# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001537140
**File Stem:** 0001580642-23-000672
**Filing Date:** 2023-2
**Character Count:** 332804
**Document Hash:** edcac4e0aab061d011d3dc11bd22016b
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001580642-23-000672.hdr.sgml**: 20230203

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001580642-23-000672

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 497

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 3

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20230203

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20230203

**EFFECTIVENESS DATE**: 20230203

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** NORTHERN LIGHTS FUND TRUST III
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001537140
- **IRS NUMBER:** 000000000
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** DE

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 497
- **SEC ACT:** 1933 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 333-178833
- **FILM NUMBER:** 23583987

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 225 PICTORIA DRIVE
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 450
- **CITY:** CINCINNATI
- **STATE:** OH
- **ZIP:** 45246
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 631-470-2621

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 17605 WRIGHT STREET
- **CITY:** OMAHA
- **STATE:** NE
- **ZIP:** 68130

## Series and Classes Contracts Data

### FPA Global Equity ETF (Series ID: S000074718)

---

|  |  |  |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Class Name            | Ticker Symbol | Class ID   |
| FPA Global Equity ETF | FPAG          | C000232843 |

---

## Series and Classes Contracts Data

### FPA Global Equity ETF (Series ID: S000074718)

| Class ID   | Class Name            | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000232843 | FPA Global Equity ETF | FPAG            |

![](image_001.jpg)

**FPA Global Equity ETF**

FPAG

**PROSPECTUS** 

**February 1, 2023**

&nbsp;&nbsp; *Advised by:*<br> **First Pacific Advisors, LP**<br> 11601 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1200<br> Los Angeles, CA 90025<br>

https://fpag.fpa.com (800) 982-4372

This Prospectus provides important information about the Fund that you should know before investing. Please read it carefully and keep it for future reference.

These securities have not been approved or disapproved by the Securities and Exchange Commission nor has the Securities and Exchange Commission passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

Shares of the Fund are listed and traded on the Chicago Board Options Exchange (the "Exchange").

**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **FUND SUMMARY – FPA GLOBAL EQUITY ETF** | **1** |
| **ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RELATED RISKS** | **5** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Investment Objective | 5 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Principal Investment Strategies | 5 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Principal Investment Risks | 5 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Temporary Defensive Positions | 8 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Portfolio Holdings Disclosure | 8 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Operational and Cybersecurity Risk | 8 |
| **MANAGEMENT** | **9** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Investment Adviser | 9 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Portfolio Managers | 9 |
| **HOW SHARES ARE PRICED** | **10** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Premium/Discount Information | 10 |
| **HOW TO BUY AND SELL SHARES** | **11** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Buying and Selling Shares on the Secondary Market | 11 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Creation and Redemption Transactions | 11 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Premium/Discount Information | 11 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Book Entry | 11 |
| **FREQUENT PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS OF FUND SHARES** | **11** |
| **DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN** | **12** |
| **DIVIDENDS, OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES** | **12** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Taxes | 12 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Taxes on Distributions | 12 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Taxes on Exchange-Listed Share Sales | 13 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Taxes on Purchase and Redemption of Creation Units | 13 |
| **FUND SERVICE PROVIDERS** | **13** |
| **OTHER INFORMATION** | **14** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Investments by Investment Companies | 14 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Continuous Offering | 14 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Householding | 14 |
| **FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS** | **15** |
| ***PRIVACY NOTICE*** | **16** |

---

**FUND SUMMARY – FPA GLOBAL EQUITY ETF**

**Investment Objective:** The Fund seeks long-term growth of principal and income.

**Fees and Expenses of the Fund:** This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund. **You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table or example below**.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Annual Fund Operating Expenses**<br> (expenses that you pay each year<br> as a percentage of the value of your investment) | |
| Management Fees | 0.70% |
| Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees |  |
| Other Expenses | 1.55% |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 2.25% |
| Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement<sup>(1)</sup> | (1.76)% |
|  Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses<br> After Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement | 0.49% |

---

(1) First Pacific Advisors, LP, (the "Adviser")
has contractually agreed to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding any front-end or contingent deferred loads, brokerage
fees and commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short),
taxes, and extraordinary expenses, such as litigation expenses (which may include indemnification of Fund officers and Trustees, contractual
indemnification of Fund service providers (other than the Adviser))), to 0.49% of the Fund's average daily net assets through January
31, 2024, and to 0.59% for the subsequent one-year period ending January 31, 2025. The Adviser may recoup any operating expenses in excess
of these limits from the Fund within three years if such recoupment can be achieved within the lesser of the foregoing expense limits
and the expense limits in place at the time of recoupment. This agreement may be terminated by the Board of Trustees only on 60 days'
written notice to the Adviser.

***Example:*** This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other funds. The Example reflects the fee waiver and expense reimbursements for the duration of the waiver/reimbursement period only.

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then sell all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based upon these assumptions your costs would be:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**<u>1 Year</u>** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**<u>3 Years</u>** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**<u>5 Years</u>** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**<u>10 Years</u>** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;$50 | &nbsp;&nbsp;$364 | &nbsp;&nbsp;$900 | &nbsp;&nbsp;$2449 |

---

***Portfolio Turnover:*** The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 28% of the average value of its portfolio.

**Principal Investment Strategies:** Although the Fund has adopted a policy to invest at least 80% of its assets in equity securities, the Adviser expects to invest, under normal circumstances, at least 95% of the Fund's assets in equity securities. The Fund invests primarily in publicly traded common stocks of mid- and large-cap U.S. and non-U.S. companies, including companies in emerging market countries. The Fund defines mid- and large-cap companies to be those with market capitalization equal to or greater than $10 billion at the time of initial purchase. These securities may be traded on major stock exchanges, regional stock exchanges, over-the-counter markets and other quotation systems. Under normal circumstances, the Fund expects to invest at least 40% of its total assets in equity securities of non-U.S. issuers (*i.e.*, issuers headquartered outside the U.S. or at least 50% of its assets are outside the U.S. or 50% of its gross income is from non-U.S. sources). The equity securities held by the Fund may include common stocks, preferred stocks, and depositary receipts.

The Adviser manages the Fund's portfolio according to its Contrarian Value Equity Strategy, which seeks to invest in companies that currently appear out of favor or undervalued by the stock market, including those mired in bad news according to media headlines, but have a favorable outlook for growth in the Adviser's estimation over 5-10 years. The Adviser conducts deep research into the underlying financial condition and prospects of individual companies, including potential future earnings, cash flow, and dividends. The Adviser consults with Wall Street professionals, industry consultants and the target company's customers, competitors and executives to understand the company's potential. The Adviser may, as part of its research, review current and historic SEC filings, conference call transcripts, and relevant periodicals to gain a full picture of the company.

After identifying target companies for the Fund, the Adviser selects the companies whose equity securities are offered at a "substantial discount" to the Adviser's estimation of the company's worth or intrinsic value. In seeking a "substantial discount," the Adviser looks for genuine bargains by seeking securities it believes have a compelling economic risk/reward proposition on an absolute basis. The Adviser may sell a security if its market price exceeds the Adviser's estimate of its intrinsic value, or if its economic risk/reward proposition is no longer compelling or less compelling than that of other investments found by the Adviser. To achieve its objective, the Adviser may, at times, accept market volatility in the Fund's share price and short-term Fund underperformance.

**Principal Investment Risks:** As with all funds, there is a risk that you could lose money through your investment in the Fund. Many factors affect the Fund's net asset value ("NAV") and performance.

The following describes the risks the Fund bears with respect to its investments. As with any fund, there is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its goal.

*Active Management Risk:* The Adviser's judgments about the growth, value or potential appreciation of an investment may prove to be incorrect or fail to have the intended results, which could adversely impact the Fund's performance and cause it to underperform relative to other funds with similar investment goals or not to achieve its investment goal.

*Authorized Participant Risk:* Only an Authorized Participant may engage in creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. The Fund has a limited number of institutions that may act as Authorized Participants on an agency basis (*i.e.,* on behalf of other market participants). To the extent that Authorized Participants exit the business or are unable to proceed with creation or redemption orders with respect to the Fund and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem Creation Units, Fund shares ("Shares") may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to net asset value and possibly face trading halts or delisting. Authorized Participant risk may be heightened for ETFs that invest in non-U.S. securities or other securities or instruments that have lower trading volumes.

 

*Company-Specific Risk:* A particular stock may lose value due to factors specific to the company itself, including deterioration of its fundamental characteristics, an occurrence of adverse events at the company, or a downturn in its business prospects.

*Depositary Receipts Risk:* Unsponsored depositary receipts held by the Fund are frequently under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the underlying issuer, and there is less information available about unsponsored depositary receipts than sponsored depositary receipts; unsponsored depositary receipts are also not obligated to pass through voting rights to the Fund.

 

*Early Close/Trading Halt Risk:* The Exchange or market may close or impose a market trading halt or issue trading halts on specific securities, or the ability to buy or sell certain securities or financial instruments may be restricted, which may prevent the Fund from buying or selling certain securities or financial instruments. In these circumstances, the Fund may be unable to rebalance its portfolio, may be unable to accurately price its investments and may incur substantial trading losses.

 

*Emerging Market Securities Risk:* Emerging market countries may have relatively unstable governments, weaker economies, and less-developed legal systems with fewer security holder rights. Emerging market economies may be based on only a few industries and security issuers may be more susceptible to economic weakness and more likely to default. Emerging market securities also tend to be less liquid. There may also be less reliable or publicly-available information about emerging markets due to non-uniform regulatory, auditing or financial recordkeeping standards, which could cause errors in the implementation of the Fund's investment strategy. The Fund's performance may depend on issues other than those that affect U.S. companies and may be adversely affected by different rights and remedies associated with emerging market investments, or the lack thereof, compared to those associated with U.S. companies.

 

*Equity Securities Risk:* Fluctuations in the value of equity securities held by the Fund will cause the NAV of the Fund and the price of its Shares to fluctuate. Equity securities of an issuer in the Fund's portfolio may decline in price if the issuer fails to make anticipated dividend payments. Common stock will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred stocks or debt instruments of the same issuer. In addition, common stocks have experienced significantly more volatility in returns than other asset classes.

*ETF Structure Risk:* The Fund is structured as an ETF and is subject to special risks, including:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· *Not Individually Redeemable.* Shares are not individually redeemable
to retail investors and may be redeemed only to Authorized Participants at NAV in large blocks known as "Creation Units."
An Authorized Participant may incur brokerage costs purchasing enough Shares to constitute a Creation Unit.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· *Trading Issues.* An active trading market for Shares may not
be developed or maintained. Trading in Shares on the Exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view
of the Exchange, make trading in Shares inadvisable, such as extraordinary market volatility. There can be no assurance that Shares will
continue to meet the listing requirements of the Exchange, which may result in the trading of Shares being suspended or Shares being delisted.
An active trading market for Shares may not be developed or maintained. If Shares are traded outside a collateralized settlement system,
the number of financial institutions that can act as Authorized Participants that can post collateral on an agency basis is limited, which
may limit the market for Shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· *Market Price Variance Risk:* The market prices of Shares will fluctuate in response to changes in
NAV and supply and demand for Shares and will include a "bid-ask spread" charged by the exchange specialists, market makers
or other participants that trade the particular security.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o In times of market stress, market makers may step away from their role market making in Shares and in
executing trades, which can lead to differences between the market value of Shares and the Fund's NAV.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o The market price of Shares may deviate from the Fund's NAV, particularly during times of market
stress, with the result that investors may pay significantly more or significantly less for Shares than the Fund's NAV, which is
reflected in the bid and ask price for Shares or in the closing price.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o When all or a portion of the Fund's underlying securities trade in a market that is closed when
the market for Shares is open, there may be changes from the last quote of the closed market and the quote from the Fund's domestic
trading day, which could lead to differences between the market value of Shares and the Fund's NAV.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o In stressed market conditions, the market for Shares may become less liquid in response to the deteriorating
liquidity of the Fund's portfolio. This adverse effect on the liquidity of Shares may, in turn, lead to differences between the
market value of Shares and the Fund's NAV.

 

*Foreign Securities Risk:* Foreign investing involves risks not typically associated with U.S. investments, including adverse fluctuations in foreign currency values, adverse political, social and economic developments, less liquidity, greater volatility, less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability and differing auditing and legal standards.

 

*Headline Risk:* The Fund may invest in companies that are at the center of controversy because of negative media attention regarding its operations, long-term prospects, or management which may cause short-term underperformance.

*Large Capitalization Companies Risk:* The value of investments in larger companies may not rise as much as smaller companies, or larger companies may be unable to respond quickly to competitive challenges, such as changes in technology and consumer tastes.

 

*Limited History of Operations Risk:* The Fund is a new ETF with a limited history of operations for investors to evaluate.

 

*Management Risk:* There is a risk that an investment technique used by the Fund's portfolio manager may fail to produce the intended result.

*Market and Geopolitical Risk:* The increasing interconnectivity between global economies and financial markets increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one region or financial market may adversely impact issuers in a different country, region or financial market. Securities in the Fund's portfolio may underperform due to inflation (or expectations for inflation), interest rates, global demand for particular products or resources, natural disasters, climate change and climate-related events, pandemics, epidemics, terrorism, international conflicts, regulatory events and governmental or quasi-governmental actions. The occurrence of global events similar to those in recent years may result in market volatility and may have long term effects on financial markets worldwide.

*Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk:* The earnings and prospects of mid-capitalization sized companies are more volatile than larger companies and may experience higher failure rates than larger companies. Mid-capitalization companies normally have a lower trading volume than larger companies, which may tend to make their market price fall more disproportionately than larger companies in response to selling pressures and may have limited markets, product lines, or financial resources and lack management experience.

 

*Non-Diversified Risk:* Investments focused in sectors, industries, or issuers that are subject to the same or similar risk factors and investments whose prices are closely correlated are subject to greater overall risk than investments that are more diversified or whose prices are not as closely correlated. The Fund intends to invest in a variety of securities and instruments, but the Fund is considered to be non-diversified, which means that it may invest more of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it were a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund may be more exposed to the risks associated with and developments affecting an individual issuer or a smaller number of issuers than a fund that invests more widely. This may increase the Fund's volatility and cause the performance of a relatively smaller number of issuers to have a greater impact on the Fund's performance.

 

*Value Investing Risk:* The Adviser's assessment of a stock's intrinsic value may never be fully recognized or realized by the market, and a stock judged to be undervalued or overvalued may actually be appropriately priced or its price may decline.

*Volatility Risk:* The Fund may have investments that appreciate or decrease significantly in value over short periods of time. This may cause the Fund's NAV per Share to experience significant increases or declines in value over short periods of time. Because the Adviser seeks to invest in companies that have a favorable outlook for long-term growth, generally over 5-10 years, short-term investors may not reap the full benefits of the Fund's investment strategy.

**Performance:** The bar chart and performance table give some indication of the risks of an investment in the Fund by comparing the Fund's performance with a broad measure of market performance. The bar chart shows performance of the Fund's shares for each calendar year since the Fund's inception. The performance table compares the performance of the Fund over time to the performance of a broad-based securities market index. You should be aware that the Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available at no cost by visiting https://fpag.fpa.com or by calling (800) 982-4372.

**Performance Bar Chart For Calendar Year Ended December 31**

![](image_002.jpg)

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Best Quarter: | 12/31/2022 | 12.54% |
| Worst Quarter: | 6/30/2022 | (15.60)% |

---

**Performance Table**

**Average Annual Total Returns**

**(For periods ended December 31, 2022)**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **One Year** | **Since Inception<br> (12/16/21)** |
| Return before taxes | (17.52)% | (14.94)% |
| Return after taxes on distributions | (17.92)% | (15.34)% |
| Return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund shares | (10.37)% | (11.54)% |
| MSCI AC World Index (Net)<sup>(1)</sup> | (18.37)% | (16.18)% |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) The MSCI AC World Index (Net) is a stock index designed to track broad global equity-market
performance. Maintained by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI), the index comprises the stocks of nearly 3,000 companies from
23 developed countries and 25 emerging markets. Investors cannot invest directly in an index.

