction in the value of a loan experiencing non-payment. Although some loans in which the Fund will invest will be secured by specific collateral, there can be no assurance that liquidation of such collateral would satisfy the borrower's obligation in the event of non-payment of scheduled interest or principal or that such collateral could be readily liquidated. In the event of bankruptcy of a borrower, the Fund could experience delays or limitations in its ability to realize the benefits of any collateral securing a loan.

The Fund may purchase a participation interest in a loan and by doing so acquire some or all of the interest of the bank or other lending institution making the loan to a corporate borrower. A participation interest typically results in the Fund having a contractual relationship with the lender and not the borrower. In such circumstances, the Fund will have the right to receive payments of principal, interest and any fees to which it is entitled only from the bank or other lending institution selling the participation and only upon receipt by the bank or other lending institution of the payments from the borrower. Since the Fund has only acquired a participation in the loan made by a third party (i.e., the banker or other lending institution), the Fund may not be able to control the exercise of any remedies that such third party would have under the loan. Although the participation interest is in a loan, there can be no assurance that the principal and interest owed on the loan to the Fund will be repaid in full.

The Fund may experience delays in the settlement of certain loan transactions, which are more complicated, are paperwork intensive, and require greater internal resources to settle compared with bonds or exchange-traded equity securities, particularly in the case of loans that are or become distressed. Unlike the securities markets, there is no central clearinghouse for loan trades, and the loan market has not established enforceable settlement standards or remedies for failure to settle. Such delays may prevent the Fund from obtaining liquidity of certain assets within a desired timeframe. Furthermore, pursuant to certain insolvency laws, a counterparty may have the ability to reject or terminate an unsettled loan transaction. If a counterparty rejects an unsettled transaction, the Fund might lose any increase in value with respect to such loan that accrued while the transaction remained unsettled. In addition, bank loans and other similar instruments may not be considered "securities" and, as a result, the Fund may not be entitled to rely on the anti-fraud protections under the federal securities laws and instead may have to resort to state law and direct claims.

***Bankruptcy and Restructuring Risk***. The Fund may target securities and other obligations of issuers that are in financial difficulty, and/or may be in, entering, or emerging from, bankruptcy proceedings. Bankruptcy or other insolvency proceedings are highly complex and may result in unpredictable outcomes.

In any investment opportunity involving work-outs, liquidations, spin-offs, reorganizations, bankruptcies and similar transactions, there exists the risk that the contemplated transaction may be unsuccessful. Similarly, if an anticipated transaction does not in fact occur, the Fund may be required to sell the investment at a loss. The level of analytical sophistication, both financial and legal, necessary for successful investment in companies experiencing significant business and financial difficulties is unusually high. Because there is a substantial uncertainty concerning the outcome of transactions involving financially troubled companies in which the Fund may invest, there is a potential risk of loss of the entire investment in such companies, as well as the risk that the Fund may be required to accept cash or new securities with a value less than the Fund's original investment and/or may be required to accept payment over an extended period of time. Under such circumstances, the returns generated from the Fund's investments may not compensate it adequately for the risks assumed.

**Cash Positions.** The Fund may not always stay fully invested. 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. In other words, cash or similar investments generally are a residual - they represent the assets that remain after the Fund has committed available assets to desirable investment opportunities. When the Fund's investments in cash or similar investments increase, it may not participate in market advances to the same extent that it would if the Fund remained more fully invested, and the Fund's ability to achieve its investment objective may be affected.

***Convertible Bond Risk****.* Convertible bonds are hybrid securities that have characteristics of both bonds and common stocks and are therefore subject to both debt security risks and equity risk. Convertible bonds are subject to equity risk especially when their conversion value is greater than the interest and principal value of the bond. The prices of equity securities may rise or fall because of economic or political changes and may decline over short or extended periods of time.

***Equity Securities Risk***. The Fund may invest in equity securities, including equities of stressed issuers or companies emerging from a financial restructuring or corporate reorganization. Equity securities (which generally include common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants, securities convertible into common or preferred stocks and similar securities) are generally volatile and riskier than some other forms of investment. Equity securities of companies with relatively small market capitalizations may be more volatile than the securities of larger, more established companies as well as the broad equity market indices generally. This risk of loss is further elevated because the Fund may target businesses that may be experiencing or recently experienced financial distress, or may be in, entering, or emerging from, bankruptcy proceedings. The Fund may also receive equity securities in connection with an issuer's corporate reorganization and the corresponding exchange of a fixed income investment previously held by the Fund. Common stock and other equity securities may take the form of stock in corporations, partnership interests, interests in limited liability companies and other direct or indirect interests in business organizations.

***ETF and Other Investment Company Risk***. The Fund may also invest in exchange-traded funds ("ETFs"). ETFs are funds whose shares are traded on a national exchange. ETFs may be based on underlying equity or fixed income securities, as well as commodities or currencies. ETFs do not sell individual shares directly to investors and only issue their shares in large blocks known as "creation units." The investor purchasing a creation unit then sells the individual shares on a secondary market. Although similar diversification benefits may be achieved through an investment in another investment company, ETFs generally offer greater liquidity and lower expenses. Because an ETF incurs its own fees and expenses, shareholders of the Fund investing in an ETF will indirectly bear those costs. Such Fund will also incur brokerage commissions and related charges when purchasing or selling shares of an ETF. Unlike typical investment company shares, which are valued once daily, shares in an ETF may be purchased or sold on a securities exchange throughout the trading day at market prices that are generally close to the net asset value ("NAV") of the ETF.

The Fund may also invest in investment companies that are corporations, trusts, or partnerships that invest pooled shareholder dollars in securities appropriate to the organization's objective. Mutual funds, closed-end funds, unit investment trusts and ETFs are examples of investment companies. By investing in another investment company, the Fund will indirectly bear any asset-based fees and expenses charged by the underlying investment company in which the Fund invests. Investments in securities of other investment companies are subject to statutory limitations prescribed by the 1940 Act. Absent an available exemption or rule, the Fund may not: (i) acquire more than 3% of the voting securities of any other investment company; (ii) invest more than 5% of its total assets in securities of any one investment company; or (iii) invest more than 10% of its total assets in securities of all investment companies.

***Municipal Securities Risk.*** Municipal bonds are subject to the risk that litigation, legislation or other political events, local business or economic conditions or the bankruptcy of the issuer could have a significant effect on an issuer's ability to make payments of principal and/or interest. Municipal bonds can be significantly affected by political changes as well as uncertainties in the municipal market related to taxation, legislative changes or the rights of municipal security holders. Because many municipal securities are issued to finance similar projects, especially those relating to education, health care, transportation and utilities, conditions in those sectors can affect the overall municipal market. In addition, changes in the financial condition of an individual municipal insurer can affect the overall municipal market. Municipal bonds may include revenue bonds, which are generally backed by revenue from a specific project or tax. The issuer of a revenue bond makes interest and principal payments from revenues generated from a particular source or facility, such as a tax on particular property or revenues generated from municipal water or sewer utility or an airport. Revenue bonds generally are not backed by the full faith and credit and general taxing power of the issuer. The market for municipal bonds may be less liquid than for taxable bonds. There may be less information available on the financial condition of issuers of municipal securities than for public corporations.

**Cyber Security Risk.** In connection with the increased use of technologies, coupled with the dependence on computer systems to perform necessary business functions, the Fund may be susceptible to operational, information security and related risks due to the possibility of cyber-attacks or other similar incidents. Cyber incidents may result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. Cyber-attacks include, but are not limited to, infection by computer viruses or other malicious software code, gaining unauthorized access to systems, networks or devices that are used to service the Fund's operations through hacking or other means for the purpose of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data or causing operational disruption. Cyber-attacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks that can make the Fund's website unavailable. In addition, authorized persons could inadvertently or intentionally release confidential or proprietary information stored on the Fund's systems.

Cyber security failures or breaches by the Fund's third-party service providers (including, but not limited to, the Adviser, administrator, distributor, custodian, transfer agent and financial intermediaries) may cause disruptions and impact the business operations of both the Fund and its service providers, potentially resulting in financial losses, the inability of Fund shareholders to transact business, the inability of the administrator to process transactions or calculate the Fund's net asset value, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs and/or additional compliance costs. The Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result of successful cyber-attacks against, or security breakdowns of, the Fund or its third-party service providers.

The Fund may incur substantial costs to prevent or address cyber incidents in the future. In addition, there is a possibility that certain risks have not been adequately identified or prepared for. Furthermore, the Fund cannot directly control any cyber security plans and systems put in place by third party service providers. 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 investment in such securities to lose value.

***Portfolio Turnover Risk***. The Fund may engage in short-term trading to try and achieve its investment objective, and accordingly may have portfolio turnover rates in excess of 100%. A portfolio turnover rate of 100% is equivalent to a fund buying and selling all of the securities in its portfolio once during the course of a year. How long the Fund holds a security in its portfolio is generally not a factor in making buy and sell decisions. Increased portfolio turnover may cause the Fund to incur higher brokerage costs, which may adversely affect the Fund's performance, and may produce increased taxable distributions. Distributions resulting from short-term trading may be taxed at less favorable rates.

***Preferred Stock Risk*.** Preferred stocks may be more volatile than fixed income securities and may be more correlated with the issuer's underlying common stock than fixed income securities. Additionally, the dividend on a preferred stock may be changed or omitted by the issuer. While most preferred stocks pay a dividend, the Fund may purchase preferred stock where the issuer has omitted, or is in danger of omitting, payment of its dividend.

***Small- and Mid-cap Risk***. The Fund's investment approach is focused on identifying attractive securities issued by "middle market" companies. However, the securities of smaller and mid-size companies tend to be more volatile and less liquid than securities of larger companies. This can adversely affect the prices at which the Fund can purchase and sell these securities, and thus the value of the Fund's shares.

***Valuation Risk***. Unlike publicly traded common stock, which trades on national exchanges, there is no central exchange for fixed-income securities, including bank loans, to trade. Such fixed-income securities generally trade on an "over-the-counter" market, where the buyer and seller can settle on a price. Due to the lack of centralized information and trading, the valuation of fixed-income securities may carry more risk than that of publicly-traded common stock. Uncertainties in the conditions of the financial market, unreliable reference data, lack of transparency and inconsistency of valuation models and processes may lead to inaccurate asset pricing by third party pricing vendors upon which the Fund relies. Moreover, to the extent that prices or quotations are not available from such third party pricing vendors, or when the Adviser believes that they are unreliable, securities may be priced by the Fund using fair value procedures approved by the Board. In addition, other market participants may value securities differently than the Fund. As a result, the Fund may be subject to the risk that when a fixed-income security is sold in the market, the amount received by the Fund is less than the value of such fixed-income security carried on the Fund's books.

***Zero Coupon Securities Risk***. While interest payments are not made on such securities, holders of such securities are deemed to have received income ("phantom income") annually, notwithstanding that cash may not be received currently. See "**FEDERAL INCOME TAXES** – **Special Tax Considerations** *– Securities Issued or Purchased at a Discount*." The effect of owning instruments that do not make current interest payments is that a fixed yield is earned not only on the original investment but also, in effect, on all discount accretion during the life of the obligations. This implicit reinvestment of earnings at a fixed rate eliminates the risk of being unable to invest distributions at a rate as high as the implicit yield on the zero coupon bond, but at the same time eliminates the holder's ability to reinvest at higher rates in the future. For this reason, some of these securities may be subject to substantially greater price fluctuations during periods of changing market interest rates than are comparable securities that pay interest currently. Zero coupon securities may be subject to greater fluctuation in value and less liquidity in the event of adverse market conditions than comparably rated securities that pay cash interest at regular intervals. Further, the Fund is required to distribute income to its shareholders and, consequently, may have to dispose of other, more liquid portfolio securities under disadvantageous circumstances or may have to leverage itself by borrowing in order to generate the cash to satisfy these distributions. The required distributions may result in an increase in the Fund's exposure to zero coupon securities. During a period of severe market conditions, the market for such securities may become even less liquid.

**INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS**

**Fundamental and Non-Fundamental Investment Restrictions**

*Fundamental Investment Restrictions*

The following is a description of fundamental policies of the Fund that may not be changed without the vote of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities. Under the 1940 Act, the vote of a majority of the outstanding securities of a company means the vote, at the annual or a special meeting of the security holders of such company duly called: (A) of 67 per centum or more of the voting securities present at such meeting, if the holders of more than 50 per centum of the outstanding voting securities of such company are present or represented by proxy; or (B) of more than 50 per centum of the outstanding voting securities of such company, whichever is less. The other restrictions set forth below, as well as the Fund's investment objective and each of the other investment restrictions set forth in the Prospectus or this SAI and not designated as fundamental, are not fundamental policies and may be changed by the Board of Trustees. The percentages set forth below and the percentages set forth in the Prospectus apply at the time of the purchase of a security, except (i) with respect to fundamental investment restriction (2) and (7), for which any such required percentages apply at all times and (ii) as otherwise required by applicable law.

The Fund may not:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) Purchase securities which would cause 25% or more of the value of its total assets at the time of the purchase to be directly invested in the securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry or group of industries (excluding obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or any state or territory of the United States or any of their agencies, instrumentalities or political subdivisions);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) Borrow money, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) Make loans, except that the Fund may purchase or hold debt instruments in accordance with its investment objectives and policies; provided however, this restriction does not apply to repurchase agreements or loans of portfolio securities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) Act as an underwriter of securities of other issuers except that, in the disposition of portfolio securities, it may be deemed to be an underwriter under the federal securities laws;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) Purchase or sell real estate, although the Fund may purchase securities of issuers which deal in real estate, securities which are secured by interests in real estate, and securities which represent interests in real estate, and they may acquire and dispose of real estate or interests in real estate acquired through the exercise of their rights as a holder of debt obligations secured by real estate or interests therein;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6) Purchase or sell commodities, unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments; however, this restriction shall not prevent the fund from engaging in transactions involving swaps, futures contracts, forward contracts, options or other derivative instruments, investing in securities that are secured by commodities or investing in companies or other entities that are engaged in a commodities or commodities trading business or that have a significant portion of their assets in commodities-related investments, subject to restrictions described in the Fund's Prospectus and elsewhere in this SAI; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7) Issue senior securities, except for permitted borrowings or as otherwise permitted under the 1940 Act.

For the purposes of restriction (1) above, industry classifications are determined for the Fund in accordance with the industry or sub-industry classifications as defined by level 4 of the ICE industry classification system. The Fund may use other classification titles, standards and systems from time to time, as it determines to be in the best interests of shareholders. The use of any particular classification system is not a fundamental policy.

Restrictions (2) and (7) above shall be interpreted based upon no-action letters and other pronouncements of the staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Under current pronouncements, certain Fund positions may be excluded from the definition of "senior security" so long as the Fund complies with applicable regulatory requirements.

*Non-Fundamental Investment Restrictions*

The Board of Trustees may change the Fund's name, investment objective or its principal investment strategies without a shareholder vote. The Fund will notify you in writing at least sixty (60) days before making any such change. In addition, it is contrary to the Fund's present policies, which may be changed without shareholder vote, to purchase any illiquid security, including any securities whose disposition is restricted under federal securities laws and securities that are not readily marketable, if, as a result, more than 15% of the Fund's net assets (based on then-current value) would then be invested in such securities. For purposes of this restriction, Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act allows a fund to enter into reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions, notwithstanding the requirements of Sections 18(c) and 18(f)(1) of the 1940 Act, if the fund: (i) complies with the asset coverage requirements of Section 18, and combines the aggregate amount of indebtedness associated with all reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions with the aggregate amount of any other senior securities representing indebtedness when calculating the asset coverage ratio; or (ii) treats all reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions as derivatives transactions. Funds are also required to comply with certain recordkeeping requirements under Rule 18f-4 related to reverse repurchase agreements held by the fund. This limitation on investment in illiquid securities does not apply to certain restricted securities, including securities pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and certain commercial paper that the Adviser has determined to be liquid under procedures approved by the Board of Trustees.

**PORTFOLIO TURNOVER**

Purchases and sales of portfolio securities may be made as considered advisable by the Adviser in the best interests of the shareholders. The Fund's portfolio turnover rate may vary from year to year, as well as within a year. The Fund's distributions of any net short-term capital gains realized from portfolio transactions are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. See "**FEDERAL INCOME TAXES**." In addition, higher portfolio turnover rates can result in corresponding increases in portfolio transaction costs for the Fund. See "**PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE**" in this SAI.

For reporting purposes, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the fiscal year by the monthly average of the value of the portfolio securities owned by the Fund during the fiscal year. In determining such portfolio turnover, all securities whose maturities at the time of acquisition were one year or less are excluded. A 100% portfolio turnover rate would occur, for example, if all of the securities in the Fund's investment portfolio (other than short-term money market securities) were replaced once during the fiscal year. Portfolio turnover will not be a limiting factor should the Adviser deem it advisable to purchase or sell securities.

**DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS**

This Policy sets forth the conditions under which Portfolio Holdings (defined below) data for the Trust on behalf of the Fund may be disclosed to Third Parties (defined below) (which may include the public) and Service Providers (defined below). No data about the Fund's portfolio holdings may be disclosed except in accordance with this Policy.

Portfolio Holdings data includes, but is not limited to, the following information about the Fund: (i) specific securities held; (ii) industry sector breakdowns as a percentage of portfolio net assets; (iii) asset composition (*e.g.*, equities versus bonds); (iv) U.S. versus foreign holdings percentage breakdowns and regional breakdowns (*e.g.*, Asia, North America); and (v) top 10 portfolio holdings in order of position size, including percentage of portfolio.

"Third Parties" or a "Third Party" means a person other than a Service Provider, an employee of a Service Provider, a Trustee of the Board of Trustees of the Trust, or an officer of the Trust.

"Service Providers" or a "Service Provider" includes, but is not limited to, the investment adviser, administrator, custodian, transfer agent, fund accountant, principal underwriter, software or technology service providers, pricing and proxy voting service providers, research and trading service providers, auditors, accountants, and legal counsel, or any other entity that has a need to know such information in order to fulfill their contractual obligations to provide services to the Fund.

**Policy Overview**

The Board has adopted, on behalf of the Fund, policies and procedures relating to disclosure of the Portfolio Holdings. These policies and procedures are designed to protect the confidentiality of the Portfolio Holdings' information and to prevent the selective disclosure of such information. These policies and procedures may be modified at any time with the approval of the Board.

In order to protect the Fund from any trading practices or other use by a Third Party that could harm the Fund, Portfolio Holdings' and other Fund-specific information must not be selectively released or disclosed except under the circumstances described below.

Only officers of the Trust and their authorized agents, including, but not limited to, the Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser, may approve the disclosure of the Fund's Portfolio Holdings. Except as set forth under "**Policy Exceptions**" below, exceptions to this Policy may only be made if an officer of the Trust and its authorized agents, including, but not limited to, the Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser, determines that the disclosure is being made for a legitimate business purpose and such disclosures must be documented and reported to the Board on a quarterly basis. In all cases, Third Parties and Service Providers are required to execute a non-disclosure agreement requiring the recipient to keep confidential any Portfolio Holdings data received and not to trade on the Confidential Portfolio Information (defined below) received. Neither the Trust nor its Service Providers (nor any persons affiliated with either) can receive any compensation or other consideration in connection with the sharing of the Fund's Portfolio Holdings.

Disclosure of the Portfolio Holdings' information that is not publicly available ("Confidential Portfolio Information") may be made to Service Providers. In addition, to the extent permitted under applicable law, the Adviser may distribute (or authorize the custodian or principal underwriter to distribute) Confidential Portfolio Information to the Fund's relevant Service Providers and to facilitate the review of the Fund by certain mutual fund analysts and ratings agencies (such as Morningstar and Lipper Analytical Services) ("Rating Agencies"); provided that such disclosure is limited to the information that the Adviser believes is reasonably necessary in connection with the services to be provided. As noted above, except to the extent permitted under this Policy, Confidential Portfolio Information may not be disseminated for compensation or other consideration.

Before any disclosure of Confidential Portfolio Information to Service Providers or Rating Agencies is permitted, the Chief Compliance Officer for the Adviser (or persons designated by such Chief Compliance Officer) must determine in writing that, under the circumstances, the disclosure is being made for a legitimate business purpose. Furthermore, the recipient of Confidential Portfolio Information by a Service Provider or Rating Agency must be either subject to a written confidentiality agreement that prohibits any trading upon the Confidential Portfolio Information or subject to professional or ethical obligations not to disclose or otherwise improperly use the information, such as would apply to independent registered public accounting firms or legal counsel.

The identity of such entities is provided below:

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name of Recipient** | **Frequency**<br> **of** <br> **Holdings** <br> **Disclosure** | **Information** <br> **Lag** | **Date of** <br> **Information** | **Date**<br> **Provided** <br> **to** <br> **Recipients** |
| Brigade Capital Management, LP (Adviser) | Daily |  | Daily | Daily |
| Brigade Capital UK LLP (Sub-Adviser) | Daily |  | Daily | Daily |
| ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (Administrator) | Daily |  | Daily | Daily |
| State Street (Custodian) | Daily |  | Daily | Daily |
| Cohen & Company, Ltd. (Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm) | As needed |  | As needed | As needed |
| Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP (Trust Counsel) | As needed |  | As needed | As needed |
| Thompson Hine LLP (Independent Counsel) | As needed |  | As needed | As needed |
| Kirkland & Ellis LLP (Adviser Counsel) | As needed |  | As needed | As needed |
| Bloomberg L.P. | Daily |  | Daily | Daily |
| Thomson Reuters Lipper | Monthly | 30 days | Monthly | Monthly |
| Morningstar, Inc. | Monthly | 30 days | Monthly | Monthly |
| Allvue Systems | Daily |  | Daily | Daily |
| SS&C Technologies, Inc. | Daily |  | Daily | Daily |
| FactSet Research Systems Inc. | Monthly | 30 days | Monthly | Monthly |
| PricingDirect Inc | Daily |  | Daily | Daily |
| IHS Markit | Daily |  | Daily | Daily |

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The Adviser shall have primary responsibility for ensuring that the Portfolio Holdings' information is disclosed only in accordance with this Policy. As part of this responsibility, the Adviser will maintain such internal policies and procedures as it believes are reasonably necessary for preventing the unauthorized disclosure of Confidential Portfolio Information.

**Full Portfolio Holdings**

The disclosure policy currently authorizes the quarterly dissemination of full portfolio holdings of the Fund with a thirty (30) calendar day lag. Except as set forth in this Policy, the full holdings of the Fund will also be disclosed on a quarterly basis on forms required to be filed with the SEC as follows: (i) Portfolio Holdings as of the end of each fiscal year will be filed as part of the annual report filed on Form N-CSR; (ii) Portfolio Holdings as of the end of the first and third fiscal quarters will be filed in Form N-PORT; and (iii) Portfolio Holdings as of the end of the second fiscal quarter will be filed as part of the semi-annual report filed on Form N-CSR. The Trust's Form N-CSRs and Form N-PORTs are available free of charge on the SEC's website at <u>www.sec.gov</u>. Portfolio holdings information may be separately provided to any person, including rating and ranking organizations such as Morningstar and Lipper, at the same time that it is filed with the SEC.

**Partial Portfolio Holdings**

Except as set forth in this Policy, partial Portfolio Holdings information will only be provided to Third Parties for the most recent month-end period and only after a thirty (30) calendar day delay from the end of the month being provided. These holdings may include any combination of the Portfolio Holdings information, except for full Portfolio Holdings.

**Policy Exceptions**

The following disclosures of Portfolio Holdings are not prohibited by this Policy:

§ Disclosures that are required by law;

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| § | Disclosures necessary for Service Providers to perform services to the Fund, provided that they are made pursuant to a written agreement between the Service Provider and the receiving party that restricts such receiving party's use of the information; |
| § | Disclosure necessary for Rating Agencies to assess applicable fund ratings; |
| § | Disclosures necessary to broker-dealers or banks as a part of the normal buying, selling, shorting or other transactions in portfolio securities; |
| § | Disclosures to the applicable Fund's or Service Providers' regulatory authorities, accountants or counsel; and |
| § | Disclosures to the Adviser of compiled data concerning accounts managed by the Adviser. |

---

**PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE**

**Investment Decisions and Portfolio Transactions**

Investment decisions for the Fund are made with a view to achieving its investment objectives. Investment decisions are the product of many factors in addition to basic suitability for the Fund. Some securities considered for investment by the Fund may also be appropriate for other clients served by the Adviser. Thus, a particular security may be bought or sold for certain clients of the Adviser (including the Fund) even though it could have been bought or sold for other clients at the same time. If a purchase or sale of securities consistent with the investment policies of the Fund and one or more of these clients is considered at or about the same time, transactions in such securities will be allocated among the Fund and clients in a manner deemed fair and reasonable by the Adviser pursuant to its allocation guidelines. Particularly when investing in less liquid or illiquid securities of smaller capitalization companies, such allocation may take into account the asset size of the Fund as well as applicable regulatory considerations in determining whether the allocation of an investment is suitable. The Adviser may aggregate orders for the Fund with simultaneous transactions entered into on behalf of its other clients so long as price and transaction expenses are averaged either for the portfolio transaction or for that day. Likewise, a particular security may be bought for one or more clients when one or more clients are selling the security. In some instances, one client may sell a particular security to another client (in all cases, in compliance with applicable law). There may be circumstances when purchases or sales of portfolio securities for one or more clients will have an adverse effect on other clients, including the Fund.

**Brokerage and Research Services**

The Adviser places orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio securities for the Fund through several brokers or dealers. The Adviser conducts a thorough analysis, based on its policies and procedures, to determine the broker or dealer to be used and the commission rates to be paid. The factors involved in the broker or dealer selection include transaction costs, broker research capabilities and service level.

The commissions paid by the Fund (which, in the case of fixed income transactions, are reflected in the bid-ask spread) comply with the Adviser's duty to seek "best execution." The Fund may pay commissions that are higher than that which they could obtain at another financial institution to effect the same transaction. The Adviser conducts an analysis and makes a determination as to the reasonableness of commissions in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services received. In seeking best execution, the determinative factor is not the lowest possible cost, but whether the transaction represents the best qualitative execution, taking into consideration the full range of services, including without limitation, the value of research provided, execution capability, commission rates, and responsiveness. The Adviser seeks competitive rates but may not obtain the lowest possible commission rates for transactions executed by the Fund. Although the Fund may use a broker-dealer that sells Fund shares to effect transactions for the Fund's portfolio, the Fund will not consider the sale of Fund shares as a factor when selecting broker-dealers to execute those transactions.

Subject to the Adviser's policy of seeking best execution for transactions, and subject to the criteria of Section 28(e) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act"), the Adviser may place trades with a broker-dealer that provides brokerage and research services. The Adviser may have an incentive to select or recommend a broker based on its interest in receiving research or other products or services, rather than its interest in receiving the most favorable execution for the Fund. However, in selecting a broker for research, the Adviser makes a good faith determination that the amount of commission charged is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage, research received. The determination may be viewed in terms of a particular transaction or the Adviser's overall responsibilities with respect to the accounts over which it exercises investment discretion. Research and brokerage services provided by broker-dealers chosen by the Adviser to place the Fund's portfolio transactions may be useful to the Adviser in providing services to the Adviser's other clients, although not all of these services may be necessarily useful and of value to the Adviser in managing the Fund. Conversely, brokerage and research products and services provided to the Adviser by broker-dealers in connection with trades executed on behalf of other clients of the Adviser may be useful to the Adviser in managing the Fund, although not all of these brokerage and research products and services may be necessarily useful and of value to the Adviser in managing such other clients. Subject to Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act, the Adviser may pay a broker additional commission in recognition of the value of the brokerage and/or research services provided by that broker. When the Adviser uses Fund brokerage commissions to obtain research or other products or services, the Adviser receives a benefit because it does not have to produce or pay for the research, products or services. The advisory fees paid by the Fund are not reduced because the Adviser receives such services even though the receipt of such services relieves the Adviser from expenses it might otherwise bear. However, because the Adviser pursues an investment strategy on behalf of the Fund that is primarily fixed income, rather than equity, oriented, the amount of "soft" dollars that may be generated by trading in the Fund and accordingly utilized to pay for research or other products or services provided by brokers, dealers or other third parties historically has not been meaningful.

The Adviser may place orders for the purchase and sale of exchange-listed portfolio securities with a broker-dealer that is an affiliate of the Adviser where, in the judgment of the Adviser, such firm will be able to obtain a price and execution at least as favorable as other qualified broker-dealers. Pursuant to rules of the SEC, a broker-dealer that is an affiliate of the Adviser may receive and retain compensation for effecting portfolio transactions for the Fund on a securities exchange if the commissions paid to such an affiliated broker-dealer by the Fund on exchange transactions do 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." As required by applicable SEC rules, the Board has adopted procedures which are reasonably designed to provide that any commissions, fees or other remuneration paid to an affiliated broker are consistent with the foregoing standards. As of the date hereof, the Adviser does not have any affiliated broker-dealer.

For the fiscal period ended September 30, 2025, the Fund paid $0 in brokerage commissions.

**PURCHASE, EXCHANGE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES**

ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (the "Transfer Agent") will maintain an account for each shareholder upon which the registration and transfer of shares are recorded, and any transfers shall be reflected by bookkeeping entry, without physical delivery. Confirmations of each purchase or redemption are sent to each shareholder. Monthly statements of account are sent which include shares purchased as a result of a reinvestment of Fund distributions. The Transfer Agent will require that a shareholder provide requests in writing, accompanied by a valid signature guarantee form, when changing certain information in an account (*i.e.*, wiring instructions, telephone privileges, etc.).

**Share Classes**

Shares of the Fund are currently divided into two share classes: Founders Class and Institutional Class shares.

The assets received by each class of the Fund for the issue or sale of its shares and all income, earnings, profits, losses and proceeds therefrom, subject only to the rights of creditors, are allocated to, and constitute the underlying assets of, that class of the Fund. The underlying assets of each class of the Fund are segregated and are charged with the expenses with respect to that class of the Fund along with a share of the general expenses of the Fund and the Trust. Any general expenses of the Fund that are not readily identifiable as belonging to a particular class of the Fund are allocated by or under the direction of the Board of Trustees in such manner as they determine to be fair and reasonable.

**Purchase of Shares**

No sales charges will be applied to your share purchases.

Founders Class shares are only offered to investors who: (i) satisfy the minimum investment requirements described in the Prospectus, and (ii) are advisory clients of certain entities with whom the Adviser has a strategic relationship.

Institutional Class shares are typically offered only through certain types of financial intermediaries and to certain institutional investors. Institutional Class shares and Founders Class shares are offered directly, via the Fund's transfer agent, and through financial intermediaries (including, but not limited to, broker-dealers, retirement plans, bank trust departments, and financial advisors). Such intermediaries may require payment from the Fund or its service providers for the provision of distribution, administrative or shareholder retention services, except for networking and/or omnibus account fees. Institutional investors may include, but are not limited to, corporations, retirement plans, public plans and foundations/endowments.

You should speak with your financial advisor to help you decide which share class is best for you. If your financial intermediary offers more than one class of shares, you should carefully consider which class of shares to purchase. Certain classes have higher expenses than other classes, which may lower the return on your investment.

The minimum investments in the Fund are set forth in the Prospectus. The Fund reserves the right to waive or change investment minimums.

Subsequent investments may be made at any time by mailing a check or by phone. If the shareholder is mailing in the purchase, this should be mailed to the Transfer Agent, along with purchase instructions including the fund account number. Shareholders should be sure to write the Fund's account number on the check. If the shareholder has a bank account established on their account, the shareholder can call the toll free to initiate electronic purchase via the phone. Purchases of Fund shares (initial or subsequent) may not be made by third-party check.

Share purchase orders are effective at the next determined net asset value after the Fund or its authorized agents receive your purchase instructions in good order and, if applicable, a new Account Application. The Fund will accept purchases only in U.S. dollars drawn from U.S. financial institutions. Cashier's checks, money orders, credit card convenience checks, cash or equivalents or payments foreign currencies are not acceptable forms of payment. Share certificates will not be issued.

Initial and subsequent investments may also be made by wire transfer. Shareholders should note that their bank may charge a fee in connection with transferring money by bank wire. Shareholders utilizing wire transfer are required to notify the Transfer Agent and provide investment instructions, including the fund account number, prior to the wire being received.

Shareholders utilizing wire transfer are required to notify the Transfer Agent and provide investment instructions, including the fund account number, prior to the wire being received.

Transactions are processed at the next determined net asset value after your instructions are received in good order. Transactions received prior to the close of the New York Stock Exchange, "market close" (typically 4:00 PM EST), will be processed with the current trade date. Transactions received after market close will be processed on the next business day.

The price of the Fund's shares and the valuation of Fund assets are discussed below in "**NET ASSET VALUE**."

**Exchange of Shares**

If you are an existing shareholder of the Fund, you may exchange into a new account copying your existing account registration and options. Exchanges between accounts will be accepted only if registrations are identical.

Exchanges must meet the minimum investment requirements described in the Prospectus. Before affecting an exchange, you should read the Prospectus.

You may transfer between share classes of the Fund if you meet the minimum investment requirements for the class into which you would like to transfer. Transfer requests must be made in writing to the Fund's transfer agent, or placed through your authorized agent. Exchanges between share classes of the Fund are generally non-taxable exchanges but tax reporting requirements may apply as described in "**FEDERAL INCOME TAXES** - **Special Tax Considerations** - *Transfers between Classes of a Single Fund*.

The exchange privilege may be modified or terminated upon sixty (60) days' written notice to shareholders. Although initially there will be no limit on the number of times you may exercise the exchange privilege, the Fund reserves the right to impose such a limitation. Call or write the Fund for further details.

**Redemption of Shares**

If the Board of Trustees determines that it is in the best interests of the remaining shareholders of the Fund, the Fund may pay the redemption price in whole, or in part, by a distribution in kind from the Fund, in lieu of cash, taking such securities at their value employed for determining such redemption price, and selecting the securities in such manner as such Board may deem fair and equitable. A shareholder who receives a distribution in kind may incur a brokerage commission upon a later disposition of such securities and may receive less than the redemption value of such securities or property upon sale, particularly where such securities are sold prior to maturity. However, the Fund is required to redeem shares solely for cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the NAV of the Fund during any 90-day period for any one shareholder. Should redemptions by any shareholder exceed such limitation, the Fund will have the option of redeeming the excess in cash or in-kind. Redemption in kind is not as liquid as a cash redemption.

Under the 1940 Act, the Fund may suspend the right of redemption or postpone the date of payment upon redemption for any period: (i) during which the NYSE is closed, other than customary weekend and holiday closings; (ii) during which trading on the NYSE is restricted; or (iii) during which (as determined by the SEC by rule or regulation) an emergency exists as a result of which disposal or valuation of portfolio securities is not reasonably practicable, or for such other periods as the SEC may permit. The Fund may also suspend or postpone the recordation of the transfer of its shares upon the occurrence of any of the foregoing conditions.

*Redemption Procedures.* The Fund will redeem all full and fractional shares of the Fund upon request on any business day at the applicable net asset value determined after the receipt of proper redemption instructions, less any applicable redemption fees. Shareholders liquidating their holdings will receive upon redemption all dividends reinvested through the date of redemption. If notice of redemption is received on any business day, the redemption will be effective on the date of receipt. Payment will ordinarily be made the next business day, but, in any case, within no more than seven business days from the date of receipt. If the notice is received on a day that is not a business day or after the close of regularly scheduled trading on the NYSE, the redemption notice will be deemed received as of the next business day. The value of shares at the time of redemption may be more or less than the shareholder's cost.

*Redemption Fees.* If you sell or exchange your shares of the Fund after holding them 60 calendar days or less, a 1.00% redemption fee may be deducted from the redemption amount. For this purpose, shares held longest will be treated as being redeemed first and shares held shortest as being redeemed last.

No redemption requests will be processed until the Fund has received a completed Purchase Application, and no redemption of shares purchased by check will be made until all checks received for such shares have been collected, which may take up to 10 days or more.

*Note: Under the 1940 Act, the Fund has the right to suspend or postpone redemptions of shares for any period (i) during which the NYSE or exchange is closed, other than customary weekend and holiday closings; (ii) during which trading on the NYSE or exchange is restricted; (iii) during which (as determined by the SEC or other regulatory authority by rule or regulation) an emergency exists as a result of which disposal or valuation of portfolio securities is not reasonably practicable, or (iv) as otherwise permitted by the SEC or other regulatory authority. The Fund may also suspend or postpone the recordation of the transfer of its shares upon the occurrence of any of the foregoing conditions.*

**TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS**

The business and affairs of the Fund are managed under the direction of the Trust's Board of Trustees. The Board approves all significant agreements between/among the Fund and the persons or companies that furnish services to the Fund, including agreements with the Fund's distributor, Adviser, administrator, custodian and transfer agent. The day-to-day operations of the Fund are delegated to the Adviser and the Fund's administrator.

The name, address, year of birth, and principal occupations for the past five years of the Trustees and officers of the Trust are listed below, along with the number of portfolios in the Fund Complex overseen by and the other directorships held by the Trustee.

**<u>Independent Trustees</u>**

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name,** <br> **Birth Year** <br> **&** <br> **Address\***  | **Position(s)**<br> **Held with**<br> **Fund** | **Term of**<br> **Office and**<br> **Length of**<br> **Time**<br> **Served\*\*** | **Principal Occupation(s)**<br> **During Past 5 Years\*\*\*** | **Number of**<br> **Funds in**<br> **Fund**<br> **Complex**<br> **Overseen**<br> **by**<br> **Trustee\*\*\*\*** | **Other Directorships**<br> **Held by Trustee**<br> **During Past 5**<br> **Years\*\*\*** |
| **Ward D. Armstrong**, <br> **Birth year: 1954**  | Trustee and Chairman | Mr. Armstrong was appointed to the Board on May 27, 2016 and elected to the Board by shareholders on April 12, 2021. Mr. Armstrong was appointed Chairman of the Board at the August 24, 2017 meeting of the Board of Trustees. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mr. Armstrong is currently retired. From February 2010 to July 2015, he was Co-Founder and Managing Partner of NorthRock Partners, a private wealth advisory firm providing comprehensive wealth management and family office services to the high net-worth marketplace. Previously, he was Senior Vice President, Ameriprise Financial (1984 to 2007); Chairman of Ameriprise Trust Company (1996 to 2007) and President, American Express Institutional Asset Management (2002 to 2004). He has also served on several investment related Boards including Kenwood Capital Management, RiverSource Investments, American Express Asset Management International and was Chair of the Ordway Theatre Endowment Committee. | 8 | Mr. Armstrong is a Director of the Heartland Group, Inc. (3 funds) (2008 to present). |

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Merrillyn J. Kosier,** <br> **Birth year: 1959**  | Trustee | Ms. Kosier was elected to the Board on November 17, 2021. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ms. Kosier retired from Ariel Investments as Executive Vice President in 2019. During her twenty year tenure at the firm, she served as Chief Marketing Officer, Ariel Mutual Funds (2007 - 2019); Trustee for Ariel Investment Trust (2003 - 2019) and President of Ariel Distributors, LLC (2002 - 2019). Prior to joining Ariel Investments, she was Senior Vice President at Wanger Asset Management, the investment adviser to Acorn Investment Trust (1993 - 1998); Vice President of Marketing Communications at Kemper Financial Services (1984 - 1993); and a Registered Sales Representative at R. J. O'Brien & Associates (1982 - 1984). Most recently, Ms. Kosier joined the board of Miami Corporation Management, a multi-generation family office and family holding company (June 2023 - present). She is also Board and CEO Advisor to Bridgeway Capital Management, a U.S. asset manager specializing in statistically driven institutional investment strategies, mutual funds, and sub-advisory services (December 2023 - present). | 8 | Ms. Kosier is a Trustee at the Harris Theater For Music and Dance (2006 - present) where she currently serves as Chair of the Board (2022 - present). She is also a Board Member at The Arts Club of Chicago (2021 - present). |
| **Patrick Seese,** <br> **Birth year: 1971**<br>| Trustee | Mr. Seese was elected to the Board on October 30, 2012. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mr. Seese is an owner and a Managing Director of Integris Partners, a middle-market investment banking firm serving closely-held companies, financial sponsors and public companies (February 2008 to present). Prior to this, Mr. Seese was a Managing Director of Headwaters MB, a middle-market investing banking firm (December 2003 to February 2008). Prior to that, Mr. Seese worked in Credit Suisse First Boston's Mergers and Acquisitions Group and served as Head of Corporation Development, Katy Industries, a publicly traded industrial and consumer products company and at Deloitte & Touche LLP, where he began his career in 1994. | 8 | Mr. Seese is a Director of the Alpha Alternative Assets Fund (September 2021 to Present), The Mile High Five Foundation (2013 to present) and SJ Panthers Foundation (2016 to present). |

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**<u>Officers</u>**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Birth** <br> **Year &** <br> **Address\***  | **Position(s)** <br> **Held with Fund** | **Term of Office** <br> **and Length of Time** <br> **Served\*\***  | **Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years\*\*\*** |
| **Lucas Foss,**<br> **Birth Year: 1977** | President | President Since August 2022<br>Chief Compliance Officer from January 2018 - August 2022<br>| Mr. Foss rejoined ALPS in November 2017 and is currently Director, Fund Compliance & Governance at SS&C ALPS. Mr. Foss is also the President of Financial Investors Trust and Chief Compliance Officer of Sound Point Meridian Capital, Inc; Bluerock Total Income + Real Estate Fund; Bluerock High Income Institutional Credit Fund; SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust, SPDR® Dow Jones® Industrial Average ETF Trust, SPDR® S&P MIDCAP 400® ETF Trust. |
| **Jill McFate**<br> **Birth Year: 1978**  | Treasurer | Since December 2021 | Ms. McFate joined ALPS in 2021 and is currently Senior Director, Fund Administration of ALPS. Prior to joining SS&C ALPS, Jill managed financial reporting and N-PORT regulatory reporting services during her 14 years at The Northern Trust Company as Vice President, Financial Reporting Manager. |

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Theodore J. Uhl,<br> Birth Year: 1974**<br>| Chief Compliance and Anti-Money Laundering Officer | Since August 2024 | Mr. Uhl joined ALPS in October 2006, and is currently Deputy Compliance Officer of ALPS. Prior to his current role, Mr. Uhl served as Senior Risk Manager for ALPS from October 2006 until June 2010. Before joining ALPS, Mr. Uhl served a Sr. Analyst with Enenbach and Associates (RIA), and a Sr. Financial Analyst at Sprint. Because of his position with ALPS, Mr. Uhl is deemed an affiliate of the Trust as defined under the 1940 Act. Mr. Uhl is also Chief Compliance Officer of Financial Investors Trust, GraniteShares ETF Trust, Accordant ODCE Index Fund, Axonic Funds, and the SS&C Interval Fund Platform. |
| **Camilla Nwokonko,**<br> **Birth Year: 1995** | Secretary | Since October 2024 | Ms. Nwokonko specializes in legal and regulatory matters in investment management, including regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and issues related to both registered and private funds. She holds a Juris Doctor from Marquette University Law School and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Texas A&M University, providing her with a solid academic foundation. Prior to her current role, she gained valuable experience as an Associate Attorney at U.S. Bank Global Fund services—a global fund administrator, where she navigated complex regulatory frameworks. Ms. Nwokonko has also obtained experience through internships and roles at Northwestern Mutual and Oracle Corporation. |

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\* All communications to Trustees and Officers may be directed to ALPS Series Trust c/o 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, CO 80203.

\*\* This is the period for which the Trustee or Officer began serving the Trust. Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until such Trustee's successor is elected and appointed, or such Trustee resigns or is deceased. Each Officer is appointed on an annual basis, and serves until such Officer's successor is appointed, or such Officer resigns or is deceased.

\*\*\* Except as otherwise indicated, each individual has held the office shown or other offices in the same company for the last five years.

\*\*\*\* The Fund Complex currently consists of 8 series of the Trust.

**Ward D. Armstrong-** Through his experience as a senior officer of and board member of financial and other organizations, Mr. Armstrong contributes his management and oversight experience to the Board. The Board also benefits from his experience as a member of the board of other funds and operating companies. He was selected to serve as a Trustee of the Trust based on his business, financial services and investment management experience. Additional information regarding Mr. Armstrong's principal occupations and other directorships held is presented in the chart above. Mr. Armstrong received a B.S. in Business Administration (Finance Emphasis) from the University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management.

**Merrillyn J. Kosier**- Through her experience as a senior officer and trustee in the investment management industry, Ms. Kosier contributes her management and oversight experience to the Board. The Board also benefits from her experience as a board member of other organizations. She was selected to serve as a Trustee of the Trust based on her business acumen, regulatory and 40 Act funds knowledge, distribution and marketing/communications experience in the financial services arena. Additional information regarding Ms. Kosier's principal occupations and other directorships held is presented in the chart above. Ms. Kosier is a graduate of Andrews University and earned an MBA from Loyola University Chicago.

**Patrick Seese-** Through his experience as a senior officer of and board member of financial and other organizations, Mr. Seese contributes his management and oversight experience to the Board. The Board also benefits from his experience as a member of the board of other organizations. He was selected to serve as a Trustee of the Trust based on his business, financial services and accounting experience. Additional information regarding Mr. Seese's principal occupations and other directorships held is presented in the chart above. Mr. Seese is a graduate of the University of Colorado and earned an MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He is one of the founders of The Mile High Five Foundation (MH5), a charity dedicated to fund youth/health-related organizations.

None of the Independent Trustees own securities in Brigade Capital Management LP, the Fund's investment adviser, Brigade Capital UK, LLP, the Fund's investment sub-adviser, or ALPS Distributors, Inc., the Funds' principal underwriter, nor do they own securities in any entity directly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with these entities.

*Leadership Structure and Oversight Responsibilities*

Overall responsibility for oversight of the Fund rests with the Trustees. The Trust has engaged the Adviser to manage the Fund on a day-to day basis. The Board is responsible for overseeing the Adviser and other service providers in the operations of the Fund in accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act, applicable provisions of state and other laws and the Trust's Declaration of Trust. The Board is currently composed of three members, all of whom are Independent Trustees. The Board meets at regularly scheduled quarterly meetings each year. In addition, the Board may hold special in-person or telephonic meetings or informal conference calls to discuss specific matters that may arise or require action between regular meetings. As described below, the Board has established a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and an Audit Committee, and may establish *ad hoc* committees or working groups from time to time, to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities. The Independent Trustees have also engaged independent legal counsel to assist them in performing their oversight responsibilities.

The Board has appointed Ward D. Armstrong, an Independent Trustee, to serve in the role of Chairman. The Chairman's role is to preside at all meetings of the Board and to act as a liaison with the Adviser, other service providers, counsel and other Trustees generally between meetings. The Chairman may also perform such other functions as may be delegated by the Board from time to time. The Board reviews matters related to its leadership structure annually. The Board has determined that the Board's leadership structure is appropriate given the Trust's characteristics and circumstances. These include the Trust's series of fund shares, each fund's single portfolio of assets, each fund's net assets and the services provided by the fund's service providers.

Risk oversight forms part of the Board's general oversight of the Fund and is addressed as part of various Board and Committee activities. As part of its regular oversight of the Fund, the Board, directly or through a Committee, interacts with and reviews reports from, among others, Fund management, the Adviser, the Trust's Chief Compliance Officer, the Trust's legal counsel and the independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund regarding risks faced by the Fund. The Board, with the assistance of Fund management and the Adviser, reviews investment policies and risks in connection with its review of the Fund's performance. The Board has appointed a Chief Compliance Officer to oversee the implementation and testing of the Fund's compliance program and reports to the Board regarding compliance matters for the Fund and its principal service providers. In addition, as part of the Board's periodic review of the Fund's advisory and other service provider agreements, the Board may consider risk management aspects of these service providers' operations and the functions for which they are responsible.

**<u>Audit Committee</u>**. The Board has an Audit Committee which considers such matters pertaining to the Trust's books of account, financial records, internal accounting controls and changes in accounting principles or practices as the Trustees may from time to time determine. The Audit Committee also considers the engagement and compensation of the independent registered public accounting firm ("Firm") and ensures receipt from the Firm of a formal written statement delineating relationships between the Firm and the Trust, consistent with Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Rule 3526. The Audit Committee also meets privately with the representatives of the Firm to review the scope and results of audits and other duties as set forth in the Audit Committee's Charter. The Audit Committee members, each of whom are Independent Trustees, are: Ward D. Armstrong, Merrillyn J. Kosier, and Patrick Seese. The Audit Committee met three times during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025.

**<u>Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee</u>.** The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee meets periodically to advise and assist the Board in selecting nominees to serve as trustees of the Trust. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee believes the Board generally benefits from diversity of background, experience and views among its members and considers this a factor in evaluating the composition of the Board, but has not adopted any specific policy in this regard. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also advises and assists the Board in establishing, implementing and executing policies, procedures and practices that assure orderly and effective governance of the Trust and effective and efficient management of all business and financial affairs of the Trust. Members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are: Ward D. Armstrong, Merrillyn J. Kosier, and Patrick Seese. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board met one time during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025.

**<u>Independent Trustee Retirement Policy</u>**. The Trustees do not serve a specified term of office. Each Trustee will hold office until the termination of the Trust or his or her earlier death, resignation, retirement, incapacity, or removal. Under the Fund's Independent Trustee Retirement Policy ("Retirement Policy"), Independent Trustees are required to retire upon the end of the calendar year in which such Trustee attains age of 80. The Trustees review the Fund's Retirement Policy from time to time and may make changes as deemed appropriate.

**<u>Shareholder Nominations</u>**. The Board will consider shareholder nominees for Trustees. All nominees must possess the appropriate characteristics, skills and experience for serving on the Board. In particular, the Board and its Independent Trustees will consider each nominee's integrity, educational and professional background, understanding of the Trust's business on a technical level and commitment to devote the time and attention necessary to fulfill a Trustee's duties. All shareholders who wish to recommend nominees for consideration as Trustees shall submit the names and qualifications of the candidates to the Secretary of the Trust by writing to: ALPS Series Trust, c/o Secretary, 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado, 80203.

As of December 31, 2025, the dollar range of equity securities in the Fund beneficially owned by the Trustees were as follows:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Trustees** | **Dollar Range of Equity Securities in**<br> **the Fund** | **Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity**<br> **Securities in All Registered**<br> **Investment Companies Overseen by**<br> **Trustee in Family of Investment**<br> **Companies\*** |
| Ward Armstrong | None | None |
| Merrillyn J. Kosier | None | None |
| Patrick Seese | None | None |

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\* The Fund Complex currently consists of 8 series of the Trust.

**<u>Remuneration of Trustees</u>**. Effective January 1, 2026, the Trustees of the Trust receive a quarterly retainer of $18,750, plus $5,937.50 for each regular Board or Committee meeting attended and $2,000 for each special telephonic or in-person Board or Committee meeting attended. Additionally, the Audit Committee Chair receives a quarterly retainer of $1,875, the Nominating Committee Chair receives a quarterly retainer of $500, and the Independent Chair receives a quarterly retainer of $4,250.

Prior to January 1, 2026, the Trustees of the Trust received a quarterly retainer of $16,250, plus $5,000 for each regular Board or Committee meeting attended and $2,000 for each special telephonic or in-person Board or Committee meeting attended. Additionally, the Audit Committee Chair received a quarterly retainer of $1,875 and the Independent Chair received a quarterly retainer of $4,250.

The Trustees are also reimbursed for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at meetings.

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, the Trustees received the following compensation:

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Trustees** | **Aggregate** <br> **Compensation** <br> **From the** <br> **Trust** | **Pension Or** <br> **Retirement** <br> **Benefits** <br> **Accrued As** <br> **Part of Fund** <br> **Expenses** | **Estimated** <br> **Annual** <br> **Benefits Upon** <br> **Retirement** | **Aggregate** <br> **Compensation** <br> **From The** <br> **Trust And** <br> **Fund Complex** <br> **Paid To** <br> **Trustees\*** |
| Ward D. Armstrong | $102000 | $0 | $0 | $102000 |
| J. Wayne Hutchens\*\* | $85000 | $0 | $0 | $85000 |
| Merrillyn J. Kosier | $85000 | $0 | $0 | $85000 |
| Patrick Seese | $92500 | $0 | $0 | $92500 |

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\* The Fund Complex currently consists of 8 series of the Trust.

\*\* J. Wayne Hutchens resigned as a Trustee of the Trust effective after the close of business on November 20, 2025.

No officer, trustee, or employee of the Adviser or any of its affiliates receives any compensation from the Fund for serving as an officer or trustee of the Fund.

**INVESTMENT MANAGER**

Brigade Capital Management, LP (the "Adviser"), subject to the authority of the Trust's Board of Trustees, is responsible for the overall management and administration of the Fund's business affairs. As of September 30, 2025, the Adviser managed approximately $30.3 billion in assets. The Adviser's address is 399 Park Avenue, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10022.

Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement (the "Advisory Agreement") between the Trust and the Adviser, the Fund pays the Adviser an annual management fee of 0.50% based on the Fund's average daily net assets. The management fee is paid on a monthly basis. The initial term of the Advisory Agreement is two years. The Board may extend the Advisory Agreement for additional one-year terms. The Board and shareholders of the Fund may terminate the Advisory Agreement upon thirty (30) days' written notice. The Adviser may terminate the Advisory Agreement upon one hundred and twenty (120) days' notice. For the fiscal period ended September 30, 2025, the Fund paid the Adviser $3,452,316 in advisory fees.

Under the terms of the Advisory Agreement, the Fund is responsible for payment of all costs, fees, expenses or charges in connection with their assets, investments and operations, including but not limited to all investment expenses, including, without limitation, reasonable fees and expenses of outside legal counsel or third-party consultants retained in connection with reviewing, negotiating and structuring specialized loan and other investments made by the Fund, and any costs associated with originating loans, asset securitizations, alternative lending-related strategies and so-called "broken-deal" costs (e.g., fees, expenses and liabilities, including, for example, due diligence-related fees, costs, expenses and liabilities with respect to unconsummated investments reasonably intended by the Adviser for purchase by the Fund).

Pursuant to a Co-Administration Agreement between the Adviser and the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, the Adviser provides certain administrative services to the Fund, including but not limited to: (i), causing an officer or officers of the Adviser to serve as the "derivatives risk manager" for the Fund pursuant to Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act; and (ii) serving as the "valuation designee" for the Fund pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act. As compensation for such services, the Fund pays the Adviser an annual co-administration fee of 0.05% based on the Fund's average daily net assets. The co-administration fee is paid on a monthly basis. For the fiscal period ended September 30, 2025, the Fund paid the Adviser $345,232 in co-administration fees.

With respect to the Founders Class of the Fund, the Adviser has contractually agreed to limit the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, shareholder servicing fees, brokerage expenses, interest expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) of the Fund to an annual rate of 0.52% of the Fund's average daily net assets for such class.

With respect to the Institutional Class of the Fund, the Adviser has contractually agreed to limit the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, shareholder servicing fees, brokerage expenses, interest expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) of the Fund to an annual rate of 0.52% of the Institutional Class of the Fund's average daily net assets for such class.

This agreement is in effect through at least January 31, 2027, and will automatically continue upon annual approval by the Board of Trustees for successive twelve-month periods unless (i) it is terminated earlier by the Board of Trustees, or (ii) the Adviser provides at least 30 days written notice of its non-continuance prior to the end of the then effective term. The Adviser will be permitted to recover, on a class-by-class basis, expenses it has borne subsequent to the effective date of the agreement described above (whether through reduction of its management fee or otherwise) only to the extent that the Fund's expenses in later periods do not exceed the lesser of: (1) the contractual expense limit in effect at the time the Adviser waives or limits the expenses; or (2) the contractual expense limit in effect at the time the Adviser seeks to recover the expenses; provided, however, that the Fund will not be obligated to pay any such deferred fees or expenses more than three years after the date on which the fee and expense was reduced.

The table below shows the management fees for Brigade Capital Management, LP for the fiscal year indicated below:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **For the Fiscal Year**<br> **Ended**<br> **September 30, 2025** | **For the Fiscal Year**<br> **Ended**<br> **September 30, 2024** | **For the Period**<br> **Ended**<br> **September 30, 2023** |
| **Brigade High Income Fund** | | | |
| Gross Advisory Fees | $3452316 | $2550492 | $611119 |
| Waiver of Advisory Fees | $(963439) | $(863781) | ($271778) |
| Reimbursement of other Expenses | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Net Advisory Fees | $2488877 | $1686711 | $339341 |

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***Sub-Adviser***

The Adviser has engaged Brigade Capital UK LLP as sub-adviser to the Fund (the "Sub-Adviser"). The Sub-Adviser is located at Southwest House, Third Floor, 11A Regent Street, London, SW1Y 4LR.

The Adviser has delegated certain investment advisory services to the Sub-Adviser pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement (the "Sub-Advisory Agreement"). The Sub-Adviser is paid by the Adviser and not the Fund. The Sub-Adviser will help coordinate the investment and reinvestment of Fund assets, recommend the allocation of Fund assets to the Adviser for execution of trades and place orders for the purchase and sale of securities for the Fund.

The Sub-Advisory Agreement will continue in effect for a period beyond two years from the date of its execution so long as such continuance is approved annually (i) by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust or by the Board, and (ii) by a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to such Contract or "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any such party. The Sub-Advisory Agreement may be terminated without penalty by vote of the Trustees or the shareholders of the Trust, or by the Adviser, or the Sub-Adviser, on 60 days' written notice by either party and will terminate automatically if assigned. For the fiscal period ended September 30, 2025, the Fund paid the Sub-Adviser $0 in sub-advisory fees.

A discussion regarding the basis for the Board's approval of the Fund's Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement is included in the Fund's annual report to shareholders for the period ended September 30, 2025.

**DISTRIBUTOR**

Shares of the Fund are offered on a continuous basis through ALPS Distributors, Inc. (an affiliate of ALPS Fund Services, Inc.) (the "Distributor"), located at 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80203, as distributor pursuant to a distribution agreement between the Distributor and the Trust on behalf of the Fund. The Distributor is not obligated to sell any specific amount of Fund shares.

**CODE OF ETHICS**

The Trust, the Adviser and the Distributor each have adopted a code of ethics consistent with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act. Subject to certain restrictions, these codes of ethics permit the personnel of these entities to invest in securities, including securities that the Fund may purchase or hold. The codes of ethics are on public file with, and are available from, the SEC.

**ADMINISTRATOR**

The Trust on behalf of the Fund currently employs ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (an affiliate of the Distributor) ("ALPS" or the "Administrator"), located at 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80203, under an administration agreement to provide certain administrative services to the Fund.

The table below shows the administrative fees earned by ALPS for the fiscal year indicated below:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **For the Fiscal Year**<br> **Ended**<br> **September 30, 2025** | **For the Fiscal Year**<br> **Ended**<br> **September 30, 2024** | **For the Period**<br> **Ended**<br> **September 30, 2023** |
| **Brigade High Income Fund** | $415151 | $334053 | $80636 |

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**PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES**

Although individual Board members may not agree with particular policies or votes by the Adviser, the Board has approved delegating proxy voting discretion to the Adviser believing that the Adviser should be responsible for voting because it is a matter relating to the investment decision making process.

Attached as <u>Appendix B</u> are the Trust's Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures and a Summary of the Adviser's Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures that the Adviser uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities. Information on how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent prior 12-month period ended June 30 will be available without charge, (i) upon request, by calling (212) 745-9700 or by sending a request to IR@brigadecapital.com and (ii) on the SEC's website at <u>http://www.sec.gov</u>.

**PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS**

To the best knowledge of the Trust, the names and addresses of the record and beneficial holders of 5% or more of the outstanding shares of each class of the Funds and the percentage of the outstanding shares held by such holders are set forth below. To the best knowledge of the Trust, entities shown as owning more than 25% of the outstanding Shares of a class of the Fund are not the beneficial owners of such Shares, unless otherwise indicated.

A shareholder who owns beneficially 25% or more of the outstanding securities of the Fund is presumed to "control" that Fund as defined in the 1940 Act. Such control may affect the voting rights of other shareholders.

As of December 31, 2025, the following shareholders owned 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund as listed below:

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Class** | **Shareholder Name** | **Address** | **Percentage**<br> **of Interest** | **Type of**<br> **Ownership** |
| Brigade High Income Fund | Founders | THE NOTHERN TRUST CO. CUST., FBO SAG – AFTRA HEALTH PLAN | <br> PO BOX 92956 CHICAGO, IL 60680-2956 | 7.04% | Retail |
| Brigade High Income Fund | Founders | U.S. BANK NA | 1555 N RIVERCENTER DR., STE. 302 MILWAUKEE, WI 53212  | 58.78% | Trust Dealer |
| Brigade High Income Fund | Founders | RELIANCE TRUST COMPANY | 201 17<sup>TH</sup> ST NW, STE 1000 ATLANTA, GA 30363 | 14.58% | Trust Dealer |
| Brigade High Income Fund | Institutional | BRIGADE CAPITAL GP LLC | 399 PARK AVE., FL 16 NEW YORK, NY 10022-4415  | 100% | Retail |

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As of December 31, 2025, the officers and Trustees of the Trust owned less than 1% of any class of the outstanding shares of the Funds.

**EXPENSES**

The Fund's expenses include taxes, interest, fees and salaries of the Trust's Trustees and officers who are not trustees, officers or employees of the Fund's service contractors, SEC fees, state securities qualification fees, costs of preparing and printing prospectuses for regulatory purposes and for distribution to existing shareholders, advisory and administration fees, charges of the custodian and of the transfer and dividend disbursing agent, certain insurance premiums, outside auditing and legal expenses, costs of shareholder reports and shareholder meetings and any extraordinary expenses. The Fund also pay for brokerage fees and commissions (if any) in connection with the purchase and sale of portfolio securities.

**PORTFOLIO MANAGERS**

The following sections set forth certain additional information with respect to the portfolio managers for the Fund. Unless noted otherwise, all information is provided as of September 30, 2025.

**Other Accounts Managed by Portfolio Managers**

The table below identifies as of September 30, 2025, the number of accounts (other than the Fund with respect to which information is provided) for which the Fund's portfolio managers have day-to-day management responsibilities and the total assets in such accounts within each of the following categories: registered investment companies, other pooled investment vehicles, and other accounts.

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Portfolio Manager** | **Registered Investment**<br> **Companies** | **Registered Investment**<br> **Companies** | **Other Pooled**<br> **Investment Vehicles** | **Other Pooled**<br> **Investment Vehicles** | **Other Accounts** | **Other Accounts** |
| | **Number** | **Total**<br> **Assets**<br> **(in millions)** | **Number** | **Total**<br> **Assets**<br> **(in millions)** | **Number** | **Total**<br> **Assets**<br> **(in millions)** |
| Donald E. Morgan III | 5 | $1063.6 | 64 | $21423.4 | 47 | $&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 9652.3 |
| Douglas Pardon | 5 | $1063.6 | 14 | $5673.7 | 25 | $&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 6594.8 |

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**Portfolio Manager Compensation**

The compensation structure of Donald E. Morgan III and Douglas Pardon, co-portfolio managers of the Fund, is determined by the Adviser in accordance with its own internal remuneration policy. As a guiding principle, Brigade's compensation structure is designed to seek to attract and retain high-caliber investment professionals necessary to deliver high quality investment management services to its clients. As equity owners of the Adviser, Mr. Morgan and Mr. Pardon each receive a fixed guaranteed payment (akin to a base salary for non-equity owners) from the firm. Mr. Morgan and Mr. Pardon are highly compensated by virtue of their respective equity ownership in the Adviser, as well as potential bonuses. The compensation for Mr. Morgan and Mr. Pardon is not specifically dependent on the performance of the Fund, and they are not compensated based on the growth of the Fund's assets, or any other assets managed by the Adviser, except to the extent such growth contributes to the firm's overall asset and revenue growth, which in turn contributes to the firm's overall profitability (and may, accordingly, affect both the size of their annual performance bonus, as applicable, as well as the firm's ongoing distributions of its profits to its equity holders).

*Potential Conflicts of Interest with Other Accounts*

Potential conflicts of interest may arise when a fund's portfolio managers have day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to one or more other funds or other accounts, as is the case for the portfolio managers listed in the table above.

The Adviser has worked to establish a firm-wide culture of compliance, and accordingly has adopted compliance policies and procedures that are designed to address various conflicts of interest that may arise for the Adviser and the individuals that it employs. For example, the Adviser seeks to minimize the effects of competing interests for the time and attention of portfolio managers by assigning portfolio managers to manage funds and accounts that share a similar investment style. The Adviser has also adopted trade allocation procedures that are designed to facilitate the fair and equitable allocation of limited investment opportunities among multiple funds and accounts over time. There is no guarantee, however, that the policies and procedures adopted by the Adviser and the Fund will be able to detect and/or prevent every situation in which an actual or potential conflict may appear. These potential conflicts of interest include:

<u>Allocation of Limited Time and Attention</u>. A portfolio manager who is responsible for managing multiple funds and/or accounts may devote unequal time and attention to the management of those funds and/or accounts, including the Fund. As a result, the portfolio manager may not be able to formulate as complete a strategy or identify equally attractive investment opportunities for each of those accounts as might be the case if he were to devote substantially more attention to the management of a single fund. The effects of this potential conflict may be more pronounced where funds and/or accounts overseen by a particular portfolio manager have different investment strategies.

<u>Allocation of Investment Opportunities</u>. If a portfolio manager identifies an investment opportunity that may be suitable for multiple funds and/or accounts, the opportunity may (and typically will) be allocated among these several funds or accounts (or a subset of those funds or accounts), which may limit the Fund's ability to take full advantage of the investment opportunity. Moreover, a potential conflict of interest involving client allocations may become more acute in the case of a privately-negotiated transaction in which the Adviser and/or its affiliated persons (including its portfolio managers) may have a heightened pecuniary interest (*e.g.*, where the Adviser may be incentivized to overreach certain funds and/or accounts, including the Fund, either by including them in such transaction even though it would not be consistent with their investment objective, or by negotiating certain terms of the private transaction that inure to the benefit of certain funds and/or accounts at the expense of others, such as the Fund). The Adviser has developed compliance procedures designed to mitigate conflicts of interest associated with such transactions. While the Adviser believes that its compliance procedures, which provide that a Brigade legal professional shall review the proposed final allocation of any such transaction, adequately mitigate this risk, conflict resolution by the Adviser may result in certain clients (such as the Fund) receiving less consideration and/or less favorable treatment than they may have otherwise received in the absence of such a conflict of interest.

<u>Pursuit of Differing Investment Strategies</u>. At times, a portfolio manager may determine that an investment opportunity may be appropriate for only some of the funds and/or accounts for which he exercises investment responsibility, or may decide that certain of the funds and/or accounts should take differing positions with respect to a particular security. In these cases, a portfolio manager may place separate transactions for one or more funds or accounts which may affect the market price of the security or the execution of the transaction, or both, to the detriment or benefit of one or more other funds and/or accounts, including the Fund. Because of differences in client investment objectives and strategies, risk tolerances, tax status and other criteria, there may, however, be differences among clients in invested positions and securities held. Furthermore, a portfolio manager may purchase a security for one client account while appropriately selling that same security for another client account.

<u>Investments in Different Layers of the Capital Structure</u>. Client accounts managed by a portfolio manager may make an investment in a portfolio company in which another client of the Adviser holds an investment in a different class of such company's debt or equity. Similarly, from time to time, clients of the Adviser will hold multiple investments across the capital structure of an issuer of varying classes, types or seniorities, but will hold different proportions of each such investment. Although the Adviser generally will make such investments only when it believes that such investment is in the best interests of each account and the possibility of actual adversity between such client accounts is remote, there may be instances where the interests of such client accounts, such as the Fund, actually conflict with one another. For example, one of the Adviser's clients (such as the Fund) may hold unsecured debt of an issuer while another client holds secured debt of the same issuer, potentially resulting in one client holding an investment that is senior or junior to another client in the capital structure of such entity. In a restructuring, workout or other distressed scenario, the interests of such clients might be adverse to one another, and one such client might recover all or part of their investment while the other client does not. Decisions about what action should be taken in a troubled situation, including whether or not to enforce claims, whether or not to advocate or initiate a restructuring or liquidation inside or outside of bankruptcy, and the terms of any work-out or restructuring, raise conflicts of interest concerns. In such circumstances, it is possible that a certain client's interests may be subordinated or otherwise adversely affected by the Adviser by virtue of the other clients' involvement and actions relating to their investment in the issuer. The Adviser will endeavor to mitigate such conflicts by treating each of its clients in as fair and equitable a manner as possible in light of the particular facts and circumstances. The actions taken by the Adviser on behalf of a client, including the Fund, are expected to vary based on the particular facts and circumstances surrounding each investment by two or more clients in different classes, series or tranches of an issuer's capital structure, and, as such, investors should expect some degree of variation, and potential inconsistency, in the manner in which potential or actual conflicts are addressed. Accordingly, conflict resolution by the Adviser in such circumstances may result in one or more clients receiving less consideration and/or less favorable treatment than they may have otherwise received in the absence of such a conflict of interest. Furthermore, there can be assurance that the Adviser's own interests will not influence its conduct when attempting to mitigate such conflicts.

<u>Selection of Brokers/Dealers</u>. Portfolio managers may be able to select or influence the selection of the brokers and dealers that are used to execute securities transactions for the funds and/or account that they supervise. In addition to executing trades, some brokers and dealers provide portfolio managers with brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), which may result in the payment of higher brokerage fees (with respect to equity transactions in particular) than might have otherwise been available. These services may be more beneficial to certain funds or accounts than to others. Although the payment of brokerage commissions is subject to the requirement that the co-portfolio managers determine in good faith that the commissions are reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided to the fund, a co-portfolio manager's decision as to the selection of brokers and dealers could yield disproportionate costs and benefits among the funds and/or accounts that such individuals manage, including the Fund.

<u>Variation in Compensation; Personal Interests</u>. A conflict of interest may arise where the financial or other benefits available to the co-portfolio managers differ among the funds and/or accounts that such individuals manage. If the structure of the Adviser's management fee and/or a co-portfolio manager's compensation differs among funds and/or accounts (such as where certain funds or accounts pay higher management fees or performance-based management fees), a co-portfolio manager might be motivated to recommend more attractive investment opportunities for certain funds and/or accounts over others. Furthermore, the co-portfolio managers might be motivated to favor funds and/or accounts in which he has a personal interest or in which the Adviser and/or its affiliates have interests. Similarly, the desire to maintain or raise assets under management or to enhance a co-portfolio manager's performance record or to derive other rewards, financial or otherwise, could influence a co-portfolio manager to lend preferential treatment to those funds and/or accounts that could most significantly benefit such individual.

<u>Cross Transactions</u>. The Adviser may also execute transactions between or among client accounts (including rebalancing trades between client accounts, such as the Fund) by executing simultaneous purchase and sale orders for the same security. Even in situations where the Adviser believes there is no disadvantage to its clients, these "cross trade" transactions may nonetheless create an inherent conflict of interest. When engaging in cross transactions, the Adviser acts in good faith to ensure such transactions are fair and in the best interests of all participating client accounts and in all cases in accordance with applicable law (including, without limitation, Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act). Historically, however, the Adviser has not executed any cross trades involving the Fund.

**Ownership of Securities**

The table below identifies ownership of Fund securities by each portfolio manager as of the date of this SAI.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Portfolio Manager** | **Dollar Range of Ownership of Securities** |
| Donald E. Morgan III | None |
| Douglas Pardon | None |

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**NET ASSET VALUE**

The following is a description of the procedures used by the Fund in valuing its assets. For the purpose of pricing purchase and redemption orders, the net asset value per share of the Fund is determined once daily as of the close of regularly scheduled trading on the NYSE (normally, 4:00 p.m. Eastern time). The Fund's net asset value is calculated on each day that the NYSE is open for trading, *i.e.*, Monday through Friday, except for New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, and the preceding Friday or subsequent Monday when one of those holidays falls on a Saturday or Sunday, respectively.

In calculating net asset value, portfolio securities listed or traded on national securities exchanges for which market quotations are available are valued at the official closing price. If there is no official closing price, the securities are valued by the valuation designed at the mean of the last bid and ask price which represents the current value of the security.

Securities that are primarily traded on foreign exchanges generally are valued at the preceding closing values of such securities on their respective exchanges, except that when an occurrence subsequent to the time a value was so established is likely to have changed such value, then the fair value of those securities will be determined by consideration of other factors by the valuation designee. In valuing assets, prices denominated in foreign currencies are converted to U.S. dollar equivalents at the current exchange rate. Securities may be valued by independent pricing services which use prices provided by market-makers or estimates of market values obtained from yield data relating to instruments or securities with similar characteristics. In certain circumstances, bid and ask prices may be obtained from (i) a broker/dealer specified and deemed reliable by the valuation designee, (ii) pink sheets, yellow sheets or the blue list, or (iii) a pricing agent that obtains quotations from broker/dealers or evaluates the value of the respective bid and ask prices. All other securities and other assets of the Fund will be valued at fair value as determined in good faith pursuant to procedures adopted by the valuation designee. Valuing securities at fair value involves greater reliance on judgment than valuation of securities based on readily available market quotations.

**FEDERAL INCOME TAXES**

This section provides additional information concerning U.S. federal income taxes. It is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), applicable Treasury Regulations, judicial authority and administrative rulings and practice, all as of the date of this SAI, and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. The following does not address any state, local or foreign or estate or gift tax matters.

A shareholder's U.S. federal income tax consequences from acquiring, holding and disposing of shares in the Fund may vary depending upon the shareholder's particular situation. This discussion only applies to shareholders who are U.S. persons. For purposes of this discussion, U.S. persons are: (i) U.S. citizens or residents, (ii) U.S. corporations (i.e., entities classified as corporations for U.S. tax purposes that are organized under the laws of the United States or any state), (iii) an estate whose income is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source, or (iv) a trust, if a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over its administration or if the trust has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury Regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.

Except where noted, this discussion does not address issues of significance to U.S. persons in special situations such as: (i) certain types of tax-exempt entities, (ii) shareholders holding shares through tax-qualified accounts (such as 401(k) plan accounts or individual retirement accounts), (iii) shareholders holding investments through foreign institutions (financial and non-financial), (iv) financial institutions, (v) broker-dealers, and traders in securities that elect to mark-to-market their securities holdings, (vi) shareholders holding shares as part of a hedge, straddle or conversion transaction, (vii) shareholders who are subject to either the U.S. federal alternative minimum tax or the U.S. federal corporate minimum tax, and (viii) insurance companies, and (ix) shareholders that are pass-through entities.

If a pass-through entity (including for this purpose any entity treated as a partnership or S corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) is a beneficial owner of shares, the tax treatment of an owner in the pass-through entity will generally depend upon the status of the owner and the activities of the pass-through entity. Owners of pass-through entities that are considering the purchase of shares should consult their tax advisers regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of shares.

The Fund has not requested and will not request an advance ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") as to the U.S. federal income tax matters described below. The IRS could adopt positions contrary to those discussed below and such positions could be sustained. In addition, the foregoing discussion only addresses some of the U.S. federal income tax considerations generally affecting investments in the Fund. Prospective shareholders are urged to consult with their tax advisers as to the particular U.S. federal tax consequences to them of an investment in the Fund, as well as the applicability and effect of any state, local or foreign laws, and the effect of possible changes in applicable tax laws.

**General Policies**

In general, it is the Fund's policy to distribute annually to its shareholders as "ordinary income dividends" substantially all of its investment company taxable income (which includes, among other items, dividends, interest and the excess of any net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses). It is also the Fund's policy to distribute annually the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses, if any, after offsetting any capital loss carryovers, as "capital gains dividends."

Ordinary income dividends and capital gain distributions are payable as of the close of the Exchange on the record date for each dividend or distribution. Shareholders may elect to re-invest their ordinary income dividends or capital gain distributions, or both. The election may be made at any time by submitting a written request directly to the Fund. In order for a change to be in effect for any dividend or distribution, it must be received by the Fund on or before the record date for such dividend or distribution.

Distributions and dividends are reinvested in additional Fund shares unless you instruct the Transfer Agent to have your distributions and/or dividends paid by check mailed to the address of record or transferred through an Automated Clearing House to the bank of your choice. If you elect to receive your dividends in cash and the dividend checks sent to you are returned "undeliverable" to the Fund or remain uncashed for six months, your cash election will automatically be changed and your future dividends will be reinvested. No interest will accrue on amounts represented by uncashed dividend or redemption checks.

As required by federal law, detailed U.S. federal tax information will be furnished to each shareholder for each calendar year.

**Taxation of the Fund**

The Fund intends to elect to be treated and qualify each year as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code. The provisions of the Code applicable to regulated investment companies generally are expected to apply separately to the Fund even though the Fund is a series of the Trust. Furthermore, the Fund will separately determine its income, gain, losses and expenses for federal income tax purposes. This discussion assumes that the Fund will qualify under Subchapter M of the Code as a regulated investment company and will satisfy distribution requirements for taxation as a regulated investment company (as described below), although there can be no assurance that these assumptions will be correct.

In order to qualify for the special tax treatment accorded regulated investment companies and their shareholders, the Fund must, among other things: (i) derive at least 90% of its gross income in each taxable year 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 (including, but not limited to, gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies and net income derived from interests in "qualified publicly traded partnerships;" (ii) diversify its holdings so that at the end of each fiscal quarter, (a) at least 50% of the value of its total assets consists of cash and cash items (including receivables), U.S. government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies, and other securities limited generally, with respect to any one issuer, to no more than 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets and 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (b) not more than 25% of the value of the Fund's total assets is invested in (1) the securities (other than those of the U.S. government or other regulated investment companies) of any one issuer, (2) the securities (other than the securities of other regulated investment companies) of two or more issuers which the Fund controls and which are engaged in the same, similar or related trades or businesses, or (3) in the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships and (iii) distribute with respect to each taxable year an amount equal to or exceeding the sum of (a) 90% of its "investment company taxable income," as that term is defined in the Code (which generally includes, among other things, dividends, taxable interest, and the excess of any net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses, as reduced by certain deductible expenses) without regard to the deduction for dividends paid, and (b) 90% of its tax-exempt interest income, net of expenses allocable thereto. For purposes of meeting the diversification requirement described in (ii) above, in the case of the Fund's investment in loan participations (if any), the issuer may be the financial intermediary or the borrower. The requirements for qualification as a regulated investment company may significantly limit the extent to which the Fund may invest in some investments.

With respect to (i) above, the IRS may limit qualifying income from foreign currency gains to the amount of such gains that are directly related to a regulated investment company's principal business of investing in stock or securities (or options and futures with respect thereto) pursuant to Treasury Regulations that may be promulgated in the future. For purposes of the 90% gross income requirement described in (i) above, income derived from a partnership will generally be treated as qualifying income only to the extent such income is attributable to items of income of the partnership which would be qualifying income if realized by the regulated investment company. However, 100% of the net income derived from an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership (defined as an entity taxed as a partnership (x) interests in which are traded on an established securities market or readily tradable on a secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof and (y) that derives less than 90% of its income from the qualifying income described in (i) above) will be treated as qualifying income. In addition, although in general the passive activity loss rules of the Code do not apply to regulated investment companies, such rules do apply to a regulated investment company with respect to items attributable to an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership. Finally, for purposes of (ii)(a) above, the term "outstanding voting securities of such issuer" will include the equity securities of a qualified publicly traded partnership.

To the extent that it qualifies for treatment as a regulated investment company, the Fund will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on income distributed to its shareholders in a timely manner in the form of dividends (including capital gain dividends, defined below). In certain situations, the Fund can cure failures to meet the income and diversification tests described above, including, in some cases, by paying the Fund-level tax and, in the case of diversification failures, disposing of certain assets. If the Fund were to fail to qualify as a regulated investment company accorded special tax treatment in any taxable year - for example, because it was not sufficiently diversified under the applicable Code tests - the Fund would be subject to tax on its taxable income at corporate rates, and all distributions from earnings and profits, including any distributions of net tax-exempt income and net long-term capital gains, would be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income or in some cases qualified dividend income. To qualify again to be taxed as a regulated investment company that is accorded special treatment in a subsequent year, the Fund could be required to pay substantial taxes, penalties and interest and make substantial distributions, which may be taxed to shareholders as either ordinary income or qualified dividend income, which may be taxed to shareholders as either ordinary income or qualified dividend income. In addition, if the Fund fails to qualify as a regulated investment company for a period greater than two taxable years, the Fund may be required to recognize and pay tax on any net built-in gain (the excess of aggregate gain, including items of income, over aggregate loss that would have been realized if the Fund had been liquidated) or, alternatively, to be subject to taxation on such built-in gain recognized for a period of five years, in order to qualify as a regulated investment company in a subsequent year.

As a regulated investment company, the Fund generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on its net capital gains (that is, any net long-term capital gains in excess of net short-term capital losses) properly reported by the Fund in a written statement to shareholders as capital gain dividends ("capital gain dividends") and its investment company taxable income if any, that the Fund distributes to shareholders on a timely basis. The Fund generally intends to distribute substantially all of its investment company taxable income and net capital gains, after offsetting any capital loss carryovers, in a taxable year. If the Fund does retain any investment company taxable income, it will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates on the amount retained. However, the Fund may elect to have certain distributions paid after the close of a tax year treated as having been paid during the tax year for purposes of the regulated investment company distribution requirements and for purposes of determining its taxable income ("spill-back dividends"). Spill-back dividends are taxed to shareholders in the year in which they are received.

If the Fund retains any net capital gain, the Fund will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates on the amount retained, but may designate the retained amount as undistributed capital gains 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 shares of such undistributed amount, and (ii) will be entitled to credit their proportionate shares of the tax paid by the Fund on such undistributed amount against their U.S. federal income tax liabilities, if any. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the tax basis of shares owned by a shareholder of the Fund will be increased by an amount equal to the difference between the amount of undistributed capital gains included in the shareholder's income and the tax deemed paid by the shareholder under clause (ii) of the preceding sentence.

Generally, the excess (if any) of the Fund's net short-term capital loss over the net long-term capital gain for a taxable year will carry over as a short-term capital loss arising on the first day of the next tax year. In addition, the excess (if any) of the Fund's net long-term capital loss over the net short-term capital gain for the year will carry over as a long-term capital loss arising on the first day of the next tax year.

The Fund may be limited under Code Section 382 in its ability to offset its taxable income by capital loss carryforwards and net unrealized built-in losses after an "ownership change" of the Fund. The term "net unrealized built-in loss" refers to the excess, if any, of the Fund's aggregate adjusted basis in its assets immediately before an ownership change, over the fair market value of such assets at such time, subject to a de minimis rule. The Fund would experience an ownership change under Code Section 382 if and when 5-percent shareholders of the Fund increase their ownership by more than 50 percentage points in the aggregate over their respective lowest percentage ownership of the Fund's shares in a 3-year period. Under Code Section 382, if the Fund experiences an ownership change, the Fund may use its pre-change tax capital loss carryforwards and net unrealized built-in losses in a year after the ownership change generally only up to the product of the fair market value of the Fund's equity immediately before the ownership change and a certain interest rate published monthly by the U.S. Treasury known as the applicable long-term tax-exempt rate. The foregoing limitation on the use of net unrealized built-in losses only applies for a period of five years after the ownership change, while the foregoing limitation on the use of pre-ownership change capital loss carryforwards lasts indefinitely.

If future capital gains are offset by carried-forward capital losses, such future capital gains are not subject to Fund-level federal income tax, regardless of whether they are distributed to shareholders. However, distributions of amounts of capital gains offset by carried-forward capital losses are generally treated as return of capital distributions to shareholders. The Fund cannot carry back or carry forward any net operating losses. As of the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, the Fund had accumulated long-term capital loss carry forwards of $7,218,352.

The Fund may elect to treat any post-October capital loss (defined as the greatest of net capital loss, net long-term capital loss, or net short-term capital loss, in each case attributable to the portion of the taxable year after October 31) and late-year ordinary loss (generally, (i) net ordinary losses from the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of property, attributable to the portion of the taxable year after October 31, plus (ii) other net ordinary losses attributable to the portion of the taxable year after December 31) as if incurred in the succeeding taxable year.

If the Fund fails to distribute in a calendar year at least an amount equal to the sum of 98% of its ordinary income for such year (taking into account certain deferrals and elections) and 98.2% of its net capital gain income for the one year period ending on October 31 of such year, plus any retained amount for the prior year, the Fund will be subject to a non-deductible excise tax on the undistributed amounts. For these purposes, ordinary gains and losses from the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of property that would be properly taken into account after October 31 are treated as arising on January 1 of the following calendar year. For purposes of the excise tax, the Fund will be treated as having distributed any amount on which it has been subject to corporate income tax in the taxable year ending within the calendar year.

The Fund intends to make distributions sufficient to avoid imposition of the excise tax, although there can be no assurance that it will be able to do so. Moreover, the Fund reserves the right to pay an excise tax rather than make an additional distribution when circumstances warrant (for example, the amount of excise tax to be paid is deemed de minimis by the Fund).

**Equalization Accounting**

The Fund may use "equalization accounting" to determine the portion of its income and gains that has been distributed with respect to each taxable year. Under equalization accounting, the Fund would allocate a portion of its undistributed investment company taxable income and net capital gain to redemptions of Fund shares. This method would allow the Fund to reduce the amount of such income and gains that it distributes to non-redeeming shareholders. However, the IRS has not expressly authorized the particular equalization methods that the Fund may use, and the Fund's use of an equalization method may be subject to IRS scrutiny. If the IRS determines that the Fund's equalization method is improper and that the Fund has under-distributed its income and gain for any taxable year, the Fund may be liable for federal income and/or excise tax. Equalization accounting is not available for a fund for any taxable year in which it is treated as a "personal holding company" for federal income tax purposes.

**Personal Holding Company**

A Fund that is a "personal holding company" and that fails to distribute (or to be treated as distributing) all of its investment company taxable income may also be subject to a 20% nondeductible tax on its "undistributed personal holding company income." A Fund would generally be a personal holding company for a taxable year if five or fewer individuals own more than 50% of its outstanding shares at any time in the last half of the taxable year. The term "individual" for this purpose includes private foundations and certain trusts. The Funds do not expect to be subject to the tax on undistributed personal holding company income, although there can be no assurance that this will never occur.

**Taxation of Fund Distributions**

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, distributions of investment company taxable income are generally taxable as ordinary income to the extent of the Fund's current or accumulated "earnings and profits." Taxes on distributions of capital gains are determined by how long the Fund owned the investments that generated them, rather than how long a shareholder has owned the shareholder's shares. Distributions of net capital gains from the sale of investments that the Fund owned for more than one year and that are properly reported by the Fund as capital gain dividends (i.e., "capital gain dividends") will be taxable to Fund shareholders as long-term capital gains. Generally, distributions of gains from the sale of investments that the Fund owned for one year or less will be taxable at rates applicable to ordinary income. The maximum long-term capital gain rate applicable to individuals is generally 20%.

The Fund may report certain dividends as derived from "qualified dividend income," which, when received by an individual, will be taxed at a maximum federal income tax rate applicable to long-term capital gain (assuming certain holding period and other requirements are satisfied), which (for this purpose) is 20%, in addition to the 3.8% Medicare tax discussed below. Dividend income distributed to individual shareholders will qualify as "qualified dividend income" as that term is defined in section 1(h)(11)(B) of the Code to the extent such distributions are attributable to income from the Fund's investments in common and preferred stock of U.S. companies and stock of certain qualified foreign corporations provided that certain holding period and other requirements are met by both the Fund (with respect to the dividend paying corporation's stock) and its shareholders (with respect to the Fund's shares).

If 95% or more of the Fund's gross income (excluding net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) constitutes qualified dividend income, all of its distributions (other than capital gain dividends) generally will be treated as qualified dividend income in the hands of individual shareholders, as long as they satisfy certain holding period requirements with respect to their Fund shares. If less than 95% of the Fund's income is attributable to qualified dividend income, then only the portion of the Fund's distributions that is attributable to qualified dividend income and reported as such in a timely manner will be so treated in the hands of individual shareholders. Portions of the Fund's distributions may be derived from qualified dividend income.

Distributions of earnings and gains are taxable to shareholders even if the distributions are paid from income or gains earned by the Fund before a shareholder invested in the Fund (and thus were included in the price the shareholder paid) and whether shareholders receive them in cash or reinvest them in additional shares (other than distributions, if any, reported by the Fund as "exempt-interest dividends," a designation which the Fund does not expect to make). Any gain resulting from the sale or redemption of Fund shares generally will be taxable as capital gains. Distributions declared and payable by the Fund during October, November or December to shareholders of record on a date in any such month and paid by the Fund during the following January will be treated for U.S. federal tax purposes as paid by the Fund and received by shareholders on December 31st of the year in which declared rather than the calendar year in which they were received.