After-tax returns were calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

**Investment Adviser:** First Pacific Advisors, LP is the Fund's investment adviser.

**Portfolio Managers:** Steven Romick, CFA, Managing Partner of the Adviser; Mark Landecker, CFA, Partner of the Adviser; and Brian A. Selmo, CFA, Partner of the Adviser; serve as portfolio managers of the Fund. Each portfolio manager is jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund and has served as portfolio manager since the Fund's inception in December 2021.

**Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares:** Individual Shares may be purchased and sold in secondary market transactions through a broker dealer or at market price. Shares are listed for trading on the Exchange and trade at market prices rather than NAV. Shares may trade at a price that is greater than, at, or less than NAV. An investor may incur costs attributable to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay to purchase Shares (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept for Shares (ask) when buying or selling shares in the secondary market (the "bid-ask spread"). Information on the Fund's NAV, market price, premiums and discounts and bid-ask spreads is available at https://fpag.fpa.com.

**Tax Information:** The Fund's distributions are generally taxable as ordinary income or long-term capital gains. A sale of Shares may result in capital gain or loss.

**Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries:** If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Adviser or its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.

**ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RELATED RISKS**

**Investment Objective:** The Fund seeks long-term growth of principal and income.

The Fund's investment objective may be changed by the Board of Trustees upon 60 days' written notice to shareholders.

**Principal Investment Strategies:** The Adviser expects to invest, under normal circumstances, at least 95% of the Fund's assets in equity securities. The Fund invests primarily in publicly traded common stocks of mid- and large-cap U.S. and non-U.S. companies, including companies in emerging market countries. The Fund defines mid- and large-cap companies to be those with market capitalization equal to or greater than $10 billion at the time of initial purchase. These securities may be traded on major stock exchanges, regional stock exchanges, over-the-counter markets and other quotation systems. Under normal circumstances, the Fund expects to hold 20-50 positions. Under normal circumstances, the Fund expects to invest at least 40% of its total assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers (*i.e.*, issuers headquartered outside the U.S. or where at least 50% of its assets are outside the U.S. or 50% of its gross income is from non-U.S. sources).

Although the Adviser expects to invest at least 95% of the Fund's assets in equity securities under normal circumstances, the Fund has adopted a policy to invest at least 80% of its assets in equity securities. The Fund may change its 80% policy upon 60 days' written notice to its shareholders.

The equity securities held by the Fund include common stocks, preferred stocks, and American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs") and Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs"). ADRs and GDRs are negotiable receipts similar to stock certificates issued by a depositary bank. The receipts evidence depositary securities, which in turn evidence underlying securities of a foreign issuer deposited with a custodian bank in the foreign issuer's home country.

The Adviser manages the Fund's portfolio according to its Contrarian Value Equity Strategy, which seeks to invest in companies that currently appear out of favor or undervalued by the stock market, including those mired in bad news according to media headlines, but have a favorable outlook for growth in the Adviser's estimation over 5-10 years. The Adviser conducts deep research into the underlying financial condition and prospects of individual companies, including potential future earnings, cash flow, and dividends. The Adviser consults with Wall Street professionals, industry consultants and the target company's customers, competitors and executives to understand the company's potential. The Adviser may, as part of its research, review current and historic SEC filings, conference call transcripts, and relevant periodicals to gain a full picture of the company. Various other factors, including financial strength, economic condition, competitive advantage, quality of the business franchise, and the reputation, experience, and competence of a company's management are also considered in developing the Adviser's outlook.

The Adviser looks for businesses that are generally leaders in their industries, with significant competitive strength, solid balance sheets, and shareholder-centric management ("Compounder Investments") to meet the Fund's investment objective. The Adviser also looks for companies that may be of a lesser quality than Compounder Investments but that they believe possess upside potential that exceeds downside potential. The Adviser may also consider investing in special situations such as spin-offs, holding companies, and various other long opportunities.

After identifying target companies for the Fund, the Adviser selects the companies whose equity securities are offered at a "substantial discount" to the Adviser's estimate of the company's worth or intrinsic value. In seeking a "substantial discount," the Adviser does not just seek securities that are priced lower than others, but looks for genuine bargains by seeking securities it believes have a compelling economic risk/reward proposition on an absolute basis. The Adviser may sell a security if its market price exceeds the Adviser's estimate of its intrinsic value, or if its economic risk/reward proposition is no longer compelling or less compelling than that of other investments found by the Adviser. To achieve its objective, the Adviser may, at times, accept market volatility in the Fund's share price and short-term Fund underperformance.

**Principal Investment Risks:**The following describes the risks the Fund bears with respect to its investments.

*Active Management Risk:* The Adviser's judgments about the growth, value or potential appreciation of an investment may prove to be incorrect or fail to have the intended results, which could adversely impact the Fund's performance and cause it to underperform relative to other funds with similar investment goals, or not to achieve its investment goal.

*Authorized Participant Risk:* Only an Authorized Participant may engage in creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. The Fund has a limited number of institutions that may act as Authorized Participants on an agency basis (*i.e.,* on behalf of other market participants). To the extent that Authorized Participants exit the business or are unable to proceed with creation or redemption orders with respect to the Fund and no other Authorized Participant is able to step forward to create or redeem Creation Units, Fund shares may be more likely to trade at a premium or discount to NAV and possibly face trading halts or delisting. Authorized Participant concentration risk may be heightened for ETFs that invest in non-U.S. securities or other securities or instruments that have lower trading volumes.

*Company-Specific Risk:* A particular stock may lose value due to factors specific to the company itself, including deterioration of its fundamental characteristics, an occurrence of adverse events at the company, or a downturn in its business prospects.

*Depositary Receipts Risk:* Depositary receipts are equity securities traded on U.S. and foreign exchanges that are generally issued by banks or trust companies to evidence ownership of foreign equity securities. Depositary receipts may be issued in sponsored or unsponsored programs. In sponsored programs, an issuer has made arrangements to have its securities trade in the form of depositary receipts. In unsponsored programs, the issuer may not be directly involved in the creation of the program. Investing in depositary receipts may involve risks in addition to the risks in domestic investments, including less regulatory oversight and less publicly-available information, less stable government and economies, and non-uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards. Additionally, unsponsored depositary receipts held by the Fund are frequently under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the underlying issuer, and there is even less information publicly-available about unsponsored depositary receipts than sponsored depositary receipts; unsponsored depositary receipts are also not obligated to pass through voting rights to the Fund.

*Early Close/Trading Halt Risk:* The Exchange or market may close or impose a market trading halt or issue trading halts on specific securities, or the ability to buy or sell certain securities or financial instruments may be restricted, which may prevent the Fund from buying or selling certain securities or financial instruments. In these circumstances, the Fund may be unable to rebalance its portfolio, may be unable to accurately price its investments and may incur substantial trading losses.

*Emerging Market Securities Risk:* The Fund may invest in countries with newly organized or less developed securities markets. There are typically greater risks involved in investing in emerging markets securities. Generally, economic structures in these countries are less diverse and mature than those in developed countries and their political systems tend to be less stable. There may also be less reliable or publicly-available information about emerging markets due to non-uniform regulatory, auditing or financial recordkeeping standards, which could cause errors in the implementation of the Fund's investment strategy. Emerging market economies may be based on only a few industries, therefore security issuers, including governments, may be more susceptible to economic weakness and more likely to default. Emerging market countries also may have relatively unstable governments, weaker economies, and less-developed legal systems with fewer security holder rights. The Fund's performance may depend on issues other than those that affect U.S. companies and may be adversely affected by different rights and remedies associated with emerging market investments, or the lack thereof, compared to those associated with U.S. companies. Investments in emerging markets countries may be affected by government policies that restrict foreign investment in certain issuers or industries. The potentially smaller size of their securities markets and lower trading volumes can make investments relatively illiquid and potentially more volatile than investments in developed countries, and such securities may be subject to abrupt and severe price declines. Due to this relative lack of liquidity, the Fund may have to accept a lower price or may not be able to sell a portfolio security at all. An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect the Fund's value or prevent the Fund from being able to meet cash obligations or take advantage of other investment opportunities.

*Equity Securities Risk:* Fluctuations in the value of equity securities held by the Fund will cause the NAV of the Fund and the price of Shares to fluctuate. Common stock of an issuer in the Fund's portfolio may decline in price if the issuer fails to make anticipated dividend payments. Equity securities are subject to greater dividend risk than preferred stocks or debt instruments of the same issuer. In addition, common stocks have experienced significantly more volatility in returns than other asset classes.

 

*ETF Structure Risk:* The Fund is structured as an ETF and as a result is subject to special risks, including:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· *Not Individually Redeemable.* Shares are not redeemable by retail investors and may be redeemed
only by the Authorized Participants at NAV and only in Creation Units. A retail investor generally incurs brokerage costs when selling
shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· *Trading Issues.* Trading in Shares on the Exchange may be halted
due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in Shares inadvisable, such as extraordinary market
volatility. There can be no assurance that Shares will continue to meet the listing requirements of the Exchange, which may result in
Shares being delisted. An active trading market for Shares may not be developed or maintained. If Shares are traded outside a collateralized
settlement system, the number of financial institutions that can act as Authorized Participants that can post collateral on an agency
basis is limited, which may limit the market for Shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· *Market Price Variance Risk:* Shares that are listed for trading
on the Exchange can be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. The market prices of Shares will fluctuate in response
to changes in NAV and supply and demand for Shares. There may be times when the market price and the NAV vary significantly and you may
pay more than NAV when buying Shares on the secondary market, and you may receive less than NAV when you sell those Shares. The market
price of Shares, like the price of any exchange-traded security, includes a "bid-ask spread" charged by the exchange specialists,
market makers or other participants that trade the particular security. In times of severe market disruption, the bid-ask spread often
increases significantly. This means that Shares may trade at a discount to NAV and the discount is likely to be greatest when the price
of Shares is falling fastest, which may be the time that you most want to sell your Shares. The Fund's investment results are measured
based upon the daily NAV of the Fund over a period of time. Investors purchasing and selling Shares in the secondary market may not experience
investment results consistent with those experienced by those Authorized Participants creating and redeeming directly with the Fund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o In times of market stress, market makers may step away from their role market making in Shares and in
executing trades, which can lead to differences between the market value of Shares and the Fund's NAV.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o The market price for Shares may deviate from the Fund's NAV, particularly during times of market
stress, with the result that investors may pay significantly more or significantly less for Shares than the Fund's NAV, which is
reflected in the bid and ask price for Fund shares or in the closing price.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o When all or a portion of the Fund's underlying securities trade in a market that is closed when
the market for Shares is open, there may be changes from the last quote of the closed market and the quote from the Fund's domestic
trading day, which could lead to differences between the market value of Shares and the Fund's NAV.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o In stressed market conditions, the market for Shares may become less liquid in response to the deteriorating
liquidity of the Fund's portfolio. This adverse effect on the liquidity of Shares may, in turn, lead to differences between the
market value of Shares and the Fund's NAV.

 

*Foreign Securities Risk:* To the extent the underlying funds invest in foreign securities, the Fund could be subject to greater risks because the Fund's performance may depend on issues other than the performance of a particular company or U.S. market sector. Changes in foreign economies and political climates are more likely to affect the Fund than a mutual fund that invests exclusively in U.S. companies. The value of foreign securities is also affected by the value of the local currency relative to the U.S. dollar. There may also be less government supervision of foreign markets, resulting in non-uniform accounting practices and less publicly available information. The values of foreign investments may be affected by changes in exchange control regulations, application of foreign tax laws (including withholding tax), changes in governmental administration or economic or monetary policy (in this country or abroad) or changed circumstances in dealings between nations. In addition, foreign brokerage commissions, custody fees and other costs of investing in foreign securities are generally higher than in the United States. Investments in foreign issues could be affected by other factors not present in the United States, including expropriation, armed conflict, confiscatory taxation, and potential difficulties in enforcing contractual obligations. As a result, the Fund may be exposed to greater risk and will be more dependent on the Adviser's ability to assess such risk than if the Fund invested solely in more developed countries.

*Headline Risk:* The Fund may invest in companies that are at the center of controversy because of negative media attention regarding its operations, long-term prospectus, or management which may cause short-term underperformance.

 

*Large Capitalization Companies Risk:* The value of investments in larger companies may not rise as much as smaller companies, or larger companies may be unable to respond quickly to competitive challenges, such as changes in technology and consumer tastes.

 

*Limited History of Operations Risk:* The Fund is a new ETF with a limited history of operations for investors to evaluate.

 

*Management Risk:* There is a risk that an investment technique used by the Fund's portfolio manager may fail to produce the intended result.

*Market and Geopolitical Risk:* The increasing interconnectivity between global economies and financial markets increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one region or financial market may adversely impact issuers in a different country, region or financial market. Securities in the Fund's portfolio may underperform due to inflation (or expectations for inflation), interest rates, global demand for particular products or resources, natural disasters, climate change and climate-related events, pandemics, epidemics, terrorism, international conflicts, regulatory events and governmental or quasi-governmental actions. The occurrence of global events similar to those in recent years, such as terrorist attacks around the world, natural disasters, social and political discord or debt crises and downgrades, among others, may result in market volatility and may have long term effects on both the U.S. financial markets worldwide. It is difficult to predict when similar events affecting the U.S. or global financial markets may occur, the effects that such events may have and the duration of those effects. Any such event(s) could have a significant adverse impact on the value and risk profile of the Fund's portfolio. The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic and the aggressive responses taken by many governments, including closing borders, restricting international and domestic travel, and the imposition of prolonged quarantines or similar restrictions, as well as the forced or voluntary closure of, or operational changes to, many retail and other businesses, had negative impacts, and in many cases severe negative impacts, on financial markets worldwide. It is not known how long such impacts, or any future impacts of other significant events described above, will or would last, but there could be a prolonged period of global economic slowdown, which may impact your Fund investment. Therefore, the Fund could lose money over short periods due to short-term market movements and over longer periods during more prolonged market downturns. During a general market downturn, multiple asset classes may be negatively affected. Changes in market conditions and interest rates can have the same impact on all types of securities and instruments. In times of severe market disruptions, you could lose your entire investment.

*Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk:* The stocks of mid-capitalization companies involve substantial risk. These companies may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources, and they may be dependent on a limited management group. Stocks of these companies may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than those of larger, more established companies or the market averages in general.

*Non-Diversified Risk:* Investments focused in sectors, industries, or issuers that are subject to the same or similar risk factors and investments whose prices are closely correlated are subject to greater overall risk than investments that are more diversified or whose prices are not as closely correlated. The Fund intends to invest in a variety of securities and instruments, but the Fund is considered to be non-diversified, which means that it may invest more of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it were a diversified fund. As a result, the Fund may be more exposed to the risks associated with and developments affecting an individual issuer or a smaller number of issuers than a fund that invests more widely. This may increase the Fund's volatility and cause the performance of a relatively smaller number of issuers to have a greater impact on the Fund's performance.

*Value Investing Risk:* The stocks in which the Fund invests may not be undervalued as expected. The Adviser's assessment of an equity security's intrinsic value may never be fully recognized or realized by the market, and an equity security judged to be undervalued or overvalued may actually be appropriately priced or its price may move in the wrong direction. Because different types of stocks tend to shift in and out of favor depending on market and economic conditions, value-oriented funds may underperform when growth investing is in favor.

*Volatility Risk:* The Fund may have investments that appreciate or decrease significantly in value over short periods of time. This may cause the Fund's NAV per Share to experience significant increases or declines in value over short periods of time. Because the Adviser seeks to invest in companies that have a favorable outlook for long-term growth, generally over 5-10 years, short-term investors may not reap the full benefits of the Fund's investment strategy.