An additional 3.8% Medicare tax will be imposed on certain net investment income (including ordinary dividends and capital gain distributions received from the Fund and net gains from redemptions or other taxable dispositions of Fund shares) of U.S. individuals, estates and certain trusts to the extent that such person's "modified adjusted gross income" (in the case of an individual) or "adjusted gross income" (in the case of an estate or trust) exceeds a threshold amount. Net investment income for this purpose includes dividend and capital gain distributions received with respect to shares of the Fund and net gains from redemptions or other taxable dispositions of Fund shares. Net investment income also includes interest, dividends, royalties, rents, gross income from a trade or business involving passive activities, and net gain from disposition of property (other than property held in a non-passive trade or business). Net investment income is reduced by deductions properly allocable to such income.

Dividends received by corporate shareholders that are reported by the Fund in a written statement furnished to shareholders may qualify for a 50% dividend received deduction to the extent of the amount of qualifying dividends received by the Fund from domestic corporations and to the extent (if any) that a portion of interest paid or accrued on certain high yield discount obligations owned by the Fund are treated as dividends, so long as (in either case) certain holding period requirements are met by the Fund (with respect to the dividend paying corporation's stock) and a corporate shareholder (with respect to the Fund's shares) and certain other conditions are satisfied.

A portion of the interest paid or accrued on certain high-yield discount obligations owned by the Fund may not be deductible to the issuer. If a portion of the interest paid or accrued on certain high-yield discount obligations is not deductible, that portion will be treated as a dividend for purposes of the corporate dividends-received deduction if certain requirements are met, and may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction to the extent of the dividend portion of such interest.

Section 163(j) of the Code generally limits the deductibility of business interest to the sum of the taxpayer's business interest income and 30% of its adjusted taxable income. Certain small businesses are exempt from such limitations. If the Fund, as a regulated investment company, earns business interest income, the Fund would be permitted to pay Code Section 163(j) interest dividends to its shareholders. A shareholder that receives a Code Section 163(j) interest dividend generally may treat the dividend as interest income for purposes of Code Section 163(j) if certain holding period requirements are met. Generally, the shareholder must have held the fund shares for more than 180 days during the 361-day window beginning 180 days before the ex-dividend date, and the shareholder must not be obligated (under a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to substantially similar or related property.

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

**Sale or Redemption of Shares**

The sale or redemption of Fund shares may give rise to a gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount received for the shares and the shareholder's tax basis in the shares. In general, any gain or loss realized upon a taxable disposition of Fund shares will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year. Otherwise, such gain or loss will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. However, any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of shares held for six months or less will be treated as long-term, rather than short-term, to the extent of any long-term capital gain distributions received (or deemed received) by the shareholder with respect to the shares. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

All or a portion of any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of Fund shares will be disallowed if other substantially identical shares of the Fund or other substantially identical securities are purchased within 30 days before or after the disposition. In such a case, the basis of the newly purchased shares will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.

**Special Tax Considerations**

The following discussion relates to the particular U.S. federal income tax consequences of the investment policies of the Fund.

*Non-U.S. Taxes*

Investments in non-U.S. securities may cause the Fund to be liable to non-U.S. governments for taxes relating primarily to investment income or capital gains on non-U.S. securities in the Fund's portfolio. If at the close of its taxable year more than 50% of the value of the Fund's total assets consists of securities of foreign corporations (including foreign governments), the Fund may make an election under the Code that would allow Fund shareholders who are U.S. persons (including U.S. corporations) to claim a foreign tax credit or deduction (but not both) on their U.S. income tax return for their pro rata portion of qualified taxes paid by that Fund to non-U.S. countries in respect of non-U.S. securities held at least a minimum period as specified in the Code. If the Fund were eligible for and were to make the election, the amount of each shareholder's distribution reported on the information returns filed by the Fund with the IRS must be increased by the amount of the shareholder's portion of the Fund's foreign tax paid. A shareholder's ability to claim all or a part of a foreign tax credit or deduction in respect of non-U.S. taxes paid by the Fund would also be subject to certain holding period and other limitations imposed by the Code.

If the Fund were to qualify as a "qualified fund of funds," the Fund could be entitled to elect to pass-through its foreign tax credits without regard to the above described 50% requirement. For this purpose, the term "qualified fund of funds" means a regulated investment company if (at the close of each quarter of the taxable year) at least 50% of the value of its total assets is represented by interests in other regulated investment companies.

The Fund does not anticipate that it will be eligible for the elections discussed in this section.

*Non-U.S. Currency Transactions*

Transactions in non-U.S. currencies, non-U.S.-currency denominated debt obligations and certain non-U.S. currency options, future contracts, and forward contracts (and similar instruments) may give rise to ordinary income or loss to the extent such income or loss results from fluctuations in the value of the non-U.S. currency concerned and may increase the amount and affect the timing and character of taxes payable by shareholders. Certain foreign currency contracts may be subject to Code Section 1256, with the result that such contracts generally must be "marked to market" annually, and gains and losses with respect to such contracts would generally be treated as 60% long-term capital gain or loss and 40% short-term capital gain or loss. See "*Options and other Financial Products*", below. Certain of the Fund's transactions, if any, in foreign currencies and foreign currency denominated instruments are likely to result in a difference between the Fund's book income and taxable income. This difference may cause a portion of the Fund's income distributions to constitute a return of capital or capital gain for tax purposes or require the Fund to make distributions exceeding book income to avoid excise tax liability and to qualify as a regulated investment company, which may have the effect of accelerating taxable distributions to shareholders of the Fund.

*Passive Foreign Investment Companies*

The Fund may own shares in foreign companies that may be classified under the Code as passive foreign investment companies ("PFICs"). In general, a foreign company is classified as a PFIC if at least one-half of its assets constitute investment-type assets or 75% or more of its gross income is investment-type income. When investing in PFIC securities, the Fund intends to mark-to-market these securities under certain provisions of the Code and recognize any unrealized gains as ordinary income at the end of the Fund's fiscal and excise tax years.

If the Fund makes the mark-to-market election, the Fund could potentially mitigate certain adverse tax consequences with respect to its ownership of shares in a PFIC, but in any particular year may be required to recognize ordinary income in excess of the distributions it receives from PFICs and its proceeds from dispositions of PFIC stock. The Fund may have to distribute this "phantom" income and gain to satisfy the distribution requirement and to avoid imposition of the excise tax described above.

Alternatively, the Fund may elect to treat a PFIC as a "qualified electing fund" (a "QEF election"), in which case the Fund must include its share of the company's income and net capital gains annually, regardless of whether it receives distributions from the PFIC. As with the mark-to-market election, these amounts would be taken into account by the Fund for purposes of satisfying the distribution requirement and the excise tax distribution requirement. Amounts included in income under a QEF election will be qualifying income for a regulated investment company if such earnings are (i) distributed in the taxable year in which they are included, or (ii) derived with respect to the Fund's business of investing in stock, securities, or currencies. In order to make a QEF election, the Fund must obtain certain annual information from the PFICs in which it invests, which may be difficult or impossible to obtain. Dividends paid by PFICs or by foreign corporations that were PFICs in the year preceding the payment of the dividend are not eligible to be treated as qualified dividend income.

In addition, if the Fund is unable to identify an investment as a PFIC and thus does not make a mark-to-market election or a QEF election, the Fund may be subject to U.S. federal income tax and an interest charge on distributions with respect to such shares, or gain from the disposition of such shares, under punitive tax rules applicable to so-called "excess distributions from PFICs, even if such income is distributed as a taxable dividend by the Fund to its shareholders.

*Controlled Foreign Corporations*

The Fund may invest in entities classified as "controlled foreign corporations" ("CFCs"). A CFC is a foreign corporation in which more than 50% of the stock, by vote or value, is owned, directly or constructively, by U.S. persons each of whom own, directly or constructively, 10% or more of the stock of the foreign corporation by vote or by value ("U.S. shareholders"). If the Fund is a U.S. shareholder with respect to a CFC, the Fund generally must annually include in income its allocable share of the CFC's (i) "subpart F income" and (ii) "net CFC tested income", both as defined by the Code, regardless of whether or not the CFC distributes such amounts to the Fund. Amounts included in gross income by the Fund as subpart F income of a CFC are qualifying income for a regulated investment company under Code Section 851(b) if either (i) such amounts are distributed to the Fund in the taxable year in which they are earned by the CFC, or (ii) such income is derived with respect to the Fund's business of investing in stock, securities or currencies. Net CFC tested income included in gross income is treated in the same manner as subpart F income for various purposes of the Code except as provided in future rules issued by the Treasury Department.

*Options and Other Financial Products*

The Fund's investments in derivatives including options, hedging transactions, forward contracts, future contracts, swaps and certain other transactions will be subject to special tax rules (including mark-to-market, constructive sale, straddle, wash sale, short sale and other rules), the effect of which may be to accelerate income recognized by the Fund, defer the Fund's losses, cause adjustments in the holding periods of the Fund's securities, result in the recognition of short-term capital gain, convert capital gain into ordinary income and convert short-term capital losses into long-term capital losses. These rules could therefore affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to Fund shareholders.

Certain positions undertaken by the Fund may constitute "straddles" for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The straddle rules may affect the character of gains or losses realized by the Fund. Losses realized by the Fund that are part of a straddle may be deferred beyond the point in time that they are realized. The straddle rules, if applicable, could increase the amount of short-term capital gain realized by the Fund, which is taxed as ordinary income when distributed to shareholders. Certain tax elections that the Fund may make with respect to straddles could affect the character and timing of recognition of gains and losses.

Rules governing the tax aspects of notional principal contracts in which the Fund may invest are not clear in various respects. As a result, the IRS could challenge the Fund's methods of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes for such contracts, and such a challenge could affect the status of the Fund as a regulated investment company.

When the Fund sells a put or call option, the premium received generally is not included in income at the time of receipt. If the option expires, the premium is generally included in income of the Fund as short-term capital gain. If the Fund enters into a closing transaction, the difference between the amount paid to close out its position and the premium received is generally short-term capital gain or loss. If a call option written by the Fund is exercised, thereby requiring the Fund to sell the underlying security, the premium will increase the amount realized upon the sale of such security and any resulting gain or loss generally will be a capital gain or loss and will be long-term or short-term depending upon the holding period of the security. With respect to a put or call option that is purchased by the Fund, if the option is sold any resulting gain or loss generally will be a capital gain or loss, and will be long-term or short-term, depending upon the holding period of the option. If the option expires, the resulting loss is a capital loss and is long-term or short-term, depending upon the holding period of the option. If the option is exercised, the cost of the option, in the case of a call option, is added to the basis of the purchased security and in the case of a put option, reduces the amount realized on the underlying security in determining gain or loss.

The sale by the Fund of a covered call option may result in the suspension of the fund's holding period in the underlying security unless the call option is a "qualified covered call option". Suspension of the holding period may result in short-term capital gains, taxable to fund shareholders at ordinary income rates, when the holder exercises the option, and may disqualify dividends issued on the underlying securities from being taxed to individual shareholders of the fund and other non-corporate shareholders as qualified dividends at rates applicable to long-term capital gains. A qualified covered call option is a covered call option that has a term of more than 30 days when issued, is not deeply in the money (as defined) when issued and satisfies certain other conditions.

Some of the Fund's investments, such as certain option transactions, futures contract transactions, and forward foreign currency exchange contracts may be "section 1256 contracts." With certain exceptions, gains or losses attributable to section 1256 contracts are treated as sixty percent long-term capital gains or losses and forty percent short-term capital gains or losses ("60/40"). Section 1256 contracts held by the Fund at the end of a taxable year (and, generally, for purposes of the excise tax, on October 31 of each year) are "marked-to market" with the result that unrealized gains or losses are treated as though they were realized and the resulting gain or loss is treated as 60/40 gain or loss.

The application of certain requirements for qualification as a regulated investment company and the application of certain other federal income tax rules may be unclear in some respects in connection with investments in certain derivatives and other investments. As a result, the Fund may be required to limit the extent to which it invests in such investments and the IRS may not agree with the Fund's treatment of such investments. In addition, the tax treatment of derivatives and certain other investments may be affected by future legislation, Treasury Regulations and guidance issued by the IRS (which could apply retroactively) that could affect the timing, character and amount of the Fund's income and gains and distributions to shareholders, affect whether the Fund has made sufficient distributions and otherwise satisfied the requirements to maintain its qualification as a regulated investment company and avoid federal income and excise taxes or limit the extent to which the Fund may invest in certain derivatives and other investments in the future.

*Securities Issued or Purchased at a Discount*

The Fund may acquire debt obligations that have original issue discount. "Original issue discount" is the excess of a debt obligation's stated redemption price at maturity over the obligation's issue price. Under long-standing tax rules, a taxpayer that acquires an obligation with original issue discount generally must include the original issue discount in income on a constant yield-to-maturity basis without regard to when, or whether, payments are made on the obligation. Obligations owned by the Fund that have original issue discount may include investments in payment-in-kind securities, and certain other obligations. Obligations with original issue discount owned by the Fund will give rise to income that the Fund will be required to distribute even though the Fund does not receive an interest payment in cash on the obligation during the year and may never receive such payment. In order to generate sufficient cash to make the required distributions, the Fund may be required to sell securities in its portfolio that it otherwise would have continued to hold. The Fund may realize gains or losses from such sales. If the Fund realizes net capital gains from such transactions, its shareholders may receive a larger capital gain distribution than they would in the absence of such transactions.

Some debt obligations that are acquired by the Fund in the secondary market may be treated as having market discount. "Market discount" is generally the excess of the stated redemption price of a debt obligation at maturity over the basis of the obligation immediately after its acquisition by the taxpayer. Generally, any gain recognized on the disposition of a debt security having market discount is treated as ordinary income to the extent the gain does not exceed the "accrued market discount" on such debt security. Market discount generally accrues in equal daily installments. The Fund may make certain elections applicable to debt obligations having market discount, which could affect the character and timing of recognition of income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. When recognized, market discount is taxable as ordinary income even if interest on the debt obligation in question is tax exempt.

*Transfers between Classes of the Fund*

Exchanges of shares between classes of the Fund are generally not taxable transactions. Certain "significant holders" of the Fund within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.368-3(c)(1) will be required to include in their federal income tax returns for the year of the exchange of one class of stock for another the information listed in Treasury Regulation Section 1.368-3(b). The term "significant holders" refers to shareholders of the Fund who own at least one percent (by vote or value) of the total outstanding shares of the Fund, as well as shareholders who own shares of the Fund (immediately before the exchange in question) having a tax basis of at least $1 million.

*High-Risk Securities*

The Fund may invest in debt obligations that are in the lowest rating categories or are unrated. Investments in debt obligations that are at risk of or in default present special tax issues for the Fund. The application of the U.S. federal income tax rules with respect to these types of investments is complicated and will depend upon the application of the law to facts that may be unclear, which may result in uncertainty about the U.S. federal income tax treatment of these investments (*e.g.*, such as when the Fund may cease to accrue interest, original issue discount or market discount, when and to what extent deductions may be taken for bad debts, or worthless securities and how payments received on obligations in default should be allocated between principal and income). These and other related issues will be addressed by the Fund if it invests in such securities in order to seek to ensure that the Fund distributes sufficient income to avoid becoming subject to U.S. federal income or excise tax.

**Backup Withholding**

The Fund generally is required to withhold and remit to the U.S. Treasury a percentage of the taxable distributions and redemption proceeds paid to any individual shareholder who (i) fails to properly furnish the Fund with a correct taxpayer identification number (TIN), (ii) is identified by the IRS as otherwise subject to backup withholding, or (iii) fails to certify to the Fund that it is a U.S. person who is not subject to such withholding. The backup withholding tax rate is currently 24%.

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules from a payment to a shareholder generally may be refunded or credited against the shareholder's federal income tax liability, if any, provided that certain required information is timely furnished to the IRS. A shareholder who has not been notified by the IRS that the shareholder has failed to report interest or dividends may normally avoid backup withholding by furnishing a properly completed IRS Form W-9. If a shareholder fails to furnish a valid TIN upon request, the shareholder can be subject to IRS penalties.

**Cost Basis Reporting**

The Fund (or its administrative agent) must report to the IRS and furnish to fund shareholders the cost basis for fund shares purchased on or after January 1, 2012 ("covered shares") when such shares are subsequently redeemed, exchanged or otherwise sold and whether covered shares had a short-term or long-term holding period. In addition, the Fund is required to report the gross proceeds from the sale of all Fund shares (whether or not they are covered shares).

Fund shareholders may elect from among several IRS-accepted cost basis methods to calculate the cost basis of their covered shares. In the absence of such an election, the Fund will use its default cost basis method. Once the Fund shareholder has elected a cost basis reporting method, the election will apply to all future transactions in covered shares, unless the shareholder revokes or changes the standing election. The cost basis method elected or applied may generally not be changed after the settlement date of a sale of Fund shares. Fund shareholders should consult with their tax advisers concerning the most desirable IRS-accepted cost basis method for their tax situation.

**Reportable Transactions**

If an individual shareholder recognizes a loss with respect to Fund shares of $2 million or more or a corporate shareholder recognizes a loss of $10 million or more in any single taxable year (or twice such amounts over a combination of years), the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886. A shareholder who fails to make the required disclosure to the IRS may be subject to substantial penalties. The fact that a loss is reportable under these Treasury Regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether or not the taxpayer's treatment of the loss is proper.

**Withholding on Shares Held Through Foreign Accounts**

Under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (or "FATCA"), special withholding rules apply when U.S. persons hold investments in the Funds through foreign financial institutions as defined by FATCA ("FFIs") or non-financial foreign entities as defined by FATCA ("NFFEs"). FFIs or NFFEs that are shareholders of the Fund may be subject to a 30% withholding tax on certain distributions paid by the Fund. The FATCA withholding tax generally may be avoided on payments to an: (a) FFI, if it reports certain direct and indirect ownership of foreign financial accounts held by U.S. persons with the FFI and satisfies certain withholding requirements, and (b) NFFE, if it: (i) certifies that is has no substantial U.S. persons as owners or (ii) reports information relating to them to the withholding agent (which may be the Fund). The U.S. Treasury has negotiated intergovernmental agreements (each, an "IGA") with certain countries and is in various stages of negotiations with other foreign countries with respect to one or more alternative approaches to implement FATCA. An entity in one of those countries may be required to comply with the terms of an IGA and applicable local law instead of U.S. Treasury Regulations.

An FFI can avoid FATCA withholding by becoming a "participating FFI," which requires the FFI to enter into a tax compliance agreement with the IRS under section 1471(b) of the Code under which it agrees to verify, report and disclose certain of its U.S. accountholders and provided that such entity meets certain other specified requirements. The FFI will report to the IRS, or, depending on the FFI's country of residence, to the government of that country (pursuant to the terms and conditions of an applicable IGA and applicable law), which will, in turn, report to the IRS. An FFI that is resident in a country that has entered into an IGA with the U.S. to implement FATCA will be exempt from FATCA withholding provided that the FFI shareholder and the applicable foreign government comply with the terms of such agreement.

A NFFE that is the beneficial owner of a payment from the Fund can avoid FATCA withholding generally by certifying that it does not have any substantial U.S. owners or by providing the name, address and taxpayer identification number of each substantial U.S. owner. The NFFE will report to the Fund or other applicable withholding agent, which will, in turn, report information to the IRS.

Shares held through such foreign shareholders also may fall into certain exempt, excepted or deemed compliant categories as established by U.S. Treasury Regulations, IGAs, and other guidance regarding FATCA. An FFI or NFFE 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. The certification requirements imposed by FATCA are in addition to the U.S. certification rules to avoid backup withholding described above.

**Other Tax Matters**

Special tax rules not described in this discussion apply to investments through defined contribution plans and other tax-qualified plans as well as to investments made by tax-exempt entities. Shareholders should consult their tax adviser to determine the suitability of shares of the Fund as an investment through such plans or by such entities and the precise effect that investment in the Fund would have on their particular tax situation.

A type of savings account called "Trump Accounts" were introduced into the Code in 2025 as a type of individual retirement account for children. Until the beginning of the first calendar year in which the account beneficiary attains the age of 18, a Trump Account can invest only in "eligible investments" which include only investments in mutual funds or exchange traded funds that track the returns of certain types of equity indexes. The Fund does not expect to qualify as an eligible investment for Trump accounts and investors will not be eligible to invest a Trump Account in the Fund before the first calendar year in which the account beneficiary reaches the age of 18.

The foregoing discussion relates solely to U.S. federal income tax law. Dividends and distributions also may be subject to state and local taxes. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding specific questions as to U.S. federal, state, local and, where applicable, foreign taxes. Foreign investors should consult their tax advisers concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences of ownership of shares of the Fund, including the certification and filing requirements imposed on foreign investors in order to qualify for exemption from the backup withholding tax rates (or a reduced rate of withholding provided by treaty and the potential applicability of the U.S. estate tax).

The foregoing is a general and abbreviated summary of the applicable provisions of the Code and related Treasury Regulations currently in effect. For the complete provisions, reference should be made to the pertinent Code sections and Treasury Regulations. The Code and Treasury Regulations are subject to change by legislative or administrative actions.

**DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST**

The Trust was organized as a Delaware business trust on January 12, 2012 and consists of multiple separate portfolios or series. The Board may establish additional series in the future. The capitalization of the Trust consists solely of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest with no par value.

The Trust consists of multiple separate portfolios or series. When certain matters affect one fund but not another, the shareholders vote as a fund regarding such matters. Subject to the foregoing, on any matter submitted to a vote of shareholders, all shares then entitled to vote will be voted separately by the fund unless otherwise required by the 1940 Act, in which case all shares will be voted in the aggregate. For example, a change in a fund's fundamental investment policies would be voted upon only by shareholders of the fund. Additionally, approvals of Investment Advisory Contracts are matters to be determined separately by the fund.

Approval by the shareholders of one fund is effective as to that fund whether or not sufficient votes are received from the shareholders of the other fund to approve the proposal as to that fund. The term "majority," when referring to approvals to be obtained from shareholders of a fund means the vote of the lesser of (i) 67% of the shares of the fund or class represented at a meeting if the holder of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the fund or class are present in person or by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the fund. The term "majority," when referring to the approvals to be obtained from shareholders of the Trust as a whole means the vote of the lesser of (i) 67% of the Trust's shares represented at a meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the Trust's outstanding shares are present in person or proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the Trust's outstanding shares. Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each full share held and fractional votes for fractional shares held.

The Trust is not required to hold regular annual meetings of a fund's shareholders and does not intend to do so. However, the Trust undertakes to hold a special meeting of its shareholders if the purpose of voting on the question of removal of a director or trustees is requested in writing by the holders of at least 10% of the Trust's outstanding voting securities, and to assist in communicating with other shareholders as required by Section 16(c) of the 1940 Act. The Declaration of Trust provides that the holders of not less than two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the Trust may remove a person serving as Trustee either by declaration in writing or at a meeting called for such purpose.

Each share of the Fund represents an equal proportional interest in the Fund with each other share and is entitled to such dividends and distributions out of the income earned on the assets belonging to the Fund as are declared in the discretion of the Trustees. In the event of the liquidation or dissolution of the Trust, shareholders of the Fund are entitled to receive the assets attributable to the Fund that are available for distribution, and a distribution of any general assets of the Trust not attributable to the Fund that are available for distribution in such manner and on such basis as the Trustees in their sole discretion may determine.

Shareholders are not entitled to any preemptive rights. All shares, when issued, will be fully paid and non-assessable by the Trust.

Under Delaware law, shareholders could, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for the obligations of a series of the Trust but only to the extent of the shareholder's investment in such series. However, the Declaration of Trust disclaims liability of the shareholders, Trustees or officers of the Trust for acts or obligations of the Trust, which are binding only on the assets and property of each series of the Trust and requires that notice of the disclaimer be given in each contract or obligations entered into or executed by the Trust or the Trustees. The risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which the Trust itself would be unable to meet its obligations and should be considered remote and is limited to the amount of the shareholder's investment in the Fund.

**OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND**

*Custodian.* State Street serves as the custodian for the Fund and is located at One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111. As such, the Custodian holds in safekeeping certificated securities and cash belonging to the Fund and, in such capacity, is the registered owner of securities in book-entry form belonging to the Fund. Upon instruction, the Custodian receives and delivers cash and securities of the Fund in connection with Fund transactions and collects all dividends and other distributions made with respect to Fund portfolio securities. The Custodian also maintains certain accounts and records of the Fund. Sub-custodians provide custodial services for any foreign assets held outside of the United States.

*Transfer Agent.* ALPS, pursuant to a Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, serves as transfer agent for the Fund. As Transfer Agent, ALPS has, among other things, agreed to (i) issue and redeem shares of the Fund; (ii) make dividend and other distributions to shareholders of the Fund; (iii) effect transfers of shares; (iv) mail communications to shareholders of the Fund, including account statements, confirmations, and dividend and distribution notices; (v) facilitate the electronic delivery of shareholder statements and reports; and (vi) maintain shareholder accounts. Under the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, ALPS receives from the Trust on behalf of the Fund an annual minimum fee and a fee based upon the number of shareholder accounts and is also reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses. As described above, ALPS is an affiliate of the Distributor.

*Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.* Cohen & Company, Ltd., 1350 Euclid Ave., Suite 800, Cleveland, Ohio 44115, serves as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Trust. Its services include auditing the Fund's financial statements. Cohen & Co Advisory, LLC, an affiliate of Cohen & Company, Ltd., provides tax services as requested.

*Counsel.* Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP serves as counsel to the Trust and is located at 3400 Walnut Street, Suite 700, Denver, Colorado 80205. Thompson Hine LLP serves as counsel to the Independent Trustees and is located at 41 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215.

**PERFORMANCE INFORMATION**

*Yield and Total Return.* The Fund may from time to time include the yield and/or total return of its shares in advertisements or information in advertisements or information furnished to present or prospective shareholders.

The Fund's yield will vary from time to time depending upon market conditions, the composition of its portfolios and operating expenses of the Trust allocated to the Fund. These factors, possible differences in the methods used in calculating yield, and the tax exempt status of distributions, should be considered when comparing the Fund's yield to yields published for other investment companies and other investment vehicles. Yield should also be considered relative to changes in the value of the Fund's shares and to the relative risks associated with the investment objectives and policies of the Fund.

At any time in the future, yields and total return may be higher or lower than past yields and there can be no assurance that any historical results will continue.

Investors in the Fund are specifically advised that share prices, expressed as the net asset value per share, will vary just as yield will vary. An investor's focus on the yield of the Fund to the exclusion of the consideration of the share price of the Fund may result in the investor's misunderstanding the total return he or she may derive from the Fund.

**FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

The audited financial statements of the Fund for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, and the report of Cohen & Company, Ltd., the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm, are incorporated herein by reference to the Fund's [Annual Report](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0001558107/000139834425021967/fp0096372-1_ncsrixbrl.htm) for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025. The Annual Report is available at no charge by writing or telephoning the Fund at the address or number on the front page of this Statement of Additional Information.

**APPENDIX A**

**DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS**

The Fund may make use of average portfolio credit quality standards to assist institutional investors whose own investment guidelines limit their investments accordingly. In determining the Fund's overall dollar-weighted average quality, unrated securities are treated as if rated, based on the adviser's view of their comparability to rated securities. The Fund's use of average quality criteria is intended to be a guide for those investors whose investment guidelines require that assets be invested according to comparable criteria. Reference to an overall average quality rating for the Fund does not mean that all securities held by the Fund will be rated in that category or higher. The Fund's investments may range in quality from securities rated in the lowest category in which the Fund is permitted to invest to securities rated in the highest category (as rated by Moody's, S&P or Fitch or, if unrated, determined by the adviser to be of comparable quality). The percentage of the Fund's assets invested in securities in a particular rating category will vary. Following is a description of Moody's, S&P's and Fitch's ratings applicable to fixed-income securities.

**Moody's Investors Service, Inc.**

**Corporate and Municipal Bond Ratings**

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Moody's bond ratings, where specified, are applicable to financial contracts, senior bank obligations and insurance company senior policyholder and claims obligations with an original maturity in excess of one year. Obligations relying upon support mechanisms such as letter-of-credit and bonds of indemnity are excluded unless explicitly rated. Obligations of a branch of a bank are considered to be domiciled in the country in which the branch is located.

Unless noted as an exception, Moody's rating on a bank's ability to repay senior obligations extends only to branches located in countries which carry a Moody's Sovereign Rating for Bank Deposits. Such branch obligations are rated at the lower of the bank's rating or Moody's Sovereign Rating for the Bank Deposits for the country in which the branch is located. When the currency in which an obligation is denominated is not the same as the currency of the country in which the obligation is domiciled, Moody's ratings do not incorporate an opinion as to whether payment of the obligation will be affected by the actions of the government controlling the currency of denomination. In addition, risk associated with bilateral conflicts between an investor's home country and cither the issuer's home country or the country where an issuer branch is located are not incorporated into Moody's ratings.

Moody's makes no representation that rated bank obligations or insurance company obligations are exempt from registration under the Securities Act or issued in conformity with any other applicable law or regulation. Nor does Moody's represent that any specific bank or insurance company obligation is legally enforceable or a valid senior obligation of a rated issuer.

Moody's applies numerical modifiers, 1, 2, and 3 in each generic rating classified from Aa through Caa in its corporate bond rating system. The modifier 1 indicates that the security ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic rating category.

**Corporate Short-Term Debt Ratings**

Moody's short-term debt ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to repay punctually senior debt obligations. These obligations have an original maturity not exceeding one year, unless explicitly noted.

Moody's employs the following three designations, all judged to be investment-grade, to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:

PRIME-1: Issuers rated Prime-1 (or supporting institutions) have a superior ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. Prime-1 repayment ability will often be evidenced by many of the following characteristics: leading market positions in well-established industries; high rates of return on funds employed: conservative capitalization structure with moderate reliance on debt and ample asset protection; broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed financial charges and high internal cash generation; and well-established access to a range of financial markets and assured sources of alternate liquidity.

PRIME-2: Issuers rated Prime-2 (or supporting institutions) have a strong ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. This will normally be evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to a lesser degree. Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may be more subject to variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.

PRIME-3: Issuers rated Prime-3 (or supporting institutions) have an acceptable ability for repayment of senior short-term obligations. The effect of industry characteristics and market compositions may be more pronounced. Variability in earnings and profitability may result in changes in the level of debt protection measurements and may require relatively high financial leverage. Adequate alternate liquidity is maintained.

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

**Standard & Poor's Ratings Services**

**Issue Credit Rating Definitions**

A Standard & Poor's issue credit rating is a current opinion of the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The issue credit rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell, or hold a financial obligation, inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or suitability for a particular investor.

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

Issue credit ratings can be either long-term or short-term. Short-term ratings are generally assigned to those obligations considered short term in the relevant market. In the U.S., for example, that means obligations with an original maturity of no more than 365 days, including commercial paper. Short-term ratings are also used to indicate the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to put features on long-term obligations. The result is a dual rating, in which the short-term rating addresses the put feature, in addition to the usual long-term rating. Medium-term notes are assigned long-term ratings.

Issue credit ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following considerations: likelihood of payment; capacity and willingness of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on an obligation in accordance with the terms of the obligation; nature of and provisions of the obligation; and protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the event of bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors' rights.

The issue rating definitions are expressed in terms of default risk. As such, they pertain to senior obligations of an entity. Junior obligations are typically rated lower than senior obligations, to reflect the lower priority in bankruptcy, as noted above. (Such differentiation applies when an entity has both senior and subordinated obligations, secured and unsecured obligations, or operating company and holding company obligations.) Accordingly, in the case of junior debt the rating may not conform exactly with the category definition.

**Corporate and Municipal Bond Ratings**

***Investment-grade***

AAA: An obligation rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor's. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.

AA: An obligation rated 'AA' differs from the highest rated obligations only in small degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.

A: An obligation rated 'A' is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.

BBB: An obligation rated 'BBS' exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

***Speculative Grade***

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

BB: An obligation rated 'BB' is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

B: An obligation rated 'B' is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated 'BB', but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

CCC: An obligation rated 'CCC' is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

CC: An obligation rated 'CC' is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.

C: A subordinated debt or preferred stock obligation rated 'C' is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The 'C' rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed or similar action taken, but payments on this obligation are being continued. A 'C' also will be assigned to a preferred stock issue in arrears on dividends or sinking fund payments, but that is currently paying.

D: An obligation rated 'D' is in payment default. The 'D' rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor's believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The 'D' rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.

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

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

r: This symbol is attached to the ratings of instruments with significant noncredit risks. It highlights risks to principal or volatility of expected returns which are not addressed in the credit rating. Examples include: obligations linked or indexed to equities, currencies, or commodities; obligations exposed to severe prepayment risk - such as interest-only or principal-only mortgage securities; and obligations with unusually risky interest terms, such as inverse floaters.

The absence of an "r" symbol should not be taken as an indication that an obligation will exhibit no volatility or variability in total return.

N.R.: This indicates that no rating has been requested, that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that Standard & Poor's does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy.

Debt obligations of issuers outside the United States and its territories are rated on the same basis as domestic corporate and municipal issues. The ratings measure the creditworthiness of the obligor but do not take into account currency exchange and related uncertainties.

**Commercial Paper Rating Definitions**

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

A-1: A short-term obligation rated 'A-1' is rated in the highest category by Standard & Poor's. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.

A-2: A short-term obligation rated 'A-2' is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory.

A-3: A short-term obligation rated 'A-3' exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

B: A short-term obligation rated 'B' is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

C: A short-term obligation rated 'C' is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

D: A short-term obligation rated 'D' is in payment default. The 'D' rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor's believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The 'D' rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.

A commercial paper rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold a security inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or suitability for a particular investor. The ratings are based on current information furnished to Standard & Poor's by the issuer or obtained from other sources it considers reliable. Standard & Poor's does not perform an audit in connection with any rating and may, on occasion, rely on unaudited financial information. The ratings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a result of changes in or unavailability of such information.

**Fitch Investor Services, Inc.**

**Credit Ratings**

Fitch's credit ratings provide an opinion on the relative ability of an entity to meet financial commitments, such as interest, preferred dividends, repayment of principal, insurance claims or counterparty obligations. Credit ratings are used by investors as indications of the likelihood of receiving their money back in accordance with the terms on which they invested. Fitch's credit ratings cover the global spectrum of corporate, sovereign (including supranational and sub-national), financial, bank, insurance, municipal and other public finance entities and the securities or other obligations they issue, as well as structured finance securities backed by receivables or other financial assets.

The use of credit ratings defines their function: "investment grade" ratings (international Long-term 'AAA' to 'BBB-' categories; Short-term 'F1' to 'F3') indicate relatively low to moderate credit risk, while those in the "speculative" or "non-investment grade" categories (international Long-term 'BB+' to 'D'; Short-term 'B' to 'D') either signal a higher level of credit risk or that a default has already occurred. Credit ratings express risk in relative rank order, which is to say they are ordinal measures of credit risk and are not predictive of a specific frequency of default or loss.

Depending on their application, credit ratings address benchmark measures of probability of default as well relative expectations of loss given default. For example, issuers are typically assigned Issuer Default Ratings that are relative measures of default probability. Similarly, short-term credit ratings give primary consideration to the likelihood that obligations will be met on a timely basis. Securities, however, are rated taking into consideration probability of default and loss given default. As a result, for entities such as corporations security ratings may be rated higher, lower or the same as the issuer rating to reflect expectations of the security's relative recovery prospects, as well as differences in ability and willingness to pay. While recovery analysis plays an important role throughout the ratings scale, it becomes a more critical consideration for below investment-grade securities and obligations, particularly at the lower end of the non-investment-grade ratings scale where Fitch often publishes actual Recovery Ratings that are complementary to the credit ratings.

Structured finance ratings typically are assigned to each individual security or tranche in a transaction, and not to an issuer. Each structured finance tranche is rated on the basis of various stress scenarios in combination with its relative seniority, prioritization of cash flows and other structural mechanisms.

**International Long-Term Credit Ratings**

International Long-Term Credit Ratings (LTCR) may also be referred to as Long-Term Ratings. When assigned to most issuers, it is used as a benchmark measure of probability of default and is formally described as an Issuer Default Rating (IDR). The major exception is within Public Finance, where IDRs will not be assigned as market convention has always focused on timeliness and does not draw analytical distinctions between issuers and their underlying obligations. When applied to issues or securities, the LTCR may be higher or lower than the issuer rating (IDR) to reflect relative differences in recovery expectations.

The following rating scale applies to foreign currency and local currency ratings:

***Investment Grade***

**AAA**

Highest credit quality. 'AAA' ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in case of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

**AA**

Very high credit quality. 'AA' ratings denote expectations of very low credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

**A**

High credit quality. 'A' ratings denote expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to changes in circumstances or in economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.

**BBB**

Good credit quality. 'BBB' ratings indicate that there is currently expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate but adverse changes in circumstances and economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity. This is the lowest investment grade category.

***Speculative Grade***

**BB**

**Speculative**

'BB' ratings indicate that there is a possibility of credit risk developing, particularly as the result of adverse economic change over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met. Securities rated in this category are not investment grade.

**B**

**Highly speculative**

For issuers and performing obligations, 'B' ratings indicate that significant credit risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is contingent upon a sustained, favorable business and economic environment.

For individual obligations, may indicate distressed or defaulted obligations with potential for extremely high recoveries. Such obligations would possess a Recovery Rating of 'R1' (outstanding).

**CCC**

For issuers and performing obligations, default is a real possibility. Capacity for meeting financial commitments is solely reliant upon sustained, favorable business or economic conditions.

For individual obligations, may indicate distressed or defaulted obligations with potential for average to superior levels of recovery. Differences in credit quality may be denoted by plus/minus distinctions. Such obligations typically would possess a Recovery Rating of 'R2' (superior), or 'R3' (good) or 'R4' (average).

**CC**

For issuers and performing obligations, default of some kind appears probable.

For individual obligations, may indicate distressed or defaulted obligations with a Recovery Rating of 'R4' (average) or 'R5' (below average).

**C**

For issuers and performing obligations, default is imminent.

For individual obligations, may indicate distressed or defaulted obligations with potential for below-average to poor recoveries. Such obligations would possess a Recovery Rating of 'R6' (poor).

**RD**

Indicates an entity that has failed to make due payments (within the applicable grace period) on some but not all material financial obligations, but continues to honor other classes of obligations.

**D**

Indicates an entity or sovereign that has defaulted on all of its financial obligations. Default generally is defined as one of the following:

● failure of an obligor to make timely payment of principal and/or interest under the contractual terms of any financial obligation;

● the bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other winding-up or cessation of business of an obligor; or

● the distressed or other coercive exchange of an obligation, where creditors were offered securities with diminished structural or economic terms compared with the existing obligation.

Default ratings are not assigned prospectively; within this context, non-payment on an instrument that contains a deferral feature or grace period will not be considered a default until after the expiration of the deferral or grace period.

Issuers will be rated 'D' upon a default. Defaulted and distressed obligations typically are rated along the continuum of 'C' to 'B' ratings categories, depending upon their recovery prospects and other relevant characteristics. Additionally, in structured finance transactions, where analysis indicates that an instrument is irrevocably impaired such that it is not expected to meet pay interest and or principal in full in accordance with the terms of the obligation's documentation during the life of the transaction, but where no payment default in accordance with the terms of the documentation is imminent, the obligation may be rated in the 'B' or 'CCC-C' categories.

Default is determined by reference to the terms of the obligations' documentation. Fitch will assign default ratings where it has reasonably determined that payment has not been made on a material obligation in accordance with the requirements of the obligation's documentation, or where it believes that default ratings consistent with Fitch's published definition of default are the most appropriate ratings to assign.

**International Short-Term Credit Ratings**

The following ratings scale applies to foreign currency and local currency ratings. A Short-term rating has a time horizon of less than 13 months for most obligations, or up to three years for US public finance, in line with industry standards, to reflect unique risk characteristics of bond, tax, and revenue anticipation notes that are commonly issued with terms up to three years. Short-term ratings thus place greater emphasis on the liquidity necessary to meet financial commitments in a timely manner.

**F1**

Highest credit quality. Indicates the strongest capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added "+" to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.

**F2**

Good credit quality. A satisfactory capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, but the margin of safety is not as great as in the case of the higher ratings.

**F3**

Fair credit quality. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate; however, near term adverse changes could result in a reduction to non-investment grade.

**B**

Speculative. Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.

**C**

High default risk. Default is a real possibility. Capacity for meeting financial commitments is solely reliant upon a sustained, favorable business and economic environment.

**RD**

Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other obligations.

**D**

Indicates an entity or sovereign that has defaulted on all of its financial obligations.

**Notes to International Long-Term and Short-Term ratings:**

The modifiers "+" or "-" may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the 'AAA' Long-term rating category, to categories below 'CCC' or to Short-term ratings other than 'Fl'. (The +/- modifiers are only used to denote issues within the CCC category, whereas issuers are only rated CCC without the use of modifiers.)

Rating Watch: Ratings are placed on Rating Watch to notify investors that there is a reasonable probability of a rating change and the likely direction of such change. These are designated as "Positive," indicating a potential upgrade, "Negative," for a potential downgrade, or "Evolving," if ratings may be raised, lowered or maintained. Rating Watch is typically resolved over a relatively short period.

Rating Outlook: An Outlook indicates the direction a rating is likely to move over a one to two-year period. Outlooks may be positive, stable or negative. A positive or negative Rating Outlook does not imply a rating change is inevitable. Similarly, ratings for which outlooks are "stable" could be upgraded or downgraded before an outlook moves to positive or negative if circumstances warrant such an action. Occasionally, Fitch Ratings may be unable to identify the fundamental trend. In these cases, the Rating Outlook may be described as evolving.

Program ratings (such as those assigned to MTN shelf registrations) relate only to standard issues made under the program concerned: it should not be assumed that these ratings apply to every issue made under the program. In particular, in the case of non-standard issues, i.e. those that are linked to the credit of a third party or linked to the performance of an index, ratings of these issues may deviate from the applicable program rating.

Variable rate demand obligations and other securities which contain a short-term "put" or other similar demand feature will have a dual rating, such as AAA/F1+. The first rating reflects the ability to meet long-term principal and interest payments, whereas the second rating reflects the ability to honor the demand feature in full and on time.

**Interest Only**

Interest Only ratings are assigned to interest strips. These ratings do not address the possibility that a security holder might fail to recover some or all of its initial investment due to voluntary or involuntary principal repayments.

**Principal Only**

Principal Only ratings address the likelihood that a security holder will receive their initial principal investment either before or by the scheduled maturity date.

**Rate of Return**

Ratings also may be assigned to gauge the likelihood of an investor receiving a certain predetermined internal rate of return without regard to the precise timing of any cash flows.

**'PIF'**

Paid-in-Full: denotes a security that is paid-in-full, matured, called, or refinanced.

'NR' indicates that Fitch Ratings does not rate the issuer or issue in question.

'Withdrawn': A rating is withdrawn when Fitch Ratings deems the amount of information available to be inadequate for rating purposes, or when an obligation matures, is called, or refinanced, or for any other reason Fitch Ratings deems sufficient.

**APPENDIX B**

**ALPS SERIES TRUST**

**PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES**

The Trust has adopted a Proxy Voting Policy used to determine how the Fund votes proxies relating to its portfolio securities. Under the Trust's Proxy Voting Policy, the Fund has, subject to the oversight of the Trust's Board, delegated to the Adviser the following duties: (1) to make the proxy voting decisions for the Fund, subject to the exceptions described below; and (2) to assist the Fund in disclosing its proxy voting record as required by Rule 30b1-4 under the 1940 Act.

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

The Fund CCO shall ensure that the Adviser has adopted a Proxy Voting Policy, which it uses to vote proxies for its clients, including the Fund.

**General**

The Trust and the Fund believe that the voting of proxies is an important part of portfolio management as it represents an opportunity for shareholders to make their voices heard and to influence the direction of a company. The Trust and the Fund are committed to voting corporate proxies in the manner that best serves the interests of the Fund's shareholders.

**Delegation to the Adviser**

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

(1) to make the proxy voting decisions for the Fund, in accordance with the Adviser's Proxy Voting Policy, except as provided herein; and

(2) to assist the Fund in disclosing their respective proxy voting record as required by Rule 30b1-4 under the 1940 Act, including providing the following information for each matter with respect to which the Fund is entitled to vote: (a) information identifying the matter voted on; (b) whether the matter was proposed by the issuer or by a security holder; (c) whether and how the Fund cast its vote; and (d) whether the Fund cast its vote for or against management.

The Board, including a majority of the independent trustees of the Board, must approve the Adviser's Proxy Voting and Disclosure Policy (the "Adviser Voting Policy") as it relates to the Fund. The Board must also approve any material changes to the Adviser Voting Policy no later than six (6) months after adoption by the Adviser.

**Conflicts**

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

**BRIGADE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LP**

**SUMMARY OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(1)**  **<u>Proxy Voting Procedures</u>** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) All proxies sent to Advisory Clients that are actually received by Brigade Capital (to vote on behalf of the Advisory Clients) will be provided to Brigade Capital's corporate actions team (the "Corporate Actions Team").

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The Corporate Actions Team will generally adhere to the following procedures (subject to limited exception):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. A written record of each proxy received by Brigade Capital (on behalf of the Advisory Clients) will be kept in Brigade Capital's files;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. The Corporate Actions Team will determine which of the Advisory Clients hold the security to which the proxy relates;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. The Corporate Actions Team will consult with a majority of (which may be via telephone, in person or email) the Managing Member, the Senior Vice President, Finance/Chief Administrative Officer, the Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel and the respective analyst that is responsible for the security (together with the Chief Compliance Officer, collectively referred to as "Proxy Voting Committee") and provide each member of the Proxy Voting Committee with:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) a copy of the proxy;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) a list of the Advisory Clients to which the proxy is relevant;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) the amount of votes controlled by each Advisory Client; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) the deadline that such proxies need to be completed and returned to the Advisory Client in question.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. Prior to voting any proxies, the Proxy Voting Committee will determine if there are any conflicts of interest related to the proxy in question in accordance with the general guidelines in the **Section 2 below**. If a conflict is identified, the Proxy Voting Committee will then make a determination (which may be in consultation with outside legal counsel) as to whether the conflict is material or not.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. If no material conflict is identified pursuant to these procedures, the Proxy Voting Committee will make a decision on how to vote the proxy in question in accordance with the guidelines set forth in **Section 3 below**. The Chief Compliance Officer, or his designee, will deliver the proxy in accordance with instructions related to such proxy in a timely and appropriate manner.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. Although not presently intended to be used on a regular basis, Brigade Capital is empowered to retain an independent third party to vote proxies in certain situations (including situations where a material conflict of interest is identified).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(2)**  **<u>Handling of Conflicts of Interest</u>** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) As stated above, in evaluating how to vote a proxy, the Proxy Voting Committee will first determine whether there is a conflict of interest related to the proxy in question between Brigade Capital and the Advisory Clients. This examination will include (but will not be limited to) an evaluation of whether Brigade Capital (or any affiliate of Brigade Capital) has any relationship with the company (or an affiliate of the company) to which the proxy relates outside an investment in such company by an Advisory Client managed by Brigade Capital.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) If a conflict is identified and deemed "material" by the Proxy Voting Committee, Brigade Capital will determine whether voting in accordance with the proxy voting guidelines outlined in **Section 3 below** is in the best interests of affected Advisory Clients (which may include utilizing an independent third party to vote such proxies).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) With respect to material conflicts, Brigade Capital will determine whether it is appropriate to disclose the conflict to affected clients and give Investors or Trustees the opportunity to vote the proxies in question themselves except that if the Advisory Client is subject to the requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), and an ERISA Investor has, in writing, reserved the right to vote proxies when Brigade Capital has determined that a material conflict exists that does affect its best judgment as a fiduciary to the Advisory Client, Brigade Capital will:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) Give the ERISA Investor the opportunity to vote the proxies in question himself or herself; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) Follow designated special proxy voting procedures related to voting proxies pursuant to the terms of the written agreements with such ERISA Investor (if any).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(3)**  **<u>Voting Guidelines</u>** 

In the absence of specific voting guidelines mandated by a particular Investor, Brigade Capital will endeavor to vote proxies in the best interests of each Advisory Client, which may result in different voting results for proxies for the same issuer. Brigade Capital believes that voting proxies in accordance with the following guidelines is in the best interests of its Advisory Clients.

Generally, Brigade Capital will vote in favor of routine corporate housekeeping proposals, including election of directors (where no corporate governance issues are implicated), selection of auditors, and increases in or reclassification of common stock.

Where applicable and material, Brigade Capital will consider the ESG voting guidance from a third- party source such as ISS, in addition to Brigade Capital's internal research, to make its own decision regarding active votes for ESG-related proposals put forward by the companies in which Brigade Capital invests. Brigade Capital recognizes the importance of improved disclosure and transparency surrounding ESG practices. As a result, Brigade intends to promote transparency of ESG practices through the application of our Proxy Voting practices. Where applicable, proxy votes received relating to increased ESG disclosure for an investment, Brigade Capital will seek to review the vote and determine whether to vote for the increased disclosure. Brigade Capital believes that diversity within company boards is likely to lead to more beneficial outcomes for companies. As a result, Brigade seeks to consider board diversity when considering voting for or against the nomination of directors to a company's board. In the majority of cases, Brigade generally believes that the separation of the roles of Chairman and CEO is beneficial to a company's operations and will consider voting for such separation as applicable.

For other ESG topics within proposals that may arise, Brigade will seek to review each vote and determine whether to vote with or against management. Ultimately, ESG considerations inform the Firm's decision making, but this is one of many qualitative and quantitative inputs, and not a primary objective. For other proposals, Brigade Capital shall determine whether a proposal is in the best interests of its Advisory Clients and may take into account the following factors, among others:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● whether the proposal was recommended by management and Brigade Capital's opinion of management;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● whether the proposal acts to entrench existing management and directors; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● whether the proposal fairly compensates management for past and future performance.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(4)**  **<u>Disclosure of Procedures</u>** 

Employees should note that a brief summary of these proxy voting procedures will be included in Brigade Capital's Form ADV Part 2A and will be updated whenever these policies and procedures are updated.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(5)**  **<u>Proxy Voting Issues Related to Registered Investment Companies</u>** 

On or about July 1 of each year, Brigade Capital may need to supply certain proxy voting records to certain of its Registered Investment Company clients for which it serves as a sub-adviser. In accordance with the **Registered Investment Company Requirements Section** provided below, Brigade Capital will: (i) provide relevant proxy voting records to the Registered Investment Company prior to the stated deadline; (ii) review the draft Form N-PX, as prepared and provided by the Registered Investment Company; and (iii) provide a written certification related to the proxy records provided by Brigade Capital.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(6)**  **<u>Record-keeping Requirements</u>** 

The Chief Compliance Officer, or his designee, will be responsible for maintaining files relating to Brigade Capital's proxy voting procedures. Under the services contract between Brigade Capital and ISS, ISS will maintain most of Brigade Capital's proxy-voting records. Records will be maintained and preserved for five years (certain of which are generally maintained through ISS) from the end of the fiscal year during which the last entry was made on a record, with records for the first two (2) years kept in the offices of Brigade Capital and/or ISS. Records of the following will be included in the files:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Copies of these proxy voting policies and procedures, and any amendments thereto;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) A copy of each proxy statement that Brigade Capital actually receives; provided, however, that Brigade Capital may rely on obtaining a copy of proxy statements from the SEC's EDGAR system for those proxy statements that are so available;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) A record of each vote that Brigade Capital casts;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) A copy of any document that Brigade Capital created that was material to making a decision on how to vote the proxies, or memorializes that decision (if any); and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) A copy of each written request for information on how Brigade Capital voted proxies of an Advisory Client and a copy of any written response to any request for information on how Brigade Capital voted proxies on behalf of an Advisory Client.

**STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION**

**February 1, 2026**

**CARRET KANSAS TAX-EXEMPT BOND FUND**

Institutional Class Shares (Ticker Symbol: SEKSX)

Class A Shares (Ticker Symbol: IKSTX)

This Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") expands upon and supplements the information contained in the current Prospectus for the Fund listed above, each of which is a separate series of ALPS Series Trust, a Delaware statutory trust ("Trust"). Each series of the Trust represents shares of beneficial interest in a separate portfolio of securities and other assets with its own objective and policies. Carret Asset Management, LLC (the "Adviser") is the investment adviser of the Fund.

This SAI is not a prospectus and is only authorized for distribution when preceded or accompanied by the Fund's current prospectus dated February 1, 2026, as supplemented from time to time (collectively, the "Prospectus"). This SAI supplements and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus, a copy of which may be obtained without charge by writing the Fund at the address listed above, or by calling the Fund's transfer agent at 1-833-287-7933. The Fund's most recent [Annual Report](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0001558107/000139834425021967/fp0096372-1_ncsrixbrl.htm) is incorporated by reference into this SAI and can be obtained free of charge, by calling the toll-free number printed above.

**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | Page |
| **ORGANIZATION AND CLASSIFICATION** | 1 |
| **ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES AND RISKS** | 1 |
| **INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS** | 21 |
| **PORTFOLIO TURNOVER** | 23 |
| **DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS** | 24 |
| **PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE** | 26 |
| **PURCHASE, EXCHANGE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES** | 28 |
| **TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS** | 34 |
| **INVESTMENT MANAGER** | 40 |
| **DISTRIBUTOR** | 41 |
| **CODE OF ETHICS** | 41 |
| **ADMINISTRATOR** | 41 |
| **PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES** | 42 |
| **PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS** | 42 |
| **EXPENSES** | 43 |
| **PORTFOLIO MANAGER** | 43 |
| **NET ASSET VALUE** | 45 |
| **FEDERAL AND CERTAIN STATE INCOME TAXES** | 46 |
| **DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST** | 60 |
| **OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND** | 61 |
| **PERFORMANCE INFORMATION** | 61 |
| **FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** | 62 |
| Appendix A – Description of Securities Ratings | A-1 |
| Appendix B – Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures | B-1 |

---

**ORGANIZATION AND CLASSIFICATION**

**ALPS Series Trust**

This SAI includes information about the Carret Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund (the "Fund" and formerly known as the American Independence Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund). The Fund is a series of the ALPS Series Trust ("Trust"), an open-end, management investment company organized as a Delaware statutory trust on January 12, 2012.

**Classification**

The Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended ("1940 Act"), classifies mutual funds as either diversified or non-diversified. The Carret Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund (the "Fund") is diversified.

**ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES AND RISKS**

The Fund's principal investment objectives and strategies are discussed in the Prospectus under the "**SUMMARY SECTION**" for the Fund and under "**INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES**." In order to achieve its investment objective, the Fund generally makes investments of the sort described in the Prospectus.

The Fund may also invest in certain types of securities, or engage in certain investment activities, as generally discussed below. In addition, the Fund may be subject to additional risks in connection with its investments in such securities or as a result of the Fund's investment strategies or activities.

**Bank Obligations**

Bank obligations that may be purchased by the Fund include certificates of deposit, banker's acceptances and fixed time deposits. A certificate of deposit is a short-term negotiable certificate issued by a commercial bank against funds deposited in the bank and is either interest-bearing or purchased on a discount basis. A banker's acceptance is a short-term draft drawn on a commercial bank by a borrower, usually in connection with an international commercial transaction. The borrower is liable for payment, as is the bank, which unconditionally guarantees to pay the draft at its face amount on the maturity date. Fixed time deposits are obligations of branches of U.S. or non-U.S. banks which are payable at a stated maturity date and bear a fixed rate of interest. Although fixed time deposits do not have a market, there are no contractual restrictions on the right to transfer a beneficial interest in the deposit to a third party. Bank obligations may be general obligations of the parent bank or may be limited to the issuing branch by the terms of the specific obligations or by government regulation. Securities issued or guaranteed by non-U.S. banks and non-U.S. branches of U.S. banks are subject to many of the risks of investing in non-U.S. securities generally.

Banks are subject to extensive governmental regulations which may limit both the amounts and types of loans and other financial commitments which may be made and interest rates and fees which may be charged. The profitability of this industry is to a significant extent dependent upon the availability and cost of capital of funds used by the bank to finance its lending operations. Also, general economic conditions play an important part in the operations of this industry and exposure to credit losses arising from possible financial difficulties of borrowers might affect a bank's ability to meet its obligations.

**Borrowing**

Borrowing creates an opportunity for increased return, but, at the same time, creates special risks. Furthermore, if the Fund were to engage in borrowing, an increase in interest rates could reduce the value of the Fund's shares by increasing the Fund's interest expense.

Subject to the limitations described under "**Investment Limitations**" below, the Fund may be permitted to borrow for temporary purposes and/or for investment purposes. Such a practice will result in leveraging of the Fund's assets and may cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so. This borrowing may be secured or unsecured. Provisions of the 1940 Act require the Fund to maintain continuous asset coverage (that is, total assets including borrowings, less liabilities exclusive of borrowings) of 300% of the amount borrowed, with an exception for borrowings not in excess of 5% of the Fund's total assets made for temporary emergency purposes. Any borrowings for temporary emergency purposes in excess of 5% of the Fund's total assets must maintain continuous asset coverage. If the 300% asset coverage should decline as a result of market fluctuations or other reasons, the Fund may be required to sell some of its portfolio holdings within three days (excluding Sundays and holidays) or such longer period as the Commission may prescribe by rules and regulations in order to reduce the debt and restore the 300% asset coverage, even though it may be disadvantageous from an investment standpoint if the Fund sells securities at that time. Borrowing will tend to exaggerate the effect on net asset value of any increase or decrease in the market value of the Fund's portfolio. Money borrowed will be subject to interest costs which may or may not be recovered by appreciation of the securities purchased, if any. The Fund also may be required to maintain minimum average balances in connection with such borrowings or to pay a commitment or other fee to maintain a line of credit; either of these requirements would increase the cost of borrowing over the stated interest rate. Reverse repurchase agreements are considered to be borrowings by the Fund. See "**Reverse Repurchase Agreements**" below.

**Combined Transactions**

Depending on the investment techniques or types of securities used by the Fund, the Fund may enter into multiple transactions, including multiple options transactions, multiple currency transactions (including forward currency contracts), multiple interest rate transactions and any combination of options, currency and interest rate transactions, instead of a single derivative, as part of a single or combined strategy when, in the judgment of the Adviser, it is in the best interests of the Fund to do so. A combined transaction will usually contain elements of risk that are present in each of its component transactions. Although combined transactions will normally be entered into by the Fund based on the Adviser's judgment that the combined strategies will reduce risk or otherwise more effectively achieve the desired portfolio management goal, it is possible that the combination will instead increase the risks or hinder achievement of the Fund's investment objective.

**Convertible Securities**

The Fund may invest in convertible securities, which are bonds, debentures, notes, preferred stock or other securities, which may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock of the same or different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A convertible security entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt or the dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion, convertible securities ordinarily provide a stream of income, which generate higher yields than those of common stocks of the same or similar issuers but lower than the yield on non-convertible debt. Convertible securities are usually subordinate or are comparable to non-convertible securities but rank senior to common stock or shares in a company's capital structure. The value of a convertible security is a function of (i) its yield in comparison with the yields of other securities of comparable maturity and quality that do not have a conversion privilege and (ii) its worth, at market value, if converted into the underlying common stock. Convertible securities are typically issued by smaller capitalized companies whose stock prices may be volatile. The price of a convertible security often reflects such variations in the price of the underlying common stock in a way that non-convertible debt does not. A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the convertible security's governing instrument.

**Credit Default Swaps**

The Fund may enter into credit default swap contracts. When used for hedging purposes, the Fund would be the buyer of a credit default swap contract. In that case, the Fund would be entitled to receive the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation, index or other investment from the counterparty to the contract in the event of a default by a third party, such as a U.S. or foreign issuer, on the referenced debt obligation. In return, the Fund would pay to the counterparty a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided that no event of default has occurred. If no default occurs, the Fund would have spent the stream of payments and received no benefit from the contract. When the Fund is the seller of a credit default swap contract, it receives the stream of payments but is obligated to pay upon default of the referenced debt obligation. As the seller, the Fund would effectively add leverage to its portfolio because, in addition to its total assets, the Fund would be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap.

In addition to the risks applicable to derivatives generally, credit default swaps involve special risks because they are difficult to value, are highly susceptible to liquidity and credit risk, and generally pay a return to the party that has paid the premium only in the event of an actual default by the issuer of the underlying obligation, as opposed to a credit downgrade or other indication of financial difficulty.

Credit default swaps may be subject to regulation by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC"), Securities Exchange Commission ("SEC") or both. Both the CFTC and the SEC have issued or amended guidance and relief regarding the implementation of various provisions of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 ("Dodd-Frank Act") relating to the use of swaps. Further action by the CFTC or SEC may affect the Fund's ability to use credit default swaps or may require additional disclosure by the Fund.

**Credit Ratings**

The fixed-income securities in which the Fund may invest will not be required to meet a minimum rating standard. Fixed-income securities that are not rated for creditworthiness by any internationally recognized credit rating organization are commonly referred to as "junk bonds" and involve significantly greater risks, including price volatility and risk of default of payment of interest and principal than higher rated securities. A description of the ratings used by Moody's and S&P is set forth in <u>Appendix A</u> to this SAI.

**Cyber Security Risk.**

In connection with the increased use of technologies such as the Internet and the dependence on computer systems to perform necessary business functions, the Fund may be susceptible to operational, information security and related risks due to the possibility of cyber-attacks or other incidents. Cyber incidents may result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. Cyber-attacks include, but are not limited to, infection by computer viruses or other malicious software code, gaining unauthorized access to systems, networks or devices that are used to service the Fund's operations through hacking or other means for the purpose of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data or causing operational disruption. Cyber-attacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks (which can make a website unavailable) on the Fund's website. In addition, authorized persons could inadvertently or intentionally release confidential or proprietary information stored on the Fund's systems.

Cyber security failures or breaches by the Fund's third-party service providers (including, but not limited to, the Adviser, distributor, custodian, transfer agent and financial intermediaries) may cause disruptions and impact the service providers' and the Fund's business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses, the inability of Fund shareholders to transact business and the mutual funds to process transactions, inability to calculate the Fund's net asset value, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs and/or additional compliance costs. The Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result of successful cyber-attacks against, or security breakdowns of, the Fund or their third-party service providers.

The Fund may incur substantial costs to prevent or address cyber incidents in the future. In addition, there is a possibility that certain risks have not been adequately identified or prepared for. Furthermore, the Fund cannot directly control any cyber security plans and systems put in place by third party service providers. 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 investment in such securities to lose value.

**Temporary or Defensive Measures Risk.** To the extent that the Fund engages in temporary or defensive measures, its ability to achieve its investment objective may be affected adversely.

**Depositary Receipts**

Depositary receipts include sponsored and unsponsored depositary receipts that are or become available, including American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs") and Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") and other depositary receipts. Depositary receipts are typically issued by a financial institution ("depositary") and evidence ownership interests in a security or a pool of securities ("underlying securities") that have been deposited with the depositary. The depositary for ADRs is typically a U.S. financial institution and the underlying securities are issued by a non-U.S. issuer. ADRs are publicly traded on exchanges or OTC in the United States and are issued through "sponsored" or "unsponsored" arrangements. In a sponsored ADR arrangement, the non-U.S. issuer assumes the obligation to pay some or all of the depositary's transaction fees, whereas under an unsponsored arrangement, the non-U.S. issuer assumes no obligation and the depositary's transaction fees are paid by the ADR holders. In addition, less information is available in the United States about an unsponsored ADR than about a sponsored ADR, and the financial information about a company may not be as reliable for an unsponsored ADR as it is for a sponsored ADR. In the case of GDRs, the depositary can be a non-U.S. or a U.S. financial institution and the underlying securities are issued by a non-U.S. issuer. GDRs allow companies in Europe, Asia, the United States and Latin America to offer shares in many markets around the world, thus allowing them to raise capital in these markets, as opposed to just in their home market. The advantage of GDRs is that shares do not have to be bought through the issuing company's home exchange, which may be difficult and expensive, but can be bought on all major stock exchanges. In addition, the share price and all dividends are converted to the shareholder's home currency. As for other depositary receipts, the depositary may be a non-U.S. or a U.S. entity, and the underlying securities may have a non-U.S. or a U.S. issuer. For purposes of the Fund's investment policies, investments in depositary receipts will be deemed to be investments in the underlying securities. Thus, a depositary receipt representing ownership of common stock will be treated as common stock. Depositary receipts purchased by the Fund may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the underlying securities into which they may be converted, in which case the Fund may be exposed to relative currency fluctuations.

**Derivatives**

The Fund may engage in a variety of derivative transactions in accordance with the applicable rules of the CFTC, and, to the extent applicable, the rules and regulations of certain national or foreign exchanges; however, the Fund will not be obligated to use derivatives and makes no representation as to the availability of these techniques at this time or at any time in the future. Generally, derivatives are financial contracts whose value depends on, or is derived from, the value of an underlying asset, reference rate or index and may relate to stocks, bonds, interest rates, currencies or currency exchange rates, commodities, related indexes and other assets. The types of derivatives in which the Fund may invest include, but are not limited to, futures contracts, the purchase and sale (or writing) of exchange listed and OTC put and call options on debt securities, entering into various interest rate transactions such as swaps, caps floors, and collars, entering into equity swaps, caps and floors, the purchase and sale of indexed debt securities or trading in other similar types of instruments.

Derivatives may be used, among other reasons, as part of the Fund's investment strategy, to attempt to protect against possible changes in the market value of securities held or to be purchased for the Fund's portfolio resulting from securities markets fluctuations, to protect the Fund's unrealized gains in the value of its securities, to facilitate the sale of those securities for investment purposes, to manage the effective maturity or duration of the Fund's portfolio or to establish a position in the derivatives markets as a temporary substitute for purchasing or selling particular securities or to seek to enhance the Fund's income or gain. The Fund may use any or all types of derivatives which it is authorized to use at any time; no particular strategy will dictate the use of one type of transaction rather than another, as use of any authorized derivative will be a function of numerous variables, including market conditions. The ability of the Fund to utilize derivatives successfully will depend on numerous factors including the Adviser's ability to predict pertinent market movements, which cannot be assured. These skills are different from those needed to select the Fund's portfolio securities.

Subject to the constraints described above, the Fund may (if and to the extent so authorized) enter into futures contracts, purchase and sell (or write) exchange listed and OTC put and call options on securities, loan participations and assignments, futures contracts, indices and other financial instruments, and the Fund may enter into interest rate transactions, equity swaps and related transactions and other similar transactions which may be developed to the extent the Adviser determines that they are consistent with the Fund's investment objective and policies and applicable regulatory requirements. The Fund's interest rate transactions may take the form of swaps, caps, floors and collars, and the Fund's currency transactions may take the form of currency forward contracts, currency swaps and options on currencies.

Certain standardized swap transactions are currently subject to mandatory central clearing or may be eligible for voluntary central clearing. Central clearing is expected to decrease counterparty risk and increase liquidity compared to uncleared swaps because central clearing interposes the central clearinghouse as the counterpart to each participant's swap. However, central clearing does not eliminate counterparty risk or illiquidity risk entirely. In addition, depending on the size of the Fund and other factors, the margin required under the rules of a clearinghouse and by a clearing member may be in excess of the collateral required to be posted by the Fund to support its obligations under a similar uncleared swap.

In connection with the use of certain derivatives, the Adviser intends to comply with the requirements of the Commodity Exchange Act ("CEA") by operating the Fund in a manner consistent with the restrictions of Rule 4.5, including filing a notice of eligibility of exemption from registration in accordance with applicable procedures and deadlines.

Derivatives involve special risks, including possible default by the other party to the transaction, illiquidity and, to the extent the Adviser's view as to certain market movements is incorrect, the risk that the use of derivatives could result in significantly greater losses than if it had not been used. Losses resulting from the use of derivatives will reduce the Fund's net asset value, and possibly income, and the losses may be significantly greater than if derivatives had not been used.

The Fund's use of derivatives may be limited by certain provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("Code"). When used, derivatives may increase the amount and affect the timing and character of taxes payable by shareholders. See "**FEDERAL AND CERTAIN STATE INCOME TAXES** – **Special Tax Considerations** *– Options and other Financial Products*."

**Equity Investments**

The Fund will invest in equity securities. Equity securities (which generally include common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants, securities convertible into common or preferred stocks and similar securities) are generally volatile and riskier than some other forms of investment. Equity securities of companies with relatively small market capitalizations may be more volatile than the securities of larger, more established companies or broad equity market indices generally. Common stock and other equity securities may take the form of stock in corporations, partnership interests, interests in limited liability companies and other direct or indirect interests in business organizations.

**Exchange-Traded Funds ("ETFs") and Other Similar Instruments**

Shares of ETFs and other similar instruments may be purchased by the Fund. Generally, an ETF is an investment company that is registered under the 1940 Act. Index ETFs that holds a portfolio of securities designed to track the performance of a particular index or index segment, actively managed ETFs are actively managed by an investment adviser. Similar instruments, issued by pools that are not investment companies, offer characteristics similar to index ETFs and may be designed to track the performance of an index or basket of securities of companies engaged in a particular market or sector. ETFs sell and redeem their shares at net asset value in large blocks (typically 50,000 of its shares) called "creation units." Shares representing fractional interests in these creation units are listed for trading on national securities exchanges and can be purchased and sold in the secondary market in lots of any size at any time during the trading day.

Investments in ETFs and other similar instruments involve certain inherent risks generally associated with investments in a broadly-based portfolio of stocks including: (i) risks that the general level of stock prices may decline, thereby adversely affecting the value of each unit of the ETF or other instrument; (ii) an index ETF may not fully replicate the performance of its benchmark index because of temporary unavailability of certain index securities in the secondary market or discrepancies between the ETF and the index with respect to the weightings of securities or number of stocks held; (iii) an ETF may also be adversely affected by the performance of the specific index, market sector or group of industries on which it is based; and (iv) an index ETF may not track an index as well as a traditional index mutual fund because ETFs are valued by the market and, therefore, there may be a difference between the market value and the ETF's net asset value. The Fund may both purchase and effect short sales of shares of ETFs and may also purchase and sell options on shares of ETFs. These investments may be used for hedging purposes or to seek to increase total return (which is considered a speculative activity).

Because ETFs and pools that issue similar instruments incur various fees and expenses, the Fund's investment in these instruments will involve certain indirect costs, as well as transaction costs, such as brokerage commissions. The Adviser will consider expenses associated with an investment in determining whether to invest in an ETF or other instrument. In the case of ETFs that are investment companies, they invest substantially all of their assets in securities of various securities indices or a particular segment of a securities index. The market price of ETFs is expected to fluctuate in accordance with both changes in the asset values of their underlying indices and supply and demand of an ETF's shares on the exchange. ETFs may trade at relatively modest discounts or premiums to net asset value. In general, most ETFs have a limited operating history and information may be lacking regarding the actual performance and trading liquidity of such shares for extended periods or over complete market cycles. In addition, there is no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of ETFs in which the Fund invests will continue to be met or will remain unchanged. In the event substantial market or other disruptions affecting the shares of ETFs held by the Fund should occur in the future, the liquidity and value of that Fund's shares could also be adversely affected.

Limitations of the 1940 Act, which prohibit the Fund from acquiring more than 3% of the outstanding shares of another investment company, may restrict the Fund's ability to purchase shares of certain ETFs.

**Firm Commitments and When-Issued Securities**

The Fund may purchase securities on a firm commitment basis, including when-issued securities. The Fund may also be entitled to receive when-issued securities in relation to its holdings in common stock of companies that undertake certain corporate actions and reorganizations. Securities purchased on a firm commitment basis are purchased for delivery beyond the normal settlement date at a stated price and yield. No income accrues to the purchaser of a security on a firm commitment basis prior to delivery. Such securities are recorded as an asset and are subject to changes in value based upon changes in the general level of interest rates. Purchasing a security on a firm commitment basis can involve a risk that the market price at the time of delivery may be lower than the agreed upon purchase price, in which case there could be an unrealized loss at the time of delivery. The Fund will only make commitments to purchase securities on a firm commitment basis with the intention of actually acquiring the securities but may sell them before the settlement date if it is deemed advisable. As when-issued securities are subject to delayed or deferred settlement, such securities may be either illiquid, or suffer from severe constraints in liquidity. When purchasing securities pursuant to a when-issued or forward commitment transaction, payment for the securities is not required until the delivery date. However, the purchaser assumes the rights and risks of ownership, including the risks of price and yield fluctuations. When the Fund has sold a security pursuant to one of these transactions, the Fund does not participate in further gains or losses with respect to the security. The Fund may renegotiate a when-issued or firm commitment transaction and may sell the underlying securities before delivery, which may result in capital gains or losses for the Fund. When-issued and forward-commitment transactions will not be considered to constitute issuance by the Fund of a "senior security" as that term is defined in Section 18(g) of the 1940 Act, and therefore, such transactions will not be subject to the 300% asset coverage requirement otherwise applicable to borrowings by the Fund, if the Fund reasonably believes, at the time it enters into such agreement, that it will have sufficient cash and cash equivalents to meet its obligations with respect to all of its unfunded commitment agreements, in each case as they come due.

**Fixed-Income Securities**

The Fund may invest in fixed-income securities. Fixed-income securities generally pay a specified rate of interest or dividends, or a rate that is adjusted periodically by reference to some specified index or market rate or other factor. Fixed-income securities may include securities issued by U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. governments and other agencies and instrumentalities, and by a wide range of private or corporate issuers. Fixed-income securities include, among others, bonds, notes, bills, debentures, convertible securities, bank obligations, mortgage and other asset-backed securities, loan participations and assignments and commercial paper.

Because interest rates vary, it is impossible to predict the income of the Fund for any particular period. Except to the extent that values are affected independently by other factors such as developments relating to a specific issuer or group of issuers, when interest rates decline, the value of fixed-income securities can generally be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of fixed-income securities can generally be expected to decline. Prices of longer-term securities generally increase or decrease more sharply than those of shorter-term securities in response to interest rate changes, particularly if such securities were purchased at a discount. It should be noted that the market values of securities rated below investment grade and comparable unrated securities tend to react less to fluctuations in interest rate levels than do those of higher-rated securities.

*Call or Buy-Back Features*. In addition, many fixed-income securities contain call or buy-back features that permit their issuers to call or repurchase the securities from their holders. Such securities may present risks based on payment expectations. Although the Fund may typically receive a premium if an issuer were to redeem a security, if an issuer exercises such a "call option" and redeems the security during a time of declining interest rates, the Fund may realize a capital loss on its investment if the security was purchased at a premium and the Fund may have to replace the called security with a lower yielding security, resulting in a decreased rate of return to the Fund.

**Floating and Variable Rate Instruments**

The Fund may invest in floating and variable rate obligations. Floating or variable rate obligations bear interest at rates that are not fixed but vary with changes in specified market rates or indices, such as the prime rate, and at specified intervals. Variable rate obligations invest include variable rate master demand notes, which are unsecured instruments issued pursuant to an agreement between the issuer and the holder that permit the indebtedness thereunder to vary and provide for periodic adjustments in the interest rate. Certain floating or variable rate obligations may carry a demand feature that would permit the holder to tender them back to the issuer of the instrument or to a third party at par value prior to maturity. Some demand instruments may not be traded in a secondary market and derive their liquidity solely from the ability of the holder to demand repayment from the issuer or third-party providing credit support. If a demand instrument is not traded in a secondary market, the Fund will nonetheless treat the instrument as liquid for the purposes of its investment restriction limiting investments in illiquid securities unless the demand feature has a notice period of more than seven days; if the notice period is greater than seven days, such a demand instrument will be characterized as illiquid for such purpose. The Fund's right to obtain payment at par on a demand instrument could be affected by events occurring between the date the Fund elects to demand payment and the date payment is due that may affect the ability of the issuer of the instrument or a third-party providing credit support to make payment when due. To facilitate settlement, some demand instruments may be held in book entry form at a bank other than the Fund's custodian subject to a sub-custodian agreement approved by the Fund between that bank and the Fund's custodian.

**High-Yield Securities**

The Fund may invest in high-yield securities. High-yield securities are considered speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligations. Under rating agency guidelines, any quality and protective characteristics of high-yield securities will likely be outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions. Medium and lower rated securities may have poor prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing, may have a current identifiable vulnerability to default, may be unlikely to have the capacity to pay interest and repay principal when due in the event of adverse business, financial or economic conditions, and/or may be in default or not current in the payment of interest or principal.

The credit ratings of S&P, Fitch, Moody's or other agencies are evaluations of the safety of principal and interest payments, not market value risk, of lower-rated securities. Credit rating agencies may fail to change timely the credit ratings to reflect subsequent events. Many debt securities in international markets, especially in emerging markets, bear no rating whatsoever. Ratings organizations have declined to determine ratings for such securities for a host of reasons, including but not limited to the issuer's lack of scale, insufficient or inadequate disclosure by the issuer, or insufficient operating history on the part of the issuer.

Neither the Fund nor the Adviser can conclude that ratings issued by recognized agencies reflect the true financial position of the underlying issuer; nor can any Fund or the Adviser be certain an issuer will maintain its current credit rating in the future. When available, the Adviser may refer to selected ratings from recognized agencies. The Adviser may also choose to augment such ratings with its own analyses of issuers, which may include, among other things, review of historic and current financial conditions and anticipated future cash flows.

*Changes in Credit Ratings*. Changes by recognized rating services in their ratings of a high-yield security and in the ability of an issuer to make payments of interest and principal may also affect the value of these investments. A description of the ratings used by Moody's and S&P is set forth in <u>Appendix A</u> to this SAI. The ratings of Moody's and S&P generally represent the opinions of those organizations as to the quality of the securities that they rate. Such ratings, however, are relative and subjective, are not absolute standards of quality, are subject to change and do not evaluate the market risk or liquidity of the securities. Ratings of a non-U.S. debt instrument, to the extent that those ratings are undertaken, are related to evaluations of the country in which the issuer of the instrument is located, which may cause a rating to be lower than would otherwise by suggested by the intrinsic creditworthiness of the issuer.

*Liquidity.* The secondary markets for high-yield securities are not as liquid as the secondary markets for higher rated securities. The secondary markets for high-yield securities are concentrated in relatively few market makers and participants in the market are mostly institutional investors, including insurance companies, banks, other financial institutions and mutual funds. In addition, the trading volume for high-yield securities is generally lower than that for higher-rated securities and the secondary markets could contract under adverse market or economic conditions independent of any specific adverse changes in the condition of a particular issuer, decreasing the liquidity of high-yield securities held in general. These factors may have an adverse effect on the ability of the Fund holding such securities to dispose of particular portfolio investments at the price it would wish, may adversely affect the Fund's net asset value per share and may limit the ability of the Fund to obtain accurate market quotations for purposes of valuing securities and calculating net asset value.

*Legislative and Regulatory Developments.* Prices for high-yield securities may be affected by legislative and regulatory developments. These laws could adversely affect the Fund's investments in high-yield securities, the secondary market for high-yield securities, the financial condition of issuers of these securities and the value of outstanding high-yield securities. For example, federal legislation requiring the divestiture by federally insured savings and loan associations of their investments in high-yield bonds and limiting the deductibility of interest by certain corporate issuers of high-yield bonds adversely affected the market in prior years.

*High-Yield Corporate Securities.* While the market values of securities rated below investment grade and comparable unrated securities tend to react less to fluctuations in interest rate levels than do those of higher-rated securities, the values of certain of these securities also tend to be more sensitive to individual corporate developments and changes in economic conditions than higher-rated securities. In addition, such securities present a higher degree of credit risk. Issuers of these securities are often highly leveraged and may not have more traditional methods of financing available to them, so that their ability to service their debt obligations during an economic downturn or during sustained periods of rising interest rates may be impaired. The risk of loss due to default by such issuers is significantly greater than with investment grade securities because such securities generally are unsecured and subordinated to the prior payment of senior indebtedness. If the Fund holds such securities, the Fund also could incur additional expenses to the extent that it is required to seek recovery upon a default in the payment of principal or interest on its portfolio holdings. These risks may be greater for non-U.S. high-yield securities especially those of issuers located in emerging markets.

The development of markets for high-yield corporate securities has been a relatively recent phenomenon, especially outside the United States. In addition, these markets have undergone significant changes in the past and may undergo significant changes in the future.

The Fund may invest in high-yield securities that bear interest at fixed rates, securities with variable rates of interest, or securities that involve equity features, such as contingent interest or participations based on revenues, sales or profits (*i.e.*, interest or other payments, often in addition to a fixed rate of return, that are based on the borrower's attainment of specified levels of revenues, sales or profits and thus enable the holder of the security to share in the potential success of the venture).

**Illiquid Securities**

The Fund may invest up to 15% of the value of its net assets in illiquid securities. The term "illiquid securities" for this purpose means securities that cannot be disposed of within seven days in the ordinary course of business at approximately the amount at which the Fund has valued the securities. Illiquid securities are considered to include, among other things, written OTC options, repurchase agreements with maturities in excess of seven days, certain loan participation interests, fixed time deposits which are not subject to prepayment or provide for withdrawal penalties upon prepayment (other than overnight deposits), and other securities whose disposition is restricted under the federal securities laws.

To the extent that instruments that the Fund holds become illiquid due to the lack of sufficient buyers or market or other conditions, the percentage of the Fund's assets invested in illiquid assets would increase. The Adviser, under the supervision of the Board of Trustees, monitors Fund investments in assignments and loan participations and will, in such a case, consider appropriate measures to enable the Fund to maintain sufficient liquidity for operating purposes and to meet redemption requests.

**Inflation-Indexed Bonds**

Inflation-indexed bonds are fixed-income securities whose principal value is periodically adjusted according to the rate of inflation. Two structures are common. The U.S. Treasury and some other issuers use a structure that accrues inflation into the principal value of the bond. Most other issuers pay out the Consumer Price Index accruals as part of a semiannual coupon.

Inflation-indexed securities issued by the U.S. Treasury have maturities of five, ten or twenty years, although it is possible that securities with other maturities will be issued in the future. The U.S. Treasury securities pay interest on a semiannual basis, equal to a fixed percentage of the inflation-adjusted principal amount. For example, if the Fund purchased an inflation-indexed bond with a par value of $1,000 and a 3% real rate of return coupon (payable 1.5% semi-annually), and inflation over the first six months were 1%, the mid-year par value of the bond would be $1,010 and the first semi-annual interest payment would be $15.15 ($1,010 times 1.5%). If inflation during the second half of the year resulted in the whole year's inflation equaling 3%, the end-of-year par value of the bond would be $1,030 and the second semi-annual interest payment would be $15.45 ($1,030 times 1.5%).

If the periodic adjustment rate measuring inflation falls, the principal value of inflation-indexed bonds will be adjusted downward, and consequently the interest payable on these securities (calculated with respect to a smaller principal amount) will be reduced. Repayment of the original bond principal upon maturity (as adjusted for inflation) is guaranteed in the case of U.S. Treasury inflation-indexed bonds, even during a period of deflation. However, the current market value of the bonds is not guaranteed and will fluctuate. The Fund may also invest in other inflation related bonds which may or may not provide a similar guarantee. If a guarantee of principal is not provided, the adjusted principal value of the bond repaid at maturity may be less than the original principal. The value of inflation-indexed bonds is expected to change in response to changes in real interest rates. Real interest rates in turn are tied to the relationship between nominal interest rates and the rate of inflation.

**Interest-Only Securities**

Interest only securities ("IOs") are a form of stripped mortgage security. Stripped mortgage securities may be issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government, or by private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans, including savings and loan associations, mortgage banks and special purpose subsidiaries of the foregoing. The risk of early prepayment is the primary risk associated with IOs.

Stripped mortgage securities are structured with two or more classes of securities that receive different proportions of the interest and principal distributions on a pool of mortgage assets. IOs are one class of a stripped mortgage security that receives all of the interest (while another class will receive all of the principal ("POs" or "principal only class")).

**Interest-Rate and Equity Swaps and Related Transactions**

The Fund may enter into interest rate and equity swaps and may purchase or sell (*i.e.*, write) interest rate and equity caps, floors and collars. If the Fund enters into these types of transactions, the Fund expects that it would do so in order to hedge against either a decline in the value of the securities included in the Fund's portfolio, or against an increase in the price of the securities which it plans to purchase, in order to preserve or maintain a return or spread on a particular investment or portion of its portfolio or to achieve a particular return on cash balances, or in order to increase income or gain. Interest rate and equity swaps involve the exchange between the parties to the swap of their respective commitments to make or receive payments based on a notional principal amount. The purchase of an interest rate or equity cap entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index exceeds a predetermined level, to receive payments on a contractually-based principal amount from the party selling the interest rate or equity cap. The purchase of an interest rate or equity floor entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index falls below a predetermined rate, to receive payments on a contractually-based principal amount from the party selling the interest rate or equity floor. A collar is a combination of a cap and a floor which preserve a certain return within a predetermined range of values.

If the Fund enters into interest-rate and equity swaps, the Fund expects that it will usually enter into the swap on a net basis (*i.e.*, the two payment streams are netted out), with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments.

The use of interest rate and equity swaps is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. There is a risk that is incorrect forecasts of market values, interest rates and other applicable factors, will diminish the investment performance of the Fund compared with what it would have been if these investment techniques were not utilized. Moreover, even if the forecasts are correct, there is a risk that the swap position may correlate imperfectly with the price of the asset or liability being hedged.

As is the case with options strategies, the effective use of swaps and related transactions by the Fund may depend, among other things, on the Fund's ability to terminate the transactions at times when the Adviser deems it desirable to do so. To the extent a transaction is not or cannot be terminated in a timely manner, the Fund may suffer a loss in excess of any amounts that it may have received, or expected to receive, as a result of entering into the transaction.

The liquidity of swap agreements will be determined based on various factors, including (i) the frequency of trades and quotations, (ii) the number of dealers and prospective purchasers in the marketplace, (iii) dealer undertakings to make a market, (iv) the nature of the security (including any demand or tender features), and (v) the nature of the marketplace for trades (including the ability to assign or offset the Fund's rights and obligations relating to the investment).

There is no limit on the amount of interest rate and equity swap transactions that may be entered into by the Fund. Because swaps and related transactions are bilateral contractual arrangements between the counterparties to the transactions, the Fund's ability to terminate such an arrangement may be considerably more limited than in the case of an exchange traded instrument. If the other party to a swap defaults, the Fund's risk of loss is the net amount of payments that the Fund contractually is entitled to receive, if any.

**Loans of Portfolio Securities**

Upon approval by the Board of Trustees, the Fund may lend portfolio securities to brokers or dealers or other financial institutions in accordance with policies and procedures of the Trust, as may be adopted from time to time. The procedure for the lending of securities will typically include the following features and conditions. The collateral will consist either of U.S. Government Securities or the borrower of the securities will deposit cash with the Fund in an amount equal to a minimum of 100% of the market value of the securities lent. The Fund will seek to invest the collateral in short-term debt securities, cash equivalents (or pooled investment vehicle interests in cash, cash equivalents and short-term debt instruments) and earn the income thereon. A negotiated portion of the income so earned may be paid to the securities or lending agent (e.g., a bank or trust company) who arranged the loan. The collateral will be marked to market daily, and if the value of the collateral drops below the required minimum at any time, the borrower may typically be called upon to post additional collateral. These will be "demand" loans and may be terminated by the Fund at any time. The Fund will receive any payments in lieu of dividends and interest paid on the securities lent, although the U.S. federal income tax characteristics of such payment may change. The Fund's performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned.

The terms of the structure of the loan arrangements, as well as the aggregate amount of securities loans, must be consistent with the 1940 Act and rules and interpretations of the SEC thereunder. These provisions limit the amount of securities the Fund may lend to 33 1/3% of the Fund's total assets and require (1) the borrower pledge and maintain with the Fund collateral consisting of cash, an irrevocable letter of credit, or securities issued by the U.S. government having at all times not less than 100% of the value of the securities lent; (2) the borrower add to such collateral whenever the price of the securities lent rises; (3) the loan be made subject to termination by the Fund at any time; and (4) the Fund receives reasonable interest on the loan (which may include the Fund's investing any cash collateral in interest-bearing short-term investments), any distributions on the lent securities, and any increase in their market value. Loan arrangements made by the Fund will comply with all other applicable regulatory requirements, including the rules of the New York Stock Exchange, which presently require the borrower, after notice, to redeliver the securities within the normal settlement time of three business days. The Adviser will consider the creditworthiness of the borrower, among other things, in making decisions with respect to lending securities, subject to the oversight of the Board of Trustees. At present time, the SEC does not object if any investment company pays reasonable negotiated fees in connection with lent securities, so long as such fees are set forth in a written contract and approved by the investment company's trustees. In addition, voting rights pass with the lent securities, but if the Fund has knowledge that a material event will occur affecting securities on loan, and with respect to which the holder of securities will be entitled to vote or consent, the lender must be entitled to call the loaned securities in time to vote or consent. The Fund bears the risk that there may be a delay in the return of the securities, which may impair the Fund's ability to vote on such a matter. The Fund may include, as part of its total assets, the assets that it receives as collateral for loans of its portfolio securities, for purposes of determining compliance with the requirement that a mutual fund should not have on loan at any given time securities representing more than one-third of its total asset value.

These transactions must be fully collateralized at all times, but involve some credit risk to the Fund if the borrower or the party (if any) guaranteeing the loan should default on its obligations. In the event of the default or bankruptcy of the other party to a securities loan, the Fund could experience delays in recovering the securities it lent. To the extent that, in the meantime, the value of the securities the Fund lent has increased or the value of the collateral decreased, the Fund could experience a loss. In the event of a default by the borrower, the Fund will, if permitted by law, dispose of such collateral except that the Fund may retain any such part thereof that is a security in which the Fund is permitted to invest. The Fund may also lose money if it incurs losses on the reinvestment of cash collateral.

Although voting rights or rights to consent with respect to the loaned securities pass to the borrower, the Fund, as the lender, generally retains the right to call the loans and obtain the return of the securities loaned at any time on reasonable notice, and it will attempt to do so in order that the securities may be voted by the Fund if the holders of such securities are asked to vote upon or consent to matters which the Adviser believes materially affect the investment; however, the Fund may not be able to recall the securities in time for the Fund to be the owner on the record date for determining shareholders entitled to vote or consent on the matter. The Fund may typically also call such loans in order to sell the securities involved.

**Money Market Instruments/Securities**

The Fund may hold money market instruments, including commercial paper, banker's acceptances, certificates of deposit and other short-term debt securities. The Fund may hold money market instruments for many reasons including, (i) as part of the Adviser's strategy in order to take advantage of investment opportunities as they arise, (ii) when the portfolio managers believe that market conditions are unfavorable for profitable investing for the Fund, (iii) when the portfolio managers are otherwise unable to locate attractive investment opportunities for the Fund, (iv) as a temporary measure in order to meet redemption requests, or (v) as a defensive measure in response to adverse market or economic conditions. During periods when the Fund maintains exposure to money market instruments, it may not participate in market movements to the same extent that it would if the Fund was more fully invested in equity securities.

**Municipal Bonds**

Municipal bonds generally have a maturity at the time of issuance of more than one year. Municipal bonds may be issued to raise money for various public purposes—such as constructing public facilities and making loans to public institutions. There are generally two types of municipal bonds: general obligation bonds and revenue bonds. General obligation bonds are backed by the taxing power of the issuing municipality and are considered the safest type of municipal bond. Revenue bonds are backed by the revenues of a project or facility—tolls from a toll road, for example. Certain types of municipal bonds are issued to obtain funding for privately operated facilities. Industrial development revenue bonds (which are private activity bonds) are a specific type of revenue bond backed by the credit and security of a private user, and therefore investments in these bonds have more potential risk. Investments in municipal bonds are rated investment grade or better by a NRSRO.

**Municipal Commercial Paper**

Municipal commercial paper is a debt obligation with a stated maturity of one year or less which is issued to finance seasonal working capital needs or as short-term financing in anticipation of longer-term debt. Investments in municipal commercial paper are limited to commercial paper which is rated at the date of purchase: (i) "P-1" by Moody's and "A-1" or "A-1+" by S&P, "P-2" or better by Moody's and "A-2" or better by S&P; or (ii) in a comparable rating category by any two of the NRSROs that have rated commercial paper; or (iii) in a comparable rating category by only one such organization if it is the only organization that has rated the commercial paper; or (iv) if not rated, is, in the opinion of the Adviser, of comparable investment quality and within the credit quality policies and guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. Issuers of municipal commercial paper rated "P-1" have a "superior capacity for repayment of short-term promissory obligations". The "A-1" rating for commercial paper under the S&P classification indicates that the "degree of safety regarding timely payment is either overwhelming or very strong." Commercial paper with "overwhelming safety characteristics" will be rated "A-1+". Commercial paper receiving a "P-2" rating has a strong capacity for repayment of short-term promissory obligations. Commercial paper rated "A-2" has the capacity for timely payment although the relative degree of safety is not as overwhelming as for issues designated "A-1".

**Municipal Leases**

Municipal leases are instruments, or participations in instruments, issued in connection with lease obligations or installment purchase contract obligations of municipalities. Although municipal lease obligations do not constitute general obligations of the issuing municipality, a lease obligation is ordinarily backed by the municipality's covenant to budget for, appropriate funds for, and make the payments due under the lease obligation. However, certain lease obligations contain "non-appropriation" clauses, which provide that the municipality has no obligation to make lease or installment purchase payments in future years unless money is appropriated for such purpose in the relevant years. Municipal lease obligations will be treated as liquid only if they satisfy criteria set forth in guidelines established by the Board of Trustees, and there can be no assurance that a market will exist or continue to exist for any municipal lease obligation.

**Municipal Notes**

Municipal notes are generally sold as interim financing in anticipation of the collection of taxes, a bond sale or receipt of other revenue. Municipal notes generally have maturities at the time of issuance of one year or less. Investments in municipal notes are limited to notes which are rated at the date of purchase: (i) MIG 1 or MIG 2 by Moody's and in a comparable rating category by at least one other nationally recognized statistical rating organization that has rated the notes, or (ii) in a comparable rating category by only one such organization, including Moody's, if it is the only organization that has rated the notes, or (iii) if not rated, are, in the opinion of the Adviser, of comparable investment quality and within the credit quality policies and guidelines established by the Board of Trustees.

Notes rated "MIG 1" are judged to be of the "best quality" and carry the smallest amount of investment risk. Notes rated "MIG 2" are judged to be of "high quality, with margins of protection ample although not as large as in the preceding group".

**Options**

In addition to the options on instruments and indices described in this SAI, the Fund reserves the right to purchase or sell options on other instruments and indices and those which may be developed in the future to the extent consistent with applicable law, the Fund's investment objective and the restrictions set forth herein.

A put option gives the purchaser of the option, upon payment of a premium, the right to sell, and the writer of the option the obligation to buy (if the option is exercised), the underlying security, index, currency or other instrument at the exercise price. If the Fund were to purchase a put option on a security, for example, it might do so in an attempt to protect its holdings in the underlying instrument (or, in some cases, a similar instrument) against a substantial decline in the market value of such instrument by giving the Fund the right to sell the instrument at the option exercise price. A call option, upon payment of a premium, gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy (if the option is exercised), and the seller the obligation to sell, the underlying instrument at the exercise price. If the Fund were to purchase a call option on a security, index, currency or other instrument, for example, it might do so in an attempt to protect the Fund against an increase in the price of the underlying instrument that it intends to purchase in the future by fixing the price at which it may purchase the instrument. An "American" style put or call option may be exercised at any time during the option period, whereas a "European" style put or call option may be exercised only upon expiration or during a fixed period prior to expiration. Exchange-listed options are issued by a regulated intermediary such as the Options Clearing Corporation ("OCC"), which guarantees the performance of the obligations of the parties to the options.

The Fund may purchase put and call options or write "covered" put and call options on stock indices, interest rates and currencies in order to hedge against adverse market shifts or to potentially increase income or gain. In addition, the Fund may utilize options on currencies in order to hedge against currency exchange rate risks or to gain exposure to one or more currencies. A call option written by the Fund is "covered" so long as the Fund owns: (i) the underlying investment subject to the option; (ii) securities convertible or exchangeable without the payment of any consideration into the securities subject to the option; or (iii) a call option on the relevant security or currency with an exercise price no higher than the exercise price on the call option written. A put option written by the Fund is "covered" if the Fund has certain offsetting puts. Parties to options transactions must make certain payments and/or set aside certain amounts of assets in connection with each transaction.

If the Fund writes a call, the Fund will generally limit its opportunity to profit from an increase in the market value of the underlying investment above the exercise price of the option for as long as the Fund's obligation as writer of the option continues. If the Fund writes a put, the Fund will generally limit its opportunity to profit from a decrease in the market value of the underlying investment below the exercise price of the option for as long as the Fund's obligation as writer of the option continues. Upon the exercise of a put option written by the Fund, the Fund may suffer an economic loss equal to the difference between the price at which the Fund is required to purchase the underlying investment and its market value at the time of the option exercise, less the premium received for writing the option. Upon the exercise of a call option written by the Fund, the Fund may suffer an economic loss equal to an amount not less than the Fund's acquisition cost of the investment underlying the option, less the sum of the premium received for writing the option and the exercise price paid to the Fund.

The Fund may choose to exercise the options it holds, permit them to expire or terminate them prior to their expiration by entering into closing transactions. The Fund may enter into a closing purchase transaction in which the Fund purchases an option having the same terms as the option it had written or a closing sale transaction in which the Fund sells an option having the same terms as the option it had purchased.

Exchange-listed options on securities and currencies, with certain exceptions, generally settle by physical delivery of the underlying security or currency, although in the future, cash settlement may become available. Frequently, rather than taking or making delivery of the underlying instrument through the process of exercising the option, listed options are closed by entering into offsetting purchase or sale transactions that do not result in ownership of the new option. Index options are cash settled for the net amount, if any, by which the option is "in-the-money" (that is, the amount by which the value of the underlying instrument exceeds, in the case of a call option, or is less than, in the case of a put option, the exercise price of the option) at the time the option is exercised.

OTC options are purchased from or sold to securities dealers, financial institutions or other parties (collectively referred to as "counterparties" and individually referred to as a "counterparty") through a direct bilateral agreement with the counterparty. In contrast to exchange-listed options, which generally have standardized terms and performance mechanics, the terms of an OTC option, including such terms as method of settlement, term, exercise price, premium, guaranties and security, are determined by negotiation of the parties.

Unless the parties provide for it, no central clearing or guaranty function is involved in an OTC option. As a result, if a counterparty fails to make or take delivery of the security, currency or other instrument underlying an OTC option it has entered into with the Fund or fails to make a cash settlement payment due in accordance with the terms of that option, the Fund will lose any premium it paid for the option as well as any anticipated benefit of the transaction. Thus, the Adviser must assess the creditworthiness of each such counterparty or any guarantor or credit enhancement of the counterparty's credit to determine the likelihood that the terms of the OTC option will be met.

If the Fund sells a call option, the premium that it receives may serve as a partial hedge, to the extent of the option premium, against a decrease in the value of the underlying securities or instruments held by the Fund or will increase the Fund's income. Similarly, the sale of put options can also provide gains for the Fund. The Fund may purchase and sell call options on securities that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and in the OTC markets, and on securities indices and currencies. Even though the Fund will receive the option premium to help protect it against loss, use of options could result in losses to the Fund, force the purchase or sale of portfolio securities at inopportune times or for prices higher or lower than current market values, or cause the Fund to hold a security it might otherwise sell or sell a security it might otherwise hold.

The Fund's ability to close out its position as a purchaser or seller of an OCC-issued or exchange-listed put or call option is dependent, in part, upon the liquidity of the particular option market. Among the possible reasons for the absence of a liquid option market on an exchange are: (i) insufficient trading interest in certain options; (ii) restrictions on transactions imposed by an exchange; (iii) trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions imposed with respect to particular classes or series of options or underlying securities, including reaching daily price limits; (iv) interruption of the normal operations of the OCC or an exchange; (v) inadequacy of the facilities of an exchange or the OCC to handle current trading volume; or (vi) a decision by one or more exchanges to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options), in which event the relevant market for that option on that exchange would cease to exist, although any such outstanding options on that exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.

The hours of trading for listed options may not coincide with the hours during which the underlying financial instruments are traded. To the extent that the option markets close before the markets for the underlying financial instruments, significant price and rate movements can take place in the underlying markets that would not be reflected in the corresponding option markets.

*Options on Stocks and Stock Indices*. The Fund may purchase put and call options and write covered put and call options on stocks and stock indices in order to hedge against movements in the equity markets or to potentially increase income or gain to the Fund. In addition, the Fund may purchase options on stocks that are traded over-the-counter. Options on stock indices are similar to options on specific securities. However, because options on stock indices do not involve the delivery of an underlying security, the option represents the holder's right to obtain from the writer cash in an amount equal to a fixed multiple of the amount by which the exercise price exceeds (in the case of a put) or is less than (in the case of a call) the closing value of the underlying stock index on the exercise date. Options are also traded in certain industry or market segment indices. Stock index options are subject to position and exercise limits and other regulations imposed by the exchange on which they are traded.

For example, a purchase of a call option on a stock index could be used as a hedge against an increase in prices of particular equity securities the Fund wanted ultimately to buy if the Adviser expected general stock market prices to rise. If the stock index does rise, the price of the particular equity securities intended to be purchased may also increase, but that increase should be offset in part by the increase in the value of the Fund's index option resulting from the increase in the index. On the other hand, a purchase of a put option on the index could be used if the Adviser expected general stock market prices to decline. If that index does decline, the value of some or all of the equity securities in the Fund's portfolio may also be expected to decline, but that decrease would be offset in part by the increase in the value of the Fund's position in such put option.

**Other Investment Companies (excluding ETFs)**

The Fund may invest in shares of other investment companies, including open-end investment companies, subject to limits prescribed by the 1940 Act. These investment companies typically incur fees that are separate from those fees incurred directly by the Fund. The Fund's purchase of such investment company securities results in the layering of expenses, such that shareholders would indirectly bear a proportionate share of the operating expenses of such investment companies, including advisory fees, in addition to paying Fund expenses. No adjustments will be made to the advisory fee with respect to assets of the Fund invested in such investment companies.

The Fund's investment in other investment companies may include securities of closed-end investment companies investing in foreign securities. The Fund will invest in closed-end investment companies only in furtherance of their investment objectives. Growth in appreciation and dividends in foreign markets sometimes occurs at a faster rate than in domestic markets. The ability of the Fund to invest in closed-end investment companies that invest in foreign securities provides, indirectly, greater variety and added expertise with respect to investments in foreign markets than if the Fund invested directly in such markets. Such companies themselves, however, may have policies that are different from those of the Fund.

The Fund's investment in other investment companies may also include shares of ETFs, which are described elsewhere in this section under the heading "**Exchange-Traded Funds ("ETFs") and Other Similar Instruments**."

**Repurchase Agreements**

The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements. A repurchase agreement is a transaction in which the seller of a security commits itself at the time of sale to repurchase that security from the buyer at a mutually agreed upon time and price. The resale price is in excess of the purchase price and reflects an agreed-upon market interest rate unrelated to the coupon rate on the purchased security. Such transactions afford the opportunity to earn a return on temporarily available cash at relatively low market risk. When the Fund enters into a repurchase agreement, the Adviser will monitor the value of the securities underlying the repurchase agreement at the time the transaction is entered into and at all times during the term of the repurchase agreement to ensure that the value of the securities always equals or exceeds the repurchase price. The Fund will require that additional securities be deposited if the value of the securities purchased decreases below their resale price and does not bear the risk of a decline in the value of the underlying security unless the seller defaults under the repurchase obligation.

While the underlying security may be a bill, certificate of indebtedness, note or bond issued by an agency, authority or instrumentality of the U.S. government, the obligation of the seller is not guaranteed by the U.S. government and there is a risk that the seller may fail to repurchase the underlying security. In such event, the Fund would attempt to exercise rights with respect to the underlying security, including possible disposition in the market. However, the Fund may be subject to various delays and risks of loss, including (i) possible declines in the value of the underlying security during the period while the Fund seeks to enforce its rights thereto, (ii) possible reduced levels of income and lack of access to income during this period, and (iii) inability to enforce rights and the expenses involved in the attempted enforcement.

Repurchase agreements with maturities of more than seven days will be treated as illiquid securities.

**Reverse Repurchase Agreements**

The Fund may enter into "reverse" repurchase agreements to avoid selling securities during unfavorable market conditions to meet redemptions. Pursuant to a reverse repurchase agreement, the Fund sells portfolio securities and agree to repurchase them from the buyer at a particular date and price. The Fund will pay interest on amounts obtained pursuant to reverse repurchase agreements. Reverse repurchase agreements are considered to be borrowings by the Fund. See "**Borrowing**" above.

**Restricted Securities and Securities with Limited Trading Markets (Rule 144A)**

The Fund may purchase securities for which there is a limited trading market or which are subject to restrictions on resale to the public. If the Fund were to acquire substantial positions in securities with limited trading markets, the activities of the Fund could have an adverse effect upon the liquidity and marketability of such securities and the Fund might not be able to dispose of its holdings in those securities at then current market prices. Circumstances could also exist (to satisfy redemptions, for example) when portfolio securities might have to be sold by the Fund at times which otherwise might be considered to be disadvantageous so that the Fund might receive lower proceeds from such sales than it had expected to realize. Investments in securities which are "restricted" may involve added expenses to the Fund should the Fund be required to bear registration costs with respect to such securities and could involve delays in disposing of such securities which might have an adverse effect upon the price and timing of sales of such securities and the liquidity of the Fund with respect to redemptions. Restricted securities and securities for which there is a limited trading market may be significantly more difficult to value due to the unavailability of reliable market quotations for such securities, and investment in such securities may have an adverse impact on net asset value. The Fund may purchase Rule 144A securities for which there may be a secondary market of qualified institutional buyers as contemplated by Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"). Liquidity determinations with respect to Rule 144A securities will be made by the Board of Trustees or by the Adviser pursuant to guidelines established by the Board. The Fund's holdings of Rule 144A securities which are considered liquid securities will not be subject to the Fund's applicable limitation on investments in illiquid securities.

**Securities Related Issuers**

The 1940 Act limits the Fund's ability to invest in any equity security of an issuer which, in its most recent fiscal year, derived more than 15% of its revenues from "securities related activities," as defined by the rules thereunder. These provisions may also restrict the Fund's investments in certain non-U.S. banks and other financial institutions.

**Short Sales**

The Fund may make short sales of securities consistent with its strategies. A short sale is a transaction in which the Fund sells a security it does not own in anticipation that the market price of that security will decline.

When the Fund makes a short sale, it must borrow the security sold short and deliver a security equal in value to the security sold short to the broker-dealer through which it made the short sale as collateral for its obligation to deliver the security upon conclusion of the sale. The Fund may have to pay a fee to borrow particular securities and may be obligated to pay over any accrued interest and dividends on such borrowed securities.

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

A short sale is "against the box" to the extent that the Fund contemporaneously owns, or has the right to obtain at no added cost, securities identical to those sold short. The Fund may engage in short selling to the extent permitted by the federal securities laws and rules and interpretations thereunder. To the extent the Fund engages in short selling in foreign (non-U.S.) jurisdictions, the Fund will do so to the extent permitted by the laws and regulations of such jurisdiction.

**Temporary or Defensive Positions**

The Fund may depart from its principal investment strategies to meet redemption requests in response to adverse market, economic or political conditions by taking temporary or defensive positions by investing some or all of its assets in cash and/or cash equivalent securities or invest in other securities that the Adviser believes are less risky than those normally invested in by the Fund.

Cash equivalent securities include, but are not limited to, obligations of the U.S. government or by its agencies or instrumentalities, money market fund shares, commercial paper, certificates of deposit and/or banker's acceptances, as well as other interest bearing or discount obligations or debt instruments that carry an investment grade rating by a national rating agency. If the Fund invests all or a majority of its assets in cash or cash equivalents it will not achieve its investment objective.

**U.S. Government Securities**

The Fund may invest without limit in securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or by its agencies or instrumentalities. U.S. government securities in general include a wide variety of U.S. Treasury obligations consisting of bills, notes and bonds, which principally differ only in their interest rates, maturities and times of issuance. Securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies and instrumentalities are debt securities issued by agencies or instrumentalities established or sponsored by the U.S. government and may be backed only by the credit of the issuing agency or instrumentality. The Fund will invest in such obligations only where the Adviser is satisfied that the credit risk with respect to the issuer is minimal.

Securities issued by the U.S. Treasury generally do not involve the credit risks associated with investments in other types of fixed-income securities, although, as a result, the yields available from these securities are generally lower than the yields available from corporate fixed-income securities. Like other debt securities, however, the values of U.S. government securities change as interest rates fluctuate, which could affect the Fund's net asset value. Under certain market conditions the Fund may, for temporary defensive purposes, accept lower current income from short-term investments rather than investing in higher yielding long-term securities. Some U.S. government securities (such as Fannie Maes and Freddie Macs) are guaranteed as to the payment of principal and interest by the relevant entity (e.g., FNMA or FHLMC) but are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. Therefore, the securities would generally be neither issued nor guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury.

*CMOs and MBS Derivatives*

The collateralized mortgage obligation ("CMO") and stripped mortgage-backed securities ("MBS") markets were developed specifically to reallocate the various risks inherent in MBS across various bond classes ("tranches"). For example, CMO "companion" classes typically experience much greater average life variability than other CMO classes or MBS pass-throughs. Interest-only pass-through securities experience greater yield variability relative to changes in prepayments. "Inverse floaters" experience greater variability of returns relative to changes in interest rates. To the extent that the Fund concentrates its investments in these or other "derivative" securities, the prepayment risks, interest rate risks, and hedging risks associated with such securities will be severely magnified.

**Warrants and Rights**

The Fund may invest in warrants and rights. Warrants are securities that are usually issued together with a debt security or preferred stock and that give the holder the right to buy a proportionate amount of common stock at a specified price until a stated expiration date. Buying a warrant generally can provide a greater potential for profit or loss than an investment of equivalent amounts in the underlying common stock. The market value of a warrant does not necessarily move with the value of the underlying securities. If a holder does not sell the warrant, it risks the loss of its entire investment if the market price of the underlying security does not, before the expiration date, exceed the exercise price of the warrant. Investing in warrants is a speculative activity. Warrants pay no dividends and confer no rights (other than the right to purchase the underlying securities) with respect to the assets of the issuer. A right is a privilege granted, typically to existing shareholders of a corporation, to subscribe for shares of a new issue of stock before it is issued. Rights normally have a short life, usually two to four weeks, may be freely transferable and generally entitle the holder to buy the new common stock at a lower price than the public offering price.

**Zero-Coupon Securities, Pay-In-Kind Bonds and Deferred Payment Securities**

The Fund may invest in zero-coupon securities, pay-in-kind bonds and deferred payment securities. Zero-coupon securities are debt securities that pay no cash income but are sold at substantial discounts from their value at maturity. When a zero-coupon security is held to maturity, its entire return, which consists of the amortization of discount, comes from the difference between its purchase price and its maturity value. This difference is known at the time of purchase, so that investors holding zero-coupon securities until maturity know at the time of their investment what the expected return on their investment will be. Zero-coupon securities may have conversion features. The Fund also may purchase pay-in-kind bonds. Pay-in-kind bonds pay all or a portion of their interest in the form of debt or equity securities. Deferred payment securities are securities that remain zero-coupon securities until a predetermined date, at which time the stated coupon rate becomes effective and interest becomes payable at regular intervals.

Zero-coupon securities, pay-in-kind bonds and deferred payment securities tend to be subject to greater price fluctuations in response to changes in interest rates than are ordinary interest-paying debt securities with similar maturities. The value of zero-coupon securities appreciates more during periods of declining interest rates and depreciates more during periods of rising interest rates than ordinary interest-paying debt securities with similar maturities. Zero-coupon securities, pay-in-kind bonds and deferred payment securities may be issued by a wide variety of corporate and governmental issuers. Although these instruments are generally not traded on a national securities exchange, they are widely traded by brokers and dealers and, to such extent, will not generally be considered illiquid for the purposes of the Fund's limitation on investments in illiquid securities.

Current U.S. federal income tax law requires the holder of a zero-coupon security, certain pay-in-kind bonds, deferred payment securities and certain other securities acquired at a discount to accrue income with respect to these securities prior to the receipt of cash payments. Accordingly, to avoid liability for U.S. federal income and excise taxes, the Fund may be required to distribute income accrued with respect to these securities and may have to dispose of portfolio securities under disadvantageous circumstances in order to generate cash to satisfy these distribution requirements. See "**FEDERAL AND CERTAIN STATE INCOME TAXES** – **Special Tax Considerations** *– Securities Issued or Purchased at a Discount*."

**INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS**

The following restrictions apply to the Fund. Unless otherwise indicated, only Investment Restriction Nos. 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 11 and 15 are fundamental policies of the Fund, which can be changed only when permitted by law and approved by a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities. The nonfundamental investment restrictions can be changed by approval of a majority of the Board of Trustees. A "majority of the outstanding voting securities" means the lesser of (i) 67% of the shares represented at a meeting at which more than 50% of the outstanding shares are represented in person or by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares.

The Fund, except as indicated, may not:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Invest more than 15% of the value of its net assets in investments that are illiquid;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Borrow money or pledge, mortgage or hypothecate its assets, except that the Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements or borrow from banks up to 33-1/3% of the current value of its net assets for temporary or emergency purposes or to meet redemptions. The Fund has adopted a nonfundamental policy to limit such borrowing to 10% of its net assets and those borrowings may be secured by the pledge of not more than 15% of the current value of its total net assets (but investments may not be purchased by the Fund while any such borrowings exist), except as permitted by the1940 Act, or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. Issue senior securities, except insofar as the Fund may be deemed to have issued a senior security in connection with any repurchase agreement or any permitted borrowing, except as permitted by the 1940 Act, or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. Make loans, except as permitted by the 1940 Act, or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. The Fund may invest in securities issued by other investment companies that invest in the types of securities in which the particular Fund itself is permitted to invest. The Fund may not invest in securities of any registered investment company, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction or exemptive orders;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. Invest in real property (including limited partnership interests but excluding real estate investment trusts and master limited partnerships, debt obligations secured by real estate or interests therein, and securities issued by other companies that invest in real estate or interest therein); invest in physical commodities, except that the Fund may invest in currency and financial instruments and contracts in accordance with its investment objective and policies, including, without limitation, structured notes, futures contracts, swaps, options on commodities, currencies, swaps and futures, ETFs, investment pools and other instruments, regardless of whether such instrument is considered to be a commodity;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7. Engage in the business of underwriting securities of other issuers, except to the extent that the disposal of an investment position may technically cause it to be considered an underwriter as that term is defined under the 1933 Act;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8. Sell securities short, except to the extent that the Fund contemporaneously owns or has the right to acquire at no additional cost securities identical to those sold short;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9. Purchase securities on margin, except that the Fund may obtain such short-term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of securities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10. Purchase or retain the securities of any issuer, if those individual officers and Trustees of the Trust, the Adviser, or the Distributor, each owning beneficially more than 1/2 of 1% of the securities of such issuer, together own more than 5% of the securities of such issuer;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11. Purchase a security if, as a result, more than 25% of the value of its total assets would be invested in securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry, provided that (a) this limitation shall not apply to obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies and instrumentalities; (b) wholly-owned finance companies will be considered to be in the industries of their parents; and (c) utilities will be divided according to their services. For example, gas, gas transmission, electric and gas, electric, and telephone will each be considered a separate industry;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12. Invest more than 5% of its net assets in warrants which are unattached to securities, included within that amount, no more than 2% of the value of the Fund's net assets, may be warrants which are not listed on a U.S. stock exchange;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13. Write, purchase or sell puts, calls or combinations thereof, except that the Fund may purchase or sell puts and calls as otherwise described in the Prospectus or SAI; however, the Fund will invest no more than 5% of its total assets in these classes of securities for purposes other than bona fide hedging;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14. Invest more than 5% of the current value of its total assets in the securities of companies which, including predecessors, have a record of less than three years' continuous operation (except (a) obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities or (b) municipal securities which are rated by at least two NRSRO's or determined by the Adviser to be of a comparable rating), provided the Fund may invest all or a portion of its assets in another open-end management investment company or ETF with substantially the same investment objective, policies and investment restrictions as the Fund.

As a matter of fundamental policy, notwithstanding any limitation otherwise noted, the Fund is authorized to seek to achieve its investment objectives by investing all of its investable assets in an investment company having substantially the same investment objectives and policies as the Fund subject to the 1940 Act.

Except as set forth in the investment limitation on borrowing and the investment limitation on illiquid securities, if a percentage restriction on investment policies or the investment or use of assets set forth in the Prospectus or SAI are adhered to at the time a transaction is effected, later changes in percentage resulting from changing assets values will not be considered a violation. If events subsequent to a transaction result in the Fund exceeding the percentage limitation on illiquid securities, the Adviser will take appropriate steps to reduce the percentage held in illiquid securities, as may be required by law, within a reasonable amount of time.

It is the intention of the Fund, unless otherwise indicated, that with respect to the Fund's policies that are the result of the application of law the Fund will take advantage of the flexibility provided by rules or interpretations of the SEC currently in existence or promulgated in the future or changes to such laws.

**PORTFOLIO TURNOVER**

Purchases and sales of portfolio securities may be made as considered advisable by the Adviser in the best interests of the shareholders. The Fund's portfolio turnover rate may vary from year to year, as well as within a year, as a result of the Fund's actively-managed strategy. The Fund's distributions of any net short-term capital gains realized from portfolio transactions are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. In addition, higher portfolio turnover rates can result in corresponding increases in portfolio transaction costs for the Fund. See "**PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE**" in this SAI.

For reporting purposes, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the fiscal year by the monthly average of the value of the portfolio securities owned by the Fund during the fiscal year. In determining such portfolio turnover, all securities whose maturities at the time of acquisition were one year or less are excluded. A 100% portfolio turnover rate would occur, for example, if all of the securities in the Fund's investment portfolio (other than short-term money market securities) were replaced once during the fiscal year. Portfolio turnover will not be a limiting factor should the Adviser deem it advisable to purchase or sell securities.

**DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS**

This Policy sets forth the conditions under which Portfolio Holdings (defined below) data for the Trust on behalf of the Fund may be disclosed to Third Parties (defined below) (which may include the public) and Service Providers (defined below). No data about the Fund's portfolio holdings may be disclosed except in accordance with this Policy.

Portfolio Holdings data includes, but is not limited to, the following information about the Fund: (i) specific securities held; (ii) industry sector breakdowns as a percentage of portfolio net assets; (iii) asset composition (*e.g.*, equities versus bonds); (iv) U.S. versus foreign holdings percentage breakdowns and regional breakdowns (*e.g.*, Asia, North America); and (v) top 10 portfolio holdings in order of position size, including percentage of portfolio.

"Third Parties" or a "Third Party" means a person other than a Service Provider, an employee of a Service Provider, a Trustee of the Board of Trustees of the Trust, or an officer of the Trust.

"Service Providers" or a "Service Provider" includes, but is not limited to, the investment adviser, administrator, custodian, transfer agent, fund accountant, principal underwriter, software or technology service providers, pricing and proxy voting service providers, research and trading service providers, auditors, accountants, and legal counsel, or any other entity that has a need to know such information in order to fulfill their contractual obligations to provide services to the Fund.

**Policy Overview**

The Board has adopted, on behalf of the Fund, policies and procedures relating to disclosure of the Portfolio Holdings. These policies and procedures are designed to protect the confidentiality of the Portfolio Holdings' information and to prevent the selective disclosure of such information. These policies and procedures may be modified at any time with the approval of the Board.

In order to protect the Fund from any trading practices or other use by a Third Party that could harm the Fund, Portfolio Holdings' and other Fund-specific information must not be selectively released or disclosed except under the circumstances described below.

Only officers of the Trust and their authorized agents, including, but not limited to, the Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser, may approve the disclosure of the Fund's Portfolio Holdings. Except as set forth under "**Policy Exceptions**" below, exceptions to this Policy may only be made if an officer of the Trust and its authorized agents, including, but not limited to, the Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser, determines that the disclosure is being made for a legitimate business purpose and such disclosures must be documented and reported to the Board on a quarterly basis. In all cases, Third Parties and Service Providers are required to execute a non-disclosure agreement requiring the recipient to keep confidential any Portfolio Holdings data received and not to trade on the Confidential Portfolio Information (defined below) received. Neither the Trust nor its Service Providers (nor any persons affiliated with either) can receive any compensation or other consideration in connection with the sharing of the Fund's Portfolio Holdings.

Disclosure of the Portfolio Holdings' information that is not publicly available ("Confidential Portfolio Information") may be made to Service Providers. In addition, to the extent permitted under applicable law, the investment adviser may distribute (or authorize the custodian or principal underwriter to distribute) Confidential Portfolio Information to the Fund's relevant Service Providers and to facilitate the review of the Fund by certain mutual fund analysts and ratings agencies (such as Morningstar and Lipper Analytical Services) ("Rating Agencies"); provided that such disclosure is limited to the information that the Adviser believes is reasonably necessary in connection with the services to be provided. As noted above, except to the extent permitted under this Policy, Confidential Portfolio Information may not be disseminated for compensation or other consideration.

Before any disclosure of Confidential Portfolio Information to Service Providers or Rating Agencies is permitted, the Chief Compliance Officer for the Adviser (or persons designated by such Chief Compliance Officer) must determine in writing that, under the circumstances, the disclosure is being made for a legitimate business purpose. Furthermore, the recipient of Confidential Portfolio Information by a Service Provider or Rating Agency must be either subject to a written confidentiality agreement that prohibits any trading upon the Confidential Portfolio Information or subject to professional or ethical obligations not to disclose or otherwise improperly use the information, such as would apply to independent registered public accounting firms or legal counsel.

The identity of such entities is provided below:

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name of Recipient** | **Frequency of**<br> **Holdings**<br> **Disclosure** | **Information**<br> **Lag** | **Date of**<br> **Information** | **Date Provided**<br> **to Recipients** |
| Carret Asset Management, LLC (Adviser) | Daily |  | Daily | Daily |
| ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (Administrator) | Daily |  | Daily | Daily |
| U.S. Bank, N.A. (Custodian) | Daily |  | Daily | Daily |
| Cohen & Company, Ltd. (Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm) | As needed |  | As needed | As needed |
| Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP (Trust Counsel) | As needed |  | As needed | As needed |
| Thompson Hine LLP (Independent Counsel) | As needed |  | As needed | As needed |
| Bloomberg L.P. | Monthly | 30 days | Monthly | Monthly |
| Thomson Reuters Lipper | Monthly | 30 days | Monthly | Monthly |
| Morningstar, Inc. | Monthly | 30 days | Monthly | Monthly |
| FactSet Research Systems Inc. | Monthly | 30 days | Monthly | Monthly |

---

The Fund's Adviser shall have primary responsibility for ensuring that the Portfolio Holdings' information is disclosed only in accordance with this Policy. As part of this responsibility, the Adviser will maintain such internal policies and procedures as it believes are reasonably necessary for preventing the unauthorized disclosure of Confidential Portfolio Information.

**Full Portfolio Holdings**

The disclosure policy currently authorizes the quarterly dissemination of full portfolio holdings of the Fund with a fifteen (15) calendar day lag. Except as set forth in this Policy, the full holdings of the Fund will also be disclosed on a quarterly basis on forms required to be filed with the SEC as follows: (i) Portfolio Holdings as of the end of each fiscal year will be filed as part of the annual report filed on Form N-CSR; (ii) Portfolio Holdings as of the end of the first and third fiscal quarters will be filed in Form N-PORT; and (iii) Portfolio Holdings as of the end of the second fiscal quarter will be filed as part of the semi-annual report filed on Form N-CSR. The Trust's Form N-CSRs and Form N-PORTs are available free of charge on the SEC's website at <u>www.sec.gov</u>. Portfolio holdings information may be separately provided to any person, including rating and ranking organizations such as Morningstar and Lipper, at the same time that it is filed with the SEC.

**Partial Portfolio Holdings**

Except as set forth in this Policy, partial Portfolio Holdings information will only be provided to Third Parties for the most recent month-end period and only after a fifteen (15) calendar day delay from the end of the month being provided. These holdings may include any combination of the Portfolio Holdings information, except for full Portfolio Holdings.

**Policy Exceptions**

The following disclosures of Portfolio Holdings are not prohibited by this Policy:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| § | Disclosures that are required by law; |
| § | Disclosures necessary for Service Providers to perform services to the Funds, provided that they are made pursuant to a written agreement between the Service Provider and the receiving party that restricts the third party's use of the information; |
| § | Disclosure necessary for Rating Agencies to assess applicable fund ratings; |
| § | Disclosures necessary to broker-dealers or banks as a part of the normal buying, selling, shorting or other transactions in portfolio securities; |
| § | Disclosures to the applicable Fund's or Service Providers' regulatory authorities, accountants or counsel; and |
| § | Disclosures to the adviser of a Fund of compiled data concerning accounts managed by the adviser. |

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**PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE**

**Investment Decisions and Portfolio Transactions**

Investment decisions for the Fund are made with a view to achieving its investment objectives. Investment decisions are the product of many factors in addition to basic suitability for the particular client involved (including the Fund). Some securities considered for investment by the Fund may also be appropriate for other clients served by the Adviser. Thus, a particular security may be bought or sold for certain clients even though it could have been bought or sold for other clients at the same time.

When the Adviser determines that the purchase or sale of a particular security is appropriate for more than one client account, the Adviser may, but is not obligated to, aggregate client orders into one order ("Block Orders") for execution purposes. Block trading can avoid the adverse effect on a security's price when simultaneous separate and competing orders are placed. When aggregating orders and subsequently allocating Block Orders (purchases and sales) to individual client accounts, it is the policy of the Adviser to treat all clients fairly and to achieve an equitable distribution of aggregated orders.

When a Block Order is filled in its entirety, each participating account will receive the average share price for the order on the same business day and transaction costs shall be shared pro rata based on each client's participation in the Block Order. If the total amount of securities bought or sold is less than the amount requested in the Block Order, the portion that is executed will be allocated pro rata between all accounts participating in the Block Order at the average price obtained, and transaction costs will be shared pro rata based on each client's allocation in the initial block. Participating accounts that had an order for a de minimis number of shares may be allocated their full order before the remaining shares are allocated. Such allocations will be made pro rata to all participating accounts which had an order for a de minimis number of shares based on each client's participation in the order unless the cost of such allocation is deemed excessive. In situations for which pro-rata allocations would result in excessive trading costs, the allocation will be based on simple random selection.

If the Adviser receives an order for a security at the same time as there exists an open order with a broker, the additional order may be added to the existing open order. However, any partial fills of the existing open order that occurred prior to the time of the placement of the second order with the same broker shall be allocated solely to the clients participating in the existing open order, and the unfilled portion of the existing open order will be added into the subsequent order.

Some types of purchase or sale transactions cannot be included in Block Orders. Such trades often must be executed on an individual basis rather than aggregated with other trades. In such cases, clients may not receive as favorable executions as they might otherwise receive from Block Orders. Likewise, a particular security may be bought for one or more clients when one or more clients are selling the security. In some instances, one client may sell a particular security to another client. There may be circumstances when purchases or sales of portfolio securities for one or more clients will have an adverse effect on other clients, including the Fund.

**Brokerage and Research Services**

The Adviser places orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio securities for the Fund through several brokers or dealers. The general policy of the Adviser is to use their best efforts to seek to obtain best execution for all client portfolio transactions, taking into account a variety of factors such as: (i) the security price; (ii) the commission rate; (iii) the size and difficulty of the order and timing of the transaction; (iv) the broker-dealer's execution capability, which includes the broker-dealer's relative ability to execute an order at the best available price, as well as the speed, quality, overall cost and certainty of execution; (v) the broker-dealer's responsiveness and financial responsibility, which includes the broker-dealer's creditworthiness and other factors that may impact the Adviser's confidence in the broker-dealer's stability; (vi) any conflicts of interest associated with using a broker-dealer; (vii) confidentiality provided by the broker-dealer; (viii) other factors, such as, the broker-dealer's integrity and quality of communication, the adequacy of information provided by the broker-dealer, the ability of the broker-dealer to provide ad hoc information or services, and the ability of the broker-dealer to handle client directed brokerage arrangements; and (ix) research capabilities of the broker-dealer. It is not the policy of the Adviser to seek the lowest available commission rate where it believes that a broker or dealer charging a higher commission rate would offer greater reliability or provide better price or execution. The Adviser cannot assure that best execution will be achieved for the Fund transaction. The Adviser maintains a list of approved broker-dealers they will use to place Fund and other client trades for execution. The Adviser will periodically reevaluate these broker-dealers to confirm that they meet the criteria and standards that have been set by the Adviser, including that they provide trade execution services that the Adviser view as satisfactory. Upon reevaluation, the Adviser may add or remove broker-dealers to or from the list of approved broker-dealers. Although the Fund may use a broker-dealer that sells Fund shares to effect transactions for the Fund's portfolios, the Fund will not consider the sale of Fund shares as a factor when selecting broker-dealers to execute those transactions.

Subject to the policy of seeking best execution for transactions, and subject to the criteria of Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ("1934 Act"), the Adviser is permitted to place trades with a broker-dealer that provides brokerage and research services. The Adviser may have an incentive to select or recommend a broker based on its interest in receiving research or other products or services, rather than its interest in receiving the most favorable execution for the Fund. However, in selecting a broker for research, the Adviser makes a good faith determination that the amount of commission charged is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and/or research received. The determination may be viewed in terms of a particular transaction or the overall responsibilities of the Adviser with respect to the accounts over which they exercise investment discretion. Research and brokerage services provided by broker-dealers chosen to place the Fund's portfolio transactions may be useful to the Adviser in providing services to their other clients, although not all of these services may be necessarily useful and of value in managing the Fund. Conversely, brokerage and research products and services provided to the Adviser by broker-dealers in connection with trades executed on behalf of other clients may be useful to the Adviser in managing the Fund, although not all of these brokerage and research products and services may be necessarily useful and of value to the Adviser in managing such other clients. Subject to Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act, the Adviser may pay a broker additional commission in recognition of the value of the brokerage and/or research services provided by that broker. When the Adviser uses Fund brokerage commissions to obtain research or other products or services, the Adviser would receive a benefit because it does not have to produce or pay for the research, products or services. The advisory fees paid by the Fund are not reduced because the Adviser receives such services even though the receipt of such services relieves the Adviser from expenses it might otherwise bear.

The Adviser may place orders for the purchase and sale of exchange-listed portfolio securities with a broker-dealer that is an affiliate of the Adviser where, in the judgment of the Adviser, such firm will be able to obtain a price and execution at least as favorable as other qualified broker-dealers. Pursuant to rules of the SEC, a broker-dealer that is an affiliate of the Adviser may receive and retain compensation for effecting portfolio transactions for the Fund on a securities exchange if the commissions paid to such an affiliated broker-dealer by the Fund on exchange transactions do 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." As required by applicable SEC rules, the Board has adopted procedures which are reasonably designed to provide that any commissions, fees or other remuneration paid to an affiliated broker are consistent with the foregoing standards. As of the date hereof, the Adviser does not have any affiliated broker-dealer.

The following tables list the total amount of brokerage commissions paid by the Fund for the fiscal years noted below:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **For the Fiscal**<br> **Year Ended**<br> **September 30, 2025** | **For the Fiscal**<br> **Year Ended**<br> **September 30, 2024** | **For the Fiscal<br> Year Ended<br> September 30, 2023** |
| **Brokerage Commissions Paid by Fund** | $0 | $0 | $0 |

---

No brokerage commissions were paid to affiliated brokers during the three most recent fiscal years, nor did the Fund own any securities of brokers to which they paid commissions in the three most recent fiscal years.

**PURCHASE, EXCHANGE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES**

ALPS Fund Services, Inc. ("Transfer Agent") will maintain an account for each shareholder upon which the registration and transfer of shares are recorded, and any transfers shall be reflected by bookkeeping entry, without physical delivery. Confirmations of each purchase or redemption are sent to each shareholder. Quarterly statements of account are sent which include shares purchased as a result of a reinvestment of Fund distributions. The Transfer Agent will require that a shareholder provide requests in writing, accompanied by a valid signature guarantee form, when changing certain information in an account (*i.e.*, wiring instructions, telephone privileges, etc.).

**Share Classes**

The Fund has two share classes: Institutional Class and Class A shares.

The assets received by each class of the Fund for the issue or sale of its shares and all income, earnings, profits, losses and proceeds therefrom, subject only to the rights of creditors, are allocated to, and constitute the underlying assets of, that class of the Fund. The underlying assets of each class of the Fund are segregated and are charged with the expenses with respect to that class of the Fund along with a share of the general expenses of the Fund and the Trust. Any general expenses of the Fund that are not readily identifiable as belonging to a particular class of the Fund are allocated by or under the direction of the Board of Trustees in such manner as they determine to be fair and reasonable.

**Purchase of Shares**

**Institutional Class Shares**. Institutional Class shares of the Fund are offered at net asset value without a sales load. Purchases of Institutional Class shares may only be made by one of the following types of "Institutional Investors":

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) trusts, or investment management and other fiduciary accounts managed or administered by the Adviser or its affiliates or correspondents pursuant to a written agreement;

(2) any persons purchasing shares with the proceeds of a distribution from a trust, investment management and other fiduciary account managed or administered by Carret Asset Management, LLC or its affiliates or correspondents, pursuant to a written agreement;

(3) any registered investment advisor (RIA) or financial planner who uses the Institutional Class in conjunction with a "wrap fee" or asset-based fee; and

(4) other persons or organizations authorized by the Distributor. The Trust and the Distributor reserve the right to waive or reduce the minimum initial investment amount with respect to certain accounts. All initial investments should be accompanied by a completed Purchase Application.

**Class A Shares**. Class A shares of the Fund are offered with a front-end sales charge and volume reductions. For purchases of $1,000,000 or more, a contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") of 1.00% will be assessed if redeemed within one year of purchase and a 0.50% CDSC will be assessed if redeemed after the first year and within the second year.

***Class A Share Sales Charge Schedule.*** If you choose to buy Class A shares, you will pay the *Public Offering Price* ("*POP*") which is the *Net Asset Value ("NAV")* plus the applicable sales charge. Since sales charges are reduced for Class A share purchases above certain dollar amounts, known as "breakpoint levels", the *POP* is lower for these purchases. The dollar amount of the sales charge is the difference between the *POP* of the shares purchased (based on the applicable sales charge in the table below) and the *NAV* of those shares. Because of rounding in the calculation of the *POP*, the actual sales charge you pay may be more or less than that calculated using the percentages shown below. At its discretion, the Distributor may provide the broker-dealer the full front-end sales charge.

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Amount of Purchase** | **Front-End Sales** <br> **Charge as % of** <br> **Public Offering** <br> **Price**  | **Front-End Sales** <br> **Charge as % of** <br> **Net Amount** <br> **Invested**  | **Broker-Dealer** <br> **Amount of** <br> **Sales** <br> **Concession**  |
| Less than $50,000 | 4.25% | 4.44% | 4.00% |
| $50,000 to $99,999 | 3.75% | 3.90% | 3.50% |
| $100,000 to $249,999 | 3.00% | 3.09% | 2.75% |
| $250,000 to $499,999 | 2.50% | 2.56% | 2.25% |
| $500,000 to $999,999 | 2.00% | 2.04% | 1.75% |
| $1,000,000 and over <sup>(1)</sup> | 0.00% | 0.00% | 1.00% |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) The Fund will assess Class A share
purchases of $1,000,000 or more a 1.00% CDSC if they are redeemed within the first 12 months after purchase of shares and 0.50% if redeemed
within one and two years of purchase unless the dealer of record waived its commission with the Fund's approval. Certain exceptions
apply (see ''CDSC Waivers'' and ''Waivers for Certain Parties''). The CDSC percentage
you pay on Class A shares is applied to the NAV of the shares on the date of original purchase.

***Class A Shares Sales Charge Reductions.*** If you believe you are eligible for any of the following reductions, it is up to you to ask the selling agent or the shareholder servicing agent for the reduction and to provide appropriate proof of eligibility.

● You pay no front-end or back-end sales charges on Fund shares you buy with *reinvested distributions*.

● You pay a lower sales charge if you are investing an amount over a **breakpoint level**. See the "Class A Share Sales Charge Schedule" above.

● By signing a **Letter of Intent** ()"**LOI** "), you pay a lower sales charge now in exchange for promising to invest an amount over a specified breakpoint within the next 13 months. We will hold in escrow shares equal to approximately 5% of the amount you intend to buy. If you do not invest the amount specified in the LOI before the expiration date, we will redeem enough escrowed shares to pay the difference between the reduced sales load you paid and the sales load you should have paid. Otherwise, we will release the escrowed shares when you have invested the agreed amount.

● **Rights of Accumulation** ()"**ROA**") allow you to combine the amount you are investing and the total value of Class A shares of Carret Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund already owned (excluding Class A shares acquired at *NAV*) to reach breakpoint levels and to qualify for sales load discounts on subsequent purchases of Class A shares.

● You pay no sales charges on Fund shares you purchase with the proceeds of redemption of Class A shares within 90 days of the date of redemption.

You, or your fiduciary or trustee, also may tell us to extend volume discounts, including the reductions offered for rights of accumulation and letters of intent, to include purchases made by:

● a family unit, including children under the age of twenty-one or single trust estate;

● a trustee or fiduciary purchasing for a single fiduciary relationship; or

● the members of a "qualified group", which consists of a "company", (as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940), and related parties of such a "company", which has been in existence for at least six months and which has a primary purpose other than acquiring Fund shares at a discount.

HOW A LETTER OF INTENT CAN SAVE YOU MONEY.

If you plan to invest, for example, $200,000 in the Fund that charges a maximum sales load of 5.75% in installments over the next year, by signing a letter of intent you would pay only 4.00% sales load on the entire purchase. Otherwise, you might pay 5.75% on the first $49,999, 5.00% on the next $50,001 then 4.00% on the next $100,000.

***CDSC Waivers*.** The CDSC does not apply to: (1) redemption of shares when the Fund exercises its right to liquidate accounts which are less than the minimum account size; (2) redemptions following death or post-purchase disability (as defined by Section 72(m)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code); (3) the portion of a mandated minimum distribution from an IRA, SIMPLE IRA or an individual type 403(b)(7) plan equal to the percentage of your plan assets held in the applicable Class of shares of the Fund; (4) reinvested dividends and capital gains; and (5) a Systematic Withdrawal Plan of 10% where the minimum distribution is $500 per month with an initial account of $20,000 or greater.

***Waivers for Certain Parties*.** If you are eligible for certain waivers, we will sell you Class A shares so you can avoid higher ongoing expenses. The following people can buy Class A shares at *NAV*:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Current and retired employees, directors/trustees and officers of:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; - The Adviser and its affiliates; - The service providers to the Fund; and - Family members of any of the above.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;● Current employees of:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; - Broker-dealers who act as selling agents; and - Immediate family members (spouse, sibling, parent or child) of any of the above.

***Contact your selling agent for further information*.** The Adviser reserves the right to enter into agreements that reduce or eliminate sales charges for groups or classes of shareholders, or for Fund shares included in other investment plans such as "wrap accounts". If you own Fund shares as part of another account or package such as an IRA or a sweep account, you must read the directions for that account. Those directions may supersede the terms and conditions discussed here.

The Trust has adopted a Distribution and Services Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act ("Rule") with respect to Class A shares of the Fund ("Plan"). Under the Plan, the Trust (i) may pay the Distributor or another person for distribution services provided and expenses assumed, and (ii) may pay, through the Distributor, broker-dealers or other financial institutions ("Service Organizations") for services, as defined by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA").

**Distribution and Related Service Plans**

The Fund has adopted a separate distribution and services (12b-1) plan for Class A shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the "Plan"). Under the terms of the Plan, the Fund is authorized to make payments to financial intermediaries or the Distributor for remittance to financial intermediaries, as compensation for distribution and/or the provision of on-going shareholder services performed by such financial intermediaries for their customers who are investors in the Fund. The Plan permits payment at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of such Fund's average daily net assets attributable to its Class A shares for services and related expenses in connection with a financial intermediary's administration of mutual fund distribution platforms that offer Class A shares of the Fund. Because these fees are paid out of the Fund's Class A share assets on an ongoing basis, over time, they will increase the cost of an investment in Class A shares.

The Distributor may retain some or all compensation payable pursuant to the Plan under certain circumstances, including but not limited to, such as if a financial intermediary resigns as the broker/dealer of record, or such financial intermediary failing to meet certain eligibly standards to be able to continue to be the broker/dealer of record.

**Amounts Expensed Under the 12b-1 Plan**

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, the total amounts paid by Class A shares of the Fund to ADI (all of which ADI paid out as compensation to broker-dealers and other service providers) under the Fund's Class A and Institutional Class Plan.

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | Advertising | Printing and<br> Mailing of<br> Prospectuses<br> to other than<br> Current<br> Shareholders | Compensation to<br> Broker-Dealers | Compensation to<br> Sales Personnel | Interest,<br> Carrying<br> or Other<br> Financing<br> Charge | Total 12b-1<br> Payments |
| Class A | $-- | $-- | $2277 | $-- | $-- | $2277 |
| Institutional Class | $-- | $-- | $0 | $-- | $-- | $0 |

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***Shareholder Services Plan*.** Under the Shareholder Services Plan, the Fund is authorized to pay financial institutions, including the Adviser and its affiliates, or other persons who provide certain services to the Fund, a services fee, within the meaning of FINRA Rules under the Plan at an aggregate fee in an amount not to exceed on an annual basis 0.25% for Class A shares of the average daily net asset value of the respective class of shares of the Fund ("Services Fees") as compensation for providing service activities pursuant to an agreement with each Service Organization. Institutional shares are offered without any Services Fees.

The Fund may pay a Services Fee to the Service Organizations at a lesser rate than the fees described above. The Services Fees will be computed daily and payable quarterly by the Fund.

**Investment Minimums and Subsequent Investments**

The minimum investments in the Fund are as follows:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | Institutional<br> Class Shares | Class A<br> Shares |
| Initial Purchase | $3000000 | $5000 |
| Subsequent Purchases | $5000 | $250 |

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The Fund may waive minimum investment amounts in Institutional Class shares as described in the prospectus. Subsequent investments may be made at any time by mailing a check to the Transfer Agent, along with a detachable stub from the Statement of Account (or a letter providing the account number). Shareholders should be sure to write the Fund's account number on the check. Purchases of Fund shares (initial or subsequent) may not be made by third-party check.

Shares of the Fund may be purchased on any business day at the net asset value per share next determined after receipt of a purchase order. Share certificates will not be issued. Share purchase orders are effective on the date the Fund receives a completed Account Application Form (and other required documents) and federal funds become available.

Initial and subsequent investments may also be made by wire transfer. Shareholders should note that their bank may charge a fee in connection with transferring money by bank wire.

For a share purchase order for the Fund to become effective on a particular business day, prior to 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time): (i) in the case of a wire transfer payment, a purchaser must call 1-833-287-7933 to inform the Transfer Agent of an incoming wire transfer; or (ii) in the case of payment by check or money order, a complete share purchase order must be actually received by the Transfer Agent, and, in either case, federal funds must be received by the Transfer Agent, on behalf of the Fund. If federal funds are received by the Transfer Agent that same day, the order will be effective on that day. If the Fund receives notification of a wire transfer or a complete share purchase order after 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time), or if federal funds are not received by the Transfer Agent, such purchase order shall be executed as of the date that federal funds are actually received.

The price of the Fund's shares and the valuation of Fund assets are discussed below in "**NET ASSET VALUE**."

**Underwriting Commissions**

The following chart reflects the total front-end sales charges paid in connection with the sale of Class A shares of the Fund and the amount retained by ALPS Distributors, Inc. for the fiscal year or period indicated below:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | For the Fiscal Year<br> Ended September 30, 2025 | For the Fiscal Year<br> Ended September 30, 2024 | For the Fiscal Year<br> Ended September 30, 2023 |
| Total Sales Charge | $0 | $0 | $22 |
| Amount Retained | $0 | $-- | $-- |

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**Redemption of Shares**

If the Board of Trustees determines that it is in the best interests of the remaining shareholders of the Fund, the Fund may pay the redemption price in whole, or in part, by a distribution in kind from the Fund, in lieu of cash, taking such securities at their value employed for determining such redemption price, and selecting the securities in such manner as such Board may deem fair and equitable. A shareholder who receives a distribution in kind may incur a brokerage commission upon a later disposition of such securities and may receive less than the redemption value of such securities or property upon sale, particularly where such securities are sold prior to maturity. However, the Fund is required to redeem shares solely for cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the NAV of the Fund during any 90-day period for any one shareholder. Should redemptions by any shareholder exceed such limitation, the Fund will have the option of redeeming the excess in cash or in-kind. Redemption in-kind is not as liquid as a cash redemption.

*Redemption Procedures.* The Fund will redeem all full and fractional shares of the Fund upon request on any business day at the applicable net asset value determined after the receipt of proper redemption instructions, less any applicable redemption fees. Shareholders liquidating their holdings will receive upon redemption all dividends reinvested through the date of redemption. If notice of redemption is received on any business day, the redemption will be effective on the date of receipt. Payment will ordinarily be made by wire on the next business day, but, in any case, within no more than seven business days from the date of receipt. If the notice is received on a day that is not a business day or after the close of regularly scheduled trading on the NYSE, the redemption notice will be deemed received as of the next business day. The value of shares at the time of redemption may be more or less than the shareholder's cost.

*Redemption Fees.* If you sell or exchange your shares of the Fund after holding them 60 calendar days or less, a 2.00% redemption fee may be deducted from the redemption amount. For this purpose, shares held longest will be treated as being redeemed first and shares held shortest as being redeemed last.

Redemption requests for shares recently purchased by check will be accepted only after the Fund has confirmed receipt of payment for the shares, which may take up to 10 days.

*Note: Under the 1940 Act, the Fund has the right to suspend or postpone redemptions of shares for any period (i) during which the NYSE or exchange is closed, other than customary weekend and holiday closings; (ii) during which trading on the NYSE or exchange is restricted; (iii) during which (as determined by the SEC or other regulatory authority by rule or regulation) an emergency exists as a result of which disposal or valuation of portfolio securities is not reasonably practicable, or (iv) as otherwise permitted by the SEC or other regulatory authority. The Fund may also suspend or postpone the recordation of the transfer of its shares upon the occurrence of any of the foregoing conditions.*

**TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS**

The business and affairs of the Fund are managed under the direction of the Trust's Board of Trustees. The Board approves all significant agreements between/among the Fund and the persons or companies that furnish services to the Fund, including agreements with the Fund's distributor, Adviser, administrator, custodian and transfer agent. The day-to-day operations of the Fund are delegated to the Adviser and the Fund's administrator.

The name, address, year of birth, and principal occupations for the past five years of the Trustees and officers of the Trust are listed below, along with the number of portfolios in the Fund Complex overseen by and the other directorships held by the Trustee.

**<u>Independent Trustees</u>**

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Birth**<br> **Year & Address\***  | **Position(s)**<br> **Held with**<br> **Fund** | **Term of Office**<br> **and Length of**<br> **Time Served\*\*** | **Principal Occupation(s)**<br> **During Past 5 Years\*\*\*** | **Number of**<br> **Funds in**<br> **Fund**<br> **Complex**<br> **Overseen by**<br> **Trustee\*\*\*\*** | **Other**<br> **Directorships**<br> **Held by Trustee**<br> **During Past 5**<br> **Years\*\*\*** |
| **Ward D. Armstrong**,<br> **Birth year: 1954** | Trustee and Chairman | Mr. Armstrong was appointed to the Board on May 27, 2016 and elected to the Board by shareholders on April 12, 2021. Mr. Armstrong was appointed Chairman of the Board at the August 24, 2017 meeting of the Board of Trustees. | Mr. Armstrong is currently retired. From February 2010 to July 2015, he was Co-Founder and Managing Partner of NorthRock Partners, a private wealth advisory firm providing comprehensive wealth management and family office services to the high net-worth marketplace. Previously, he was Senior Vice President, Ameriprise Financial (1984 to 2007); Chairman of Ameriprise Trust Company (1996 to 2007) and President, American Express Institutional Asset Management (2002 to 2004). He has also served on several investment related Boards including Kenwood Capital Management, RiverSource Investments, American Express Asset Management International and was Chair of the Ordway Theatre Endowment Committee. | 8 | Mr. Armstrong is a Director of the Heartland Group, Inc. (3 funds) (2008 to present). |
| **Merrillyn J. Kosier,**<br> **Birth year: 1959** | Trustee | Ms. Kosier was appointed to the Board on November 17, 2021. | Ms. Kosier retired from Ariel Investments as Executive Vice President in 2019. During her twenty year tenure at the firm, she served as Chief Marketing Officer, Ariel Mutual Funds (2007 - 2019); Trustee for Ariel Investment Trust (2003 - 2019) and President of Ariel Distributors, LLC (2002 - 2019). Prior to joining Ariel Investments, she was Senior Vice President at Wanger Asset Management, the investment adviser to Acorn Investment Trust (1993 - 1998); Vice President of Marketing Communications at Kemper Financial Services (1984 - 1993); and a Registered Sales Representative at R. J. O'Brien & Associates (1982 - 1984). Most recently, Ms. Kosier joined the board of Miami Corporation Management, a multi-generation family office and family holding company (June 2023 - present). She is also Board and CEO Advisor to Bridgeway Capital Management, a U.S. asset manager specializing in statistically driven institutional investment strategies, mutual funds, and sub-advisory services (December 2023 - present). | 8 | Ms. Kosier is a Trustee at the Harris Theater For Music and Dance (2006 - present) where she currently serves as Chair of the Board (2022 - present). She is also a Board Member at The Arts Club of Chicago (2021 - present). |
| **Patrick Seese,** <br> **Birth year: 1971**  | Trustee | Mr. Seese was elected to the Board on October 30, 2012. | Mr. Seese is an owner and a Managing Director of Integris Partners, a middle-market investment banking firm serving closely-held companies, financial sponsors and public companies (February 2008 to present). Prior to this, Mr. Seese was a Managing Director of Headwaters MB, a middle-market investing banking firm (December 2003 to February 2008). Prior to that, Mr. Seese worked in Credit Suisse First Boston's Mergers and Acquisitions Group and served as Head of Corporation Development, Katy Industries, a publicly traded industrial and consumer products company and at Deloitte & Touche LLP, where he began his career in 1994. | 8 | Mr. Seese is a Director of the Alpha Alternative Assets Fund (September 2021 to Present), The Mile High Five Foundation (2013 to present) and SJ Panthers Foundation (2016 to present). |

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**<u>Officers</u>**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Birth**<br> **Year & Address\*** | **Position(s)**<br> **Held with**<br> **Fund** | **Term of Office**<br> **and Length of**<br> **Time Served\*\*** | **Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years\*\*\*** |
| **Lucas Foss,**<br> **Birth Year: 1977** | President | President Since August 2022<br>Chief Compliance Officer from January 2018 - August 2022 | Mr. Foss rejoined ALPS in November 2017 and is currently Director, Fund Compliance & Governance at SS&C ALPS. Mr. Foss is also the President of Financial Investors Trust and Chief Compliance Officer of Sound Point Meridian Capital, Inc; Bluerock Total Income + Real Estate Fund; Bluerock High Income Institutional Credit Fund; SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust, SPDR® Dow Jones® Industrial Average ETF Trust, SPDR® S&P MIDCAP 400® ETF Trust. |
| **Jill McFate**<br> **Birth year: 1978** | Treasurer | Since December 2021 | Ms. McFate joined ALPS in 2021 and is currently Senior Director, Fund Administration of ALPS. Prior to joining SS&C ALPS, Jill managed financial reporting and N-PORT regulatory reporting services during her 14 years at The Northern Trust Company as Vice President, Financial Reporting Manager. |
| **Theodore J. Uhl,**<br> **Birth Year: 1974** | Chief Compliance and Anti-Money Laundering Officer | Since August 2024 | Mr. Uhl joined ALPS in October 2006, and is currently Deputy Compliance Officer of ALPS. Prior to his current role, Mr. Uhl served as Senior Risk Manager for ALPS from October 2006 until June 2010. Before joining ALPS, Mr. Uhl served a Sr. Analyst with Enenbach and Associates (RIA), and a Sr. Financial Analyst at Sprint. Because of his position with ALPS, Mr. Uhl is deemed an affiliate of the Trust as defined under the 1940 Act. Mr. Uhl is also Chief Compliance Officer of Financial Investors Trust, Centre Funds, GraniteShares ETF Trust, FS MVP Private Markets Fund, Accordant ODCE Index Fund, and the SS&C Interval Fund Platform. |
| **Camilla Nwokonko,**<br> **Birth year: 1995** | Secretary | Since October 2024 | Ms. Nwokonko specializes in legal and regulatory matters in investment management, including regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and issues related to both registered and private funds. She holds a Juris Doctor from Marquette University Law School and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Texas A&M University, providing her with a solid academic foundation. Prior to her current role, she gained valuable experience as an Associate Attorney at U.S. Bank Global Fund services—a global fund administrator, where she navigated complex regulatory frameworks. Ms. Nwokonko has also obtained experience through internships and roles at Northwestern Mutual and Oracle Corporation. |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| \* | All communications to Trustees and Officers may be directed to ALPS Series Trust c/o 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, CO 80203. |
| \*\* | This is the period for which the Trustee or Officer began serving the Trust. Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until such Trustee's successor is elected and appointed, or such Trustee resigns or is deceased. Officers are elected on an annual basis. |
| \*\*\* | Except as otherwise indicated, each individual has held the office shown or other offices in the same company for the last five years. |
| \*\*\*\* | The Fund Complex currently consists of 8 series of the Trust. |

---

**Ward D. Armstrong-**Through his experience as a senior officer of and board member of financial and other organizations, Mr. Armstrong contributes his management and oversight experience to the Board. The Board also benefits from his experience as a member of the board of other funds and operating companies. He was selected to serve as a Trustee of the Trust based on his business, financial services and investment management experience. Additional information regarding Mr. Armstrong's principal occupations and other directorships held is presented in the chart above. Mr. Armstrong received a B.S. in Business Administration (Finance Emphasis) from the University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management.

**Merrillyn J. Kosier**- Through her experience as a senior officer and trustee in the investment management industry, Ms. Kosier contributes her management and oversight experience to the Board. The Board also benefits from her experience as a board member of other organizations. She was selected to serve as a Trustee of the Trust based on her business acumen, regulatory and 40 Act funds knowledge, distribution and marketing/communications experience in the financial services arena. Additional information regarding Ms. Kosier's principal occupations and other directorships held is presented in the chart above. Ms. Kosier is a graduate of Andrews University and earned an MBA from Loyola University Chicago.

**Patrick Seese -**Through his experience as a senior officer of and board member of financial and other organizations, Mr. Seese contributes his management and oversight experience to the Board. The Board also benefits from his experience as a member of the board of other organizations. He was selected to serve as a Trustee of the Trust based on his business, financial services and accounting experience. Additional information regarding Mr. Seese's principal occupations and other directorships held is presented in the chart above. Mr. Seese is a graduate of the University of Colorado and earned an MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He is one of the founders of The Mile High Five Foundation (MH5), a charity dedicated to fund youth/health-related organizations.

None of the Independent Trustees own securities in Carret Asset Management, LLC, the Fund's investment adviser, or ALPS Distributors, Inc., the Fund's principal underwriter, nor do they own securities in any entity directly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with these entities.

*Leadership Structure and Oversight Responsibilities*

Overall responsibility for oversight of the Fund rests with the Trustees. The Trust has engaged the Adviser to manage the Fund on a day-to day basis. The Board is responsible for overseeing the Adviser and other service providers in the operations of the Fund in accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act, applicable provisions of state and other laws and the Trust's Declaration of Trust. The Board is currently composed of three members, all of whom are Independent Trustees. The Board meets at regularly scheduled quarterly meetings each year. In addition, the Board may hold special in-person or telephonic meetings or informal conference calls to discuss specific matters that may arise or require action between regular meetings. As described below, the Board has established a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and an Audit Committee, and may establish *ad hoc* committees or working groups from time to time, to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities. The Independent Trustees have also engaged independent legal counsel to assist them in performing their oversight responsibilities.

The Board has appointed Ward D. Armstrong, an Independent Trustee, to serve in the role of Chairman. The Chairman's role is to preside at all meetings of the Board and to act as a liaison with the Adviser, other service providers, counsel and other Trustees generally between meetings. The Chairman may also perform such other functions as may be delegated by the Board from time to time. The Board reviews matters related to its leadership structure annually. The Board has determined that the Board's leadership structure is appropriate given the Trust's characteristics and circumstances. These include the Trust's series of Fund shares, the Fund's single portfolio of assets, the fund's net assets and the services provided by the Fund's service providers.

Risk oversight forms part of the Board's general oversight of the Fund and is addressed as part of various Board and Committee activities. As part of its regular oversight of the Fund, the Board, directly or through a Committee, interacts with and reviews reports from, among others, Fund management, the Adviser, the Fund's Chief Compliance Officer, the Fund's legal counsel and the independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund regarding risks faced by the Fund. The Board, with the assistance of Fund management and the Adviser, reviews investment policies and risks in connection with its review of the Fund's performance. The Board has appointed a Chief Compliance Officer to oversee the implementation and testing of the Fund's compliance program and reports to the Board regarding compliance matters for the Fund and their principal service providers. In addition, as part of the Board's periodic review of the Fund's advisory and other service provider agreements, the Board may consider risk management aspects of these service providers' operations and the functions for which they are responsible.

**<u>Audit Committee</u>**. The Board has an Audit Committee which considers such matters pertaining to the Trust's books of account, financial records, internal accounting controls and changes in accounting principles or practices as the Trustees may from time to time determine. The Audit Committee also considers the engagement and compensation of the independent registered public accounting firm ("Firm") and ensures receipt from the Firm of a formal written statement delineating relationships between the Firm and the Trust, consistent with Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Rule 3526. The Audit Committee also meets privately with the representatives of the Firm to review the scope and results of audits and other duties as set forth in the Audit Committee's Charter. The Audit Committee members, each of whom are Independent Trustees, are: Ward D. Armstrong, Merrillyn J. Kosier, and Patrick Seese. The Audit Committee met three times during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025.

**<u>Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee</u>**. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee meets periodically to advise and assist the Board in selecting nominees to serve as trustees of the Trust. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee believes the Board generally benefits from diversity of background, experience and views among its members and considers this a factor in evaluating the composition of the Board, but has not adopted any specific policy in this regard. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also advises and assists the Board in establishing, implementing and executing policies, procedures and practices that assure orderly and effective governance of the Trust and effective and efficient management of all business and financial affairs of the Trust. Members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are: Ward D. Armstrong, Merrillyn J. Kosier, and Patrick Seese. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board met one time during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025.

**<u>Independent Trustee Retirement Policy.</u>** The Trustees do not serve a specified term of office. Each Trustee will hold office until the termination of the Trust or his or her earlier death, resignation, retirement, incapacity, or removal. Under the Fund's Independent Trustee Retirement Policy ("Retirement Policy"), Independent Trustees are required to retire upon the end of the calendar year in which such Trustee attains age of 80. The Trustees review the Fund's Retirement Policy from time to time and may make changes as deemed appropriate.

**<u>Shareholder Nominations</u>**. The Board will consider shareholder nominees for Trustees. All nominees must possess the appropriate characteristics, skills and experience for serving on the Board. In particular, the Board and its Independent Trustees will consider each nominee's integrity, educational and professional background, understanding of the Trust's business on a technical level and commitment to devote the time and attention necessary to fulfill a Trustee's duties. All shareholders who wish to recommend nominees for consideration as Trustees shall submit the names and qualifications of the candidates to the Secretary of the Trust by writing to: ALPS Series Trust, c/o Secretary, 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado, 80203.

As of December 31, 2025, the dollar range of equity securities in the Fund beneficially owned by the Trustees were as follows:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Trustees** | **Dollar Range of<br> Equity Securities in**<br> **the Fund** | **Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity**<br> **Securities in All Registered**<br> **Investment Companies Overseen by**<br> **Trustee in Family of Investment**<br> **Companies\*** |
| Ward Armstrong | None | None |
| Merrillyn J. Kosier | None | None |
| Patrick Seese | None | None |

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\* The Fund Complex currently consists of 8 series of the Trust.

**<u>Remuneration of Trustees</u>**. Effective January 1, 2026, the Trustees of the Trust receive a quarterly retainer of $18,750, plus $5,937.50 for each regular Board or Committee meeting attended and $2,000 for each special telephonic or in-person Board or Committee meeting attended. Additionally, the Audit Committee Chair receives a quarterly retainer of $1,875, the Nominating Committee Chair receives a quarterly retainer of $500, and the Independent Chair receives a quarterly retainer of $4,250.

Prior to January 1, 2026, the Trustees of the Trust received a quarterly retainer of $16,250, plus $5,000 for each regular Board or Committee meeting attended and $2,000 for each special telephonic or in-person Board or Committee meeting attended. Additionally, the Audit Committee Chair received a quarterly retainer of $1,875 and the Independent Chair received a quarterly retainer of $4,250.

The Trustees are also reimbursed for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at meetings.

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, the Trustees received the following compensation:

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Trustees** | **Aggregate**<br> **Compensation**<br> **From the Trust** | **Pension Or**<br> **Retirement**<br> **Benefits**<br> **Accrued As**<br> **Part of**<br> **Fund Expenses** | **Estimated**<br> **Annual**<br> **Benefits Upon**<br> **Retirement** | **Aggregate**<br> **Compensation From**<br> **The Trust And Fund**<br> **Complex Paid To**<br> **Trustees\*** |
| Ward D. Armstrong | $102000 | $0 | $0 | $102000 |
| J. Wayne Hutchens\*\* | $85000 | $0 | $0 | $85000 |
| Merrillyn J. Kosier | $85000 | $0 | $0 | $85000 |
| Patrick Seese | $92500 | $0 | $0 | $92500 |

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\* The Fund Complex currently consists of 8 series of the Trust.

\*\* J. Wayne Hutchens resigned as a Trustee of the Trust effective after the close of business on November 20, 2025.

No officer, trustee or employee of the Adviser or any of its affiliates receives any compensation from the Fund for serving as an officer or trustee of the Fund.

**INVESTMENT MANAGER**

Carret Asset Management, LLC ("Adviser"), subject to the authority of the Board of Trustees, furnishes continuing investment supervision to the Fund and is responsible for the management of the Fund's portfolio. The Adviser's principal address is 360 Madison Avenue, 20<sup>th</sup> Floor New York 10017.

Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement ("Advisory Agreement") with the Adviser, the Fund pays the Adviser an annual management fee for the Fund of 0.30% based on the Fund's average daily net assets. The management fee is paid on a monthly basis. The initial term of the Advisory Agreement is two years. The Board may extend the Advisory Agreement for additional one-year terms. The Board and shareholders of the Fund may terminate the Advisory Agreement upon sixty (60) days' notice. The Adviser may terminate the Advisory Agreement upon one hundred twenty (120) days' notice.

The Adviser has contractually agreed to limit the amount of the Fund's total annual fund operating expenses, (excluding Rule 12b-1 Fees, shareholder servicing fees, Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, brokerage expenses, interest expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) to an annual rate of 0.48% of each class of the Fund's average daily net assets. This agreement is in effect through at least January 31, 2027, and will automatically continue upon annual approval by the board for successive twelve-month periods unless (i) it is terminated earlier by the Board of Trustees, or (ii) the Adviser provides at least 30 days' written notice of its non-continuance prior to the end of the then effective term. Except due to the Adviser's notice of non-renewal, this Agreement may only be amended or terminated with the approval of the Board of Trustees of the Trust. The Adviser will be permitted to recover, on a class by class basis, expenses it has borne through the expense limitation agreement described above (whether through reduction of its management fee or otherwise) only to the extent that the Fund's expenses in later periods do not exceed the lesser of (1) the contractual expense limit in effect at the time the Adviser waives or limits the expenses or (2) the contractual expense limit in effect at the time the Adviser seeks to recover the expenses; provided, however, that the Fund will not be obligated to pay any such deferred fees or expenses more than three years after the date on which the fee and expense was reduced.

The Adviser further agrees that such fee waivers and reimbursements for the Fund shall continue at least through January 31, 2027; and will thereafter continue in effect for successive twelve-month periods provided that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by a majority of the Trustees of the Trust and the Adviser does not provide at least 30 days written notice of non-continuance prior to the end of the then effective term. Except due to the Adviser's notice of non-renewal, this Agreement may only be amended or terminated with the approval of the Board of Trustees of the Trust.

The Adviser will be permitted to recover with respect to a Fund, on a class-by-class basis, expenses it has borne through this Agreement (whether through reduction of its management fee or otherwise) only to the extent that the applicable Fund's expenses in later periods do not exceed the lesser of (1) the contractual expense limit in effect at the time the Adviser waives or limits the expenses or (2) the contractual expense limit in effect at the time the Adviser seeks to recover the expenses. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Fund will not be obligated to pay any such deferred fees or expenses more than three years after the date on which the fee and expense was reduced, as calculated on a monthly basis.

The table below shows the management fees for the Adviser for the fiscal year or period indicated below:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **For the Fiscal**<br> **Year Ended**<br> **September 30, 2025** | **For the Fiscal**<br> **Year Ended**<br> **September 30, 2024** | **For the Fiscal**<br> **Year Ended**<br> **September 30, 2023** |
| Gross Advisory Fees<sup>(a)</sup> | $361061 | $367524 | $397090 |
| Waiver of Advisory Fees | $204169 | $221087 | $160735 |
| Reimbursement of other Expenses | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Net Advisory Fees | $156892 | $146437 | $236355 |

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(a) Gross Advisory Fees
 includes $456 of prior period recoupments.

**DISTRIBUTOR**

Shares of the Fund are offered on a continuous basis through ALPS Distributors, Inc. (an affiliate of ALPS Fund Services, Inc.) (the "Distributor"), located at 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80203, as distributor pursuant to a distribution agreement between the Distributor and the Trust on behalf of the Fund. The Distributor is not obligated to sell any specific amount of Fund shares.

**CODE OF ETHICS**

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

**ADMINISTRATOR**

The Trust on behalf of the Fund currently employs ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (an affiliate of the Distributor) ("ALPS" or the "Administrator"), located at 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80203, under an administration agreement to provide certain administrative services to the Fund.

The table below shows the administrative fees earned by ALPS for the fiscal year indicated below:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **For the Fiscal**<br> **Year Ended**<br> **September 30, 2025** | **For the Fiscal**<br> **Year Ended**<br> **September 30, 2024** | **For the Fiscal**<br> **Year Ended**<br> **September 30, 2023** |
| **Administrative Fees** | $199755 | $193396 | $196566 |

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**PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES**

Although individual Board members may not agree with particular policies or votes by the Adviser, the Board has approved delegating proxy voting discretion to the Adviser believing that the Adviser should be responsible for voting because it is a matter relating to the investment decision making process.

Attached as <u>Appendix B</u> is the Trust's Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures and a summary of the Adviser's proxy voting policies that the Adviser uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities, including the procedures that the Adviser uses when a vote presents a conflict between the interests of Fund shareholders, on the one hand, and those of the Adviser or any affiliated person of the Fund or the Adviser, on the other. <u>Appendix B</u> provides a general indication as to how the Adviser will vote proxies relating to portfolio securities on each issue listed. However, <u>Appendix B</u> does not address all potential voting issues or the intricacies that may surround individual proxy votes. For that reason, there may be instances in which votes may vary from the Trust's and the Adviser's Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Adviser always endeavors to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities in accordance with the Fund's investment objectives. Information on how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent prior 12-month period ended June 30 will be available without charge, (i) upon request, by calling 1-888-628-8208 and (ii) on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov<u>.</u>

**PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS**

To the best knowledge of the Trust, the names and addresses of the record and beneficial holders of 5% or more of the outstanding shares of each class of the Funds and the percentage of the outstanding shares held by such holders are set forth below. To the best knowledge of the Trust, entities shown as owning more than 25% of the outstanding Shares of a class of the Fund are not the beneficial owners of such Shares, unless otherwise indicated.

A shareholder who owns beneficially 25% or more of the outstanding securities of the Fund is presumed to "control" that Fund as defined in the 1940 Act. Such control may affect the voting rights of other shareholders.

As of December 31, 2025, the following shareholders owned 5% or more of the outstanding shares of a class of the Fund as listed below:

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Class** | **Shareholder Name** | **Address** | **Percentage of Interest** | **Type of Ownership** |
| **Class A** | LPL FINANCIAL CORPORATION | 8202 E 21<sup>ST</sup> ST N<br> WICHITA, KS 67206 | 97.13% | Dealer |
| **Institutional Class** | RELIANCE TRUST CO | PO BOX 78446<br> ATLANTA, GA 30357 | 97.93% | Trust Dealer |

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As of December 31, 2025, the officers and Trustees of the Trust owned less than 1% of any class of the outstanding shares of the Fund.

**EXPENSES**

The Fund's expenses include taxes, interest, fees and salaries of the Trust's Trustees and officers who are not trustees, officers or employees of the Fund's service contractors, SEC fees, state securities qualification fees, costs of preparing and printing prospectuses for regulatory purposes and for distribution to existing shareholders, advisory and administration fees, charges of the custodian and of the transfer and dividend disbursing agent, certain insurance premiums, outside auditing and legal expenses, costs of shareholder reports and shareholder meetings and any extraordinary expenses. The Fund also pays for brokerage fees and commissions (if any) in connection with the purchase and sale of portfolio securities.

**PORTFOLIO MANAGER**

The following sections set forth certain additional information with respect to the portfolio manager for the Fund. Unless noted otherwise, all information is provided as of September 30, 2025.

**Other Accounts Managed by Portfolio Manager**

The table below identifies as of September 30, 2025, the number of accounts (other than the Fund) for which the Fund's portfolio managers have day-to-day management responsibilities and the total assets in such accounts within each of the following categories: registered investment companies, other pooled investment vehicles, and other accounts.

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Portfolio Manager** | **Registered Investment Companies** | **Registered Investment Companies** | **Other Pooled Investment Vehicles** | **Other Pooled Investment Vehicles** | **Other Accounts** | **Other Accounts** |
| **Portfolio Manager** | **Number** | **Total Assets**<br> **(in millions)** | **Number** | **Total Assets**<br> **(in millions)\*** | **Number\*** | **Total Assets**<br> **(in millions)\*** |
| Neil D. Klein | 1 | $125 | 0 | $0 | 1793 | $2116 |
| Jason R. Graybill | 1 | $125 | 0 | $0 | 1793 | $2116 |

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\* If an account was managed by a team, the total number of accounts and assets have been allocated to each respective team member. Therefore, some accounts and assets have been counted more than once.

**Portfolio Manager Compensation**

Each portfolio manager's compensation consists primarily of a variable pay component. The variable pay component is based on assets under management. The portfolio manager's compensation is determined by a number of factors including the consistency of the portfolio manager's performance, the total value of the assets managed by the portfolio managers, the profitability of the investment advisor and the portfolio manager's contribution to profitability and the trends in industry compensation and levels.

Each Portfolio Manager also receives employee benefits, which may include health care and other insurance benefits as well as participation in the 401(k) program.

The structure of the portfolio manager's compensation may be modified from time to time to reflect, among other things, changes in responsibilities or the competitive environment.

**Potential Conflicts of Interest with Other Accounts**

Potential conflicts of interest may arise when a fund's portfolio managers have day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to one or more other funds or other accounts, as is the case for the portfolio managers listed in the table above.

The Adviser and the Fund have adopted compliance policies and procedures that are designed to mitigate various conflicts of interest that may arise for the Adviser and the individuals that it employs. For example, the Adviser's Code of Ethics requires employees to place the Adviser's clients' interests ahead of the employee's own interests. The Adviser has also adopted trade allocation procedures that are designed to facilitate the allocation of investment opportunities among multiple client accounts. There is no guarantee, however, that the policies and procedures adopted by the Adviser and the Fund will be able to detect and/or prevent every situation in which an actual or potential conflict may appear. These potential conflicts include:

<u>Allocation of Limited Time and Attention</u>. A portfolio manager who is responsible for managing multiple funds and/or accounts may devote unequal time and attention to the management of those funds and/or accounts. As a result, the portfolio manager may not be able to formulate as complete a strategy or identify equally attractive investment opportunities for each of those accounts as might be the case if he were to devote substantially more attention to the management of a single fund. The effects of this potential conflict may be more pronounced where funds and/or accounts overseen by a particular portfolio manager have different investment strategies.

<u>Allocation of Limited Investment Opportunities</u>. If a portfolio manager identifies a limited investment opportunity that may be suitable for multiple funds and/or accounts, the opportunity may be allocated among these several funds or accounts, which may limit a fund's ability to take full advantage of the investment opportunity.

<u>Pursuit of Differing Strategies</u>. At times, a portfolio manager may determine that an investment opportunity may be appropriate for only some of the funds and/or accounts for which he exercises investment responsibility or may decide that certain of the funds and/or accounts should take differing positions with respect to a particular security. In these cases, the portfolio manager may place separate transactions for one or more funds or accounts which may affect the market price of the security or the execution of the transaction, or both, to the detriment or benefit of one or more other funds and/or accounts.

<u>Selection of Brokers/Dealers</u>. Portfolio managers may be able to select or influence the selection of the brokers and dealers that are used to execute securities transactions for the funds and/or account that they supervise. In addition to executing trades, some brokers and dealers provide portfolio managers with brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act), which may result in the payment of higher brokerage fees than might have otherwise been available. These services may be more beneficial to certain funds or accounts than to others. Although the payment of brokerage commissions is subject to the requirement that the portfolio manager determine in good faith that the commissions are reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided to the fund, a portfolio manager's decision as to the selection of brokers and dealers could yield disproportionate costs and benefits among the funds and/or accounts that he manages.

<u>Variation in Compensation</u>. A conflict of interest may arise where the financial or other benefits available to the portfolio manager differ among the funds and/or accounts that he manages. If the structure of the investment adviser's management fee and/or the portfolio manager's compensation differs among funds and/or accounts (such as where certain funds or accounts pay higher management fees or performance-based management fees), the portfolio manager might be motivated to help certain funds and/or accounts over others. The portfolio manager might be motivated to favor funds and/or accounts in which he has an interest or in which the investment adviser and/or its affiliates have interests. Similarly, the desire to maintain or raise assets under management or to enhance the portfolio manager's performance record or to derive other rewards, financial or otherwise, could influence the portfolio manager to lend preferential treatment to those funds and/or accounts that could most significantly benefit the portfolio manager.

<u>Related Business Opportunities</u>. The Adviser or its affiliates may provide more services (such as distribution or recordkeeping) for some types of funds or accounts than for others. In such cases, a portfolio manager may benefit, either directly or indirectly, by devoting disproportionate attention to the management of funds and/or accounts that provide greater overall returns to the Adviser and its affiliates.

**Ownership of Securities**

The table below identifies ownership of Fund securities by each Portfolio Manager as of September 30, 2025.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Portfolio Manager** | **Dollar Range of Ownership of Securities** |
| Neil D. Klein | $0 |
| Jason R. Graybill | $0 |

---

**NET ASSET VALUE**

The following is a description of the procedures used by the Fund in valuing its assets. For the purpose of pricing purchase and redemption orders, the net asset value per share of the Fund is determined once daily as of the close of regularly scheduled trading on the NYSE (normally, 4:00 p.m. Eastern time). The Fund's net asset value is calculated on each day that the NYSE is open for trading, *i.e.*, Monday through Friday, except for New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, and the preceding Friday or subsequent Monday when one of those holidays falls on a Saturday or Sunday, respectively.

In calculating net asset value, portfolio securities listed or traded on national securities exchanges for which market quotations are available are valued at the official closing price. If there is no official closing price, the valuation designee values the securities at the mean of the last bid and ask price which represents the current value of the security.

Securities that are primarily traded on foreign exchanges generally are valued at the preceding closing values of such securities on their respective exchanges, except that when an occurrence subsequent to the time a value was so established is likely to have changed such value, then the fair value of those securities will be determined by consideration of other factors by the valuation designee. In valuing assets, prices denominated in foreign currencies are converted to U.S. dollar equivalents at the current exchange rate. Securities may be valued by independent pricing services which use prices provided by market-makers or estimates of market values obtained from yield data relating to instruments or securities with similar characteristics. In certain circumstances, bid and ask prices may be obtained from (i) a broker/dealer specified and deemed reliable by the valuation designee, (ii) pink sheets, yellow sheets or the blue list, or (iii) a pricing agent that obtains quotations from broker/dealers or evaluates the value of the respective bid and ask prices. All other securities and other assets of the Fund will be valued at fair value as determined in good faith pursuant to procedures adopted by the valuation designee. Valuing securities at fair value involves greater reliance on judgement than valuation of securities based on readily available market quotations.

**FEDERAL AND CERTAIN STATE INCOME TAXES**

**Federal Income Taxes**

This section provides additional information primarily concerning U.S. federal income taxes. It is based on the Code, applicable Treasury Regulations, judicial authority and administrative rulings and practice, all as of the date of this SAI, and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. Except as specifically noted below, the following does not address any state, local or foreign or estate or gift tax matters.