**Temporary Defensive Positions:** To respond to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Fund may invest 100% of its total assets, without limitation, in cash, cash equivalents, high-quality short-term debt securities, and money market instruments. These short-term debt securities and money market instruments include: shares of money market mutual funds, commercial paper, certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances, U.S. government securities and repurchase agreements. While the Fund is in a defensive position, the opportunity to achieve its investment objective will be limited. Furthermore, to the extent that the Fund invests in money market mutual funds for cash positions, there will be some duplication of expenses because the Fund pays a proportional amount of such money market funds' advisory fees and operational fees. The Fund may also invest a substantial portion of its assets in such instruments at any time to maintain liquidity or pending selection of investments in accordance with its policies.

**Portfolio Holdings Disclosure:** The Fund's portfolio holdings will be disclosed each day on its website at https://fpag.fpa.com. A description of the Fund's policies and procedures regarding the release of portfolio holdings information is available in the Fund's Statement of Additional Information ("SAI").

**Operational and Cybersecurity Risk:** Fund operations, including business, financial, accounting, data processing systems or other operating systems and facilities may be disrupted, disabled or damaged as a result of a number of factors, including events that are wholly or partially beyond our control. For example, there could be electrical or telecommunications outages; degradation or loss of internet or web services; natural disasters, such as earthquakes, tornados and hurricanes; climate-change or climate-related events; pandemics; or events arising from local or larger scale political or social events, as well as terrorist acts.

The Fund is also subject to the risk of potential cyber incidents, which may include, but are not limited to, the harming of or unauthorized access to digital systems (for example, through "hacking" or infection by computer viruses or other malicious software code), denial-of-service attacks on websites, and the inadvertent or intentional release of confidential or proprietary information. Cyber incidents may, among other things, harm Fund operations, result in financial losses to the Fund and its shareholders, cause the release of confidential or highly restricted information, and result in regulatory penalties, reputational damage, and/or increased compliance, reimbursement or other compensation costs. Fund operations that may be disrupted or halted due to a cyber incident include trading, the processing of shareholder transactions, and the calculation of the Fund's net asset value.

Issues affecting operating systems and facilities through cyber incidents, any of the scenarios described above, or other factors, may harm the Fund by affecting the Adviser, or other service providers, or issuers of securities in which the Fund invests. Although the Fund has business continuity plans and other safeguards in place, including what the Fund believes to be robust information security procedures and controls, there is no guarantee that these measures will prevent cyber incidents or prevent or ameliorate the effects of significant and widespread disruption to our physical infrastructure or operating systems. Furthermore, the Fund cannot directly control the security or other measures taken by unaffiliated service providers or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests. Such risks at issuers of securities in which the Fund invests could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers and may cause the Fund's investment in such securities to lose value.

**MANAGEMENT**

**Investment Adviser** **:** First Pacific Advisors, LP, located at 11601 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1200, Los Angeles, CA 90025 is the investment adviser for the Fund (the "Adviser"). The Adviser is registered with the SEC as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. The Adviser manages accounts for individuals and institutions as well as the Fund. As of December 31, 2022, it had approximately $23.8 billion in assets under management.

Subject to the oversight of the Board of Trustees, the Adviser is responsible for managing the Fund's investments, placing trade orders and providing related administrative services and facilities under an advisory agreement between the Fund and the Adviser<br> (the "Investment Advisory Agreement").

The management fee set forth in the Investment Advisory Agreement is 0.70% of the Fund's average daily net assets to be paid on a monthly basis. In addition to investment advisory fees, the Fund pays other expenses including costs incurred in connection with the maintenance of securities law registration, printing and mailing prospectuses and statements of additional information to shareholders, certain financial accounting services, taxes or governmental fees, custodial, transfer and shareholder servicing agent costs, expenses of outside counsel and independent accountants, preparation of shareholder reports and expenses of trustee and shareholders meetings.

A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees' approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement is available in the Fund's semi-annual report to shareholders dated March 31, 2022.

The Adviser has contractually agreed to limit the Fund's total annual fund operating expenses (excluding any front-end or contingent deferred loads, brokerage fees and commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short), taxes, and extraordinary expenses, such as litigation expenses (which may include indemnification of Fund officers and Trustees, contractual indemnification of Fund service providers (other than the Adviser))), to 0.49% of the Fund's average daily net assets through January 31, 2024, and to 0.59% for the subsequent one-year period ending January 31, 2025. The Adviser may recoup operating expenses in excess of these limits from the Fund within three years if such recoupment can be achieved within the lesser of the foregoing expense limits and the expense limits in place at the time of recoupment. This agreement may be terminated by the Board of Trustees only on 60 days' written notice to the Adviser. This contractual agreement can decrease the Fund's expenses and boost its performance. During the period ended September 30, 2022, the Fund paid an aggregate percentage of its average net assets to the Adviser of 0% (after fee waivers and reimbursements).

**Portfolio Managers**

The Fund is managed on a day-to-day basis by Steven Romick, CFA, Managing Partner of the Adviser; Mark Landecker, CFA, Partner of the Adviser; and Brian A. Selmo, CFA, Partner of the Adviser (collectively, the "Portfolio Managers").

Mr. Romick joined the Adviser in 1996. Prior to joining the Adviser, he was chairman of Crescent Management and a consulting security analyst for Kaplan, Nathan & Co. Mr. Romick earned a bachelor's degree in education from Northwestern University. He is a CFA charterholder.

Mr. Landecker joined the Adviser in 2009. Prior to joining the Adviser, he served as portfolio manager at both Kinney Asset Management and Arrow Investments, Inc., and as associate at TD Capital and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Mr. Landecker earned a BBA (with honors) from the Schulich School of Business at York University in Toronto. He is a CFA charterholder.

Mr. Selmo joined the Adviser in 2008 where he serves as Director of Research in addition to his role as portfolio manager. Prior to joining the Adviser, Mr. Selmo was founder and managing member of Eagle Lake Capital, LLC and a portfolio manager of its predecessor. Prior to that, he was an analyst at Third Avenue Management and Rothschild, Inc. Mr. Selmo earned a bachelor's degree in economics (with honors) from The John Hopkins University, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa. He is a CFA charterholder.

The SAI provides additional information about the Portfolio Managers' compensation, other accounts managed and ownership of Fund shares.

**HOW SHARES ARE PRICED**

Shares of the Fund are bought and sold at a price in two different ways depending upon the type of investor.

All investors including retail investors and authorized participants may buy and sell Shares in secondary market transactions through brokers at market prices and the Shares will trade at market prices.

Only authorized participants may buy and redeem Shares from a Fund directly and those transactions are effected at the Fund's NAV. The NAV of the Fund is determined at close of regular trading (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) on each day the Exchange is open for business. NAV is computed by determining, the aggregate market value of all assets of the applicable Fund, less its liabilities, divided by the total number of shares outstanding ((assets-liabilities)/number of shares = NAV). The Exchange is closed on weekends and 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 ("Exchange Close"). The NAV takes into account, the expenses and fees of the Fund, including management, administration, and distribution fees, which are accrued daily. The determination of NAV for the Fund for a particular day is applicable to all applications for the purchase of shares, as well as all requests for the redemption of shares, received by the Fund (or an authorized broker or agent, or its authorized designee) before the close of trading on the Exchange on that day.

Generally, the Fund's portfolio securities, including securities issued by ETFs, are valued each day at the last quoted sales price on each security's primary exchange. Securities traded or dealt in upon one or more securities exchanges (whether domestic or foreign) for which market quotations are readily available and not subject to restrictions against resale shall be valued at the last quoted sales price on the primary exchange or, in the absence of a sale on the primary exchange, at the mean between the current bid and ask prices on such exchange. Securities primarily traded in the National Association of Securities Dealers' Automated Quotation System ("NASDAQ") National Market System for which market quotations are readily available shall be valued using the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. Securities that are not traded on any securities exchange (whether domestic or foreign) and for which over-the-counter market quotations are readily available generally shall be valued at the last sale price or, in the absence of a sale, at the mean between the current bid and ask price on such over-the-counter market. Debt securities not traded on an exchange may be valued at prices supplied by a pricing agent(s) based on broker or dealer supplied valuations or matrix pricing, a method of valuing securities by reference to the value of other securities with similar characteristics, such as rating, interest rate and maturity.

If market quotations are not readily available, securities will be valued at their fair market value as determined using the "fair value" procedures approved by the Board. Fair value pricing involves subjective judgments and it is possible that the fair value determined for a security may be materially different than the value that could be realized upon the sale of that security. The fair value prices can differ from market prices when they become available or when a price becomes available. The Board has delegated execution of these procedures to the Adviser. The Adviser may also enlist third party consultants such as an audit firm or financial officer of a security issuer on an as-needed basis to assist in determining a security-specific fair value. The Board reviews and ratifies the execution of this process and the resultant fair value prices at least quarterly to assure the process produces reliable results.

The Fund may use independent pricing services to assist in calculating the value of the Fund's portfolio securities.<br> In addition, market prices for foreign securities are not determined at the same time of day as the NAV for the Fund. Because the Fund may invest in underlying ETFs which hold portfolio securities primarily listed on foreign exchanges, and these exchanges may trade on weekends or other days when the underlying ETFs do not price their shares, the value of some of the Fund's portfolio securities may change on days when you may not be able to buy or sell Fund shares.

In computing the NAV, the Fund values foreign securities held by the Fund at the latest closing price on the exchange in which they are traded immediately prior to closing of the exchange. Prices of foreign securities quoted in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at current rates. If events materially affecting the value of a security in the Fund's portfolio, particularly foreign securities, occur after the close of trading on a foreign market but before the Fund prices its shares, the security may be priced using alternative market prices provided by a pricing service. For example, if trading in a portfolio security is halted and does not resume before the Fund calculates its NAV, alternative market prices may be used to value the security. Without a fair value price, short-term traders could take advantage of the arbitrage opportunity and dilute the NAV of long-term investors. Fair valuation of the Fund's portfolio securities can serve to reduce arbitrage opportunities available to short-term traders, but there is no assurance that fair value pricing policies will prevent dilution of the Fund's NAV by short term traders. The determination of fair value involves subjective judgments. As a result, using fair value to price a security may result in a price materially different from the prices used by other mutual funds to determine NAV, or from the price that may be realized upon the actual sale of the security.

With respect to any portion of the Fund's assets that are invested in one or more open-end management investment companies registered under the 1940 Act, the Fund's NAV is calculated based upon the NAVs of those open-end management investment companies, and the prospectuses for these companies explain the circumstances under which those companies will use fair value pricing and the effects of using fair value pricing.

**Premium/Discount Information**

Retail investors will buy and sell Shares in secondary market transactions through brokers at market prices and the Shares will trade at market prices. The market price of Shares may be greater than, equal to, or less than NAV. Market forces of supply and demand, economic conditions and other factors may affect the trading prices of Shares.

**HOW TO BUY AND SELL SHARES**

Shares may be acquired or redeemed directly from the Fund only in Creation Units or multiples thereof. Only an Authorized Participant may engage in creation or redemption transactions directly with the Fund. Once created, shares of the Fund generally trade in the secondary market in amounts less than a Creation Unit. Shares can be bought and sold on the Exchange throughout the trading day like shares of other publicly-traded companies.

**Buying and Selling Shares on the Secondary Market**

You may buy and sell individual Shares only through a broker dealer in secondary market transactions on the Exchange. Shares of the Fund are listed for trading on the Exchange under the symbol FPAG. There is no minimum investment required. Shares may only be purchased and sold on the secondary market when the Exchange is open for trading. The Exchange is open for trading Monday through Friday and is closed on weekends and the following holidays, as observed: 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.

When buying or selling Shares through a broker, you will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges, and you may pay some or all of the spread between the bid and the offered price in the secondary market on each leg of a round trip (purchase and sale) transaction.

**Creation and Redemption Transactions**

Authorized Participants may acquire Shares directly from the Fund, and Authorized Participants may tender their Shares for redemption directly to the Fund, at NAV per Share only in large blocks, or Creation Units, of 25,000 Shares.

The Fund issues and redeems Shares at NAV only in Creation Units to Authorized Participants that have entered into agreements with the Fund's distributor. Creation Units are issued and redeemed for cash and/or in-kind for securities. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, the Shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund.

Purchases and redemptions directly with the Fund must follow the Fund's procedures, which are described in the SAI.

**Premium/Discount Information**

Investors buy and sell Shares in secondary market transactions through brokers at market prices and the Shares trade at market prices. The market price of Shares may be greater than, equal to, or less than the Fund's NAV. Market forces of supply and demand, economic conditions and other factors may affect the trading prices of Shares.

**Book Entry**

Shares are held in book entry form, which means that no stock certificates are issued. The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") or its nominee is the record owner of all outstanding Shares and is recognized as the owner of all Shares for all purposes.

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

**FREQUENT PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS OF FUND SHARES**

The Board of Trustees has not adopted a policy of monitoring for other frequent trading activity because shares of the Fund are listed for trading on a national securities exchange.

**DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN**

The Fund has adopted a distribution and service plan ("Plan") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Plan, the Fund is authorized to pay distribution fees to the distributor and other firms that provide distribution and shareholder services ("Service Providers"). If a Service Provider provides these services, the Fund may pay fees at an annual rate not to exceed 0.25% of average daily net assets, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the1940 Act.

No distribution or service fees are currently paid by the Fund and will not be paid by the Fund unless authorized by the Trust's Board of Trustees. There are no current plans to impose these fees. In the event Rule 12b-1 fees were charged, over time they would increase the cost of an investment in the Fund.

**DIVIDENDS, OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES**

Unlike interests in conventional mutual funds, which typically are bought and sold from and to the fund only at closing NAVs, shares are traded throughout the day in the secondary market on a national securities exchange on an intra-day basis and are created and redeemed in-kind and/or for cash in Creation Units at each day's next calculated NAV. In-kind arrangements are designed to protect ongoing shareholders from the adverse effects on the Fund's portfolio that could arise from frequent cash redemption transactions. In a mutual fund, redemptions can have an adverse tax impact on taxable shareholders if the mutual fund needs to sell portfolio securities to obtain cash to meet net fund redemptions. These sales may generate taxable gains for the ongoing shareholders of the mutual fund, whereas the Shares' in-kind redemption mechanism generally will not lead to a tax event for the Fund or its ongoing shareholders.

Ordinarily distributions from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid quarterly by the Fund. The Fund distributes its net realized capital gains, if any, to shareholders annually. The Fund may also pay a special distribution at the end of a calendar year to comply with federal tax requirements.

No dividend reinvestment service is provided by the Fund. Broker-dealers may make available the DTC book-entry Dividend Reinvestment Service for use by beneficial owners of the Fund for reinvestment of their dividend distributions. Beneficial owners should contact their broker to determine the availability and costs of the service and the details of participation therein. Brokers may require beneficial owners to adhere to specific procedures and timetables. If this service is available and used, dividend distributions of both income and realized gains will be automatically reinvested in additional whole shares of the Fund purchased in the secondary market.

Distributions in cash may be reinvested automatically in additional whole Shares only if the broker through whom you purchased Shares makes such option available.

**Taxes**

As with any investment, you should consider how your investment in Shares will be taxed. The tax information in this Prospectus is provided as general information. You should consult your own tax professional about the tax consequences of an investment in Shares.

Unless your investment in Shares is made through a tax-exempt entity or tax-deferred retirement account, such as an individual retirement account, you need to be aware of the possible tax consequences when:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· The Fund makes distributions,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· You sell your Shares listed on the Exchange, and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· You purchase or redeem Creation Units.