A shareholder's U.S. federal income tax consequences from acquiring, holding and disposing of shares in the Fund may vary depending upon the shareholder's particular situation. This discussion only applies to shareholders who are U.S. persons. For purposes of this discussion, U.S. persons are: (i) U.S. citizens or residents, (ii) U.S. corporations (i.e. entities classified as corporations for U.S. tax purposes that are organized under the laws of the United States or any state), (iii) an estate whose income is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source, or (iv) a trust, if a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over its administration and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all of its substantial decisions, or if the trust has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury Regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.

Except where otherwise noted, this, discussion does not address issues of significance to U.S. persons in special situations such as: (i) certain types of tax-exempt entities, (ii) shareholders holding shares through tax-qualified accounts (such as 401(k) plan accounts or individual retirement accounts), (iii) shareholders holding investments through foreign institutions (financial and non-financial), (iv) financial institutions, (v) broker-dealers, and traders in securities that elect to mark-to-market their securities holdings, (vi) shareholders holding shares as part of a hedge, straddle or conversion transaction, (vii) shareholders who are subject to either the U.S. federal alternative minimum tax or the U.S. federal corporate minimum tax, (viii) insurance companies, and (ix) shareholders that are pass-through entities.

If a pass-through entity (including for this purpose any entity treated as a partnership or S corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) is a beneficial owner of shares, the tax treatment of an owner in the pass-through entity will generally depend upon the status of the owner and the activities of the pass-through entity. Owners of pass-through entities that are considering the purchase of shares of the Fund should consult their tax advisers regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of shares.

The Fund has not requested and will not request an advance ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") as to the U.S. federal income tax matters described below. The IRS could adopt positions contrary to those discussed below and such positions could be sustained. In addition, the foregoing discussion only addresses some of the U.S. federal income tax considerations generally affecting investments in the Fund. Prospective shareholders are urged to consult with their tax advisers as to the particular U.S. federal tax consequences to them of an investment in the Fund, as well as the applicability and effect of any state, local or foreign laws, and the effect of possible changes in applicable tax laws.

**General Policies**

In general, it is the policy of the Fund to distribute to shareholders monthly substantially all of its investment company taxable income (which includes, among other items, interest and the excess of any net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses). It is the policy of the Fund to distribute annually the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses, if any, after offsetting any capital loss carryovers, as "capital gains dividends." Capital gains for the Fund is distributed at least annually.

Distributions of investment company taxable income and capital gain distributions are payable as of the close of the Exchange on the record date for each dividend or distribution.

Distributions and dividends are reinvested in additional Fund shares unless you instruct the Transfer Agent to have your distributions and/or dividends paid by check mailed to the address of record or transferred through an Automated Clearing House to the bank of your choice. If you elect to receive your dividends in cash and the dividend checks sent to you are returned "undeliverable" to the Fund or remain uncashed for six months, your cash election will automatically be changed and your future dividends will be reinvested. No interest will accrue on amounts represented by uncashed dividend or redemption checks.

As required by federal law, detailed U.S. federal tax information will be furnished to each shareholder for each calendar year.

**Taxation of the Fund**

The Fund intends to elect to be treated and qualify each year as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code. The Fund also intends to be treated as a separate entity for federal income tax purposes. This discussion assumes that the Fund will qualify under Subchapter M of the Code as a regulated investment company and will satisfy distribution requirements for taxation as a regulated investment company (as described below), although there can be no assurance that these assumptions will be correct.

In order to qualify for the special tax treatment accorded regulated investment companies and their shareholders, the Fund must, among other things: (i) derive at least 90% of its gross income in each taxable year 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 (including, but not limited to, gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies and net income derived from interests in "qualified publicly traded partnerships;" (ii) diversify its holdings so that at the end of each fiscal quarter, (a) at least 50% of the value of its total assets consists of cash and cash items (including receivables), U.S. government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies, and other securities limited generally, with respect to any one issuer, to no more than 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets and 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (b) not more than 25% of the value of the Fund's total assets is invested in (1) the securities (other than those of the U.S. government or other regulated investment companies) of any one issuer, (2) the securities (other than the securities of other regulated investment companies) of two or more issuers which the Fund controls and which are engaged in the same, similar or related trades or businesses, or (3) in the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships and (iii) distribute with respect to each taxable year an amount equal to or exceeding the sum of (a) 90% of its "investment company taxable income," as that term is defined in the Code (which generally includes, among other things, dividends, taxable interest, and the excess of any net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses, as reduced by certain deductible expenses) without regard to the deduction for dividends paid, and (b) 90% of its tax-exempt interest income, net of expenses allocable thereto. For purposes of meeting the diversification requirement described in (ii) above, in the case of the Fund's investment in loan participations, the issuer may be the financial intermediary or the borrower. The requirements for qualification as a regulated investment company may significantly limit the extent to which the Fund may invest in some investments.

With respect to (i) above, the IRS may limit qualifying income from foreign currency gains to the amount of such gains that are directly related to a regulated investment company's principal business of investing in stock or securities (or options and futures with respect thereto) pursuant to Treasury Regulations that may be promulgated in the future. For purposes of the 90% gross income requirement described in (i) above, income derived from a partnership will generally be treated as qualifying income only to the extent such income is attributable to items of income of the partnership which would be qualifying income if realized by the regulated investment company. However, 100% of the net income derived from an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership (defined as an entity taxed as a partnership (x) interests in which are traded on an established securities market or readily tradable on a secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof and (y) that derives less than 90% of its income from the qualifying income described in (i) above) will be treated as qualifying income. In addition, although in general the passive activity loss rules of the Code do not apply to regulated investment companies, such rules do apply to a regulated investment company with respect to items attributable to an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership. Finally, for purposes of (ii)(a) above, the term "outstanding voting securities of such issuer" will include the equity securities of a qualified publicly traded partnership.

To the extent that it qualifies for treatment as a regulated investment company, the Fund will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on income distributed to its shareholders in a timely manner in the form of dividends (including capital gain dividends, defined below). In certain situations, the Fund can cure failures to meet the income and diversification tests described above, including, in some cases, by paying the Fund-level tax and, in the case of diversification failures, disposing of certain assets. If the Fund were to fail to qualify as a regulated investment company accorded special tax treatment in any taxable year – for example, because it was not sufficiently diversified under the applicable Code tests – the Fund would be subject to tax on its taxable income at corporate rates, and all distributions from earnings and profits, including any distributions of net tax-exempt income and net long-term capital gains, would be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. To qualify again to be taxed as a regulated investment company that is accorded special treatment in a subsequent year, the Fund could be required to pay substantial taxes, penalties and interest and make substantial distributions. In addition, if the Fund fails to qualify as a regulated investment company for a period greater than two taxable years, the Fund may be required to recognize and pay tax on any net built-in gain (the excess of aggregate gain, including items of income, over aggregate loss that would have been realized if the Fund had been liquidated) or, alternatively, to be subject to taxation on such built-in gain recognized for a period of five years, in order to qualify as a regulated investment company in a subsequent year.

As a regulated investment company, the Fund generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on its net capital gains (that is, any net long-term capital gains in excess of net short-term capital losses) properly reported by the Fund in a written statement to shareholders as capital gain dividends ("capital gain dividends") and its investment company taxable income if any, that the Fund distributes to shareholders on a timely basis. The Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its investment company taxable income and net capital gains, after offsetting any capital loss carryforwards, in a taxable year. If the Fund does retain any investment company taxable income, it will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates on the amount retained. However, the Fund may elect to have certain distributions paid after the close of a tax year treated as having been paid during the tax year for purposes of the regulated investment company distribution requirements and for purposes of determining its taxable income ("spill-back dividends"). Spill-back dividends are taxed to shareholders in the year in which they are received.

If the Fund retains any net capital gain, the Fund will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates on the amount retained, but may designate the retained amount as undistributed capital gains 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 shares of such undistributed amount, and (ii) will be entitled to credit their proportionate shares of the tax paid by the Fund on such undistributed amount against their U.S. federal income tax liabilities, if any. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the tax basis of shares owned by a shareholder of the Fund will be increased by an amount equal to the difference between the amount of undistributed capital gains included in the shareholder's income and the tax deemed paid by the shareholder under clause (ii) of the preceding sentence.

Generally, the excess (if any) of the Fund's net short-term capital loss over the net long-term capital gain for a taxable year will carry over as a short-term capital loss arising on the first day of the next tax year. In addition, the excess (if any) of the Fund's net long-term capital loss over the net short-term capital gain for the year will carry over as a long-term capital loss arising on the first day of the next tax year. Unused capital losses realized by the Fund may be carried forward indefinitely until they can be used to offset capital gains.

The Fund may be limited under Code Section 382 in its ability to offset its taxable income by capital loss carryforwards and net unrealized built-in losses after an "ownership change" of the Fund. The term "net unrealized built-in loss" refers to the excess, if any, of the Fund's aggregate adjusted basis in its assets immediately before an ownership change, over the fair market value of such assets at such time, subject to a *de minimis* rule. The Fund would experience an ownership change under Code Section 382 if and when 5-percent shareholders of the Fund increase their ownership by more than 50 percentage points in the aggregate over their respective lowest percentage ownership of the Fund's shares in a 3-year period. Under Code Section 382, if the Fund experiences an ownership change, the Fund may use its pre-change tax capital loss carryforwards and net unrealized built-in losses in a year after the ownership change generally only up to the product of the fair market value of the Fund's equity immediately before the ownership change and a certain interest rate published monthly by the U.S. Treasury known as the applicable long-term tax-exempt rate. The foregoing limitation on the use of pre-ownership change net unrealized built-in losses only applies for a period of five years after the ownership change, while the foregoing limitation on the use of pre-ownership change capital loss carryforwards lasts indefinitely.

If future capital gains are offset by carried-forward capital losses, such future capital gains are not subject to Fund-level federal income tax, regardless of whether they are distributed to shareholders. However, distributions of amounts of capital gains offset by carried-forward capital losses are generally treated as return of capital distributions to shareholders. The Fund cannot carry back or carry forward any net operating losses. As of the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, the Fund had Short-Term of $2,606 and Long-Term of $2,700,692 of accumulated capital loss carryforwards.

The Fund may elect to treat any post-October capital loss (defined as the Fund's net capital loss, net long-term capital loss, or net short-term capital loss, as applicable, in each case attributable to the portion of the taxable year after October 31) and late-year ordinary loss (generally, (i) net ordinary losses from the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of property, attributable to the portion of the taxable year after October 31, plus (ii) other net ordinary losses attributable to the portion of the taxable year after December 31) as if incurred in the succeeding taxable year.

If the Fund fails to distribute in a calendar year at least an amount equal to the sum of 98% of its ordinary income for such year (taking into account certain deferrals and elections) and 98.2% of its net capital gain income for the one-year period ending on October 31 of such year, plus any retained amount for the prior year, the Fund will be subject to a non-deductible excise tax on the undistributed amounts. For these purposes, ordinary gains and losses from the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of property that would be properly taken into account after October 31 are treated as arising on January 1 of the following calendar year. Exempt-interest dividends are excluded from the Fund's distributed amount for purposes of calculating any excise tax liability for a calendar year. For purposes of the excise tax, the Fund will be treated as having distributed any amount on which it has been subject to corporate income tax in the taxable year ending within the calendar year.

The Fund intends to make distributions sufficient to avoid imposition of the excise tax, although there can be no assurance that it will be able to do so. Moreover, the Fund reserves the right to pay an excise tax rather than make an additional distribution when circumstances warrant (for example, the amount of excise tax to be paid is deemed de minimis by the Fund).

**Equalization Accounting**

The Fund may use "equalization accounting" to determine the portion of its income and gains that has been distributed with respect to each taxable year. Under equalization accounting, the Fund would allocate a portion of its undistributed investment company taxable income and net capital gain to redemptions of Fund shares. This method would allow the Fund to reduce the amount of such income and gains that it distributes to non-redeeming shareholders. However, the IRS has not expressly authorized the particular equalization methods that the Fund may use, and the Fund's use of an equalization method may be subject to IRS scrutiny. If the IRS determines that the Fund's equalization method is improper and that the Fund has under-distributed its income and gain for any taxable year, the Fund may be liable for federal income and/or excise tax. Equalization accounting is not available for the Fund that is a personal holding company for federal income tax purposes.

**Personal Holding Company**

If the Fund is a "personal holding company" and fails to distribute (or to be treated as distributing) all of its investment company taxable income, the Fund may be subject to a 20% nondeductible tax on its "undistributed personal holding company income." The Fund would generally be a personal holding company for a taxable year if five or fewer individuals own more than 50% of its outstanding shares at any time in the last half of the taxable year. The term "individual" for this purpose includes private foundations and certain trusts. The Fund does not expect to be subject to the tax on undistributed personal holding company income, although there can be no assurance that this will never occur.

**Taxation of Fund Distributions**

Dividends and other distributions by the Fund to a shareholder are generally treated for federal income tax purposes as received by the shareholders at the time the dividend or distribution is made. However, distributions declared and payable by the Fund during October, November or December to shareholders of record on a date in any such month and paid by the Fund during the following January will be treated for U.S. federal tax purposes as paid by the Fund and received by shareholders on December 31st of the year in which declared rather than the calendar year in which they were received.

The assets of the Fund will qualify to pay exempt-interest dividends if, at the close of each quarter of the Fund's taxable year, at least 50 percent of the value of the total assets of the Fund consists of obligations described in Section 103(a) of the Code (generally, state or local bonds) or if the Fund is a "qualified fund of funds." The term "qualified fund of funds" means a regulated investment company if (at the close of each quarter of the taxable year) at least 50% of the value of its total assets is represented by interests in other regulated investment companies.

Exempt-interest dividends paid by the Fund are exempt from regular federal income taxes, whether paid in cash or in shares, and regardless of how long a shareholder has held shares of the Fund. No distributions paid by the Fund are expected to be eligible for the dividends-received deduction for corporate shareholders or for any favorable tax rate that may apply to "qualified dividend income" in the hands of an individual shareholder.

Tax-exempt income must be taken into account in computing the portion, if any, of social security or railroad retirement benefits that must be included in an individual shareholder's gross income subject to federal income tax.

Because the Fund will distribute exempt-interest dividends, interest on indebtedness incurred by shareholders, directly or indirectly, to purchase or carry shares in the Fund is not deductible for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Under Treasury Regulations, the purchase of shares may be treated as having been made with borrowed funds even though the borrowed funds are not directly traceable to the purchase of shares of the Fund.

Shares of the Fund generally would not be suitable for tax-exempt institutions and may not be suitable for retirement plans qualified under Section 401 of the Code and individual retirement accounts because the recognition of taxable income on the earnings of such plans and accounts is generally deferred and, not only would the shareholder not gain any current benefit from the Fund's dividends being tax-exempt, but such dividends would be ultimately taxable to the beneficiaries when distributed from the plan.

Although interest on certain private activity bonds is exempt from regular federal income tax, such interest is a tax preference item for non-corporate taxpayers when determining their alternative minimum tax under the Code and could subject a shareholder to or increase the shareholder's liability under the federal alternative minimum tax, depending on the shareholder's personal or corporate tax position.

In addition, the Fund may be an inappropriate investment for entities that are "substantial users" of facilities financed by "private activity bonds" owned by the Fund or "related persons" thereof. A "substantial user" is defined under U.S. Treasury Regulations to include a non-exempt person who regularly uses a part of such facilities in his or her trade or business provided one of the following is true: (i) the person's gross revenues derived with respect to the facilities financed by the issuance of bonds are more than five percent of the total revenues derived by all users of such facilities; (ii) the person occupies more than five percent of the usable area of such facilities; or (iii) the facilities or a part thereof were specifically constructed, reconstructed or acquired for the person. "Related persons" generally includes certain (i) related natural persons, (ii) members of a controlled group of corporations, (iii) partnership and its partners (and their spouses and minor children), (iv) S corporations and its shareholders (and their spouses and minor children), and (v) two or more persons if the relationship between such persons would result in a disallowance of losses under certain sections of the Code.

Distributions paid by the Fund that are not exempt-interest dividends and are not properly reported as capital gain distributions will generally be taxable to the shareholders to the extent paid out of current or accumulated earnings and profits. Such dividends would generally be taxed as ordinary income. However, the Fund may report certain taxable dividends as derived from "qualified dividend income," which, when received by an individual, will be taxed at a maximum federal income tax rate applicable to long-term capital gain (assuming certain holding period requirements are satisfied), which (for this purpose) is 20%, in addition to the 3.8% Medicare tax discussed below.

Dividends received by corporate shareholders that are reported by the Fund in a written statement furnished to shareholders may qualify for a 50% dividends received deduction with respect to qualifying dividends received by the Fund from domestic corporations and with respect to that portion (if any) of interest paid or accrued on certain high yield discount obligations owned by the Fund that is treated as dividends, so long as (in either case) certain holding period requirements are met.

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

An additional 3.8% Medicare tax will be imposed on certain net investment income of U.S. individuals, estates and certain trusts, to the extent that such person's gross income, as adjusted, exceeds threshold amounts. Net investment income for this purpose includes distributions paid by the Fund (except exempt-interest dividends) and on capital gains from the sale or exchange of Fund shares. Net investment income also includes interest, dividends (other than exempt interest dividends), royalties, rents, gross income from a trade or business involving passive activities, and net gain from disposition of property (other than property held in a non-passive trade or business). Net investment income is reduced by deductions properly allocable to such income.

Certain tax-exempt educational institutions are subject to a 1.4% tax on net investment income. For these purposes, certain dividends (other than exempt-interest dividends) and capital gain distributions, and certain gains from the disposition of the Fund's shares (among other categories of income), are generally taken into account in computing a shareholder's net investment income.

If the Fund makes a distribution in excess of its current and accumulated "earnings and profits" in any taxable year, the excess distribution will be treated as a return of capital to the extent of a shareholder's tax basis in shares, and thereafter as capital gain.

A return of capital is generally not taxable, but it reduces a shareholder's basis in shares, thus reducing any loss or increasing any gain on a subsequent taxable disposition by the shareholder of such shares.

**Sale or Redemption of Shares**

The sale or redemption of Fund shares may give rise to a gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount received for the shares and the shareholder's tax basis in the shares. In general, any gain or loss realized upon a taxable disposition of Fund shares will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year. Otherwise, such gain or loss will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. However, any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of shares held for six months or less will be treated as long-term, rather than short-term, to the extent of any long-term capital gain distributions received (or deemed received) by the shareholder with respect to the shares. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

All or a portion of any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of Fund shares will be disallowed if other substantially identical shares of the same Fund or other substantially identical securities are purchased within 30 days before or after the disposition. In such a case, the basis of the newly purchased shares will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. Any loss on the redemption of shares held for six months or less in a Fund that pays exempt-interest dividends will be disallowed to the extent of the exempt-interest dividends received on such shares.

**Special Tax Considerations**

The following discussion relates to the particular U.S. federal income tax consequences of the investment policies of the Fund.

*Non-U.S. Taxes*

Investments in non-U.S. securities may cause the Fund to be liable to non-U.S. governments for taxes relating primarily to investment income or capital gains on non-U.S. securities in the Fund's portfolio. If at the close of its taxable year more than 50% of the value of the Fund's total assets consists of securities of foreign corporations (including foreign governments), the Fund may make an election under the Code that would allow Fund shareholders who are U.S. persons or U.S. corporations to claim a foreign tax credit or deduction (but not both) on their U.S. income tax return for their pro rata portion of qualified taxes paid by that Fund to non-U.S. countries in respect of non-U.S. securities held at least a minimum period as specified in the Code. If the Fund were eligible for and were to make the election, the amount of each shareholder's distribution reported on the information returns filed by the Fund with the IRS must be increased by the amount of the shareholder's portion of the Fund's foreign tax paid. A shareholder's ability to claim all or a part of a foreign tax credit or deduction in respect of non-U.S. taxes paid by the Fund would also be subject to certain holding period and other limitations imposed by the Code.

If the Fund were to qualify as a "qualified fund of funds," the Fund could be entitled to elect to pass-through its foreign tax credits without regard to the above described 50% requirement.

The Fund does not anticipate that it will be eligible for the elections discussed in this section.

*Non-U.S. Currency Transactions*

Transactions in non-U.S. currencies, non-U.S.-currency denominated debt obligations and certain non-U.S. currency options, future contracts, and forward contracts (and similar instruments) may give rise to ordinary income or loss to the extent such income or loss results from fluctuations in the value of the non-U.S. currency concerned and may increase the amount and affect the timing and character of taxes payable by shareholders. Certain foreign currency contracts may be subject to Code Section 1256, with the result that such contracts generally must be "marked to market" annually, and gains and losses with respect to such contracts would generally be treated as 60% long-term capital gain or loss and 40% short-term capital gain or loss. See "Options and Other Financial Products", below. Certain of the Fund's transactions, if any, in foreign currencies and foreign currency denominated instruments are likely to result in a difference between the Fund's book income and taxable income. This difference may cause a portion of the Fund's income distributions to constitute a return of capital or capital gain for tax purposes or require the Fund to make distributions exceeding book income to avoid excise tax liability and to qualify as a regulated investment company, which may have the effect of accelerating taxable distributions to shareholders of the Fund.

*Real Estate Investment Trusts*

The Fund's investments in equity securities of a real estate investment trust ("REIT"), if any, may result in such Fund's receipt of cash in excess of the REIT's earnings. If the Fund receives such distributions all or a portion of these distributions will constitute a return of capital to such Fund. Receiving a return of capital distribution from a REIT will reduce the amount of income available to be distributed to Fund shareholders. Income from REIT securities generally will not be eligible for treatment as qualified dividend income.

If a Fund invests in equity securities of a REIT, the Fund may be eligible to pay "section 199A dividends" to its shareholders with respect to certain dividends received by it from its investment in REITs. Section 199A dividends are taxable to individual and other noncorporate shareholders at a reduced effective federal income tax rate, provided that certain holding period requirements and other conditions are satisfied.

*Exchange-Traded Notes*

The Fund may invest in exchange-traded notes ("ETNs"). The tax treatment of ETNs will depend upon the particular features of the ETN in question and may present significant uncertainties.

Some ETNs may be properly treated as indebtedness for federal income tax purposes. The Fund will be required to take into account interest income on such ETNs on the accrual method. If the ETN is issued or purchased at a discount, the Fund may be required to take the discount into income as original issue discount or market discount. See "*Securities Issued or Purchased at a Discount*" below.

Other ETNs may be properly treated as prepaid forward or derivative contracts for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The tax consequences of an investment in such ETNs are unclear under current law. With regard to such ETNs, the Fund may not report any taxable income or loss over the term of the ETNs prior to their taxable disposition (including at maturity or pursuant to an early redemption or call). Upon a taxable disposition of a ETN, the Fund would report gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized on the taxable disposition and the Fund's tax basis in the ETN (the latter of which should equal the amount paid to acquire the note). This gain or loss should be long term capital gain or loss if the Fund has held the ETN for more than one year at that time.

In addition, some ETNs may be taxed as "section 1256 contracts." See "***Options and Other Financial Products***" below.

There are significant uncertainties regarding the tax consequences of the Fund's ownership and disposition of ETNs treated as a prepaid forward or derivative contract. For example, the Fund might be required to include amounts in income during the term of the ETN notes and/or to treat all or a portion of the gain or loss on the taxable disposition of the ETN as ordinary income or loss or as short term capital gain or loss, without regard to how long the Fund holds the ETN.

Moreover, an investment in an ETN that is linked to a commodities index would also present uncertainties concerning whether income from the investment is qualifying income for purposes of the Fund's qualification as a regulated investment company. Qualifying income includes gains from the sale or other disposition of securities, as well as "other income" derived with respect to a regulated investment company's business of investment in securities. For this purpose, the term "securities" has the meaning provided in the 1940 Act. However, the IRS has taken the position that there is no conclusive authority concerning whether a derivative contract on commodities is included within the 1940 Act's definition of "security." For several years, the IRS regularly issued private rulings that treated commodity-linked notes as producing qualifying income, but since then the IRS has generally stopped issuing rulings that require a determination of whether a financial instrument is a security under the 1940 Act. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that income derived by the Fund from a commodities-linked ETN would be qualifying income.

*Options and Other Financial Products*

The Fund's investments, if any, in derivatives including options, hedging transactions, future contracts, forward contracts, swaps and certain other transactions will be subject to special tax rules (including mark-to-market, constructive sale, straddle, wash sale, short sale and other rules), the effect of which may be to accelerate income recognized by the Fund, defer the Fund's losses, cause adjustments in the holding periods of the Fund's securities, result in the recognition of short-term capital gain, convert capital gain into ordinary income and convert short-term capital losses into long-term capital losses. These rules could therefore affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to Fund shareholders.

Certain positions undertaken by the Fund may constitute "straddles" for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The straddle rules may affect the character of gains or losses realized by the Fund. Losses realized by the Fund that are part of a straddle may be deferred beyond the point in time that they are realized. The straddle rules, if applicable, could increase the amount of short-term capital gain realized by the Fund, which is taxed as ordinary income when distributed to shareholders. Certain tax elections that the Fund may make with respect to straddles could affect the character and timing of recognition of gains and losses.

The Fund may make short sales of securities. Short sales may increase the amount of short-term capital gains realized by the Fund, which is taxed as ordinary income to the shareholders when distributed. Short sales may also constitute part of "constructive sales," which would result in taxable income before the short-sale positions are terminated.

Certain of the Fund's hedging activities including its transactions in options and foreign currencies, are likely to result in a difference between the Fund's book income and taxable income. This difference may cause a portion of the Fund's income distributions to constitute a return of capital or capital gain for tax purposes or require the Fund to make distributions exceeding book income to avoid excise tax liability and to qualify as a regulated investment company, which may have the effect of accelerating taxable distributions to shareholders.

Rules governing the tax aspects of notional principal contracts in which the Fund may invest are not clear in various respects. As a result, the IRS could challenge the Fund's methods of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes for such contracts, and such a challenge could affect the status of the Fund as a regulated investment company.

When the Fund sells a put or call option, the premium received generally is not included in income at the time of receipt. If the option expires, the premium is generally included in income of the Fund as short-term capital gain. If the Fund enters into a closing transaction, the difference between the amount paid to close out its position and the premium received is generally short-term capital gain or loss. If a call option written by the Fund is exercised, thereby requiring the Fund to sell the underlying security, the premium will increase the amount realized upon the sale of such security and any resulting gain or loss generally will be a capital gain or loss, and will be long-term or short-term depending upon the holding period of the security. With respect to a put or call option that is purchased by the Fund, if the option is sold any resulting gain or loss generally will be a capital gain or loss, and will be long-term or short-term, depending upon the holding period of the option. If the option expires, the resulting loss is a capital loss and is long-term or short-term, depending upon the holding period of the option. If the option is exercised, the cost of the option, in the case of a call option, is added to the basis of the purchased security and in the case of a put option, reduces the amount realized on the underlying security in determining gain or loss.

The sale by the Fund of a covered call option may result in the suspension of the fund's holding period in the underlying security unless the call option is a "qualified covered call option". Suspension of the holding period may result in short-term capital gains, taxable to fund shareholders at ordinary income rates, when the holder exercises the option, and may disqualify dividends issued on the underlying securities from being taxed to individual shareholders of the fund and other non-corporate shareholders as qualified dividends at rates applicable to long-term capital gains. A qualified covered call option is a covered call option that has a term of more than 30 days when issued, is not deeply in the money (as defined) when issued and satisfies certain other conditions.

Some of the Fund's investments, such as certain option transactions, futures contract transactions, and forward foreign currency exchange contracts may be "section 1256 contracts." With certain exceptions, gains or losses attributable to section 1256 contracts generally are treated as sixty percent long-term capital gains or losses and forty percent short-term capital gains or losses ("60/40"). Section 1256 contracts held by the Fund at the end of a taxable year (and, generally, for purposes of the excise tax, on October 31 of each year) are "marked-to market" with the result that unrealized gains or losses are treated as though they were realized and the resulting gain or loss is treated as 60/40 gain or loss.

The application of certain requirements for qualification as a regulated investment company and the application of certain other federal income tax rules may be unclear in some respects in connection with investments in certain derivatives and other investments. As a result, the Fund may be required to limit the extent to which it invests in such investments and the IRS may not agree with the Fund's treatment of such investments. In addition, the tax treatment of derivatives and certain other investments may be affected by future legislation, Treasury regulations and guidance issued by the IRS (which could apply retroactively) that could affect the timing, character and amount of the Fund's income and gains and distributions to shareholders, affect whether the Fund has made sufficient distributions and otherwise satisfied the requirements to maintain its qualification as a regulated investment company and avoid federal income and excise taxes or limit the extent to which the Fund may invest in certain derivatives and other investments in the future.

*Securities Issued or Purchased at a Discount*

The Fund may acquire debt obligations that have original issue discount. "Original issue discount" is the excess of a debt obligation's stated redemption price at maturity over the obligation's issue price. Under long-standing tax rules, a taxpayer that acquires an obligation with original issue discount must include the original issue discount in income on a constant yield-to-maturity basis without regard to when, or whether, payments are made on the obligation. However, original issue discount on a tax-exempt obligation generally is treated as tax-exempt interest. Obligations owned by the Fund that have original issue discount may include investments in payment-in-kind securities, and certain other obligations. Obligations with original issue discount owned by the Fund will give rise to income that the Fund will be required to distribute even though the Fund does not receive an interest payment in cash on the obligation during the year. In order to generate sufficient cash to make the required distributions, the Fund may be required to sell securities in its portfolio that it otherwise would have continued to hold. The Fund may realize gains or losses from such sales. If the Fund realizes net capital gains from such transactions, its shareholders may receive a larger capital gain distribution than they would in the absence of such transactions.

Some debt obligations that are acquired by the Fund in the secondary market may be treated as having market discount. "Market discount" is generally the excess of the stated redemption price of the bond at maturity over the basis of the bond immediately after its acquisition by the taxpayer. Generally, any gain recognized on the receipt of principal payments or on the disposition of a debt security having market discount is treated as ordinary income to the extent the gain does not exceed the "accrued market discount" on such debt security. Market discount generally accrues in equal daily installments. The Fund may make certain elections applicable to debt obligations having market discount, which could affect the character and timing of recognition of income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Gain on the disposition of market discount bonds is taxable as ordinary income even if interest on the debt obligation in question is tax exempt. In contrast, gain attributable to original issue discount, whenever recognized, on a tax-exempt obligation is treated as tax-exempt interest.

*Transfers between Classes of the Fund*

Exchanges of shares between classes of the Fund are generally not taxable transactions. Certain "significant holders" of the Fund within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.368-3(c)(1) will be required to include in their federal income tax returns for the year of the exchange of one class of stock for another the information listed in Treasury Regulation Section 1.368-3(b). The term "significant holders" refers to shareholders of the Fund who own at least one percent (by vote or value) of the total outstanding shares of the Fund, as well as shareholders who own shares of the Fund (immediately before the exchange in question) having a tax basis of at least $1 million.

*High-Risk Securities*

The Fund may invest in debt obligations that are in the lowest rating categories or are unrated. Investments in debt obligations that are at risk of or in default present special tax issues for the Fund. The application of the U.S. federal income tax rules with respect to these types of investments is complicated and will depend upon the application of the law to facts that may be unclear, which may result in uncertainty about the U.S. federal income tax treatment of these investments (*e.g.*, such as when the Fund may cease to accrue interest, original issue discount or market discount, when and to what extent deductions may be taken for bad debts, or worthless securities and how payments received on obligations in default should be allocated between principal and income). These and other related issues will be addressed by the Fund if it invests in such securities in order to seek to ensure that the Fund distributes sufficient income to avoid becoming subject to U.S. federal income or excise tax.

**Backup Withholding**

The Fund generally is required to withhold and remit to the U.S. Treasury a percentage of the taxable distributions and redemption proceeds paid to any individual shareholder who (i) fails to properly furnish the Fund with a correct taxpayer identification number (TIN), (ii) is identified by the IRS as otherwise subject to backup withholding, or (iii) fails to certify to the Fund that the shareholder is not subject to such withholding. The backup withholding tax rate is currently 24%.

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules from a payment to a shareholder generally may be refunded or credited against the shareholder's federal income tax liability, if any, provided that certain required information is timely furnished to the IRS. A shareholder who has not been notified by the IRS that the shareholder has failed to report interest or dividends may normally avoid backup withholding by furnishing a properly completed IRS Form W-9. If a shareholder fails to furnish a valid TIN upon request, the shareholder can be subject to IRS penalties.

**Cost Basis Reporting**

The Fund (or its administrative agent) must report to the IRS and furnish to fund shareholders the cost basis information for Fund shares purchased on or after January 1, 2012 ("covered shares"), when such shares are subsequently, redeemed, exchanged or otherwise sold and whether these shares had a short-term or long-term holding period. In addition, the Fund is required to report the gross proceeds from the sale of all Fund shares (whether or not they are covered shares).

Shareholders may elect from among several IRS-accepted cost basis methods to calculate the cost basis of their covered shares. In the absence of such an election, the Fund will use its default cost basis method. Once a Fund shareholder has elected a cost basis reporting method, the election will apply to all future transactions in covered shares, unless the shareholder revokes or changes the standing election. The cost basis method elected or applied may not be changed after the settlement date of a sale of Fund shares. Fund shareholders should consult with their tax advisers concerning the most desirable IRS-accepted cost basis method for their tax situation.

**Reportable Transactions**

If an individual shareholder recognizes a loss with respect to Fund shares of $2 million or more or a corporate shareholder recognizes a loss of $10 million or more in any single taxable year (or twice such amounts over a combination of years), the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886. A shareholder who fails to make the required disclosure to the IRS may be subject to substantial penalties. The fact that a loss is reportable under Treasury Regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether or not the taxpayer's treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult with their tax advisers to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.

**Withholding on Shares Held Through Foreign Accounts**

Under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (or "FATCA"), special withholding rules apply when U.S. persons hold investments in the Fund through foreign financial institutions as defined by FATCA ("FFIs") or non-financial foreign entities as defined by FATCA ("NFFEs"). FFIs and NFFEs that are shareholders of a Fund may be subject to a 30% withholding tax on certain distributions paid by the Funds. The FATCA withholding tax generally may be avoided on payments to an: (a) FFI, if it reports certain direct and indirect ownership of foreign financial accounts held by U.S. persons with the FFI, and satisfies certain withholding requirements, and (b) NFFE, if it: (i) certifies that is has no substantial U.S. persons as owners or (ii) reports information relating to them to the withholding agent (which may be the Fund). The U.S. Treasury has negotiated intergovernmental agreements (each, an "IGA") with certain countries and is in various stages of negotiations with other foreign countries with respect to one or more alternative approaches to implement FATCA. An entity in one of those countries may be required to comply with the terms of an IGA and applicable local law instead of U.S. Treasury Regulations.

An FFI can avoid FATCA withholding by becoming a "participating FFI," which requires the FFI to enter into a tax compliance agreement with the IRS under section 1471(b) of the Code under which it agrees to verify, report and disclose certain of its U.S. accountholders and provided that such entity meets certain other specified requirements. The FFI will report to the IRS, or, depending on the FFI's country of residence, to the government of that country (pursuant to the terms and conditions of an applicable IGA and applicable law), which will, in turn, report to the IRS. An FFI that is resident in a country that has entered into an IGA with the U.S. to implement FATCA will be exempt from FATCA withholding provided that the FFI shareholder and the applicable foreign government comply with the terms of such agreement.

A NFFE that is the beneficial owner of a payment from the Fund can avoid FATCA withholding generally by certifying that it does not have any substantial U.S. owners or by providing the name, address and taxpayer identification number of each substantial U.S. owner. The NFFE will report to the Fund or other applicable withholding agent, which will, in turn, report information to the IRS.

Shares held through such foreign shareholders also may fall into certain exempt, excepted or deemed compliant categories as established by U.S. Treasury Regulations, IGAs, and other guidance regarding FATCA.

An FFI or NFFE 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. The certification requirements imposed by FATCA are in addition to, the U.S. certification rules to avoid backup withholding described above.

**Other Tax Matters**

Special tax rules not described in this discussion apply to investments through defined contribution plans and other tax-qualified plans, as well as investments by tax-exempt entities. Shareholders should consult their tax adviser to determine the suitability of shares of the Fund as an investment through such plans or by such entities and the precise effect that investment in the Fund would have on their particular tax situation.

A type of savings account called "Trump Accounts" were introduced into the Code in 2025 as a type of individual retirement account for children. Until the beginning of the first calendar year in which the account beneficiary attains the age of 18, a Trump Account can invest only in "eligible investments" which include only investments in mutual funds or exchange traded funds that track the returns of certain types of equity indexes. The Fund does not expect to qualify as an eligible investment for Trump accounts and investors will not be eligible to invest a Trump Account in the Fund before the first calendar year in which the account beneficiary reaches the age of 18.

The foregoing discussion relates solely to U.S. federal income tax law. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding specific questions as to U.S. federal, state, local and, where applicable, foreign taxes. Foreign investors should consult their tax advisers concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences of ownership of shares of the Fund, including the certification and filing requirements imposed on foreign investors in order to qualify for exemption from the backup withholding tax rates (or a reduced rate of withholding provided by treaty and the potential applicability of the U.S. estate tax).

The foregoing is a general and abbreviated summary of the applicable provisions of the Code and related Treasury Regulations currently in effect. For the complete provisions, reference should be made to the pertinent Code sections and Treasury Regulations. The Code and Treasury Regulations are subject to change by legislative or administrative actions.

**Certain State and Local Income Tax Matters**

Dividends and other distributions paid by the Fund also may be subject to state and local taxes, and their treatment under state and local income tax laws may differ from federal income tax treatment. Distributions from the Fund that are derived from interest on obligations of the U.S. Government and certain of its agencies and instrumentalities may be exempt from state and local income taxes in certain states. State and local tax treatment may change if the Fund ever fails to qualify as a regulated investment company for federal income tax purposes. The treatment also may change if the Fund fails to meet certain reporting and filing requirements under state laws and regulations.

The assets of the Fund include interest bearing obligations issued on behalf of the State of Kansas and political subdivisions thereof (the "Kansas Bonds"). The following discussion relating to Kansas state and local income tax only addresses the taxation of persons who are full-time residents of the State of Kansas.

Interest dividends distributed by the Fund are exempt from income tax imposed by the State of Kansas ("Kansas Income Tax") if they are excluded from gross income for federal tax purposes and are attributable to interest on (i) Kansas Bonds issued after December 31, 1987, (ii) obligations exempted from tax under state law, including bonds issued by the Board of Regents Bonds for Kansas Colleges and Universities, Electrical Generation Revenue Bonds, Industrial Revenue Bonds, Kansas Highway Bonds, Kansas Turnpike Authority Bonds, Urban Renewal Bonds and "Build America" Bonds; (iii) qualifying obligations issued by the government of U.S., territories including qualifying obligation of Puerto Rico , Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or (iv) obligations issued by the U.S. federal government. Such tax-exempt interest from the Fund may nonetheless be subject to the privilege tax imposed by the State of Kansas for shareholders subject to tax in Kansa that are national banking associations, banks, trust companies, federally chartered savings banks and savings and loan associations.

Distributions from the Fund, other than interest dividends described in the foregoing paragraph will generally be subject to the Kansas Income Tax. You generally will be subject to the Kansas Income Tax on the gain recognized on the sale or redemption of a share of the Fund.

Interest on indebtedness incurred or continued to purchase or carry shares of the Fund is not deductible for purposes of the Kansas Income Tax. Ownership of shares in the Fund may result in other Kansas tax consequences and prospective investors should consult their tax advisors.

This discussion is based on Kansas laws as enacted and construed on the date of this SAI and in certain cases on administrative guidance from state revenue departments. Such laws and interpretation are subject to change. Fund shares and Fund distributions may be subject to other state and local taxes not discussed above.

**DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST**

The Trust was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on January 12, 2012 and consists of multiple separate portfolios or series. The Board may establish additional series in the future. The capitalization of the Trust consists solely of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest with no par value.

The Trust consists of multiple separate portfolios or series. When certain matters affect one Fund but not another, the shareholders vote as the Fund regarding such matters. Subject to the foregoing, on any matter submitted to a vote of shareholders, all shares then entitled to vote will be voted separately by the Fund unless otherwise required by the 1940 Act, in which case all shares will be voted in the aggregate. For example, a change in the Fund's fundamental investment policies would be voted upon only by shareholders of the Fund. Additionally, approvals of Investment Advisory Contracts are matters to be determined separately by the Fund.

Approval by the shareholders of one Fund is effective as to that Fund whether or not sufficient votes are received from the shareholders of the other Fund to approve the proposal as to that Fund. The term "majority," when referring to approvals to be obtained from shareholders of the Fund means the vote of the lesser of (i) 67% of the shares of the Fund or class represented at a meeting if the holder of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund or class are present in person or by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the fund. The term "majority," when referring to the approvals to be obtained from shareholders of the Trust as a whole means the vote of the lesser of (i) 67% of the Trust's shares represented at a meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the Trust's outstanding shares are present in person or proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the Trust's outstanding shares. Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each full share held and fractional votes for fractional shares held.

The Trust is not required to hold regular annual meetings of the Fund's shareholders and does not intend to do so. However, the Trust undertakes to hold a special meeting of its shareholders if the purpose of voting on the question of removal of a director or trustees is requested in writing by the holders of at least 10% of the Trust's outstanding voting securities, and to assist in communicating with other shareholders as required by Section 16(c) of the 1940 Act. The Declaration of Trust provides that the holders of not less than two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the Trust may remove a person serving as Trustee either by declaration in writing or at a meeting called for such purpose.

Each share of the Fund represents an equal proportional interest in the Fund with each other share and is entitled to such dividends and distributions out of the income earned on the assets belonging to the Fund as are declared in the discretion of the Trustees. In the event of the liquidation or dissolution of the Trust, shareholders of the Fund are entitled to receive the assets attributable to the Fund that are available for distribution, and a distribution of any general assets of the Trust not attributable to the Fund that are available for distribution in such manner and on such basis as the Trustees in their sole discretion may determine.

Shareholders are not entitled to any preemptive rights. All shares, when issued, will be fully paid and non-assessable by the Trust.

Under Delaware law, shareholders could, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for the obligations of a series of the Trust but only to the extent of the shareholder's investment in such series. However, the Declaration of Trust disclaims liability of the shareholders, Trustees or officers of the Trust for acts or obligations of the Trust, which are binding only on the assets and property of each series of the Trust and requires that notice of the disclaimer be given in each contract or obligations entered into or executed by the Trust or the Trustees. The risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which the Trust itself would be unable to meet its obligations and should be considered remote and is limited to the amount of the shareholder's investment in the Fund.

**OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND**

*Custodian.* U.S. Bank, N.A., located at 1555 North Rivercenter Dr., Suite 302, Milwaukee, WI 53212, serves as the custodian for the Fund. As such, the Custodian holds in safekeeping certificated securities and cash belonging to the Fund and, in such capacity, is the registered owner of securities in book-entry form belonging to the Fund. Upon instruction, the Custodian receives and delivers cash and securities of the Fund in connection with Fund transactions and collects all dividends and other distributions made with respect to Fund portfolio securities. The Custodian also maintains certain accounts and records of the Fund. Sub-custodians provide custodial services for any foreign assets held outside of the United States.

*Transfer Agent.* ALPS, pursuant to a Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, serves as transfer agent for the Fund. As Transfer Agent, ALPS has, among other things, agreed to (i) issue and redeem shares of the Fund; (ii) make dividend and other distributions to shareholders of the Fund; (iii) effect transfers of shares; (iv) mail communications to shareholders of the Fund, including account statements, confirmations, and dividend and distribution notices; (v) facilitate the electronic delivery of shareholder statements and reports and (vi) maintain shareholder accounts. Under the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, ALPS receives from the Trust on behalf of the Fund an annual minimum fee and a fee based upon the number of shareholder accounts and is also reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses. As described above, ALPS is an affiliate of the Distributor.

*Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.* Cohen & Company, Ltd., 1350 Euclid Ave., Suite 800, Cleveland, Ohio 44115, serves as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Trust. Its services include auditing the Fund's financial statements. Cohen & Co Advisory, LLC, an affiliate of Cohen & Company, Ltd., provides tax services as requested.

*Counsel.* Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP serves as counsel to the Trust and is located at 3400 Walnut Street, Suite 700, Denver, Colorado 80205. Thompson Hine LLP serves as counsel to the Independent Trustees and is located at 41 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215.

**PERFORMANCE INFORMATION**

*Yield and Total Return.* The Fund may from time to time include the yield and/or total return of its shares in advertisements or information in advertisements or information furnished to present or prospective shareholders.

The Fund's yield will vary from time to time depending upon market conditions, the composition of its portfolios and operating expenses of the Trust allocated to the Fund. These factors, possible differences in the methods used in calculating yield, and the tax exempt status of distributions, should be considered when comparing the Fund's yield to yields published for other investment companies and other investment vehicles. Yield should also be considered relative to changes in the value of the Fund's shares and to the relative risks associated with the investment objectives and policies of the Fund.

At any time in the future, yields and total return may be higher or lower than past yields and there can be no assurance that any historical results will continue.

Investors in the Fund are specifically advised that share prices, expressed as the net asset value per share, will vary just as yield will vary. An investor's focus on the yield of the Fund to the exclusion of the consideration of the share price of the Fund may result in the investor's misunderstanding the total return he or she may derive from the Fund.

**FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

The audited financial statements of the Fund for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, and the report of Cohen & Company, Ltd., the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm, are incorporated herein by reference to the Fund's [Annual Report](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0001558107/000139834425021967/fp0096372-1_ncsrixbrl.htm) for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025. The Annual Report is available at no charge by writing or telephoning the Fund at the address or number on the front page of this Statement of Additional Information.

**APPENDIX A**

**DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS**

A Fund may make use of average portfolio credit quality standards to assist institutional investors whose own investment guidelines limit their investments accordingly. In determining a Fund's overall dollar-weighted average quality, unrated securities are treated as if rated, based on the adviser's view of their comparability to rated securities. A Fund's use of average quality criteria is intended to be a guide for those investors whose investment guidelines require that assets be invested according to comparable criteria. Reference to an overall average quality rating for a Fund does not mean that all securities held by the Fund will be rated in that category or higher. A Fund's investments may range in quality from securities rated in the lowest category in which the Fund is permitted to invest to securities rated in the highest category (as rated by Moody's, S&P or Fitch or, if unrated, determined by the adviser to be of comparable quality). The percentage of a Fund's assets invested in securities in a particular rating category will vary. Following is a description of Moody's, S&P's and Fitch's ratings applicable to fixed-income securities.

**Moody's Investors Service, Inc.**

**Corporate and Municipal Bond Ratings**

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Moody's bond ratings, where specified, are applicable to financial contracts, senior bank obligations and insurance company senior policyholder and claims obligations with an original maturity in excess of one year. Obligations relying upon support mechanisms such as letter-of-credit and bonds of indemnity are excluded unless explicitly rated. Obligations of a branch of a bank are considered to be domiciled in the country in which the branch is located.

Unless noted as an exception, Moody's rating on a bank's ability to repay senior obligations extends only to branches located in countries which carry a Moody's Sovereign Rating for Bank Deposits. Such branch obligations are rated at the lower of the bank's rating or Moody's Sovereign Rating for the Bank Deposits for the country in which the branch is located. When the currency in which an obligation is denominated is not the same as the currency of the country in which the obligation is domiciled, Moody's ratings do not incorporate an opinion as to whether payment of the obligation will be affected by the actions of the government controlling the currency of denomination. In addition, risk associated with bilateral conflicts between an investor's home country and cither the issuer's home country or the country where an issuer branch is located are not incorporated into Moody's ratings.

Moody's makes no representation that rated bank obligations or insurance company obligations are exempt from registration under the Securities Act or issued in conformity with any other applicable law or regulation. Nor does Moody's represent that any specific bank or insurance company obligation is legally enforceable or a valid senior obligation of a rated issuer.

Moody's applies numerical modifiers, 1, 2, and 3 in each generic rating classified from Aa through Caa in its corporate bond rating system. The modifier 1 indicates that the security ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic rating category.

**Corporate Short-Term Debt Ratings**

Moody's short-term debt ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to repay punctually senior debt obligations. These obligations have an original maturity not exceeding one year, unless explicitly noted.

Moody's employs the following three designations, all judged to be investment-grade, to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:

PRIME-1: Issuers rated Prime-1 (or supporting institutions) have a superior ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. Prime-1 repayment ability will often be evidenced by many of the following characteristics: leading market positions in well-established industries; high rates of return on funds employed: conservative capitalization structure with moderate reliance on debt and ample asset protection; broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed financial charges and high internal cash generation; and well-established access to a range of financial markets and assured sources of alternate liquidity.

PRIME-2: Issuers rated Prime-2 (or supporting institutions) have a strong ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. This will normally be evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to a lesser degree. Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may be more subject to variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.

PRIME-3: Issuers rated Prime-3 (or supporting institutions) have an acceptable ability for repayment of senior short-term obligations. The effect of industry characteristics and market compositions may be more pronounced. Variability in earnings and profitability may result in changes in the level of debt protection measurements and may require relatively high financial leverage. Adequate alternate liquidity is maintained.

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

**Standard & Poor's Ratings Services**

**Issue Credit Rating Definitions**

A Standard & Poor's issue credit rating is a current opinion of the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The issue credit rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell, or hold a financial obligation, inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or suitability for a particular investor.

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

Issue credit ratings can be either long-term or short-term. Short-term ratings are generally assigned to those obligations considered short term in the relevant market. In the U.S., for example, that means obligations with an original maturity of no more than 365 days, including commercial paper. Short-term ratings are also used to indicate the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to put features on long-term obligations. The result is a dual rating, in which the short-term rating addresses the put feature, in addition to the usual long-term rating. Medium-term notes are assigned long-term ratings.

Issue credit ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following considerations: likelihood of payment; capacity and willingness of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on an obligation in accordance with the terms of the obligation; nature of and provisions of the obligation; and protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the event of bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors' rights.

The issue rating definitions are expressed in terms of default risk. As such, they pertain to senior obligations of an entity. Junior obligations are typically rated lower than senior obligations, to reflect the lower priority in bankruptcy, as noted above. (Such differentiation applies when an entity has both senior and subordinated obligations, secured and unsecured obligations, or operating company and holding company obligations.) Accordingly, in the case of junior debt the rating may not conform exactly with the category definition.

**Corporate and Municipal Bond Ratings**

***Investment-grade***

AAA: An obligation rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor's. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.

AA: An obligation rated 'AA' differs from the highest rated obligations only in small degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.

A: An obligation rated 'A' is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.

BBB: An obligation rated 'BBS' exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

***Speculative Grade***

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

BB: An obligation rated 'BB' is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

B: An obligation rated 'B' is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated 'BB', but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

CCC: An obligation rated 'CCC' is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

CC: An obligation rated 'CC' is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.

C: A subordinated debt or preferred stock obligation rated 'C' is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The 'C' rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed or similar action taken, but payments on this obligation are being continued. A 'C' also will be assigned to a preferred stock issue in arrears on dividends or sinking fund payments, but that is currently paying.

D: An obligation rated 'D' is in payment default. The 'D' rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor's believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The 'D' rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.

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

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

r: This symbol is attached to the ratings of instruments with significant noncredit risks. It highlights risks to principal or volatility of expected returns which are not addressed in the credit rating. Examples include: obligations linked or indexed to equities, currencies, or commodities; obligations exposed to severe prepayment risk - such as interest-only or principal-only mortgage securities; and obligations with unusually risky interest terms, such as inverse floaters.

The absence of an "r" symbol should not be taken as an indication that an obligation will exhibit no volatility or variability in total return.

N.R.: This indicates that no rating has been requested, that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that Standard & Poor's does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy.

Debt obligations of issuers outside the United States and its territories are rated on the same basis as domestic corporate and municipal issues. The ratings measure the creditworthiness of the obligor but do not take into account currency exchange and related uncertainties.

**Commercial Paper Rating Definitions**

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

A-1: A short-term obligation rated 'A-1' is rated in the highest category by Standard & Poor's. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.

A-2: A short-term obligation rated 'A-2' is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory.

A-3: A short-term obligation rated 'A-3' exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

B: A short-term obligation rated 'B' is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

C: A short-term obligation rated 'C' is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

D: A short-term obligation rated 'D' is in payment default. The 'D' rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor's believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The 'D' rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.

A commercial paper rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold a security inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or suitability for a particular investor. The ratings are based on current information furnished to Standard & Poor's by the issuer or obtained from other sources it considers reliable. Standard & Poor's does not perform an audit in connection with any rating and may, on occasion, rely on unaudited financial information. The ratings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a result of changes in or unavailability of such information.

**Fitch Investor Services, Inc.**

**Credit Ratings**

Fitch's credit ratings provide an opinion on the relative ability of an entity to meet financial commitments, such as interest, preferred dividends, repayment of principal, insurance claims or counterparty obligations. Credit ratings are used by investors as indications of the likelihood of receiving their money back in accordance with the terms on which they invested. Fitch's credit ratings cover the global spectrum of corporate, sovereign (including supranational and sub-national), financial, bank, insurance, municipal and other public finance entities and the securities or other obligations they issue, as well as structured finance securities backed by receivables or other financial assets.

The use of credit ratings defines their function: "investment grade" ratings (international Long-term 'AAA' to 'BBB-' categories; Short-term 'F1' to 'F3') indicate relatively low to moderate credit risk, while those in the "speculative" or "non-investment grade" categories (international Long-term 'BB+' to 'D'; Short-term 'B' to 'D') either signal a higher level of credit risk or that a default has already occurred. Credit ratings express risk in relative rank order, which is to say they are ordinal measures of credit risk and are not predictive of a specific frequency of default or loss.

Depending on their application, credit ratings address benchmark measures of probability of default as well relative expectations of loss given default. For example, issuers are typically assigned Issuer Default Ratings that are relative measures of default probability. Similarly, short-term credit ratings give primary consideration to the likelihood that obligations will be met on a timely basis. Securities, however, are rated taking into consideration probability of default and loss given default. As a result, for entities such as corporations, security ratings may be rated higher, lower or the same as the issuer rating to reflect expectations of the security's relative recovery prospects, as well as differences in ability and willingness to pay. While recovery analysis plays an important role throughout the ratings scale, it becomes a more critical consideration for below investment-grade securities and obligations, particularly at the lower end of the non-investment-grade ratings scale where Fitch often publishes actual Recovery Ratings that are complementary to the credit ratings.

Structured finance ratings typically are assigned to each individual security or tranche in a transaction, and not to an issuer. Each structured finance tranche is rated on the basis of various stress scenarios in combination with its relative seniority, prioritization of cash flows and other structural mechanisms.

**International Long-Term Credit Ratings**

International Long-Term Credit Ratings (LTCR) may also be referred to as Long-Term Ratings. When assigned to most issuers, it is used as a benchmark measure of probability of default and is formally described as an Issuer Default Rating (IDR). The major exception is within Public Finance, where IDRs will not be assigned as market convention has always focused on timeliness and does not draw analytical distinctions between issuers and their underlying obligations. When applied to issues or securities, the LTCR may be higher or lower than the issuer rating (IDR) to reflect relative differences in recovery expectations.

The following rating scale applies to foreign currency and local currency ratings:

***Investment Grade***

**AAA**

Highest credit quality. 'AAA' ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in case of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

**AA**

Very high credit quality. 'AA' ratings denote expectations of very low credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

**A**

High credit quality. 'A' ratings denote expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to changes in circumstances or in economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.

**BBB**

Good credit quality. 'BBB' ratings indicate that there are currently expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate but adverse changes in circumstances and economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity. This is the lowest investment grade category.

***Speculative Grade***

**BB**

**Speculative**

'BB' ratings indicate that there is a possibility of credit risk developing, particularly as the result of adverse economic change over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met. Securities rated in this category are not investment grade.

**B**

**Highly speculative**

For issuers and performing obligations, 'B' ratings indicate that significant credit risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is contingent upon a sustained, favorable business and economic environment.

For individual obligations, may indicate distressed or defaulted obligations with potential for extremely high recoveries. Such obligations would possess a Recovery Rating of 'R1' (outstanding).

**CCC**

For issuers and performing obligations, default is a real possibility. Capacity for meeting financial commitments is solely reliant upon sustained, favorable business or economic conditions.

For individual obligations, may indicate distressed or defaulted obligations with potential for average to superior levels of recovery. Differences in credit quality may be denoted by plus/minus distinctions. Such obligations typically would possess a Recovery Rating of 'R2' (superior), or 'R3' (good) or 'R4' (average).

**CC**

For issuers and performing obligations, default of some kind appears probable.

For individual obligations, may indicate distressed or defaulted obligations with a Recovery Rating of 'R4' (average) or 'R5' (below average).

**C**

For issuers and performing obligations, default is imminent.

For individual obligations, may indicate distressed or defaulted obligations with potential for below-average to poor recoveries. Such obligations would possess a Recovery Rating of 'R6' (poor).

**RD**

Indicates an entity that has failed to make due payments (within the applicable grace period) on some but not all material financial obligations, but continues to honor other classes of obligations.

**D**

Indicates an entity or sovereign that has defaulted on all of its financial obligations. Default generally is defined as one of the following:

● failure of an obligor to make timely payment of principal and/or interest under the contractual terms of any financial obligation;

● the bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other winding-up or cessation of business of an obligor; or

● the distressed or other coercive exchange of an obligation, where creditors were offered securities with diminished structural or economic terms compared with the existing obligation.

Default ratings are not assigned prospectively; within this context, non-payment on an instrument that contains a deferral feature or grace period will not be considered a default until after the expiration of the deferral or grace period.

Issuers will be rated 'D' upon a default. Defaulted and distressed obligations typically are rated along the continuum of 'C' to 'B' ratings categories, depending upon their recovery prospects and other relevant characteristics. Additionally, in structured finance transactions, where analysis indicates that an instrument is irrevocably impaired such that it is not expected to meet pay interest and or principal in full in accordance with the terms of the obligation's documentation during the life of the transaction, but where no payment default in accordance with the terms of the documentation is imminent, the obligation may be rated in the 'B' or 'CCC-C' categories.

Default is determined by reference to the terms of the obligations' documentation. Fitch will assign default ratings where it has reasonably determined that payment has not been made on a material obligation in accordance with the requirements of the obligation's documentation, or where it believes that default ratings consistent with Fitch's published definition of default are the most appropriate ratings to assign.

**International Short-Term Credit Ratings**

The following ratings scale applies to foreign currency and local currency ratings. A Short-term rating has a time horizon of less than 13 months for most obligations, or up to three years for US public finance, in line with industry standards, to reflect unique risk characteristics of bond, tax, and revenue anticipation notes that are commonly issued with terms up to three years. Short-term ratings thus place greater emphasis on the liquidity necessary to meet financial commitments in a timely manner.

**F1**

Highest credit quality. Indicates the strongest capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added "+" to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.

**F2**

Good credit quality. A satisfactory capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, but the margin of safety is not as great as in the case of the higher ratings.

**F3**

Fair credit quality. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate; however, near term adverse changes could result in a reduction to non-investment grade.

**B**

Speculative. Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.

**C**

High default risk. Default is a real possibility. Capacity for meeting financial commitments is solely reliant upon a sustained, favorable business and economic environment.

**RD**

Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other obligations.

**D**

Indicates an entity or sovereign that has defaulted on all of its financial obligations.

**Notes to International Long-Term and Short-Term ratings:**

The modifiers "+" or "–" may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the 'AAA' Long-term rating category, to categories below 'CCC' or to Short-term ratings other than 'Fl'. (The +/– modifiers are only used to denote issues within the CCC category, whereas issuers are only rated CCC without the use of modifiers.)

Rating Watch: Ratings are placed on Rating Watch to notify investors that there is a reasonable probability of a rating change and the likely direction of such change. These are designated as "Positive," indicating a potential upgrade, "Negative," for a potential downgrade, or "Evolving," if ratings may be raised, lowered or maintained. Rating Watch is typically resolved over a relatively short period.

Rating Outlook: An Outlook indicates the direction a rating is likely to move over a one to two-year period. Outlooks may be positive, stable or negative. A positive or negative Rating Outlook does not imply a rating change is inevitable. Similarly, ratings for which outlooks are "stable" could be upgraded or downgraded before an outlook moves to positive or negative if circumstances warrant such an action. Occasionally, Fitch Ratings may be unable to identify the fundamental trend. In these cases, the Rating Outlook may be described as evolving.

Program ratings (such as those assigned to MTN shelf registrations) relate only to standard issues made under the program concerned: it should not be assumed that these ratings apply to every issue made under the program. In particular, in the case of non-standard issues, i.e. those that are linked to the credit of a third party or linked to the performance of an index, ratings of these issues may deviate from the applicable program rating.

Variable rate demand obligations and other securities which contain a short-term "put" or other similar demand feature will have a dual rating, such as AAA/F1+. The first rating reflects the ability to meet long-term principal and interest payments, whereas the second rating reflects the ability to honor the demand feature in full and on time.

**Interest Only**

Interest Only ratings are assigned to interest strips. These ratings do not address the possibility that a security holder might fail to recover some or all of its initial investment due to voluntary or involuntary principal repayments.

**Principal Only**

Principal Only ratings address the likelihood that a security holder will receive their initial principal investment either before or by the scheduled maturity date.

**Rate of Return**

Ratings also may be assigned to gauge the likelihood of an investor receiving a certain predetermined internal rate of return without regard to the precise timing of any cash flows.

**'PIF'**

Paid-in-Full: denotes a security that is paid-in-full, matured, called, or refinanced.

'NR' indicates that Fitch Ratings does not rate the issuer or issue in question.

'Withdrawn': A rating is withdrawn when Fitch Ratings deems the amount of information available to be inadequate for rating purposes, or when an obligation matures, is called, or refinanced, or for any other reason Fitch Ratings deems sufficient.

**APPENDIX B**

**ALPS SERIES TRUST**

**PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES**

The Trust has adopted a Proxy Voting Policy used to determine how the Fund votes proxies relating to their portfolio securities. Under the Trust's Proxy Voting Policy, the Fund has, subject to the oversight of the Trust's Board, delegated to the Adviser the following duties: (1) to make the proxy voting decisions for the Fund, subject to the exceptions described below; and (2) to assist the Fund in disclosing their respective proxy voting record as required by Rule 30b1-4 under the 1940 Act.

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

The Fund CCO shall ensure that the Adviser has adopted a Proxy Voting Policy, which it uses to vote proxies for its clients, including the Fund.

**General**

The Trust and the Fund believe that the voting of proxies is an important part of portfolio management as it represents an opportunity for shareholders to make their voices heard and to influence the direction of a company. The Trust and the Fund are committed to voting corporate proxies in the manner that best serves the interests of the Fund's shareholders.

**Delegation to the Adviser**

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

(1) to make the proxy voting decisions for the Fund, in accordance with the Adviser's Proxy Voting Policy, except as provided herein; and

(2) to assist the Fund in disclosing their respective proxy voting record as required by Rule 30b1-4 under the 1940 Act, including providing the following information for each matter with respect to which the Fund is entitled to vote: (a) information identifying the matter voted on; (b) whether the matter was proposed by the issuer or by a security holder; (c) whether and how the Fund cast its vote; and (d) whether the Fund cast its vote for or against management.

The Board, including a majority of the independent trustees of the Board, must approve the Adviser's Proxy Voting and Disclosure Policy (the "Adviser Voting Policy") as it relates to the Fund. The Board must also approve any material changes to the Adviser Voting Policy no later than six (6) months after adoption by the Adviser.

**Conflicts**

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

**CARRET ASSET MANAGEMENT, LLC**

**SUMMARY OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES**

**VOTING CLIENT SECURITIES** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. Unless Carret Asset Management, LLC ("Carret") has agreed to otherwise, clients maintain exclusive responsibility for: (1) directing the manner in which proxies solicited by issuers of securities owned by the client shall be voted, and (2) making all elections relative to any mergers, acquisitions, tender offers, bankruptcy proceedings or other type events pertaining to the client's investment assets.

In the event that Carret does vote proxies, absent mitigating circumstances and/or conflicts of interest (to the extent any such circumstance or conflict is presented, if ever, information pertaining to how Carret addressed any such circumstance or conflict shall be maintained by Carret), it is Carret's general policy to vote proxies in conjunction with the services provided by, and consistent with the recommendations of Broadridge Investor Communications Solutions ("Broadridge"). With regard to Taft-Hartley clients, Carret has retained Broadridge, at no cost to the client, to vote all proxies in accordance with AFL-CIO Guidelines for Voting Proxies which by definition is in the best interests of the client.

Carret (in conjunction with the services provided by Broadridge) shall monitor corporate actions of individual issuers and investment companies consistent with Carret's fiduciary duty to vote proxies in the best interests of its clients. With respect to individual issuers, Carret may be solicited to vote on matters including corporate governance, adoption or amendments to compensation plans (including stock options), and matters involving social issues and corporate responsibility. With respect to investment companies (e.g., mutual funds), Carret may be solicited to vote on matters including the approval of advisory contracts, distribution plans, and mergers. Carret (in conjunction with the services provided by Broadridge) shall maintain records pertaining to proxy voting as required pursuant to Rule 204-2 (c)(2) under the Advisers Act. Copies of Rules 206(4)-6 and 204-2(c)(2) are available upon written request. In addition, information pertaining to how Carret voted on any specific proxy issue is also available upon written request. Requests should be made by contacting Carret's Chief Compliance Officer, Marco A. Vega.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B. Unless Carret has agreed to vote client proxies, clients will receive their proxies or other solicitations directly from their custodian. Clients may contact Carret to discuss any questions they may have with a particular solicitation. Carret may provide information but will not act or advise Clients in any legal proceedings, including but not limited to class actions, involving securities held or previously held by the account.

**STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION**

**February 1, 2026**

**CLARKSTON PARTNERS FUND**

**Founders Class CFSMX**

**Institutional Class CISMX**

**CLARKSTON FUND**

**Institutional Class CILGX**

**CLARKSTON FOUNDERS FUND**

**Institutional Class CIMDX**

**Founders Class CFMDX**

ALPS Series Trust

Clarkston Partners Fund, Clarkston Fund and Clarkston Founders Fund (the "Funds")

1290 Broadway, Suite 1000

Denver, CO 80203

This Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") expands upon and supplements the information contained in the current Prospectus for the Funds listed above, each of which is a separate series of ALPS Series Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the "Trust"). Each series of the Trust represents shares of beneficial interest in a separate portfolio of securities and other assets with its own objective and policies. Clarkston Capital Partners, LLC (the "Adviser") is the investment adviser of the Funds.

This SAI is not a prospectus and is only authorized for distribution when preceded or accompanied by the Funds' current prospectus dated February 1, 2026, as supplemented from time to time (collectively, the "Prospectus"). This SAI supplements and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus, a copy of which may be obtained without charge by writing the Clarkston Partners Fund, the Clarkston Fund or the Clarkston Founders Fund at the address listed above, or by calling the Funds' transfer agent at 1-844-680-6562. The Funds' most recent [Annual Report](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1558107/000139834425021967/fp0096372-1_ncsrixbrl.htm) is incorporated by reference into this SAI and can be obtained free of charge, by calling the toll-free number printed above.

**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | Page |
| ORGANIZATION AND CLASSIFICATION | 1 |
| ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES AND RISKS | 1 |
| INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS | 27 |
| PORTFOLIO TURNOVER | 28 |
| DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS | 29 |
| PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE | 31 |
| PURCHASE, EXCHANGE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES | 34 |
| TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS | 37 |
| INVESTMENT MANAGER | 43 |
| DISTRIBUTOR | 45 |
| CODE OF ETHICS | 45 |
| ADMINISTRATOR | 45 |
| PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES | 46 |
| PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS | 46 |
| EXPENSES | 47 |
| PORTFOLIO MANAGER | 47 |
| NET ASSET VALUE | 50 |
| FEDERAL INCOME TAXES | 51 |
| DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST | 63 |
| OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS | 65 |
| PERFORMANCE INFORMATION | 65 |
| FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 65 |
| Appendix A – Description of Securities Ratings | A-1 |
| Appendix B – Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures | B-1 |

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**ORGANIZATION AND CLASSIFICATION**

**ALPS Series Trust**

This SAI includes information about the Clarkston Partners Fund, the Clarkston Fund and the Clarkston Founders Fund (each individually a "Fund" and collectively, the "Funds"). The Funds are series of the ALPS Series Trust (the "Trust"), an open-end, management investment company organized as a Delaware statutory trust on January 12, 2012.

**Classification**

The Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), classifies mutual funds as either diversified or non-diversified. The following table shows each Fund's classification:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Classification** |
| Clarkston Partners Fund | Non-Diversified |
| Clarkston Fund | Non-Diversified |
| Clarkston Founders Fund | Non-Diversified |

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**ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES AND RISKS**

Each Fund's principal investment objectives and strategies are discussed in the Prospectus under the "**SUMMARY SECTION**" for each Fund and under "**INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES**." In order to achieve its investment objective, each Fund generally makes investments of the sort described in the Prospectus.

A Fund may also invest in certain types of securities, or engage in certain investment activities, as generally discussed below. In addition, a Fund may be subject to additional risks in connection with its investments in such securities or as a result of the Fund's investment strategies or activities.

**Bank Obligations**

Bank obligations that may be purchased by a Fund include certificates of deposit, banker's acceptances and fixed time deposits. A certificate of deposit is a short-term negotiable certificate issued by a commercial bank against funds deposited in the bank and is either interest-bearing or purchased on a discount basis. A banker's acceptance is a short-term draft drawn on a commercial bank by a borrower, usually in connection with an international commercial transaction. The borrower is liable for payment, as is the bank, which unconditionally guarantees to pay the draft at its face amount on the maturity date. Fixed time deposits are obligations of branches of U.S. or non-U.S. banks which are payable at a stated maturity date and bear a fixed rate of interest. Although fixed time deposits do not have a market, there are no contractual restrictions on the right to transfer a beneficial interest in the deposit to a third party. Bank obligations may be general obligations of the parent bank or may be limited to the issuing branch by the terms of the specific obligations or by government regulation. Securities issued or guaranteed by non-U.S. banks and non-U.S. branches of U.S. banks are subject to many of the risks of investing in non-U.S. securities generally.

Banks are subject to extensive governmental regulations which may limit both the amounts and types of loans and other financial commitments which may be made and interest rates and fees which may be charged. The profitability of this industry is to a significant extent dependent upon the availability and cost of capital of funds used by the bank to finance its lending operations. Also, general economic conditions play an important part in the operations of this industry and exposure to credit losses arising from possible financial difficulties of borrowers might affect a bank's ability to meet its obligations.

**Borrowing**

Borrowing creates an opportunity for increased return, but, at the same time, creates special risks. Furthermore, if a Fund were to engage in borrowing, an increase in interest rates could reduce the value of the Fund's shares by increasing the Fund's interest expense.

Subject to the limitations described under "**Investment Limitations**" below, each Fund may be permitted to borrow for temporary purposes and/or for investment purposes. Such a practice will result in leveraging of a Fund's assets and may cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so. This borrowing may be secured or unsecured. Provisions of the 1940 Act require each Fund to maintain continuous asset coverage (that is, total assets including borrowings, less liabilities exclusive of borrowings) of 300% of the amount borrowed, with an exception for borrowings not in excess of 5% of a Fund's total assets made for temporary emergency purposes. Any borrowings for temporary emergency purposes in excess of 5% of a Fund's total assets must maintain continuous asset coverage. If the 300% asset coverage should decline as a result of market fluctuations or other reasons, a Fund may be required to sell some of its portfolio holdings within three days (excluding Sundays and holidays) or such longer period as the Commission may prescribe by rules and regulations in order to reduce the debt and restore the 300% asset coverage, even though it may be disadvantageous from an investment standpoint if a Fund sells securities at that time. Borrowing will tend to exaggerate the effect on net asset value of any increase or decrease in the market value of a Fund's portfolio. Money borrowed will be subject to interest costs which may or may not be recovered by appreciation of the securities purchased, if any. A Fund also may be required to maintain minimum average balances in connection with such borrowings or to pay a commitment or other fee to maintain a line of credit; either of these requirements would increase the cost of borrowing over the stated interest rate. Reverse repurchase agreements are considered to be borrowings by a Fund. See "**Reverse Repurchase Agreements**" below.

**Brady Bonds**

Brady Bonds are securities created through the exchange of existing commercial bank loans to sovereign entities for new obligations in connection with debt restructurings under a debt restructuring plan introduced by former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, Nicholas P. Brady. Brady Bonds may be collateralized or uncollateralized, are issued in various currencies (but primarily the U.S. dollar), and are traded in the over-the-counter secondary market. Brady Bonds are not considered to be U.S. government securities. In light of the residual risk of Brady Bonds and, among other factors, the history of defaults with respect to commercial bank loans by public and private entities in countries issuing Brady Bonds, investments in Brady Bonds may be viewed as speculative. If a Fund acquires a Brady Bond, there can be no assurance that the Brady Bonds will not be subject to restructuring arrangements or to requests for new credit, which may cause the Fund to suffer a loss of interest or principal on any of its holdings.

**Combined Transactions**

Each Fund may enter into multiple transactions, including multiple options transactions, multiple currency transactions (including forward currency contracts), multiple interest rate transactions and any combination of options, currency and interest rate transactions, instead of a single derivative, as part of a single or combined strategy when, in the judgment of the Adviser, it is in the best interests of a Fund to do so. A combined transaction will usually contain elements of risk that are present in each of its component transactions. Although combined transactions will normally be entered into by a Fund based on the Adviser's judgment that the combined strategies will reduce risk or otherwise more effectively achieve the desired portfolio management goal, it is possible that the combination will instead increase the risks or hinder achievement of the Fund's investment objective.

**Convertible Securities**

Each Fund may invest in convertible securities, which are bonds, debentures, notes, preferred stock or other securities, which may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock of the same or different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A convertible security entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt or the dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion, convertible securities ordinarily provide a stream of income, which generate higher yields than those of common stocks of the same or similar issuers but lower than the yield on non-convertible debt. Convertible securities are usually subordinate or are comparable to non-convertible securities but rank senior to common stock or shares in a company's capital structure. The value of a convertible security is a function of (i) its yield in comparison with the yields of other securities of comparable maturity and quality that do not have a conversion privilege and (ii) its worth, at market value, if converted into the underlying common stock. Convertible securities are typically issued by smaller capitalized companies whose stock prices may be volatile. The price of a convertible security often reflects such variations in the price of the underlying common stock in a way that non-convertible debt does not. A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the convertible security's governing instrument.

**Common Stock**

Common stocks are shares of a corporation or other entity that entitle the holder to a pro rata share of the profits of the corporation, if any, without preference over any other shareholder or class of shareholders, including holders of the entity's preferred stock and other senior equity. Common stock usually carries with it the right to vote and frequently an exclusive right to do so.

Common stocks of companies that the Adviser believes have earnings that will grow faster than the economy as a whole are known as growth stocks. Growth stocks typically trade at higher multiples of current earnings than other stocks. As a result, the values of growth stocks may be more sensitive to changes in current or expected earnings than the values of other stocks. If the Adviser's assessment of the prospects for a company's earnings growth is wrong, or if its judgment of how other investors will value the company's earnings growth is wrong, then the price of that company's stock may fall or may not approach the value that the Adviser has placed on it.

Common stocks of companies that are not expected to experience significant earnings growth, but whose stocks the Adviser believes are undervalued compared to their true worth, are known as value stocks. These companies may have experienced adverse business developments or may be subject to special risks that have caused their stocks to be out of favor. If the Adviser's assessment of a company's prospects is wrong, or if other investors do not eventually recognize the value of the company, then the price of the company's stocks may fall or may not approach the value that the Adviser has placed on it.

Many stocks have both "growth" and "value" characteristics, and for some stocks it may be unclear which category, if any, it fits into.

**Credit Default Swaps**

Each Fund may enter into credit default swap contracts. When used for hedging purposes, a Fund would be the buyer of a credit default swap contract. In that case, a Fund would be entitled to receive the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation, index or other investment from the counterparty to the contract in the event of a default by a third party, such as a U.S. or foreign issuer, on the referenced debt obligation. In return, the Fund would pay to the counterparty a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided that no event of default has occurred. If no default occurs, the Fund would have spent the stream of payments and received no benefit from the contract. When a Fund is the seller of a credit default swap contract, it receives the stream of payments but is obligated to pay upon default of the referenced debt obligation. As the seller, a Fund would effectively add leverage to its portfolio because, in addition to its total assets, the Fund would be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap.

In addition to the risks applicable to derivatives generally, credit default swaps involve special risks because they are difficult to value, are highly susceptible to liquidity and credit risk, and generally pay a return to the party that has paid the premium only in the event of an actual default by the issuer of the underlying obligation, as opposed to a credit downgrade or other indication of financial difficulty.

Credit default swaps may be subject to regulation by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC"), Securities Exchange Commission ("SEC") or both. Both the CFTC and the SEC have issued or amended guidance and relief regarding the implementation of various provisions of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the "Dodd-Frank Act") relating to the use of swaps. Further action by the CFTC or SEC may affect a Fund's ability to use credit default swaps or may require additional disclosure by the Fund.

**Credit Ratings**

The fixed-income securities in which each Fund may invest will not be required to meet a minimum rating standard. Fixed-income securities that are not rated for creditworthiness by any internationally recognized credit rating organization are commonly referred to as "junk bonds" and involve significantly greater risks, including price volatility and risk of default of payment of interest and principal than higher rated securities. A description of the ratings used by Moody's and S&P is set forth in <u>Appendix A</u> to this SAI.

**Currency Transactions**

A Fund may engage in currency transactions with counterparties to hedge the value of portfolio securities denominated in particular currencies against fluctuations in relative value, to gain or reduce exposure to certain currencies or to generate income or gains.

Currency transactions include currency forward contracts and exchange-listed and over-the-counter ("OTC") options on currencies and currency swaps. A forward currency contract involves a privately negotiated obligation to purchase or sell (with delivery generally required) a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. A currency swap is an agreement to exchange cash flows based on the notional difference among two or more currencies and operates similarly to an interest rate swap, which is described below under "Interest Rate and Equity Swaps and Related Transactions."

Each Fund may enter into a forward contract to sell, for a fixed amount of U.S. dollars, the amount of that currency approximating the value of some or all of a Fund's portfolio securities denominated in such currency. For example, a Fund may do this if the Adviser believes that the currency of a particular country may decline in relation to the U.S. dollar. Forward contracts may limit potential gain from a positive change in the relationship between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. Transaction hedging includes entering into a currency transaction with respect to specific assets or liabilities of a Fund, which will generally arise in connection with the purchase or sale of portfolio securities or the receipt of income from them. Position hedging is entering into a currency transaction with respect to portfolio securities positions denominated or generally quoted in that currency.

Each Fund may cross-hedge currencies by entering into transactions to purchase or sell one or more currencies that are expected to increase or decline in value relative to other currencies to which a Fund has or in which a Fund expects to have exposure. To reduce the effect of currency fluctuations on the value of existing or anticipated holdings of its securities, a Fund may also engage in proxy hedging. Proxy hedging is often used when the currency to which a Fund's holdings is exposed is difficult to hedge generally or difficult to hedge against the dollar. Proxy hedging entails entering into a forward contract to sell a currency, the changes in the value of which are generally considered to be linked to a currency or currencies in which some or all of a Fund's securities are or are expected to be denominated and to buy dollars.

Currency hedging involves some of the same risks and considerations as other derivative transactions. Currency transactions can result in losses to a Fund if the currency being hedged fluctuates in value to a degree or in a direction that is not anticipated. Further, the risk exists that the perceived linkage between various currencies may not be present or may not be present during the particular time that a Fund is engaging in these transactions. Currency transactions are also subject to risks different from those of other portfolio transactions. Because currency control is of great importance to the issuing governments and influences economic planning and policy, purchases and sales of currency and related instruments can be adversely affected by government exchange controls, limitations or restrictions on repatriation of currency and manipulations or exchange restrictions imposed by governments. These forms of governmental actions can result in losses to a Fund if it is unable to deliver or receive currency or monies in settlement of obligations and could also cause hedges it has entered into to be rendered useless, resulting in full currency exposure as well as incurring transaction costs. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate based on factors extrinsic to that country's economy.

**Cybersecurity Risk**

In connection with the increased use of technologies such as the Internet and the dependence on computer systems to perform necessary business functions, each Fund may be susceptible to operational, information security and related risks due to the possibility of cyber-attacks or other incidents. Cyber incidents may result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. Cyber-attacks include, but are not limited to, infection by computer viruses or other malicious software code, gaining unauthorized access to systems, networks or devices that are used to service a Fund's operations through hacking or other means for the purpose of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data or causing operational disruption. Cyber-attacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks (which can make a website unavailable) on the Funds' website. In addition, authorized persons could inadvertently or intentionally release confidential or proprietary information stored on a Fund's systems.

Cybersecurity failures or breaches by a Fund's third-party service providers (including, but not limited to, the adviser, distributor, custodian, transfer agent and financial intermediaries) may cause disruptions and impact the service providers' and a Fund's business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses, the inability of Fund shareholders to transact business and the mutual funds to process transactions, inability to calculate a Fund's net asset value, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs and/or additional compliance costs. Each Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result of successful cyber-attacks against, or security breakdowns of, a Fund or its third-party service providers.

A Fund may incur substantial costs to prevent or address cyber incidents in the future. In addition, there is a possibility that certain risks have not been adequately identified or prepared for. Furthermore, a Fund cannot directly control any cybersecurity plans and systems put in place by third party service providers. Cybersecurity risks are also present for issuers of securities in which a Fund invests, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers, and may cause a Fund's investment in such securities to lose value.

**Depositary Receipts**

Depositary receipts include sponsored and unsponsored depositary receipts that are or become available, including American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs") and Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") and other depositary receipts. Depositary receipts are typically issued by a financial institution ("depositary") and evidence ownership interests in a security or a pool of securities ("underlying securities") that have been deposited with the depositary. The depositary for ADRs is typically a U.S. financial institution and the underlying securities are issued by a non-U.S. issuer. ADRs are publicly traded on exchanges or OTC in the United States and are issued through "sponsored" or "unsponsored" arrangements. In a sponsored ADR arrangement, the non-U.S. issuer assumes the obligation to pay some or all of the depositary's transaction fees, whereas under an unsponsored arrangement, the non-U.S. issuer assumes no obligation and the depositary's transaction fees are paid by the ADR holders. In addition, less information is available in the United States about an unsponsored ADR than about a sponsored ADR, and the financial information about a company may not be as reliable for an unsponsored ADR as it is for a sponsored ADR. In the case of GDRs, the depositary can be a non-U.S. or a U.S. financial institution and the underlying securities are issued by a non-U.S. issuer. GDRs allow companies in Europe, Asia, the United States and Latin America to offer shares in many markets around the world, thus allowing them to raise capital in these markets, as opposed to just in their home market. The advantage of GDRs is that shares do not have to be bought through the issuing company's home exchange, which may be difficult and expensive, but can be bought on all major stock exchanges. In addition, the share price and all dividends are converted to the shareholder's home currency. As for other depositary receipts, the depositary may be a non-U.S. or a U.S. entity, and the underlying securities may have a non-U.S. or a U.S. issuer. For purposes of each Fund's investment policies, investments in depositary receipts will be deemed to be investments in the underlying securities. Thus, a depositary receipt representing ownership of common stock will be treated as common stock. Depositary receipts purchased by a Fund may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the underlying securities into which they may be converted, in which case the Fund may be exposed to relative currency fluctuations.

**Derivatives**

Each Fund may engage in a variety of derivative transactions in accordance with the applicable rules of the CFTC, and, to the extent applicable, the rules and regulations of certain national or foreign exchanges; however, a Fund will not be obligated to use derivatives and the Funds make no representations as to the availability of these techniques at this time or at any time in the future. Generally, derivatives are financial contracts whose value depends on, or is derived from, the value of an underlying asset, reference rate or index and may relate to stocks, bonds, interest rates, currencies or currency exchange rates, commodities, related indexes and other assets. The types of derivatives in which a Fund may invest include, but are not limited to, futures contracts, currency forward contracts and currency swaps, the purchase and sale (or writing) of exchange listed and OTC put and call options on debt and equity securities, currencies, entering into various interest rate transactions such as swaps, caps floors, and collars, entering into equity swaps, caps and floors, the purchase and sale of indexed debt securities or trading in other similar types of instruments.

Derivatives may be used, among other reasons, as part of a Fund's investment strategy, to attempt to protect against possible changes in the market value of securities held or to be purchased for a Fund's portfolio resulting from securities markets or currency exchange rate fluctuations, to protect a Fund's unrealized gains in the value of its securities, to facilitate the sale of those securities for investment purposes, to manage the effective maturity or duration of a Fund's portfolio or to establish a position in the derivatives markets as a temporary substitute for purchasing or selling particular securities or to seek to enhance a Fund's income or gain. A Fund may use any or all types of derivatives which it is authorized to use at any time; no particular strategy will dictate the use of one type of transaction rather than another, as use of any authorized derivative will be a function of numerous variables, including market conditions. The ability of a Fund to utilize derivatives successfully will depend on numerous factors including the Adviser's ability to predict pertinent market movements, which cannot be assured. These skills are different from those needed to select a Fund's portfolio securities.

Subject to the constraints described above, each Fund may (if and to the extent so authorized) enter into futures contracts, currency forward contracts and currency swaps, purchase and sell (or write) exchange listed and OTC put and call options on securities, loan participations and assignments, currencies, futures contracts, indices and other financial instruments, and each Fund may enter into interest rate transactions, equity swaps and related transactions and other similar transactions which may be developed to the extent the Adviser determines that they are consistent with a Fund's investment objective and policies and applicable regulatory requirements. A Fund's interest rate transactions may take the form of swaps, caps, floors and collars, and a Fund's currency transactions may take the form of currency forward contracts, currency swaps and options on currencies.

Certain standardized swap transactions are currently subject to mandatory central clearing or may be eligible for voluntary central clearing. Central clearing is expected to decrease counterparty risk and increase liquidity compared to uncleared swaps because central clearing interposes the central clearinghouse as the counterpart to each participant's swap. However, central clearing does not eliminate counterparty risk or illiquidity risk entirely. In addition, depending on the size of a Fund and other factors, the margin required under the rules of a clearinghouse and by a clearing member may be in excess of the collateral required to be posted by a fund to support its obligations under a similar uncleared swap.

In connection with the use of certain derivatives, the Adviser intends to comply with the requirements of the Commodity Exchange Act ("CEA") by operating a Fund in a manner consistent with the restrictions of Rule 4.5, including filing a notice of eligibility of exemption from registration in accordance with applicable procedures and deadlines.

Derivatives involve special risks, including possible default by the other party to the transaction, illiquidity and, to the extent the Adviser's view as to certain market movements is incorrect, the risk that the use of derivatives could result in significantly greater losses than if it had not been used. Losses resulting from the use of derivatives will reduce a Fund's net asset value, and possibly income, and the losses may be significantly greater than if derivatives had not been used.

Each Fund's use of derivatives may be limited by certain provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). When used, derivatives may increase the amount and affect the timing and character of taxes payable by shareholders. See "**FEDERAL INCOME TAXES** – **Special Tax Considerations** *– Options and Other Financial Products*."

***Risks of Derivatives Outside of the United States***

When conducted outside the United States, derivatives may not be regulated as rigorously as in the United States, may not involve a clearing mechanism and related guarantees, and will be subject to the risk of governmental actions affecting trading in, or the prices of, foreign securities, currencies and other instruments. In addition, the price of any foreign options contract and, therefore, the potential profit and loss thereon, may be affected by any variance in the foreign exchange rate between the time an order is placed and the time it is liquidated, offset or exercised. The value of positions taken as part of non-U.S. derivatives also could be adversely affected by: (i) other complex foreign political, legal and economic factors; (ii) lesser availability of data on which to make trading decisions than in the United States; (iii) delays in a Fund's ability to act upon economic events occurring in foreign markets during nonbusiness hours in the United States; (iv) the imposition of different exercise and settlement terms and procedures and margin requirements than in the United States; and (v) lower trading volume and liquidity.

***Derivatives Risk****.* The Funds may invest in derivative securities for bona fide hedging purposes. A derivative security is a financial contract whose value is based on (or "derived from") a traditional security (such as a bond) or a market index. The use of futures, options, repurchase agreements and other derivatives involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments, and include leverage, volatility, liquidity, credit and tracking risks. In addition, long options positions may expire worthless.

**Equity Investments**

Each Fund will invest in equity securities. Equity securities (which generally include common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants, securities convertible into common or preferred stocks and similar securities) are generally volatile and riskier than some other forms of investment. Equity securities of companies with relatively small market capitalizations may be more volatile than the securities of larger, more established companies or broad equity market indices generally. Common stock and other equity securities may take the form of stock in corporations, partnership interests, interests in limited liability companies and other direct or indirect interests in business organizations.

**Exchange-Traded Funds and Other Similar Instruments**

Shares of exchange-traded funds ("ETFs") and other similar instruments may be purchased by the Funds. Generally, an ETF is an investment company that is registered under the 1940 Act Index ETFs that holds a portfolio of securities designed to track the performance of a particular index or index segment, actively managed ETFs are actively managed by an investment adviser. Similar instruments, issued by pools that are not investment companies, offer characteristics similar to index ETFs and may be designed to track the performance of an index or basket of securities of companies engaged in a particular market or sector. ETFs sell and redeem their shares at net asset value in large blocks (typically 50,000 of its shares) called "creation units." Shares representing fractional interests in these creation units are listed for trading on national securities exchanges and can be purchased and sold in the secondary market in lots of any size at any time during the trading day.

Investments in ETFs and other similar instruments involve certain inherent risks generally associated with investments in a broadly-based portfolio of stocks including: (i) risks that the general level of stock prices may decline, thereby adversely affecting the value of each unit of the ETF or other instrument; (ii) an index ETF may not fully replicate the performance of its benchmark index because of temporary unavailability of certain index securities in the secondary market or discrepancies between the ETF and the index with respect to the weightings of securities or number of stocks held; (iii) an ETF may also be adversely affected by the performance of the specific index, market sector or group of industries on which it is based; and (iv) an index ETF may not track an index as well as a traditional index mutual fund because ETFs are valued by the market and, therefore, there may be a difference between the market value and the ETF's net asset value. Each Fund may both purchase and effect short sales of shares of ETFs and may also purchase and sell options on shares of ETFs. These investments may be used for hedging purposes or to seek to increase total return (which is considered a speculative activity).

Because ETFs and pools that issue similar instruments incur various fees and expenses, a Fund's investment in these instruments will involve certain indirect costs, as well as transaction costs, such as brokerage commissions. The Adviser will consider expenses associated with an investment in determining whether to invest in an ETF or other instrument. In the case of ETFs that are investment companies, they invest substantially all of their assets in securities of various securities indices or a particular segment of a securities index. The market price of ETFs is expected to fluctuate in accordance with both changes in the asset values of their underlying indices and supply and demand of an ETF's shares on the exchange. ETFs may trade at relatively modest discounts or premiums to net asset value. In general, most ETFs have a limited operating history and information may be lacking regarding the actual performance and trading liquidity of such shares for extended periods or over complete market cycles. In addition, there is no assurance that the requirements of the Exchange necessary to maintain the listing of ETFs in which a Fund invests will continue to be met or will remain unchanged. In the event substantial market or other disruptions affecting the shares of ETFs held by a Fund should occur in the future, the liquidity and value of that Fund's shares could also be adversely affected.

Limitations of the 1940 Act, which prohibit a Fund from acquiring more than 3% of the outstanding shares of another investment company, may restrict a Fund's ability to purchase shares of certain ETFs.

***Exchange-Traded Fund ("ETF") and Other Investment Company Risk****.* As a non-principal investment strategy, each Fund may invest in ETFs and other investment companies. ETFs are funds whose shares are traded on a national exchange. ETFs may be based on underlying equity or fixed income securities, as well as commodities or currencies. ETFs do not sell individual shares directly to investors and only issue their shares in large blocks known as "creation units." The investor purchasing a creation unit then sells the individual shares on a secondary market. Although similar diversification benefits may be achieved through an investment in another investment company, ETFs generally offer greater liquidity and lower expenses. Because an ETF incurs its own fees and expenses, shareholders of the Fund investing in an ETF will indirectly bear those costs. Such Fund will also incur brokerage commissions and related charges when purchasing or selling shares of an ETF. Unlike typical investment company shares, which are valued once daily, shares in an ETF may be purchased or sold on a securities exchange throughout the trading day at market prices that are generally close to the NAV of the ETF.

The Funds may also invest in investment companies that are corporations, trusts, or partnerships that invest pooled shareholder dollars in securities appropriate to the organization's objective. Mutual funds, closed-end funds, unit investment trusts and ETFs are examples of investment companies. By investing in another investment company, the Funds will indirectly bear any asset-based fees and expenses charged by the underlying investment company in which the Funds invest. Investments in securities of other investment companies are subject to statutory limitations prescribed by the 1940 Act. Absent an available exemption, the Funds may not: (i) acquire more than 3% of the voting securities of any other investment company; (ii) invest more than 5% of their total assets in securities of any one investment company; or (iii) invest more than 10% of their total assets in securities of all investment companies.

**Firm Commitments and When-Issued Securities**

Each Fund may purchase securities on a firm commitment basis, including when-issued securities. Each Fund may also be entitled to receive when-issued securities in relation to its holdings in common stock of companies that undertake certain corporate actions and reorganizations. Securities purchased on a firm commitment basis are purchased for delivery beyond the normal settlement date at a stated price and yield. No income accrues to the purchaser of a security on a firm commitment basis prior to delivery. Such securities are recorded as an asset and are subject to changes in value based upon changes in the general level of interest rates. Purchasing a security on a firm commitment basis can involve a risk that the market price at the time of delivery may be lower than the agreed upon purchase price, in which case there could be an unrealized loss at the time of delivery. A Fund will only make commitments to purchase securities on a firm commitment basis with the intention of actually acquiring the securities, but may sell them before the settlement date if it is deemed advisable. As when-issued securities are subject to delayed or deferred settlement, such securities may be either illiquid, or suffer from severe constraints in liquidity. When purchasing securities pursuant to a when-issued or forward commitment transaction, payment for the securities is not required until the delivery date. However, the purchaser assumes the rights and risks of ownership, including the risks of price and yield fluctuations. When a Fund has sold a security pursuant to one of these transactions, the Fund does not participate in further gains or losses with respect to the security. A Fund may renegotiate a when-issued or firm commitment transaction and may sell the underlying securities before delivery, which may result in capital gains or losses for the Fund. When-issued and forward-commitment transactions will not be considered to constitute issuance by a Fund of a "senior security" as that term is defined in Section 18(g) of the 1940 Act, and therefore, such transactions will not be subject to the 300% asset coverage requirement otherwise applicable to borrowings by the Fund, if the Fund reasonably believes, at the time it enters into such agreement, that it will have sufficient cash and cash equivalents to meet its obligations with respect to all of its unfunded commitment agreements, in each case as they come due.

**Fixed-Income Securities**

Each Fund may invest in fixed-income securities. Fixed-income securities generally pay a specified rate of interest or dividends, or a rate that is adjusted periodically by reference to some specified index or market rate or other factor. Fixed-income securities may include securities issued by U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. governments and other agencies and instrumentalities, and by a wide range of private or corporate issuers. Fixed-income securities include, among others, bonds, notes, bills, debentures, convertible securities, bank obligations, mortgage and other asset-backed securities, loan participations and assignments and commercial paper.

Because interest rates vary, it is impossible to predict the income of a Fund for any particular period. Except to the extent that values are affected independently by other factors such as developments relating to a specific issuer or group of issuers, when interest rates decline, the value of fixed-income securities can generally be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of fixed-income securities can generally be expected to decline. Prices of longer-term securities generally increase or decrease more sharply than those of shorter-term securities in response to interest rate changes, particularly if such securities were purchased at a discount. It should be noted that the market values of securities rated below investment grade and comparable unrated securities tend to react less to fluctuations in interest rate levels than do those of higher-rated securities.

*Call or Buy-Back Features*. In addition, many fixed-income securities contain call or buy-back features that permit their issuers to call or repurchase the securities from their holders. Such securities may present risks based on payment expectations. Although a Fund may typically receive a premium if an issuer were to redeem a security, if an issuer exercises such a "call option" and redeems the security during a time of declining interest rates, a Fund may realize a capital loss on its investment if the security was purchased at a premium and a Fund may have to replace the called security with a lower yielding security, resulting in a decreased rate of return to the Fund.

**Floating and Variable Rate Instruments**

Each Fund may invest in floating and variable rate obligations. Floating or variable rate obligations bear interest at rates that are not fixed, but vary with changes in specified market rates or indices, such as the prime rate, and at specified intervals. Variable rate obligations invest include variable rate master demand notes, which are unsecured instruments issued pursuant to an agreement between the issuer and the holder that permit the indebtedness thereunder to vary and provide for periodic adjustments in the interest rate.

Certain floating or variable rate obligations may carry a demand feature that would permit the holder to tender them back to the issuer of the instrument or to a third party at par value prior to maturity. Some demand instruments may not be traded in a secondary market and derive their liquidity solely from the ability of the holder to demand repayment from the issuer or third party providing credit support. If a demand instrument is not traded in a secondary market, a Fund will nonetheless treat the instrument as liquid for the purposes of its investment restriction limiting investments in illiquid securities unless the demand feature has a notice period of more than seven days; if the notice period is greater than seven days, such a demand instrument will be characterized as illiquid for such purpose. A Fund's right to obtain payment at par on a demand instrument could be affected by events occurring between the date a Fund elects to demand payment and the date payment is due that may affect the ability of the issuer of the instrument or a third party providing credit support to make payment when due. To facilitate settlement, some demand instruments may be held in book entry form at a bank other than a Fund's custodian subject to a sub-custodian agreement approved by a Fund between that bank and the Fund's custodian.

**Foreign Bank Time Deposits**

Each Fund may make time deposits in interest-bearing foreign bank accounts. Such time deposits will be subject to conditions placed on the time deposit account by the applicable bank (*e.g.*, higher interest payments for maintaining funds in the account for longer periods of time). The Adviser generally expects its foreign bank time deposits to be made and maintained in U.S. dollars; however, the Adviser may make such deposits in foreign currencies where the Adviser deems such investments to be in the best interest of a Fund. Foreign bank time deposit accounts may be subject to restrictions on withdrawal, including penalties or reductions in interest for withdrawals before the end of the expected or intended duration of the time deposit.

**Foreign Security Risk**

The Funds may invest in foreign securities indirectly through ADRs. Foreign securities are generally riskier than U.S. securities. As a result, the Funds are subject to foreign risk, meaning that political events (such as civil unrest, national elections and imposition of exchange controls), social and economic events (such as labor strikes and rising inflation), and natural disasters occurring in a country where a Fund invests could cause the Fund's investments in that country to experience gains or losses. Securities of foreign issuers may be less liquid, more volatile and harder to value than U.S. securities.

**High-Yield Securities**

Each Fund may invest in high-yield securities. High-yield securities are considered speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligations. Under rating agency guidelines, any quality and protective characteristics of high-yield securities will likely be outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions. Medium and lower rated securities may have poor prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing, may have a current identifiable vulnerability to default, may be unlikely to have the capacity to pay interest and repay principal when due in the event of adverse business, financial or economic conditions, and/or may be in default or not current in the payment of interest or principal.

The credit ratings of S&P, Fitch, Moody's or other agencies are evaluations of the safety of principal and interest payments, not market value risk, of lower-rated securities. Credit rating agencies may fail to change timely the credit ratings to reflect subsequent events. Many debt securities in international markets, especially in emerging markets, bear no rating whatsoever. Ratings organizations have declined to determine ratings for such securities for a host of reasons, including but not limited to the issuer's lack of scale, insufficient or inadequate disclosure by the issuer, or insufficient operating history on the part of the issuer.

Neither a Fund nor the Adviser can conclude that ratings issued by recognized agencies reflect the true financial position of the underlying issuer; nor can any Fund or the Adviser be certain an issuer will maintain its current credit rating in the future. When available, the Adviser may refer to selected ratings from recognized agencies. The Adviser may also choose to augment such ratings with its own analyses of issuers, which may include, among other things, review of historic and current financial conditions and anticipated future cash flows.

*Changes in Credit Ratings*. Changes by recognized rating services in their ratings of a high-yield security and in the ability of an issuer to make payments of interest and principal may also affect the value of these investments. A description of the ratings used by Moody's and S&P is set forth in <u>Appendix A</u> to this SAI. The ratings of Moody's and S&P generally represent the opinions of those organizations as to the quality of the securities that they rate. Such ratings, however, are relative and subjective, are not absolute standards of quality, are subject to change and do not evaluate the market risk or liquidity of the securities. Ratings of a non-U.S. debt instrument, to the extent that those ratings are undertaken, are related to evaluations of the country in which the issuer of the instrument is located, which may cause a rating to be lower than would otherwise by suggested by the intrinsic creditworthiness of the issuer.

*Liquidity.* The secondary markets for high-yield securities are not as liquid as the secondary markets for higher rated securities. The secondary markets for high-yield securities are concentrated in relatively few market makers and participants in the market are mostly institutional investors, including insurance companies, banks, other financial institutions and mutual funds. In addition, the trading volume for high-yield securities is generally lower than that for higher-rated securities and the secondary markets could contract under adverse market or economic conditions independent of any specific adverse changes in the condition of a particular issuer, decreasing the liquidity of high-yield securities held in general. These factors may have an adverse effect on the ability of a Fund holding such securities to dispose of particular portfolio investments at the price it would wish, may adversely affect a Fund's net asset value per share and may limit the ability of a Fund to obtain accurate market quotations for purposes of valuing securities and calculating net asset value.

*Legislative and Regulatory Developments.* Prices for high-yield securities may be affected by legislative and regulatory developments. These laws could adversely affect a Fund's investments in high-yield securities, the secondary market for high-yield securities, the financial condition of issuers of these securities and the value of outstanding high-yield securities. For example, federal legislation requiring the divestiture by federally insured savings and loan associations of their investments in high-yield bonds and limiting the deductibility of interest by certain corporate issuers of high-yield bonds adversely affected the market in prior years.

*High-yield Corporate Securities.* While the market values of securities rated below investment grade and comparable unrated securities tend to react less to fluctuations in interest rate levels than do those of higher-rated securities, the values of certain of these securities also tend to be more sensitive to individual corporate developments and changes in economic conditions than higher-rated securities. In addition, such securities present a higher degree of credit risk. Issuers of these securities are often highly leveraged and may not have more traditional methods of financing available to them, so that their ability to service their debt obligations during an economic downturn or during sustained periods of rising interest rates may be impaired. The risk of loss due to default by such issuers is significantly greater than with investment grade securities because such securities generally are unsecured and subordinated to the prior payment of senior indebtedness. If a Fund holds such securities, the Fund also could incur additional expenses to the extent that it is required to seek recovery upon a default in the payment of principal or interest on its portfolio holdings. These risks may be greater for non-U.S. high-yield securities especially those of issuers located in emerging markets.

The development of markets for high-yield corporate securities has been a relatively recent phenomenon, especially outside the United States. In addition, these markets have undergone significant changes in the past and may undergo significant changes in the future.

A Fund may invest in high-yield securities that bear interest at fixed rates, securities with variable rates of interest, or securities that involve equity features, such as contingent interest or participations based on revenues, sales or profits (*i.e.*, interest or other payments, often in addition to a fixed rate of return, that are based on the borrower's attainment of specified levels of revenues, sales or profits and thus enable the holder of the security to share in the potential success of the venture).

*High-yield Non-U.S. Debt Securities.* Investing in fixed and floating rate high-yield non-U.S. debt securities, especially those of issuers located in emerging market countries, will expose a Fund to the direct or indirect consequences of political, social or economic changes in the countries that issue the securities or in which the issuers are located, in addition to the risks of investing in high-yield securities generally. For example, the ability and willingness of sovereign obligors in emerging market countries or the governmental authorities that control repayment of their external debt to pay principal and interest on such debt when due may depend on general economic and political conditions within the relevant country. Certain countries in which a Fund may invest, especially emerging market countries, have historically experienced, and may continue to experience, high rates of inflation, high interest rates, exchange rate trade difficulties and extreme poverty and unemployment. Many of these countries are also characterized by political uncertainty or instability. Additional factors which may influence the ability or willingness to service debt include, but are not limited to, an issuer's (including sovereign issuers) cash flow situation, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, and the relative size of its debt service burden. Non-U.S. issuers, including government issuers, may also have debt (such as commercial bank debt) which is senior to its high-yield securities.

The ability of a non-U.S. sovereign obligor, especially an obligor in an emerging market country, to make timely payments on its external debt obligations will also be strongly influenced by the obligor's balance of payments, including export performance, its access to international credit and investments, fluctuations in interest rates and the extent of its foreign reserves, and the issuing government's policy toward the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and other international agencies. A country whose exports are concentrated in a few commodities or whose economy depends on certain strategic imports could be vulnerable to fluctuations in international prices of these commodities or imports. To the extent that a country receives payment for its exports in currencies other than dollars, its ability to make debt payments denominated in dollars could be adversely affected. If a non-U.S. sovereign obligor cannot generate sufficient earnings from foreign trade to service its external debt, it may need to depend on continuing loans and aid from foreign governments, commercial banks and multilateral organizations, and inflows of foreign investment. The commitment on the part of these foreign governments, multilateral organizations and others to make such disbursements may be conditioned on the government's implementation of economic reforms and/or economic performance and the timely service of its obligations. Failure to implement such reforms, achieve such levels of economic performance or repay principal or interest when due may result in the cancellation of such third parties' commitments to lend funds, which may further impair the obligor's ability or willingness to timely service its debts. The cost of servicing external debt will also generally be adversely affected by rising international interest rates, because many external debt obligations bear interest at rates which are adjusted based upon international interest rates. The ability to service external debt will also depend on the level of the relevant government's international currency reserves and its access to foreign exchange. Currency devaluations may affect the ability of an issuer to obtain sufficient foreign exchange to service its debt. The risks enumerated above are particularly heightened with regard to issuers in emerging market countries.

As a result of the foregoing or other factors, a governmental obligor, especially an obligor in an emerging market country, may default on its obligations. If such an event occurs, a Fund may have limited legal recourse against the issuer and/or guarantor. Remedies must, in some cases, be pursued in the courts of the defaulting party itself, and the ability of the holder of non-U.S. sovereign debt securities to obtain recourse may be subject to the political climate in the relevant country.

**Illiquid Securities**

Each Fund may invest up to 15% of the value of its net assets in illiquid securities. The term "illiquid securities" for this purpose means securities that cannot be disposed of within seven days in the ordinary course of business at approximately the amount at which a Fund has valued the securities. Illiquid securities are considered to include, among other things, written OTC options, repurchase agreements with maturities in excess of seven days, certain loan participation interests, fixed time deposits which are not subject to prepayment or provide for withdrawal penalties upon prepayment (other than overnight deposits), and other securities whose disposition is restricted under the federal securities laws.

To the extent that instruments that a Fund holds become illiquid due to the lack of sufficient buyers or market or other conditions, the percentage of a Fund's assets invested in illiquid assets would increase. The Adviser, under the supervision of the Board of Trustees, monitors Fund investments in assignments and loan participations and will, in such a case, consider appropriate measures to enable a Fund to maintain sufficient liquidity for operating purposes and to meet redemption requests.

**Inflation-Indexed Bonds**

Inflation-indexed bonds are fixed-income securities whose principal value is periodically adjusted according to the rate of inflation. Two structures are common. The U.S. Treasury and some other issuers use a structure that accrues inflation into the principal value of the bond. Most other issuers pay out the Consumer Price Index accruals as part of a semiannual coupon.

Inflation-indexed securities issued by the U.S. Treasury have maturities of five, ten or twenty years, although it is possible that securities with other maturities will be issued in the future. The U.S. Treasury securities pay interest on a semiannual basis, equal to a fixed percentage of the inflation-adjusted principal amount. For example, if a Fund purchased an inflation-indexed bond with a par value of $1,000 and a 3% real rate of return coupon (payable 1.5% semi-annually), and inflation over the first six months were 1%, the mid-year par value of the bond would be $1,010 and the first semi-annual interest payment would be $15.15 ($1,010 times 1.5%). If inflation during the second half of the year resulted in the whole year's inflation equaling 3%, the end-of-year par value of the bond would be $1,030 and the second semi-annual interest payment would be $15.45 ($1,030 times 1.5%).

If the periodic adjustment rate measuring inflation falls, the principal value of inflation-indexed bonds will be adjusted downward, and consequently the interest payable on these securities (calculated with respect to a smaller principal amount) will be reduced. Repayment of the original bond principal upon maturity (as adjusted for inflation) is guaranteed in the case of U.S. Treasury inflation-indexed bonds, even during a period of deflation. However, the current market value of the bonds is not guaranteed, and will fluctuate. Each Fund may also invest in other inflation related bonds which may or may not provide a similar guarantee. If a guarantee of principal is not provided, the adjusted principal value of the bond repaid at maturity may be less than the original principal. The value of inflation-indexed bonds is expected to change in response to changes in real interest rates. Real interest rates in turn are tied to the relationship between nominal interest rates and the rate of inflation.

**Interest-Only Securities**

Interest only securities ("IOs") are a form of stripped mortgage security. Stripped mortgage securities may be issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government, or by private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans, including savings and loan associations, mortgage banks and special purpose subsidiaries of the foregoing. The risk of early prepayment is the primary risk associated with IOs.

Stripped mortgage securities are structured with two or more classes of securities that receive different proportions of the interest and principal distributions on a pool of mortgage assets. IOs are one class of a stripped mortgage security that receives all of the interest (while another class will receive all of the principal ("POs" or "principal only class")).

**Interest-Rate and Equity Swaps and Related Transactions**

Each Fund may enter into interest rate and equity swaps and may purchase or sell (*i.e.*, write) interest rate and equity caps, floors and collars. If a Fund enters into these types of transactions, the Fund expects that it would do so in order to hedge against either a decline in the value of the securities included in the Fund's portfolio, or against an increase in the price of the securities which it plans to purchase, in order to preserve or maintain a return or spread on a particular investment or portion of its portfolio or to achieve a particular return on cash balances, or in order to increase income or gain. Interest rate and equity swaps involve the exchange between the parties to the swap of their respective commitments to make or receive payments based on a notional principal amount. The purchase of an interest rate or equity cap entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index exceeds a predetermined level, to receive payments on a contractually-based principal amount from the party selling the interest rate or equity cap. The purchase of an interest rate or equity floor entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index falls below a predetermined rate, to receive payments on a contractually-based principal amount from the party selling the interest rate or equity floor. A collar is a combination of a cap and a floor which preserve a certain return within a predetermined range of values.

If a Fund enters into interest-rate and equity swaps, the Fund expects that it will usually enter into the swap on a net basis (*i.e.*, the two payment streams are netted out), with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. The net amount of the excess, if any, of a Fund's obligations over its entitlements with respect to each interest rate or equity swap will generally be accrued on a daily basis, and an amount of liquid assets having an aggregate net asset value at least equal to the accrued excess will be designated to cover such liability. If a Fund enters into an interest rate or equity swap on other than a net basis, the Fund will designate the full amount accrued on a daily basis of the Fund's obligations with respect to the swap.

The use of interest rate and equity swaps is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. There is a risk that is incorrect forecasts of market values, interest rates and other applicable factors, will diminish the investment performance of a Fund compared with what it would have been if these investment techniques were not utilized. Moreover, even if the forecasts are correct, there is a risk that the swap position may correlate imperfectly with the price of the asset or liability being hedged.

As is the case with options strategies, the effective use of swaps and related transactions by a Fund may depend, among other things, on the Fund's ability to terminate the transactions at times when the Adviser deems it desirable to do so. To the extent a transaction is not or cannot be terminated in a timely manner, a Fund may suffer a loss in excess of any amounts that it may have received, or expected to receive, as a result of entering into the transaction.

The liquidity of swap agreements will be determined based on various factors, including (i) the frequency of trades and quotations, (ii) the number of dealers and prospective purchasers in the marketplace, (iii) dealer undertakings to make a market, (iv) the nature of the security (including any demand or tender features), and (v) the nature of the marketplace for trades (including the ability to assign or offset a Fund's rights and obligations relating to the investment).

There is no limit on the amount of interest rate and equity swap transactions that may be entered into by a Fund. Because swaps and related transactions are bilateral contractual arrangements between the counterparties to the transactions, a Fund's ability to terminate such an arrangement may be considerably more limited than in the case of an exchange traded instrument. If the other party to a swap defaults, a Fund's risk of loss is the net amount of payments that the Fund contractually is entitled to receive, if any.

**Investment Focus Risk**

To the extent that a Fund focuses its investments in particular industries, classes or sectors of the economy, any market price movements, regulatory or technological changes, or economic conditions affecting companies in those industries, asset classes or sectors will have a significant impact on the Fund's performance. The Funds will not concentrate their investments, as defined under the 1940 Act.

**Liquidity Risk**

From time to time, the trading market for a particular security or type of security in which the Funds invest may become less liquid or even illiquid. Reduced liquidity will have an adverse impact on the Funds' ability to sell such securities when necessary to meet the Funds' liquidity needs or in response to a specific economic event. Market quotations for such securities may be volatile.

**Loans of Portfolio Securities**

Upon approval by the Board of Trustees, a Fund may lend portfolio securities to brokers or dealers or other financial institutions in accordance with policies and procedures of the Trust, as may be adopted from time to time. The procedure for the lending of securities will typically include the following features and conditions. The collateral will consist either of U.S. Government Securities or the borrower of the securities will deposit cash with a Fund in an amount equal to a minimum of 100% of the market value of the securities lent. A Fund will seek to invest the collateral in short-term debt securities, cash equivalents (or pooled investment vehicle interests in cash, cash equivalents and short-term debt instruments) and earn the income thereon. A negotiated portion of the income so earned may be paid to the securities or lending agent (e.g., a bank or trust company) who arranged the loan. The collateral will be marked to market daily, and if the value of the collateral drops below the required minimum at any time, the borrower may typically be called upon to post additional collateral. These will be "demand" loans and may be terminated by a Fund at any time. A Fund will receive any payments in lieu of dividends and interest paid on the securities lent, although the U.S. federal income tax characteristics of such payment may change. A Fund's performance will continue to reflect changes in the value of the securities loaned.

The terms of the structure of the loan arrangements, as well as the aggregate amount of securities loans, must be consistent with the 1940 Act and rules and interpretations of the SEC thereunder. These provisions limit the amount of securities a Fund may lend to 33 1/3% of the Fund's total assets and require (1) the borrower pledge and maintain with the Fund collateral consisting of cash, an irrevocable letter of credit, or securities issued by the U.S. government having at all times not less than 100% of the value of the securities lent; (2) the borrower add to such collateral whenever the price of the securities lent rises; (3) the loan be made subject to termination by the Fund at any time; and (4) the Fund receives reasonable interest on the loan (which may include the Fund's investing any cash collateral in interest-bearing short-term investments), any distributions on the lent securities, and any increase in their market value. Loan arrangements made by each Fund will comply with all other applicable regulatory requirements, including the rules of the New York Stock Exchange, which presently require the borrower, after notice, to redeliver the securities within the normal settlement time of three business days. The Adviser will consider the creditworthiness of the borrower, among other things, in making decisions with respect to lending securities, subject to the oversight of the Board of Trustees. At present time, the SEC does not object if any investment company pays reasonable negotiated fees in connection with lent securities, so long as such fees are set forth in a written contract and approved by the investment company's trustees. In addition, voting rights pass with the lent securities, but if a Fund has knowledge that a material event will occur affecting securities on loan, and with respect to which the holder of securities will be entitled to vote or consent, the lender must be entitled to call the loaned securities in time to vote or consent. A Fund bears the risk that there may be a delay in the return of the securities, which may impair the Fund's ability to vote on such a matter. A Fund may include, as part of its total assets, the assets that it receives as collateral for loans of its portfolio securities, for purposes of determining compliance with the requirement that a mutual fund should not have on loan at any given time securities representing more than one-third of its total asset value.

These transactions must be fully collateralized at all times, but involve some credit risk to a Fund if the borrower or the party (if any) guaranteeing the loan should default on its obligations. In the event of the default or bankruptcy of the other party to a securities loan, a Fund could experience delays in recovering the securities it lent. To the extent that, in the meantime, the value of the securities a Fund lent has increased or the value of the collateral decreased, the Fund could experience a loss. In the event of a default by the borrower, a Fund will, if permitted by law, dispose of such collateral except that the Fund may retain any such part thereof that is a security in which the Fund is permitted to invest. A Fund may also lose money if it incurs losses on the reinvestment of cash collateral.

Although voting rights or rights to consent with respect to the loaned securities pass to the borrower, a Fund, as the lender, generally retains the right to call the loans and obtain the return of the securities loaned at any time on reasonable notice, and it will attempt to do so in order that the securities may be voted by the Fund if the holders of such securities are asked to vote upon or consent to matters which the Adviser believes materially affect the investment; however, a Fund may not be able to recall the securities in time for the Fund to be the owner on the record date for determining shareholders entitled to vote or consent on the matter. A Fund may typically also call such loans in order to sell the securities involved.

**Managed Portfolio Risk**

The Adviser's investment strategies or choice of specific securities may be unsuccessful and may cause a Fund to incur losses.

**Money Market Instruments/Securities**

Each Fund may hold money market instruments, including commercial paper, banker's acceptances, certificates of deposit and other short-term debt securities. A Fund may hold money market instruments for many reasons including, (i) as part of the Adviser's strategy in order to take advantage of investment opportunities as they arise, (ii) when the portfolio managers believe that market conditions are unfavorable for profitable investing for the Fund, (iii) when the portfolio managers are otherwise unable to locate attractive investment opportunities for the Fund, (iv) as a temporary measure in order to meet redemption requests, or (v) as a defensive measure in response to adverse market or economic conditions. During periods when a Fund maintains exposure to money market instruments, it may not participate in market movements to the same extent that it would if the Fund was more fully invested in equity securities.

**Non-U.S. Securities**

Investors should recognize that investing in the securities of non-U.S. issuers generally, and particularly in emerging and frontier market issuers, involves special considerations which are not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers. Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may involve risks arising from differences between U.S. and non-U.S. securities markets, including less volume, much greater price volatility in and relative illiquidity of non-U.S. securities markets, different trading and settlement practices, and less governmental supervision and regulation, from changes in currency exchange rates, from high and volatile rates of inflation, from economic, social and political conditions and, as with domestic multinational corporations, from fluctuating interest rates.

Since most non-U.S. securities are denominated in non-U.S. currencies or traded primarily in securities markets in which settlements are made in non-U.S. currencies, the value of these investments and the net investment income available for distribution to shareholders of a Fund may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in currency exchange rates or exchange control regulations. To the extent a Fund purchases securities denominated in non-U.S. currencies, a change in the value of any such currency against the U.S. dollar will result in a change in the U.S. dollar value of a Fund's assets and a Fund's income available for distribution. A Fund's foreign currency transactions may give rise to ordinary income or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes, to the extent such income or loss results from fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency. See "**FEDERAL INCOME TAXES** – **Special Tax Considerations** *– Non-U.S. Currency Transactions*."

In addition, even though each Fund's income may be received or realized in foreign currencies, each Fund will be required to compute and distribute its income in U.S. dollars. Therefore, if the value of a currency relative to the U.S. dollar declines after a Fund's income has been earned in that currency, translated into U.S. dollars and declared as a dividend, but before payment of such dividend, a Fund could be required to liquidate portfolio securities to pay such dividend. Similarly, if the value of a currency relative to the U.S. dollar declines between the time a Fund incurs expenses or other obligations in U.S. dollars in order to pay such expenses in U.S. dollars will be greater than the equivalent amount in such currency of such expenses at the time they were incurred.

Certain markets are in only the earliest stages of development. There is also a high concentration of market capitalization and trading volume in a small number of issuers representing a limited number of industries, as well as a high concentration of investors and financial intermediaries. Many of such markets also may be affected by developments with respect to more established markets in the region. Brokers in non-U.S. and emerging/frontier market countries typically are fewer in number and less capitalized than brokers in the United States. These factors, combined with the U.S. regulatory requirements for open-end investment companies and the restrictions on foreign investment, may have an adverse impact on the investment performance of a Fund to the extent a Fund invests in these markets. There generally is less governmental supervision and regulation of exchanges, brokers and issuers in non-U.S. countries than there is in the United States. For example, there may be no comparable provisions under certain non-U.S. laws to insider trading and similar investor protection securities laws that apply with respect to securities transactions consummated in the United States. Further, brokerage commissions and other transaction costs on non-U.S. securities exchanges, particularly in frontier markets, generally are higher than in the United States. With respect to investments in certain emerging market countries, less comprehensive legal systems may have an adverse impact on a Fund. For example, while the potential liability of a shareholder in a U.S. corporation with respect to acts of the corporation is generally limited to the amount of the shareholder's investment, the notion of limited liability is less clear in emerging market countries. Similarly, the rights of investors in emerging market companies may be more limited than those of shareholders of U.S. corporations.

Other risks associated with investments in non-U.S. securities include the possible imposition of foreign withholding taxes on certain amounts of a Fund's income which may reduce the net return on non-U.S. investments as compared to income received from a U.S. issuer, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign assets and the possible establishment of exchange controls, expropriation, confiscatory taxation, other foreign governmental laws or restrictions which might affect adversely payments due on securities held by a Fund, the lack of extensive operating experience of eligible foreign sub-custodians, and legal limitations on the ability of a Fund to recover assets held in custody by a foreign sub-custodian in the event of the sub-custodian's bankruptcy.

In addition, there may be less publicly-available information about a non-U.S. issuer than about a U.S. issuer, and non-U.S. issuers may not be subject to the same accounting, auditing and financial record-keeping standards and requirements as U.S. issuers. In particular, the assets and profits appearing on the financial statements of an emerging or frontier market country issuer may not reflect its financial position or results of operations in the way they would be reflected had the financial statements been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. In addition, for an issuer that keeps accounting records in local currency, inflation accounting rules may require, for both tax and accounting purposes, that certain assets and liabilities be restated on the issuer's balance sheet in order to express items in terms of currency of constant purchasing power. Inflation accounting may indirectly generate losses or profits. Consequently, financial data may be materially affected by restatements for inflation and may not accurately reflect the real condition of those issuers and securities markets. Finally, in the event of a default of any such foreign obligations, it may be more difficult for a Fund to obtain or enforce a judgment against the issuers of such obligations. The manner in which foreign investors may invest in companies in certain emerging and frontier market countries, as well as limitations on such investments, also may have an adverse impact on the operations of a Fund to the extent a Fund invests in those markets. For example, a Fund may be required in certain of such countries to invest initially through a local broker or other entity and then have the shares purchased re-registered in the name of the Fund. Re-registration may in some instances not be able to occur on a timely basis, resulting in a delay during which the Fund may be denied certain of its rights as an investor.

Non-U.S. markets have different clearance and settlement procedures, and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have failed to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. Further, satisfactory custodial services for investment securities may not be available in some countries having smaller emerging markets, which may result in a Fund incurring additional costs and delays in transporting and custodying such securities outside such countries. Delays in settlement or other problems could result in periods when assets of a Fund are uninvested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of a Fund to make intended security purchases due to settlement problems or the risk of intermediary counterparty failures could cause the Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities. The inability to dispose of a portfolio security due to settlement problems could result either in losses to a Fund due to subsequent declines in the value of such portfolio security or, if a Fund has entered into a contract to sell the security, could result in possible liability to the purchaser.

**Non-U.S. Sub-custodians**

Rules adopted under the 1940 Act permit each Fund to maintain its non-U.S. securities and cash in the custody of certain eligible non-U.S. banks and securities depositories.

Certain banks in non-U.S. countries may not be eligible sub-custodians for a Fund, in which event a Fund may be precluded from purchasing securities in certain non-U.S. countries in which it otherwise would invest or which may result in a Fund's incurring additional costs and delays in providing transportation and custody services for such securities outside of such countries. A Fund may encounter difficulties in effecting on a timely basis portfolio transactions with respect to any securities of issuers held outside their countries. Other banks that are eligible non-U.S. sub-custodians may be recently organized or otherwise lack extensive operating experience. In addition, in certain countries there may be legal restrictions or limitations on the ability of a Fund to recover assets held in custody by non-U.S. sub-custodians in the event of the bankruptcy of the sub-custodian.

**Options**

In addition to the options on instruments and indices described in this SAI, each Fund reserves the right to purchase or sell options on other instruments and indices and those which may be developed in the future to the extent consistent with applicable law, the Fund's investment objective and the restrictions set forth herein.

A put option gives the purchaser of the option, upon payment of a premium, the right to sell, and the writer of the option the obligation to buy (if the option is exercised), the underlying security, index, currency or other instrument at the exercise price. If a Fund were to purchase a put option on a security, for example, it might do so in an attempt to protect its holdings in the underlying instrument (or, in some cases, a similar instrument) against a substantial decline in the market value of such instrument by giving the Fund the right to sell the instrument at the option exercise price. A call option, upon payment of a premium, gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy (if the option is exercised), and the seller the obligation to sell, the underlying instrument at the exercise price. If a Fund were to purchase a call option on a security, index, currency or other instrument, for example, it might do so in an attempt to protect the Fund against an increase in the price of the underlying instrument that it intends to purchase in the future by fixing the price at which it may purchase the instrument. An "American" style put or call option may be exercised at any time during the option period, whereas a "European" style put or call option may be exercised only upon expiration or during a fixed period prior to expiration. Exchange-listed options are issued by a regulated intermediary such as the Options Clearing Corporation ("OCC"), which guarantees the performance of the obligations of the parties to the options.

A Fund may purchase put and call options or write "covered" put and call options on stock indices, interest rates and currencies in order to hedge against adverse market shifts or to potentially increase income or gain. In addition, a Fund may utilize options on currencies in order to hedge against currency exchange rate risks or to gain exposure to one or more currencies. A call option written by a Fund is "covered" so long as the Fund owns: (i) the underlying investment subject to the option; (ii) securities convertible or exchangeable without the payment of any consideration into the securities subject to the option; or (iii) a call option on the relevant security or currency with an exercise price no higher than the exercise price on the call option written. A put option written by a Fund is "covered" if the Fund has certain offsetting puts. Parties to options transactions must make certain payments and/or set aside certain amounts of assets in connection with each transaction.

If a Fund writes a call, the Fund will generally limit its opportunity to profit from an increase in the market value of the underlying investment above the exercise price of the option for as long as the Fund's obligation as writer of the option continues. If a Fund writes a put, the Fund will generally limit its opportunity to profit from a decrease in the market value of the underlying investment below the exercise price of the option for as long as the Fund's obligation as writer of the option continues. Upon the exercise of a put option written by a Fund, the Fund may suffer an economic loss equal to the difference between the price at which the Fund is required to purchase the underlying investment and its market value at the time of the option exercise, less the premium received for writing the option. Upon the exercise of a call option written by a Fund, the Fund may suffer an economic loss equal to an amount not less than the Fund's acquisition cost of the investment underlying the option, less the sum of the premium received for writing the option and the exercise price paid to the Fund.

A Fund may choose to exercise the options it holds, permit them to expire or terminate them prior to their expiration by entering into closing transactions. A Fund may enter into a closing purchase transaction in which the Fund purchases an option having the same terms as the option it had written or a closing sale transaction in which the Fund sells an option having the same terms as the option it had purchased.

Exchange-listed options on securities and currencies, with certain exceptions, generally settle by physical delivery of the underlying security or currency, although in the future, cash settlement may become available. Frequently, rather than taking or making delivery of the underlying instrument through the process of exercising the option, listed options are closed by entering into offsetting purchase or sale transactions that do not result in ownership of the new option. Index options are cash settled for the net amount, if any, by which the option is "in-the-money" (that is, the amount by which the value of the underlying instrument exceeds, in the case of a call option, or is less than, in the case of a put option, the exercise price of the option) at the time the option is exercised.

OTC options are purchased from or sold to securities dealers, financial institutions or other parties (collectively referred to as "counterparties" and individually referred to as a "counterparty") through a direct bilateral agreement with the counterparty. In contrast to exchange-listed options, which generally have standardized terms and performance mechanics, the terms of an OTC option, including such terms as method of settlement, term, exercise price, premium, guaranties and security, are determined by negotiation of the parties.

Unless the parties provide for it, no central clearing or guaranty function is involved in an OTC option. As a result, if a counterparty fails to make or take delivery of the security, currency or other instrument underlying an OTC option it has entered into with a Fund or fails to make a cash settlement payment due in accordance with the terms of that option, the Fund will lose any premium it paid for the option as well as any anticipated benefit of the transaction. Thus, the Adviser must assess the creditworthiness of each such counterparty or any guarantor or credit enhancement of the counterparty's credit to determine the likelihood that the terms of the OTC option will be met.

If a Fund sells a call option, the premium that it receives may serve as a partial hedge, to the extent of the option premium, against a decrease in the value of the underlying securities or instruments held by the Fund or will increase the Fund's income. Similarly, the sale of put options can also provide gains for a Fund. A Fund may purchase and sell call options on securities that are traded on U.S. and foreign securities exchanges and in the OTC markets, and on securities indices and currencies. Even though a Fund will receive the option premium to help protect it against loss, use of options could result in losses to the Fund, force the purchase or sale of portfolio securities at inopportune times or for prices higher or lower than current market values, or cause the Fund to hold a security it might otherwise sell or sell a security it might otherwise hold.

A Fund's ability to close out its position as a purchaser or seller of an OCC-issued or exchange-listed put or call option is dependent, in part, upon the liquidity of the particular option market. Among the possible reasons for the absence of a liquid option market on an exchange are: (i) insufficient trading interest in certain options; (ii) restrictions on transactions imposed by an exchange; (iii) trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions imposed with respect to particular classes or series of options or underlying securities, including reaching daily price limits; (iv) interruption of the normal operations of the OCC or an exchange; (v) inadequacy of the facilities of an exchange or the OCC to handle current trading volume; or (vi) a decision by one or more exchanges to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options), in which event the relevant market for that option on that exchange would cease to exist, although any such outstanding options on that exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.

The hours of trading for listed options may not coincide with the hours during which the underlying financial instruments are traded. To the extent that the option markets close before the markets for the underlying financial instruments, significant price and rate movements can take place in the underlying markets that would not be reflected in the corresponding option markets.

Options on Stocks and Stock Indices. Each Fund may purchase put and call options and write covered put and call options on stocks and stock indices in order to hedge against movements in the equity markets or to potentially increase income or gain to the Fund. In addition, each Fund may purchase options on stocks that are traded over-the-counter. Options on stock indices are similar to options on specific securities. However, because options on stock indices do not involve the delivery of an underlying security, the option represents the holder's right to obtain from the writer cash in an amount equal to a fixed multiple of the amount by which the exercise price exceeds (in the case of a put) or is less than (in the case of a call) the closing value of the underlying stock index on the exercise date. Options are also traded in certain industry or market segment indices. Stock index options are subject to position and exercise limits and other regulations imposed by the exchange on which they are traded.

For example, a purchase of a call option on a stock index could be used as a hedge against an increase in prices of particular equity securities a Fund wanted ultimately to buy if the Adviser expected general stock market prices to rise. If the stock index does rise, the price of the particular equity securities intended to be purchased may also increase, but that increase should be offset in part by the increase in the value of a Fund's index option resulting from the increase in the index. On the other hand, a purchase of a put option on the index could be used if the Adviser expected general stock market prices to decline. If that index does decline, the value of some or all of the equity securities in a Fund's portfolio may also be expected to decline, but that decrease would be offset in part by the increase in the value of the Fund's position in such put option.

*Options on Currencies*. Each Fund may invest in options on currencies traded on domestic and foreign securities exchanges in order to hedge against currency exchange rate risks or to increase income or gain, as described above in "**Currency Transactions**."

**Other Investment Companies (excluding ETFs)**

Each Fund may invest in shares of other investment companies, including open-end investment companies, subject to limits prescribed by the 1940 Act. These investment companies typically incur fees that are separate from those fees incurred directly by a Fund. A Fund's purchase of such investment company securities results in the layering of expenses, such that shareholders would indirectly bear a proportionate share of the operating expenses of such investment companies, including advisory fees, in addition to paying Fund expenses. No adjustments will be made to the advisory fee with respect to assets of a Fund invested in such investment companies.

A Fund's investment in other investment companies may include securities of closed-end investment companies investing in foreign securities. A Fund will invest in closed-end investment companies only in furtherance of their investment objectives. Growth in appreciation and dividends in foreign markets sometimes occurs at a faster rate than in domestic markets. The ability of a Fund to invest in closed-end investment companies that invest in foreign securities provides, indirectly, greater variety and added expertise with respect to investments in foreign markets than if the Fund invested directly in such markets. Such companies themselves, however, may have policies that are different from those of a Fund.

A Fund's investment in other investment companies may also include shares of ETFs, which are described elsewhere in this section under the heading "**Exchange-Traded Funds and Other Similar Instruments**."

**Preferred Stock**

Preferred stocks, like debt obligations, are generally fixed-income securities. Shareholders of preferred stocks normally have the right to receive dividends at a fixed rate when and as declared by the issuer's board of directors, but do not participate in other amounts available for distribution by the issuing corporation. Dividends on the preferred stock may be cumulative, and generally all cumulative dividends must be paid prior to common shareholders receiving any dividends. Because as a general matter preferred stock dividends must be paid before common stock dividends, preferred stocks generally entail less risk than common stocks. Upon liquidation, preferred stocks are generally entitled to a specified liquidation preference, which is generally the same as the par or stated value, and are senior in right of payment to common stock. Preferred stocks are, however, equity securities in the sense that they do not represent a liability of the issuer and, therefore, do not offer as great a degree of protection of capital or assurance of continued income as investments in corporate debt securities. In addition, preferred stocks are subordinated in right of payment to all debt obligations and creditors of the issuer, and convertible preferred stocks may be subordinated to other preferred stock of the same issuer.

**Repurchase Agreements**

Each Fund may enter into repurchase agreements. A repurchase agreement is a transaction in which the seller of a security commits itself at the time of sale to repurchase that security from the buyer at a mutually agreed upon time and price. The resale price is in excess of the purchase price and reflects an agreed-upon market interest rate unrelated to the coupon rate on the purchased security. Such transactions afford the opportunity to earn a return on temporarily available cash at relatively low market risk. When a Fund enters into a repurchase agreement, the Adviser will monitor the value of the securities underlying the repurchase agreement at the time the transaction is entered into and at all times during the term of the repurchase agreement to ensure that the value of the securities always equals or exceeds the repurchase price. A Fund will require that additional securities be deposited if the value of the securities purchased decreases below their resale price and does not bear the risk of a decline in the value of the underlying security unless the seller defaults under the repurchase obligation.

While the underlying security may be a bill, certificate of indebtedness, note or bond issued by an agency, authority or instrumentality of the U.S. government, the obligation of the seller is not guaranteed by the U.S. government and there is a risk that the seller may fail to repurchase the underlying security. In such event, a Fund would attempt to exercise rights with respect to the underlying security, including possible disposition in the market. However, a Fund may be subject to various delays and risks of loss, including (i) possible declines in the value of the underlying security during the period while the Fund seeks to enforce its rights thereto, (ii) possible reduced levels of income and lack of access to income during this period, and (iii) inability to enforce rights and the expenses involved in the attempted enforcement.

Repurchase agreements with maturities of more than seven days will be treated as illiquid securities.

**Reverse Repurchase Agreements**

Each Fund may enter into "reverse" repurchase agreements to avoid selling securities during unfavorable market conditions to meet redemptions. Pursuant to a reverse repurchase agreement, a Fund sells portfolio securities and agree to repurchase them from the buyer at a particular date and price. A Fund will pay interest on amounts obtained pursuant to reverse repurchase agreements. Reverse repurchase agreements are considered to be borrowings by a Fund. See "**Borrowing**" above.

**Restricted Securities and Securities with Limited Trading Markets (Rule 144A)**

Each Fund may purchase securities for which there is a limited trading market or which are subject to restrictions on resale to the public. If a Fund were to acquire substantial positions in securities with limited trading markets, the activities of the Fund could have an adverse effect upon the liquidity and marketability of such securities and the Fund might not be able to dispose of its holdings in those securities at then current market prices. Circumstances could also exist (to satisfy redemptions, for example) when portfolio securities might have to be sold by a Fund at times which otherwise might be considered to be disadvantageous so that the Fund might receive lower proceeds from such sales than it had expected to realize. Investments in securities which are "restricted" may involve added expenses to a Fund should the Fund be required to bear registration costs with respect to such securities and could involve delays in disposing of such securities which might have an adverse effect upon the price and timing of sales of such securities and the liquidity of the Fund with respect to redemptions. Restricted securities and securities for which there is a limited trading market may be significantly more difficult to value due to the unavailability of reliable market quotations for such securities, and investment in such securities may have an adverse impact on net asset value. Each Fund may purchase Rule 144A securities for which there may be a secondary market of qualified institutional buyers as contemplated by Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"). Liquidity determinations with respect to Rule 144A securities will be made by the Board of Trustees or by the Adviser pursuant to guidelines established by the Board. A Fund's holdings of Rule 144A securities which are considered liquid securities will not be subject to the Fund's applicable limitation on investments in illiquid securities.

**Securities Related Issuers**

The 1940 Act limits each Fund's ability to invest in any equity security of an issuer which, in its most recent fiscal year, derived more than 15% of its revenues from "securities related activities," as defined by the rules thereunder. These provisions may also restrict a Fund's investments in certain non-U.S. banks and other financial institutions.

**Short Sales**

Each Fund may make short sales of securities consistent with its strategies. A short sale is a transaction in which a Fund sells a security it does not own in anticipation that the market price of that security will decline.

When a Fund makes a short sale, it must borrow the security sold short and deliver a security equal in value to the security sold short to the broker-dealer through which it made the short sale as collateral for its obligation to deliver the security upon conclusion of the sale. A Fund may have to pay a fee to borrow particular securities and may be obligated to pay over any accrued interest and dividends on such borrowed securities.

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

A short sale is "against the box" to the extent that a Fund contemporaneously owns, or has the right to obtain at no added cost, securities identical to those sold short. Each Fund may engage in short selling to the extent permitted by the federal securities laws and rules and interpretations thereunder. To the extent a Fund engages in short selling in foreign (non-U.S.) jurisdictions, the Fund will do so to the extent permitted by the laws and regulations of such jurisdiction.

**Temporary Defensive Positions**

Each Fund may depart from its principal investment strategies to meet redemption requests or in response to adverse market, economic or political conditions by taking temporary defensive positions. While in a temporary investment position, a Fund may invest some or all of its assets in cash and/or cash equivalent securities. Cash equivalent securities include, but are not limited to, obligations of the U.S. government or by its agencies or instrumentalities, money market fund shares, commercial paper, certificates of deposit and/or banker's acceptances, as well as other interest bearing or discount obligations or debt instruments that carry an investment grade rating by a national rating agency. Under such circumstances, a Fund may not achieve its investment objective.

**U.S. Government Securities**

Each Fund may invest without limit in securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or by its agencies or instrumentalities. U.S. government securities in general include a wide variety of U.S. Treasury obligations consisting of bills, notes and bonds, which principally differ only in their interest rates, maturities and times of issuance. Securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies and instrumentalities are debt securities issued by agencies or instrumentalities established or sponsored by the U.S. government and may be backed only by the credit of the issuing agency or instrumentality. A Fund will invest in such obligations only where the Adviser is satisfied that the credit risk with respect to the issuer is minimal.

Securities issued by the U.S. Treasury generally do not involve the credit risks associated with investments in other types of fixed-income securities, although, as a result, the yields available from these securities are generally lower than the yields available from corporate fixed-income securities. Like other debt securities, however, the values of U.S. government securities change as interest rates fluctuate, which could affect a Fund's net asset value. Under certain market conditions a Fund may, for temporary defensive purposes, accept lower current income from short-term investments rather than investing in higher yielding long-term securities. Some U.S. government securities (such as Fannie Maes and Freddie Macs) are guaranteed as to the payment of principal and interest by the relevant entity (e.g., FNMA or FHLMC) but are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. Therefore, the securities would generally be neither issued nor guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury.

*CMOs and MBS Derivatives*

The collateralized mortgage obligation ("CMO") and stripped mortgage-backed securities ("MBS") markets were developed specifically to reallocate the various risks inherent in MBS across various bond classes ("tranches"). For example, CMO "companion" classes typically experience much greater average life variability than other CMO classes or MBS pass-throughs. Interest-only pass-through securities experience greater yield variability relative to changes in prepayments. "Inverse floaters" experience greater variability of returns relative to changes in interest rates. To the extent that a Fund concentrates its investments in these or other "derivative" securities, the prepayment risks, interest rate risks, and hedging risks associated with such securities will be severely magnified.

**Warrants and Rights**

Each Fund may invest in warrants and rights. Warrants are securities that are usually issued together with a debt security or preferred stock and that give the holder the right to buy a proportionate amount of common stock at a specified price until a stated expiration date. Buying a warrant generally can provide a greater potential for profit or loss than an investment of equivalent amounts in the underlying common stock. The market value of a warrant does not necessarily move with the value of the underlying securities. If a holder does not sell the warrant, it risks the loss of its entire investment if the market price of the underlying security does not, before the expiration date, exceed the exercise price of the warrant. Investing in warrants is a speculative activity. Warrants pay no dividends and confer no rights (other than the right to purchase the underlying securities) with respect to the assets of the issuer. A right is a privilege granted, typically to existing shareholders of a corporation, to subscribe for shares of a new issue of stock before it is issued. Rights normally have a short life, usually two to four weeks, may be freely transferable and generally entitle the holder to buy the new common stock at a lower price than the public offering price.

**Zero-Coupon Securities, Pay-In-Kind Bonds and Deferred Payment Securities**

Each Fund may invest in zero-coupon securities, pay-in-kind bonds and deferred payment securities. Zero-coupon securities are debt securities that pay no cash income but are sold at substantial discounts from their value at maturity. When a zero-coupon security is held to maturity, its entire return, which consists of the amortization of discount, comes from the difference between its purchase price and its maturity value. This difference is known at the time of purchase, so that investors holding zero-coupon securities until maturity know at the time of their investment what the expected return on their investment will be. Zero-coupon securities may have conversion features. Each Fund also may purchase pay-in-kind bonds. Pay-in-kind bonds pay all or a portion of their interest in the form of debt or equity securities. Deferred payment securities are securities that remain zero-coupon securities until a predetermined date, at which time the stated coupon rate becomes effective and interest becomes payable at regular intervals.

Zero-coupon securities, pay-in-kind bonds and deferred payment securities tend to be subject to greater price fluctuations in response to changes in interest rates than are ordinary interest-paying debt securities with similar maturities. The value of zero-coupon securities appreciates more during periods of declining interest rates and depreciates more during periods of rising interest rates than ordinary interest-paying debt securities with similar maturities. Zero-coupon securities, pay-in-kind bonds and deferred payment securities may be issued by a wide variety of corporate and governmental issuers. Although these instruments are generally not traded on a national securities exchange, they are widely traded by brokers and dealers and, to such extent, will not generally be considered illiquid for the purposes of a Fund's limitation on investments in illiquid securities.

Current U.S. federal income tax law requires the holder of a zero-coupon security, certain pay-in-kind bonds, deferred payment securities and certain other securities acquired at a discount to accrue income with respect to these securities prior to the receipt of cash payments. Accordingly, to avoid liability for U.S. federal income and excise taxes, a Fund may be required to distribute the amount of income accrued with respect to these securities and may have to dispose of portfolio securities under disadvantageous circumstances in order to generate cash to satisfy these distribution requirements. See "**FEDERAL INCOME TAXES** – **Special Tax Considerations** *– Securities Issued or Purchased at a Discount*."

**INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS**

**Fundamental and Non-Fundamental Investment Restrictions**

*Fundamental Investment Restrictions*

The following is a description of fundamental policies of each Fund that may not be changed without the vote of a majority of a Fund's outstanding voting securities. Under the 1940 Act, the vote of a majority of the outstanding securities of a company means the vote, at the annual or a special meeting of the security holders of such company duly called: (A) of 67 per centum or more of the voting securities present at such meeting, if the holders of more than 50 per centum of the outstanding voting securities of such company are present or represented by proxy; or (B) of more than 50 per centum of the outstanding voting securities of such company, whichever is less. The other restrictions set forth below, as well as each Fund's investment objective and each of the other investment restrictions set forth in the Prospectus or this SAI and not designated as fundamental, are not fundamental policies and may be changed by the Board of Trustees. The percentages set forth below and the percentages set forth in the Prospectus apply at the time of the purchase of a security, except (i) with respect to fundamental investment restriction (2) and (7), for which any such required percentages apply at all times and (ii) as otherwise required by applicable law.

Each Fund may not:

(1) Purchase securities which would cause 25% or more of the value of its total assets at the time of the purchase to be directly invested in the securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry (excluding obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or any state or territory of the United States or any of their agencies, instrumentalities or political subdivisions);

(2) Borrow money, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act;

(3) Make loans, except that a Fund may purchase or hold debt instruments in accordance with its investment objectives and policies; provided however, this restriction does not apply to repurchase agreements or loans of portfolio securities;

(4) Act as an underwriter of securities of other issuers except that, in the disposition of portfolio securities, it may be deemed to be an underwriter under the federal securities laws;

(5) Purchase or sell real estate, although a Fund may purchase securities of issuers which deal in real estate, securities which are secured by interests in real estate, and securities which represent interests in real estate, and they may acquire and dispose of real estate or interests in real estate acquired through the exercise of their rights as a holder of debt obligations secured by real estate or interests therein;

(6) Purchase or sell commodities, unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments; however, this restriction shall not prevent a Fund from engaging in transactions involving swaps, futures contracts, forward contracts, options or other derivative instruments, investing in securities that are secured by commodities or investing in companies or other entities that are engaged in a commodities or commodities trading business or that have a significant portion of their assets in commodities-related investments, subject to restrictions described in each Fund's Prospectus and elsewhere in this SAI; and

(7) Issue senior securities, except for permitted borrowings or as otherwise permitted under the 1940 Act.

For the purposes of restriction (1) above, industry classifications are determined for each Fund in accordance with the industry or sub-industry classifications established by Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) sector and industry classifications. Each Fund may use other classification titles, standards and systems from time to time, as it determines to be in the best interests of shareholders. The use of any particular classification system is not a fundamental policy.

Restrictions (2) and (7) above shall be interpreted based upon no-action letters and other pronouncements of the staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Under current pronouncements, certain Fund positions may be excluded from the definition of "senior security" so long as each Fund complies with applicable regulatory requirements. See "**Borrowing**" above.

*Non-Fundamental Investment Restrictions*

In addition, it is contrary to each Fund's present policies, which may be changed without shareholder vote, to purchase any illiquid security, including any securities whose disposition is restricted under federal securities laws and securities that are not readily marketable, if, as a result, more than 15% of a Fund's net assets (based on then-current value) would then be invested in such securities. For purposes of this restriction, the staff of the SEC is presently of the view that repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days are subject to this restriction. Until that position is revised, modified or rescinded, each Fund will conduct its operations in a manner consistent with this view. This limitation on investment in illiquid securities does not apply to certain restricted securities, including securities pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and certain commercial paper that the Adviser has determined to be liquid under procedures approved by the Board of Trustees.

**PORTFOLIO TURNOVER**

Purchases and sales of portfolio securities may be made as considered advisable by the Adviser in the best interests of the shareholders. Each Fund's portfolio turnover rate may vary from year to year, as well as within a year. Each Fund's distributions of any net short-term capital gains realized from portfolio transactions are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. In addition, higher portfolio turnover rates can result in corresponding increases in portfolio transaction costs for the Fund. See "**PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE**" in this SAI.

For reporting purposes, each Fund's portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the fiscal year by the monthly average of the value of the portfolio securities owned by a Fund during the fiscal year. In determining such portfolio turnover, all securities whose maturities at the time of acquisition were one year or less are excluded. A 100% portfolio turnover rate would occur, for example, if all of the securities in a Fund's investment portfolio (other than short-term money market securities) were replaced once during the fiscal year. Portfolio turnover will not be a limiting factor should the Adviser deem it advisable to purchase or sell securities.

**DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS**

This Policy sets forth the conditions under which Portfolio Holdings (defined below) data for the Trust on behalf of a Fund may be disclosed to Third Parties (defined below) (which may include the public) and Service Providers (defined below). No data about a Fund's portfolio holdings may be disclosed except in accordance with this Policy. Portfolio Holdings data includes, but is not limited to, the following information about a Fund: (i) specific securities held; (ii) industry sector breakdowns as a percentage of portfolio net assets; (iii) asset composition (*e.g.*, equities versus bonds); (iv) U.S. versus foreign holdings percentage breakdowns and regional breakdowns (*e.g.*, Asia, North America); and (v) top 10 portfolio holdings in order of position size, including percentage of portfolio.

"Third Parties" or a "Third Party" means a person other than a Service Provider, an employee of a Service Provider, a Trustee of the Board of Trustees of the Trust, or an officer of the Trust.

"Service Providers" or a "Service Provider" includes, but is not limited to, the investment adviser, administrator, custodian, transfer agent, fund accountant, principal underwriter, software or technology service providers, pricing and proxy voting service providers, research and trading service providers, auditors, accountants, and legal counsel, or any other entity that has a need to know such information in order to fulfill their contractual obligations to provide services to the Fund.

**Policy Overview**

The Board has adopted, on behalf of each Fund, policies and procedures relating to disclosure of the Portfolio Holdings. These policies and procedures are designed to protect the confidentiality of the Portfolio Holdings' information and to prevent the selective disclosure of such information. These policies and procedures may be modified at any time with the approval of the Board.

In order to protect each Fund from any trading practices or other use by a Third Party that could harm a Fund, Portfolio Holdings' and other Fund-specific information must not be selectively released or disclosed except under the circumstances described below.

Only officers of the Trust and their authorized agents, including, but not limited to, the Chief Compliance Officer of the investment adviser, may approve the disclosure of a Fund's Portfolio Holdings. Except as set forth under "**Policy Exceptions**" below, exceptions to this Policy may only be made if an officer of the Trust and its authorized agents, including, but not limited to, the Chief Compliance Officer of the investment adviser, determines that the disclosure is being made for a legitimate business purpose and such disclosures must be documented and reported to the Board on a quarterly basis. In all cases, Third Parties and Service Providers are required to execute a non-disclosure agreement requiring the recipient to keep confidential any Portfolio Holdings data received and not to trade on the Confidential Portfolio Information (defined below) received. Neither the Trust nor its Service Providers (nor any persons affiliated with either) can receive any compensation or other consideration in connection with the sharing of the Fund's Portfolio Holdings.

Disclosure of the Portfolio Holdings' information that is not publicly available ("Confidential Portfolio Information") may be made to Service Providers. In addition, to the extent permitted under applicable law, the investment adviser may distribute (or authorize the custodian or principal underwriter to distribute) Confidential Portfolio Information to a Fund's relevant Service Providers and to facilitate the review of a Fund by certain mutual fund analysts and ratings agencies (such as Morningstar and Lipper Analytical Services) ("Rating Agencies"); provided that such disclosure is limited to the information that the investment adviser believes is reasonably necessary in connection with the services to be provided. As noted above, except to the extent permitted under this Policy, Confidential Portfolio Information may not be disseminated for compensation or other consideration.

Before any disclosure of Confidential Portfolio Information to Service Providers or Rating Agencies is permitted, the Chief Compliance Officer for the Adviser (or persons designated by such Chief Compliance Officer) must determine in writing that, under the circumstances, the disclosure is being made for a legitimate business purpose. Furthermore, the recipient of Confidential Portfolio Information by a Service Provider or Rating Agency must be either subject to a written confidentiality agreement that prohibits any trading upon the Confidential Portfolio Information or subject to professional or ethical obligations not to disclose or otherwise improperly use the information, such as would apply to independent registered public accounting firms or legal counsel.

The identity of such entities is provided below:

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name of Recipient** | **Frequency of**<br> **Holdings Disclosure** | **Information Lag** | **Date of Information** | **Date Provided**<br> **to Recipients** |
| Clarkston Capital Partners, LLC (Adviser) | Daily | None | Daily | Daily |
| ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (Administrator) | Daily | None | Daily | Daily |
| U.S. Bank, N.A. (Custodian) | Daily | None | Daily | Daily |
| Ridgeline, Inc, (Portfolio accounting system) | Daily | None | Daily | Daily |
| FactSet Research Systems Inc. (Data analytics provider) | Daily | None | Daily | Daily |
| Cohen & Company, Ltd. (Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm) | As needed | None | As needed | As needed |
| Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP (Trust Counsel) | As needed | None | As needed | As needed |
| Thompson Hine LLP (Independent Counsel) | As needed | None | As needed | As needed |

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Each Fund's investment adviser shall have primary responsibility for ensuring that the Portfolio Holdings' information is disclosed only in accordance with this Policy. As part of this responsibility, each Fund's investment adviser will maintain such internal policies and procedures as it believes are reasonably necessary for preventing the unauthorized disclosure of Confidential Portfolio Information.

**Full Portfolio Holdings**

The disclosure policy currently authorizes the quarterly dissemination of full portfolio holdings of a Fund with a seven (7) calendar day lag. Except as set forth in this Policy, the full holdings of a Fund will also be disclosed on a quarterly basis on forms required to be filed with the SEC as follows: (i) Portfolio Holdings as of the end of each fiscal year will be filed as part of the annual report filed on Form N-CSR; (ii) Portfolio Holdings as of the end of the first and third fiscal quarters will be filed in Form N-PORT; and (iii) Portfolio Holdings as of the end of the second fiscal quarter will be filed as part of the semi-annual report filed on Form N-CSR. The Trust's Form N-CSRs and Form N-PORTs are available free of charge on the SEC's website at <u>www.sec.gov</u>. Portfolio holdings information may be separately provided to any person, including rating and ranking organizations such as Morningstar and Lipper, at the same time that it is filed with the SEC.

**Partial Portfolio Holdings**

Except as set forth in this Policy, partial Portfolio Holdings information will only be provided to Third Parties for the most recent month-end period and only after a thirty (30) calendar day delay from the end of the month being provided. These holdings may include any combination of the Portfolio Holdings information, except for full Portfolio Holdings.

**Policy Exceptions**

The following disclosures of Portfolio Holdings are not prohibited by this Policy:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| § | Disclosures that are required by law; |
| § | Disclosures necessary for Service Providers to perform services to the Funds, provided that they are made pursuant to a written agreement between the Service Provider and the receiving party that restricts the third party's use of the information; |
| § | Disclosure necessary for Rating Agencies to assess applicable fund ratings; |
| § | Disclosures necessary to broker-dealers or banks as a part of the normal buying, selling, shorting or other transactions in portfolio securities; |
| § | Disclosures to the applicable Fund's or Service Providers' regulatory authorities, accountants or counsel; and |
| § | Disclosures to the adviser of a Fund of compiled data concerning accounts managed by the adviser. |

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**PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE**

**Investment Decisions and Portfolio Transactions**

Investment decisions for each Fund are made with a view to achieving its investment objectives. Investment decisions are the product of many factors in addition to basic suitability for the particular client involved (including each Fund). Some securities considered for investment by a Fund may also be appropriate for other clients served by the Adviser. Thus, a particular security may be bought or sold for multiple clients at the same time.

If the Adviser determines that the purchase or sale of a particular security at a particular time is appropriate for more than one client account, the Adviser will typically, but is not obligated to, aggregate client orders into one order ("Block Orders") for execution purposes. Block trading can avoid the adverse effect on a security's price when simultaneous separate and competing orders are placed. When aggregating orders and subsequently allocating Block Orders (purchases and sales) to individual client accounts, it is the Adviser's policy to treat all clients fairly and to achieve an equitable distribution of aggregated orders.

When a Block Order is filled in its entirety, each participating account will receive the average share price for the order on the same business day and transaction costs will be shared pro rata based on each account's participation in the Block Order. If the total amount of securities bought or sold is less than the amount requested in the Block Order, the portion that is executed will be allocated pro rata between all accounts participating in the Block Order at the average price obtained, and transaction costs will be shared pro rata based on each account's allocation in the initial block. Participating accounts that had an order for a de minimis number of shares may be allocated their full order before the remaining shares are allocated. Such allocations will be made pro rata to all participating accounts that had an order for a de minimis number of shares based on each client's participation in the order unless the cost of such allocation is deemed excessive. In situations for which pro-rata allocations would result in excessive trading costs, the allocation will be based on simple random selection.

If the Adviser's trading desk receives an order for a security at the same time as there exists an open order for that same security that the Adviser intends to place with the broker executing the open order, the additional order may be added to the existing open order. However, any partial fills of the existing open order that occurred prior to the time of the placement of the second order with the same broker will be allocated solely to the clients participating in the existing open order, and the second order will be added into the unfilled portion of the existing open order.

Not all transactions for clients are aggregated into Block Orders. Each of the Adviser's divisions and portfolio management teams generally reviews each equity strategy and respective accounts separately and non-concurrently with other managed strategies and accounts. As a result, the timing of when the Adviser's trading desk receives an order for a security can differ between clients, including the Funds. Some types of purchase or sale transactions cannot be included in Block Orders. Clients whose transactions are not part of an aggregated order will receive different prices, which may be more or less than the price a client would have received had the transactions been included in a Block Order. In such cases, clients will not always receive as favorable executions as they might otherwise receive from Block Orders. Likewise, a particular security may be bought for one or more clients when one or more clients are selling the security. In some instances, one client may sell a particular security to another client. There may be circumstances when purchases or sales of portfolio securities for one or more clients will have an adverse effect on other clients, including a Fund.

**Brokerage and Research Services**

The Adviser places orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio securities for each Fund through several brokers or dealers. The Adviser's general policy is to use its best efforts to seek to obtain best execution for all client portfolio transactions, taking into account a variety of factors such as: (i) the security price; (ii) the commission rate; (iii) the size and difficulty of the order and timing of the transaction; (iv) the broker-dealer's execution capability, which includes the broker-dealer's relative ability to execute an order at the best available price, as well as the speed, quality, overall cost and certainty of execution; (v) the broker-dealer's responsiveness and financial responsibility, which includes the broker-dealer's creditworthiness and other factors that may impact the Adviser's confidence in the broker-dealer's stability; (vi) any conflicts of interest associated with using a broker-dealer; (vii) confidentiality provided by the broker-dealer; (viii) other factors, such as, the broker-dealer's integrity and quality of communication, the adequacy of information provided by the broker-dealer, the ability of the broker-dealer to provide ad hoc information or services, and the ability of the broker-dealer to handle client directed brokerage arrangements; and (ix) research capabilities of the broker-dealer. It is not the Adviser's policy to seek the lowest available commission rate where it believes that a broker or dealer charging a higher commission rate would offer greater reliability or provide better price or execution. The Adviser cannot assure that best execution will be achieved for each Fund transaction. The Adviser maintains a list of approved broker-dealers it will use to place Fund and other client trades for execution. The Adviser periodically reevaluates these broker-dealers to confirm that they meet the Adviser's criteria and standards, including that they provide trade execution services that the Adviser views as satisfactory. Upon reevaluation or at other times, the Adviser may add or remove broker-dealers to or from the list of approved broker-dealers. Although each Fund may use a broker-dealer that sells Fund shares to effect transactions for a Fund's portfolios, a Fund will not consider the sale of Fund shares as a factor when selecting broker-dealers to execute those transactions.

Subject to the Adviser's policy of seeking best execution for transactions, and subject to the criteria of Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act"), the Adviser may place trades with a broker-dealer that provides brokerage and research services. The Adviser may have an incentive to select or recommend a broker based on its interest in receiving research or other products or services, rather than its interest in receiving the most favorable execution for a Fund. However, in selecting a broker for research, the Adviser makes a good faith determination that the amount of commission charged is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and/or research received. The determination may be viewed in terms of a particular transaction or the Adviser's overall responsibilities with respect to the accounts over which it exercises investment discretion. Research and brokerage services provided by broker-dealers chosen by the Adviser to place a Fund's portfolio transactions may be useful to the Adviser in providing services to the Adviser's other clients, although not all of these services may be necessarily useful and of value to the Adviser in managing the Funds. Conversely, brokerage and research products and services provided to the Adviser by broker-dealers in connection with trades executed on behalf of other clients of the Adviser may be useful to the Adviser in managing the Funds, although not all of these brokerage and research products and services may be necessarily useful and of value to the Adviser in managing such other clients. Subject to Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act, the Adviser may pay a broker additional commission in recognition of the value of the brokerage and/or research services provided by that broker. When the Adviser uses Fund brokerage commissions to obtain research or other products or services, the Adviser receives a benefit because it does not have to produce or pay for the research, products or services. The advisory fees paid by a Fund are not reduced because the Adviser receives such services even though the receipt of such services relieves the Adviser from expenses it might otherwise bear.

The Adviser may place orders for the purchase and sale of exchange-listed portfolio securities with a broker-dealer that is an affiliate of the Adviser where, in the judgment of the Adviser, such firm will be able to obtain a price and execution at least as favorable as other qualified broker-dealers. Pursuant to rules of the SEC, a broker-dealer that is an affiliate of the Adviser may receive and retain compensation for effecting portfolio transactions for a Fund on a securities exchange if the commissions paid to such an affiliated broker-dealer by a Fund on exchange transactions do 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." As required by applicable SEC rules, the Board has adopted procedures which are reasonably designed to provide that any commissions, fees or other remuneration paid to an affiliated broker are consistent with the foregoing standards.

The following tables list the total amount of brokerage commissions paid by each Fund for the fiscal years noted below:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **For the**<br> **Fiscal Year Ended**<br> **September 30, 2025** | **For the**<br> **Fiscal Year Ended**<br> **September 30, 2024** | **For the**<br> **Fiscal Year Ended**<br> **September 30, 2023** |
| Clarkston Partners Fund | $637531 | $599079 | $368991 |
| Clarkston Fund | $56922 | $51779 | $20311 |
| Clarkston Founders Fund | $318222 | $233567 | $201712 |

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The increase in commissions paid by the Clarkston Founders Fund in fiscal year 2025 versus 2024 was predominantly due to higher portfolio turnover. The increase in commissions paid by the Clarkston Partners Fund in fiscal year 2024 versus 2023 was predominantly due to higher commissions in 2024 as a result of the liquidation of a holding with a large number of shares.

**PURCHASE, EXCHANGE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES**

ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (the "Transfer Agent") will maintain an account for each shareholder upon which the registration and transfer of shares are recorded, and any transfers shall be reflected by bookkeeping entry, without physical delivery. Confirmations of each purchase or redemption are sent to each shareholder. Quarterly statements of account are sent which include shares purchased as a result of a reinvestment of Fund distributions. The Transfer Agent will require that a shareholder provide requests in writing, accompanied by a valid signature guarantee form, when changing certain information in an account (*i.e.*, wiring instructions, telephone privileges, etc.).

**Share Classes**

Shares of the Clarkston Partners Fund and Clarkston Founders Fund are currently divided into two share classes: Founders Class and Institutional Class shares. The Clarkston Fund has one share class, the Institutional Class.

The assets received by each class of a Fund for the issue or sale of its shares and all income, earnings, profits, losses and proceeds therefrom, subject only to the rights of creditors, are allocated to, and constitute the underlying assets of, that class of the Fund. The underlying assets of each class of a Fund are segregated and are charged with the expenses with respect to that class of the Fund along with a share of the general expenses of the Fund and the Trust. Any general expenses of a Fund that are not readily identifiable as belonging to a particular class of the Fund are allocated by or under the direction of the Board of Trustees in such manner as they determine to be fair and reasonable.

**Purchase of Shares**

No sales charges will be applied to your share purchases.

The Clarkston Partners Fund and Clarkston Founders Fund offer investors two classes of shares: the Founders Class and the Institutional Class. The Founders Class shares are offered on a limited basis and are available only to:

● beneficial owners of Direct Accounts who invest through a Fund's default dealer and whose account is held directly on the Fund's transfer agent system, is not associated with any intermediary, broker, or dealer of record, and does not incur intermediary servicing fees, subject to an investment minimum for the Clarkston Partners Fund and Clarkston Founders Fund of $25,000 and $10,000, respectively, with no minimum subsequent investment; and

● clients of institutions with managed account programs that have been approved by the Adviser, subject to an aggregate minimum of $100 million.

Institutional Class shares are typically offered only through certain types of financial intermediaries and to certain institutional investors and individuals. Institutional Class shares are also offered directly, via each of the Funds' transfer agents, and through financial intermediaries (including, but not limited to, broker-dealers, retirement plans, bank trust departments, and financial advisors). Such intermediaries may require payment from a Fund or its service providers for the provision of distribution, administrative or shareholder retention services. Institutional investors may include, but are not limited to, corporations, retirement plans, public plans and foundations/endowments.

Not all financial intermediaries offer all classes of shares. Each investor's financial considerations are different. You should speak with your financial advisor to help you decide which share class is best for you. If your financial intermediary offers more than one class of shares, you should carefully consider which class of shares to purchase. Certain classes have higher expenses than other classes, which may lower the return on your investment.

The minimum investments in each Fund are set forth in the Prospectus.

Subsequent investments may be made at any time by mailing a check to the Transfer Agent, along with a detachable stub from the Statement of Account (or a letter providing the account number). Shareholders should be sure to write the Fund's account number on the check. Purchases of Fund shares (initial or subsequent) may not be made by third-party check.

Shares of a Fund may be purchased on any business day at the net asset value per share next determined after receipt of a purchase order. Share certificates will not be issued. Share purchase orders are effective on the date the Fund receives a completed Account Application Form (and other required documents) and federal funds become available.

Initial and subsequent investments may also be made by wire transfer. Shareholders should note that their bank may charge a fee in connection with transferring money by bank wire.

For a share purchase order for a Fund to become effective on a particular business day, prior to 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time): (i) in the case of a wire transfer payment, a purchaser must call 1-844-680-6562 to inform the Transfer Agent of an incoming wire transfer; or (ii) in the case of payment by check or money order, a complete share purchase order must be actually received by the Transfer Agent, and, in either case, federal funds must be received by the Transfer Agent, on behalf of the Fund. If federal funds are received by the Transfer Agent that same day, the order will be effective on that day. If a Fund receives notification of a wire transfer or a complete share purchase order after 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time), or if federal funds are not received by the Transfer Agent, such purchase order shall be executed as of the date that federal funds are actually received.

The price of each Fund's shares and the valuation of Fund assets are discussed below in "**NET ASSET VALUE**."

**Redemption of Shares**

If the Board of Trustees determines that it is in the best interests of the remaining shareholders of a Fund, the Fund may pay the redemption price in whole, or in part, by a distribution in kind from the Fund, in lieu of cash, taking such securities at their value employed for determining such redemption price, and selecting the securities in such manner as such Board may deem fair and equitable. A shareholder who receives a distribution in kind may incur a brokerage commission upon a later disposition of such securities and may receive less than the redemption value of such securities or property upon sale, particularly where such securities are sold prior to maturity. However, each Fund is required to redeem shares solely for cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the NAV of the Fund during any 90-day period for any one shareholder. Should redemptions by any shareholder exceed such limitation, the Fund will have the option of redeeming the excess in cash or in-kind. Redemption in kind is not as liquid as a cash redemption.

Under the 1940 Act, each Fund may suspend the right of redemption or postpone the date of payment upon redemption for any period: (i) during which the NYSE is closed, other than customary weekend and holiday closings; (ii) during which trading on the NYSE is restricted; or (iii) during which (as determined by the SEC by rule or regulation) an emergency exists as a result of which disposal or valuation of portfolio securities is not reasonably practicable, or for such other periods as the SEC may permit. Each Fund may also suspend or postpone the recordation of the transfer of its shares upon the occurrence of any of the foregoing conditions.

*Redemption Procedures.* A Fund will redeem all full and fractional shares of the Fund upon request on any business day at the applicable net asset value determined after the receipt of proper redemption instructions, less any applicable redemption fees. Shareholders liquidating their holdings will receive upon redemption all dividends reinvested through the date of redemption. If notice of redemption is received on any business day, the redemption will be effective on the date of receipt. Payment will ordinarily be made by wire on the next business day, but, in any case, within no more than seven business days from the date of receipt. If the notice is received on a day that is not a business day or after the close of regularly scheduled trading on the NYSE, the redemption notice will be deemed received as of the next business day. The value of shares at the time of redemption may be more or less than the shareholder's cost.

Redemption requests for shares recently purchased by check will be accepted only after a Fund has confirmed receipt of payment for the shares, which may take up to 10 days.

*Note: Under the 1940 Act, each Fund has the right to suspend or postpone redemptions of shares for any period (i) during which the NYSE or exchange is closed, other than customary weekend and holiday closings; (ii) during which trading on the NYSE or exchange is restricted; (iii) during which (as determined by the SEC or other regulatory authority by rule or regulation) an emergency exists as a result of which disposal or valuation of portfolio securities is not reasonably practicable, or (iv) as otherwise permitted by the SEC or other regulatory authority. Each Fund may also suspend or postpone the recordation of the transfer of its shares upon the occurrence of any of the foregoing conditions.*

**Exchanging Shares**

If you have held your shares in a Fund for at least seven days, you may exchange those shares for shares (of a corresponding share class) of another Fund if such Fund is available for sale in your state and meets the investment criteria of the investor.

Any new account established through an exchange will be subject to all minimum requirements applicable to the shares acquired. The exchange privilege may only be exercised in those states where the class of shares being acquired legally may be sold. If you are an existing shareholder of any Fund, you may exchange into a new account copying your existing account registration and options. Exchanges between accounts will be accepted only if registrations are identical.

An exchange between shares issued by different funds represents the taxable sale of shares from one Fund and the purchase of shares of the other Fund. This may produce a taxable gain or loss in your non-tax-qualified account.

For a Fund or Funds with multiple classes, you may also exchange between classes of a single Fund if you meet the shareholder investment and other requirements for the class into which you would like to exchange. Exchanges between classes of a single Fund are generally not considered a taxable transaction but tax reporting requirements may apply as described in "**FEDERAL INCOME TAXES** – **Special Tax Considerations** *– Exchanges between Classes of a Single Fund*."

The exchange privilege may be modified or terminated upon sixty (60) days' written notice to shareholders. Although initially there will be no limit on the number of times you may exercise the exchange privilege, each Fund reserves the right to impose such a limitation. Call or write the Funds for further details.

**Shareholder Services Plan for Institutional Class Shares**

Each Fund has adopted a non-Rule 12b-1 shareholder services plan (a "Services Plan") for Institutional Class shares which authorize each Fund to compensate select financial intermediaries and Fund affiliates an aggregate fee in an amount not to annually exceed 0.15% of the average daily net asset value of the Institutional Class shares of each Fund attributable to, or held in the name of, the financial intermediary for its clients as compensation for maintaining customer accounts that hold Fund shares. The Service Plan fee is compensation for providing, some or all of the following services: (i) establishing and maintaining Fund shareholder accounts, (ii) aggregating, processing and transmitting Fund shareholder orders and instructions regarding accounts, (ii) processing dividend and other distribution payments from each Fund on behalf of shareholders, (iv) preparing reports or forms on behalf of shareholders, (v) forwarding communications from each Fund to shareholders, and (vi) providing such other similar services as applicable statutes, rules or regulations permit. None of the aforementioned services includes distribution related services or activities. Any amount of the Services Plan fees not paid during the Funds' fiscal year for such services shall be reimbursed to the applicable Fund.

**TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS**

The business and affairs of the Funds are managed under the direction of the Trust's Board of Trustees. The Board approves all significant agreements between/among the Funds and the persons or companies that furnish services to the Funds, including agreements with each Fund's distributor, Adviser, administrator, custodian and transfer agent. The day-to-day operations of the Funds are delegated to the Adviser and the Funds' administrator.

The name, address, year of birth, and principal occupations for the past five years of the Trustees and officers of the Trust are listed below, along with the number of portfolios in the Fund Complex overseen by and the other directorships held by the Trustee.

**<u>Independent Trustees</u>**

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Birth** <br> **Year & Address\***  | **Position(s)** <br> **Held with Fund** | **Term of**<br> **Office and**<br> **Length of<br> Time Served\*\*** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Principal Occupation(s)**<br> **During Past 5 Years\*\*\*** | **Number of**<br> **Funds in**<br> **Fund Complex**<br> **Overseen by**<br> **Trustee\*\*\*\*** | **Other Directorships**<br> **Held by Trustee**<br> **During Past 5 Years\*\*\*** |
| **Ward D. Armstrong**, <br> **Birth year: 1954** | Trustee and Chairman | Mr. Armstrong was appointed to the Board on May 27, 2016 and elected to the Board by shareholders on April 12, 2021. Mr. Armstrong was appointed Chairman of the Board at the August 24, 2017 meeting of the Board of Trustees. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mr. Armstrong is currently retired. From February 2010 to July 2015, he was Co-Founder and Managing Partner of NorthRock Partners, a private wealth advisory firm providing comprehensive wealth management and family office services to the high net-worth marketplace. Previously, he was Senior Vice President, Ameriprise Financial (1984 to 2007); Chairman of Ameriprise Trust Company (1996 to 2007) and President, American Express Institutional Asset Management (2002 to 2004). He has also served on several investment related Boards including Kenwood Capital Management, RiverSource Investments, American Express Asset Management International and was Chair of the Ordway Theatre Endowment Committee. | 8 | Mr. Armstrong is a Director of the Heartland Group, Inc. (3 funds) (2008 to present). |
| **Merrillyn J. Kosier,** <br> **Birth year: 1959** | Trustee | Ms. Kosier was appointed to the Board on November 17, 2021. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ms. Kosier retired from Ariel Investments as Executive Vice President in 2019. During her twenty year tenure at the firm, she served as Chief Marketing Officer, Ariel Mutual Funds (2007 - 2019); Trustee for Ariel Investment Trust (2003 - 2019) and President of Ariel Distributors, LLC (2002 - 2019). Prior to joining Ariel Investments, she was Senior Vice President at Wanger Asset Management, the investment adviser to Acorn Investment Trust (1993 - 1998); Vice President of Marketing Communications at Kemper Financial Services (1984 - 1993); and a Registered Sales Representative at R. J. O'Brien & Associates (1982 - 1984). Most recently, Ms. Kosier joined the board of Miami Corporation Management, a multi-generation family office and family holding company (June 2023 - present). She is also Board and CEO Advisor to Bridgeway Capital Management, a U.S. asset manager specializing in statistically driven institutional investment strategies, mutual funds, and sub-advisory services (December 2023 - present). | 8 | Ms. Kosier is a Trustee at the Harris Theater For Music and Dance (2006 - present) where she currently serves as Chair of the Board (2022 - present). She is also a Board Member at The Arts Club of Chicago (2021 - present). |
| **Patrick Seese,** <br> **Birth year: 1971** | Trustee | Mr. Seese was elected to the Board on October 30, 2012. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mr. Seese is an owner and a Managing Director of Integris Partners, a middle-market investment banking firm serving closely-held companies, financial sponsors and public companies (February 2008 to present). Prior to this, Mr. Seese was a Managing Director of Headwaters MB, a middle-market investing banking firm (December 2003 to February 2008). Prior to that, Mr. Seese worked in Credit Suisse First Boston's Mergers and Acquisitions Group and served as Head of Corporation Development, Katy Industries, a publicly traded industrial and consumer products company and at Deloitte & Touche LLP, where he began his career in 1994. | 8 | Mr. Seese is a Director of the Alpha Alternative Assets Fund (September 2021 to Present), The Mile High Five Foundation (2013 to present) and SJ Panthers Foundation (2016 to present). |

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**<u>Officers</u>**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Birth** <br> **Year & Address\***  | **Position(s) Held** <br> **with Fund**  | **Term of Office and** <br> **Length of Time Served\*\***  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years\*\*\*** |
| **Lucas Foss,**<br> **Birth Year: 1977** | President | President Since August 2022 Chief Compliance Officer from January 2018 - August 2022 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mr. Foss rejoined ALPS in November 2017 and is currently Director, Fund Compliance & Governance at SS&C ALPS. Mr. Foss is also the President of Financial Investors Trust and Chief Compliance Officer of Sound Point Meridian Capital, Inc; Bluerock Total Income + Real Estate Fund; Bluerock High Income Institutional Credit Fund; SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust, SPDR® Dow Jones® Industrial Average ETF Trust, SPDR® S&P MIDCAP 400® ETF Trust. |
| **Jill McFate**<br> **Birth year: 1978** | Treasurer | Since December 2021 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ms. McFate joined ALPS in 2021 and is currently Senior Director, Fund Administration of ALPS. Prior to joining SS&C ALPS, Jill managed financial reporting and N-PORT regulatory reporting services during her 14 years at The Northern Trust Company as Vice President, Financial Reporting Manager. |
| **Theodore J. Uhl,**<br> **Birth Year: 1974** | Chief Compliance and Anti-Money Laundering Officer | Since August 2024 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mr. Uhl joined ALPS in October 2006, and is currently Deputy Compliance Officer of ALPS. Prior to his current role, Mr. Uhl served as Senior Risk Manager for ALPS from October 2006 until June 2010. Before joining ALPS, Mr. Uhl served a Sr. Analyst with Enenbach and Associates (RIA), and a Sr. Financial Analyst at Sprint. Because of his position with ALPS, Mr. Uhl is deemed an affiliate of the Trust as defined under the 1940 Act. Mr. Uhl is also Chief Compliance Officer of Financial Investors Trust, GraniteShares ETF Trust, Accordant ODCE Index Fund, Axonic Funds and the SS&C Interval Fund Platform. |
| **Camilla Nwokonko,** <br> **Birth year: 1995** | Secretary | Since October 2024 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ms. Nwokonko specializes in legal and regulatory matters in investment management, including regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and issues related to both registered and private funds. She holds a Juris Doctor from Marquette University Law School and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Texas A&M University, providing her with a solid academic foundation. Prior to her current role, she gained valuable experience as an Associate Attorney at U.S. Bank Global Fund services—a global fund administrator, where she navigated complex regulatory frameworks. Ms. Nwokonko has also obtained experience through internships and roles at Northwestern Mutual and Oracle Corporation. |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| \* | All communications to Trustees and Officers may be directed to ALPS Series Trust c/o 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, CO 80203. |
| \*\* | This is the period for which the Trustee or Officer began serving the Trust. Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until such Trustee's successor is elected and appointed, or such Trustee resigns or is deceased. Officers are elected on an annual basis. |
| \*\*\* | Except as otherwise indicated, each individual has held the office shown or other offices in the same company for the last five years. |
| \*\*\*\* | The Fund Complex currently consists of 8 series of the Trust. |

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**Ward D. Armstrong-** Through his experience as a senior officer of and board member of financial and other organizations, Mr. Armstrong contributes his management and oversight experience to the Board. The Board also benefits from his experience as a member of the board of other funds and operating companies. He was selected to serve as a Trustee of the Trust based on his business, financial services and investment management experience. Additional information regarding Mr. Armstrong's principal occupations and other directorships held is presented in the chart above. Mr. Armstrong received a B.S. in Business Administration (Finance Emphasis) from the University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management.