**Taxes on Distributions**

As stated above, dividends from net investment income, if any, ordinarily are declared and paid quarterly by the Fund. The Fund distributes its net realized capital gains, if any, to shareholders annually. The Fund may also pay a special distribution at the end of a calendar year to comply with federal tax requirements. Distributions from the Fund's net investment income, including net short-term capital gains, if any, are taxable to you as ordinary income, except that the Fund's dividends attributable to its "qualified dividend income" (*i.e*., dividends received on stock of most domestic and certain foreign corporations with respect to which the Fund satisfies certain holding period and other restrictions), if any, generally are subject to federal income tax for non-corporate shareholders who satisfy those restrictions with respect to their Shares at the rate for net capital gain. A part of the Fund's dividends also may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction allowed to corporations -- the eligible portion may not exceed the aggregate dividends the Fund receives from domestic corporations subject to federal income tax (excluding REITs) and excludes dividends from foreign corporations -- subject to similar restrictions. However, dividends a corporate shareholder deducts pursuant to that deduction are subject indirectly to the federal alternative minimum tax.

In general, your distributions are subject to federal income tax when they are paid, whether you take them in cash or reinvest them in the Fund (if that option is available). Distributions reinvested in additional Shares through the means of a dividend reinvestment service, if available, will be taxable to shareholders acquiring the additional Shares to the same extent as if such distributions had been received in cash. Distributions of net long-term capital gains, if any, in excess of net short-term capital losses are taxable as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long you have held the Shares.

Distributions in excess of the Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits are treated as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of your basis in the Shares and as capital gain thereafter. A distribution will reduce the Fund's NAV per Share and may be taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gain (as described above) even though, from an investment standpoint, the distribution may constitute a return of capital.

By law, the Fund is required to withhold 28% of your distributions and redemption proceeds if you have not provided the Fund with a correct Social Security number or other taxpayer identification number and in certain other situations.

**Taxes on Exchange-Listed Share Sales**

Any capital gain or loss realized upon a sale of Shares is generally treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the Shares have been held for more than one year and as short-term capital gain or loss if the Shares have been held for one year or less. The ability to deduct capital losses from sales of Shares may be limited.

**Taxes on Purchase and Redemption of Creation Units**

An Authorized Participant that exchanges securities for Creation Units generally will recognize a gain or a loss equal to the difference between the market value of the Creation Units at the time of the exchange and the sum of the exchanger's aggregate basis in the securities surrendered plus any Cash Component it pays. An Authorized Participant that exchanges Creation Units for securities will generally recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the exchanger's basis in the Creation Units and the sum of the aggregate market value of the securities received plus any cash equal to the difference between the NAV of the Shares being redeemed and the value of the securities. The Internal Revenue Service ("Service"), however, may assert that a loss realized upon an exchange of securities for Creation Units cannot be deducted currently under the rules governing "wash sales" or for other reasons. Persons exchanging securities should consult their own tax adviser with respect to whether wash sale rules apply and when a loss might be deductible.

Any capital gain or loss realized upon redemption of Creation Units is generally treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the Shares have been held for more than one year and as short-term capital gain or loss if the Shares have been held for one year or less.

If an Authorized Participant purchases or redeems Creation Units, the Authorized Participant will be sent a confirmation statement showing how many Shares the Authorized Participant purchased or sold and at what price. See "Tax Status" in the SAI for a description of the newly effective requirement regarding basis determination methods applicable to Share redemptions and the Fund's obligation to report basis information to the Service.

The foregoing discussion summarizes some of the possible consequences under current federal tax law of an investment in the Fund. It is not a substitute for personal tax advice. Consult your personal tax adviser about the potential tax consequences of an investment in the Shares under all applicable tax laws. See "Tax Status" in the SAI for more information.

**FUND SERVICE PROVIDERS**

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC is the Fund's administrator and fund accountant. It has its principal office at 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45246, and is primarily in the business of providing administrative, fund accounting and transfer agent services to retail and institutional mutual funds and exchange-traded funds.

State Street Bank and Trust Co., One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, is the Fund's transfer agent and custodian.

Northern Lights Distributors, LLC, 4221 North 203rd Street, Suite 100, Elkorn, Nebraska 68022, is the distributor for the shares of the Fund. The Distributor is a registered broker-dealer and member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. ("FINRA").

Thompson Hine LLP, 41 South High Street, 17th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215, serves as legal counsel to the Trust.

Deloitte & Touche LLP, 695 Town Center Drive, Suite 1000, Costa Mesa, California 92626, serves as the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm. The independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for auditing the annual financial statements of the Fund.

**OTHER INFORMATION**

**Investments by Investment Companies**

For purposes of the 1940 Act, the Fund is treated as a registered investment company. Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act restricts investments by investment companies in the securities of other investment companies to certain limits, including shares of the Fund. Rule 12d1-4 permits other investment companies to invest in the Fund beyond the limits in Section 12(d)(1), subject to certain terms and conditions, including that such registered investment companies enter into an agreement with the Trust.

**Continuous Offering**

The method by which Creation Units of Shares are created and traded may raise certain issues under applicable securities laws. Because new Creation Units of Shares are issued and sold by the Fund on an ongoing basis, a "distribution," as such term is used in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), may occur at any point. Broker-dealers and other persons are cautioned that some activities on their part may, depending on the circumstances, result in their being deemed participants in a distribution in a manner which could render them statutory underwriters and subject them to the prospectus delivery requirement and liability provisions of the Securities Act.

For example, a broker-dealer firm or its client may be deemed a statutory underwriter if it takes Creation Units after placing an order with the Distributor, breaks them down into constituent Shares and sells the Shares directly to customers or if it chooses to couple the creation of a supply of new Shares with an active selling effort involving solicitation of secondary market demand for Shares. A determination of whether one is an underwriter for purposes of the Securities Act must take into account all the facts and circumstances pertaining to the activities of the broker-dealer or its client in the particular case, and the examples mentioned above should not be considered a complete description of all the activities that could lead to a characterization as an underwriter.

Broker-dealer firms should also note that dealers who are not "underwriters" but are effecting transactions in Shares, whether or not participating in the distribution of Shares, are generally required to deliver a prospectus. This is because the prospectus delivery exemption in Section 4(3) of the Securities Act is not available in respect of such transactions as a result of Section 24(d) of the 1940 Act. As a result, broker-dealer firms should note that dealers who are not "underwriters" but are participating in a distribution<br> (as contrasted with engaging in ordinary secondary market transactions) and thus dealing with the Shares that are part of an overallotment within the meaning of Section 4(3)(C) of the Securities Act, will be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(3) of the Securities Act. For delivery of prospectuses to exchange members, the prospectus delivery mechanism of Rule 153 under the Securities Act is only available with respect to transactions on a national exchange.

**Dealers effecting transactions in the Shares, whether or not participating in this distribution, are generally required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to any obligation of dealers to deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters.**

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

**FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS**

The financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand the Fund's financial performance for the period of the Fund's operations. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This information has been derived from the financial statements audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, whose report, along with the Fund's financial statements, are included in the Fund's September 30, 2022 annual report, which is available at no charge upon request, and the report can also be accessed at https://fpag.fpa.com.

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| |
|:---|
| **FPA Global Equity ETF**<br>**FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS** |
| *The table below sets forth financial data for one share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the period.* |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **Period\* Ended**<br>**September 30,**<br>**2022** |
| **Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period** | $24.99 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Increase/(Decrease) From Operations: |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net investment income<sup>(1)</sup> | 0.28 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net loss from investments (both realized and unrealized) | (6.49) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total from operations | (6.21) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Less Distributions: |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;From net investment income | (0.19) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total Distributions | (0.19) |
| **Net Asset Value, End of Period** | $18.59 |
| **Market Price, End of Period<sup>(2)</sup>** | $18.69 |
| **Total Return<sup>(34)</sup>** | (24.92)% |
| **Ratios/Supplemental Data** |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net assets, end of period (in 000's) | $18592 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ratio to average net assets: |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gross expenses<sup>(578)</sup> | 2.25% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net expenses<sup>(678)</sup> | 0.49% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net investment income<sup>(789)</sup> | 1.61% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Portfolio turnover rate<sup>(410)</sup> | 28% |

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\* The FPA Global Equity ETF commenced operations on December 16, 2021.

(1) Per share amounts are calculated using the average shares method, which appropriately presents the per
share data for the period.

(2) Market Price is determined by using the midpoint between the highest bid and the lowest offer on the primary
stock exchange on which shares of the Fund are listed for trading, as of the time that the Fund's NAV is calculated.

(3) Total returns are historical in nature and assume changes in share price, reinvestment of dividends and
capital gains distributions, if any.

(4) Not annualized.

(5) Represents the ratio of expenses to average net assets absent fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements
by the advisor.

(6) Represents the ratio of expenses to average net assets inclusive of fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements
by the advisor.

(7) Annualized.

(8) Does not include the expenses of the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests.

(9) The recognition of net investment income is affected by the timing and declaration of dividends by the
underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests.

(10) Portfolio turnover rate excludes securities received or delivered from in-kind transactions.

*Rev. June 2021*

***<u>PRIVACY NOTICE</u>***

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **FACTS** | **WHAT DOES NORTHERN LIGHTS FUND TRUST III DO WITH<br> YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?** | **WHAT DOES NORTHERN LIGHTS FUND TRUST III DO WITH<br> YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?** | **WHAT DOES NORTHERN LIGHTS FUND TRUST III DO WITH<br> YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?** |
| **Why?** | Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do. | Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do. | Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do. |
| **What?** | The types of personal information we collect and share depend on the product or service you have with us. This information can include: § Social Security number § Purchase History § Assets § Account Balances § Retirement Assets § Account Transactions § Transaction History § Wire Transfer Instructions § Checking Account Information When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice. | The types of personal information we collect and share depend on the product or service you have with us. This information can include: § Social Security number § Purchase History § Assets § Account Balances § Retirement Assets § Account Transactions § Transaction History § Wire Transfer Instructions § Checking Account Information When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice. | The types of personal information we collect and share depend on the product or service you have with us. This information can include: § Social Security number § Purchase History § Assets § Account Balances § Retirement Assets § Account Transactions § Transaction History § Wire Transfer Instructions § Checking Account Information When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice. |
| **How?** | All financial companies need to share customers' personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers' personal information; the reasons Northern Lights Fund Trust III chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing. | All financial companies need to share customers' personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers' personal information; the reasons Northern Lights Fund Trust III chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing. | All financial companies need to share customers' personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers' personal information; the reasons Northern Lights Fund Trust III chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing. |
| **Reasons we can share your personal information** | **Reasons we can share your personal information** | **Does Northern Lights Fund Trust III share?** | **Can you limit <br> this sharing?** |
| **For our everyday business purposes –**<br> such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus | **For our everyday business purposes –**<br> such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus | Yes | No |
| **For our marketing purposes –**<br> to offer our products and services to you | **For our marketing purposes –**<br> to offer our products and services to you | No | We don't share |
| **For joint marketing with other financial companies** | **For joint marketing with other financial companies** | No | We don't share |
| **For our affiliates' everyday business purposes –**<br> information about your transactions and experiences | **For our affiliates' everyday business purposes –**<br> information about your transactions and experiences | No | We don't share |
| **For our affiliates' everyday business purposes –**<br> information about your creditworthiness | **For our affiliates' everyday business purposes –**<br> information about your creditworthiness | No | We don't share |
| **For nonaffiliates to market to you** | **For nonaffiliates to market to you** | No | We don't share |
| **Questions?** | Call **(631) 490-4300** | Call **(631) 490-4300** | Call **(631) 490-4300** |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| <br> **Who we are** | <br> **Who we are** |
| **Who is providing this notice?** | Northern Lights Fund Trust III |
| **What we do** | **What we do** |
| **How does Northern Lights Fund Trust III protect my personal information?** | To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.<br>Our service providers are held accountable for adhering to strict policies and procedures to prevent any misuse of your nonpublic personal information. |
| **How does Northern Lights Fund Trust III collect my personal information?** | We collect your personal information, for example, when you<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Open an account<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Provide account information<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Give us your contact information<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Make deposits or withdrawals from your account<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Make a wire transfer<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Tell us where to send the money<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Tells us who receives the money<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Show your government-issued ID<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Show your driver's license<br>We also collect your personal information from other companies. |
| **Why can't I limit all sharing?** | Federal law gives you the right to limit only<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Sharing for affiliates' everyday business purposes – information about your creditworthiness<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Affiliates from using your information to market to you<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ Sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you<br>State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to limit sharing. |
| **Definitions** | **Definitions** |
| **Affiliates** | Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ *Northern Lights Fund Trust III does not share with our affiliates.* |
| **Nonaffiliates** | Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ *Northern Lights Fund Trust III does not share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you.* |
| **Joint marketing** | A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;▪ *Northern Lights Fund Trust III doesn't jointly market.* |

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 ****

**FPA Global Equity ETF**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Adviser** | &nbsp;&nbsp; **First Pacific Advisors, LP**<br> 11601 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1200<br> Los Angeles, California 90025 | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Distributor** | &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> **Northern Lights Distributors LLC**<br> 4221 North 203rd Street, Suite 100<br> Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022-3474<br>|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Custodian & Transfer Agent** | &nbsp;&nbsp; **State Street Bank and Trust Co.**<br> One Lincoln Street<br> Boston, Massachusetts 02111 | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Legal<br> Counsel** | &nbsp;&nbsp; **Thompson Hine LLP** <br> 41 South High Street, Suite 1700<br> Columbus, Ohio 43215 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Administrator** | &nbsp;&nbsp; **Ultimus Fund Solutions LLC**<br> 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450<br> Cincinnati, Ohio 45246 | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Independent<br> Registered<br> Public<br> Accountant** | &nbsp;&nbsp; **Deloitte & Touche LLP**<br> 695 Town Center Drive, Suite 1000<br> Costa Mesa, California 92626 |

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Additional information about the Fund is included in the Fund's SAI dated February 1, 2023. The SAI is incorporated into this Prospectus by reference (i.e., legally made a part of this Prospectus). The SAI provides more details about the Fund's policies and management. Additional information about the Fund's investments is available in the Fund's Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to Shareholders. In the Fund's Annual Report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund's' performance during the last fiscal year.

To obtain a free copy of the SAI and the Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to Shareholders, or other information about the Fund, or to make shareholder inquiries about the Fund, please call (800) 982-4372. Information relating to the Fund can be found on the Adviser's website at https://fpag.fpa.com. You may also write to:

**FPA Global Equity ETF**

c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC

225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450

Cincinnati, Ohio 45246

Reports and other information about the Fund are available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC's Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of the information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following E-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov.

Investment Company Act File # 811-22655

**FPA Global Equity ETF**

FPAG

**STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION<br>** 

<br> February 1, 2023

*Listed and traded on:*

*Chicago Board Options Exchange (the "Exchange")*

This Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") is not a prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus of FPA Global Equity ETF (the "Fund") dated February 1, 2023. The Fund's Prospectus is hereby incorporated by reference, which means it is legally part of this document. You can obtain copies of the Fund's Prospectus, annual or semiannual reports without charge by contacting the Fund's distributor, Northern Lights Distributors, LLC, 4221 North 203<sup>rd</sup> Street, Suite 100, Elkhorn, NE 68022 or by calling (800) 982-4372. You may also obtain a Prospectus by visiting the adviser's website at https://fpag.fpa.com/.

**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **THE FUND** | **1** |
| **TYPES OF INVESTMENTS** | **1** |
| **INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS** | **21** |
| **POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS** | **22** |
| **MANAGEMENT** | **24** |
| **CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS** | **29** |
| **INVESTMENT ADVISER** | **30** |
| **THE DISTRIBUTOR** | **32** |
| **PORTFOLIO MANAGERS** | **34** |
| **ALLOCATION OF PORTFOLIO BROKERAGE** | **35** |
| **PORTFOLIO TURNOVER** | **35** |
| **OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS** | **36** |
| **DESCRIPTION OF SHARES** | **38** |
| **ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING PROGRAM** | **38** |
| **PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND PRICING OF SHARES** | **38** |
| **TAX STATUS** | **47** |
| **INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM** | **51** |
| **LEGAL COUNSEL** | **51** |
| **FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** | **51** |
| **APPENDIX A – PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES** | **A-1** |

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**THE FUND**

The Fund is a non-diversified series of Northern Lights Fund Trust III, a Delaware statutory trust organized on December 5, 2011 (the "Trust"). The Trust is registered as an open-end management investment company. The Trust is governed by its Board of Trustees (the "Board").