**Merrillyn J. Kosier**- Through her experience as a senior officer and trustee in the investment management industry, Ms. Kosier contributes her management and oversight experience to the Board. The Board also benefits from her experience as a board member of other organizations. She was selected to serve as a Trustee of the Trust based on her business acumen, regulatory and 40 Act funds knowledge, distribution and marketing/communications experience in the financial services arena. Additional information regarding Ms. Kosier's principal occupations and other directorships held is presented in the chart above. Ms. Kosier is a graduate of Andrews University and earned an MBA from Loyola University Chicago.

**Patrick Seese**- Through his experience as a senior officer of and board member of financial and other organizations, Mr. Seese contributes his management and oversight experience to the Board. The Board also benefits from his experience as a member of the board of other organizations. He was selected to serve as a Trustee of the Trust based on his business, financial services and accounting experience. Additional information regarding Mr. Seese's principal occupations and other directorships held is presented in the chart above. Mr. Seese is a graduate of the University of Colorado and earned an MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He is one of the founders of The Mile High Five Foundation (MH5), a charity dedicated to fund youth/health-related organizations.

None of the Independent Trustees own securities in Clarkston Capital Partners, LLC, the Funds' investment adviser, or ALPS Distributors, Inc., the Funds' principal underwriter, nor do they own securities in any entity directly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with these entities.

*Leadership Structure and Oversight Responsibilities*

Overall responsibility for oversight of the Funds rests with the Trustees. The Trust has engaged the Adviser to manage the Funds on a day-to day basis. The Board is responsible for overseeing the Adviser and other service providers in the operations of the Funds in accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act, applicable provisions of state and other laws and the Trust's Declaration of Trust. The Board is currently composed of three members, all of whom are Independent Trustees. The Board meets at regularly scheduled quarterly meetings each year. In addition, the Board may hold special in-person or telephonic meetings or informal conference calls to discuss specific matters that may arise or require action between regular meetings. As described below, the Board has established a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and an Audit Committee, and may establish ad hoc committees or working groups from time to time, to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities. The Independent Trustees have also engaged independent legal counsel to assist them in performing their oversight responsibilities.

The Board has appointed Ward D. Armstrong, an Independent Trustee, to serve in the role of Chairman. The Chairman's role is to preside at all meetings of the Board and to act as a liaison with the Adviser, other service providers, counsel and other Trustees generally between meetings. The Chairman may also perform such other functions as may be delegated by the Board from time to time. The Board reviews matters related to its leadership structure annually. The Board has determined that the Board's leadership structure is appropriate given the Trust's characteristics and circumstances. These include the Trust's series of Fund shares, each Fund's single portfolio of assets, each Fund's net assets and the services provided by the fund's service providers.

Risk oversight forms part of the Board's general oversight of the Funds and is addressed as part of various Board and Committee activities. As part of its regular oversight of the Funds, the Board, directly or through a Committee, interacts with and reviews reports from, among others, Fund management, the Adviser, the Funds' Chief Compliance Officer, the Funds' legal counsel and the independent registered public accounting firm for the Funds regarding risks faced by the Funds. The Board, with the assistance of Fund management and the Adviser, reviews investment policies and risks in connection with its review of the Funds' performance. The Board has appointed a Chief Compliance Officer to oversee the implementation and testing of the Funds' compliance program and reports to the Board regarding compliance matters for the Funds and their principal service providers. In addition, as part of the Board's periodic review of the Funds' advisory and other service provider agreements, the Board may consider risk management aspects of these service providers' operations and the functions for which they are responsible.

**<u>Audit Committee</u>**. The Board has an Audit Committee which considers such matters pertaining to the Trust's books of account, financial records, internal accounting controls and changes in accounting principles or practices as the Trustees may from time to time determine. The Audit Committee also considers the engagement and compensation of the independent registered public accounting firm ("Firm") and ensures receipt from the Firm of a formal written statement delineating relationships between the Firm and the Trust, consistent with Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Rule 3526. The Audit Committee also meets privately with the representatives of the Firm to review the scope and results of audits and other duties as set forth in the Audit Committee's Charter. The Audit Committee members, each of whom are Independent Trustees, are: Ward D. Armstrong, Merrillyn J. Kosier and Patrick Seese. The Audit Committee met three times during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025.

**<u>Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee</u>.** The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee meets periodically to advise and assist the Board in selecting nominees to serve as trustees of the Trust. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee believes the Board generally benefits from diversity of background, experience and views among its members and considers this a factor in evaluating the composition of the Board, but has not adopted any specific policy in this regard. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also advises and assists the Board in establishing, implementing and executing policies, procedures and practices that assure orderly and effective governance of the Trust and effective and efficient management of all business and financial affairs of the Trust. Members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are: Ward D. Armstrong, Merrillyn J. Kosier and Patrick Seese. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board met one time during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025.

**<u>Independent Trustee Retirement Policy</u>**. The Trustees do not serve a specified term of office. Each Trustee will hold office until the termination of the Trust or his or her earlier death, resignation, retirement, incapacity, or removal. Under the Funds' Independent Trustee Retirement Policy ("Retirement Policy"), Independent Trustees are required to retire upon the end of the calendar year in which such Trustee attains age of 80. The Trustees review the Funds' Retirement Policy from time to time and may make changes as deemed appropriate.

**<u>Shareholder Nominations</u>.** The Board will consider shareholder nominees for Trustees. All nominees must possess the appropriate characteristics, skills and experience for serving on the Board. In particular, the Board and its Independent Trustees will consider each nominee's integrity, educational and professional background, understanding of the Trust's business on a technical level and commitment to devote the time and attention necessary to fulfill a Trustee's duties. All shareholders who wish to recommend nominees for consideration as Trustees shall submit the names and qualifications of the candidates to the Secretary of the Trust by writing to: ALPS Series Trust, c/o Secretary, 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado, 80203.

As of December 31, 2025, the dollar range of equity securities in the Fund beneficially owned by Trustees were as follows:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Trustees** | **Dollar Range of Equity**<br> **Securities in the Fund** | **Aggregate Dollar Range**<br> **of Equity Securities in All Registered Investment Companies Overseen by Trustee in Family of Investment Companies\***  |
| Ward Armstrong | None | None |
| Merrillyn J. Kosier | None | None |
| Patrick Seese | None | None |

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\* The Fund Complex currently consists of 8 series of the Trust.

**<u>Remuneration of Trustees</u>**. Effective January 1, 2026, the Trustees of the Trust receive a quarterly retainer of $18,750, plus $5,937.50 for each regular Board or Committee meeting attended and $2,000 for each special telephonic or in-person Board or Committee meeting attended. Additionally, the Audit Committee Chair receives a quarterly retainer of $1,875, the Nominating Committee Chair receives a quarterly retainer of $500, and the Independent Chair receives a quarterly retainer of $4,250.

Prior to January 1, 2026, the Trustees of the Trust received a quarterly retainer of $16,250, plus $5,000 for each regular Board or Committee meeting attended and $2,000 for each special telephonic or in-person Board or Committee meeting attended. Additionally, the Audit Committee Chair received a quarterly retainer of $1,875 and the Independent Chair received a quarterly retainer of $4,250.

The Trustees are also reimbursed for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at meetings.

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, the Trustees received the following compensation:

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Trustees** | **Aggregate Compensation From the Trust** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Pension Or Retirement Benefits Accrued As Part of Fund Expenses** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Estimated Annual Benefits Upon Retirement** | **Aggregate Compensation From The Trust And Fund Complex Paid To Trustees\*** |
| Ward D. Armstrong | $102000 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;$0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;$0 | $102000 |
| J. Wayne Hutchens\*\* | $85000 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;$0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;$0 | $85000 |
| Merrillyn J. Kosier | $85000 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;$0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;$0 | $85000 |
| Patrick Seese | $92500 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;$0 | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;$0 | $92500 |

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\* The Fund Complex currently consists of 8 series of the Trust.

\*\* J. Wayne Hutchens resigned as a Trustee of the Trust effective after the close of business on November 20, 2025.

No officer, trustee or employee of the Adviser or any of its affiliates receives any compensation from the Funds for serving as an officer or trustee of the Funds.

**INVESTMENT MANAGER**

Clarkston Capital Partners, LLC (the "Adviser"), subject to the authority of the Board of Trustees, furnishes continuing investment supervision to the Funds and is responsible for the management of each Fund's portfolio.

Founded in 2007, the Adviser is an independent investment management firm with a "Quality Value" investment philosophy. As of September 30, 2025, the Adviser had approximately $5.8 billion in assets under management.

The Adviser's principal address is 303 E. Third Street, Suite 110, Rochester, Michigan, 48307.

Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement (the "Advisory Agreement") with the Adviser, each Fund pays the Adviser an annual management fee as set out below based on each Fund's average daily net assets.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Management Fee** |
| Clarkston Partners Fund | 0.80% |
| Clarkston Fund | 0.50% |
| Clarkston Founders Fund | 0.75% |

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The management fee is paid on a monthly basis. The initial term of the Advisory Agreement was two years. The Board may extend the Advisory Agreement for additional one-year terms. The Board and shareholders of the Funds may terminate the Advisory Agreement upon thirty (30) days' written notice and the Adviser may terminate the Advisory Agreement upon sixty (60) days' notice.

The Adviser has contractually agreed to limit the amount of each Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding shareholder servicing fees, brokerage expenses, interest expenses, acquired fund fees and expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) to an annual rate as set out below.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Contractual Fee Waiver** |
| Clarkston Partners Fund | 0.85% |
| Clarkston Fund | 0.55% |
| Clarkston Founders Fund | 0.80% |

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This agreement is in effect through at least January 31, 2027, and will automatically continue upon annual approval by the board for successive twelve-month periods unless (i) it is terminated earlier by the Board of Trustees, or (ii) the Adviser provides at least 30 days written notice of its non-continuance prior to the end of the then effective term. The Adviser will be permitted to recover, on a class-by-class basis, expenses it has borne subsequent to the effective date of the agreement described above (whether through reduction of its management fee or otherwise) only to the extent that a Fund's expenses in later periods do not exceed the lesser of: (1) the contractual expense limit in effect at the time the Adviser waives or limits the expenses; or (2) the contractual expense limit in effect at the time the Adviser seeks to recover the expenses; provided, however, that the Funds will not be obligated to pay any such deferred fees or expenses more than three years after the date on which the fee or expense was reduced.

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended**<br> **September 30, 2025** | **For the Fiscal**<br> **Year Ended**<br> **September 30, 2024** | **For the Fiscal**<br> **Year Ended**<br> **September 30, 2023** |
| **Clarkston Partners Fund** | | | |
| Gross Advisory Fees | $8442281 | $10235478 | $11521087 |
| Waiver of Advisory Fees | ($389553) | ($355350) | ($367576) |
| Reimbursement of other Expenses | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Net Advisory Fees | $8052728 | $9880128 | $11153511 |
| **Clarkston Fund** |  |  |  |
| Gross Advisory Fees | $893150 | $728076 | $610890 |
| Waiver of Advisory Fees | ($142560) | ($137800) | ($102951) |
| Reimbursement of other Expenses | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Net Advisory Fees | $750590 | $590276 | $507939 |
| **Clarkston Founders Fund** |  |  |  |
| Gross Advisory Fees | $5849350 | $5292503 | $4777786 |
| Waiver of Advisory Fees | ($254651) | ($257443) | ($135534) |
| Reimbursement of other Expenses | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Net Advisory Fees | $5594699 | $5035060 | $4642252 |

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The Adviser makes revenue sharing payments as incentives to certain financial intermediaries and financial professionals to promote, solicit and sell shares of the Clarkston Funds. The Adviser, out of its own resources, makes payments for distribution and/or shareholder servicing activities for the Clarkston Funds and makes payments to financial professionals and financial intermediaries for marketing, promotional or related expenses applicable to the Clarkston Funds and/or access to sales meetings, sales representatives and management representatives of the intermediary. The amount of these payments is generally determined by the Adviser; however, in some circumstances, the Adviser has agreed to pay out of its own resources fees to financial intermediaries for sub-accounting services provided to the Clarkston Funds to the extent such fees exceed the maximum shareholder services fee allowable by a Clarkston Fund. These types of payments create an incentive for a financial professional or a financial intermediary, its employees or associated persons to recommend or offer shares of the Clarkston Funds rather than shares of another mutual fund. To the extent that these payments result in increased assets in the Clarkston Funds, the Adviser will benefit because the Adviser receives advisory fees from the Clarkston Funds based on the Funds' assets and higher asset levels in the Funds can enhance the Funds' marketability.

**DISTRIBUTOR**

Shares of each Fund are offered on a continuous basis through ALPS Distributors, Inc. (an affiliate of ALPS Fund Services, Inc.) (the "Distributor"), located at 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80203, as distributor pursuant to a distribution agreement between the Distributor and the Trust on behalf of the Funds. The Distributor is not obligated to sell any specific amount of Fund shares.

**CODE OF ETHICS**

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

**ADMINISTRATOR**

The Trust on behalf of the Funds currently employs ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (an affiliate of the Distributor) ("ALPS" or the "Administrator"), located at 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80203, under an administration agreement to provide certain administrative services to the Funds.

The table below shows the administrative fees earned by ALPS for the fiscal year indicated below:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **For the**<br> **Fiscal Year Ended**<br> **September 30, 2025**  | **For the**<br> **Fiscal Year Ended**<br> **September 30, 2024** | **For the**<br> **Fiscal Year Ended**<br> **September 30, 2023** |
| **Clarkston Partners Fund** | $447437 | $529049 | $575274 |
| **Clarkston Fund** | $88467 | $73274 | $60312 |
| **Clarkston Founders Fund** | $334810 | $297885 | $266684 |

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**PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES**

Although individual Board members may not agree with particular policies or votes by the Adviser, the Board has approved delegating proxy voting discretion to the Adviser believing that the Adviser should be responsible for voting because it is a matter relating to the investment decision making process.

Attached as <u>Appendix B</u> is the Trust's Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures and a summary of the Adviser's proxy voting policies that the Adviser uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities, including the procedures that the Adviser uses when a vote presents a conflict between the interests of Fund shareholders, on the one hand, and those of the Adviser or any affiliated person of a Fund or the Adviser, on the other. <u>Appendix B</u> provides a general indication as to how the Adviser will vote proxies relating to portfolio securities on each issue listed. However, <u>Appendix B</u> does not address all potential voting issues or the intricacies that may surround individual proxy votes. For that reason, there may be instances in which votes may vary from the Trust's and the Adviser's Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Adviser always endeavors to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities in accordance with the Funds' investment objectives. Information on how a Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent prior 12-month period ended June 30 will be available without charge, (i) upon request, by calling 1-844-680-6562 or sending a request to <u>Info@clarkstoncapital.com</u> and (ii) on the SEC's website at <u>http://www.sec.gov</u>.

**PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS**

To the best knowledge of the Trust, the names and addresses of the record and beneficial holders of 5% or more of the outstanding shares of each class of the Funds and the percentage of the outstanding shares held by such holders are set forth below. To the best knowledge of the Trust, entities shown as owning more than 25% of the outstanding Shares of a class of a Fund are not the beneficial owners of such Shares, unless otherwise indicated.

A shareholder who owns beneficially 25% or more of the outstanding securities of a Fund is presumed to "control" that Fund as defined in the 1940 Act. Such control may affect the voting rights of other shareholders.

As of December 31, 2025, the following shareholders owned 5% or more of the outstanding shares of a class of the Funds as listed below:

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Shareholder Name** | **Address** | **Percentage of Interest** | **Type of Ownership** |
| **Clarkston Founders Fund - Founders Class** | BROWN BROTHERS HARRIMAN & CO | 50 POST OFFICE SQ<br> BOSTON, MA 02110 | 98.56% | Trust Dealer |
| **Clarkston Founders Fund - Institutional Class** | CHARLES SCHWAB & CO., INC. | 211 MAIN ST<br> SAN FRANSCISCO, CA 94105 | 65.16% | Dealer |
| **Clarkston Founders Fund - Institutional Class** | NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES, LLC | 82 DEVONSHIRE ST<br> MAIL ZONE ZE7F<br> BOSTON, MA 02109 | 25.47% | Dealer |
| **Clarkston Fund - Institutional Class** | CHARLES SCHWAB & CO., INC. | 211 MAIN ST<br> SAN FRANSCISCO, CA 94105 | 76.18% | Dealer |
| **Clarkston Fund - Institutional Class** | NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES, LLC | 82 DEVONSHIRE ST<br> MAIL ZONE ZE7F<br> BOSTON, MA 02109 | 19.28% | Dealer |
| **Clarkston Partners Fund - Founders Class** | BROWN BROTHERS HARRIMAN & CO | 50 POST OFFICE SQ<br> BOSTON, MA 02110 | 97.97% | Trust Dealer |
| **Clarkston Partners Fund – Institutional Class** | CHARLES SCHWAB & CO., INC. | 211 MAIN ST<br> SAN FRANSCISCO, CA 94105 | 48.20% | Dealer |
| **Clarkston Partners Fund – Institutional Class** | NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES, LLC | 82 DEVONSHIRE ST<br> MAIL ZONE ZE7F<br> BOSTON, MA 02109 | 31.17% | Dealer |

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As of December 31, 2025, the officers and Trustees of the Trust owned less than 1% of any class of the outstanding shares of the Funds.

**EXPENSES**

The Funds' expenses include taxes, interest, fees and salaries of the Trust's Trustees and officers who are not trustees, officers or employees of the Funds' service contractors, SEC fees, state securities qualification fees, costs of preparing and printing prospectuses for regulatory purposes and for distribution to existing shareholders, advisory and administration fees, charges of the custodian and of the transfer and dividend disbursing agent, certain insurance premiums, outside auditing and legal expenses, costs of shareholder reports and shareholder meetings and any extraordinary expenses. The Funds also pay for brokerage fees and commissions (if any) in connection with the purchase and sale of portfolio securities.

**PORTFOLIO MANAGER**

The following sections set forth certain additional information with respect to the portfolio manager for each Fund. Unless noted otherwise, all information is provided as of September 30, 2025.

**Other Accounts Managed by Portfolio Manager**

The table below identifies as of September 30, 2025, the number of accounts (other than the Funds with respect to which information is provided) for which the Funds' portfolio managers have day-to-day management responsibilities and the total assets in such accounts within each of the following categories: registered investment companies, other pooled investment vehicles, and other accounts.

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Registered Investment Companies** | **Registered Investment Companies** | **Other Pooled Investment Vehicles** | **Other Pooled Investment Vehicles** | **Other Accounts** | **Other Accounts** |
| <br>**Portfolio Manager** | **Number** | **Total Assets**<br> **(in millions)** | **Number** | **Total Assets**<br> **(in millions)\*** | **Number\*** | **Total Assets**<br> **(in millions)\*** |
| Jeffrey A. Hakala | 0 | N/A | 3 | $972.0 | 132 | $904.6 |
| Gerald W. Hakala | 0 | N/A | 3 | $972.0 | 122 | $892.5 |

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\* If an account was managed by a team, the total number of accounts and assets have been allocated to each respective team member. Therefore, some accounts and assets have been counted more than once.

**Portfolio Manager Compensation**

The Adviser's compensation program is based upon a combination of salaries and bonuses. Each portfolio manager receives a salary and is eligible for a bonus. The bonus pool is based entirely on the firm's success. 100% of each individual's bonus is subjective and based on adherence to investment philosophy and contribution to the firm's success. The Adviser does not compensate based on portfolio performance and does not pay commissions on new business.

**Potential Conflicts of Interest with Other Accounts**

Potential conflicts of interest may arise when a fund's portfolio managers have day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to one or more other Funds or other accounts, as is the case for the portfolio managers listed in the table above.

The Adviser and the Funds have adopted compliance policies and procedures that are designed to mitigate various conflicts of interest that may arise for the Adviser and the individuals that it employs. For example, the Adviser's Code of Ethics requires employees to place the Adviser's clients' interests ahead of the employee's own interests. The Adviser has also adopted trade aggregation and allocation procedures that are designed to facilitate the allocation of investment opportunities among multiple client accounts. There is no guarantee, however, that the policies and procedures adopted by the Adviser and the Funds will be able to detect and/or prevent every situation in which an actual or potential conflict may appear. These potential conflicts include:

<u>Allocation of Limited Time and Attention</u>. A portfolio manager who is responsible for managing multiple Funds and/or accounts may devote unequal time and attention to the management of those Funds and/or accounts. As a result, the portfolio manager may not be able to formulate as complete a strategy or identify equally attractive investment opportunities for each of those accounts as might be the case if the portfolio manager were to devote substantially more attention to the management of a single Fund. The effects of this potential conflict may be more pronounced where Funds and/or accounts overseen by a particular portfolio manager have different investment strategies.

<u>Allocation of Limited Investment Opportunities</u>. If a portfolio manager identifies a limited investment opportunity that may be suitable for multiple Funds and/or accounts, the opportunity may be allocated among these several Funds or accounts, which may limit a Fund's ability to take full advantage of the investment opportunity.

<u>Pursuit of Differing Strategies</u>. At times, a portfolio manager may determine that an investment opportunity may be appropriate for only some of the Funds and/or accounts for which the portfolio manager exercises investment responsibility, or may decide that certain of the Funds and/or accounts should take differing positions with respect to a particular security. In these cases, the portfolio manager may place separate transactions for one or more Funds or accounts which may affect the market price of the security or the execution of the transaction, or both, to the detriment or benefit of one or more other Funds and/or accounts.

<u>Selection of Brokers/Dealers</u>. Portfolio managers select or influence the selection of the brokers and dealers that are used to execute securities transactions for the Funds and/or accounts that they supervise. In addition to executing trades, some brokers and dealers provide portfolio managers with brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act), which may result in the payment of higher brokerage fees than might have otherwise been available. These services may be more beneficial to certain Funds or accounts than to others. Although the payment of brokerage commissions is subject to the requirement that the portfolio manager determine in good faith that the commissions are reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided to the Funds, a portfolio manager's decision as to the selection of brokers and dealers could yield disproportionate costs and benefits among the Funds and/or accounts that they manage.

<u>Variation in Compensation</u>. A conflict of interest may arise where the financial or other benefits available to the portfolio manager differ among the Funds and/or accounts that the portfolio manager manages. If the structure of the investment adviser's management fee and/or the portfolio manager's compensation differs among Funds and/or accounts (such as where certain Funds or accounts pay higher management fees or performance-based management fees), the portfolio manager might be motivated to help certain Funds and/or accounts over others. The portfolio manager might be motivated to favor Funds and/or accounts in which they have an interest or in which the investment adviser and/or its affiliates have interests. Similarly, the desire to maintain or raise assets under management or to enhance the portfolio manager's performance record or to derive other rewards, financial or otherwise, could influence the portfolio manager to lend preferential treatment to those Funds and/or accounts that could most significantly benefit the portfolio manager.

<u>Related Business Opportunities</u>. The Adviser or its affiliates may provide more or different services for some types of Funds or accounts than for others. In such cases, a portfolio manager may benefit, either directly or indirectly, by devoting disproportionate attention to the management of Funds and/or accounts that provide greater overall returns to the Adviser and its affiliates.

<u>Personal and Proprietary Accounts</u>. A conflict of interest may arise when a portfolio manager manages personal accounts for the portfolio manager or their immediate family members or proprietary accounts for the Adviser, its affiliates or related persons. When making investment decisions and in allocating investment opportunities, the portfolio manager could have an incentive to favor personal and proprietary accounts over other client accounts in trade execution or investment allocation. A portfolio manager may buy, hold or sell securities for themselves that the portfolio manager or the Adviser recommends or buys, holds or sells for other Funds and/or accounts. A portfolio manager may engage in a transaction in a security in a personal or proprietary account at or around the same time as the portfolio manager or the Adviser buys or sells that same security for clients' accounts. In addition, a portfolio manager may buy, hold or sell for themselves securities issued by the Adviser's clients. The prices or terms on which a portfolio manager or the Adviser invest could be more favorable than the prices or terms on which other Funds and/or accounts may subsequently invest or previously have invested in such securities.

<u>Outside Relationships</u>. A portfolio manager may buy, hold or sell for Funds and/or accounts securities issued by other clients or vendors. Investments in securities issued by a client create a conflict of interest because they provide a portfolio manager an incentive to favor one or more accounts, as applicable, over other Funds and/or accounts, when, for example, placing trades, aggregating orders, allocating limited opportunity investments, as applicable, or negotiating fees. A portfolio manager may make investments in securities issued by companies that provide goods or services to the Investment Adviser or the funds. In the course of obtaining goods or services from these companies, the Adviser could obtain material, nonpublic or other confidential information that, if disclosed, might affect an investor's decision to buy, sell or hold the company's securities. Under applicable law, the Adviser and its employees cannot improperly disclose or use any such information for their personal benefit or for the benefit of any other person, including clients of the Adviser. If the Adviser or any of its employees obtains nonpublic or other confidential information about any issuer, the Adviser will have no obligation to disclose the information to a client or use it for the funds' benefit. A portfolio manager may manage accounts for clients with whom it has relationships other than the Adviser's investment advisory relationship ("outside relationship"). A conflict of interest may arise when the portfolio manager has an outside relationship with a client because the portfolio manager could have an incentive to treat accounts with whom it has an outside relationship more favorably than Funds and/or accounts with which it does not have an outside relationship.

**Ownership of Securities**

The table below identifies ownership of Fund securities by each Portfolio Manager as of September 30, 2025.

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Portfolio Manager** | **Dollar Range of Ownership of Securities** | **Dollar Range of Ownership of Securities** | **Dollar Range of Ownership of Securities** |
| | **Clarkston**<br> **Partners Fund** | **Clarkston Fund** | **Clarkston**<br> **Founders Fund** |
| Jeffrey A. Hakala | Over $1,000,000 | Over $1,000,000 | Over $1,000,000 |
| Gerald W. Hakala | Over $1,000,000 | Over $1,000,000 | Over $1,000,000 |

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**NET ASSET VALUE**

The following is a description of the procedures used by the Funds in valuing its assets. For the purpose of pricing purchase and redemption orders, the net asset value per share of each Fund is determined once daily as of the close of regularly scheduled trading on the NYSE (normally, 4:00 p.m. Eastern time). A Fund's net asset value is calculated on each day that the NYSE is open for trading, *i.e.*, Monday through Friday, except for New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, and the preceding Friday or subsequent Monday when one of those holidays falls on a Saturday or Sunday, respectively.

In calculating net asset value, portfolio securities listed or traded on national securities exchanges for which market quotations are available are valued at the official closing price. If there is no official closing price, the valuation designee values securities are valued at the mean of the last bid and ask price which represents the current value of the security.

Securities that are primarily traded on foreign exchanges generally are valued at the preceding closing values of such securities on their respective exchanges, except that when an occurrence subsequent to the time a value was so established is likely to have changed such value, then the fair value of those securities will be determined by consideration of other factors by the valuation designee. In valuing assets, prices denominated in foreign currencies are converted to U.S. dollar equivalents at the current exchange rate. Securities may be valued by independent pricing services which use prices provided by market-makers or estimates of market values obtained from yield data relating to instruments or securities with similar characteristics. In certain circumstances, bid and ask prices may be obtained from (i) a broker/dealer specified and deemed reliable by the valuation designee, (ii) pink sheets, yellow sheets or the blue list, or (iii) a pricing agent that obtains quotations from broker/dealers or evaluates the value of the respective bid and ask prices. All other securities and other assets of a Fund will be valued at fair value as determined in good faith pursuant to procedures adopted by the valuation designee. Valuing securities at fair value involves greater reliance on judgment than valuation of securities based on readily available market quotations.

**FEDERAL INCOME TAXES**

This section provides additional information concerning U.S. federal income taxes. It is based on the Code, applicable Treasury Regulations, judicial authority and administrative rulings and practice, all as of the date of this SAI, and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. The following does not address any state, local or foreign or estate or gift tax matters.

A shareholder's U.S. federal income tax consequences from acquiring, holding and disposing of shares in a Fund may vary depending upon the shareholder's particular situation. This discussion only applies to shareholders who are U.S. persons. For purposes of this discussion, U.S. persons are: (i) U.S. citizens or residents, (ii) U.S. corporations (i.e., entities classified as corporations for U.S. tax purposes that are organized under the laws of the United States or any state), (iii) an estate whose income is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source, or (iv) a trust, if a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over its administration and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all of its substantial decisions, or if the trust has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury Regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.

Except where otherwise noted, this discussion does not address issues of significance to U.S. persons in special situations such as: (i) certain types of tax-exempt entities, (ii) shareholders holding shares through tax-qualified accounts (such as 401(k) plan accounts or individual retirement accounts), (iii) shareholders holding investments through foreign institutions (financial and non-financial), (iv) financial institutions, (v) broker-dealers, and traders in securities that elect to mark-to-market their securities holdings, , (vi) shareholders holding shares as part of a hedge, straddle or conversion transaction, (vii) shareholders who are subject to either the U.S. federal alternative minimum tax or the U.S. federal corporate minimum tax, (viii) insurance companies and (ix) shareholders that are pass-through entities.

If a pass-through entity (including for this purpose any entity treated as a partnership or S corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) is a beneficial owner of shares, the tax treatment of an owner in the pass-through entity will generally depend upon the status of the owner and the activities of the pass-through entity. Owners of pass-through entities that are considering the purchase of shares should consult their tax advisers regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of shares.

The Funds have not requested and will not request an advance ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") as to the U.S. federal income tax matters described below. The IRS could adopt positions contrary to those discussed below and such positions could be sustained. In addition, the foregoing discussion only addresses some of the U.S. federal income tax considerations generally affecting investments in the Funds. Prospective shareholders are urged to consult with their tax advisers as to the particular U.S. federal tax consequences to them of an investment in a Fund, as well as the applicability and effect of any state, local or foreign laws, and the effect of possible changes in applicable tax laws.

**General Policies**

In general, it is the policy of the Clarkston Fund, the Clarkston Partners Fund, and the Clarkston Founders Fund to distribute annually to shareholders as "ordinary income dividends" substantially all of their investment company taxable income (which includes, among other items, dividends, interest and the excess of any net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses). It is the policy of all of the Funds to distribute annually the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses, if any, after offsetting any capital loss carryovers, as "capital gains dividends."

Ordinary income dividends and capital gain distributions are payable as of the close of the Exchange on the record date for each dividend or distribution. Shareholders may elect to re-invest their ordinary income dividends or capital gain distributions, or both. The election may be made at any time by submitting a written request directly to a Fund. In order for a change to be in effect for any dividend or distribution, it must be received by the Fund on or before the record date for such dividend or distribution.

Distributions and dividends are reinvested in additional Fund shares unless you instruct the Transfer Agent to have your distributions and/or dividends paid by check mailed to the address of record or transferred through an Automated Clearing House to the bank of your choice. If you elect to receive your dividends in cash and the dividend checks sent to you are returned "undeliverable" to the Fund or remain uncashed for six months, your cash election will automatically be changed and your future dividends will be reinvested. No interest will accrue on amounts represented by uncashed dividend or redemption checks.

As required by federal law, detailed U.S. federal tax information will be furnished to each shareholder for each calendar year.

**Taxation of the Funds**

Each Fund intends to elect to be treated and qualify each year as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code. Each Fund also intends to be treated as a separate entity for federal income tax purposes. The provisions of the Code applicable to regulated investment companies are expected to apply separately to each Fund even though each Fund is a series of the Trust. Furthermore, each Fund will separately determine its income, gain, losses and expenses for federal income tax purposes. This discussion assumes that each Fund will qualify under Subchapter M of the Code as a regulated investment company and will satisfy distribution requirements for taxation as a regulated investment company (as described below), although there can be no assurance that these assumptions will be correct.

In order to qualify for the special tax treatment accorded regulated investment companies and their shareholders, each Fund must, among other things: (i) derive at least 90% of its gross income in each taxable year 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 (including, but not limited to, gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies and net income derived from interests in "qualified publicly traded partnerships;" (ii) diversify its holdings so that at the end of each fiscal quarter, (a) at least 50% of the value of its total assets consists of cash and cash items (including receivables), U.S. government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies, and other securities limited generally, with respect to any one issuer, to no more than 5% of the value of a Fund's total assets and 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (b) not more than 25% of the value of a Fund's total assets is invested in (1) the securities (other than those of the U.S. government or other regulated investment companies) of any one issuer, (2) the securities (other than the securities of other regulated investment companies) of two or more issuers which a Fund controls and which are engaged in the same, similar or related trades or businesses, or (3) in the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships and (iii) distribute with respect to each taxable year an amount equal to or exceeding the sum of (a) 90% of its "investment company taxable income," as that term is defined in the Code (which generally includes, among other things, dividends, taxable interest, and the excess of any net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses, as reduced by certain deductible expenses) without regard to the deduction for dividends paid, and (b) 90% of its tax-exempt interest income, net of expenses allocable thereto. For purposes of meeting the diversification requirement described in (ii) above, in the case of each Fund's investment in loan participations, the issuer may be the financial intermediary or the borrower. The requirements for qualification as a regulated investment company may significantly limit the extent to which each Fund may invest in some investments.

With respect to (i) above, the IRS may limit qualifying income from foreign currency gains to the amount of such gains that are directly related to a regulated investment company's principal business of investing in stock or securities (or options and futures with respect thereto) pursuant to Treasury Regulations that may be promulgated in the future. For purposes of the 90% gross income requirement described in (i) above, income derived from a partnership will generally be treated as qualifying income only to the extent such income is attributable to items of income of the partnership which would be qualifying income if realized by the regulated investment company. However, 100% of the net income derived from an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership (defined as an entity taxed as a partnership (x) interests in which are traded on an established securities market or readily tradable on a secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof and (y) that derives less than 90% of its income from the qualifying income described in (i) above) will be treated as qualifying income. In addition, although in general the passive activity loss rules of the Code do not apply to regulated investment companies, such rules do apply to a regulated investment company with respect to items attributable to an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership. Finally, for purposes of (ii)(a) above, the term "outstanding voting securities of such issuer" will include the equity securities of a qualified publicly traded partnership.

To the extent that it qualifies for treatment as a regulated investment company, a Fund will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on income distributed to its shareholders in a timely manner in the form of dividends (including capital gain dividends, defined below). In certain situations, a Fund can cure failures to meet the income and diversification tests described above, including, in some cases, by paying the Fund-level tax and, in the case of diversification failures, disposing of certain assets. If a Fund were to fail to qualify as a regulated investment company accorded special tax treatment in any taxable year – for example, because it was not sufficiently diversified under the applicable Code tests – the Fund would be subject to tax on its taxable income at corporate rates, and all distributions from earnings and profits, including any distributions of net tax-exempt income and net long-term capital gains, would be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income or in some cases qualified dividend income. To qualify again to be taxed as a regulated investment company that is accorded special treatment in a subsequent year, a Fund could be required to pay substantial taxes, penalties and interest and make substantial distributions, which may be taxed to shareholders as either ordinary income or qualified dividend income. In addition, if a Fund fails to qualify as a regulated investment company for a period greater than two taxable years, the Fund may be required to recognize and pay tax on any net built-in gain (the excess of aggregate gain, including items of income, over aggregate loss that would have been realized if the Fund had been liquidated) or, alternatively, to be subject to taxation on such built-in gain recognized for a period of five years, in order to qualify as a regulated investment company in a subsequent year.

As a regulated investment company, each Fund generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on its net capital gains (that is, any net long-term capital gains in excess of net short-term capital losses) properly reported by a Fund in a written statement to shareholders as capital gain dividends ("capital gain dividends") and its investment company taxable income if any, that the Fund distributes to shareholders on a timely basis. Each Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its investment company taxable income and net capital gains, after offsetting any capital loss carryforwards, in a taxable year. If a Fund does retain any investment company taxable income, it will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates on the amount retained. However, a Fund may elect to have certain distributions paid after the close of a tax year treated as having been paid during the tax year for purposes of the regulated investment company distribution requirements and for purposes of determining its taxable income ("spill-back dividends"). Spill-back dividends are taxed to shareholders in the year in which they are received.

If a Fund retains any net capital gain, the Fund will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates on the amount retained, but may designate the retained amount as undistributed capital gains 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 shares of such undistributed amount, and (ii) will be entitled to credit their proportionate shares of the tax paid by the Fund on such undistributed amount against their U.S. federal income tax liabilities, if any. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the tax basis of shares owned by a shareholder of a Fund will be increased by an amount equal to the difference between the amount of undistributed capital gains included in the shareholder's income and the tax deemed paid by the shareholder under clause (ii) of the preceding sentence.

Generally, the excess (if any) of a Fund's net short-term capital loss over the net long-term capital gain for a taxable year will carry over as a short-term capital loss arising on the first day of the next tax year. In addition, the excess (if any) of a Fund's net long-term capital loss over the net short-term capital gain for the year will carry over as a long-term capital loss arising on the first day of the next tax year. Unused capital losses realized by a Fund in a taxable year may be carried forward to future taxable years indefinitely until they can be used to offset capital gains.

A Fund may be limited under Code Section 382 in its ability to offset its taxable income by capital loss carryforwards and net unrealized built-in losses after an "ownership change" of the Fund. The term "net unrealized built-in loss" refers to the excess, if any, of a Fund's aggregate adjusted basis in its assets immediately before an ownership change, over the fair market value of such assets at such time, subject to a *de minimis* rule. A Fund would experience an ownership change under Code Section 382 if and when 5-percent shareholders of the Fund increase their ownership by more than 50 percentage points in the aggregate over their respective lowest percentage ownership of the Fund's shares in a 3-year period. Under Code Section 382, if a Fund experiences an ownership change, the Fund may use its pre-change tax capital loss carryforwards and net unrealized built-in losses in a year after the ownership change generally only up to the product of the fair market value of the Fund's equity immediately before the ownership change and a certain interest rate published monthly by the U.S. Treasury known as the applicable long-term tax-exempt rate. The foregoing limitation on the use of pre-ownership change net unrealized built-in losses only applies for a period of five years after the ownership change, while the foregoing limitation on the use of pre-ownership change capital loss carryforwards lasts indefinitely.

If future capital gains are offset by carried-forward capital losses, such future capital gains are not subject to Fund-level federal income tax, regardless of whether they are distributed to shareholders. However, distributions of amounts of capital gains offset by carried-forward capital losses are generally treated as return of capital distributions to shareholders. The Funds cannot carry back or carry forward any net operating losses. As of the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, the Clarkston Partners Fund and the Clarkston Fund, had no accumulated capital loss carryforwards. As of the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, the Clarkston Founders Fund had accumulated short-term and long-term capital loss carryforwards of $1,477,815 and $5,292,528, respectively.

A Fund may elect to treat any post-October capital loss (defined as the Fund's net capital loss, net long-term capital loss, or net short-term capital loss, as applicable, in each case attributable to the portion of the taxable year after October 31) and late-year ordinary loss (generally, (i) net ordinary losses from the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of property, attributable to the portion of the taxable year after October 31, plus (ii) other net ordinary losses attributable to the portion of the taxable year after December 31) as if incurred in the succeeding taxable year.

If a Fund fails to distribute in a calendar year at least an amount equal to the sum of 98% of its ordinary income for such year (taking into account certain deferrals and elections) and 98.2% of its net capital gain income for the one-year period ending on October 31 of such year, plus any retained amount for the prior year, the Fund will be subject to a non-deductible excise tax on the undistributed amounts. For these purposes, ordinary gains and losses from the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of property that would be properly taken into account after October 31 are treated as arising on January 1 of the following calendar year. For purposes of the excise tax, a Fund will be treated as having distributed any amount on which it has been subject to corporate income tax in the taxable year ending within the calendar year.

Each Fund intends to make distributions sufficient to avoid imposition of the excise tax, although there can be no assurance that it will be able to do so. Moreover, each Fund reserves the right to pay an excise tax rather than make an additional distribution when circumstances warrant (for example, the amount of excise tax to be paid is deemed de minimis by a Fund).

**Equalization Accounting**

Each Fund may use "equalization accounting" to determine the portion of its income and gains that has been distributed with respect to each taxable year. Under equalization accounting, a Fund would allocate a portion of its undistributed investment company taxable income and net capital gain to redemptions of Fund shares. This method would allow a Fund to reduce the amount of such income and gains that it distributes to non-redeeming shareholders. However, the IRS has not expressly authorized the particular equalization methods that a Fund may use, and a Fund's use of an equalization method may be subject to IRS scrutiny If the IRS determines that a Fund's equalization method is improper and that the Fund has under-distributed its income and gain for any taxable year, the Fund may be liable for federal income and/or excise tax. Equalization accounting is not available for a Fund that is a personal holding company for federal income tax purposes.

**Personal Holding Company**

A Fund that is a "personal holding company" and that fails to distribute (or to be treated as distributing) all of its investment company taxable income may also be subject to a 20% nondeductible tax on its "undistributed personal holding company income." A Fund would generally be a personal holding company for a taxable year if five or fewer individuals own more than 50% of its outstanding shares at any time in the last half of the taxable year. The term "individual" for this purpose includes private foundations and certain trusts. The Funds do not expect to be subject to the tax on undistributed personal holding company income, although there can be no assurance that this will never occur.

**Taxation of Fund Distributions**

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, distributions of investment company taxable income are generally taxable as ordinary income to the extent of a Fund's current or accumulated "earnings and profits." Taxes on distributions of capital gains are determined by how long a Fund owned the investments that generated them, rather than how long a shareholder has owned the shareholder's shares. Distributions of net capital gains from the sale of investments that a Fund owned for more than one year and that are properly reported by the Fund as capital gain dividends (i.e., "capital gain dividends") will be taxable to Fund shareholders as long-term capital gains. Generally, distributions of gains from the sale of investments that a Fund owned for one year or less will be taxable as ordinary income. The maximum long-term capital gain rate applicable to individuals is generally 20%.

A Fund may report certain dividends as derived from "qualified dividend income," which, when received by an individual, will be taxed at a maximum federal income tax rate applicable to long-term capital gain (assuming certain holding period requirements are satisfied), which (for this purpose) is 20%, in addition to the 3.8% Medicare tax discussed below. Dividend income distributed to individual shareholders will qualify as "qualified dividend income" as that term is defined in section 1(h)(11)(B) of the Code to the extent such distributions are attributable to income from a Fund's investments in common and preferred stock of U.S. companies and stock of certain qualified foreign corporations provided that certain holding period and other requirements are met by both the Fund (with respect to the dividend paying corporation's stock) and its shareholders (with respect to the Fund's shares).

If 95% or more of a Fund's gross income (excluding net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) constitutes qualified dividend income, all of its distributions (other than capital gain dividends) generally will be treated as qualified dividend income in the hands of individual shareholders, as long as they satisfy certain holding period requirements with respect to their Fund shares. If less than 95% of a Fund's income is attributable to qualified dividend income, then only the portion of the Fund's distributions that is attributable to qualified dividend income and reported as such in a timely manner will be so treated in the hands of individual shareholders. Portions of a Fund's distributions may be derived from qualified dividend income.

Distributions of earnings and gains are taxable to shareholders even if such distributions are paid from income or gains earned by a Fund before a shareholder invested in the Fund (and thus were included in the price the shareholder paid), and whether shareholders receive them in cash or reinvest them in additional shares (other than distributions, if any, reported by a Fund as "exempt-interest dividends," a designation which the Funds do not expect to make). Any gain resulting from the sale or redemption of Fund shares generally will be taxable as capital gains. Distributions declared and payable by a Fund during October, November or December to shareholders of record on a date in any such month and paid by the Fund during the following January will be treated for U.S. federal tax purposes as paid by the Fund and received by shareholders on December 31st of the year in which declared rather than the calendar year in which they were received.

An additional 3.8% Medicare tax will be imposed on certain net investment income of U.S. individuals, estates and certain trusts to the extent that their gross income, as adjusted, exceeds a threshold amount. Net investment income for this purpose includes dividend income and capital gain distributions received with respect to shares of a Fund and net gains from redemptions or other taxable dispositions of Fund shares. Net investment income also includes interest, dividends, royalties, rents, gross income from a trade or business involving passive activities, and net gain from disposition of property (other than property held in a non-passive trade or business). Net investment income is reduced by deductions properly allocable to such income.

Dividends received by corporate shareholders that are reported by a Fund in a written statement furnished to shareholders may qualify for a 50% dividends received deduction with respect to qualifying dividends received by a Fund from domestic corporations and with respect to that portion (if any) of interest paid or accrued on certain high yield discount obligations owned by the Fund that is treated as dividends, so long as (in either case) certain holding period requirements are met by the Fund (with respect to the dividend paying corporation's stock) and a corporate shareholder (with respect to the Fund's shares) and certain other conditions are satisfied.

A portion of the interest paid or accrued on certain high-yield discount obligations owned by a Fund may not be deductible to the issuer. If a portion of the interest paid or accrued on certain high-yield discount obligations is not deductible, that portion will be treated as a dividend for purposes of the corporate dividends-received deduction if certain requirements are met and may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction to the extent of the dividend portion of such interest.

Section 163(j) of the Code generally limits the deductibility of business interest to the sum of the taxpayer's business interest income and 30% of its adjusted taxable income. Certain small businesses are exempt from such limitations. If a Fund, as a regulated investment company, earns business interest income, the Fund would be permitted to pay Code Section 163(j) interest dividends to its shareholders. A shareholder that receives a Code Section 163(j) interest dividend generally may treat the dividend as interest income for purposes of Code Section 163(j) if certain holding period requirements are met. Generally, the shareholder must have held the fund shares for more than 180 days during the 361-day window beginning 180 days before the ex-dividend date, and the shareholder must not be obligated (under a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to substantially similar or related property.

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

**Sale or Redemption of Shares**

The sale or redemption of Fund shares may give rise to a gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount received for the shares (or deemed received in the case of an exchange of shares issued by different Funds) and the shareholder's tax basis in the shares. In general, any gain or loss realized upon a taxable disposition of Fund shares will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year. Otherwise, such gain or loss will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. However, any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of shares held for six months or less will be treated as long-term, rather than short-term, to the extent of any long-term capital gain distributions received (or deemed received) by the shareholder with respect to the shares. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

All or a portion of any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of Fund shares will be disallowed if other substantially identical shares of the same Fund or other substantially identical securities are purchased within 30 days before or after the disposition. In such a case, the basis of the newly purchased shares will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.

**Special Tax Considerations**

The following discussion relates to the particular U.S. federal income tax consequences of the investment policies of the Funds.

*Non-U.S. Taxes*

Investments in non-U.S. securities may cause a Fund to be liable to non-U.S. governments for taxes relating primarily to investment income or capital gains on non-U.S. securities in the Fund's portfolio. If at the close of its taxable year more than 50% of the value of a Fund's total assets consists of securities of foreign corporations (including foreign governments), the Fund may make an election under the Code that would allow Fund shareholders who are U.S. persons (including U.S. corporations) to claim a foreign tax credit or deduction (but not both) on their U.S. income tax return for their pro rata portion of qualified taxes paid by that Fund to non-U.S. countries in respect of non-U.S. securities held at least a minimum period as specified in the Code. If a Fund were eligible for and were to make the election, the amount of each shareholder's distribution reported on the information returns filed by the Fund with the IRS must be increased by the amount of the shareholder's portion of the Fund's foreign tax paid. A shareholder's ability to claim all or a part of a foreign tax credit or deduction in respect of non-U.S. taxes paid by a Fund would also be subject to certain holding period and other limitations imposed by the Code.

If a Fund were to qualify as a "qualified fund of funds," the Fund could be entitled to elect to pass-through its foreign tax credits without regard to the above described 50% requirement. For this purpose, the term "qualified fund of funds" means a regulated investment company if (at the close of each quarter of the taxable year) at least 50% of the value of its total assets is represented by interests in other regulated investment companies.

The Funds do not anticipate that they will be eligible for the elections discussed in this section.

*Non-U.S. Currency Transactions*

Transactions in non-U.S. currencies, non-U.S.-currency denominated debt obligations and certain non-U.S. currency options, future contracts, and forward contracts (and similar instruments) may give rise to ordinary income or loss to the extent such income or loss results from fluctuations in the value of the non-U.S. currency concerned and may increase the amount and affect the timing and character of taxes payable by shareholders. Certain foreign currency contracts may be subject to Code Section 1256, with the result that such contracts generally must be "marked to market" annually, and gains and losses with respect to such contracts would generally be treated as 60% long-term capital gain or loss and 40% short-term capital gain or loss. See "Options and Other Financial Products", below. Certain of a Fund's transactions, if any, in foreign currencies and foreign currency denominated instruments are likely to result in a difference between the Fund's book income and taxable income. This difference may cause a portion of the Fund's income distributions to constitute a return of capital or capital gain for tax purposes or require the Fund to make distributions exceeding book income to avoid excise tax liability and to qualify as a regulated investment company, which may have the effect of accelerating taxable distributions to shareholders of the Fund.

*Passive Foreign Investment Companies*

A Fund may own shares in foreign companies that may be classified under the Code as passive foreign investment companies ("PFICs"). In general, a foreign company is classified as a PFIC if at least one-half of its assets constitute investment-type assets or 75% or more of its gross income is investment-type income. When investing in PFIC securities, a Fund may elect to mark-to-market these securities under certain provisions of the Code and recognize any unrealized gains as ordinary income at the end of the Fund's fiscal and excise tax years.

If a Fund makes the mark-to-market election, a Fund could potentially mitigate certain adverse tax consequences with respect to its ownership of shares in a PFIC, but in any particular year may be required to recognize ordinary income in excess of the distributions it receives from PFICs and its proceeds from dispositions of PFIC stock. A Fund may have to distribute this "phantom" income and gain to satisfy the distribution requirement and to avoid imposition of the excise tax described above.

Alternatively, a Fund may elect to treat a PFIC as a "qualified electing fund" (a "QEF election"), in which case the Fund must include its share of the company's income and net capital gains annually, regardless of whether it receives distributions from the PFIC. As with the mark-to-market election, these amounts would be taken into account by the Fund for purposes of satisfying the distribution requirement and the excise tax distribution requirement. Amounts included in income under a QEF election will be qualifying income for a regulated investment company if (i) such earnings are distributed in the taxable year in which they are included; or (ii) derived with respect to the Fund's business of investing in stock, securities, or currencies. In order to make a QEF election, the Fund must obtain certain annual information from the PFICs in which it invests, which may be difficult or impossible to obtain. Dividends paid by PFICs or by foreign corporations that were PFICs in the year preceding the payment of the dividend are not eligible to be treated as qualified dividend income.

If a Fund is unable to identify an investment as a PFIC and thus does not make a mark-to-market election or a QEF election, the Fund may be subject to U.S. federal income tax and an interest charge on distributions with respect to such shares, or gain from the disposition of such shares, under punitive tax rules applicable to so-called "excess distributions" from PFICs, even if such income is distributed as a taxable dividend by the Fund to its shareholders.

*Controlled Foreign Corporations*

A Fund may invest in entities classified as "controlled foreign corporations" ("CFCs"). A CFC is a foreign corporation in which more than 50% of the stock, by vote or value, is owned, directly or constructively, by U.S. persons each of whom own, directly or constructively, 10% or more of the stock of the foreign corporation by vote or by value ("U.S. shareholders"). If a Fund is a U.S. shareholder with respect to a CFC, the Fund generally must annually include in income its allocable share of the CFC's (i) "subpart F income" and (ii) net CFC tested income", both as defined by the Code, regardless of whether or not the CFC distributes such amounts to the Fund. Amounts included in gross income by a Fund as subpart F income of a CFC are qualifying income for a regulated investment company under Code Section 851(b) if either (i) such amounts are distributed to the Fund in the taxable year in which they are earned by the CFC, or (ii) such income is derived with respect to the Fund's business of investing in stock, securities or currencies. Net CFC tested income included in gross income is treated in the same manner as subpart F income for various purposes of the Code except as provided in future rules issued by the Treasury Department.

*Options and Other Financial Products*

A Fund's investments in derivatives including options, hedging transactions, future contracts, forward contracts, swaps and certain other transactions will be subject to special tax rules (including mark-to-market, constructive sale, straddle, wash sale, short sale and other rules), the effect of which may be to accelerate income recognized by the Fund, defer the Fund's losses, cause adjustments in the holding periods of the Fund's securities, result in the recognition of short-term capital gain, convert capital gain into ordinary income and convert short-term capital losses into long-term capital losses. These rules could therefore affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to Fund shareholders.

Certain positions undertaken by a Fund may constitute "straddles" for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The straddle rules may affect the character of gains or losses realized by a Fund. Losses realized by a Fund that are part of a straddle may be deferred beyond the point in time that they are realized. The straddle rules, if applicable, could increase the amount of short-term capital gain realized by a Fund, which is taxed as ordinary income when distributed to shareholders. Certain tax elections that a Fund may make with respect to straddles could affect the character and timing of recognition of gains and losses.

A Fund may make short sales of securities. Short sales may increase the amount of short-term capital gains realized by the Fund, which is taxed as ordinary income to the shareholders when distributed. Short sales may also constitute part of "constructive sales," which would result in taxable income before the short-sale positions are terminated.

Certain of a Fund's hedging activities including its transactions in options and foreign currencies, are likely to result in a difference between the Fund's book income and taxable income. This difference may cause a portion of the Fund's income distributions to constitute a return of capital or capital gain for tax purposes or require the Fund to make distributions exceeding book income to avoid excise tax liability and to qualify as a regulated investment company, which may have the effect of accelerating taxable distributions to shareholders.

Rules governing the tax aspects of notional principal contracts in which a Fund may invest are not clear in various respects. As a result, the IRS could challenge a Fund's methods of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes for such contracts, and such a challenge could affect the status of a Fund as a regulated investment company.

When a Fund sells a put or call option, the premium received generally is not included in income at the time of receipt. If the option expires, the premium is generally included in income of the Fund as short-term capital gain. If the Fund enters into a closing transaction, the difference between the amount paid to close out its position and the premium received is generally short-term capital gain or loss. If a call option written by a Fund is exercised, thereby requiring the Fund to sell the underlying security, the premium will increase the amount realized upon the sale of such security and any resulting gain or loss generally will be a capital gain or loss, and will be long-term or short-term depending upon the holding period of the security. With respect to a put or call option that is purchased by a Fund, if the option is sold any resulting gain or loss generally will be a capital gain or loss, and will be long-term or short-term, depending upon the holding period of the option. If the option expires, the resulting loss is a capital loss and is long-term or short-term, depending upon the holding period of the option. If the option is exercised, the cost of the option, in the case of a call option, is added to the basis of the purchased security and in the case of a put option, reduces the amount realized on the underlying security in determining gain or loss.

The sale by a Fund of a covered call option may result in the suspension of the fund's holding period in the underlying security unless the call option is a "qualified covered call option". Suspension of the holding period may result in short-term capital gains, taxable to fund shareholders at ordinary income rates, when the holder exercises the option, and may disqualify dividends issued on the underlying securities from being taxed to individual shareholders of the fund and other non-corporate shareholders as qualified dividends at rates applicable to long-term capital gains. A qualified covered call option is a covered call option that has a term of more than 30 days when issued, is not deeply in the money (as defined) when issued and satisfies certain other conditions.

Some of the Funds' investments, such as certain option transactions, futures contract transactions, and forward foreign currency exchange contracts may be "section 1256 contracts." With certain exceptions, gains or losses attributable to section 1256 contracts generally are treated as sixty percent long-term capital gains or losses and forty percent short-term capital gains or losses ("60/40"). Section 1256 contracts held by a Fund at the end of a taxable year (and, generally, for purposes of the excise tax, on October 31 of each year) are "marked-to market" with the result that unrealized gains or losses are treated as though they were realized and the resulting gain or loss is treated as 60/40 gain or loss. Investors should consult their own tax advisers in this regard.

The application of certain requirements for qualification as a regulated investment company and the application of certain other federal income tax rules may be unclear in some respects in connection with investments in certain derivatives and other investments. As a result, a Fund may be required to limit the extent to which it invests in such investments and it is also possible that the IRS may not agree with the Fund's treatment of such investments. In addition, the tax treatment of derivatives and certain other investments may be affected by future legislation, Treasury Regulations and guidance issued by the IRS (which could apply retroactively) that could affect the timing, character and amount of a Fund's income and gains and distributions to shareholders, affect whether the Fund has made sufficient distributions and otherwise satisfied the requirements to maintain its qualification as a regulated investment company and avoid federal income and excise taxes or limit the extent to which the Fund may invest in certain derivatives and other investments in the future.

*Securities Issued or Purchased at a Discount*

A Fund may acquire debt obligations that have original issue discount. "Original issue discount" is the excess of a debt obligation's stated redemption price at maturity over the obligation's issue price. Under long-standing tax rules, a taxpayer that acquires an obligation with original issue discount generally must include the original issue discount in income on a constant yield-to-maturity basis without regard to when, or whether, payments are made on the obligation. Obligations owned by a Fund that have original issue discount may include investments in payment-in-kind securities, and certain other obligations. Obligations with original issue discount owned by a Fund will give rise to income that the Fund will be required to distribute even though the Fund does not receive an interest payment in cash on the obligation during the year and may never receive such payment. In order to generate sufficient cash to make the required distributions, a Fund may be required to sell securities in its portfolio that it otherwise would have continued to hold. A Fund may realize gains or losses from such sales. If a Fund realizes net capital gains from such transactions, its shareholders may receive a larger capital gain distribution than they would in the absence of such transactions.

Some debt obligations that are acquired by a Fund in the secondary market may be treated as having market discount. "Market discount" is generally the excess of the stated redemption price of the bond at maturity over the basis of the bond immediately after its acquisition by the taxpayer. Generally, any gain recognized on the disposition of a debt security having market discount is treated as ordinary income to the extent the gain does not exceed the "accrued market discount" on such debt security. Market discount generally accrues in equal daily installments. A Fund may make certain elections applicable to debt obligations having market discount, which could affect the character and timing of recognition of income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. When recognized, market discount is taxable as ordinary income even if interest on the debt obligation in question is tax exempt.

*High-Risk Securities*

The Funds may invest in debt obligations that are in the lowest rating categories or are unrated. Investments in debt obligations that are at risk of or in default present special tax issues for the Funds. The application of the U.S. federal income tax rules with respect to these types of investments is complicated and will depend upon the application of the law to facts that may be unclear, which may result in uncertainty about the U.S. federal income tax treatment of these investments (*e.g.*, such as when a Fund may cease to accrue interest, original issue discount or market discount, when and to what extent deductions may be taken for bad debts, or worthless securities and how payments received on obligations in default should be allocated between principal and income). These and other related issues will be addressed by a Fund if it invests in such securities in order to seek to ensure that the Fund distributes sufficient income to avoid becoming subject to U.S. federal income or excise tax.

*Exchanges between Classes of a Single Fund*

Exchanges of shares between classes of a single Fund, to the extent permitted by the Fund's prospectus, are generally not taxable transactions. Certain "significant holders" of a Fund within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.368-3(c)(1) will be required to include in their federal income tax returns for the year of the exchange of one class of stock for another the information identified in Treasury Regulation Section 1.368-3(b). The term "significant holders" refers to shareholders of a Fund who own at least one percent (by vote or value) of the total outstanding shares of the Fund, as well as shareholders who own shares of the Fund (immediately before the exchange in question) having a tax basis of at least $1 million.

**Backup Withholding**

Each Fund generally is required to withhold and remit to the U.S. Treasury a percentage of the taxable distributions and redemption proceeds paid to any individual shareholder who (i) fails to properly furnish a Fund with a correct taxpayer identification number (TIN), (ii) is identified by the IRS as otherwise subject to backup withholding, or (iii) has not certified that the shareholder is a U.S. person. The backup withholding tax rate is currently 24%.

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules from a payment to a shareholder generally may be refunded or credited against the shareholder's federal income tax liability, if any, provided that certain required information is timely furnished to the IRS. A shareholder who has not been notified by the IRS that the shareholder has failed to report interest or dividends may normally avoid backup withholding by furnishing a properly completed IRS Form W-9. If a shareholder fails to furnish a valid TIN upon request, the shareholder can be subject to IRS penalties.

**Cost Basis Reporting**

The Funds (or their administrative agents) must report to the IRS and furnish to fund shareholders the cost basis for fund shares purchased on or after January 1, 2012 ("covered shares"), when such shares are subsequently redeemed, exchanged or otherwise sold and whether these shares had a short-term or long-term holding period. The Funds must report gross proceeds from the sale of all Fund shares (whether or not they are covered shares).

Fund shareholders may elect from among several IRS-accepted cost basis methods to calculate the cost basis of their covered shares. In the absence of such an election, a Fund will use its default cost basis method. Once a Fund shareholder has elected a cost basis reporting method, the election will apply to all future transactions in covered shares, unless the shareholder revokes or changes the standing election. The cost basis method elected or applied may generally not be changed after the settlement date of a sale of Fund shares. Fund shareholders should consult with their tax advisers concerning the most desirable IRS-accepted cost basis method for their tax situation.

**Reportable Transactions**

If an individual shareholder recognizes a loss with respect to Fund shares of $2 million or more, or a corporate shareholder recognizes a loss of $10 million or more, in any single taxable year (or twice such amounts over a combination of years), the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886. A shareholder who fails to make the required disclosure to the IRS may be subject to substantial penalties. The fact that a loss is reportable under these Treasury Regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether or not the taxpayer's treatment of the loss is proper.

**Withholding on Shares Held Through Foreign Accounts**

Under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (or "FATCA"), special withholding rules apply when U.S. persons hold investments in the Funds through foreign financial institutions as defined by FATCA ("FFIs") or non-financial foreign entities as defined by FATCA ("NFFEs"). FFIs and FFEs that are shareholders of a Fund may be subject to a 30% withholding tax on certain distributions paid by the Funds. The FATCA withholding tax generally may be avoided on payments to an: (a) FFI, if it reports certain direct and indirect ownership of foreign financial accounts held by U.S. persons with the FFI and satisfies certain withholding requirements, and (b) NFFE, if it: (i) certifies that is has no substantial U.S. persons as owners or (ii) reports information relating to them to the withholding agent (which may be the Fund). The U.S. Treasury has negotiated intergovernmental agreements (each, an "IGA") with certain countries and is in various stages of negotiations with other foreign countries with respect to one or more alternative approaches to implement FATCA. An entity in one of those countries may be required to comply with the terms of an IGA and applicable local law instead of U.S. Treasury Regulations.

An FFI can avoid FATCA withholding by becoming a "participating FFI," which requires the FFI to enter into a tax compliance agreement with the IRS under section 1471(b) of the Code under which it agrees to verify, report and disclose certain of its U.S. accountholders and provided that such entity meets certain other specified requirements. The FFI will report to the IRS, or, depending on the FFI's country of residence, to the government of that country (pursuant to the terms and conditions of an applicable IGA and applicable law), which will, in turn, report to the IRS. An FFI that is resident in a country that has entered into an IGA with the U.S. to implement FATCA will be exempt from FATCA withholding provided that the FFI shareholder and the applicable foreign government comply with the terms of such agreement.

A NFFE that is the beneficial owner of a payment from a Fund can avoid FATCA withholding generally by certifying that it does not have any substantial U.S. owners or by providing the name, address and taxpayer identification number of each substantial U.S. owner. The NFFE will report to the Fund or other applicable withholding agent, which will, in turn, report information to the IRS.

Shares held through such foreign shareholders also may fall into certain exempt, excepted or deemed compliant categories as established by U.S. Treasury Regulations, IGAs, and other guidance regarding FATCA. An FFI or NFFE that invests in a Fund will need to provide the Fund with documentation properly certifying the entity's status under FATCA in order to avoid FATCA withholding. The certification requirements imposed by FATCA are in addition to the U.S. certification rules to avoid backup withholding described above.

**Other Tax Matters**

Special tax rules not described in this discussion apply to investments through defined contribution plans and other tax-qualified plans, as well as investments by tax-exempt entities. Shareholders should consult their tax adviser to determine the suitability of shares of a Fund as an investment through such plans or by such entities and the precise effect that investment in a Fund would have on their particular tax situation.

A type of savings account called "Trump Accounts" were introduced into the Code in 2025 as a type of individual retirement account for children. Until the beginning of the first calendar year in which the account beneficiary attains the age of 18, a Trump Account can invest only in "eligible investments" which include only investments in mutual funds or exchange traded funds that track the returns of certain types of equity indexes. The Funds do not expect to qualify as an eligible investment for Trump accounts and investors will not be eligible to invest a Trump Account in a Fund before the first calendar year in which the account beneficiary reaches the age of 18.

The foregoing discussion relates solely to U.S. federal income tax law. Dividends and distributions also may be subject to state and local taxes. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding specific questions as to U.S. federal, state, local and, where applicable, foreign taxes. Foreign investors should consult their tax advisers concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences of ownership of shares of a Fund, including the certification and filing requirements imposed on foreign investors in order to qualify for exemption from the backup withholding tax rates (or a reduced rate of withholding provided by treaty and the potential applicability of the U.S. estate tax).

The foregoing is a general and abbreviated summary of the applicable provisions of the Code and related Treasury Regulations currently in effect. For the complete provisions, reference should be made to the pertinent Code sections and Treasury Regulations. The Code and Treasury Regulations are subject to change by legislative or administrative actions.

**DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST**

The Trust was organized as a Delaware business trust on January 12, 2012 and consists of multiple separate portfolios or series. The Board may establish additional series in the future. The capitalization of the Trust consists solely of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest with no par value.

The Trust is anticipated to consist of multiple separate portfolios or series. When certain matters affect one Fund but not another, the shareholders would vote as a Fund regarding such matters. Subject to the foregoing, on any matter submitted to a vote of shareholders, all shares then entitled to vote will be voted separately by the Fund unless otherwise required by the 1940 Act, in which case all shares will be voted in the aggregate. For example, a change in a Fund's fundamental investment policies would be voted upon only by shareholders of the Fund. Additionally, approvals of Investment Advisory Contracts are matters to be determined separately by the Fund.

Approval by the shareholders of one Fund is effective as to that fund whether or not sufficient votes are received from the shareholders of the other Fund to approve the proposal as to that Fund. The term "majority," when referring to approvals to be obtained from shareholders of a Fund means the vote of the lesser of (i) 67% of the shares of the Fund or class represented at a meeting if the holder of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund or class are present in person or by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. The term "majority," when referring to the approvals to be obtained from shareholders of the Trust as a whole means the vote of the lesser of (i) 67% of the Trust's shares represented at a meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the Trust's outstanding shares are present in person or proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the Trust's outstanding shares. Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each full share held and fractional votes for fractional shares held.

The Trust is not required to hold regular annual meetings of a Fund's shareholders and does not intend to do so. However, the Trust undertakes to hold a special meeting of its shareholders if the purpose of voting on the question of removal of a director or trustees is requested in writing by the holders of at least 10% of the Trust's outstanding voting securities, and to assist in communicating with other shareholders as required by Section 16(c) of the 1940 Act. The Declaration of Trust provides that the holders of not less than two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the Trust may remove a person serving as Trustee either by declaration in writing or at a meeting called for such purpose.

Each share of a Fund represents an equal proportional interest in the Fund with each other share and is entitled to such dividends and distributions out of the income earned on the assets belonging to a fund as are declared in the discretion of the Trustees. In the event of the liquidation or dissolution of the Trust, shareholders of a Fund are entitled to receive the assets attributable to the Fund that are available for distribution, and a distribution of any general assets of the Trust not attributable to the Fund that are available for distribution in such manner and on such basis as the Trustees in their sole discretion may determine.

Shareholders are not entitled to any preemptive rights. All shares, when issued, will be fully paid and non-assessable by the Trust.

Under Delaware law, shareholders could, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for the obligations of a series of the Trust but only to the extent of the shareholder's investment in such series. However, the Declaration of Trust disclaims liability of the shareholders, Trustees or officers of the Trust for acts or obligations of the Trust, which are binding only on the assets and property of each series of the Trust and requires that notice of the disclaimer be given in each contract or obligations entered into or executed by the Trust or the Trustees. The risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which the Trust itself would be unable to meet its obligations and should be considered remote and is limited to the amount of the shareholder's investment in the Fund.

**OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS**

*Custodian.* U.S. Bank, N. A., located at 1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302, Milwaukee, WI 53212 serves as the custodian for the Funds. As such, the Custodian holds in safekeeping certificated securities and cash belonging to the Funds and, in such capacity, is the registered owner of securities in book-entry form belonging to the Funds. Upon instruction, the Custodian receives and delivers cash and securities of the Funds in connection with Fund transactions and collects all dividends and other distributions made with respect to Fund portfolio securities. The Custodian also maintains certain accounts and records of the Funds. Sub-custodians provide custodial services for any foreign assets held outside of the United States.

*Transfer Agent.* ALPS, pursuant to a Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, serves as transfer agent for the Funds. As Transfer Agent, ALPS has, among other things, agreed to (i) issue and redeem shares of the Funds; (ii) make dividend and other distributions to shareholders of the Funds; (iii) effect transfers of shares; (iv) mail communications to shareholders of the Funds, including account statements, confirmations, and dividend and distribution notices; (v) facilitate the electronic delivery of shareholder statements and reports and (vi) maintain shareholder accounts. Under the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, ALPS receives from the Trust on behalf of the Funds an annual minimum fee and a fee based upon the number of shareholder accounts and is also reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses. As described above, ALPS is an affiliate of the Distributor.

*Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.* Cohen & Company, Ltd., 1350 Euclid Ave., Suite 800, Cleveland, Ohio 44115, serves as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Trust. Its services include auditing the Funds' financial statements. Cohen & Co Advisory, LLC, an affiliate of Cohen & Company, Ltd., provides tax services as requested.

*Counsel.* Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP serves as counsel to the Trust and is located at 3400 Walnut Street, Suite 700, Denver, Colorado 80205. Thompson Hine LLP serves as counsel to the Independent Trustees and is located at 41 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215.

**PERFORMANCE INFORMATION**

*Yield and Total Return.* A Fund may from time to time include the yield and/or total return of its shares in advertisements or information in advertisements or information furnished to present or prospective shareholders.

A Fund's yield will vary from time to time depending upon market conditions, the composition of its portfolios and operating expenses of the Trust allocated to the Fund. These factors, possible differences in the methods used in calculating yield, and the tax-exempt status of distributions, should be considered when comparing a Fund's yield to yields published for other investment companies and other investment vehicles. Yield should also be considered relative to changes in the value of a Fund's shares and to the relative risks associated with the investment objectives and policies of a Fund.

At any time in the future, yields and total return may be higher or lower than past yields and there can be no assurance that any historical results will continue.

Investors in a Fund are specifically advised that share prices, expressed as the net asset value per share, will vary just as yield will vary. An investor's focus on the yield of a Fund to the exclusion of the consideration of the share price of the Fund may result in the investor's misunderstanding the total return he or she may derive from the Fund.

**FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

The audited financial statements of the Funds for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, and the report of Cohen & Company, Ltd., the Funds' independent registered public accounting firm, is incorporated herein by reference to the Funds' [Annual Report](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1558107/000139834425021967/fp0096372-1_ncsrixbrl.htm) for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025. The Funds' Annual Report is available at no charge by writing or telephoning the Funds at the address or number on the front page of this Statement of Additional Information.

**APPENDIX A**

**DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS**

A Fund may make use of average portfolio credit quality standards to assist institutional investors whose own investment guidelines limit their investments accordingly. In determining a Fund's overall dollar-weighted average quality, unrated securities are treated as if rated, based on the adviser's view of their comparability to rated securities. A Fund's use of average quality criteria is intended to be a guide for those investors whose investment guidelines require that assets be invested according to comparable criteria. Reference to an overall average quality rating for a Fund does not mean that all securities held by the Fund will be rated in that category or higher. A Fund's investments may range in quality from securities rated in the lowest category in which the Fund is permitted to invest to securities rated in the highest category (as rated by Moody's, S&P or Fitch or, if unrated, determined by the adviser to be of comparable quality). The percentage of a Fund's assets invested in securities in a particular rating category will vary. Following is a description of Moody's, S&P's and Fitch's ratings applicable to fixed-income securities.

**Moody's Investors Service, Inc.**

**Corporate and Municipal Bond Ratings**

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Moody's bond ratings, where specified, are applicable to financial contracts, senior bank obligations and insurance company senior policyholder and claims obligations with an original maturity in excess of one year. Obligations relying upon support mechanisms such as letter-of-credit and bonds of indemnity are excluded unless explicitly rated. Obligations of a branch of a bank are considered to be domiciled in the country in which the branch is located.

Unless noted as an exception, Moody's rating on a bank's ability to repay senior obligations extends only to branches located in countries which carry a Moody's Sovereign Rating for Bank Deposits. Such branch obligations are rated at the lower of the bank's rating or Moody's Sovereign Rating for the Bank Deposits for the country in which the branch is located. When the currency in which an obligation is denominated is not the same as the currency of the country in which the obligation is domiciled, Moody's ratings do not incorporate an opinion as to whether payment of the obligation will be affected by the actions of the government controlling the currency of denomination. In addition, risk associated with bilateral conflicts between an investor's home country and cither the issuer's home country or the country where an issuer branch is located are not incorporated into Moody's ratings.

Moody's makes no representation that rated bank obligations or insurance company obligations are exempt from registration under the Securities Act or issued in conformity with any other applicable law or regulation. Nor does Moody's represent that any specific bank or insurance company obligation is legally enforceable or a valid senior obligation of a rated issuer.

Moody's applies numerical modifiers, 1, 2, and 3 in each generic rating classified from Aa through Caa in its corporate bond rating system. The modifier 1 indicates that the security ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic rating category.

**Corporate Short-Term Debt Ratings**

Moody's short-term debt ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to repay punctually senior debt obligations. These obligations have an original maturity not exceeding one year, unless explicitly noted.

Moody's employs the following three designations, all judged to be investment-grade, to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:

PRIME-1: Issuers rated Prime-1 (or supporting institutions) have a superior ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. Prime-1 repayment ability will often be evidenced by many of the following characteristics: leading market positions in well-established industries; high rates of return on funds employed: conservative capitalization structure with moderate reliance on debt and ample asset protection; broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed financial charges and high internal cash generation; and well-established access to a range of financial markets and assured sources of alternate liquidity.

PRIME-2: Issuers rated Prime-2 (or supporting institutions) have a strong ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. This will normally be evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to a lesser degree. Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may be more subject to variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.

PRIME-3: Issuers rated Prime-3 (or supporting institutions) have an acceptable ability for repayment of senior short-term obligations. The effect of industry characteristics and market compositions may be more pronounced. Variability in earnings and profitability may result in changes in the level of debt protection measurements and may require relatively high financial leverage. Adequate alternate liquidity is maintained.

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

**Standard & Poor's Ratings Services**

**Issue Credit Rating Definitions**

A Standard & Poor's issue credit rating is a current opinion of the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The issue credit rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell, or hold a financial obligation, inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or suitability for a particular investor.

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

Issue credit ratings can be either long-term or short-term. Short-term ratings are generally assigned to those obligations considered short term in the relevant market. In the U.S., for example, that means obligations with an original maturity of no more than 365 days, including commercial paper. Short-term ratings are also used to indicate the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to put features on long-term obligations. The result is a dual rating, in which the short-term rating addresses the put feature, in addition to the usual long-term rating. Medium-term notes are assigned long-term ratings.

Issue credit ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following considerations: likelihood of payment; capacity and willingness of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on an obligation in accordance with the terms of the obligation; nature of and provisions of the obligation; and protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the event of bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors' rights.

The issue rating definitions are expressed in terms of default risk. As such, they pertain to senior obligations of an entity. Junior obligations are typically rated lower than senior obligations, to reflect the lower priority in bankruptcy, as noted above. (Such differentiation applies when an entity has both senior and subordinated obligations, secured and unsecured obligations, or operating company and holding company obligations.) Accordingly, in the case of junior debt the rating may not conform exactly with the category definition.

**Corporate and Municipal Bond Ratings**

***Investment-grade***

AAA: An obligation rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor's. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.

AA: An obligation rated 'AA' differs from the highest rated obligations only in small degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.

A: An obligation rated 'A' is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.

BBB: An obligation rated 'BBS' exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

***Speculative Grade***

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

BB: An obligation rated 'BB' is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

B: An obligation rated 'B' is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated 'BB', but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

CCC: An obligation rated 'CCC' is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

CC: An obligation rated 'CC' is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.

C: A subordinated debt or preferred stock obligation rated 'C' is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The 'C' rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed or similar action taken, but payments on this obligation are being continued. A 'C' also will be assigned to a preferred stock issue in arrears on dividends or sinking fund payments, but that is currently paying.

D: An obligation rated 'D' is in payment default. The 'D' rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor's believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The 'D' rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.

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

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

r: This symbol is attached to the ratings of instruments with significant noncredit risks. It highlights risks to principal or volatility of expected returns which are not addressed in the credit rating. Examples include: obligations linked or indexed to equities, currencies, or commodities; obligations exposed to severe prepayment risk - such as interest-only or principal-only mortgage securities; and obligations with unusually risky interest terms, such as inverse floaters.

The absence of an "r" symbol should not be taken as an indication that an obligation will exhibit no volatility or variability in total return.

N.R.: This indicates that no rating has been requested, that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that Standard & Poor's does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy.

Debt obligations of issuers outside the United States and its territories are rated on the same basis as domestic corporate and municipal issues. The ratings measure the creditworthiness of the obligor but do not take into account currency exchange and related uncertainties.

**Commercial Paper Rating Definitions**

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

A-1: A short-term obligation rated 'A-1' is rated in the highest category by Standard & Poor's. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.

A-2: A short-term obligation rated 'A-2' is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory.

A-3: A short-term obligation rated 'A-3' exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

B: A short-term obligation rated 'B' is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

C: A short-term obligation rated 'C' is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

D: A short-term obligation rated 'D' is in payment default. The 'D' rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor's believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The 'D' rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.

A commercial paper rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold a security inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or suitability for a particular investor. The ratings are based on current information furnished to Standard & Poor's by the issuer or obtained from other sources it considers reliable. Standard & Poor's does not perform an audit in connection with any rating and may, on occasion, rely on unaudited financial information. The ratings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a result of changes in or unavailability of such information.

**Fitch Investor Services, Inc.**

**Credit Ratings**

Fitch's credit ratings provide an opinion on the relative ability of an entity to meet financial commitments, such as interest, preferred dividends, repayment of principal, insurance claims or counterparty obligations. Credit ratings are used by investors as indications of the likelihood of receiving their money back in accordance with the terms on which they invested. Fitch's credit ratings cover the global spectrum of corporate, sovereign (including supranational and sub-national), financial, bank, insurance, municipal and other public finance entities and the securities or other obligations they issue, as well as structured finance securities backed by receivables or other financial assets.

The use of credit ratings defines their function: "investment grade" ratings (international Long-term 'AAA' to 'BBB-' categories; Short-term 'F1' to 'F3') indicate relatively low to moderate credit risk, while those in the "speculative" or "non-investment grade" categories (international Long-term 'BB+' to 'D'; Short-term 'B' to 'D') either signal a higher level of credit risk or that a default has already occurred. Credit ratings express risk in relative rank order, which is to say they are ordinal measures of credit risk and are not predictive of a specific frequency of default or loss.

Depending on their application, credit ratings address benchmark measures of probability of default as well relative expectations of loss given default. For example, issuers are typically assigned Issuer Default Ratings that are relative measures of default probability. Similarly, short-term credit ratings give primary consideration to the likelihood that obligations will be met on a timely basis. Securities, however, are rated taking into consideration probability of default and loss given default. As a result, for entities such as corporations, security ratings may be rated higher, lower or the same as the issuer rating to reflect expectations of the security's relative recovery prospects, as well as differences in ability and willingness to pay. While recovery analysis plays an important role throughout the ratings scale, it becomes a more critical consideration for below investment-grade securities and obligations, particularly at the lower end of the non-investment-grade ratings scale where Fitch often publishes actual Recovery Ratings that are complementary to the credit ratings.

Structured finance ratings typically are assigned to each individual security or tranche in a transaction, and not to an issuer. Each structured finance tranche is rated on the basis of various stress scenarios in combination with its relative seniority, prioritization of cash flows and other structural mechanisms.

**International Long-Term Credit Ratings**

International Long-Term Credit Ratings (LTCR) may also be referred to as Long-Term Ratings. When assigned to most issuers, it is used as a benchmark measure of probability of default and is formally described as an Issuer Default Rating (IDR). The major exception is within Public Finance, where IDRs will not be assigned as market convention has always focused on timeliness and does not draw analytical distinctions between issuers and their underlying obligations. When applied to issues or securities, the LTCR may be higher or lower than the issuer rating (IDR) to reflect relative differences in recovery expectations.

The following rating scale applies to foreign currency and local currency ratings:

***Investment Grade***

**AAA**

Highest credit quality. 'AAA' ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in case of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

**AA**

Very high credit quality. 'AA' ratings denote expectations of very low credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

**A**

High credit quality. 'A' ratings denote expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to changes in circumstances or in economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.

**BBB**

Good credit quality. 'BBB' ratings indicate that there is currently expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate but adverse changes in circumstances and economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity. This is the lowest investment grade category.

***Speculative Grade***

**BB**

**Speculative**

'BB' ratings indicate that there is a possibility of credit risk developing, particularly as the result of adverse economic change over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met. Securities rated in this category are not investment grade.

**B**

**Highly speculative**

For issuers and performing obligations, 'B' ratings indicate that significant credit risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is contingent upon a sustained, favorable business and economic environment.

For individual obligations, may indicate distressed or defaulted obligations with potential for extremely high recoveries. Such obligations would possess a Recovery Rating of 'R1' (outstanding).

**CCC**

For issuers and performing obligations, default is a real possibility. Capacity for meeting financial commitments is solely reliant upon sustained, favorable business or economic conditions.

For individual obligations, may indicate distressed or defaulted obligations with potential for average to superior levels of recovery. Differences in credit quality may be denoted by plus/minus distinctions. Such obligations typically would possess a Recovery Rating of 'R2' (superior), or 'R3' (good) or 'R4' (average).

**CC**

For issuers and performing obligations, default of some kind appears probable.

For individual obligations, may indicate distressed or defaulted obligations with a Recovery Rating of 'R4' (average) or 'R5' (below average).

**C**

For issuers and performing obligations, default is imminent.

For individual obligations, may indicate distressed or defaulted obligations with potential for below-average to poor recoveries. Such obligations would possess a Recovery Rating of 'R6' (poor).

**RD**

Indicates an entity that has failed to make due payments (within the applicable grace period) on some but not all material financial obligations, but continues to honor other classes of obligations.

**D**

Indicates an entity or sovereign that has defaulted on all of its financial obligations. Default generally is defined as one of the following:

● failure of an obligor to make timely payment of principal and/or interest under the contractual terms of any financial obligation;

● the bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other winding-up or cessation of business of an obligor; or

● the distressed or other coercive exchange of an obligation, where creditors were offered securities with diminished structural or economic terms compared with the existing obligation.

Default ratings are not assigned prospectively; within this context, non-payment on an instrument that contains a deferral feature or grace period will not be considered a default until after the expiration of the deferral or grace period.

Issuers will be rated 'D' upon a default. Defaulted and distressed obligations typically are rated along the continuum of 'C' to 'B' ratings categories, depending upon their recovery prospects and other relevant characteristics. Additionally, in structured finance transactions, where analysis indicates that an instrument is irrevocably impaired such that it is not expected to meet pay interest and or principal in full in accordance with the terms of the obligation's documentation during the life of the transaction, but where no payment default in accordance with the terms of the documentation is imminent, the obligation may be rated in the 'B' or 'CCC-C' categories.

Default is determined by reference to the terms of the obligations' documentation. Fitch will assign default ratings where it has reasonably determined that payment has not been made on a material obligation in accordance with the requirements of the obligation's documentation, or where it believes that default ratings consistent with Fitch's published definition of default are the most appropriate ratings to assign.

**International Short-Term Credit Ratings**

The following ratings scale applies to foreign currency and local currency ratings. A Short-term rating has a time horizon of less than 13 months for most obligations, or up to three years for US public finance, in line with industry standards, to reflect unique risk characteristics of bond, tax, and revenue anticipation notes that are commonly issued with terms up to three years. Short-term ratings thus place greater emphasis on the liquidity necessary to meet financial commitments in a timely manner.

**F1**

Highest credit quality. Indicates the strongest capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added "+" to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.

**F2**

Good credit quality. A satisfactory capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, but the margin of safety is not as great as in the case of the higher ratings.

**F3**

Fair credit quality. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate; however, near term adverse changes could result in a reduction to non-investment grade.

**B**

Speculative. Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.

**C**

High default risk. Default is a real possibility. Capacity for meeting financial commitments is solely reliant upon a sustained, favorable business and economic environment.

**RD**

Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other obligations.

**D**

Indicates an entity or sovereign that has defaulted on all of its financial obligations.

**Notes to International Long-Term and Short-Term ratings:**

The modifiers "+" or "–" may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the 'AAA' Long-term rating category, to categories below 'CCC' or to Short-term ratings other than 'Fl'. (The +/– modifiers are only used to denote issues within the CCC category, whereas issuers are only rated CCC without the use of modifiers.)

Rating Watch: Ratings are placed on Rating Watch to notify investors that there is a reasonable probability of a rating change and the likely direction of such change. These are designated as "Positive," indicating a potential upgrade, "Negative," for a potential downgrade, or "Evolving," if ratings may be raised, lowered or maintained. Rating Watch is typically resolved over a relatively short period.

Rating Outlook: An Outlook indicates the direction a rating is likely to move over a one to two-year period. Outlooks may be positive, stable or negative. A positive or negative Rating Outlook does not imply a rating change is inevitable. Similarly, ratings for which outlooks are "stable" could be upgraded or downgraded before an outlook moves to positive or negative if circumstances warrant such an action. Occasionally, Fitch Ratings may be unable to identify the fundamental trend. In these cases, the Rating Outlook may be described as evolving.

Program ratings (such as those assigned to MTN shelf registrations) relate only to standard issues made under the program concerned: it should not be assumed that these ratings apply to every issue made under the program. In particular, in the case of non-standard issues, i.e. those that are linked to the credit of a third party or linked to the performance of an index, ratings of these issues may deviate from the applicable program rating.

Variable rate demand obligations and other securities which contain a short-term "put" or other similar demand feature will have a dual rating, such as AAA/F1+. The first rating reflects the ability to meet long-term principal and interest payments, whereas the second rating reflects the ability to honor the demand feature in full and on time.

**Interest Only**

Interest Only ratings are assigned to interest strips. These ratings do not address the possibility that a security holder might fail to recover some or all of its initial investment due to voluntary or involuntary principal repayments.

**Principal Only**

Principal Only ratings address the likelihood that a security holder will receive their initial principal investment either before or by the scheduled maturity date.

**Rate of Return**

Ratings also may be assigned to gauge the likelihood of an investor receiving a certain predetermined internal rate of return without regard to the precise timing of any cash flows.