The Fund may issue an unlimited number of shares ("Shares") of beneficial interest. All Shares have equal rights and privileges. Each Share is entitled to one vote on all matters as to which Shares are entitled to vote. In addition, each Share is entitled to participate equally with other Shares (i) in dividends and distributions declared by the Fund and (ii) on liquidation to its proportionate share of the assets remaining after satisfaction of outstanding liabilities. Shares are fully paid, non-assessable and fully transferable when issued and have no pre-emptive, conversion or exchange rights. Fractional Shares have proportionately the same rights, including voting rights, as are provided for a full Share.

First Pacific Advisors, LP (the "Adviser") is the Fund's investment adviser. The Fund's investment objective, restrictions and policies are more fully described here and in the Prospectus. The Board may start other series and offer shares of a new fund under the Trust at any time.

**TYPES OF INVESTMENTS**

The investment objective of the Fund and the description of the Fund's principal investment strategies are set forth under "Investment Objective" and Principal Investment Strategies" in the Prospectus. The Fund's investment objective is not fundamental and may be changed without the approval of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust.

The following pages contain more detailed information about the types of instruments in which the Fund may invest directly or indirectly as a principal or non-principal investment strategy. These instruments include other investment companies and strategies the Adviser may employ in pursuit of the Fund's investment objective and a summary of related risks.

<u>Equity Securities</u>

Equity securities in which the Fund invests include common stocks, preferred stocks and securities convertible into common stocks, such as convertible bonds, warrants, rights and options. The value of equity securities varies in response to many factors, including the activities and financial condition of individual companies, the business market in which individual companies compete and general market and economic conditions. Equity securities fluctuate in value, often based on factors unrelated to the value of the issuer of the securities, and such fluctuations can be significant.

<u>Common Stock</u>

Common stock represents an equity (ownership) interest in a company, and usually possesses voting rights and earns dividends. Dividends on common stock are not fixed but are declared at the discretion of the issuer. Common stock generally represents the riskiest investment in a company. In addition, common stock generally has the greatest appreciation and depreciation potential because increases and decreases in earnings are usually reflected in a company's stock price.

<u>Preferred Stock</u>

The Fund may invest in preferred stock with no minimum credit rating. Preferred stock is a class of stock having a preference over common stock as to the payment of dividends and the recovery of investment should a company be liquidated, although preferred stock is usually junior to the debt securities of the issuer. Preferred stock typically does not possess voting rights and its market value may change based on changes in interest rates.

The fundamental risk of investing in common and preferred stock is the risk that the value of the stock might decrease. Stock values fluctuate in response to the activities of an individual company or in response to general market and/or

economic conditions. Historically, common stocks have provided greater long-term returns and have entailed greater short-term risks than preferred stocks, fixed-income securities and money market investments. The market value of all securities, including common and preferred stocks, is based upon the market's perception of value and not necessarily the book value of an issuer or other objective measures of a company's worth.

<u>Depositary Receipts</u>

The Fund intends to directly invest in issuers located outside the United States, but also may invest in financial instruments that are indirectly linked to the performance of foreign issuers. Examples of such financial instruments include ADRs, Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs"), European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs"), International Depository Receipts ("IDRs"), "ordinary shares," and "New York shares" issued and traded in the United States. ADRs are U.S. dollar denominated receipts typically issued by U.S. banks and trust companies that evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign issuer. The underlying securities may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the securities into which they may be converted. The underlying securities are held in trust by a custodian bank or similar financial institution in the issuer's home country. The depositary bank may not have physical custody of the underlying securities at all times and may charge fees for various services, including forwarding dividends and interest and corporate actions. Generally, ADRs in registered form are designed for use in domestic securities markets and are traded on exchanges or over-the-counter in the United States. GDRs, EDRs, and IDRs are similar to ADRs in that they are certificates evidencing ownership of shares of a foreign issuer, however, GDRs, EDRs, and IDRs may be issued in bearer form and denominated in other currencies, and are generally designed for use in specific or multiple securities markets outside the United States. EDRs, for example, are designed for use in European securities markets while GDRs are designed for use throughout the world. Ordinary shares are shares of foreign issuers that are traded abroad and on a U.S. exchange. New York shares are shares that a foreign issuer has allocated for trading in the United States. ADRs, ordinary shares, and New York shares all may be purchased with and sold for U.S. dollars, which protects the Fund from the foreign settlement risks described below.

Depositary receipts may be sponsored or unsponsored. Although the two types of depositary receipt facilities (unsponsored or sponsored) are similar, there are differences regarding a holder's rights and obligations and the practices of market participants. A depository may establish an unsponsored facility without participation by (or acquiescence of) the underlying issuer; typically, however, the depository requests a letter of non-objection from the underlying issuer prior to establishing the facility. Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all the costs of the facility. The depository usually charges fees upon the deposit and withdrawal of the underlying securities, the conversion of dividends into U.S. dollars or other currency, the disposition of non-cash distributions, and the performance of other services. The depository of an unsponsored facility frequently is under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the underlying issuer or to pass through voting rights to depositary receipt holders with respect to the underlying securities.

Sponsored depositary receipt facilities are created in generally the same manner as unsponsored facilities, except that sponsored depositary receipts are established jointly by a depository and the underlying issuer through a deposit agreement. The deposit agreement sets out the rights and responsibilities of the underlying issuer, the depository, and the depositary receipt holders. With sponsored facilities, the underlying issuer typically bears some of the costs of the depositary receipts (such as dividend payment fees of the depository), although most sponsored depositary receipts holders may bear costs such as deposit and withdrawal fees. Depositories of most sponsored depositary receipts agree to distribute notices of shareholder meetings, voting instructions, and other shareholder communications and information to the depositary receipt holders at the underlying issuer's request.

Investing in foreign companies may involve risks not typically associated with investing in companies domiciled in the United States. The value of securities denominated in foreign currencies, and of dividends from such securities, can change significantly when foreign currencies strengthen or weaken relative to the U.S. dollar. Foreign securities markets generally have less trading volume and less liquidity than U.S. markets, and prices in some foreign markets can be very volatile. Many

foreign countries lack uniform accounting and disclosure standards comparable to those that apply to U.S. companies, and it may be more difficult to obtain reliable information regarding a foreign issuer's financial condition and operations. In addition, the costs of foreign investing, including withholding taxes, brokerage commissions, and custodial fees, generally are higher than for U.S. investments.

Investing in companies located abroad also carries political and economic risks distinct from those associated with investing in the United States. Foreign investment may be affected by actions of foreign governments adverse to the interests of U.S. investors, including the possibility of seizure, expropriation or nationalization of assets, including foreign deposits, confiscatory taxation, restrictions on U.S. investment, or on the ability to repatriate assets or to convert currency into U.S. dollars. There may be a greater possibility of default by foreign governments or foreign-government sponsored enterprises. Investments in foreign countries also involve a risk of local political, economic, or social instability, military action or unrest, or adverse diplomatic developments.

To the extent the Fund's currency exchange transactions do not fully protect the Fund against adverse changes in currency exchange rates, decreases in the value of currencies of the foreign countries in which the Fund will invest relative to the U.S. dollar will result in a corresponding decrease in the U.S. dollar value of the Fund's assets denominated in those currencies (and possibly a corresponding increase in the amount of securities required to be liquidated to meet distribution requirements). Conversely, increases in the value of currencies of the foreign countries in which the Fund invests relative to the U.S. dollar will result in a corresponding increase in the U.S. dollar value of the Fund's assets (and possibly a corresponding decrease in the amount of securities to be liquidated).

<u>Fixed Income/Debt/Bond Securities</u>

Yields on fixed income securities are dependent on a variety of factors, including the general conditions of the money market and other fixed income securities markets, the size of a particular offering, the maturity of the obligation and the rating of the issue. An investment in the Fund will be subjected to risk even if all fixed income securities in the Fund's portfolio are paid in full at maturity. All fixed income securities, including U.S. Government securities, can change in value when there is a change in interest rates or the issuer's actual or perceived creditworthiness or ability to meet its obligations.

There is normally an inverse relationship between the market value of securities sensitive to prevailing interest rates and actual changes in interest rates. In other words, an increase in interest rates produces a decrease in market value. The longer the remaining maturity (and duration) of a security, the greater will be the effect of interest rate changes on the market value of that security. Changes in the ability of an issuer to make payments of interest and principal and in the market's perception of an issuer's creditworthiness will also affect the market value of the debt securities of that issuer. Obligations of issuers of fixed income securities (including municipal securities) are subject to the provisions of bankruptcy, insolvency, and other laws affecting the rights and remedies of creditors, such as the Federal Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978. In addition, the obligations of municipal issuers may become subject to laws enacted in the future by Congress, state legislatures, or referenda extending the time for payment of principal and/or interest, or imposing other constraints upon enforcement of such obligations or upon the ability of municipalities to levy taxes. Changes in the ability of an issuer to make payments of interest and principal and in the market's perception of an issuer's creditworthiness will also affect the market value of the debt securities of that issuer. The possibility exists, therefore, that, the ability of any issuer to pay, when due, the principal of and interest on its debt securities may become impaired.

The corporate debt securities in which the Fund may invest include corporate bonds and notes and short-term investments such as commercial paper and variable rate demand notes. Commercial paper (short-term promissory notes) is issued by companies to finance their or their affiliate's current obligations and is frequently unsecured. Variable and floating rate demand notes are unsecured obligations typically redeemable upon not more than 30 days' notice. These obligations include master demand notes that permit investment of fluctuating amounts at varying rates of interest pursuant to a direct

arrangement with the issuer of the instrument. The issuer of these obligations often has the right, after a given period, to prepay the outstanding principal amount of the obligations upon a specified number of days' notice. These obligations generally are not traded, nor generally is there an established secondary market for these obligations. To the extent a demand note does not have a 7-day or shorter demand feature and there is no readily available market for the obligation, it is treated as an illiquid security.

The Fund may invest in sovereign bonds. Sovereign bonds involve special risks not present in corporate bonds. The governmental authority that controls the repayment of the bonds may be unable or unwilling to make interest payments and/or repay the principal on its bonds. If an issuer of sovereign bonds defaults on payments of principal and/or interest, the Fund may have limited recourse against the issuer. In the past, certain governments of emerging market countries have declared themselves unable to meet their financial obligations on a timely basis, which has resulted in losses to holders of such government's debt.

A sovereign debtor's willingness or ability to repay principal and pay interest in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, the extent of its foreign currency reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange, the relative size of the debt service burden, the sovereign debtor's policy toward principal international lenders and local political constraints. Sovereign debtors may also be dependent on expected disbursements from foreign governments, multilateral agencies and other entities to reduce principal and interest arrearages on their debt. The failure of a sovereign debtor to implement economic reforms, achieve specified levels of economic performance or repay principal or interest when due may result in the cancellation of third-party commitments to lend funds to the sovereign debtor, which may further impair such debtor's ability or willingness to service its debts.

The Fund may invest in debt securities, including non-investment grade debt securities. The following describes some of the risks associated with fixed income debt securities:

*Interest Rate Risk*. Debt securities have varying levels of sensitivity to changes in interest rates. In general, the price of a debt security can fall when interest rates rise and can rise when interest rates fall. Securities with longer maturities and mortgage securities can be more sensitive to interest rate changes although they usually offer higher yields to compensate investors for the greater risks. The longer the maturity of the security, the greater the impact a change in interest rates could have on the security's price. In addition, short-term and long-term interest rates do not necessarily move in the same amount or the same direction. Short-term securities tend to react to changes in short-term interest rates and long-term securities tend to react to changes in long-term interest rates.

*Credit Risk*. Fixed income securities have speculative characteristics and changes in economic conditions or other circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of those issuers to make principal or interest payments, as compared to issuers of more highly rated securities.

*Extension Risk*. The Fund is subject to the risk that an issuer will exercise its right to pay principal on an obligation held by the Fund (such as mortgage-backed securities) later than expected. This may happen when there is a rise in interest rates. These events may lengthen the duration (i.e., interest rate sensitivity) and potentially reduce the value of these securities.

*Prepayment Risk*. Certain types of debt securities, such as mortgage-backed securities, have yield and maturity characteristics corresponding to underlying assets. Unlike traditional debt securities, which may pay a fixed rate of interest until maturity when the entire principal amount comes due, payments on certain mortgage-backed securities may include both interest and a partial payment of principal. Besides the scheduled repayment of principal, payments of principal may result from the voluntary prepayment, refinancing, or foreclosure of the underlying mortgage loans.

Securities subject to prepayment are less effective than other types of securities as a means of "locking in" attractive long-term interest rates. One reason is the need to reinvest prepayments of principal; another is the possibility of significant unscheduled prepayments resulting from declines in interest rates. These prepayments would have to be reinvested at lower rates. As a result, these securities may have less potential for capital appreciation during periods of declining interest rates than other securities of comparable maturities, although they may have a similar risk of decline in market value during periods of rising interest rates. Prepayments may also significantly shorten the effective maturities of these securities, especially during periods of declining interest rates. Conversely, during periods of rising interest rates, a reduction in prepayments may increase the effective maturities of these securities, subjecting them to a greater risk of decline in market value in response to rising interest rates than traditional debt securities, and, therefore, potentially increasing the volatility of the Fund.

At times, some of the mortgage-backed securities in which the Fund may invest will have higher than market interest rates and therefore will be purchased at a premium above their par value. Prepayments may cause losses in securities purchased at a premium, as unscheduled prepayments, which are made at par, will cause the Fund to experience a loss equal to any unamortized premium.

<u>Certificates of Deposit and Bankers' Acceptances</u>

Certificates of deposit are receipts issued by a depository institution in exchange for the deposit of funds. The issuer agrees to pay the amount deposited plus interest to the bearer of the receipt on the date specified on the certificate. The certificate usually can be traded in the secondary market prior to maturity.

The Fund may invest in insured bank obligations. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") insures the deposits of federally insured banks and savings and loan associations (collectively referred to as "banks") up to $250,000. The Fund may purchase bank obligations that are fully insured as to principal by the FDIC. Currently, to remain fully insured as to principal, these investments must be limited to $250,000 per bank; if the principal amount and accrued interest together exceed $250,000, the excess principal and accrued interest will not be insured. Insured bank obligations may have limited marketability.

Bankers' acceptances typically arise from short-term credit arrangements designed to enable businesses to obtain funds to finance commercial transactions. Generally, an acceptance is a time draft drawn on a bank by an exporter or an importer to obtain a stated amount of funds to pay for specific merchandise. The draft is then "accepted" by a bank that, in effect, unconditionally guarantees to pay the face value of the instrument on its maturity date. The acceptance may then be held by the accepting bank as an earning asset or it may be sold in the secondary market at the going rate of discount for a specific maturity. Although maturities for acceptances can be as long as 270 days, most acceptances have maturities of six months or less.

<u>Time Deposits and Variable Rate Notes</u>

The Fund may invest in fixed time deposits, whether or not subject to withdrawal penalties. The commercial paper obligations, which the Fund may buy are unsecured and may include variable rate notes. The nature and terms of a variable rate note (i.e., a "Master Note") permit the Fund to invest fluctuating amounts at varying rates of interest pursuant to a direct arrangement between the Fund as lender, and the issuer, as borrower. It permits daily changes in the amounts borrowed. The Fund has the right at any time to increase, up to the full amount stated in the note agreement, or to decrease the amount outstanding under the note. The issuer may prepay at any time and without penalty any part of or the full amount of the note. The note may or may not be backed by one or more bank letters of credit. Because these notes are direct lending arrangements between the Fund and the issuer, it is not generally contemplated that they will be traded; moreover, there is currently no secondary market for them. Except as specifically provided in the Prospectus, there is no limitation on the type

of issuer from whom these notes may be purchased; however, in connection with such purchase and on an ongoing basis, the Adviser will consider the earning power, cash flow and other liquidity ratios of the issuer, and its ability to pay principal and interest on demand, including a situation in which all holders of such notes made demand simultaneously. Variable rate notes are subject to the Fund's investment restriction on illiquid securities unless such notes can be put back to the issuer on demand within seven days.

<u>Commercial Paper</u>

The Fund may purchase commercial paper. Commercial paper consists of short-term (usually from 1 to 270 days) unsecured promissory notes issued by corporations in order to finance their current operations. It may be secured by letters of credit, a surety bond or other forms of collateral. Commercial paper is usually repaid at maturity by the issuer from the proceeds of the issuance of new commercial paper. As a result, investment in commercial paper is subject to the risk the issuer cannot issue enough new commercial paper to satisfy its outstanding commercial paper, also known as rollover risk. Commercial paper may become illiquid or may suffer from reduced liquidity in certain circumstances. Like all fixed income securities, commercial paper prices are susceptible to fluctuations in interest rates. If interest rates rise, commercial paper prices will decline. The short-term nature of a commercial paper investment makes it less susceptible to interest rate risk than many other fixed income securities because interest rate risk typically increases as maturity lengths increase. Commercial paper tends to yield smaller returns than longer-term corporate debt because securities with shorter maturities typically have lower effective yields than those with longer maturities. As with all fixed income securities, there is a chance that the issuer will default on its commercial paper obligation.

<u>Repurchase Agreements</u>

The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements. In a repurchase agreement, an investor (such as the Fund) purchases a security (known as the "underlying security") from a securities dealer or bank. Any such dealer or bank must be deemed creditworthy by the Adviser. At that time, the bank or securities dealer agrees to repurchase the underlying security at a mutually agreed upon price on a designated future date. The repurchase price may be higher than the purchase price, the difference being income to the applicable Fund, or the purchase and repurchase prices may be the same, with interest at an agreed upon rate due to the Fund on repurchase. In either case, the income to the Fund generally will be unrelated to the interest rate on the underlying securities. Repurchase agreements must be "fully collateralized," in that the market value of the underlying securities (including accrued interest) must at all times be equal to or greater than the repurchase price. Therefore, a repurchase agreement can be considered a loan collateralized by the underlying securities.

Repurchase agreements are generally for a short period of time, often less than a week, and will generally be used by the Fund to invest excess cash or as part of a temporary defensive strategy. Repurchase agreements that do not provide for payment within seven days will be treated as illiquid securities. In the event of a bankruptcy or other default by the seller of a repurchase agreement, the Fund could experience both delays in liquidating the underlying security and losses. These losses could result from: (a) possible decline in the value of the underlying security while the Fund is seeking to enforce its rights under the repurchase agreement; (b) possible reduced levels of income or lack of access to income during this period; and (c) expenses of enforcing its rights.

<u>High Yield Securities</u>

The Fund may invest in high yield securities. High yield, high risk bonds are securities that are generally rated below investment grade by the primary rating agencies (BB+ or lower by S&P and Ba1 or lower by Moody's). Other terms used to describe such securities include "lower rated bonds," "non-investment grade bonds," "below investment grade bonds," and "junk bonds." These securities are considered to be high-risk investments. The risks include the following:

*Greater Risk of Loss*. These securities are regarded as predominately speculative. There is a greater risk that issuers of lower rated securities will default than issuers of higher rated securities. Issuers of lower rated securities generally are less creditworthy and may be highly indebted, financially distressed, or bankrupt. These issuers are more vulnerable to real or perceived economic changes, political changes or adverse industry developments. In addition, high yield securities are frequently subordinated to the prior payment of senior indebtedness. If an issuer fails to pay principal or interest, the Fund could experience a decrease in income and a decline in the market value of its investments.

*Sensitivity to Interest Rate and Economic Changes*. The income and market value of lower-rated securities may fluctuate more than higher rated securities. Although non-investment grade securities tend to be less sensitive to interest rate changes than investment grade securities, non-investment grade securities are more sensitive to short-term corporate, economic and market developments. During periods of economic uncertainty and change, the market price of the investments in lower-rated securities may be volatile. The default rate for high yield bonds tends to be cyclical, with defaults rising in periods of economic downturn. For example, in 2000, 2001 and 2002, the default rate for high yield securities was significantly higher than in the prior or subsequent years.

*Valuation Difficulties*. It is often more difficult to value lower rated securities than higher rated securities. If an issuer's financial condition deteriorates, accurate financial and business information may be limited or unavailable. In addition, the lower rated investments may be thinly traded and there may be no established secondary market. Because of the lack of market pricing and current information for investments in lower rated securities, valuation of such investments is much more dependent on judgment than is the case with higher rated securities.

*Liquidity*. There may be no established secondary or public market for investments in lower rated securities. Such securities are frequently traded in markets that may be relatively less liquid than the market for higher rated securities. In addition, relatively few institutional purchasers may hold a major portion of an issue of lower-rated securities at times. As a result, the Fund may be required to sell investments at substantial losses or retain them indefinitely when an issuer's financial condition is deteriorating.

*Credit Quality*. Credit quality of non-investment grade securities can change suddenly and unexpectedly, and even recently-issued credit ratings may not fully reflect the actual risks posed by a particular high-yield security.

*New Legislation*. Future legislation may have a possible negative impact on the market for high yield, high risk bonds. As an example, in the late 1980s, legislation required federally-insured savings and loan associations to divest their investments in high yield, high risk bonds. New legislation, if enacted, could have a material negative effect on the Fund's investments in lower rated securities.

*High yield*. High risk investments may include the following:

*Straight fixed-income debt securities*. These include bonds and other debt obligations that bear a fixed or variable rate of interest payable at regular intervals and have a fixed or resettable maturity date. The particular terms of such securities vary and may include features such as call provisions and sinking funds.

 

*Zero-coupon debt securities*. These bear no interest obligation but are issued at a discount from their value at maturity. When held to maturity, their entire return equals the difference between their issue price and their maturity value.

*Zero-fixed-coupon debt securities*. These are zero-coupon debt securities that convert on a specified date to interest-bearing debt securities.

*Pay-in-kind bonds*. These are bonds which allow the issuer, at its option, to make current interest payments on the bonds either in cash or in additional bonds. These are bonds sold without registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("Securities Act"), usually to a relatively small number of institutional investors.

*Convertible Securities*. These are bonds or preferred stock that may be converted to common stock.

*Preferred Stock*. These are stocks that generally pay a dividend at a specified rate and have preference over common stock in the payment of dividends and in liquidation.

*Loan Participations and Assignments*. These are participations in, or assignments of all or a portion of loans to corporations or to governments, including governments of less developed countries.

*Securities issued in connection with Reorganizations and Corporate Restructurings*. In connection with reorganizing or restructuring of an issuer, an issuer may issue common stock or other securities to holders of its debt securities. The Fund may hold such common stock and other securities even if it does not invest in such securities.

<u>Municipal Government Obligations</u>

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

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

*Municipal Lease Obligations*. Municipal lease obligations may take the form of a lease, an installment purchase or a conditional sales contract. They are issued by state and local governments and authorities to acquire land, equipment and facilities, such as vehicles, telecommunications and computer equipment and other capital assets. The Fund may invest in Underlying Funds that purchase these lease obligations directly, or it may purchase participation interests in such lease obligations (See "Participation Interests" section). States have different requirements for issuing municipal debt and issuing municipal leases. Municipal leases are generally subject to greater risks than general obligation or revenue bonds because they usually contain a "non-appropriation" clause, which provides that the issuer is not obligated to make payments on the obligation in future years unless funds have been appropriated for this purpose each year. Such non-appropriation clauses are required to avoid the municipal lease obligations from being treated as debt for state debt restriction purposes. Accordingly, such obligations are subject to "non-appropriation" risk. Municipal leases may be secured by the underlying capital asset and it may be difficult to dispose of any such asset in the event of non-appropriation or other default.

<u>Master Limited Partnerships ("MLPs")</u>

An MLP is an entity that is generally taxed as a partnership for federal income tax purposes and that derives each year at least 90% of its gross income from "Qualifying Income". Qualifying Income for MLPs includes interest, dividends, real estate rents, gain from the sale or disposition of real property, income and gain from commodities or commodity futures, and income and gain from mineral or natural resources activities that generate Qualifying Income. MLP interests (known as units) are traded on securities exchanges or over-the-counter. An MLP's organization as a partnership and compliance with the Qualifying Income rules generally eliminates federal tax at the entity level.

An MLP has one or more general partners (who may be individuals, corporations, or other partnerships) which manage the partnership, and limited partners, which provide capital to the partnership but have no role in its management. Typically, the general partner is owned by company management or another publicly traded sponsoring corporation. When an investor buys units in an MLP, the investor becomes a limited partner.

MLPs are formed in several ways. A nontraded partnership may decide to go public. Several nontraded partnerships may roll up into a single MLP. A corporation may spin-off a group of assets or part of its business into an MLP of which it is the general partner, to realize the assets' full value on the marketplace by selling the assets and using the cash proceeds received from the MLP to address debt obligations or to invest in higher growth opportunities, while retaining control of the MLP. A corporation may fully convert to an MLP, although since 1986 the tax consequences have made this an unappealing option for most corporations. Unlike the ways described above, it is also possible for a newly formed entity to commence operations as an MLP from its inception.

The sponsor or general partner of an MLP, other energy companies, and utilities may sell assets to MLPs in order to generate cash to fund expansion projects or repay debt. The MLP structure essentially transfers cash flows generated from these acquired assets directly to MLP limited partner unitholders.

In the case of an MLP buying assets from its sponsor or general partner the transaction is intended to be based upon comparable terms in the acquisition market for similar assets. To help insure that appropriate protections are in place, the board of the MLP generally creates an independent committee to review and approve the terms of the transaction. The committee often obtains a fairness opinion and can retain counsel or other experts to assist its evaluation. Since both parties normally have a significant equity stake in the MLP, both parties are aligned to see that the transaction is accretive and fair to the MLP.

As a motivation for the general partner to successfully manage the MLP and increase cash flows, the terms of MLPs typically provide that the general partner receives a larger portion of the net income as distributions reach higher target levels. As cash flow grows, the general partner receives a greater interest in the incremental income compared to the interest of limited partners. Although the percentages vary among MLPs, the general partner's marginal interest in distributions generally increases from 2% to 15% at the first designated distribution target level moving up to 25% and ultimately 50% as pre-established distribution per unit thresholds are met. Nevertheless, the aggregate amount distributed to limited partners will increase as MLP distributions reach higher target levels. Given this incentive structure, the general partner has an incentive to streamline operations and undertake acquisitions and growth projects in order to increase distributions to all partners.

Because the MLP itself generally does not pay federal income tax, its income or loss is allocated to its investors, irrespective of whether the investors receive any cash payment or other distributions from the MLP. An MLP typically makes quarterly cash distributions. Although they resemble corporate dividends, MLP distributions are treated differently for tax purposes. The MLP distribution is treated as a return of capital to the extent of the investor's basis in his MLP interest and, to the extent the distribution exceeds the investor's basis in the MLP, generally as capital gain. The investor's original basis is the

price paid for the units. The basis is adjusted downwards with each distribution and allocation of deductions (such as depreciation) and losses, and upwards with each allocation of taxable income and gain.

The partner will not incur federal income tax on distributions until: (1) he sells his MLP units and pays tax on his gain, which gain is increased due to the basis decrease due to prior distributions; or (2) his basis reaches zero. When the units are sold, the difference between the sales price and the investor's adjusted basis is gain or loss for federal income tax purposes.

The business of certain MLPs is affected by supply and demand for energy commodities because such MLPs derive revenue and income based upon the volume of the underlying commodity produced, transported, processed, distributed, and/or marketed. Pipeline MLPs have indirect commodity exposure to gas and oil price volatility because although they do not own the underlying energy commodity, the general level of commodity prices may affect the volume of the commodity that the MLP delivers to its customers and the cost of providing services such as distributing natural gas liquids ("NGLs"). The costs of natural gas pipeline MLPs to perform services may exceed the negotiated rates under "negotiated rate" contracts. Specifically, processing MLPs may be directly affected by energy commodity prices. Propane MLPs own the underlying energy commodity, and therefore have direct exposure to energy commodity prices, although the Adviser intends to target high quality MLPs that seek to mitigate or manage direct margin exposure to commodity prices. However, the MLP industry in general could be hurt by market perception that an MLP's performance and valuation are directly tied to commodity prices.

<u>Real Estate Investment Trusts ("REITs")</u>

The Fund may invest in the equity securities of REITs focused on the energy industry. A REIT is a corporation or business trust that invests in real estate and derives its income from rents or sales of real property or interest on loans secured by mortgages on real property. The market value of REITs may be affected by numerous factors, including decreases in the value of real estate, vacancies, decreases in lease rates, defaults by lessees, changes in the tax laws or by their inability to qualify for the tax-free pass-through of their income.

<u>Energy Trust Securities</u>

The Fund may invest in U.S. royalty trusts. U.S. royalty trusts are generally not subject to U.S. federal corporate income taxation at the trust or entity level. Instead, each unitholder of the U.S. royalty trust is required to take into account its share of all items of the U.S. royalty trust's income, gain, loss, deduction and expense. It is possible that the Fund's share of taxable income from a U.S. royalty trust may exceed the cash actually distributed to it from the U.S. royalty trust in a given year. In such a case, the Fund will have less after-tax cash available for distribution to shareholders.

<u>Exchange-Traded Notes ("ETNs")</u>

The Fund may invest in ETNs, which are senior, unsecured, unsubordinated debt securities whose returns are linked to the performance of a particular market benchmark or strategy, minus applicable fees. ETNs are traded on an exchange (e.g., the New York Stock Exchange) during normal trading hours; however, investors also can hold ETNs until they mature. At maturity, the issuer pays to the investor a cash amount equal to the principal amount, subject to the day's market benchmark or strategy factor. ETNs do not make periodic coupon payments or provide principal protection. ETNs are subject to credit risk, including the credit risk of the issuer, and the value of the ETN may drop due to a downgrade in the issuer's credit rating, despite the underlying market benchmark or strategy remaining unchanged. The value of an ETN also may be influenced by time to maturity, level of supply and demand for the ETN, volatility and lack of liquidity in underlying assets, changes in the applicable interest rates, changes in the issuer's credit rating, and economic, legal, political, or geographic events that affect the referenced underlying asset. When the Fund invests in ETNs, it will bear its proportionate share of any fees and expenses borne by the ETN. A decision by the Fund to sell ETN holdings may be limited by the availability of a

secondary market. In addition, although an ETN may be listed on an exchange, the issuer may not be required to maintain the listing, and there can be no assurance that a secondary market will exist for an ETN.

ETNs also are subject to tax risk. No assurance can be given that the IRS will accept, or a court will uphold, how a Fund characterizes and treats ETNs for tax purposes.

An ETN that is tied to a specific market benchmark or strategy may not be able to replicate and maintain exactly the composition and relative weighting of securities, commodities or other components in the applicable market benchmark or strategy. Some ETNs that use leverage can, at times, be relatively illiquid, and thus they may be difficult to purchase or sell at a fair price. Leveraged ETNs are subject to the same risk as other instruments that use leverage in any form. The market value of ETNs may differ from their market benchmark or strategy. This difference in price may be due to the fact that the supply and demand in the market for ETNs at any point in time is not always identical to the supply and demand in the market for the securities, commodities or other components underlying the market benchmark or strategy that the ETN seeks to track. As a result, there may be times when an ETN trades at a premium or discount to its market benchmark or strategy.