**'PIF'**

Paid-in-Full: denotes a security that is paid-in-full, matured, called, or refinanced.

'NR' indicates that Fitch Ratings does not rate the issuer or issue in question.

'Withdrawn': A rating is withdrawn when Fitch Ratings deems the amount of information available to be inadequate for rating purposes, or when an obligation matures, is called, or refinanced, or for any other reason Fitch Ratings deems sufficient.

**APPENDIX B**

**ALPS SERIES TRUST**

**PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES**

The Trust has adopted a Proxy Voting Policy used to determine how the Funds vote proxies relating to their portfolio securities. Under the Trust's Proxy Voting Policy, the Fund has, subject to the oversight of the Trust's Board, delegated to the Adviser the following duties: (1) to make the proxy voting decisions for the Funds, subject to the exceptions described below; and (2) to assist the Funds in disclosing their respective proxy voting record as required by Rule 30b1-4 under the 1940 Act.

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

The Fund CCO shall ensure that the Adviser has adopted a Proxy Voting Policy, which it uses to vote proxies for its clients, including the Funds.

**General**

The Trust and the Funds believe that the voting of proxies is an important part of portfolio management as it represents an opportunity for shareholders to make their voices heard and to influence the direction of a company. The Trust and the Funds are committed to voting corporate proxies in the manner that best serves the interests of the Fund's shareholders.

**Delegation to the Adviser**

The Trust believes that the Adviser is in the best position to make individual voting decisions for the Funds consistent with this Policy. Therefore, subject to the oversight of the Board, the Adviser is hereby delegated the following duties:

(1) to make the proxy voting decisions for the Funds, in accordance with the Adviser's Proxy Voting Policy, except as provided herein; and

(2) to assist the Funds in disclosing their respective proxy voting record as required by Rule 30b1-4 under the 1940 Act, including providing the following information for each matter with respect to which the Funds are entitled to vote: (a) information identifying the matter voted on; (b) whether the matter was proposed by the issuer or by a security holder; (c) whether and how the Fund cast its vote; and (d) whether the Fund cast its vote for or against management.

The Board, including a majority of the independent trustees of the Board, must approve the Adviser's Proxy Voting and Disclosure Policy (the "Adviser Voting Policy") as it relates to the Funds. The Board must also approve any material changes to the Adviser Voting Policy no later than six (6) months after adoption by the Adviser.

**Conflicts**

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

**CLARKSTON CAPITAL PARTNERS, LLC**

**SUMMARY OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I. Introduction

Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended requires an investment adviser, if it exercises voting authority over client proxies, to adopt policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure that the investment adviser votes proxies in the best interests of its clients. The Rule also requires investment advisers to disclose to clients information about those policies and procedures and to disclose to clients how they may obtain information on the manner in which the adviser has voted their proxies.

Clarkston Capital Partners, LLC ("CCP") offers to its clients one or more investment strategies pursuant to which client accounts are invested in individual equity securities ("Strategy Names"). While CCP discourages clients from holding equity securities in their CCP-managed accounts that are not Strategy Names (that is, "Non-Strategy Names"), in some cases, particularly for taxable accounts of new clients, certain Non-Strategy Names are held in the same accounts as Strategy Names. Further, certain clients hold securities in their CCP-managed accounts that they have excluded from CCP's investment oversight and responsibility ("Excluded Assets").

CCP utilizes a third-party proxy voting administration service ("Proxy Service") to obtain analyses and recommendations as to how to vote on each proxy issue and to vote proxies on behalf of CCP clients. Pursuant to an arrangement between the Proxy Service and Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. ("Broadridge"), CCP receives the Proxy Service's analyses and information regarding proxies to be voted and issues proxy instructions through ProxyEdge ("ProxyEdge"), an online platform provided by Broadridge. CCP receives proxies for all securities held in custodial accounts over which CCP has discretionary voting authority, regardless of whether they relate to Strategy Names or Non-Strategy Names and regardless of whether they relate to Excluded Assets.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;II. Policies

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. General

Unless otherwise directed by the client and except as otherwise provided in these policies and procedures, CCP will vote any proxy received from the issuer of a security held in an account managed by CCP. It is CCP's policy to vote all proxies prudently and solely in the best interest of advisory clients and their beneficiaries considering all relevant factors and without undue influence from individuals or groups who may have an economic interest in the outcome of a proxy vote.

Except to the extent required by applicable law or otherwise approved by CCP, CCP will not disclose to third parties including, but not limited to, proxy solicitors, non-clients, and the media, CCP's actual proxy votes (until voting results are made public) or CCP's voting intentions (except electronically to regulatory agencies). CCP may communicate with other investors regarding a specific proposal but will not disclose its vote until such time as the subject issuer has publicly disclosed the voting results.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B. Shares on Loan

In the event a security's shares are on loan at the time of a proxy record date, ProxyEdge will not include the shares as record shares for proxy voting purposes and CCP will not be able to vote the shares. Generally, CCP will not engage clients, custodians and securities lending agents in a process to call back shares on loan for purposes of including such shares in record date shares within the ProxyEdge administration process and therefore will generally not vote shares that are on loan over a record date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C. Securities of Non-Strategy Names and Excluded Assets

When Non-Strategy Names or Excluded Assets are held in an account over which CCP has discretionary voting authority, CCP will typically vote those proxies consistent with the recommendation of its third-party proxy voting research service. CCP, however, reserves the right to override any such recommendation or not to vote proxies for Non-Strategy Names or Excluded Assets. For purposes of these policies, if a security was a Strategy Name as of a company's shareholder meeting record date, but no longer a Strategy Name as of the meeting date, CCP will treat the security as a Non-Strategy Name for voting purposes.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;D. Securities Held in Terminated Accounts

Clients who terminate CCP as the manager of their account are responsible for ensuring their custodian no longer forwards to CCP proxy materials relating to such account. If CCP receives a proxy solicitation relating to holdings of an account that is no longer being managed by CCP, CCP may, but is not obligated to, vote such proxies in the same manner as it would if the account were still under CCP management. CCP shall not forward any proxy materials to any former client, unless specifically requested to do so in writing sufficiently in advance of the meeting date to allow CCP to comply.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;III. Procedures

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. Proxy Committee

1. CCP has established a Proxy Committee to oversee these policies and procedures. The Proxy Committee consists of at least one representative from each of the following CCP groups: CCP's investment team, CCP's compliance team, CCP's Private Client division, and CCP's institutional operations team.

2. The Proxy Committee is responsible for selecting the third-party proxy voting research service to be used by CCP and for oversight of such service. Currently, the Proxy Committee has selected Institutional Shareholder Services, Inc.

3. The Proxy Committee meets at least annually and as otherwise needed to evaluate and administer CCP's proxy review and voting process and to revise and update these policies and procedures as new issues arise. Among other things, the Proxy Committee will review the third-party proxy voting service's guidelines to confirm they are consistent in all material respects with these policies and procedures.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B. Proxy Voting Decisions

1. With respect to proxies pertaining to Strategy Names, a member of CCP's investment team (the "Proxy Analyst") designated by one of CCP's co-Chief Investment Officers conducts a review (which may be in consultation with a Private Client division portfolio manager for Strategy Names held only in Private Client division accounts) of the third-party proxy voting research service's recommendations. For each Strategy Name, the Proxy Analyst determines whether to accept the recommendations as being in the best interest of clients or to override the recommendations and vote differently. In either case, CCP makes proxy voting decisions for Strategy Names in a manner that is consistent with the investment philosophy CCP applies in the management of each CCP equity investment strategy. CCP will make proxy voting decisions that it believes will enable a company to maximize the value of the business over the long term.

2. With respect to proxies pertaining to Non-Strategy Names or Excluded Assets, CCP has determined that the costs of reviewing the third-party proxy voting research service's recommendations with respect to a particular security and the limited influence that the aggregate vote of CCP is likely to have on the outcome of the vote outweigh the potential benefits to clients from reviewing the third-party proxy voting service's advice and recommendations. For such proxies, CCP will follow the third-party proxy voting service's applicable recommendation without further review.

3. CCP will accept directions from clients to vote their proxies in a manner that may result in their proxies being voted differently than proxies of other clients over which CCP has full discretionary voting authority. For example, some clients may instruct CCP to vote proxies for their accounts in accordance with specialty proxy voting guidelines (e.g., Taft-Hartley, Socially Responsible or Catholic). CCP will not override the third-party proxy voting service's recommendations with respect to voting proxies for accounts that have directed CCP to vote using a particular set of specialty proxy voting guidelines absent further client direction or authorization.

4. If CCP's third-party proxy voting service does not provide a recommendation on a proposal pertaining to a Strategy Name or a security held by a client that has directed CCP to vote according to specialty proxy voting guidelines, CCP will generally vote the proxy with management.

5. If a potential conflict of interest between CCP or a principal of CCP and CCP's clients with respect to a proxy issue arises, for example, from personal or professional relationships with a company or with the directors, candidates for director, or senior executives of a company that is the issuer of shares subject to the voting discretion of CCP, CCP's Chief Compliance Officer ("CCO") (or one of the co-Chief Investment Officers if the potential conflict involves the CCO) will determine whether a material conflict of interest exists.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a. If the CCO (or one of the co-Chief Investment Officers if the potential conflict involves the CCO) determines that there is no material conflict, CCP may follow its normal procedures for making proxy voting decisions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b. If the CCO (or one of the co-Chief Investment Officers if the potential conflict involves the CCO) determines that there is a material conflict, CCP will do one of the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. CCP may follow the applicable third-party proxy voting service's recommendation in voting the proxies;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. CCP may disclose the existence and nature of the conflict to the client(s) owning the shares and seek direction on how to vote the proxies; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. CCP may abstain from voting, particularly if there are conflicting client interests.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C. Proxy Voting Process

1. ProxyEdge alerts CCP each time that a proxy is available to be reviewed and voted. The information provided by ProxyEdge includes CCP's third-party proxy voting service recommendations.

2. For securities held in accounts where the client has instructed CCP to vote proxies in accordance with specialty proxy voting guidelines, CCP takes no further action and ProxyEdge votes the client proxies in accordance with the applicable specialty guidelines and voting recommendations pertaining to each account.

3. Absent a determination to override the third-party proxy voting service's recommendation with respect to any security, CCP takes no further action and ProxyEdge votes the client proxies in accordance with the recommendations pertaining to each account.

4. If CCP determines to override the third-party proxy voting service's recommendation, CCP will document within ProxyEdge the rationale used to reach its conclusion and will change the vote in accordance with CCP's determination.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;D. Reconciliation

Periodically, CCP will seek to reconcile a sample of Strategy Name proxies received against holdings of client accounts over which CCP has voting authority to ensure that all shares of a particular security held on the record date, and for which a voting obligation exists, are voted.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;E. Disclosure to Clients

1. At the inception of each client relationship, CCP provides the client with a copy of its Brochure (i.e., Part 2A of Form ADV), which contains information about these policies and procedures. CCP sends clients at least annually notice of any material changes to the information contained in its Brochure. Upon request, CCP will furnish a copy of these Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures to a client and advise clients how they can obtain information on how CCP caused their proxies to be voted.

2. Upon request from an appropriately authorized individual, CCP will disclose to its advisory clients or the entity delegating the voting authority to CCP for such clients (such as a trustee or consultant retained by the client), how CCP voted such client's proxy or beneficial interest in securities it held.

3. CCP provides a description of these policies and procedures to all investment company clients and will promptly advise its investment company clients of any material changes to these policies and procedures.

4. CCP shall take such action as may be necessary to enable any registered investment company for which CCP has proxy voting authority to comply with all disclosure obligations imposed by applicable rules and regulations (i.e., Form N-PX).

**STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION**

**February 1, 2026**

**HILLMAN VALUE FUND**

Ticker Symbol: HCMAX

ALPS Series Trust

1290 Broadway, Suite 1000

Denver, CO 80203

This Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") expands upon and supplements the information contained in the current Prospectus for shares of the Hillman Value Fund (the "Fund"), which is a separate series ALPS Series Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the "Trust"). The series of the Trust represents shares of beneficial interest in a separate portfolio of securities and other assets with its own objective and policies. Hillman Capital Management, Inc. (the "Adviser") is the investment adviser of the Fund.

This SAI is not a prospectus and is only authorized for distribution when preceded or accompanied by the Fund's current prospectus dated February 1, 2026, as supplemented from time to time (the "Prospectus"). This SAI supplements and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus, a copy of which may be obtained without charge by writing the Hillman Value Fund at the address listed above, or by calling the Fund's transfer agent at 855-400-5944. The Fund's most recent [Annual Report](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1558107/000139834425021967/fp0096372-1_ncsrixbrl.htm) is incorporated by reference into this SAI and can be obtained free of charge, by calling the toll-free number printed above.

**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | Page |
| Organization and Classification | 1 |
| Additional Investment Activities and Risks | 1 |
| Investment Limitations | 16 |
| Portfolio Turnover | 17 |
| Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings | 18 |
| Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage | 20 |
| Purchase, Exchange and Redemption of Shares | 22 |
| Trustees and Officers | 23 |
| Investment Manager | 31 |
| Distributor | 32 |
| Code of Ethics | 32 |
| Administrator | 32 |
| Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures | 33 |
| Principal Shareholders | 33 |
| Expenses | 33 |
| Portfolio Managers | 34 |
| Net Asset Value | 37 |
| Federal Income Taxes | 37 |
| Description of the Trust | 49 |
| Other Information about the Fund | 50 |
| Performance Information | 51 |
| Financial Statements | 51 |
| Appendix A – Description of Securities Ratings | A-1 |
| Appendix B – Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures | B-1 |

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**ORGANIZATION AND CLASSIFICATION**

**ALPS Series Trust**

This SAI includes information about the Hillman Value Fund. The Fund is a series of the ALPS Series Trust (the "Trust"), an open-end, management investment company organized as a Delaware statutory trust on January 12, 2012.

The Hillman Value Fund ("the "Predecessor Fund"), a series of Hillman Capital Management Investment Trust, reorganized into the Fund on March 15, 2021. The Predecessor Fund also was advised by Hillman Capital Management, Inc.

**Classification**

The Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), classifies mutual funds as either diversified or non-diversified. The Fund is considered a diversified fund under this classification.

**ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES AND RISKS**

The Fund's principal investment objectives and strategies are discussed in the Prospectus under the "**SUMMARY SECTION**" for the Fund and under "**INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES**." In order to achieve its investment objective, the Fund generally makes investments of the sort described in the Prospectus.

The Fund may also invest in certain types of securities, or engage in certain investment activities, as generally discussed below. In addition, the Fund may be subject to additional risks in connection with its investments in such securities or as a result of the Fund's investment strategies or activities.

***General Investment Risks***. All investments in securities and other financial instruments involving a risk of financial loss. No assurance can be given that the Fund's investment program will be successful. Investors should carefully review the descriptions of the Fund's investments and their risks in this SAI and the Prospectus.

***Equity Securities***. The Fund may invest in equity securities, both directly and indirectly through the Fund's investment in shares of other investment companies. The equity portion of the Fund's portfolio may be comprised of common stocks traded on domestic securities exchanges or on the over-the-counter ("OTC") market. In addition to common stocks, the equity portion of each Fund's portfolio may also include preferred stocks, convertible preferred stocks, and convertible bonds. Prices of equity securities in which the Fund invests (either directly or indirectly through the Fund's investment in shares of other investment companies) may fluctuate in response to many factors, including, but not limited to, the activities of the individual companies whose securities the Fund owns, general market and economic conditions, interest rates, and specific industry changes. Such price fluctuations subject the Fund to potential losses. In addition, regardless of any one company's prospects, a declining stock market may produce a decline in prices for all equity securities, which could also result in losses for the Fund. Market declines may continue for an indefinite period, and investors should understand that during temporary or extended bear markets, the value of equity securities will decline.

***Money Market Instruments***. The Fund may invest in money market instruments which may include U.S. Government securities or corporate debt securities (including those subject to repurchase agreements). Money market instruments also may include banker's acceptances and certificates of deposit of domestic branches of U.S. banks, commercial paper and variable amount demand master notes ("Master Notes"). Banker's acceptances are time drafts drawn on and "accepted" by a bank. When a bank "accepts" such a time draft, it assumes liability for its payment. When the Fund acquires a banker's acceptance the bank which "accepted" the time draft is liable for payment of interest and principal when due. The banker's acceptance carries the full faith and credit of such bank. A certificate of deposit ("CD") is an unsecured interest-bearing debt obligation of a bank. Commercial paper is an unsecured, short-term debt obligation of a bank, corporation or other borrower. Commercial paper maturities generally range from two to 270 days and it is usually sold on a discounted basis rather than as an interest-bearing instrument. The Fund will invest in commercial paper only if it is rated one of the top two rating categories by Moody's, S&P, or Fitch Investors Service, Inc. ("Fitch") or, if not rated, is of equivalent quality in the Adviser's opinion. Commercial paper may include Master Notes of the same quality. Master Notes are unsecured obligations which are redeemable upon demand of the holder and which permit the investment of fluctuating amounts at varying rates of interest. Master Notes will be acquired by the Fund only through the Master Note program of the Fund's custodian bank, acting as administrator thereof. The Adviser will monitor, on an ongoing basis, the earnings power, cash flow, and other liquidity ratios of the issuer of a Master Note held by the Fund.

***Investment Companies***. The Fund may invest in securities of other investment companies. The Fund's investments in such securities involve certain additional expenses and certain tax results, which would not be present in a direct investment in the underlying fund. Pursuant to Section 12(d)(1)(A) of the 1940 Act, the Fund will be prevented from: (i) purchasing more than 3% of an investment company's outstanding shares; (ii) investing more than 5% of the Fund's assets in any single such investment company, and (iii) investing more than 10% of the Fund's assets in investment companies overall; unless: (a) the underlying investment company and/or the applicable Fund has received an order for exemptive relief from such limitations from the SEC; and (b) the underlying investment company and the Fund take appropriate steps to comply with any conditions in such order. In addition, the Fund is subject to Section 12(d)(1)(C), which provides that the Fund may not acquire shares of a closed-end fund if, immediately after such acquisition, the Fund and other investment companies having the same adviser as the Fund would hold more than 10% of the closed-end fund's total outstanding voting stock. However, Section 12(d)(1)(F) of the 1940 Act provides that the limitations of paragraph 12(d)(1) shall not apply to securities purchased or otherwise acquired by the Fund if immediately after such purchase or acquisition not more than 3% of the total outstanding shares of such investment company is owned by the Fund and all affiliated persons of the Fund. Investments by the Fund in other investment companies entail a number of risks unique to a fund of funds structure. These risks include the following:

<u>Multiple Layers of Fees</u>. By investing in other investment companies indirectly through the Fund, prospective investors will directly bear the fees and expenses of the Fund's Adviser and indirectly bear the fees and expenses of other investment companies and other investment companies' managers as well. As such, this multiple or duplicative layer of fees will increase the cost of investments in the Fund.

<u>Lack of Transparency</u>. The Adviser will not be able to monitor the investment activities of the other investment companies on a continuous basis and the other investment companies may use investment strategies that differ from its past practices and are not fully disclosed to the Adviser and that involve risks that are not anticipated by the Adviser. The Fund has no control over the risks taken by the underlying investment companies in which they invest.

<u>Valuation of Investment Companies</u>. Although the Adviser will attempt to review the valuation procedures used by other investment companies' managers, the Adviser will have little or no means of independently verifying valuations of the Fund's investments in investment companies and valuations of the underlying securities held by other investment companies. As such, the Adviser will rely significantly on valuations of other investment companies and the securities underlying other investment companies that are reported by other investment companies' managers. In the event that such valuations prove to be inaccurate, the net asset value ("NAV") of the Fund could be adversely impacted and an investor could incur a loss of investment in the Fund.

<u>Illiquidity of Investments by and In Other Investment Companies</u>. Other investment companies may invest in securities that are not registered, are subject to legal or other restrictions on transfer, or for which no liquid market exists. The market prices, if any, for such securities tend to be volatile and restricted securities may sell at prices that are lower than similar securities that are not subject to legal restrictions on resale. Further, the Fund may not be able to redeem their interests in other investment companies' securities that it has purchased in a timely manner. If adverse market conditions were to develop during any period in which the Fund is unable to redeem interests in other investment companies, the Fund may suffer losses as a result of this illiquidity. As such, the lack of liquidity and volatility of restricted securities held by other investment companies could adversely affect the value of the other investment companies. Any such losses could adversely affect the value of the Fund's investments and an investor could incur a loss of investment in the Fund.

<u>Lack of Control</u>. Although the Fund and the Adviser will evaluate regularly other investment companies to determine whether their investment programs are consistent with the Fund's investment objective, the Adviser will not have any control over the investments made by other investment companies. Even though other investment companies are subject to certain constraints, the investment Adviser to each such investment company may change aspects of their investment strategies at any time. The Adviser will not have the ability to control or influence the composition of the investment portfolio of other investment companies.

<u>Lack of Diversification</u>. There is no requirement that the underlying investments held by other investment companies be diversified. As such, other investment companies' managers may target or concentrate other investment companies' investments in specific markets, sectors, or types of securities. As a result, investments made by other investment companies are subject to greater volatility as a result of this concentration than if the other investment companies had non-concentrated and diversified portfolios of investments. Thus, the Fund's portfolios (and by extension the value of an investment in the Fund) may therefore be subject to greater risk than the portfolio of a similar fund with investments in diversified investment companies.

<u>Use of Leverage</u>. The other investment companies may utilize leverage (i.e., borrowing) to acquire their underlying portfolio investments. When other investment companies borrow money or otherwise leverage their portfolio of investments, doing so may exaggerate changes in the net asset value ("NAV") of the shares of the other investment companies and in the return on the other investment companies' investments. Borrowing will also cost other investment companies interest expense and other fees. As such, the value of the Fund's investments in other investment companies may be more volatile and all other risks (including the risk of loss of an investment in other investment companies) tend to be compounded or magnified. As a result, any losses suffered by other investment companies as a result of their use of leverage could adversely affect the value of the Fund's investments and an investor could incur a loss of investment in the Fund.

***Exchange Traded Funds***. ETFs are traded on a securities exchange based on their market value. An investment in an ETF generally presents the same primary risks as an investment in a conventional registered investment company (i.e., one that is not exchange traded). In addition, all ETFs will have costs and expenses that will be passed on to the Fund, which will in turn increase the Fund's expenses. ETFs are also subject to the following risks that often do not apply to conventional investment companies: (i) the market price of the ETF's shares may trade at a discount to the ETF's NAV, and as a result, ETFs may experience more price volatility than other types of portfolio investments and which could negatively impact the Fund's NAV; (ii) an active trading market for an ETF's shares may not develop or be maintained at a sufficient volume; (iii) trading of an ETF's shares may be halted if the listing exchange deems such action appropriate; and (iv) ETF shares may be delisted from the exchange on which they trade, or "circuit breakers" (which are tied to large decreases in stock prices used by the exchange) may temporarily halt trading in the ETF's stock. ETFs are also subject to the risks of the underlying securities the ETF holds. Finally, there may be legal limitations and other conditions imposed by SEC rules on the amount of the ETF shares that the Fund may acquire.

***Illiquid Investments***. The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities, which are investments that cannot be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven days at approximately the prices at which they are valued. This restriction is not limited to the time of purchase. Under the supervision of the Trustees, the Adviser determines the liquidity of the Fund's investments and, through reports from the Adviser, the Trustees monitor investments in illiquid instruments. In determining the liquidity of the Fund's investments, the Adviser may consider various factors including (i) the frequency of trades and quotations; (ii) the number of dealers and prospective purchasers in the marketplace; (iii) dealer undertakings to make a market; (iv) the nature of the security (including any demand or tender features); and (v) the nature of the marketplace for trades (including the ability to assign or offset the Fund's rights and obligations relating to the investment). Investments currently considered by the Fund to be illiquid include repurchase agreements not entitling the holder to payment of principal and interest within seven days. If, through a change in values, net assets, or other circumstances, the Fund were in a position where more than 10% of its net assets were invested in illiquid securities, it would seek to take appropriate steps to protect liquidity. Investment in illiquid securities poses risks of potential delays on resale and uncertainty in valuation. Limitations on resale may have an adverse effect on the marketability of portfolio securities and the Fund may be unable to dispose of illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices.

***Fixed-Income Securities***. The Fund will invest in fixed-income securities directly or indirectly through its investments in shares of ETFs, including government and corporate bonds, money market instruments, high yield securities or "junk bonds" and zero-coupon bonds. Zero-coupon bonds are purchased at a discount from their face values and accrue interest at the applicable coupon rate over a period of time. Fixed-income securities purchased by the Fund may consist of obligations of any rating. Fixed-income securities in the lowest investment grade categories have speculative characteristics, with changes in the economy or other circumstances more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the bonds to make principal and interest payments than would occur with bonds rated in higher categories.

High yield bonds are typically rated below "Baa" by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or below "BBB" by S&P Global Ratings ("S&P") or below investment grade by other recognized rating agencies. The Fund may also invest in other mutual funds that invest in unrated securities of comparable quality under certain circumstances. Such bonds are subject to greater market fluctuations and risk of loss of income and principal than higher rated bonds for a variety of reasons, including:

<u>Sensitivity to Interest Rate and Economic Change</u>. The economy and interest rates affect high yield securities differently than other securities. For example, the prices of high yield bonds have been found to be less sensitive to interest rate changes than higher-rated investments, but more sensitive to adverse economic changes or individual corporate developments. Also, during an economic downturn or substantial period of rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers may experience financial stress which would adversely affect their ability to service their principal and interest obligations, to meet projected business goals, and to obtain additional financing. If the issuer of a bond defaults, an underlying mutual fund may incur additional expenses to seek recovery. In addition, periods of economic uncertainty and changes can be expected to result in increased volatility or market prices of high yield bonds and the Underlying Fund's asset values.

<u>Payment Expectations</u>. High yield bonds present certain risks based on payment expectations. For example, high yield bonds may contain redemption and call provisions. If an issuer exercises these provisions in a declining interest rate market, the Fund or an investment company in which the Fund invests would have to replace the security with a lower yielding security, resulting in a decreased return for investors. Conversely, a high yield bond's value will decrease in a rising interest rate market, as will the value of the Fund's or other investment company's assets. If the Fund or an investment company in which the Fund invests experiences unexpected net redemptions, it may be forced to sell its high yield bonds without regard to their investment merits, thereby decreasing the asset base upon which the Fund's or other investment company's expenses can be spread and possibly reducing the Fund's or other investment company's rate of return.

<u>Liquidity and Valuation</u>. To the extent that there is no established retail secondary market, there may be thin trading of high yield bonds, and this may impact a fund's ability to accurately value high yield bonds and may hinder a fund's ability to dispose of the bonds. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of high yield bonds, especially in a thinly traded market.

<u>Credit Ratings</u>. Credit ratings evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments, not the market value risk of high yield bonds. Also, because credit rating agencies may fail to timely change the credit ratings to reflect subsequent events, the Fund or an investment company in which the Fund invests must monitor the issuers of high yield bonds in their portfolios to determine if the issuers will have sufficient cash flow and profits to meet required principal and interest payments, and to assure the bonds' liquidity so the Fund or an investment company in which the Fund invests can meet redemption requests.

High-yield securities are deemed speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal over a long period of time. Special tax considerations are associated with investing in high-yield securities structured as zero coupon or "pay-in-kind" securities. The Fund or an investment company in which the Fund invests, will report the interest on these securities as income even though it receives no cash interest until the security's maturity or payment date. The payment of principal and interest on most fixed-income securities purchased by a fund will depend upon the ability of the issuers to meet their obligations. An issuer's obligations under its fixed-income securities are subject to the provisions of bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws affecting the rights and remedies of creditors, such as the Federal Bankruptcy Code, and laws, if any, which may be enacted by federal or state legislatures extending the time for payment of principal or interest, or both, or imposing other constraints upon enforcement of such obligations. The power or ability of an issuer to meet its obligations for the payment of interest on, and principal of, its fixed-income securities may be materially adversely affected by litigation or other conditions.

The ratings of S&P, Moody's and other nationally recognized rating agencies represent their opinions as to the quality of fixed-income securities. It should be emphasized, however, that ratings are general and are not absolute standards of quality, and fixed-income securities with the same maturity, interest rate, and rating may have different yields while fixed-income securities of the same maturity and interest rate with different ratings may have the same yield. For a more detailed description of ratings, please see Appendix A.

***Corporate and Municipal Debt Securities***. The Fund may invest in fixed income investments, including corporate, municipal, or other government debt securities. Corporate and municipal debt obligations purchased by the Fund may be any credit quality, maturity, or yield. Accordingly, the Fund's debt securities may include "investment grade" securities (those rated at least Baa by Moody's, BBB by S&P or Fitch or, if not rated, of equivalent quality in the Adviser's opinion). In addition, the Fund's debt securities may include lower-rated debt securities including, without limitation, junk bonds. Debt obligations rated Baa by Moody's or BBB by S&P or Fitch may be considered speculative and are subject to risks of non-payment of interest and principal. Debt obligations rated lower than Baa by Moody's or lower than BBB by S&P or Fitch are generally considered speculative and subject to significant risks of nonpayment of interest and principal. While the Adviser utilizes the ratings of various credit rating services as one factor in establishing creditworthiness, it relies primarily upon its own analysis of factors establishing creditworthiness.

***U.S. Government Securities***. The Fund may invest in U.S. Government securities, defined to be U.S. Government obligations such as U.S. Treasury notes, U.S. Treasury bonds, and U.S. Treasury bills, obligations guaranteed by the U.S. Government such as Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA") as well as obligations of U.S. Government authorities, agencies, and instrumentalities such as Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA"), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC"), Federal Housing Administration ("FHA"), Federal Farm Credit Bank ("FFCB"), Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB"), Student Loan Marketing Association ("SLMA"), and The Tennessee Valley Authority. U.S. Government securities may also be acquired subject to repurchase agreements. While obligations of some U.S. Government sponsored entities are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, others are not. No assurance can be given that the U.S. Government will provide financial support to U.S. Government agencies or instrumentalities that are not supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, since it is not obligated to do so by law. The guarantee of the U.S. Government does not extend to the yield or value of the Fund's shares.

When used for hedging purposes, increases in the value of the securities the Fund hold or intend to acquire should offset any losses incurred with a derivative. Purchasing derivatives for purposes other than hedging could expose the Fund to greater risks.

The Fund's ability to hedge securities through derivatives depends on the degree to which price movements in the underlying index or instrument correlate with price movements in the relevant securities. In the case of poor correlation, the price of the securities the Fund is hedging may not move in the same amount, or even in the same direction as the hedging instrument. The Adviser will try to minimize this risk by investing only in those contracts whose behavior it expects to resemble with the portfolio securities it is trying to hedge. However, if the Fund's prediction of interest and currency rates, market value, volatility, or other economic factors is incorrect, the Fund may lose money, or may not make as much money as it expected.

Derivative prices can diverge from the prices of their underlying instruments, even if the characteristics of the underlying instruments are very similar to the derivative. Listed below are some of the factors that may cause such a divergence:

● current and anticipated short-term interest rates, changes in volatility of the underlying instrument, and the time remaining until expiration of the contract;

● a difference between the derivatives and securities markets, including different levels of demand, how the instruments are traded, the imposition of daily price fluctuation limits or trading of an instrument stops; and

● differences between the derivatives, such as different margin requirements, different liquidity of such markets, and the participation of speculators in such markets.

Derivatives based upon a narrow index of securities may present greater risk than derivatives based on a broad index. Since narrower indices are made up of a smaller number of securities, they are more susceptible to rapid and extreme price fluctuations because of changes in the value of those securities.

While currency futures and options values are expected to correlate with exchange rates, they may not reflect other factors that affect the value of the investments of the Fund. A currency hedge, for example, should protect a yen-denominated security from a decline in the yen, but will not protect the Fund against a price decline resulting from deterioration in the issuer's creditworthiness. Because the value of the Fund's foreign-denominated investments changes in response to many factors other than exchange rates, it may not be possible to match the amount of currency options and futures to the value of the Fund's investments precisely over time.

Before a futures contract or option is exercised or expires, the Fund can terminate it only by entering into a closing purchase or sale transaction. Moreover, the Fund may close out a futures contract only on the exchange the contract was initially traded. Although the Fund intends to purchase options and futures only where there appears to be an active market, there is no guarantee that such a liquid market will exist. If there is no secondary market for the contract, or the market is illiquid, the Fund may not be able to close out a position. In an illiquid market, the Fund may:

● have to sell securities to meet its daily margin requirements at a time when it is disadvantageous to do so;

● have to purchase or sell the instrument underlying the contract;

● not be able to hedge its investments; and

● not be able to realize profits or limit its losses.

Derivatives may become illiquid (i.e., difficult to sell at a desired time and price) under a variety of market conditions. For example:

● an exchange may suspend or limit trading in a particular derivative instrument, an entire category of derivatives,

● or all derivatives, which sometimes occurs because of increased market volatility;

● unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal operations of an exchange;

● the facilities of the exchange may not be adequate to handle current trading volume;

● equipment failures, government intervention, insolvency of a brokerage firm or clearing house, or other

● occurrences may disrupt normal trading activity; or

● investors may lose interest in a particular derivative or category of derivatives.

If the Adviser incorrectly predicts securities market and interest rate trends, the Fund may lose money by investing in derivatives. For example, if the Fund were to write a call option based on the Adviser's expectation that the price of the underlying security would fall, but the price were to rise instead, the Fund could be required to sell the security upon exercise at a price below the current market price. Similarly, if the Fund were to write a put option based on the Adviser's expectation that the price of the underlying security would rise, but the price were to fall instead, the Fund could be required to purchase the security upon exercise at a price higher than the current market price.

Because of the low margin deposits required upon the opening of a derivative position, such transactions involve an extremely high degree of leverage. Consequently, a relatively small price movement in a derivative may result in an immediate and substantial loss (as well as gain) to the Fund and they may lose more than it originally invested in the derivative.

If the price of a futures contract changes adversely, the Fund may have to sell securities at a time when it is disadvantageous to do so to meet its minimum daily margin requirement. The Fund may lose margin deposits if a broker with whom they have an open futures contract or related option becomes insolvent or declares bankruptcy.

The prices of derivatives are volatile (i.e., they may change rapidly, substantially, and unpredictably) and are influenced by a variety of factors, including:

● actual and anticipated changes in interest rates;

● fiscal and monetary policies; and

● national and international political events.

Most exchanges limit the amount by which the price of a derivative can change during a single trading day. Daily trading limits establish the maximum amount that the price of a derivative may vary from the settlement price of that derivative at the end of trading on the previous day. Once the price of a derivative reaches this value, the Fund may not trade that derivative at a price beyond that limit. The daily limit governs only price movements during a given day and does not limit potential gains or losses. Derivative prices have occasionally moved to the daily limit for several consecutive trading days, preventing prompt liquidation of the derivative.

<u>Government Regulation of Derivatives</u>. It is possible that government regulation of various types of derivative instruments, including futures and swap agreements, may limit or prevent the Fund from using such instruments as a part of its investment strategy, and could ultimately prevent the Fund from being able to achieve its investment objective. It is impossible to predict fully the effects of legislation and regulation in this area, but the effects could be substantial and adverse.

The futures markets are subject to comprehensive statutes, regulations, and margin requirements. The SEC, the Commodities Futures Trading Commission ("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.

The regulation of swaps and futures transactions in the U.S., the European Union and other jurisdictions is a rapidly changing area of law and is subject to modification by government and judicial action. There is a possibility of future regulatory changes altering, perhaps to a material extent, the nature of an investment in the Fund or the ability of the Fund to continue to implement its investment strategies.

Under recently adopted rules and regulations, transactions in some types of swaps (including interest rate swaps and credit default swaps on North American and European indices) are required to be centrally cleared, and additional types of swaps may be required to be centrally cleared in the future. In a transaction involving those swaps ("cleared derivatives"), the Fund's counterparty is a clearing house, rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of a clearing house and only clearing members can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members. In cleared derivatives transactions, the Fund will make payments (including margin payments) to and receive payments from a clearing house through its accounts at clearing members. Clearing members guarantee performance of their clients' obligations to the clearing house.

In addition, U.S. regulators, the European Union and certain other jurisdictions have adopted minimum margin and capital requirements for uncleared OTC derivatives transactions. It is expected that these regulations will have a material impact on the Fund's use of uncleared derivatives. These rules will impose minimum margin requirements on derivatives transactions between the Fund and its swap counterparties and may increase the amount of margin the Fund is required to provide. They will impose regulatory requirements on the timing of transferring margin, which may accelerate the Fund's current margin process. They will also effectively require changes to typical derivatives margin documentation. Such requirements could increase the amount of margin the Fund needs to provide in connection with uncleared derivatives transactions and, therefore, make such transactions more expensive.

***Options***. The Fund may purchase and write put and call options on securities. The purchase and writing of options involves certain risks. During the option period, a call writer that holds the underlying security has, in return for the premium on the option, given up the opportunity to profit from a price increase in the underlying securities above the exercise price, but, as long as its obligation as a writer continues, has retained the risk of loss should the price of the underlying security decline. The writer of an option has no control over the time when it may be required to fulfill its obligation as a writer of the option. Once an option writer has received an exercise notice, it cannot effect a closing purchase transaction in order to terminate its obligation under the option and must deliver the underlying securities at the exercise price. If a put or call option purchased by the Fund is not sold when it has remaining value, and if the market price of the underlying security, in the case of a put, remains equal to or greater than the exercise price or, in the case of a call, remains less than or equal to the exercise price, the Fund will lose its entire investment in the option. Also, where a put or call option on a particular security is purchased to hedge against price movements in a related security, the price of the put or call option may move more or less than the price of the related security. There can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist when the Fund seeks to close out an option position. Furthermore, if trading restrictions or suspensions are imposed on the options market, the Fund may be unable to close out a position.

The Fund may write a call or put option such that the option is "covered" by holding a position in the underlying securities or by other means which would permit immediate satisfaction of the Fund's obligation as writer of the option. A written call option creates a potential obligation to sell the underlying security. In order to make sure that this obligation can be met, the Fund could (i) hold the security underlying the written option; or (ii) hold an offsetting call option (one with a strike price that is the same or lower than the strike price of the written option). A written put option creates a potential obligation to buy the underlying security. In order to make sure that this obligation can be met, the Fund could (i) sell short the underlying security at the same or higher price than the strike price of the written put option; or (ii) hold an offsetting put option (one with a strike price that is the same or higher than the strike price of the written option).

Options offer large amounts of leverage, which will result in the Fund's NAV being more sensitive to changes in the value of the related instrument. The Fund may purchase or write both exchange-traded and over-the-counter ("OTC") options. Exchange-traded options in the United States are issued by a clearing organization affiliated with the exchange on which the option is listed that, in effect, guarantees completion of every exchange-traded option transaction. In contrast, OTC options are contracts between the Fund and its counterparty (usually a securities dealer or a bank) with no clearing organization guarantee. Thus, when the Fund purchases an OTC option, it relies on the counterparty from whom it purchased the option to make or take delivery of the underlying investment upon exercise of the option. Failure by the counterparty to do so would result in the loss of any premium paid by the Fund as well as the loss of any expected benefit of the transaction.

The Fund's ability to establish and close out positions in exchange-listed options depends on the existence of a liquid market. However, there can be no assurance that such a market will exist at any particular time. Closing transactions can be made for OTC options only by negotiating directly with the counterparty, or by a transaction in the secondary market if any such market exists. There can be no assurance that the Fund will in fact be able to close out an OTC option position at a favorable price prior to expiration. In the event of insolvency of the counterparty, the Fund might be unable to close out an OTC option position at any time prior to its expiration, if at all.

If the Fund were unable to effect a closing transaction for an option it had purchased, due to the absence of a counterparty or secondary market, the imposition of price limits or otherwise, it would have to exercise the option to realize any profit. The inability to enter into a closing purchase transaction for a covered call option written by the Fund could cause material losses because the Fund would be unable to sell the investment used as cover for the written option until the option expires or is exercised.

Options have varying expiration dates. The exercise price of the options may be below, equal to or above the current market value of the underlying security or instrument. Options purchased by the Fund that expire unexercised have no value, and the Fund will realize a loss in the amount of the premium paid and any transaction costs. If an option written by the Fund expires unexercised, the Fund realizes a gain equal to the premium received at the time the option was written. Transaction costs must be included in these calculations.

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

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

To the extent the Fund sells securities short, the Fund will take measures that assure its obligation to purchase the security in the future will be met, including (i) holding the security sold short (selling short "against the box"); or (ii) holding an offsetting call option (one with a strike price that is the same or lower than the price at which the security was sold short). If the Fund does not have the assets to cover a short sale, then the Fund's potential losses on the short will be unlimited because the security's price may appreciate indefinitely. Under no circumstances will the Adviser commit more than 25% of the Fund's assets to short sales "against the box."

***Futures Contracts***. A futures contract is a bilateral agreement to buy or sell a security (or deliver a cash settlement price, in the case of a contract relating to an index or otherwise not calling for physical delivery at the end of trading in the contracts) for a set price in the future. Futures contracts are designated by boards of trade which have been designated "contracts markets" by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC"). No purchase price is paid or received when the contract is entered into. Instead, the Fund, upon entering into a futures contract (and to maintain the Fund's open positions in futures contracts), would be required to deposit with its custodian in a segregated account in the name of the futures broker an amount of cash, U.S. Government securities, suitable money market instruments, or liquid, high-grade debt securities, known as "initial margin." The margin required for a particular futures contract is set by the exchange on which the contract is traded, and may be significantly modified from time to time by the exchange during the term of the contract. Futures contracts are customarily purchased and sold on margin that may range upward from less than 5% of the value of the contract being traded. By using futures contracts as a risk management technique, given the greater liquidity in the futures market than in the cash market, it may be possible to accomplish certain results more quickly and with lower transaction costs.

If the price of an open futures contract changes (by increase in the case of a sale or by decrease in the case of a purchase) such that the loss on the futures contract reaches a point at which the margin on deposit does not satisfy margin requirements, the broker will require an increase in the margin. However, if the value of a position increases because of favorable price changes in the futures contract such that the margin deposit exceeds the required margin, the broker will pay the excess to the Fund. These subsequent payments, called "variation margin," to and from the futures broker, are made on a daily basis as the price of the underlying assets fluctuates, making the long and short positions in the futures contract more or less valuable, a process known as "marking to the market." The Fund expects to earn interest income on its initial and variation margin deposits.

The Fund will incur brokerage fees when they purchase and sell futures contracts. Positions taken in the futures markets are not normally held until delivery or cash settlement is required, but are instead liquidated through offsetting transactions that may result in a gain or a loss. While futures positions taken by the Fund will usually be liquidated in this manner, the Fund may instead make or take delivery of underlying securities whenever it appears economically advantageous for the Fund to do so. A clearing organization associated with the exchange on which futures are traded assumes responsibility for closing out transactions and guarantees that as between the clearing members of an exchange, the sale and purchase obligations will be performed with regard to all positions that remain open at the termination of the contract.

<u>Securities Index Futures Contracts</u>. Purchases or sales of securities index futures contracts may be used in an attempt to protect the Fund's current or intended investments from broad fluctuations in securities prices. A securities index futures contract does not require the physical delivery of securities, but merely provides for profits and losses resulting from changes in the market value of the contract to be credited or debited at the close of each trading day to the respective accounts of the parties to the contract. On the contract's expiration date a final cash settlement occurs and the futures positions are simply closed out. Changes in the market value of a particular index futures contract reflect changes in the specified index of securities on which the future is based.

By establishing an appropriate "short" position in index futures, the Fund may also seek to protect the value of its portfolio against an overall decline in the market for such securities. Alternatively, in anticipation of a generally rising market, the Fund can seek to avoid losing the benefit of apparently low current prices by establishing a "long" position in securities index futures and later liquidating that position as particular securities are in fact acquired. To the extent that these hedging strategies are successful, the Fund will be affected to a lesser degree by adverse overall market price movements than would otherwise be the case.

<u>Options on Futures Contracts</u>. The Fund may purchase and write exchange-traded call and put options on futures contracts. These options are traded on exchanges that are licensed and regulated by the CFTC for the purpose of options trading. A call option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to purchase a futures contract (assume a "long" position) at a specified exercise price at any time before the option expires. A put option gives the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to sell a futures contract (assume a "short" position), for a specified exercise price at any time before the option expires.

Upon the exercise of a call option, the writer of the option is obligated to sell the futures contract (to deliver a "long" position to the option holder) at the option exercise price, which will presumably be lower than the current market price of the contract in the futures market. Upon exercise of a put, the writer of the option is obligated to purchase the futures contract (deliver a "short" position to the option holder) at the option exercise price, which will presumably be higher than the current market price of the contract in the futures market. When the holder of an option exercises it and assumes a long futures position, in the case of a call, or a short futures position, in the case of a put, its gain will be credited to its futures margin account, while the loss suffered by the writer of the option will be debited to its account and must be immediately paid by the writer. However, as with the trading of futures, most participants in the options markets do not seek to realize their gains or losses by exercise of their option rights. Instead, the holder of an option will usually realize a gain or loss by buying or selling an offsetting option at a market price that will reflect an increase or a decrease from the premium originally paid.

If the Fund writes options on futures contracts, the Fund will receive a premium but will assume a risk of adverse movement in the price of the underlying futures contract comparable to that involved in holding a futures position. If the option is not exercised, the particular Fund will realize a gain in the amount of the premium, which may partially offset unfavorable changes in the value of securities held in or to be acquired for the Fund. If the option is exercised, the Fund will incur a loss in the option transaction, which will be reduced by the amount of the premium it has received, but which will offset any favorable changes in the value of its portfolio securities or, in the case of a put, lower prices of securities it intends to acquire.

Options on futures contracts can be used by the Fund to hedge substantially the same risks as might be addressed by the direct purchase or sale of the underlying futures contracts. If the Fund purchases an option on a futures contract, it may obtain benefits similar to those that would result if it held the futures position itself. Purchases of options on futures contracts may present less risk in hedging than the purchase and sale of the underlying futures contracts, since the potential loss is limited to the amount of the premium plus related transaction costs.

The purchase of put options on futures contracts is a means of hedging against a general decline in market prices. The purchase of a call option on a futures contract represents a means of hedging against a market advance when the particular Fund is not fully invested.

The writing of a call option on a futures contract constitutes a partial hedge against declining prices of the underlying securities. If the futures price at expiration is below the exercise price, the Fund will retain the full amount of the option premium, which provides a partial hedge against any decline that may have occurred in the value of the Fund's holdings of securities. The writing of a put option on a futures contract is analogous to the purchase of a futures contract in that it hedges against an increase in the price of securities the Fund intends to acquire. However, the hedge is limited to the amount of premium received for writing the put.

<u>Limitations on Purchase and Sale of Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts</u>. Futures contracts and options on futures contracts can be volatile instruments and involve certain risks. If the Adviser applies a hedge at an inappropriate time or judges market movements incorrectly, options and futures strategies may lower the Fund's return. The Fund could also experience losses if the prices of its options and futures positions were poorly correlated with its other investments, or if it could not close out its position because of an illiquid market. The Fund will not engage in transactions in futures contracts and related options for speculation. In addition, the Fund will not purchase or sell futures contracts or related options unless either (i) the futures contracts or options thereon are purchased for "bona fide hedging" purposes (as defined under the CFTC regulations) or (ii) if purchased for other purposes, the sum of the amounts of initial margin deposits on the Fund's existing futures and premiums required to establish non-hedging positions, less the amount by which any such options positions are "in-the-money" (as defined under CFTC regulations) would not exceed 5% of the liquidation value of the Fund's total assets. In instances involving the sale of futures contracts or the writing of call options thereon by the Fund, the securities underlying such futures contracts or options will at all times be maintained by the Fund or, in the case of index futures and related options, the Fund will own securities the price changes of which are, in the opinion of the Adviser, expected to replicate substantially the movement of the index upon which the futures contract or option is based.

***Swaps***. The Fund may invest in currency, equity, interest rate, index and other swaps, which involve the exchange by an investor with another party of their respective commitments, in an attempt to obtain a particular return when it is considered desirable to do so, possibly at a lower cost than if the Fund had invested directly in the asset that yielded the desired return. In the case of interest rate swaps, an investor may exchange with another party their respective commitments to pay or receive interest, such as an exchange of fixed rate payments for floating rate payments. Use of swaps subjects the investor to risk of default by the counterparties. If there is a default by the counterparty to such a transaction, there may be contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction although contractual remedies may not be sufficient in the event that the counterparty to the transaction is insolvent. The swap market has grown substantially in recent years with a large number of banks and investment banking firms acting both as principals and agents utilizing standardized swap documentation. As a result, the swap market has become relatively liquid in comparison with the markets for other similar instruments which are traded in the interbank market. An investor may also enter into currency swaps or other swaps which are similar to interest rate swaps but may be surrogates for other instruments such as currency forwards or options.

***Forward Commitment & When-Issued Securities***. The Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued basis or for settlement at a future date if the Fund holds sufficient assets to meet the purchase price. In such purchase transactions, the Fund will not accrue interest on the purchased security until the actual settlement. Similarly, if a security is sold for a forward date, the Fund will accrue the interest until the settlement of the sale. When-issued security purchases and forward commitments have a higher degree of risk of price movement before settlement due to the extended time period between the execution and settlement of the purchase or sale. As a result, the exposure to the counterparty of the purchase or sale is increased. Although the Fund would generally purchase securities on a forward commitment or when-issued basis with the intention of taking delivery, the Fund may sell such a security prior to the settlement date if the Adviser feels such action is appropriate. In such a case, the Fund could incur a short-term gain or loss.

***Repurchase Agreements***. The Fund may acquire U.S. Government securities or corporate debt securities subject to repurchase agreements. A repurchase transaction occurs when, at the time the Fund purchases a security (normally a U.S. Treasury obligation), it also resells it to the vendor (normally a member bank of the Federal Reserve or a registered government securities dealer) and must deliver the security (and/or securities substituted for them under the repurchase agreement) to the vendor on an agreed upon date in the future. The repurchase price exceeds the purchase price by an amount which reflects an agreed upon market interest rate effective for the period of time during which the repurchase agreement is in effect. Delivery pursuant to the resale generally will normally occur within one to seven days of the purchase.

Repurchase agreements are considered "loans" under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), collateralized by the underlying security. The Trust's Board of Trustees (the "Board or the "Trustees") has implemented procedures to monitor on a continuous basis the value of the collateral serving as security for any repurchase obligations. The Adviser will consider the creditworthiness of the vendor.

If the vendor fails to pay the agreed upon resale price on the delivery date, the Fund will retain or attempt to dispose of the collateral. The Fund's risk is that such default may include any decline in value of the collateral to an amount which is less than 100% of the repurchase price, any costs of disposing of such collateral, and any loss resulting from any delay in foreclosing on the collateral. The Fund will not enter into any repurchase agreement that would cause more than 10% of its net assets to be invested in repurchase agreements which extend beyond seven days.

***Restricted Securities***. Within its limitation on investment in illiquid securities, the Fund may purchase restricted securities that generally can be sold in privately negotiated transactions, pursuant to an exemption from registration under the federal securities laws, or in a registered public offering. Where registration is required, the Fund may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expense and a considerable period may elapse between the time it decides to seek registration and the time the Fund may be permitted to sell a security under an effective registration statement. If during such a period adverse market conditions were to develop, the Fund might obtain a less favorable price than prevailed when it decided to seek registration of the security. Restricted securities that can be offered and sold to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933 and are determined to be liquid under guidelines adopted by and subject to the supervision of the Trustees are not subject to the limitations on illiquid securities.

***Foreign Securities***. The Fund may invest directly in foreign securities traded on U.S. national exchanges or over-the-counter domestic exchanges; foreign securities represented by American Depository Receipts ("ADRs"), as described below; and foreign securities traded on foreign exchanges. The Fund may also invest in foreign currency-denominated fixed-income securities. Investing in securities issued by companies whose principal business activities are outside the United States may involve significant risks not present in domestic investments. For example, there is generally less publicly available information about foreign companies, particularly those not subject to the disclosure and reporting requirements of the U.S. securities laws. Foreign issuers are generally not bound by uniform accounting, auditing, and financial reporting requirements and standards of practice comparable to those applicable to domestic issuers. Investments in foreign securities also involve the risk of possible adverse changes in investment or exchange control regulations, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, limitation on the removal of cash or other assets of the Fund, political or financial instability, or diplomatic and other developments which could affect such investments. Further, economies of particular countries or areas of the world may differ favorably or unfavorably from the economy of the United States. Foreign securities often trade with less frequency and volume than domestic securities and therefore may exhibit greater price volatility. Additional costs associated with an investment in foreign securities may include higher custodial fees than would apply to domestic custodial arrangements, and transaction costs of foreign currency conversions. Certain foreign governments levy withholding taxes on dividend and interest income. Although in some countries it is possible for the Fund to recover a portion of these taxes, the portion that cannot be recovered will reduce the income that the Fund receives from its investments.

ADRs provide a method whereby the Fund may invest in securities issued by companies whose principal business activities are outside the United States. ADRs are receipts typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust company evidencing ownership of the underlying securities, and may be issued as sponsored or unsponsored programs. In sponsored programs, an issuer has made arrangements to have its securities trade in the form of ADRs. In unsponsored programs, the issuer may not be directly involved in the creation of the program. Although regulatory requirements with respect to sponsored and unsponsored programs are generally similar, in some cases it may be easier to obtain financial information from an issuer that has participated in the creation of a sponsored program.

***Borrowing***. The Fund may borrow money for investment purposes, which is a form of leveraging. Leveraging investments, by purchasing securities with borrowed money, is a speculative technique that increases investment risk while increasing investment opportunity. Any such borrowing may make the Fund's NAV more volatile than funds that do not borrow for investment purposes because leverage magnifies changes in the Fund's NAV and on the Fund's investments. Although the principal of such borrowings will be fixed, the Fund's assets may change in value during the time the borrowing is outstanding. Leverage also creates interest expenses for the Fund. To the extent the income derived from securities purchased with borrowed funds exceeds the interest the Fund will have to pay, the Fund's net income will be greater than it would be if leverage were not used. Conversely, if the income from the assets obtained with borrowed funds is not sufficient to cover the cost of leveraging, the net income of the Fund will be less than it would be if leverage were not used, and therefore the amount available for distribution to shareholders as dividends will be reduced. The use of derivatives in connection with leverage creates the potential for significant loss. The Fund does not intend to use leverage in excess of 5% of total assets and will not make additional investments when outstanding borrowings exceed 5% of the Fund's total assets. Any leveraging will comply with the applicable requirements of the 1940 Act, intended to minimize the use of leverage and the possibility that the Fund's liabilities will exceed the value of its assets.

The Fund may also borrow money to meet redemptions or for other emergency purposes. Such borrowings may be on a secured or unsecured basis at fixed or variable rates of interest. The 1940 Act requires the Fund to maintain continuous asset coverage of not less than 300% with respect to all borrowings. If such asset coverage should decline to less than 300% due to market fluctuations or other reasons, the Fund may be required to dispose of some of its portfolio holdings within three days in order to reduce the Fund's debt and restore the 300% asset coverage, even though it may be disadvantageous from an investment standpoint to dispose of assets at that time. The Fund also may be required to maintain minimum average balances in connection with such 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.

***Lending of Portfolio Securities***. In order to generate additional income, the Fund may lend portfolio securities in an amount up to 33% of total Fund assets to broker-dealers, major banks, or other recognized domestic institutional borrowers of securities which the Adviser has determined are creditworthy under guidelines established by the Board. In determining whether the Fund will lend securities, the Adviser will consider all relevant facts and circumstances. The Fund may not lend securities to any company affiliated with the Adviser. Each loan of securities will be collateralized by cash, U.S. Government securities, or standby letters of credit not issued by the Fund's bank lending agent. The Fund might experience a loss if the borrower defaults on the loan.

The borrower at all times during the loan must maintain with the Fund cash or cash equivalent collateral. While the loan is outstanding, the borrower will pay the Fund any interest paid on the loaned securities, and the Fund may invest the cash collateral to earn additional income. Alternatively, the Fund may receive an agreed-upon amount of interest income from the borrower who has delivered equivalent collateral. It is anticipated that the Fund may share with the borrower some of the income received on the collateral for the loan or the Fund will be paid a premium for the loan. Voting rights for loaned securities will typically pass to the borrower, but the Fund will retain the right to call any security in anticipation of a vote that the Adviser deems material to the security on loan. Loans are subject to termination at the option of the Fund or the borrower at any time. The Fund may pay reasonable administrative and custodial fees in connection with a loan, and may pay a negotiated portion of the income earned on the cash to the borrower or placing broker. As with other extensions of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery or even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially.

Securities lending involves counterparty risk, including the risk that the loaned securities may not be returned or returned in a timely manner and/or a loss of rights in the collateral if the borrower or the lending agent defaults or fails financially. There are no limits on the number of borrowers the Fund may use, and the Fund may lend securities to only one or a small group of borrowers. Mutual funds participating in securities lending bear the risk of loss in connection with investments of the cash collateral received from the borrowers, which do not trigger additional collateral requirements from the borrower.

***Temporary Defensive Positions***. The Fund may, from time to time, take temporary defensive positions that are inconsistent with the Fund's principal investment strategies in an attempt to respond to adverse market, economic, political, or other conditions. During such an unusual set of circumstances, the Fund may hold up to 100% of its portfolios in cash or cash equivalent positions (e.g., money market securities, U.S. Government securities, and/or similar securities). When the Fund takes a temporary defensive position, the Fund may not be able to achieve its investment objective.

**INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS**

**Fundamental and Non-Fundamental Investment Restrictions**

*Fundamental Investment Restrictions*

The following investment restrictions have been adopted by the Board with respect to the Fund. Except as otherwise stated, these investment restrictions are fundamental policies, which cannot be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. A vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund is defined in the 1940 Act as the lesser of (i) 67% or more of the voting securities present at a shareholder meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund are present or represented by proxy or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. Unless otherwise indicated, percentage limitations apply at the time of purchase.

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

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) Invest for the purpose of exercising control or management of another issuer;

(2) Invest in interests in real estate, real estate mortgage loans, real estate limited partnerships, oil, gas or other mineral exploration or development programs or leases, except that the Fund may invest in the readily marketable securities of companies which own or deal in such things; purchase or sell commodities or commodities contracts (although it may purchase put options on stock index futures, put options on financial futures, stock index futures contracts, and put options on portfolio securities, and may write covered call options);

(3) Underwrite securities issued by others except to the extent the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter under the federal securities laws, in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities;

(4) Purchase securities on margin (but the Fund may obtain such short-term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of transactions);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) Participate on a joint or joint and several basis in any trading account in securities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6) Invest 25% or more of the value of its total assets in any one industry or group of industries (except that securities of the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities are not subject to these limitations), but the Fund may invest more than 25% of the value of its total assets in one or more sectors as described under the non-fundamental operating restrictions below;

(7) Make loans of money or securities, except that the Fund may invest in repurchase agreements; or

(8) Issue senior securities, borrow money, or pledge its assets.

With respect to the fundamental investment restrictions above (other than those involving senior securities and borrowings), if a percentage limitation is adhered to at the time of investment, a later increase or decrease in percentage resulting from any change in value or net assets will not result in a violation of such restriction (i.e., percentage limitations are determined at the time of purchase).

With respect to fundamental investment limitation set forth in (6) above, the Fund cannot invest more than 25% of its total assets in any one industry or group of industries, but may invest more than 25% of its total assets in the sectors described above. For example, the Fund might invest more than 25% of its total assets in the financial sector, but would not invest more than 25% of its total assets in a particular industry in the financial sector, such as banking or insurance. Also, if the Fund invests in one or more investment companies, the Fund will examine the holdings of such investment companies to ensure that the Fund is not indirectly concentrating its investments in a particular industry. In determining the exposure of the Fund to a particular industry for purposes of the fundamental investment restriction on concentration, the Fund currently uses Standard & Poor's Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) in order to classify industries.

With respect to the fundamental policy relating to borrowing money set forth in (8) above, 1940 Act permits the Fund to borrow money in an amount up to 33 1/3% of its total assets from banks for any purpose (including pledging, mortgaging, or hypothecating assets) in an amount up to 33 1/3% of its total assets (not including temporary borrowings not in excess of 5% of its total assets).

Senior securities generally include any obligation or instrument issued by a fund evidencing indebtedness. The 1940 Act generally prohibits funds from issuing senior securities, although it does not treat certain transactions as senior securities, such as certain borrowings, short sales, written options, firm commitment agreements, and standby commitments.

The Fund may invest up to 15% of net assets in illiquid securities, which are investments that cannot be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven days at approximately the prices at which they are valued. This restriction is not limited to the time of purchase.

*Non-Fundamental Investment Restrictions*

The Board of Trustees may change the Fund's name, investment objective or its principal investment strategies without a shareholder vote. The Fund will notify you in writing at least sixty (60) days before making any such change.

**PORTFOLIO TURNOVER**

Purchases and sales of portfolio securities may be made as considered advisable by the Adviser in the best interests of the shareholders. The Fund's portfolio turnover rate may vary from year to year, as well as within a year. The Fund's distributions of any net short-term capital gains realized from portfolio transactions are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. See "**FEDERAL INCOME TAXES**." In addition, higher portfolio turnover rates can result in corresponding increases in portfolio transaction costs for the Fund. See "**PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE**" in this SAI.

For reporting purposes, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the fiscal year by the monthly average of the value of the portfolio securities owned by the Fund during the fiscal year. In determining such portfolio turnover, all securities whose maturities at the time of acquisition were one year or less are excluded. A 100% portfolio turnover rate would occur, for example, if all of the securities in the Fund's investment portfolio (other than short-term money market securities) were replaced once during the fiscal year. Portfolio turnover will not be a limiting factor should the Adviser deem it advisable to purchase or sell securities.

**DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS**

This Policy sets forth the conditions under which Portfolio Holdings (defined below) data for the Trust on behalf of the Fund may be disclosed to Third Parties (defined below) (which may include the public) and Service Providers (defined below). No data about the Fund's portfolio holdings may be disclosed except in accordance with this Policy.

Portfolio Holdings data includes, but is not limited to, the following information about the Fund: (i) specific securities held; (ii) industry sector breakdowns as a percentage of portfolio net assets; (iii) asset composition (*e.g.*, equities versus bonds); (iv) U.S. versus foreign holdings percentage breakdowns and regional breakdowns (*e.g.*, Asia, North America); and (v) top 10 portfolio holdings in order of position size, including percentage of portfolio.

"Third Parties" or a "Third Party" means a person other than a Service Provider, an employee of a Service Provider, a Trustee of the Board of Trustees of the Trust, or an officer of the Trust.

"Service Providers" or a "Service Provider" includes, but is not limited to, the investment adviser, administrator, custodian, transfer agent, fund accountant, principal underwriter, software or technology service providers, pricing and proxy voting service providers, research and trading service providers, auditors, accountants, and legal counsel, or any other entity that has a need to know such information in order to fulfill their contractual obligations to provide services to the Fund.

**Policy Overview**

The Board has adopted, on behalf of the Fund, policies and procedures relating to disclosure of the Portfolio Holdings. These policies and procedures are designed to protect the confidentiality of the Portfolio Holdings' information and to prevent the selective disclosure of such information. These policies and procedures may be modified at any time with the approval of the Board.

In order to protect the Fund from any trading practices or other use by a Third Party that could harm the Fund, Portfolio Holdings' and other Fund-specific information must not be selectively released or disclosed except under the circumstances described below.

Only officers of the Trust and their authorized agents, including, but not limited to, the Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser, may approve the disclosure of the Fund's Portfolio Holdings. Except as set forth under "**Policy Exceptions**" below, exceptions to this Policy may only be made if an officer of the Trust and its authorized agents, including, but not limited to, the Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser, determines that the disclosure is being made for a legitimate business purpose and such disclosures must be documented and reported to the Board on a quarterly basis. In all cases, Third Parties and Service Providers are required to execute a non-disclosure agreement requiring the recipient to keep confidential any Portfolio Holdings data received and not to trade on the Confidential Portfolio Information (defined below) received. Neither the Trust nor its Service Providers (nor any persons affiliated with either) can receive any compensation or other consideration in connection with the sharing of the Fund's Portfolio Holdings.

Disclosure of the Portfolio Holdings' information that is not publicly available ("Confidential Portfolio Information") may be made to Service Providers. In addition, to the extent permitted under applicable law, the Adviser may distribute (or authorize the custodian or principal underwriter to distribute) Confidential Portfolio Information to the Fund's relevant Service Providers and to facilitate the review of the Fund by certain mutual fund analysts and ratings agencies (such as Morningstar and Lipper Analytical Services) ("Rating Agencies"); provided that such disclosure is limited to the information that the Adviser believes is reasonably necessary in connection with the services to be provided. As noted above, except to the extent permitted under this Policy, Confidential Portfolio Information may not be disseminated for compensation or other consideration.

Before any disclosure of Confidential Portfolio Information to Service Providers or Rating Agencies is permitted, the Chief Compliance Officer for the Adviser (or persons designated by such Chief Compliance Officer) must determine in writing that, under the circumstances, the disclosure is being made for a legitimate business purpose. Furthermore, the recipient of Confidential Portfolio Information by a Service Provider or Rating Agency must be either subject to a written confidentiality agreement that prohibits any trading upon the Confidential Portfolio Information or subject to professional or ethical obligations not to disclose or otherwise improperly use the information, such as would apply to independent registered public accounting firms or legal counsel.

The identity of such entities is provided below:

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name of Recipient** | **Frequency of**<br> **Holdings** <br> **Disclosure** | **Information** <br> **Lag** | **Date of** <br> **Information** | **Date** <br> **Provided** <br> **to Recipients** |
| Hillman Capital Management, Inc. (Adviser) | Daily |  | Daily | Daily |
| ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (Administrator) | Daily |  | Daily | Daily |
| UMB Bank, N.A. (Custodian) | Daily |  | Daily | Daily |
| Cohen & Company, Ltd. (Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm) | As needed |  | As needed | As needed |
| Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP (Trust Counsel) | As needed |  | As needed | As needed |
| Thompson Hine LLP (Independent Counsel) | As needed |  | As needed | As needed |
| Bloomberg L.P. | Daily |  | Daily | Daily |
| Thomson Reuters Lipper | Monthly | 5 days | Monthly | Monthly |
| Morningstar, Inc. | Monthly | 5 days | Monthly | Monthly |
| FactSet Research Systems Inc. | Monthly | 5 days | Monthly | Monthly |
| Allvue Systems | Daily |  | Daily | Daily |

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The Adviser shall have primary responsibility for ensuring that the Portfolio Holdings' information is disclosed only in accordance with this Policy. As part of this responsibility, the Adviser will maintain such internal policies and procedures as it believes are reasonably necessary for preventing the unauthorized disclosure of Confidential Portfolio Information.

**Full Portfolio Holdings**

The disclosure policy currently authorizes the quarterly dissemination of full portfolio holdings of the Fund with a five (5) calendar day lag. Except as set forth in this Policy, the full holdings of the Fund will also be disclosed on a quarterly basis on forms required to be filed with the SEC as follows: (i) Portfolio Holdings as of the end of each fiscal year will be filed as part of the annual report filed on Form N-CSR; (ii) Portfolio Holdings as of the end of the first and third fiscal quarters will be filed on Form N-PORT; and (iii) Portfolio Holdings as of the end of the second fiscal quarter will be filed as part of the semi-annual report filed on Form N-CSR. The Trust's Form N-CSR and Form N-PORT filings are available free of charge on the SEC's website at <u>www.sec.gov</u>. Portfolio holdings information may be separately provided to any person, including rating and ranking organizations such as Morningstar and Lipper, at the same time that it is filed with the SEC.

**Partial Portfolio Holdings**

Except as set forth in this Policy, partial Portfolio Holdings information will only be provided to Third Parties for the most recent month-end period and only after a five (5) calendar day delay from the end of the month being provided. These holdings may include any combination of the Portfolio Holdings information, except for full Portfolio Holdings.

**Policy Exceptions**

The following disclosures of Portfolio Holdings are not prohibited by this Policy:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| § | Disclosures that are required by law; |
| § | Disclosures necessary for Service Providers to perform services to the Fund, provided that they are made pursuant to a written agreement between the Service Provider and the receiving party that restricts such receiving party's use of the information; |
| § | Disclosure necessary for Rating Agencies to assess applicable fund ratings; |
| § | Disclosures necessary to broker-dealers or banks as a part of the normal buying, selling, shorting or other transactions in portfolio securities; |
| § | Disclosures to the applicable Fund's or Service Providers' regulatory authorities, accountants or counsel; and |
| § | Disclosures to the Adviser of compiled data concerning accounts managed by the Adviser. |

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**PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE**

**Investment Decisions and Portfolio Transactions**

Investment decisions for the Fund are made with a view to achieving its investment objectives. Investment decisions are the product of many factors in addition to basic suitability for the Fund. Some securities considered for investment by the Fund may also be appropriate for other clients served by the Adviser. Thus, a particular security may be bought or sold for certain clients of the Adviser (including the Fund) even though it could have been bought or sold for other clients at the same time. If a purchase or sale of securities consistent with the investment policies of the Fund and one or more of these clients is considered at or about the same time, transactions in such securities will be allocated among the Fund and clients in a manner deemed fair and reasonable by the Adviser pursuant to its allocation guidelines. Particularly when investing in less liquid or illiquid securities of smaller capitalization companies, such allocation may take into account the asset size of the Fund in determining whether the allocation of an investment is suitable. The Adviser may aggregate orders for the Fund with simultaneous transactions entered into on behalf of its other clients so long as price and transaction expenses are averaged either for the portfolio transaction or for that day. Likewise, a particular security may be bought for one or more clients when one or more clients are selling the security. In some instances, one client may sell a particular security to another client (in all cases, in compliance with applicable law). There may be circumstances when purchases or sales of portfolio securities for one or more clients will have an adverse effect on other clients, including the Fund.

**Brokerage and Research Services**

The Adviser places orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio securities for the Fund through several brokers or dealers. The Adviser conducts a thorough analysis, based on its policies and procedures, to determine the broker or dealer to be used and the commission rates to be paid. The factors involved in the broker or dealer selection include transaction costs, broker research capabilities and service level.

The commissions paid by the Fund (which, in the case of fixed income transactions, are reflected in the bid-ask spread) comply with the Adviser's duty to seek "best execution." The Fund may pay commissions that are higher than that which they could obtain at another financial institution to effect the same transaction. The Adviser conducts an analysis and makes a determination as to the reasonableness of commissions in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services received. In seeking best execution, the determinative factor is not the lowest possible cost, but whether the transaction represents the best qualitative execution, taking into consideration the full range of services, including without limitation, the value of research provided, execution capability, commission rates, and responsiveness. The Adviser seeks competitive rates but may not obtain the lowest possible commission rates for transactions executed by the Fund. Although the Fund may use a broker-dealer that sells Fund shares to effect transactions for the Fund's portfolio, the Fund will not consider the sale of Fund shares as a factor when selecting broker-dealers to execute those transactions.

Subject to the Adviser's policy of seeking best execution for transactions, and subject to the criteria of Section 28(e) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act"), the Adviser may place trades with a broker-dealer that provides brokerage and research services. The Adviser may have an incentive to select or recommend a broker based on its interest in receiving research or other products or services, rather than its interest in receiving the most favorable execution for the Fund. However, in selecting a broker for research, the Adviser makes a good faith determination that the amount of commission charged is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage, research received. The determination may be viewed in terms of a particular transaction or the Adviser's overall responsibilities with respect to the accounts over which it exercises investment discretion. Research and brokerage services provided by broker-dealers chosen by the Adviser to place the Fund's portfolio transactions may be useful to the Adviser in providing services to the Adviser's other clients, although not all of these services may be necessarily useful and of value to the Adviser in managing the Fund. Conversely, brokerage and research products and services provided to the Adviser by broker-dealers in connection with trades executed on behalf of other clients of the Adviser may be useful to the Adviser in managing the Fund, although not all of these brokerage and research products and services may be necessarily useful and of value to the Adviser in managing such other clients. Subject to Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act, the Adviser may pay a broker additional commission in recognition of the value of the brokerage and/or research services provided by that broker. When the Adviser uses Fund brokerage commissions to obtain research or other products or services, the Adviser receives a benefit because it does not have to produce or pay for the research, products or services. The advisory fees paid by the Fund are not reduced because the Adviser receives such services even though the receipt of such services relieves the Adviser from expenses it might otherwise bear. However, because the Adviser pursues an investment strategy on behalf of the Fund that is primarily fixed income, rather than equity, oriented, the amount of "soft" dollars that may be generated by trading in the Fund and accordingly utilized to pay for research or other products or services provided by brokers, dealers or other third parties historically has not been meaningful.

The Adviser may place orders for the purchase and sale of exchange-listed portfolio securities with a broker-dealer that is an affiliate of the Adviser where, in the judgment of the Adviser, such firm will be able to obtain a price and execution at least as favorable as other qualified broker-dealers. Pursuant to rules of the SEC, a broker-dealer that is an affiliate of the Adviser may receive and retain compensation for effecting portfolio transactions for the Fund on a securities exchange if the commissions paid to such an affiliated broker-dealer by the Fund on exchange transactions do 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." As required by applicable SEC rules, the Board has adopted procedures which are reasonably designed to provide that any commissions, fees or other remuneration paid to an affiliated broker are consistent with the foregoing standards. As of the date hereof, the Adviser does not have any affiliated broker-dealer.

The following table lists the total amount of brokerage commissions paid by the Fund for the last three fiscal years ended September 30:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **For the Fiscal Year Ended** <br> **September 30, 2025** | **For the Fiscal Year Ended** <br> **September 30, 2024** | **For the Fiscal Year Ended** <br> **September 30, 2023** |
| **Hillman Value Fund** | $50541 | $31262 | $31426 |

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**PURCHASE, EXCHANGE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES**

ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (the "Transfer Agent") will maintain an account for each shareholder upon which the registration and transfer of shares are recorded, and any transfers shall be reflected by bookkeeping entry, without physical delivery. Confirmations of each purchase or redemption are sent to each shareholder. Quarterly statements of account are sent which include shares purchased as a result of a reinvestment of Fund distributions. The Transfer Agent will require that a shareholder provide requests in writing, accompanied by a valid signature guarantee form, when changing certain information in an account (*i.e.*, wiring instructions, telephone privileges, etc.).

**Purchase of Shares**

No sales charges will be applied to your share purchases.

The minimum investments in the Fund are set forth in the Prospectus. The Fund reserves the right to waive or change investment minimums.

Subsequent investments may be made at any time by mailing a check to the Transfer Agent, along with a detachable stub from the Statement of Account (or a letter providing the account number). Shareholders should be sure to write the Fund's account number on the check. Purchases of Fund shares (initial or subsequent) may not be made by third-party check.

Share purchase orders are effective at the next determined net asset value after the Fund or its authorized agents receive your purchase instructions in good order and, if applicable, a new Account Application. The Fund will accept purchases only in U.S. dollars drawn from U.S. financial institutions. Cashier's checks, money orders, credit card convenience checks, cash or equivalents or payments foreign currencies are not acceptable forms of payment. Share certificates will not be issued.

Initial and subsequent investments may also be made by wire transfer. Shareholders should note that their bank may charge a fee in connection with transferring money by bank wire.

Transactions are processed at the next determined net asset value after your instructions are received in good order. Transactions received prior to the close of the New York Stock Exchange, "market close" (typically 4:00 PM EST), will be processed with the current trade date. Transactions received after market close will be processed on the next business day.

The price of the Fund's shares and the valuation of Fund assets are discussed below in "**NET ASSET VALUE**."

**Exchange of Shares**

If you are an existing shareholder of the Fund, you may exchange into a new account copying your existing account registration and options. Exchanges between accounts will be accepted only if registrations are identical.

Exchanges must meet the minimum investment requirements described in the Prospectus. Before affecting an exchange, you should read the Prospectus.

An exchange between shares issued by different funds represents the taxable sale of shares from one fund and the purchase of shares of another fund. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, this may produce a taxable gain or loss in your non-tax qualified account.

**Redemption of Shares**

If the Board of Trustees determines that it is in the best interests of the remaining shareholders of the Fund, the Fund may pay the redemption price in whole, or in part, by a distribution in kind from the Fund, in lieu of cash, taking such securities at their value employed for determining such redemption price, and selecting the securities in such manner as such Board may deem fair and equitable. A shareholder who receives a distribution in kind may incur a brokerage commission upon a later disposition of such securities and may receive less than the redemption value of such securities or property upon sale, particularly where such securities are sold prior to maturity. However, the Fund is required to redeem shares solely for cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the NAV of the Fund during any 90-day period for any one shareholder. Should redemptions by any shareholder exceed such limitation, the Fund will have the option of redeeming the excess in cash or in-kind. Redemption in kind is not as liquid as a cash redemption.

*Redemption Procedures.* The Fund will redeem all full and fractional shares of the Fund upon request on any business day at the applicable net asset value determined after the receipt of proper redemption instructions, less any applicable redemption fees. Shareholders liquidating their holdings will receive upon redemption all dividends reinvested through the date of redemption. If notice of redemption is received on any business day, the redemption will be effective on the date of receipt. Payment will ordinarily be made by wire on the next business day, but, in any case, within no more than seven business days from the date of receipt. If the notice is received on a day that is not a business day or after the close of regularly scheduled trading on the NYSE, the redemption notice will be deemed received as of the next business day. The value of shares at the time of redemption may be more or less than the shareholder's cost.

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

**TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS**

The business and affairs of the Fund are managed under the direction of the Trust's Board of Trustees. The Board approves all significant agreements between/among the Fund and the persons or companies that furnish services to the Fund, including agreements with the Fund's distributor, Adviser, administrator, custodian and transfer agent. The day-to-day operations of the Fund are delegated to the Adviser and the Fund's administrator.

The name, address, year of birth, and principal occupations for the past five years of the Trustees and officers of the Trust are listed below, along with the number of portfolios in the Fund Complex overseen by and the other directorships held by the Trustee.

**<u>Independent Trustees</u>**

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Birth Year & Address\*** | **Position(s)**<br> **Held with**<br> **Fund** | **Term of Office<br> and Length of<br> Time Served\*\*** | **Principal Occupation(s) <br> During Past 5 Years\*\*\*** | **Number of Funds<br> in Fund Complex<br> Overseen by<br> Trustee\*\*\*\*** | **Other<br> Directorships<br> Held by Trustee<br> During Past <br> 5 Years\*\*\*** |
| **Ward D. Armstrong**,<br> **Birth year: 1954** | Trustee and Chairman | Mr. Armstrong was appointed to the Board on May 27, 2016 and elected to the Board by shareholders on April 12, 2021. Mr. Armstrong was appointed Chairman of the Board at the August 24, 2017 meeting of the Board of Trustees. | Mr. Armstrong is currently retired. From February 2010 to July 2015, he was Co-Founder and Managing Partner of NorthRock Partners, a private wealth advisory firm providing comprehensive wealth management and family office services to the high net-worth marketplace. Previously, he was Senior Vice President, Ameriprise Financial (1984 to 2007); Chairman of Ameriprise Trust Company (1996 to 2007) and President, American Express Institutional Asset Management (2002 to 2004). He has also served on several investment related Boards including Kenwood Capital Management, RiverSource Investments, American Express Asset Management International and was Chair of the Ordway Theatre Endowment Committee. | 8 | Mr. Armstrong is a Director of the Heartland Group, Inc. (3 funds) (2008 to present). |

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Merrillyn J. Kosier,**<br> **Birth year: 1959** | Trustee | Ms. Kosier was appointed to the Board on November 17, 2021. | Ms. Kosier retired from Ariel Investments as Executive Vice President in 2019. During her twenty year tenure at the firm, she served as Chief Marketing Officer, Ariel Mutual Funds (2007 - 2019); Trustee for Ariel Investment Trust (2003 - 2019) and President of Ariel Distributors, LLC (2002 - 2019). Prior to joining Ariel Investments, she was Senior Vice President at Wanger Asset Management, the investment adviser to Acorn Investment Trust (1993 - 1998); Vice President of Marketing Communications at Kemper Financial Services (1984 - 1993); and a Registered Sales Representative at R. J. O'Brien & Associates (1982 - 1984). Most recently, Ms. Kosier joined the board of Miami Corporation Management, a multi-generation family office and family holding company (June 2023 - present). She is also Board and CEO Advisor to Bridgeway Capital Management, a U.S. asset manager specializing in statistically driven institutional investment strategies, mutual funds, and sub-advisory services (December 2023 - present). | 8 | Ms. Kosier is a Trustee at the Harris Theater For Music and Dance (2006 - present) where she currently serves as Chair of the Board (2022 - present). She is also a Board Member at The Arts Club of Chicago (2021 - present). |
| **Patrick Seese,**<br> **Birth year: 1971** | Trustee | Mr. Seese was elected to the Board on October 30, 2012. | Mr. Seese is an owner and a Managing Director of Integris Partners, a middle-market investment banking firm serving closely-held companies, financial sponsors and public companies (February 2008 to present). Prior to this, Mr. Seese was a Managing Director of Headwaters MB, a middle-market investing banking firm (December 2003 to February 2008). Prior to that, Mr. Seese worked in Credit Suisse First Boston's Mergers and Acquisitions Group and served as Head of Corporation Development, Katy Industries, a publicly traded industrial and consumer products company and at Deloitte & Touche LLP, where he began his career in 1994. | 8 | Mr. Seese is a Director of the Alpha Alternative Assets Fund (September 2021 to Present), The Mile High Five Foundation (2013 to present) and SJ Panthers Foundation (2016 to present). |

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**<u>Officers</u>**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Birth Year & Address\*** | **Position(s) Held with Fund** | **Term of Office and Length of Time Served\*\*** | **Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years\*\*\*** |
| **Lucas Foss,**<br> **Birth Year: 1977** | President | President since August 2022<br>Compliance Officer from January 2018 - August 2022 | Mr. Foss rejoined ALPS in November 2017 and is currently Director, Fund Compliance & Governance at SS&C ALPS. Mr. Foss is also the President of Financial Investors Trust and Chief Compliance Officer of Sound Point Meridian Capital, Inc; Bluerock Total Income + Real Estate Fund; Bluerock High Income Institutional Credit Fund; SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust, SPDR® Dow Jones® Industrial Average ETF Trust, SPDR® S&P MIDCAP 400® ETF Trust. |
| **Jill McFate**<br> **Birth year: 1978** | Treasurer | Since December 2021 | Ms. McFate joined ALPS in 2021 and is currently Senior Director, Fund Administration of ALPS. Prior to joining SS&C ALPS, Jill managed financial reporting and N-PORT regulatory reporting services during her 14 years at The Northern Trust Company as Vice President, Financial Reporting Manager. |
| **Theodore J. Uhl,**<br> **Birth Year: 1974** | Chief Compliance and Anti-Money Laundering Officer | Since August 2024 | Mr. Uhl joined ALPS in October 2006, and is currently Deputy Compliance Officer of ALPS. Prior to his current role, Mr. Uhl served as Senior Risk Manager for ALPS from October 2006 until June 2010. Before joining ALPS, Mr. Uhl served a Sr. Analyst with Enenbach and Associates (RIA), and a Sr. Financial Analyst at Sprint. Because of his position with ALPS, Mr. Uhl is deemed an affiliate of the Trust as defined under the 1940 Act. Mr. Uhl is also Chief Compliance Officer of Financial Investors Trust, GraniteShares ETF Trust, Accordant ODCE Index Fund, Axonic Funds, and the SS&C Interval Fund Platform. |
| **Camilla Nwokonko,** <br> **Birth year: 1995** | Secretary | Since October 2024 | Ms. Nwokonko specializes in legal and regulatory matters in investment management, including regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and issues related to both registered and private funds. She holds a Juris Doctor from Marquette University Law School and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Texas A&M University, providing her with a solid academic foundation. Prior to her current role, she gained valuable experience as an Associate Attorney at U.S. Bank Global Fund services—a global fund administrator, where she navigated complex regulatory frameworks. Ms. Nwokonko has also obtained experience through internships and roles at Northwestern Mutual and Oracle Corporation. |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| \* | All communications to Trustees and Officers may be directed to ALPS Series Trust c/o 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, CO 80203. |
| \*\* | This is the period for which the Trustee or Officer began serving the Trust. Each Trustee serves an indefinite term, until such Trustee's successor is elected and appointed, or such Trustee resigns or is deceased. Officers are elected on an annual basis. |
| \*\*\* | Except as otherwise indicated, each individual has held the office shown or other offices in the same company for the last five years. |
| \*\*\*\* | The Fund Complex currently consists of 8 series of the Trust. |

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**Ward D. Armstrong-** Through his experience as a senior officer of and board member of financial and other organizations, Mr. Armstrong contributes his management and oversight experience to the Board. The Board also benefits from his experience as a member of the board of other funds and operating companies. He was selected to serve as a Trustee of the Trust based on his business, financial services and investment management experience. Additional information regarding Mr. Armstrong's principal occupations and other directorships held is presented in the chart above. Mr. Armstrong received a B.S. in Business Administration (Finance Emphasis) from the University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management.

**Merrillyn J. Kosier**- Through her experience as a senior officer and trustee in the investment management industry, Ms. Kosier contributes her management and oversight experience to the Board. The Board also benefits from her experience as a board member of other organizations. She was selected to serve as a Trustee of the Trust based on her business acumen, regulatory and 40 Act funds knowledge, distribution and marketing/communications experience in the financial services arena. Additional information regarding Ms. Kosier's principal occupations and other directorships held is presented in the chart above. Ms. Kosier is a graduate of Andrews University and earned an MBA from Loyola University Chicago.

**Patrick Seese**- Through his experience as a senior officer of and board member of financial and other organizations, Mr. Seese contributes his management and oversight experience to the Board. The Board also benefits from his experience as a member of the board of other organizations. He was selected to serve as a Trustee of the Trust based on his business, financial services and accounting experience. Additional information regarding Mr. Seese's principal occupations and other directorships held is presented in the chart above. Mr. Seese is a graduate of the University of Colorado and earned an MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He is one of the founders of The Mile High Five Foundation (MH5), a charity dedicated to fund youth/health-related organizations.

None of the Independent Trustees owns securities in Hillman Capital Management, Inc., the Fund's investment adviser, or ALPS Distributors, Inc., the Fund's principal underwriter, nor do they own securities in any entity directly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with these entities.

*Leadership Structure and Oversight Responsibilities*

Overall responsibility for oversight of the Fund rests with the Trustees. The Trust has engaged the Adviser to manage the Fund on a day-to day basis. The Board is responsible for overseeing the Adviser and other service providers in the operations of the Fund in accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act, applicable provisions of state and other laws and the Trust's Declaration of Trust. The Board is currently composed of three members, all of whom are Independent Trustees. The Board meets at regularly scheduled quarterly meetings each year. In addition, the Board may hold special in-person or telephonic meetings or informal conference calls to discuss specific matters that may arise or require action between regular meetings. As described below, the Board has established a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and an Audit Committee, and may establish *ad hoc* committees or working groups from time to time, to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities. The Independent Trustees have also engaged independent legal counsel to assist them in performing their oversight responsibilities.

The Board has appointed Ward D. Armstrong, an Independent Trustee, to serve in the role of Chairman. The Chairman's role is to preside at all meetings of the Board and to act as a liaison with the Adviser, other service providers, counsel and other Trustees generally between meetings. The Chairman may also perform such other functions as may be delegated by the Board from time to time. The Board reviews matters related to its leadership structure annually. The Board has determined that the Board's leadership structure is appropriate given the Trust's characteristics and circumstances. These include the Trust's series of fund shares, each fund's single portfolio of assets, each fund's net assets and the services provided by the fund's service providers.

Risk oversight forms part of the Board's general oversight of the Fund and is addressed as part of various Board and Committee activities. As part of its regular oversight of the Fund, the Board, directly or through a Committee, interacts with and reviews reports from, among others, Fund management, the Adviser, the Fund's Chief Compliance Officer, the Fund's legal counsel and the independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund regarding risks faced by the Fund. The Board, with the assistance of Fund management and the Adviser, reviews investment policies and risks in connection with its review of the Fund's performance. The Board has appointed a Chief Compliance Officer to oversee the implementation and testing of the Fund's compliance program and reports to the Board regarding compliance matters for the Fund and their principal service providers. In addition, as part of the Board's periodic review of the Fund's advisory and other service provider agreements, the Board may consider risk management aspects of these service providers' operations and the functions for which they are responsible.