<u>United States Government Obligations</u>

These consist of various types of marketable securities issued by the United States Treasury, i.e., bills, notes and bonds. Such securities are direct obligations of the United States government and differ mainly in the length of their maturity. Treasury bills, the most frequently issued marketable government security, have a maturity of up to one year and are issued on a discount basis. The Fund may also invest in Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities ("TIPS"). TIPS are special types of treasury bonds that were created in order to offer bond investors protection from inflation. The values of the TIPS are automatically adjusted to the inflation rate as measured by the Consumer Price Index ("CPI"). If the CPI goes up by half a percent, the value of the bond (the TIPS) would also go up by half a percent. If the CPI falls, the value of the bond does not fall because the government guarantees that the original investment will stay the same. TIPS decline in value when real interest rates rise. However, in certain interest rate environments, such as when real interest rates are rising faster than nominal interest rates, TIPS may experience greater losses than other fixed income securities with similar duration.

<u>United States Government Agency Obligations</u>

These consist of debt securities issued by agencies and instrumentalities of the United States government, including the various types of instruments currently outstanding or which may be offered in the future. Agencies include, among others, the Federal Housing Administration, Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA"), Farmer's Home Administration, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Maritime Administration, and General Services Administration. Instrumentalities include, for example, each of the Federal Home Loan Banks, the National Bank for Cooperatives, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC"), the Farm Credit Banks, the Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA"), and the United States Postal Service. These securities are either: (i) backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government (e.g., United States Treasury Bills); (ii) guaranteed by the United States Treasury (e.g., GNMA mortgage-backed securities); (iii) supported by the issuing agency's or instrumentality's right to borrow from the United States Treasury (e.g., FNMA Discount Notes); or (iv) supported only by the issuing agency's or instrumentality's own credit (e.g., Tennessee Valley Association). On September 7, 2008, the U.S. Treasury Department and the Federal Housing Finance Authority (the "FHFA") announced that FNMA and FHLMC had been placed into conservatorship, a statutory process designed to stabilize a troubled institution with the objective of returning the entity to normal business operations. The U.S. Treasury Department and the FHFA at the same time established a secured lending facility and a Secured Stock Purchase Agreement with both FNMA and FHLMC to ensure that each entity had the ability to fulfill its financial obligations. The FHFA announced that it does not anticipate any disruption in pattern of payments or ongoing business operations of FNMA and FHLMC.

Government-related guarantors (i.e., not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government) include FNMA and FHLMC. FNMA is a government-sponsored corporation owned entirely by private stockholders. It is subject to general regulation by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. FNMA purchases conventional (i.e., not insured or guaranteed by any government agency) residential mortgages from a list of approved seller/servicers which include state and federally chartered savings and loan associations, mutual savings banks, commercial banks and credit unions and mortgage bankers. Pass-through securities issued by FNMA are guaranteed as to timely payment of principal and interest by FNMA but are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government.

<u>Securities of Other Investment Companies</u>

The Fund may invest in securities issued by other investment companies. The Fund intends to limit its investments in accordance with applicable law or as permitted by Rule 12d1-4. Among other things, such law would limit these investments so that, as determined immediately after a securities purchase is made by the Fund: (a) not more than 5% of the value of its total assets will be invested in the securities of any one investment company (the "5% Limitation"); (b) not more than 10% of the value of its total assets will be invested in the aggregate in securities of investment companies as a group (the "10% Limitation"); (c) not more than 3% of the outstanding voting stock of any one investment company will be owned by the Fund (the "3% Limitation"); and (d) not more than 10% of the outstanding voting stock of any one closed-end investment company will be owned by the Fund together with all other investment companies that have the same advisor. Under certain sets of conditions, different sets of restrictions may be applicable. As a shareholder of another investment company, the Fund would bear, along with other shareholders, its proportionate share of that investment company's expenses, including advisory fees. These expenses would be in addition to the advisory and other expenses that the Fund bears directly in connection with its own operations. Investment companies in which the Fund may invest may also impose a sales or distribution charge in connection with the purchase or redemption of their shares and other types of commissions or charges. Such charges will be payable by the Fund and, therefore, will be borne directly by the Fund's shareholders.

To the extent applicable, the Fund may to rely on Section 12(d)(1)(F) and Rule 12d1-4 under the 1940 Act which in conjunction with one another allow registered investment companies (such as the Fund) to exceed the 3%, 5% and 10% Limitation and the 10% Limitations, provided the aggregate sales loads any investor pays (i.e., the combined distribution expenses of both the acquiring fund and the acquired funds) do not exceed the limits on sales loads established by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA") for funds of funds, and the registered investment company "mirror votes" any securities purchased pursuant to Section 12(d)(1)(F).

Investments of the Funds in other investment companies, such as exchange traded funds ("ETFs") and mutual funds, involve certain additional expenses and certain tax results, which would not be present if directly investing in such funds. Each

investment company is subject to specific risks, depending on the nature of the fund. Certain underlying ETFs and mutual funds may employ leverage, which magnifies the changes in the underlying stock or other index upon which they are based.

<u>Closed-End Investment Companies</u>

The Fund may invest its assets in "closed-end" investment companies (or "closed-end funds"), subject to the investment restrictions set forth above. Shares of closed-end funds are typically offered to the public in a one-time initial public offering by a group of underwriters who retain a spread or underwriting commission of between 4% or 6% of the initial public offering price. Such securities are then listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange, the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System (commonly known as "NASDAQ") and, in some cases, may be traded in other over-the-counter markets. Because the shares of closed-end funds cannot be redeemed upon demand to the issuer like the shares of an open-end investment company (such as the Fund), investors seek to buy and sell shares of closed-end funds in the secondary market.

The Fund generally will purchase shares of closed-end funds only in the secondary market. The Fund will incur normal brokerage costs on such purchases similar to the expenses the Fund would incur for the purchase of securities of any other type of issuer in the secondary market. The Fund may, however, also purchase securities of a closed-end fund in an initial public offering when, in the opinion of the Adviser, based on a consideration of the nature of the closed-end fund's proposed investments, the prevailing market conditions and the level of demand for such securities, they represent an attractive opportunity for growth of capital. The initial offering price typically will include a dealer spread, which may be higher than the applicable brokerage cost if the Fund purchased such securities in the secondary market.

The shares of many closed-end funds, after their initial public offering, frequently trade at a price per share, which is less than the net asset value ("NAV") per share, the difference representing the "market discount" of such shares. This market discount may be due in part to the investment objective of long-term appreciation, which is sought by many closed-end funds, as well as to the fact that the shares of closed-end funds are not redeemable by the holder upon demand to the issuer at the next determined NAV but rather are subject to the principles of supply and demand in the secondary market. A relative lack of secondary market purchasers of closed-end fund shares also may contribute to such shares trading at a discount to their NAV.

The Fund may invest in shares of closed-end funds that are trading at a discount to NAV or at a premium to NAV. There can be no assurance that the market discount on shares of any closed-end fund purchased by the Fund will ever decrease. In fact, it is possible that this market discount may increase and the Fund may suffer realized or unrealized capital losses due to further decline in the market price of the securities of such closed-end funds, thereby adversely affecting the NAV of the Fund's shares. Similarly, there can be no assurance that any shares of a closed-end fund purchased by the Fund at a premium will continue to trade at a premium or that the premium will not decrease subsequent to a purchase of such shares by the Fund.

Closed-end funds may issue senior securities (including preferred stock and debt obligations) for the purpose of leveraging the closed-end fund's common shares in an attempt to enhance the current return to such closed-end fund's common shareholders. The Fund's investment in the common shares of closed-end funds that are financially leveraged may create an opportunity for greater total return on its investment, but at the same time may be expected to exhibit more volatility in market price and NAV than an investment in shares of investment companies without a leveraged capital structure.

<u>Open-End Investment Companies</u>

Under certain circumstances, an underlying open-end fund may determine to make payment of a redemption by the Fund wholly or partly by a distribution in kind of securities from its portfolio, in lieu of cash, in conformity with the rules of the

SEC. In such cases, the Fund may hold securities distributed by an underlying fund until the Adviser determines that it is appropriate to dispose of such securities.

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

<u>Exchange Traded Funds ("ETFs")</u>

ETFs are generally passive funds that track their related index and have the flexibility of trading like a security. They are managed by professionals and provide the investor with diversification, cost and tax efficiency, liquidity, marginability, are useful for hedging, have the ability to go long and short, and some provide quarterly dividends. Additionally, some ETFs are unit investment trusts. ETFs typically have two markets. The primary market is where institutions swap "creation units" in block-multiples of, for example, 25,000 shares for in-kind securities and cash in the form of dividends. The secondary market is where individual investors can trade as little as a single share during trading hours on the exchange. This is different from open-ended mutual funds that are traded after hours once the NAV is calculated. ETFs share many similar risks with open-end and closed-end funds.

<u>Securities Options</u>

The Fund may purchase and write (i.e., sell) put and call options. Such options may relate to particular securities or stock indices and may or may not be listed on a domestic or foreign securities exchange and may or may not be issued by the Options Clearing Corporation. Options trading is a highly specialized activity that entails greater than ordinary investment risk. Options may be more volatile than the underlying instruments, and therefore, on a percentage basis, an investment in options may be subject to greater fluctuation than an investment in the underlying instruments themselves.

A call option for a particular security gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and the writer (seller) the obligation to sell, the underlying security at the stated exercise price at any time prior to the expiration of the option, regardless of the market price of the security. The premium paid to the writer is in consideration for undertaking the obligation under the option contract. A put option for a particular security gives the purchaser the right to sell the security at the stated exercise price at any time prior to the expiration date of the option, regardless of the market price of the security.

Stock index options are put options and call options on various stock indices. In most respects, they are identical to listed options on common stocks. The primary difference between stock options and index options occurs when index options are exercised. In the case of stock options, the underlying security, common stock, is delivered. However, upon the exercise of an index option, settlement does not occur by delivery of the securities comprising the index. The option holder who exercises the index option receives an amount of cash if the closing level of the stock index upon which the option is based is greater than, in the case of a call, or less than, in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option. This amount of cash is equal to the difference between the closing price of the stock index and the exercise price of the option expressed in dollars times a specified multiple. A stock index fluctuates with changes in the market value of the stocks included in the index. For example, some stock index options are based on a broad market index, such as the Standard & Poor's 500® Index or the Value Line Composite Index or a narrower market index, such as the Standard & Poor's 100®. Indices may also be based on an industry or market segment, such as the NYSE Arca Oil Index. Options on stock indices are currently traded on the Chicago Board Options Exchange, the New York Stock Exchange, and NASDAQ OMX PHLX.

The Fund's obligation to sell an instrument subject to a call option written by it, or to purchase an instrument subject to a put option written by it, may be terminated prior to the expiration date of the option by the Fund's execution of a closing

purchase transaction, which is effected by purchasing on an exchange an option of the same series (i.e*.*, same underlying instrument, exercise price and expiration date) as the option previously written. A closing purchase transaction will ordinarily be effected to realize a profit on an outstanding option, to prevent an underlying instrument from being called, to permit the sale of the underlying instrument or to permit the writing of a new option containing different terms on such underlying instrument. The cost of such a liquidation purchase plus transactions costs may be greater than the premium received upon the original option, in which event the Fund will have paid a loss in the transaction. There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for any particular option. An option writer unable to effect a closing purchase transaction will not be able to sell the underlying instrument until the option expires or the optioned instrument is delivered upon exercise. In such circumstances, the writer will be subject to the risk of market decline or appreciation in the instrument during such period.

If an option purchased by the Fund expires unexercised, the Fund realizes a loss equal to the premium paid. If the Fund enters into a closing sale transaction on an option purchased by it, the Fund will realize a gain if the premium received by the Fund on the closing transaction is more than the premium paid to purchase the option, or a loss if it is less. If an option written by the Fund expires on the stipulated expiration date or if the Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction, it will realize a gain (or loss if the cost of a closing purchase transaction exceeds the net premium received when the option is sold). If an option written by the Fund is exercised, the proceeds of the sale will be increased by the net premium originally received and the Fund will realize a gain or loss.

<u>Certain Risks Regarding Options</u>

There are several risks associated with transactions in options. For example, there are significant differences between the securities and options markets that could result in an imperfect correlation between these markets, causing a given transaction not to achieve its objectives. In addition, a liquid secondary market for particular options, whether traded over-the-counter or on an exchange, may be absent for reasons which include the following: there may be insufficient trading interest in certain options; restrictions may be imposed by an exchange on opening transactions or closing transactions or both; trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular classes or series of options or underlying securities or currencies; unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal operations on an exchange; the facilities of an exchange or the Options Clearing Corporation may not at all times be adequate to handle current trading value; or one or more exchanges could, for economic or other reasons, decide or be compelled at some future date to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options), in which event the secondary market on that exchange (or in that class or series of options) would cease to exist, although outstanding options that had been issued by the Options Clearing Corporation as a result of trades on that exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.

Successful use by the Fund of options on stock indices will be subject to the ability of the Adviser to correctly predict movements in the directions of the stock market. This requires different skills and techniques than predicting changes in the prices of individual securities. In addition, the Fund's ability to effectively hedge all or a portion of the securities in its portfolio, in anticipation of or during a market decline, through transactions in put options on stock indices, depends on the degree to which price movements in the underlying index correlate with the price movements of the securities held by the Fund. Inasmuch as the Fund's securities will not duplicate the components of an index, the correlation will not be perfect. Consequently, the Fund bears the risk that the prices of its securities being hedged will not move in the same amount as the prices of its put options on the stock indices. It is also possible that there may be a negative correlation between the index and the Fund's securities that would result in a loss on both such securities and the options on stock indices acquired by the Fund.

The hours of trading for options may not conform to the hours during which the underlying securities are traded. To the extent that the options markets close before the markets for the underlying securities, significant price and rate movements

can take place in the underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the options markets. The purchase of options is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The purchase of stock index options involves the risk that the premium and transaction costs paid by the Fund in purchasing an option will be lost as a result of unanticipated movements in prices of the securities comprising the stock index on which the option is based.

There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an options exchange will exist for any particular option, or at any particular time, and for some options no secondary market on an exchange or elsewhere may exist. If the Fund is unable to close out a call option on securities that it has written before the option is exercised, the Fund may be required to purchase the optioned securities in order to satisfy its obligation under the option to deliver such securities. If the Fund is unable to effect a closing sale transaction with respect to options on securities that it has purchased, it would have to exercise the option in order to realize any profit and would incur transaction costs upon the purchase and sale of the underlying securities.

 <u>Cover for Options Positions</u>

Transactions using options (other than options that the Fund has purchased) expose the Fund to an obligation to another party. The Fund will not enter into any such transactions unless it owns either (i) an offsetting ("covered") position in securities or other options or (ii) cash or liquid securities with a value sufficient at all times to cover its potential obligations not covered as provided in (i) above.

<u>Options on Futures Contracts</u>

The Fund may purchase and sell options on the same types of futures in which it may invest. Options on futures are similar to options on underlying instruments except that options on futures give the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in a futures contract (a long position if the option is a call and a short position if the option is a put), rather than to purchase or sell the futures contract, at a specified exercise price at any time during the period of the option. Upon exercise of the option, the delivery of the futures position by the writer of the option to the holder of the option will be accompanied by the delivery of the accumulated balance in the writer's futures margin account which represents the amount by which the market price of the futures contract, at exercise, exceeds (in the case of a call) or is less than (in the case of a put) the exercise price of the option on the futures contract. Purchasers of options who fail to exercise their options prior to the exercise date suffer a loss of the premium paid.

<u>Dealer Options</u>

The Fund may engage in transactions involving dealer options as well as exchange-traded options. Certain additional risks are specific to dealer options. While the Fund might look to a clearing corporation to exercise exchange-traded options, if the Fund were to purchase a dealer option it would need to rely on the dealer from which it purchased the option to perform if the option were exercised. Failure by the dealer to do so would result in the loss of the premium paid by the Fund as well as loss of the expected benefit of the transaction.