**<u>Audit Committee</u>**. The Board has an Audit Committee which considers such matters pertaining to the Trust's books of account, financial records, internal accounting controls and changes in accounting principles or practices as the Trustees may from time to time determine. The Audit Committee also considers the engagement and compensation of the independent registered public accounting firm ("Firm") and ensures receipt from the Firm of a formal written statement delineating relationships between the Firm and the Trust, consistent with Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Rule 3526. The Audit Committee also meets privately with the representatives of the Firm to review the scope and results of audits and other duties as set forth in the Audit Committee's Charter. The Audit Committee members, each of whom are Independent Trustees, are: Ward D. Armstrong, Merrillyn J. Kosier and Patrick Seese. The Audit Committee met three times during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025.

**<u>Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee</u>**. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee meets periodically to advise and assist the Board in selecting nominees to serve as trustees of the Trust. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee believes the Board generally benefits from diversity of background, experience and views among its members and considers this a factor in evaluating the composition of the Board, but has not adopted any specific policy in this regard. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also advises and assists the Board in establishing, implementing and executing policies, procedures and practices that assure orderly and effective governance of the Trust and effective and efficient management of all business and financial affairs of the Trust. Members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are: Ward D. Armstrong, Merrillyn J. Kosier and Patrick Seese. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board met one time during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025.

**<u>Independent Trustee Retirement Policy</u>**. The Trustees do not serve a specified term of office. Each Trustee will hold office until the termination of the Trust or his or her earlier death, resignation, retirement, incapacity, or removal. Under the Fund's Independent Trustee Retirement Policy ("Retirement Policy"), Independent Trustees are required to retire upon the end of the calendar year in which such Trustee attains age of 80. The Trustees review the Fund's Retirement Policy from time to time and may make changes as deemed appropriate.

**<u>Shareholder Nominations</u>**. The Board will consider shareholder nominees for Trustees. All nominees must possess the appropriate characteristics, skills and experience for serving on the Board. In particular, the Board and its Independent Trustees will consider each nominee's integrity, educational and professional background, understanding of the Trust's business on a technical level and commitment to devote the time and attention necessary to fulfill a Trustee's duties. All shareholders who wish to recommend nominees for consideration as Trustees shall submit the names and qualifications of the candidates to the Secretary of the Trust by writing to: ALPS Series Trust, c/o Secretary, 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado, 80203.

As of December 31, 2025, the dollar range of equity securities in the Fund beneficially owned by the Trustees were as follows:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Trustees** | **Dollar Range of** <br> **Equity Securities in** <br> **the Fund** | **Aggregate Dollar Range of** <br> **Equity Securities in All Registered** <br> **Investment Companies Overseen by** <br> **Trustee in Family of Investment** <br> **Companies\*** |
| Ward Armstrong | None | None |
| Merrillyn J. Kosier | None | None |
| Patrick Seese | None | None |

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\* The Fund Complex currently consists of 8 series of the Trust.

**<u>Remuneration of Trustees</u>**. Effective January 1, 2026, the Trustees of the Trust receive a quarterly retainer of $18,750, plus $5,937.50 for each regular Board or Committee meeting attended and $2,000 for each special telephonic or in-person Board or Committee meeting attended. Additionally, the Audit Committee Chair receives a quarterly retainer of $1,875, the Nominating Committee Chair receives a quarterly retainer of $500, and the Independent Chair receives a quarterly retainer of $4,250.

Prior to January 1, 2026, the Trustees of the Trust received a quarterly retainer of $16,250, plus $5,000 for each regular Board or Committee meeting attended and $2,000 for each special telephonic or in-person Board or Committee meeting attended. Additionally, the Audit Committee Chair received a quarterly retainer of $1,875 and the Independent Chair received a quarterly retainer of $4,250.

The Trustees are also reimbursed for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at meetings.

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, the Trustees received the following compensation:

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Trustees** | **Aggregate**<br> **Compensation**<br> **From the** <br> **Trust** | **Pension Or**<br> **Retirement**<br> **Benefits**<br> **Accrued As**<br> **Part of**<br> **Fund Expenses** | **Estimated**<br> **Annual**<br> **Benefits** <br> **Upon**<br> **Retirement** | **Aggregate**<br> **Compensation**<br> **From The Trust** <br> **And Fund**<br> **Complex Paid To**<br> **Trustees\*** |
| Ward D. Armstrong | $102000 | $0 | $0 | $102000 |
| J. Wayne Hutchens\*\* | $85000 | $0 | $0 | $85000 |
| Merrillyn J. Kosier | $85000 | $0 | $0 | $85000 |
| Patrick Seese | $92500 | $0 | $0 | $92500 |

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\* The Fund Complex currently consists of 8 series of the Trust.

\*\* J. Wayne Hutchens resigned as a Trustee of the Trust effective after the close of business on November 20, 2025.

No officer, trustee, or employee of the Adviser or any of its affiliates receives any compensation from the Fund for serving as an officer or trustee of the Fund.

**INVESTMENT MANAGER**

Hillman Capital Management, Inc. (the "Adviser"), is located at 7255 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 260, Bethesda, Maryland 20814. Subject to the authority of the Trust's Board of Trustees, the Adviser is responsible for the overall management and administration of the Fund's business affairs. The Adviser is controlled by Mark A. Hillman, who founded the firm and serves as chief executive officer and chief investment officer. As of December 31, 2025, the Adviser managed approximately $195.9 million in assets under management.

Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement (the "Advisory Agreement") between the Trust and the Adviser, the Fund pays the Adviser an annual management fee of 0.70% based on the Fund's average daily net assets. The management fee is paid on a monthly basis. The Board and shareholders of the Fund may terminate the Advisory Agreement upon sixty (60) days' written notice. The Adviser may terminate the Advisory Agreement upon one hundred and twenty (120) days' notice.

The Adviser has contractually agreed to limit the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses of the Fund (exclusive of (i) any front-end or contingent deferred loads; (ii) brokerage fees and commissions; (iii) acquired fund fees and expenses; (iv) fees and expenses associated with investments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including for example option and swap fees and expenses); (v) borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short); (vi) taxes; and (vii) extraordinary expenses, such as litigation expenses (which may include indemnification of Fund officers and Trustees and contractual indemnification of Fund service providers (other than the Adviser)) to an annual rate of not more than: 0.95% of the Fund's average daily net assets for the Fund's No Load Class. This agreement is in effect through at least January 31, 2026, and will automatically continue upon annual approval by the board for successive twelve-month periods unless (i) it is terminated earlier by the Board of Trustees, or (ii) the Adviser provides at least 30 days written notice of its non-continuance prior to the end of the then effective term. Except due to the Adviser's notice of non-renewal, this Agreement may only be amended or terminated with the approval of the Board of Trustees of the Trust.

The table below shows the management fees earned by the Adviser for the fiscal years indicated below:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Hillman Value Fund** | **For the Fiscal Year Ended <br> September 30, 2024** | **For the Fiscal Year Ended <br> September 30, 2023** | **For the Fiscal Year Ended <br> September 30, 2022** |
| Gross Advisory Fees | $1113600 | $1705598 | $1726453 |
| Waiver of Advisory Fees | $(129798) | ($188445) | ($384186) |
| Reimbursement of other Expenses | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Net Advisory Fees | $983802 | $1517153 | $1342267 |

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**DISTRIBUTOR**

Shares of the Fund are offered on a continuous basis through ALPS Distributors, Inc. (an affiliate of ALPS Fund Services, Inc.) (the "Distributor"), located at 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80203, pursuant to a distribution agreement between the Distributor and the Trust on behalf of the Fund. The Distributor is not obligated to sell any specific amount of Fund shares.

**CODE OF ETHICS**

The Trust, the Adviser and the Distributor each have adopted a code of ethics consistent with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act. Subject to certain restrictions, these codes of ethics permit the personnel of these entities to invest in securities, including securities that the Fund may purchase or hold. The codes of ethics are on public file with, and are available from, the SEC.

**ADMINISTRATOR**

The Trust on behalf of the Fund currently employs ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (an affiliate of the Distributor) ("ALPS" or the "Administrator"), located at 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80203, under an administration agreement to provide certain administrative services to the Fund.

The table below shows the administrative fees earned by ALPS for the fiscal years indicated below:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **For the Fiscal Year Ended**<br> **September 30, 2025** | **For the Fiscal Year Ended <br> September 30, 2024** | **For the Fiscal Year Ended <br> September 30, 2023** |
| **Hillman Value Fund** | $158733 | $154470 | $142427 |

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**PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES**

The Board has approved delegating proxy voting discretion to the Adviser believing that the Adviser should be responsible for voting because it is a matter relating to the investment decision making process.

Attached as <u>Appendix B</u> are the Trust's Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures and a Summary of the Adviser's Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures that the Adviser uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities. Information on how a Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent prior 12-month period ended June 30 will be available without charge, (i) upon request, by calling 240-744-4500 or sending a request to <u>info@hillmancapital.com</u> and (ii) on the SEC's website at <u>http://www.sec.gov.</u>

**PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS**

To the best knowledge of the Trust, the names and addresses of the record and beneficial holders of 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund and the percentage of the outstanding shares held by such holders are set forth below. To the best knowledge of the Trust, entities shown as owning more than 25% of the outstanding Shares of the Fund are not the beneficial owners of such Shares, unless otherwise indicated.

A shareholder who owns beneficially 25% or more of the outstanding securities of the Fund is presumed to "control" that Fund as defined in the 1940 Act. Such control may affect the voting rights of other shareholders.

As of December 31, 2025, the following shareholders owned 5% or more of the outstanding shares of a class of the Fund as listed below:

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Class** | **Shareholder Name** | **Address** | **Percentage** <br> **of Interest** | **Type of Ownership** |
| Hillman Value Fund | Investor | CHARLES SCHWAB & CO | ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS SF215FMT-05<br> 211 MAIN ST<br> SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105 | 44.13% | Dealer |
| Hillman Value Fund | Investor | NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES | PO BOX 8099<br> WEXFORD, PA 15090 | 25.37% | Dealer |
| Hillman Value Fund | Investor | RAYMOND JAMES & ASSOCIATES, INC. | 880 CARILLON PKWY<br> ST PETERSBURG, FL 33716 | 16.25% | Dealer |

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As of December 31, 2025, none of the Trustees or Officers of the Trust owned any of the outstanding shares of the Hillman Value Fund.

**EXPENSES**

The Fund's expenses include taxes, interest, fees and salaries of the Trust's Trustees and officers who are not trustees, officers or employees of the Fund's service contractors, SEC fees, state securities qualification fees, costs of preparing and printing prospectuses for regulatory purposes and for distribution to existing shareholders, advisory and administration fees, charges of the custodian and of the transfer and dividend disbursing agent, certain insurance premiums, outside auditing and legal expenses, costs of shareholder reports and shareholder meetings and any extraordinary expenses. The Fund also pays for brokerage fees and commissions (if any) in connection with the purchase and sale of portfolio securities.

**PORTFOLIO MANAGER**

The following sections set forth certain additional information with respect to the portfolio manager for the Fund. Unless noted otherwise, all information is provided as of September 30, 2025.

**Other Accounts Managed by Portfolio Managers**

The table below identifies as of September 30, 2025, the number of accounts (other than the Fund with respect to which information is provided) for which the Fund's portfolio manager has day-to-day management responsibilities and the total assets in such accounts within each of the following categories: registered investment companies, other pooled investment vehicles, and other accounts.

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Portfolio Manager** | **Registered Investment**<br> **Companies** | **Registered Investment**<br> **Companies** | **Other Pooled** <br> **Investment**<br> **Vehicles** | **Other Pooled** <br> **Investment**<br> **Vehicles** | **Other Accounts** | **Other Accounts** |
| **Portfolio Manager** | **Number** | **Total** <br> **Assets**<br> **(in millions)** | **Number** | **Total** <br> **Assets**<br> **(in millions)** | **Number** | **Total** <br> **Assets**<br> **(in millions)** |
| Mark A. Hillman | 1 | $105.2 | 0 | $0 | 181 | $78.1 |

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**Portfolio Manager Compensation**

Mark A. Hillman is the Fund's portfolio manager. He is a principal of the Adviser and his compensation consists of a fixed annual salary, plus additional remuneration based on the Adviser's assets under management. Compensation is not directly linked to the Fund's performance, although positive performance and growth in managed assets are factors that may contribute to the Adviser's distributable profits and assets under management.

*Potential Conflicts of Interest with Other Accounts*

Potential conflicts of interest may arise when a fund's portfolio managers have day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to one or more other funds or other accounts, as is the case for the portfolio managers listed in the table above.

The Adviser has worked to establish a firm-wide culture of compliance, and accordingly has adopted compliance policies and procedures that are designed to address various conflicts of interest that may arise for the Adviser and the individuals that it employs. For example, the Adviser seeks to minimize the effects of competing interests for the time and attention of portfolio managers by assigning portfolio managers to manage funds and accounts that share a similar investment style. The Adviser has also adopted trade allocation procedures that are designed to facilitate the fair and equitable allocation of limited investment opportunities among multiple funds and accounts over time. There is no guarantee, however, that the policies and procedures adopted by the Adviser and the Fund will be able to detect and/or prevent every situation in which an actual or potential conflict may appear. These potential conflicts of interest include:

<u>Allocation of Limited Time and Attention</u>. A portfolio manager who is responsible for managing multiple funds and/or accounts may devote unequal time and attention to the management of those funds and/or accounts, including the Fund. As a result, the portfolio manager may not be able to formulate as complete a strategy or identify equally attractive investment opportunities for each of those accounts as might be the case if he were to devote substantially more attention to the management of a single fund. The effects of this potential conflict may be more pronounced where funds and/or accounts overseen by a particular portfolio manager have different investment strategies.

<u>Allocation of Investment Opportunities</u>. If a portfolio manager identifies an investment opportunity that may be suitable for multiple funds and/or accounts, the opportunity may (and typically will) be allocated among these several funds or accounts (or a subset of those funds or accounts), which may limit the Fund's ability to take full advantage of the investment opportunity. Moreover, a potential conflict of interest involving client allocations may become more acute in the case of a privately-negotiated transaction in which the Adviser and/or its affiliated persons (including its portfolio managers) may have a heightened pecuniary interest (*e.g.*, where the Adviser may be incentivized to overreach certain funds and/or accounts, including the Fund, either by including them in such transaction even though it would not be consistent with their investment objective, or by negotiating certain terms of the private transaction that inure to the benefit of certain funds and/or accounts at the expense of others, such as the Fund). The Adviser has developed compliance procedures designed to mitigate conflicts of interest associated with such transactions, particularly with respect to any follow-on investment opportunity that arises as a direct result of an existing investment(s) already held by one or more of the Adviser's clients (including the Fund). In these circumstances, the portfolio managers will first endeavor to allocate the ensuing follow-on transaction on a *pro rata* basis to those client accounts that hold such existing investment(s) in the issuer based on the market value of such investment(s) at the time of such allocation, with excess capacity, if any, then allocated to those client accounts that do not otherwise hold an existing investment in the issuer in a manner consistent with the Adviser's allocation guidelines. While the Adviser believes that its compliance procedures, which provide that a Hillman Capital Management, Inc. legal professional shall review the proposed final allocation of any such transaction, adequately mitigate this risk, conflict resolution by the Adviser may result in certain clients (such as the Fund) receiving less consideration and/or less favorable treatment than they may have otherwise received in the absence of such a conflict of interest.

<u>Pursuit of Differing Investment Strategies</u>. At times, a portfolio manager may determine that an investment opportunity may be appropriate for only some of the funds and/or accounts for which he exercises investment responsibility, or may decide that certain of the funds and/or accounts should take differing positions with respect to a particular security. In these cases, a portfolio manager may place separate transactions for one or more funds or accounts which may affect the market price of the security or the execution of the transaction, or both, to the detriment or benefit of one or more other funds and/or accounts, including the Fund. Because of differences in client investment objectives and strategies, risk tolerances, tax status and other criteria, there may, however, be differences among clients in invested positions and securities held. Furthermore, a portfolio manager may purchase a security for one client account while appropriately selling that same security for another client account.

<u>Investments in Different Layers of the Capital Structure</u>. Client accounts managed by a portfolio manager may make an investment in a portfolio company in which another client of the Adviser holds an investment in a different class of such company's debt or equity. Similarly, from time to time, clients of the Adviser will hold multiple investments across the capital structure of an issuer of varying classes, types or seniorities, but will hold different proportions of each such investment. Although the Adviser generally will make such investments only when it believes that such investment is in the best interests of each account and the possibility of actual adversity between such client accounts is remote, there may be instances where the interests of such client accounts, such as the Fund, actually conflict with one another. For example, one of the Adviser's clients (such as the Fund) may hold unsecured debt of an issuer while another client holds secured debt of the same issuer, potentially resulting in one client holding an investment that is senior or junior to another client in the capital structure of such entity. In a restructuring, workout or other distressed scenario, the interests of such clients might be adverse to one another, and one such client might recover all or part of their investment while the other client does not. Decisions about what action should be taken in a troubled situation, including whether or not to enforce claims, whether or not to advocate or initiate a restructuring or liquidation inside or outside of bankruptcy, and the terms of any work-out or restructuring, raise conflicts of interest concerns. In such circumstances, it is possible that a certain client's interests may be subordinated or otherwise adversely affected by the Adviser by virtue of the other clients' involvement and actions relating to their investment in the issuer. The Adviser will endeavor to mitigate such conflicts by treating each of its clients in as fair and equitable a manner as possible in light of the particular facts and circumstances. However, conflict resolution by the Adviser in such circumstances may result in one or more clients receiving less consideration and/or less favorable treatment than they may have otherwise received in the absence of such a conflict of interest. Furthermore, there can be assurance that the Adviser's own interests will not influence its conduct when attempting to mitigate such conflicts.

<u>Selection of Brokers/Dealers</u>. Portfolio managers may be able to select or influence the selection of the brokers and dealers that are used to execute securities transactions for the funds and/or account that they supervise. In addition to executing trades, some brokers and dealers provide portfolio managers with brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), which may result in the payment of higher brokerage fees (with respect to equity transactions in particular) than might have otherwise been available. These services may be more beneficial to certain funds or accounts than to others. Although the payment of brokerage commissions is subject to the requirement that the portfolio manager determine in good faith that the commissions are reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided to the fund, a portfolio manager's decision as to the selection of brokers and dealers could yield disproportionate costs and benefits among the funds and/or accounts that he manages, including the Fund.

<u>Variation in Compensation; Personal Interests</u>. A conflict of interest may arise where the financial or other benefits available to the portfolio manager differ among the funds and/or accounts that he manages. If the structure of the Adviser's management fee and/or a portfolio manager's compensation differs among funds and/or accounts (such as where certain funds or accounts pay higher management fees or performance-based management fees), a portfolio manager might be motivated to recommend more attractive investment opportunities for certain funds and/or accounts over others. Furthermore, the portfolio manager might be motivated to favor funds and/or accounts in which he has a personal interest or in which the Adviser and/or its affiliates have interests. Similarly, the desire to maintain or raise assets under management or to enhance a portfolio manager's performance record or to derive other rewards, financial or otherwise, could influence a portfolio manager to lend preferential treatment to those funds and/or accounts that could most significantly benefit such portfolio manager.

<u>Cross Transactions</u>. The Adviser may also execute transactions between or among client accounts (including rebalancing trades between client accounts, such as the Fund) by executing simultaneous purchase and sale orders for the same security. Even in situations where the Adviser believes there is no disadvantage to its clients, these "cross trade" transactions may nonetheless create an inherent conflict of interest. When engaging in cross transactions, the Adviser acts in good faith to ensure such transactions are fair and in the best interests of all participating client accounts and in all cases in accordance with applicable law (including, without limitation, Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act).

<u>Personal Trading</u>. The Adviser permits its portfolio managers to trade securities for their own accounts. Portfolio managers, through their position with the firm, are in a position to take investment opportunities for themselves before such opportunities are executed on behalf of clients. Thus, the Adviser has an obligation to assure that its portfolio managers do not "front-run" trades for clients or otherwise favor their own accounts. To that end, the Adviser maintains a personal trading policy within its code of ethics that includes pre-clearance procedures that require its personnel to preclear trades in individual securities of all companies, irrespective of whether or not the Adviser intends to transact in such issuer.

**Ownership of Securities**

The table below identifies ownership of Fund securities by the Portfolio Manager as of September 30, 2025.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Portfolio Manager** | **Dollar Range of Ownership of Securities** |
| Mark A. Hillman | Over $1,000,000 |

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**NET ASSET VALUE**

The following is a description of the procedures used by the Fund in valuing its assets. For the purpose of pricing purchase and redemption orders, the net asset value per share of the Fund is determined once daily as of the close of regularly scheduled trading on the NYSE (normally, 4:00 p.m. Eastern time). The Fund's net asset value is calculated on each day that the NYSE is open for trading, *i.e.*, Monday through Friday, except for New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, and the preceding Friday or subsequent Monday when one of those holidays falls on a Saturday or Sunday, respectively.

In calculating net asset value, portfolio securities listed or traded on national securities exchanges for which market quotations are available are valued at the official closing price. If there is no official closing price, the valuation designee values securities at the mean of the last bid and ask price which represents the current value of the security.

Securities that are primarily traded on foreign exchanges generally are valued at the preceding closing values of such securities on their respective exchanges, except that when an occurrence subsequent to the time a value was so established is likely to have changed such value, then the fair value of those securities will be determined by consideration of other factors by the valuation designee. In valuing assets, prices denominated in foreign currencies are converted to U.S. dollar equivalents at the current exchange rate. Securities may be valued by independent pricing services which use prices provided by market-makers or estimates of market values obtained from yield data relating to instruments or securities with similar characteristics. In certain circumstances, bid and ask prices may be obtained from (i) a broker/dealer specified and deemed reliable by the valuation designee, (ii) pink sheets, yellow sheets or the blue list, or (iii) a pricing agent that obtains quotations from broker/dealers or evaluates the value of the respective bid and ask prices. All other securities and other assets of the Fund will be valued at fair value as determined in good faith pursuant to procedures adopted by the valuation designee. Valuing securities at fair value involves greater reliance on judgment than valuation of securities based on readily available market quotations.

**FEDERAL INCOME TAXES**

This section provides additional information concerning U.S. federal income taxes. It is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), applicable Treasury Regulations, judicial authority and administrative rulings and practice, all as of the date of this SAI, and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. The following does not address any state, local or foreign or estate or gift tax matters.

A shareholder's U.S. federal income tax consequences from acquiring, holding and disposing of shares in the Fund may vary depending upon the shareholder's particular situation. Except where expressly noted, this discussion only applies to shareholders who are U.S. persons. For purposes of this discussion, U.S. persons are: (i) U.S. citizens or residents, (ii) U.S. corporations (i.e., entities classified as corporations for U.S. tax purposes organized under the laws of the United States or any state), (iii) an estate whose income is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source, or (iv) a trust, if a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over its administration and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all of its substantial decisions, or if the trust has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury Regulations to be treated as a U.S. person..

Except where expressly noted, this discussion does not address issues of significance to U.S. persons in special situations such as: (i) certain types of tax-exempt entities, (ii) shareholders holding shares through tax-qualified accounts (such as 401(k) plan accounts or individual retirement accounts), (iii) shareholders holding investments through foreign institutions (financial and non-financial), (iv) financial institutions, (v) broker-dealers, and traders in securities that elect to mark-to-market their securities holdings, (vi) shareholders holding shares as part of a hedge, straddle or conversion transaction, (vii) shareholders who are subject to either the U.S. federal alternative minimum tax or the U.S. federal corporate minimum tax, (viii) insurance companies, and (ix) shareholders that are pass-through entities.

If a pass-through entity (including for this purpose any entity treated as a partnership or S corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) is a beneficial owner of shares, the tax treatment of an owner in the pass-through entity will generally depend upon the status of the owners and the activities of the pass-through entity. Owners of pass-through entities that are considering the purchase of shares should consult their tax advisers regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of shares.

The Fund has not requested and will not request an advance ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") as to the U.S. federal income tax matters described below. The IRS could adopt positions contrary to those discussed below and such positions could be sustained. In addition, the foregoing discussion only addresses some of the U.S. federal income tax considerations generally affecting investments in the Fund. Prospective shareholders are urged to consult with their tax advisers as to the particular U.S. federal tax consequences to them of an investment in the Fund, as well as the applicability and effect of any state, local or foreign laws, and the effect of possible changes in applicable tax laws.

**General Policies**

In general, it is the Fund's policy to distribute annually to its shareholders as "ordinary income dividends" substantially all of its investment company taxable income (which includes, among other items, dividends, interest and the excess of any net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses). It is also the Fund's policy to distribute annually the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses, if any, after offsetting any capital loss carryovers, as "capital gains dividends."

Ordinary income dividends and capital gain distributions are payable as of the close of the Exchange on the record date for each dividend or distribution. Shareholders may elect to re-invest their ordinary income dividends or capital gain distributions, or both. The election may be made at any time by submitting a written request directly to the Fund. In order for a change to be in effect for any dividend or distribution, it must be received by the Fund on or before the record date for such dividend or distribution.

Distributions and dividends are reinvested in additional Fund shares unless you instruct the Transfer Agent to have your distributions and/or dividends paid by check mailed to the address of record or transferred through an Automated Clearing House to the bank of your choice. If you elect to receive your dividends in cash and the dividend checks sent to you are returned "undeliverable" to the Fund or remain uncashed for six months, your cash election will automatically be changed and your future dividends will be reinvested. No interest will accrue on amounts represented by uncashed dividend or redemption checks.

As required by federal law, detailed U.S. federal tax information will be furnished to each shareholder for each calendar year.

**Taxation of the Fund**

The Fund intends to elect to be treated and qualify each year as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code. The Fund also expects to be treated as a separate entity for federal income tax purposes. This discussion assumes that the Fund will qualify under Subchapter M of the Code as a regulated investment company and will satisfy distribution requirements for taxation as a regulated investment company (as described below), although there can be no assurance that these assumptions will be correct.

In order to qualify for the special tax treatment accorded regulated investment companies and their shareholders, the Fund must, among other things: (i) derive at least 90% of its gross income in each taxable year 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 (including, but not limited to, gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies and net income derived from interests in "qualified publicly traded partnerships;" (ii) diversify its holdings so that at the end of each fiscal quarter, (a) at least 50% of the value of its total assets consists of cash and cash items (including receivables), U.S. government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies, and other securities limited generally, with respect to any one issuer, to no more than 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets and 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (b) not more than 25% of the value of the Fund's total assets is invested in (1) the securities (other than those of the U.S. government or other regulated investment companies) of any one issuer, (2) the securities (other than the securities of other regulated investment companies) of two or more issuers which the Fund controls and which are engaged in the same, similar or related trades or businesses, or (3) in the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships and (iii) distribute with respect to each taxable year an amount equal to or exceeding the sum of (a) 90% of its "investment company taxable income," as that term is defined in the Code (which generally includes, among other things, dividends, taxable interest, and the excess of any net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses, as reduced by certain deductible expenses) without regard to the deduction for dividends paid, and (b) 90% of its tax-exempt interest income, net of expenses allocable thereto. For purposes of meeting the diversification requirement described in (ii) above, in the case of the Fund's investment in loan participations, the issuer may be the financial intermediary or the borrower. The requirements for qualification as a regulated investment company may significantly limit the extent to which the Fund may invest in some investments.

With respect to (i) above, the IRS may limit qualifying income from foreign currency gains to the amount of such gains that are directly related to a regulated investment company's principal business of investing in stock or securities (or options and futures with respect thereto) pursuant to Treasury Regulations that may be promulgated in the future. For purposes of the 90% gross income requirement described in (i) above, income derived from a partnership will generally be treated as qualifying income only to the extent such income is attributable to items of income of the partnership which would be qualifying income if realized by the regulated investment company. However, 100% of the net income derived from an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership (defined as an entity taxed as a partnership (x) interests in which are traded on an established securities market or readily tradable on a secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof and (y) that derives more than 90% of its income from the qualifying income described in (i) above) will be treated as qualifying income. In addition, although in general the passive activity loss rules of the Code do not apply to regulated investment companies, such rules do apply to a regulated investment company with respect to items attributable to an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership. Finally, for purposes of (ii)(a) above, the term "outstanding voting securities of such issuer" will include the equity securities of a qualified publicly traded partnership.

In certain situations, the Fund can cure failures to meet the income and diversification tests described above, including, in some cases, by paying the Fund-level tax and, in the case of diversification failures, disposing of certain assets. If the Fund were to fail to qualify as a regulated investment company accorded special tax treatment in any taxable year – for example, because it was not sufficiently diversified under the applicable Code tests – the Fund would be subject to tax on its taxable income at corporate rates, and all distributions from earnings and profits, including any distributions of net tax-exempt income and net long-term capital gains, would be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income or in some cases qualified dividend income. To qualify again to be taxed as a regulated investment company that is accorded special treatment in a subsequent year, the Fund could be required to pay substantial taxes, penalties and interest and make substantial distributions, which may be taxed to shareholders as either ordinary income or qualified dividend income. In addition, if the Fund fails to qualify as a regulated investment company for a period greater than two taxable years, the Fund may be required to recognize and pay tax on any net built-in gain (the excess of aggregate gain, including items of income, over aggregate loss that would have been realized if the Fund had been liquidated) or, alternatively, to be subject to taxation on such built-in gain recognized for a period of five years, in order to qualify as a regulated investment company in a subsequent year.

As a regulated investment company, the Fund generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on its net capital gains (that is, any net long-term capital gains in excess of net short-term capital losses) properly reported by the Fund in a written statement to shareholders as capital gain dividends ("capital gain dividends") and its investment company taxable income if any, that the Fund distributes to shareholders on a timely basis. The Fund generally intends to distribute substantially all of its investment company taxable income and net capital gains, after offsetting any capital loss carryovers, in a taxable year. If the Fund does retain any investment company taxable income, it will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates on the amount retained. However, the Fund may elect to have certain distributions paid after the close of a tax year treated as having been paid during the tax year for purposes of the regulated investment company distribution requirements and for purposes of determining its taxable income ("spill-back dividends"). Spill-back dividends are taxed to shareholders in the year in which they are received.

If the Fund retains any net capital gain, the Fund will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates on the amount retained, but may designate the retained amount as undistributed capital gains 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 shares of such undistributed amount, and (ii) will be entitled to credit their proportionate shares of the tax paid by the Fund on such undistributed amount against their U.S. federal income tax liabilities, if any. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the tax basis of shares owned by a shareholder of the Fund will be increased by an amount equal to the difference between the amount of undistributed capital gains included in the shareholder's income and the tax deemed paid by the shareholder under clause (ii) of the preceding sentence.

Generally, the excess (if any) of the Fund's net short-term capital loss over the net long-term capital gain for a taxable year will carry over as a short-term capital loss arising on the first day of the next tax year. In addition, the excess (if any) of the Fund's net long-term capital loss over the net short-term capital gain for the year will carry over as a long-term capital loss arising on the first day of the next tax year.

The Fund may be limited under Code Section 382 in its ability to offset its taxable income by capital loss carryforwards and net unrealized built-in losses after an "ownership change" of the Fund. The term "net unrealized built-in loss" refers to the excess, if any, of the Fund's aggregate adjusted basis in its assets immediately before an ownership change, over the fair market value of such assets at such time, subject to a *de minimis* rule. The Fund would experience an ownership change under Code Section 382 if and when 5-percent shareholders of the Fund increase their ownership by more than 50 percentage points in the aggregate over their respective lowest percentage ownership of the Fund's shares in a 3-year period. Under Code Section 382, if the Fund experiences an ownership change, the Fund may use its pre-change tax capital loss carryforwards and net unrealized built-in losses in a year after the ownership change generally only up to the product of the fair market value of the Fund's equity immediately before the ownership change and a certain interest rate published monthly by the U.S. Treasury known as the applicable long-term tax-exempt rate. The foregoing limitation on the use of net unrealized built-in losses only applies for a period of five years after the ownership change, while the foregoing limitation on the use of pre-ownership change capital loss carryforwards lasts indefinitely.

If future capital gains are offset by carried-forward capital losses, such future capital gains are not subject to Fund-level federal income tax, regardless of whether they are distributed to shareholders. However, distributions of amounts of capital gains offset by carried-forward capital losses are generally treated as return of capital distributions to shareholders The Fund cannot carry back or carry forward any net operating losses.

The Fund may elect to treat any post-October capital loss (defined as the greatest of net capital loss, net long-term capital loss, or net short-term capital loss, in each case attributable to the portion of the taxable year after October 31) and late-year ordinary loss (generally, (i) net ordinary losses from the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of property, attributable to the portion of the taxable year after October 31, plus (ii) other net ordinary losses attributable to the portion of the taxable year after December 31) as if incurred in the succeeding taxable year.

If the Fund fails to distribute in a calendar year at least an amount equal to the sum of 98% of its ordinary income for such year (taking into account certain deferrals and elections) and 98.2% of its net capital gain income for the one year period ending on October 31 of such year, plus any retained amount for the prior year, the Fund will be subject to a non-deductible excise tax on the undistributed amounts. For these purposes, ordinary gains and losses from the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of property that would be properly taken into account after October 31 are treated as arising on January 1 of the following calendar year. For purposes of the excise tax, the Fund will be treated as having distributed any amount on which it has been subject to corporate income tax in the taxable year ending within the calendar year.

The Fund intends to make distributions sufficient to avoid imposition of the excise tax, although there can be no assurance that it will be able to do so. Moreover, the Fund reserves the right to pay an excise tax rather than make an additional distribution when circumstances warrant (for example, the amount of excise tax to be paid is deemed de minimis by the Fund).

**Equalization Accounting**

The Fund may use "equalization accounting" to determine the portion of its income and gains that has been distributed with respect to each taxable year. Under equalization accounting, the Fund would allocate a portion of its undistributed investment company taxable income and net capital gain to redemption proceeds. This method would allow the Fund to reduce the amount of such income and gains that it distributes to non-redeeming shareholders. However, the IRS has not expressly authorized the particular equalization methods that the Fund may use, and the Fund's use of an equalization method may be subject to IRS scrutiny. If the IRS determines that the Fund's equalization method is improper and that the Fund has under-distributed its income and gain for any taxable year, the Fund may be liable for federal income and/or excise tax. Equalization accounting is not available for if the Fund is a personal holding company for federal income tax purposes.

**Personal Holding Company**

If the Fund is a "personal holding company" and fails to distribute (or to be treated as distributing) all of its investment company taxable income, the Fund may also be subject to a 20% nondeductible tax on its "undistributed personal holding company income." The Fund would generally be a personal holding company for a taxable year if five or fewer individuals own more than 50% of its outstanding shares at any time in the last half of the taxable year. The term "individual" for this purpose includes private foundations and certain trusts. The Fund does not expect to be subject to the tax on undistributed personal holding company income, although there can be no assurance that this will never occur.

**Taxation of Fund Distributions**

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, distributions of investment company taxable income are generally taxable as ordinary income to the extent of the Fund's current or accumulated "earnings and profits." Taxes on distributions of capital gains are determined by how long the Fund owned the investments that generated them, rather than how long a shareholder has owned the shareholder's shares. Distributions of net capital gains from the sale of investments that the Fund owned for more than one year and that are properly reported by the Fund as capital gain dividends (i.e., "capital gain dividends") will be taxable to Fund shareholders as long-term capital gains. Generally, distributions of gains from the sale of investments that the Fund owned for one year or less will be taxable at rates applicable to ordinary income. The maximum long-term capital gain rate applicable to individuals is generally 20%.

The Fund may report certain dividends as derived from "qualified dividend income," which, when received by an individual, will be taxed at a maximum federal income tax rate applicable to long-term capital gain (in addition to the 3.8% Medicare tax described below). Dividend income distributed to individual shareholders will qualify as "qualified dividend income" as that term is defined in section 1(h)(11)(B) of the Code to the extent such distributions are attributable to income from the Fund's investments in common and preferred stock of U.S. companies and stock of certain qualified foreign corporations provided that certain holding period and other requirements are met by both the Fund (with respect to the dividend paying corporation's stock) and its shareholders (with respect to the Fund's shares).

If 95% or more of the Fund's gross income (excluding net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) constitutes qualified dividend income, all of its distributions (other than capital gain dividends) generally will be treated as qualified dividend income in the hands of individual shareholders, as long as they satisfy certain holding period requirements with respect to their Fund shares. If less than 95% of the Fund's income is attributable to qualified dividend income, then only the portion of the Fund's distributions that is attributable to qualified dividend income and reported as such in a timely manner will be so treated in the hands of individual shareholders.

Distributions of earnings and gains are taxable to shareholders even if the distributions are paid from income or gains earned by the Fund before a shareholder invested in the Fund (and thus were included in the price the shareholder paid) and whether shareholders receive them in cash or reinvest them in additional shares (other than distributions, if any, reported by the Fund as "exempt-interest dividends," a designation which the Fund does not expect to make). Any gain resulting from the sale or redemption of Fund shares generally will be taxable as capital gains. Distributions declared and payable by the Fund during October, November or December to shareholders of record on a date in any such month and paid by the Fund during the following January will be treated for U.S. federal tax purposes as paid by the Fund and received by shareholders on December 31st of the year in which declared rather than the calendar year in which they were received.

An additional 3.8% Medicare tax will be imposed on certain net investment income (including, among other things, ordinary dividends and capital gain distributions received from the Fund and net gains from redemptions or other taxable dispositions of Fund shares) of U.S. individuals, and estates and certain trusts in each case to the extent that such taxpayer's gross income, as adjusted, exceeds a certain amount. Net investment income for this purpose includes interest, dividends, royalties, rents, gross income from a trade or business involving passive activities, and net gain from disposition of property (other than property held in a non-passive trade or business). Net investment income includes dividend and capital gain distributions received with respect to shares of the Fund and net gains from redemptions or other taxable dispositions of Fund shares. Net investment income is reduced by deductions properly allocable to such income.

Dividends received by corporate shareholders that are reported by the Fund in a written statement furnished to shareholders may qualify for a 50% dividend received deduction to the extent of the amount of qualifying dividends received by the Fund from domestic corporations and to the extent (if any) that a portion of interest paid or accrued on certain high yield discount obligations owned by the Fund are treated as dividends, so long as, in either case, certain holding period requirements are met by the Fund (with respect to the dividend-paying corporation's stock) and a corporate shareholder (with respect to the Fund's shares).

Section 163(j) of the Code generally limits the deductibility of business interest to the sum of the taxpayer's business interest income and 30% of its adjusted taxable income. Certain small businesses are exempt from such limitations. If the Fund, as a regulated investment company, earns business interest income, the Fund would be permitted to pay Code Section 163(j) interest dividends to its shareholder. A shareholder that receives a Code Section 163(j) interest dividend generally may treat the dividend as interest income for purposes of Code Section 163(j) if certain holding period requirements are met. Generally, the shareholder must have held the fund shares for more than 180 days during the 361-day window beginning 180 days before the ex-dividend date, and the shareholder must not be obligated (under a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to substantially similar or related property.

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

**Sale or Redemption of Shares**

The sale or redemption of Fund shares may give rise to a gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount received for the shares (or deemed received in the case of an exchange) and the shareholder's tax basis in the shares. In general, any gain or loss realized upon a taxable disposition of Fund shares will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year. Otherwise, the gain or loss on the taxable disposition of Fund shares will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. However, any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of shares held for six months or less will be treated as long-term, rather than short-term, to the extent of any long-term capital gain distributions received (or deemed received) by the shareholder with respect to the shares. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

All or a portion of any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of Fund shares will be disallowed if other substantially identical shares of the Fund or other substantially identical securities are purchased within 30 days before or after the disposition. In such a case, the basis of the newly purchased shares will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.

**Special Tax Considerations**

The following discussion relates to the particular U.S. federal income tax consequences of the investment policies of the Fund.

*Non-U.S. Taxes*

Investments in non-U.S. securities may cause the Fund to be liable to non-U.S. governments for taxes relating primarily to investment income or capital gains on non-U.S. securities in the Fund's portfolio. If at the close of its taxable year more than 50% of the value of the Fund's total assets consists of securities of foreign corporations (including foreign governments), the Fund may make an election under the Code that would allow Fund shareholders who are U.S. persons (including U.S. corporations) to claim a foreign tax credit or deduction (but not both) on their U.S. income tax return for their pro rata portion of qualified taxes paid by that Fund to non-U.S. countries in respect of non-U.S. securities held at least a minimum period as specified in the Code. If the Fund were eligible for and were to make the election, the amount of each shareholder's distribution reported on the information returns filed by the Fund with the IRS must be increased by the amount of the shareholder's portion of the Fund's foreign tax paid. A shareholder's ability to claim all or a part of a foreign tax credit or deduction in respect of non-U.S. taxes paid by the Fund would also be subject to certain holding period and other limitations imposed by the Code.

If the Fund were to qualify as a "qualified fund of funds," the Fund could be entitled to elect to pass-through its foreign tax credits without regard to the above described 50% requirement. For this purpose, the term "qualified fund of funds" means a regulated investment company if (at the close of each quarter of the taxable year) at least 50% of the value of its total assets is represented by interests in other regulated investment companies.

The Fund does not anticipate that it will be eligible for the elections discussed in this section.

*Non-U.S. Currency Transactions*

Transactions in non-U.S. currencies, non-U.S.-currency denominated debt obligations and certain non-U.S. currency options, future contracts, and forward contracts (and similar instruments) may give rise to ordinary income or loss to the extent such income or loss results from fluctuations in the value of the non-U.S. currency concerned and may increase the amount and affect the timing and character of taxes payable by shareholders. Certain foreign currency contracts may be subject to Code Section 1256, with the result that such contracts generally must be "marked to market" annually, and gains and losses with respect to such contracts would generally be treated as 60% long-term capital gain or loss and 40% short-term capital gain or loss. See "Options and Other Financial Products", below. Certain of the Fund's transactions, if any, in foreign currencies and foreign currency denominated instruments are likely to result in a difference between the Fund's book income and taxable income. This difference may cause a portion of the Fund's income distributions to constitute a return of capital or capital gain for tax purposes or require the Fund to make distributions exceeding book income to avoid excise tax liability and to qualify as a regulated investment company, which may have the effect of accelerating taxable distributions to shareholders of the Fund.

*Passive Foreign Investment Companies*

The Fund may own shares in foreign companies that may be classified under the Code as passive foreign investment companies ("PFICs"). In general, a foreign company is classified as a PFIC if at least one-half of its assets constitute investment-type assets or 75% or more of its gross income is investment-type income. When investing in PFIC securities, the Fund may elect to "mark-to-market" these securities under certain provisions of the Code and recognize any unrealized gains as ordinary income at the end of the Fund's fiscal and excise tax years. Under the mark-to-market election, deductions for losses are allowable only to the extent of any current or previously recognized gains. These gains (reduced by allowable losses) are treated as ordinary income that the Fund is required to distribute, even though it has not sold or received dividends from these securities.

If the Fund makes the mark-to-market election, the Fund could potentially mitigate certain adverse tax consequences with respect to its ownership of shares in a PFIC, but in any particular year may be required to recognize ordinary income in excess of the distributions it receives from PFICs and its proceeds from dispositions of PFIC stock. The Fund may have to distribute this "phantom" income and gain to satisfy distribution requirement and to avoid imposition of the excise tax described above.

Alternatively, the Fund may elect to treat a PFIC as a "qualified electing fund" (a "QEF election"), in which case the Fund must include its share of the company's income and net capital gains annually, regardless of whether it receives distributions from the PFIC. As with the mark-to-market election, these amounts would be taken into account by the Fund for purposes of satisfying the distribution requirement and the excise tax distribution requirement. Amounts included in income under a QEF election will be qualifying income for a regulated investment company if such earnings are (i) distributed in the taxable year in which they are included, or (ii) derived with respect to the Fund's business of investing in stock, securities, or currencies. In order to make a QEF election, the Fund must obtain certain annual information from the PFICs in which it invests, which may be difficult or impossible to obtain. Dividends paid by PFICs or by foreign corporations that were PFICs in the year preceding the payment of the dividend are not eligible to be treated as qualified dividend income.

If the Fund is unable to identify an investment as a PFIC and thus does not make a mark-to-market election or a QEF election, the Fund may be subject to U.S. federal income tax and an interest charge on distributions with respect to such shares, or gain from the disposition of, such shares under punitive tax rules applicable to so-called "excess distributions" from PFICs. Even if such income is distributed as a taxable dividend by the Fund to its shareholders.

*Controlled Foreign Corporations.* 

The Fund may invest in entities classified as "controlled foreign corporations" ("CFCs"). A CFC is a foreign corporation in which more than 50% of the stock, by vote or value, is owned, directly or constructively, by U.S. persons each of whom own, directly or by the application of certain attribution rules, 10% or more of the stock of a foreign corporation by vote or by value. If the Fund is such a 10% shareholder with respect to a CFC, the Fund generally must annually include in income its allocable share of the CFC's "subpart F income" and may be required to annually include in its income its allocable shares of the CFC's "net CFC tested income" , both as defined by the Code, regardless of whether or not the CFC distributes such amounts to the Fund. Amounts included in gross income by the Fund as subpart F income of a CFC are qualifying income for a regulated investment company under Code Section 851(b) if either (i) such amounts are distributed to the Fund in the taxable year in which they are earned by the CFC, or (ii) such income is derived with respect to the Fund's business of investing in stock, securities or currencies. Net CFC tested income included in gross income is treated in the same manner as subpart F income for various purposes of the Code except as provided in future rules issued by the Treasury Department.

*Financial Products*

The Fund's investments in derivatives including options, hedging transactions, future contracts, forward contracts, swaps and certain other transactions will be subject to special tax rules (including mark-to-market, constructive sale, straddle, wash sale, short sale and other rules), the effect of which may be to accelerate income recognized by the Fund, defer the Fund's losses, cause adjustments in the holding periods of the Fund's securities, result in the recognition of short-term capital gain, convert capital gain into ordinary income and convert short-term capital losses into long-term capital losses. These rules could therefore affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to Fund shareholders.

Certain positions undertaken by the Fund may constitute "straddles" for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The straddle rules may affect the character of gains or losses realized by the Fund. Losses realized by the Fund that are part of a straddle may be deferred beyond the point in time that they are realized. The straddle rules, if applicable, could increase the amount of short-term capital gain realized by the Fund, which is taxed as ordinary income when distributed to shareholders. Certain tax elections that the Fund may make with respect to straddles could affect the character and timing of recognition of gains and losses.

Rules governing the tax aspects of notional principal contracts in which the Fund may invest are not clear in various respects. As a result, the IRS could challenge the Fund's methods of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes for such contracts, and such a challenge could affect the status of the Fund as a regulated investment company.

When the Fund sells a put or call option, the premium received generally is not included in income at the time of receipt. If the option expires, the premium is generally included in income of the Fund as short-term capital gain. If the Fund enters into a closing transaction, the difference between the amount paid to close out its position and the premium received is generally short-term capital gain or loss. If a call option written by the Fund is exercised, thereby requiring the Fund to sell the underlying security, the premium will increase the amount realized upon the sale of such security and any resulting gain or loss generally will be a capital gain or loss, and will be long-term or short-term depending upon the holding period of the security. With respect to a put or call option that is purchased by the Fund, if the option is sold any resulting gain or loss generally will be a capital gain or loss, and will be long-term or short-term, depending upon the holding period of the option. If the option expires, the resulting loss is a capital loss and is long-term or short-term, depending upon the holding period of the option. If the option is exercised, the cost of the option, in the case of a call option, is added to the basis of the purchased security and in the case of a put option, reduces the amount realized on the underlying security in determining gain or loss.

The sale by the Fund of a covered call option may result in the suspension of the fund's holding period in the underlying security unless the call option is a "qualified covered call option". Suspension of the holding period may result in short-term capital gains, taxable to fund shareholders at ordinary income rates, when the holder exercises the option, and may disqualify dividends issued on the underlying securities from being taxed to individual shareholders of the fund and other non-corporate shareholders as qualified dividends at rates applicable to long-term capital gains. A qualified covered call option is a covered call option that has a term of more than 30 days when issued, is not deeply in the money (as defined) when issued and satisfies certain other conditions.

Some of the Fund's investments, such as certain option transactions, futures contract transactions, and forward foreign currency exchange contracts may be "section 1256 contracts." With certain exceptions, gains or losses attributable to section 1256 contracts are treated as sixty percent long-term capital gains or losses and forty percent short-term capital gains or losses ("60/40"). Section 1256 contracts held by the Fund at the end of a taxable year (and, generally, for purposes of the excise tax, on October 31 of each year) are "marked-to market" with the result that unrealized gains or losses are treated as though they were realized and the resulting gain or loss is treated as 60/40 gain or loss.

The application of certain requirements for qualification as a regulated investment company and the application of certain other federal income tax rules may be unclear in some respects in connection with investments in certain derivatives and other investments. As a result, the Fund may be required to limit the extent to which it invests in such investments and the IRS may not agree with the Fund's treatment of such investments. In addition, the tax treatment of derivatives and certain other investments may be affected by future legislation, Treasury Regulations and guidance issued by the IRS (which could apply retroactively) that could affect the timing, character and amount of the Fund's income and gains and distributions to shareholders, affect whether the Fund has made sufficient distributions and otherwise satisfied the requirements to maintain its qualification as a regulated investment company and avoid federal income and excise taxes or limit the extent to which the Fund may invest in certain derivatives and other investments in the future.

*Securities Issued or Purchased at a Discount*

The Fund may acquire debt obligations that have original issue discount. "Original issue discount" is the excess of a debt obligation's stated redemption price at maturity over the obligation's issue price. Under long-standing tax rules, a taxpayer that acquires an obligation with original issue discount must include the original issue discount in income on a constant yield-to-maturity basis without regard to when, or whether, payments are made on the obligation. Obligations owned by the Fund that have original issue discount may include the Fund's investments in securities issued at a discount and its investment in payment-in-kind securities and certain other obligations. Obligations with original issue discount owned by the Fund will give rise to income that the Fund will be required to distribute even though the Fund does not receive an interest payment in cash on the obligation during the year and may never receive such payment. In order to generate sufficient cash to make the required distributions, the Fund may be required to sell securities in its portfolio that it otherwise would have continued to hold. The Fund may realize gains or losses from such sales. If the Fund realizes net capital gains from such transactions, its shareholders may receive a larger capital gain distribution than they would in the absence of such transactions.

Some debt obligations that are acquired by the Fund in the secondary market may be treated as having market discount. "Market discount" is generally the excess of the stated redemption price of a debt obligation at maturity over the basis of the obligation immediately after its acquisition by the taxpayer. Generally, any gain recognized on the disposition of a debt security having market discount is treated as ordinary income to the extent the gain does not exceed the "accrued market discount" on such debt security. Market discount generally accrues in equal daily installments. The Fund may make certain elections applicable to debt obligations having market discount, which could affect the character and timing of recognition of income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. When recognized, market discount is taxable as ordinary income even if interest on the debt obligation in question is tax exempt.

*Real Estate Investment Trusts*

The Fund's investments in equity securities of a real estate investment trust ("REIT"), if any, may result in such Fund's receipt of cash in excess of the REIT's earnings. If the Fund receives such distributions all or a portion of these distributions will constitute a return of capital to such Fund. Receiving a return of capital distribution from a REIT will reduce the amount of income available to be distributed to Fund shareholders. Income from REIT securities generally will not be eligible for treatment as qualified dividend income.

If the Fund invests in equity securities of a REIT, the Fund may be eligible to pay "section 199A dividends" to its shareholders with respect to certain dividends received by it from its investment in REITs. Section 199A dividends are taxable to individual and other noncorporate shareholders at a reduced effective federal income tax rate, provided that certain holding period requirements and other conditions are satisfied.

*High-Risk Securities*

The Fund may invest in debt obligations that are in the lowest rating categories or are unrated. Investments in debt obligations that are at risk of or in default present special tax issues for the Fund. The application of the U.S. federal income tax rules with respect to these types of investments is complicated and will depend upon the application of the law to facts that may be unclear, which may result in uncertainty about the U.S. federal income tax treatment of these investments (*e.g.*, such as when the Fund may cease to accrue interest, original issue discount or market discount, when and to what extent deductions may be taken for bad debts, or worthless securities and how payments received on obligations in default should be allocated between principal and income). These and other related issues will be addressed by the Fund if it invests in such securities in order to seek to ensure that the Fund distributes sufficient income to avoid becoming subject to U.S. federal income or excise tax.

**Backup Withholding**

The Fund generally is required to withhold and remit to the U.S. Treasury a percentage of the taxable distributions and redemption proceeds paid to any individual shareholder who (i) fails to properly furnish the Fund with a correct taxpayer identification number (TIN), (ii) is identified by the IRS as otherwise subject to backup withholding, or (iii) fails to certify to the Fund that the shareholder is a U.S. person not subject to such withholding. The backup withholding tax rate is currently 24%.

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules from a payment to a shareholder generally may be refunded or credited against the shareholder's federal income tax liability, if any, provided that certain required information is timely furnished to the IRS. A shareholder who has not been notified by the IRS that the shareholder has failed to report interest or dividends may normally avoid backup withholding by furnishing a properly completed IRS Form W-9. If a shareholder fails to furnish a valid TIN upon request, the shareholder can be subject to IRS penalties.

**Cost Basis Reporting**

The Fund (or its administrative agent) must report to the IRS and furnish to fund shareholders the cost basis for fund shares purchased on or after January 1, 2012 ("covered shares") when such shares are redeemed, exchanged or otherwise sold and whether the shares had a short-term or long-term holding period. The Fund must report the gross proceeds from the sale of all Fund shares (whether or not they are covered shares).

Fund shareholders may elect from among several IRS-accepted cost basis methods to calculate the cost basis of their covered shares. In the absence of such an election, the Fund will use its default cost basis method. The cost basis method elected or applied may generally not be changed after the settlement date of a sale of Fund shares. Fund shareholders should consult with their tax advisers concerning the most desirable IRS-accepted cost basis method for their tax situation.

**Reportable Transactions**

If an individual shareholder recognizes a loss with respect to Fund shares of $2 million or more or a corporate shareholder recognizes a loss of $10 million or more in any single taxable year (twice such amounts over a combination of years), the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886. Shareholders who own portfolio securities directly are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement but, under current guidance, shareholders of regulated investment companies are not excepted. A shareholder who fails to make the required disclosure to the IRS may be subject to substantial penalties. The fact that a loss is reportable under these Treasury Regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether or not the taxpayer's treatment of the loss is proper.

**Withholding on Shares Held Through Foreign Accounts**

Under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (or "FATCA"), special withholding rules apply when U.S. persons hold investments in the Funds through foreign financial institutions as defined by FATCA ("FFIs") or non-financial foreign entities as defined by FATCA ("NFFEs"). FFIs and NFFEs that are shareholders of the Fund may be subject to a 30% withholding tax on certain distributions paid by the Funds. The FATCA withholding tax generally may be avoided on payments to: (a) FFI, if it reports certain direct and indirect ownership of foreign financial accounts held by U.S. persons with the FFI, and satisfies certain withholding requirements, and (b) NFFE, if the NNFE: (i) certifies that is has no substantial U.S. persons as owners or (ii) reports information relating to them to the withholding agent (which may be the Fund). The U.S. Treasury has negotiated intergovernmental agreements (each, an "IGA") with certain countries and is in various stages of negotiations with other foreign countries with respect to one or more alternative approaches to implement FATCA. An entity in one of those countries may be required to comply with the terms of an IGA and applicable local law instead of U.S. Treasury Regulations.

An FFI can avoid FATCA withholding by becoming a "participating FFI," which requires the FFI to enter into a tax compliance agreement with the IRS under section 1471(b) of the Code under which it agrees to verify, report and disclose certain of its U.S. accountholders and provided that such entity meets certain other specified requirements. The FFI will report to the IRS, or, depending on the FFI's country of residence, to the government of that country (pursuant to the terms and conditions of an applicable IGA and applicable law), which will, in turn, report to the IRS. An FFI that is resident in a country that has entered into an IGA with the U.S. to implement FATCA will be exempt from FATCA withholding provided that the FFI shareholder and the applicable foreign government comply with the terms of such agreement.

A NFFE that is the beneficial owner of a payment from the Fund can avoid FATCA withholding generally by certifying that it does not have any substantial U.S. owners or by providing the name, address and taxpayer identification number of each substantial U.S. owner. The NFFE will report to the Fund or other applicable withholding agent, which will, in turn, report information to the IRS.

Shares held through such foreign shareholders also may fall into certain exempt, excepted or deemed compliant categories as established by U.S. Treasury Regulations, IGAs, and other guidance regarding FATCA. An FFI or NFFE 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. The certification requirements imposed by FATCA are in addition to the U.S. certification rules to avoid backup withholding described above.

**Other Tax Matters**

Special tax rules not described in this discussion apply to investments through defined contribution plans and other tax-qualified plans, as well as investments by other tax-exempt entities. Shareholders should consult their tax adviser to determine the suitability of shares of the Fund as an investment through such plans or by other tax-exempt entities and the precise effect that investment in the Fund would have on their particular tax situation.

A type of savings account called "Trump Accounts" were introduced into the Code in 2025 as a type of individual retirement account for children. Until the beginning of the first calendar year in which the account beneficiary attains the age of 18, a Trump Account can invest only in "eligible investments" which include only investments in mutual funds or exchange traded funds that track the returns of certain types of equity indexes. The Fund does not expect to qualify as an eligible investment for Trump accounts and investors will not be eligible to invest a Trump Account in the Fund before the first calendar year in which the account beneficiary reaches the age of 18.

The foregoing discussion relates solely to U.S. federal income tax law. Dividends and distributions also may be subject to state and local taxes. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding specific questions as to U.S. federal, state, local and, where applicable, foreign taxes. Foreign investors should consult their tax advisers concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences of ownership of shares of the Fund, including the certification and filing requirements imposed on foreign investors in order to qualify for exemption from the backup withholding tax rates (or a reduced rate of withholding provided by treaty and the potential applicability of the U.S. estate tax).

The foregoing is a general and abbreviated summary of the applicable provisions of the Code and related Treasury Regulations currently in effect. For the complete provisions, reference should be made to the pertinent Code sections and Treasury Regulations. The Code and Treasury Regulations are subject to change by legislative or administrative actions.

**DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST**

The Trust was organized as a Delaware business trust on January 12, 2012 and consists of multiple separate portfolios or series. The Board may establish additional series in the future. The capitalization of the Trust consists solely of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest with no par value.

When certain matters affect one fund but not another, the shareholders vote as a fund regarding such matters. Subject to the foregoing, on any matter submitted to a vote of shareholders, all shares then entitled to vote will be voted separately by the fund unless otherwise required by the 1940 Act, in which case all shares will be voted in the aggregate. For example, a change in a fund's fundamental investment policies would be voted upon only by shareholders of the fund. Additionally, approvals of Investment Advisory Contracts are matters to be determined separately by the fund.

Approval by the shareholders of one fund is effective as to that fund whether or not sufficient votes are received from the shareholders of the other fund to approve the proposal as to that fund. The term "majority," when referring to approvals to be obtained from shareholders of a fund means the vote of the lesser of (i) 67% of the shares of the fund or class represented at a meeting if the holder of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the fund or class are present in person or by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the fund. The term "majority," when referring to the approvals to be obtained from shareholders of the Trust as a whole means the vote of the lesser of (i) 67% of the Trust's shares represented at a meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the Trust's outstanding shares are present in person or proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the Trust's outstanding shares. Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each full share held and fractional votes for fractional shares held.

The Trust is not required to hold regular annual meetings of a fund's shareholders and does not intend to do so. However, the Trust undertakes to hold a special meeting of its shareholders if the purpose of voting on the question of removal of a director or trustees is requested in writing by the holders of at least 10% of the Trust's outstanding voting securities, and to assist in communicating with other shareholders as required by Section 16(c) of the 1940 Act. The Declaration of Trust provides that the holders of not less than two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the Trust may remove a person serving as Trustee either by declaration in writing or at a meeting called for such purpose.

Each share of the Fund represents an equal proportional interest in the fund with each other share and is entitled to such dividends and distributions out of the income earned on the assets belonging to the Fund as are declared in the discretion of the Trustees. In the event of the liquidation or dissolution of the Trust, shareholders of the Fund are entitled to receive the assets attributable to the Fund that are available for distribution, and a distribution of any general assets of the Trust not attributable to the Fund that are available for distribution in such manner and on such basis as the Trustees in their sole discretion may determine.

Shareholders are not entitled to any preemptive rights. All shares, when issued, will be fully paid and non-assessable by the Trust.

Under Delaware law, shareholders could, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for the obligations of a series of the Trust but only to the extent of the shareholder's investment in such series. However, the Declaration of Trust disclaims liability of the shareholders, Trustees or officers of the Trust for acts or obligations of the Trust, which are binding only on the assets and property of each series of the Trust and requires that notice of the disclaimer be given in each contract or obligations entered into or executed by the Trust or the Trustees. The risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which the Trust itself would be unable to meet its obligations and should be considered remote and is limited to the amount of the shareholder's investment in the Fund.

**OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND**

*Custodian.* UMB Bank, N.A., with its principal place of business located at 1010 Grand Boulevard, Kansas City, Missouri 64106, serves as the custodian for the Fund. As such, the Custodian holds in safekeeping certificated securities and cash belonging to the Fund and, in such capacity, is the registered owner of securities in book-entry form belonging to the Fund. Upon instruction, the Custodian receives and delivers cash and securities of the Fund in connection with Fund transactions and collects all dividends and other distributions made with respect to Fund portfolio securities. The Custodian also maintains certain accounts and records of the Fund. Sub-custodians provide custodial services for any foreign assets held outside of the United States.

*Transfer Agent.* ALPS, pursuant to a Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, serves as transfer agent for the Fund. As Transfer Agent, ALPS has, among other things, agreed to (i) issue and redeem shares of the Fund; (ii) make dividend and other distributions to shareholders of the Fund; (iii) effect transfers of shares; (iv) mail communications to shareholders of the Fund, including account statements, confirmations, and dividend and distribution notices; (v) facilitate the electronic delivery of shareholder statements and reports; and (vi) maintain shareholder accounts. Under the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, ALPS receives from the Trust on behalf of the Fund an annual minimum fee and a fee based upon the number of shareholder accounts and is also reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses. As described above, ALPS is an affiliate of the Distributor.

*Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.* Cohen & Company, Ltd., 1350 Euclid Ave., Suite 800, Cleveland, Ohio 44115, serves as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Trust. Its services include auditing the Fund's financial statements. Cohen & Co Advisory, LLC, an affiliate of Cohen & Company, Ltd., provides tax services as requested.

*Counsel.* Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP serves as counsel to the Trust and is located at 3400 Walnut Street, Suite 700, Denver, Colorado 80205. Thompson Hine LLP serves as counsel to the Independent Trustees and is located at 41 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215.

**PERFORMANCE INFORMATION**

*Yield and Total Return.* The Fund may from time to time include the yield and/or total return of its shares in advertisements or information in advertisements or information furnished to present or prospective shareholders.

The Fund's yield will vary from time to time depending upon market conditions, the composition of its portfolios and operating expenses of the Trust allocated to the Fund. These factors, possible differences in the methods used in calculating yield, and the tax exempt status of distributions, should be considered when comparing the Fund's yield to yields published for other investment companies and other investment vehicles. Yield should also be considered relative to changes in the value of the Fund's shares and to the relative risks associated with the investment objectives and policies of the Fund.

At any time in the future, yields and total return may be higher or lower than past yields and there can be no assurance that any historical results will continue.

Investors in the Fund are specifically advised that share prices, expressed as the net asset value per share, will vary just as yield will vary. An investor's focus on the yield of the Fund to the exclusion of the consideration of the share price of the Fund may result in the investor's misunderstanding the total return he or she may derive from the Fund.

**FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

The audited financial statements of the Fund for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, and the report of Cohen & Company, Ltd., the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm, is incorporated herein by reference to the Fund's <u>Annual Report</u> for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025. The Fund's [Annual Report](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0001558107/000139834425021967/fp0096372-1_ncsrixbrl.htm) is available at no charge by writing or telephoning the Fund at the address or number on the front page of this Statement of Additional Information.

**APPENDIX A**

**DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS**

The Fund may make use of average portfolio credit quality standards to assist institutional investors whose own investment guidelines limit their investments accordingly. In determining the Fund's overall dollar-weighted average quality, unrated securities are treated as if rated, based on the adviser's view of their comparability to rated securities. The Fund's use of average quality criteria is intended to be a guide for those investors whose investment guidelines require that assets be invested according to comparable criteria. Reference to an overall average quality rating for the Fund does not mean that all securities held by the Fund will be rated in that category or higher. The Fund's investments may range in quality from securities rated in the lowest category in which the Fund is permitted to invest to securities rated in the highest category (as rated by Moody's, S&P or Fitch or, if unrated, determined by the adviser to be of comparable quality). The percentage of the Fund's assets invested in securities in a particular rating category will vary. Following is a description of Moody's, S&P's and Fitch's ratings applicable to fixed-income securities.

**Moody's Investors Service, Inc.**

**Corporate and Municipal Bond Ratings**

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Moody's bond ratings, where specified, are applicable to financial contracts, senior bank obligations and insurance company senior policyholder and claims obligations with an original maturity in excess of one year. Obligations relying upon support mechanisms such as letter-of-credit and bonds of indemnity are excluded unless explicitly rated. Obligations of a branch of a bank are considered to be domiciled in the country in which the branch is located.

Unless noted as an exception, Moody's rating on a bank's ability to repay senior obligations extends only to branches located in countries which carry a Moody's Sovereign Rating for Bank Deposits. Such branch obligations are rated at the lower of the bank's rating or Moody's Sovereign Rating for the Bank Deposits for the country in which the branch is located. When the currency in which an obligation is denominated is not the same as the currency of the country in which the obligation is domiciled, Moody's ratings do not incorporate an opinion as to whether payment of the obligation will be affected by the actions of the government controlling the currency of denomination. In addition, risk associated with bilateral conflicts between an investor's home country and cither the issuer's home country or the country where an issuer branch is located are not incorporated into Moody's ratings.

Moody's makes no representation that rated bank obligations or insurance company obligations are exempt from registration under the Securities Act or issued in conformity with any other applicable law or regulation. Nor does Moody's represent that any specific bank or insurance company obligation is legally enforceable or a valid senior obligation of a rated issuer.

Moody's applies numerical modifiers, 1, 2, and 3 in each generic rating classified from Aa through Caa in its corporate bond rating system. The modifier 1 indicates that the security ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic rating category.

**Corporate Short-Term Debt Ratings**

Moody's short-term debt ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to repay punctually senior debt obligations. These obligations have an original maturity not exceeding one year, unless explicitly noted.

Moody's employs the following three designations, all judged to be investment-grade, to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:

PRIME-1: Issuers rated Prime-1 (or supporting institutions) have a superior ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. Prime-1 repayment ability will often be evidenced by many of the following characteristics: leading market positions in well-established industries; high rates of return on funds employed: conservative capitalization structure with moderate reliance on debt and ample asset protection; broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed financial charges and high internal cash generation; and well-established access to a range of financial markets and assured sources of alternate liquidity.

PRIME-2: Issuers rated Prime-2 (or supporting institutions) have a strong ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. This will normally be evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to a lesser degree. Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may be more subject to variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.

PRIME-3: Issuers rated Prime-3 (or supporting institutions) have an acceptable ability for repayment of senior short-term obligations. The effect of industry characteristics and market compositions may be more pronounced. Variability in earnings and profitability may result in changes in the level of debt protection measurements and may require relatively high financial leverage. Adequate alternate liquidity is maintained.

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

**Standard & Poor's Ratings Services**

**Issue Credit Rating Definitions**

A Standard & Poor's issue credit rating is a current opinion of the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The issue credit rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell, or hold a financial obligation, inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or suitability for a particular investor.

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

Issue credit ratings can be either long-term or short-term. Short-term ratings are generally assigned to those obligations considered short term in the relevant market. In the U.S., for example, that means obligations with an original maturity of no more than 365 days, including commercial paper. Short-term ratings are also used to indicate the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to put features on long-term obligations. The result is a dual rating, in which the short-term rating addresses the put feature, in addition to the usual long-term rating. Medium-term notes are assigned long-term ratings.

Issue credit ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following considerations: likelihood of payment - capacity and willingness of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on an obligation in accordance with the terms of the obligation: nature of and provisions of the obligation; protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the event of bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors' rights.

The issue rating definitions are expressed in terms of default risk. As such, they pertain to senior obligations of an entity. Junior obligations are typically rated lower than senior obligations, to reflect the lower priority in bankruptcy, as noted above. (Such differentiation applies when an entity has both senior and subordinated obligations, secured and unsecured obligations, or operating company and holding company obligations.) Accordingly, in the case of junior debt the rating may not conform exactly with the category definition.

**Corporate and Municipal Bond Ratings**

***Investment-grade***

AAA: An obligation rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor's. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.

AA: An obligation rated 'AA' differs from the highest rated obligations only in small degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.

A: An obligation rated 'A' is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.

BBB: An obligation rated 'BBS' exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

***Speculative Grade***

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

BB: An obligation rated 'BB' is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

B: An obligation rated 'B' is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated 'BB', but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

CCC: An obligation rated 'CCC' is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

CC: An obligation rated 'CC' is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.

C: A subordinated debt or preferred stock obligation rated 'C' is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The 'C' rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed or similar action taken, but payments on this obligation are being continued. A 'C' also will be assigned to a preferred stock issue in arrears on dividends or sinking fund payments, but that is currently paying.

D: An obligation rated 'D' is in payment default. The 'D' rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor's believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The 'D' rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.

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

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

r: This symbol is attached to the ratings of instruments with significant noncredit risks. It highlights risks to principal or volatility of expected returns which are not addressed in the credit rating. Examples include: obligations linked or indexed to equities, currencies, or commodities; obligations exposed to severe prepayment risk - such as interest-only or principal-only mortgage securities; and obligations with unusually risky interest terms, such as inverse floaters.

The absence of an "r" symbol should not be taken as an indication that an obligation will exhibit no volatility or variability in total return.

N.R.: This indicates that no rating has been requested, that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that Standard & Poor's does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy.

Debt obligations of issuers outside the United States and its territories are rated on the same basis as domestic corporate and municipal issues. The ratings measure the creditworthiness of the obligor but do not take into account currency exchange and related uncertainties.

**Commercial Paper Rating Definitions**

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

A-1: A short-term obligation rated 'A-1' is rated in the highest category by Standard & Poor's. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.

A-2: A short-term obligation rated 'A-2' is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory.

A-3: A short-term obligation rated 'A-3' exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

B: A short-term obligation rated 'B' is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

C: A short-term obligation rated 'C' is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

D: A short-term obligation rated 'D' is in payment default. The 'D' rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor's believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The 'D' rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.

A commercial paper rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold a security inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or suitability for a particular investor. The ratings are based on current information furnished to Standard & Poor's by the issuer or obtained from other sources it considers reliable. Standard & Poor's does not perform an audit in connection with any rating and may, on occasion, rely on unaudited financial information. The ratings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a result of changes in or unavailability of such information.

**Fitch Investor Services, Inc.**

**Credit Ratings**

Fitch's credit ratings provide an opinion on the relative ability of an entity to meet financial commitments, such as interest, preferred dividends, repayment of principal, insurance claims or counterparty obligations. Credit ratings are used by investors as indications of the likelihood of receiving their money back in accordance with the terms on which they invested. Fitch's credit ratings cover the global spectrum of corporate, sovereign (including supranational and sub-national), financial, bank, insurance, municipal and other public finance entities and the securities or other obligations they issue, as well as structured finance securities backed by receivables or other financial assets.

The use of credit ratings defines their function: "investment grade" ratings (international Long-term 'AAA' to 'BBB-' categories; Short-term 'F1' to 'F3') indicate relatively low to moderate credit risk, while those in the "speculative" or "non-investment grade" categories (international Long-term 'BB+' to 'D'; Short-term 'B' to 'D') either signal a higher level of credit risk or that a default has already occurred. Credit ratings express risk in relative rank order, which is to say they are ordinal measures of credit risk and are not predictive of a specific frequency of default or loss.

Depending on their application, credit ratings address benchmark measures of probability of default as well relative expectations of loss given default. For example, issuers are typically assigned Issuer Default Ratings that are relative measures of default probability. Similarly, short-term credit ratings give primary consideration to the likelihood that obligations will be met on a timely basis. Securities, however, are rated taking into consideration probability of default and loss given default. As a result, for entities such as corporations security ratings may be rated higher, lower or the same as the issuer rating to reflect expectations of the security's relative recovery prospects, as well as differences in ability and willingness to pay. While recovery analysis plays an important role throughout the ratings scale, it becomes a more critical consideration for below investment-grade securities and obligations, particularly at the lower end of the non-investment-grade ratings scale where Fitch often publishes actual Recovery Ratings that are complementary to the credit ratings.

Structured finance ratings typically are assigned to each individual security or tranche in a transaction, and not to an issuer. Each structured finance tranche is rated on the basis of various stress scenarios in combination with its relative seniority, prioritization of cash flows and other structural mechanisms.

**International Long-Term Credit Ratings**

International Long-Term Credit Ratings (LTCR) may also be referred to as Long-Term Ratings. When assigned to most issuers, it is used as a benchmark measure of probability of default and is formally described as an Issuer Default Rating (IDR). The major exception is within Public Finance, where IDRs will not be assigned as market convention has always focused on timeliness and does not draw analytical distinctions between issuers and their underlying obligations. When applied to issues or securities, the LTCR may be higher or lower than the issuer rating (IDR) to reflect relative differences in recovery expectations.

The following rating scale applies to foreign currency and local currency ratings:

***Investment Grade***

**AAA**

Highest credit quality. 'AAA' ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in case of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

**AA**

Very high credit quality. 'AA' ratings denote expectations of very low credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

**A**

High credit quality. 'A' ratings denote expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to changes in circumstances or in economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.

**BBB**

Good credit quality. 'BBB' ratings indicate that there is currently expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate but adverse changes in circumstances and economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity. This is the lowest investment grade category.

***Speculative Grade***

**BB**

**Speculative**

'BB' ratings indicate that there is a possibility of credit risk developing, particularly as the result of adverse economic change over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met. Securities rated in this category are not investment grade.

**B**

**Highly speculative**

For issuers and performing obligations, 'B' ratings indicate that significant credit risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is contingent upon a sustained, favorable business and economic environment.

For individual obligations, may indicate distressed or defaulted obligations with potential for extremely high recoveries. Such obligations would possess a Recovery Rating of 'R1' (outstanding).

**CCC**

For issuers and performing obligations, default is a real possibility. Capacity for meeting financial commitments is solely reliant upon sustained, favorable business or economic conditions.

For individual obligations, may indicate distressed or defaulted obligations with potential for average to superior levels of recovery. Differences in credit quality may be denoted by plus/minus distinctions. Such obligations typically would possess a Recovery Rating of 'R2' (superior), or 'R3' (good) or 'R4' (average).

**CC**

For issuers and performing obligations, default of some kind appears probable.

For individual obligations, may indicate distressed or defaulted obligations with a Recovery Rating of 'R4' (average) or 'R5' (below average).

**C**

For issuers and performing obligations, default is imminent.

For individual obligations, may indicate distressed or defaulted obligations with potential for below-average to poor recoveries. Such obligations would possess a Recovery Rating of 'R6' (poor).

**RD**

Indicates an entity that has failed to make due payments (within the applicable grace period) on some but not all material financial obligations, but continues to honor other classes of obligations.

**D**

Indicates an entity or sovereign that has defaulted on all of its financial obligations. Default generally is defined as one of the following:

● failure of an obligor to make timely payment of principal and/or interest under the contractual terms of any financial obligation;

● the bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other winding-up or cessation of business of an obligor; or

● the distressed or other coercive exchange of an obligation, where creditors were offered securities with diminished structural or economic terms compared with the existing obligation.

Default ratings are not assigned prospectively; within this context, non-payment on an instrument that contains a deferral feature or grace period will not be considered a default until after the expiration of the deferral or grace period.

Issuers will be rated 'D' upon a default. Defaulted and distressed obligations typically are rated along the continuum of 'C' to 'B' ratings categories, depending upon their recovery prospects and other relevant characteristics. Additionally, in structured finance transactions, where analysis indicates that an instrument is irrevocably impaired such that it is not expected to meet pay interest and or principal in full in accordance with the terms of the obligation's documentation during the life of the transaction, but where no payment default in accordance with the terms of the documentation is imminent, the obligation may be rated in the 'B' or 'CCC-C' categories.

Default is determined by reference to the terms of the obligations' documentation. Fitch will assign default ratings where it has reasonably determined that payment has not been made on a material obligation in accordance with the requirements of the obligation's documentation, or where it believes that default ratings consistent with Fitch's published definition of default are the most appropriate ratings to assign.

**International Short-Term Credit Ratings**

The following ratings scale applies to foreign currency and local currency ratings. A Short-term rating has a time horizon of less than 13 months for most obligations, or up to three years for US public finance, in line with industry standards, to reflect unique risk characteristics of bond, tax, and revenue anticipation notes that are commonly issued with terms up to three years. Short-term ratings thus place greater emphasis on the liquidity necessary to meet financial commitments in a timely manner.

**F1**

Highest credit quality. Indicates the strongest capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added "+" to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.

**F2**

Good credit quality. A satisfactory capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, but the margin of safety is not as great as in the case of the higher ratings.

**F3**

Fair credit quality. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate; however, near term adverse changes could result in a reduction to non-investment grade.

**B**

Speculative. Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.

**C**

High default risk. Default is a real possibility. Capacity for meeting financial commitments is solely reliant upon a sustained, favorable business and economic environment.

**RD**

Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other obligations.

**D**

Indicates an entity or sovereign that has defaulted on all of its financial obligations.

**Notes to International Long-Term and Short-Term ratings:**

The modifiers "+" or "–" may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the 'AAA' Long-term rating category, to categories below 'CCC' or to Short-term ratings other than 'Fl'. (The +/– modifiers are only used to denote issues within the CCC category, whereas issuers are only rated CCC without the use of modifiers.)

Rating Watch: Ratings are placed on Rating Watch to notify investors that there is a reasonable probability of a rating change and the likely direction of such change. These are designated as "Positive," indicating a potential upgrade, "Negative," for a potential downgrade, or "Evolving," if ratings may be raised, lowered or maintained. Rating Watch is typically resolved over a relatively short period.

Rating Outlook: An Outlook indicates the direction a rating is likely to move over a one to two-year period. Outlooks may be positive, stable or negative. A positive or negative Rating Outlook does not imply a rating change is inevitable. Similarly, ratings for which outlooks are "stable" could be upgraded or downgraded before an outlook moves to positive or negative if circumstances warrant such an action. Occasionally, Fitch Ratings may be unable to identify the fundamental trend. In these cases, the Rating Outlook may be described as evolving.

Program ratings (such as those assigned to MTN shelf registrations) relate only to standard issues made under the program concerned: it should not be assumed that these ratings apply to every issue made under the program. In particular, in the case of non-standard issues, i.e. those that are linked to the credit of a third party or linked to the performance of an index, ratings of these issues may deviate from the applicable program rating.

Variable rate demand obligations and other securities which contain a short-term "put" or other similar demand feature will have a dual rating, such as AAA/F1+. The first rating reflects the ability to meet long-term principal and interest payments, whereas the second rating reflects the ability to honor the demand feature in full and on time.

**Interest Only**

Interest Only ratings are assigned to interest strips. These ratings do not address the possibility that a security holder might fail to recover some or all of its initial investment due to voluntary or involuntary principal repayments.

**Principal Only**

Principal Only ratings address the likelihood that a security holder will receive their initial principal investment either before or by the scheduled maturity date.

**Rate of Return**

Ratings also may be assigned to gauge the likelihood of an investor receiving a certain predetermined internal rate of return without regard to the precise timing of any cash flows.

**'PIF'**

Paid-in-Full: denotes a security that is paid-in-full, matured, called, or refinanced.

'NR' indicates that Fitch Ratings does not rate the issuer or issue in question.

'Withdrawn': A rating is withdrawn when Fitch Ratings deems the amount of information available to be inadequate for rating purposes, or when an obligation matures, is called, or refinanced, or for any other reason Fitch Ratings deems sufficient.

**APPENDIX B**

**ALPS SERIES TRUST**

**PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES**

The Trust has adopted a Proxy Voting Policy used to determine how the Fund votes proxies relating to its portfolio securities. Under the Trust's Proxy Voting Policy, the Fund has, subject to the oversight of the Trust's Board, delegated to the Adviser the following duties: (1) to make the proxy voting decisions for the Fund, subject to the exceptions described below; and (2) to assist the Fund in disclosing its proxy voting record as required by Rule 30b1-4 under the 1940 Act.

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

The Fund CCO shall ensure that the Adviser has adopted a Proxy Voting Policy, which it uses to vote proxies for its clients, including the Fund.

**General**

The Trust and the Fund believe that the voting of proxies is an important part of portfolio management as it represents an opportunity for shareholders to make their voices heard and to influence the direction of a company. The Trust and the Fund are committed to voting corporate proxies in the manner that best serves the interests of the Fund's shareholders.

**Delegation to the Adviser**

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

(1) to make the proxy voting decisions for the Fund, in accordance with the Adviser's Proxy Voting Policy, except as provided herein; and

(2) to assist the Fund in disclosing their respective proxy voting record as required by Rule 30b1-4 under the 1940 Act, including providing the following information for each matter with respect to which the Fund is entitled to vote: (a) information identifying the matter voted on; (b) whether the matter was proposed by the issuer or by a security holder; (c) whether and how the Fund cast its vote; and (d) whether the Fund cast its vote for or against management.

The Board, including a majority of the independent trustees of the Board, must approve the Adviser's Proxy Voting and Disclosure Policy (the "Adviser Voting Policy") as it relates to the Fund. The Board must also approve any material changes to the Adviser Voting Policy no later than six (6) months after adoption by the Adviser.

**Conflicts**

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

**HILLMAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC.**

**PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES**

Hillman Capital Management, Inc. (the "Adviser") shall vote proxies related to securities held in our clients' portfolios, including the portfolios of mutual funds for which we serve as the investment adviser, in the best interest of our clients. All references in these Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures are limited solely to clients for which we have agreed to vote such proxies. A client may reserve to itself the right to vote proxies.

The Adviser's authority to vote the proxies of certain clients is established by advisory contracts or comparable documents. In addition to requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") governing advisers, our proxy voting policies reflect the fiduciary standards and responsibilities for ERISA accounts.

The Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the "Advisers Act"), requires us to act solely in the best interest of our clients at all times. We have adopted and implemented these Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures which we believe are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interest of clients, in accordance with our fiduciary duties and Rule 206(4)-6 under the Advisers Act.

Reflecting a basic investment philosophy that good management is shareholder focused, proxy votes will generally be cast in support of management on routine corporate matters and in support of any management proposal that is plainly in the interest of all shareholders. Specifically, proxy votes generally will be cast in favor of proposals that:

● maintain or increase shareholder rights generally.

● maintain or strengthen the shared interests of stockholders and management; and

● increase shareholder value;

Proxy votes will generally be cast against proposals having the opposite effect of the above interests. Where we perceive that a management proposal, if approved, would tend to limit or reduce the market value of the company's securities, we will generally vote against it. We believe that means for ensuring management accountability to shareholders, in the rare cases where the means are threatened, must not be compromised.

We generally support shareholder rights and recapitalization measures undertaken unilaterally by boards of directors properly exercising their responsibilities and authority, unless such measures could have the effect of reducing shareholder rights or potential shareholder value. In cases where shareholder proposals challenge such actions, our voting position will generally favor not interfering with the directors' proper function in the interest of all shareholders.

We believe that proposals addressing strictly social or political issues are not relevant to the goal of maximizing the return on funds under our management. We will generally vote against such proposals, but will consider supporting proposals that seek to protect shareholder rights or minimize risks to shareholder value.

We may delegate our responsibilities under these Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures to a third party, provided that we retain final authority and fiduciary responsibility for proxy voting. If we so delegate our responsibilities, we shall monitor the delegate's compliance with these Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures.

We have contracted with Broadridge Financial Solutions and will use their Proxy Edge proxy voting platform ("PE") for proxy voting support related to voting and recordkeeping. The proxy voting recommendations are provided by Glass-Lewis. Under the terms of our arrangement with PE, we inform PE, in advance, as to how we intend for certain issues to be voted. PE has categorized common proxy voting issues and we can instruct PE to vote either for or against a particular type of proposal or we can instruct PE to seek specific instruction from us with respect to that particular type of proposal on a case-by-case basis ("Voting Instructions"). We have carefully considered each of the categories of issues presented by PE and have determined which issues we will generally support, which we will generally oppose and which we will vote on a case by case basis after careful evaluation of the issue(s) presented. A basic discussion of our proxy voting philosophies is incorporated into these Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures. We will review our standing Voting Instructions annually. We may alter our standing Voting Instructions at any time and, from time to time, PE may ask us to provide Voting Instructions for additional categories of proxy issues.

Votes will be cast by PE in a timely fashion. PE receives all proxy statements, sorts the proposals according to their categories and votes the proxies according to our Voting Instructions. Proposals for which a voting decision has been pre-determined are automatically voted by PE pursuant to the Voting Instructions. We inform PE as to how other proposals are to be voted through PE's website.

To the extent that a proxy contains a "case-by-case" issue which will not be voted by PE according to our pre-determined Voting Instructions, we review the proxy to assess the extent, if any, to which there may be a material conflict between the interests of our clients on the one hand and our interests (including those of our affiliates, directors, officers, employees and other similar persons) on the other hand (a "potential conflict"). We perform this assessment on a proposal-by-proposal basis, and a potential conflict with respect to one proposal in a proxy shall not indicate that a potential conflict exists with respect to any other proposal in such proxy. If we determine that a potential conflict may exist, it shall be reported to our Proxy Voting Committee, consisting of Mark A. Hillman and Trevor Lee, The Proxy Voting Committee shall determine whether a potential conflict exists and is authorized to resolve any such conflict in a manner that is in the collective best interests of our clients (excluding any client that may have a potential conflict). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Proxy Voting Committee may resolve a potential conflict in any of the following manners:

● We may disclose the potential conflict to our clients and obtain the consent of each of our clients before voting such securities pro-rata in accordance with the interests of our clients; or

● We may engage an independent third-party to determine how the proxy should be voted.

We will use commercially reasonable efforts to determine whether a potential conflict may exist, and a potential conflict shall be deemed to exist if and only if one or more of our senior portfolio managers actually knew or reasonably should have known of the potential conflict.

We may abstain from voting a client proxy if we conclude that the effect on shareholders' economic interests or the value of the portfolio holding is indeterminable or insignificant

We may abstain from voting a client proxy for cost reasons (e.g., costs associated with voting proxies of non-U.S. securities). In accordance with our fiduciary duties, we will weigh the costs and benefits of voting proxy proposals and make an informed decision with respect to whether voting a given proxy proposal is prudent. Our decision takes into account the effect that the vote of our clients, either by itself or together with other votes, is expected to have on the value of our client's investment and whether this expected effect would outweigh the cost of voting.

To the extent that the Hillman Value Fund invests in shares of other investment companies in accordance with the safe harbor provisions of Section 12(d)(1)(F) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Adviser will vote proxies with respect to such investment company securities in the same proportion as the vote of all other holders of such securities.

Unless otherwise directed by a client in writing, we are responsible for voting all proxies related to securities that we manage for clients with respect to which we have accepted proxy voting responsibility in writing. A client may from time to time direct us in writing to vote proxies in a manner that is different from the guidelines set forth in these Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures. We will follow such written direction for proxies received after our receipt of such written direction.

We shall maintain certain records required by applicable law in connection with proxy voting activities and shall provide proxy voting information to a client for which we are responsible for voting proxies upon written request.

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

● Proxy statements received for client securities (we may rely on filings made on the Securities and Exchange Commission's EDGAR system to maintain this record);

● Records of each vote cast on behalf of clients;

● Records of written client requests for proxy voting information and any written responses by us to any client requests for such information; and

● Documents prepared by us that were material to making a proxy voting decision or that memorialized the basis for a voting decision.

● Clients should contact us in writing to obtain information about how we voted proxies with respect to their securities and to request a copy of our Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures at:

Hillman Capital Management, Inc.

7255 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 260

Bethesda, MD 20814

Our Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures will be reviewed annually. The Proxy Voting Committee will review present procedures and past decisions with the aim of developing the most coherent and understandable proxy voting policy possible. We believe that a careful and continually evolving policy is indispensable to the task of discharging our fiduciary duties as an investment advisor.

These Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures may be amended at any time by the Adviser, provided that material changes that affect proxy voting for the Hillman Value Fund shall be ratified by the Board of Trustees of such fund within four (4) months of adoption by the Adviser.

Adopted as of this 8th day of June 2006

Amended this 18th day of June 2009

Amended this 8th day of June 2011

Amended this 30th day of January 2012

Amended this 26th day of January 2014

Mark A. Hillman, Chief Executive Officer