Exchange-traded options generally have a continuous liquid market while dealer options may not. Consequently, the Fund may generally be able to realize the value of a dealer option it has purchased only by exercising or reselling the option to the dealer who issued it. Similarly, when the Fund writes a dealer option, it may generally be able to close out the option prior to its expiration only by entering into a closing purchase transaction with the dealer to whom the Fund originally wrote the option. While the Fund will seek to enter into dealer options only with dealers who will agree to and which are expected to be capable of entering into closing transactions with the Fund, there can be no assurance that the Fund will at any time be able to liquidate a dealer option at a favorable price at any time prior to expiration. Unless the Fund, as a covered dealer call option writer, is able to effect a closing purchase transaction, it will not be able to liquidate securities (or other assets)

used as cover until the option expires or is exercised. In the event of insolvency of the other party, the Fund may be unable to liquidate a dealer option. With respect to options written by the Fund, the inability to enter into a closing transaction may result in material losses to the Fund.

The Staff of the SEC has taken the position that purchased dealer options are illiquid securities. In such cases, the dealer option would be considered illiquid only to the extent the maximum purchase price under the formula exceeds the intrinsic value of the option. Accordingly, the Fund will treat dealer options as subject to the Fund's limitation on illiquid securities. If the SEC changes its position on the liquidity of dealer options, the Fund will change its treatment of such instruments accordingly.

<u>Futures Contracts</u>

A futures contract provides for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified amount of a specific financial instrument (e.g., units of a stock index) for a specified price, date, time and place designated at the time the contract is made. Brokerage fees are paid when a futures contract is bought or sold and margin deposits must be maintained. Entering into a contract to buy is commonly referred to as buying or purchasing a contract or holding a long position. Entering into a contract to sell is commonly referred to as selling a contract or holding a short position.

Unlike when the Fund purchases or sells a security, no price would be paid or received by the Fund upon the purchase or sale of a futures contract. The margin required for a particular futures contract is set by the exchange on which the contract is traded, and may be significantly modified from time to time by the exchange during the term of the contract. Futures contracts are customarily purchased and sold on margins that may range upward from less than 5% of the value of the contract being traded.

If the price of an open futures contract changes (by increase in underlying instrument or index in the case of a sale or by decrease in the case of a purchase) so that the loss on the futures contract reaches a point at which the margin on deposit does not satisfy margin requirements, the broker will require an increase in the margin. However, if the value of a position increases because of favorable price changes in the futures contract so that the margin deposit exceeds the required margin, the broker will pay the excess to the 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 fluctuate 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 margin deposits.

Although certain futures contracts, by their terms, require actual future delivery of and payment for the underlying instruments, in practice most futures contracts are usually closed out before the delivery date. Closing out an open futures contract purchase or sale is effected by entering into an offsetting futures contract sale or purchase, respectively, for the same aggregate amount of the identical underlying instrument or index and the same delivery date. If the offsetting purchase price is less than the original sale price, the Fund realizes a gain; if it is more, the Fund realizes a loss. Conversely, if the offsetting sale price is more than the original purchase price, the Fund realizes a gain; if it is less, the Fund realizes a loss. The transaction costs must also be included in these calculations. There can be no assurance, however, that the Fund will be able to enter into an offsetting transaction with respect to a particular futures contract at a particular time.

Settlement of a stock index futures contract may or may not be in the underlying instrument or index. If not in the underlying instrument or index, then settlement will be made in cash, equivalent over time to the difference between the contract price and the actual price of the underlying asset at the time the stock index futures contract expires.

<u>Swap Agreements</u>

 ****

The Fund may enter into swap agreements for purposes of attempting to gain exposure to equity, debt, commodities or other asset markets without actually purchasing those assets, or to hedge a position. Swap agreements are two-party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors for periods ranging from a day to more than one year. In a standard "swap" transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments. The gross returns to be exchanged or "swapped" between the parties are calculated with respect to a "notional amount," i.e., the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested in a "basket" of securities representing a particular index.

Most swap agreements entered into by the Fund calculate the obligations of the parties to the agreement on a "net basis." Consequently, the Fund's current obligations (or rights) under a swap agreement will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the positions held by each party to the agreement (the "net amount"). Payments may be made at the conclusion of a swap agreement or periodically during its term.

Swap agreements do not involve the delivery of securities or other underlying assets. Accordingly, if a swap is entered into on a net basis, if the other party to a swap agreement defaults, the Fund's risk of loss consists of the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually entitled to receive, if any.

The net amount of the excess, if any, of the Fund's obligations over its entitlements with respect to a swap agreement entered into on a net basis will be accrued daily and an amount of cash or liquid asset having an aggregate NAV at least equal to the accrued excess will be maintained in an account with the Custodian.

Because they are two-party contracts and because they may have terms of greater than seven days, swap agreements may be considered to be illiquid for the Fund's illiquid investment limitations. The Fund will not enter into any swap agreement unless the Adviser believes that the other party to the transaction is creditworthy. The Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty.

The Fund may enter into a swap agreement in circumstances where the Adviser believes that it may be more cost effective or practical than buying the securities represented by such index or a futures contract or an option on such index. The counterparty to any swap agreement will typically be a bank, investment banking firm or broker/dealer. The counterparty will generally agree to pay the Fund the amount, if any, by which the notional amount of the swap agreement would have increased in value had it been invested in the particular stocks represented in the index, plus the dividends that would have been received on those stocks. The Fund will agree to pay to the counterparty a floating rate of interest on the notional amount of the swap agreement plus the amount, if any, by which the notional amount would have decreased in value had it been invested in such stocks. Therefore, the return to the Fund on any swap agreement should be the gain or loss on the notional amount plus dividends on the stocks less the interest paid by the Fund on the notional amount.

The swap market has grown substantially in recent years with a large number of banks and investment banking firms acting both as principals and as agents utilizing standardized swap documentation. As a result, the swap market has become relatively liquid in comparison with the markets for other similar instruments that are traded in the over-the-counter market.

 

*Regulation as a Commodity Pool Operator*

The Adviser, on behalf of the Fund, has filed with the National Futures Association, a notice claiming an exclusion from the definition of the term "commodity pool operator" under the Commodity Exchange Act, as amended, and the rules of the

Commodity Futures Trading Commission promulgated thereunder, with respect to the Fund's operations. Accordingly, the Fund is not currently subject to registration or regulation as a commodity pool operator. The Fund will only enter into futures contracts or futures options that are standardized and traded on a U.S. or foreign exchange or board of trade, or similar entity, or quoted on an automated quotation system, or where quoted prices are generally available in the over-the-counter market.

<u>When-Issued, Forward Commitments and Delayed Settlements</u>

The Fund may purchase and sell securities on a when-issued, forward commitment or delayed settlement basis.

The Fund does not intend to engage in these transactions for speculative purposes but only in furtherance of its investment objectives.

The Fund will purchase securities on a when-issued, forward commitment or delayed settlement basis only with the intention of completing the transaction. If deemed advisable as a matter of investment strategy, however, the Fund may dispose of or renegotiate a commitment after it is entered into, and may sell securities it has committed to purchase before those securities are delivered to the Fund on the settlement date. In these cases, the Fund may realize a taxable capital gain or loss. When the Fund engages in when-issued, forward commitment and delayed settlement transactions, it relies on the other party to consummate the trade. Failure of such party to do so may result in the Fund incurring a loss or missing an opportunity to obtain a price credited to be advantageous.

The market value of the securities underlying a when-issued purchase, forward commitment to purchase securities, or a delayed settlement and any subsequent fluctuations in their market value is taken into account when determining the market value of the Fund starting on the day the Fund agrees to purchase the securities. The Fund does not earn interest on the securities it has committed to purchase until it has paid for and delivered on the settlement date.

<u>Illiquid Investments and Restricted Securities</u>

The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments. Illiquid investments include securities subject to contractual or legal restrictions on resale (e.g., because they have not been registered under the Securities Act) and securities that are otherwise not readily marketable (e.g., because trading in the security is suspended or because market makers do not exist or will not entertain bids or offers). Securities that have not been registered under the Securities Act are referred to as private placements or restricted securities and are purchased directly from the issuer or in the secondary market. Foreign securities that are freely tradable in their principal markets are not considered to be illiquid.

Restricted securities and other illiquid investments may be subject to the potential for delays on resale and uncertainty in valuation. The Fund might be unable to dispose of illiquid investments promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty in satisfying redemption requests from shareholders. The Fund might have to register restricted securities in order to dispose of them, resulting in additional expense and delay. Adverse market conditions could impede such a public offering of securities.

A large institutional market exists for certain securities that are not registered under the Securities Act, including foreign securities. The fact that there are contractual or legal restrictions on resale to the general public or to certain institutions may not be indicative of the liquidity of such investments. Rule 144A under the Securities Act allows such a broader institutional trading market for securities otherwise subject to restrictions on resale to the general public. Rule 144A establishes a "safe harbor" from the registration requirements of the Securities Act for resale of certain securities to qualified institutional buyers. Rule 144A has produced enhanced liquidity for many restricted securities, and market liquidity for such securities may continue to expand as a result of this regulation and the consequent existence of the PORTAL system, which is an

automated system for the trading, clearance and settlement of unregistered securities of domestic and foreign issuers sponsored by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. ("FINRA").

Under guidelines adopted by the Board, the Adviser may determine that particular Rule 144A securities, and commercial paper issued in reliance on the private placement exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act, are liquid even though they are not registered. A determination of whether such a security is liquid or not is a question of fact. In making this determination, the Adviser will consider, as it deems appropriate under the circumstances and among other factors: (1) the frequency of trades and quotes for the security; (2) the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the security; (3) the number of other potential purchasers of the security; (4) dealer undertakings to make a market in the security; (5) the nature of the security (e.g., debt or equity, date of maturity, terms of dividend or interest payments, and other material terms) and the nature of the marketplace trades (e.g., the time needed to dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers, and the mechanics of transfer); and (6) the rating of the security and the financial condition and prospects of the issuer. In the case of commercial paper, the Adviser will also determine that the paper (1) is not traded flat or in default as to principal and interest, and (2) is rated in one of the two highest rating categories by at least two Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations ("NRSROs") or, if only one NRSRO rates the security, by that NRSRO, or, if the security is unrated, the Adviser determines that it is of equivalent quality.

Rule 144A securities and Section 4(a)(2) commercial paper that have been deemed liquid as described above will continue to be monitored by the Adviser to determine if the security is no longer liquid as the result of changed conditions. Investing in Rule 144A securities or Section 4(a)(2) commercial paper could have the effect of increasing the amount of the Fund's assets invested in illiquid securities if institutional buyers are unwilling to purchase such securities.

<u>Lending Portfolio Securities</u>

For the purpose of achieving income, the Fund may lend its portfolio securities, provided (1) the loan is secured continuously by collateral consisting of U.S. government securities or cash or cash equivalents (cash, U.S. government securities, negotiable certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances or letters of credit) maintained on a daily mark-to-market basis in an amount at least equal to the current market value of the securities loaned, (2) the Fund may at any time call the loan and obtain the return of securities loaned, (3) the Fund will receive any interest or dividends received on the loaned securities, and (4) the aggregate value of the securities loaned will not at any time exceed one-third of the total assets of the Fund.

<u>Short Sales</u>

*Short Sales "Against the Box."* The Fund may engage in short sales "against the box." In a short sale, the Fund sells a borrowed security and has a corresponding obligation to the lender to return the identical security. The seller does not immediately deliver the securities sold and is said to have a short position in those securities until delivery occurs. The Fund may engage in a short sale if at the time of the short sale the Fund owns or has the right to obtain without additional cost an equal amount of the security being sold short. This investment technique is known as a short sale "against the box." It may be entered into by the Fund to, for example, lock in a sale price for a security the Fund does not wish to sell immediately.

The Fund may make a short sale as a hedge, when it believes that the price of a security may decline, causing a decline in the value of a security owned by the Fund (or a security convertible or exchangeable for such security). In such case, any future losses in the Fund's long position should be offset by a gain in the short position and, conversely, any gain in the long position should be reduced by a loss in the short position. The extent to which such gains or losses are reduced will depend upon the amount of the security sold short relative to the amount the Fund owns. There will be certain additional transaction costs associated with short sales "against the box," but the Fund will endeavor to offset these costs with the income from the investment of the cash proceeds of short sales.

If the Fund effect a short sale of securities at a time when it has an unrealized gain on the securities, it may be required to recognize that gain as if it had actually sold the securities (as a "constructive sale") on the date it effects the short sale. However, such constructive sale treatment may not apply if the Fund close out the short sale with securities other than the appreciated securities held at the time of the short sale and if certain other conditions are satisfied. Uncertainty regarding the tax consequences of effecting short sales may limit the extent to which the Fund may effect short sales.

 

*Short Sales (excluding Short Sales "Against the Box").* The Fund may sell securities short. A short sale is a transaction in which the Fund sells securities it does not own in anticipation of a decline in the market price of the securities.

To deliver the securities to the buyer, the Fund must arrange through a broker to borrow the securities and, in so doing, the Fund become obligated to replace the securities borrowed at their market price at the time of replacement, whatever that price may be. The Fund will make a profit or incur a loss as a result of a short sale depending on whether the price of the securities decreases or increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which the Fund purchase the security to replace the borrowed securities that have been sold. The amount of any loss would be increased (and any gain decreased) by any premium or interest the Fund is required to pay in connection with a short sale.

The Fund's obligation to replace the securities borrowed in connection with a short sale will be secured by cash or liquid securities deposited as collateral with the broker.

**INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS**

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

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Issue senior securities, except as otherwise permitted under the 1940 Act, and the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Borrow money, except (a) from a bank, provided that immediately after such borrowing there is an asset
coverage of 300% for all borrowings of the Fund; or (b) from a bank or other persons for temporary purposes only, provided that such temporary
borrowings are in an amount not exceeding 5% of the Fund's total assets at the time when the borrowing is made. This limitation
does not preclude the Fund from entering into reverse repurchase transactions, provided that the Fund has an asset coverage of 300% for
all borrowings and repurchase commitments of the Fund pursuant to reverse repurchase transactions;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. Purchase securities on margin, participate on a joint or joint and several basis in any securities trading
account, or underwrite securities. This limitation does not preclude the Fund from obtaining such short-term credit as may be necessary
for the clearance of purchases and sales of its portfolio securities, and except to the extent that the Fund may be deemed an underwriter
under the Securities Act, by virtue of disposing of portfolio securities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. Purchase or sell real estate or interests in real estate. This limitation is not applicable to investments
in marketable securities that are secured by or represent interests in real estate. This limitation does not preclude the Fund from
investing in mortgage-related securities or investing in companies engaged in the real estate business or that have a significant portion
of their assets in real estate (including real estate investment trusts);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. Invest more than 25% of the market value of its assets in the securities of companies engaged in any one
industry or group of industries. This limitation does not apply to investment in the securities of the U.S. Government, its agencies or
instrumentalities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. Purchase or sell commodities (unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other investments)
or commodity futures contracts, except that the Fund may purchase and sell futures contracts and options to the full extent permitted
under the 1940 Act, sell foreign currency contracts in accordance with any rules of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, invest in
securities or other instruments backed by commodities, and invest in companies that are engaged in a commodities business or have a significant
portion of their assets in commodities; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7. Make loans to others, except that the Fund may, in accordance with its investment objective and policies,
(i) lend portfolio securities, (ii) purchase and hold debt securities or other debt instruments, including but not limited to loan participations
and sub-participations, assignments, and structured securities, (iii) make loans secured by mortgages on real property, (iv) enter into
repurchase agreements, (v) enter into transactions where each loan is represented by a note executed by the borrower, and (vi) make time
deposits with financial institutions and invest in instruments issued by financial institutions. For purposes of this limitation, the
term "loans" shall not include the purchase of a portion of an issue of publicly distributed bonds, debentures or other securities.

If a restriction on the Fund's investments is adhered to at the time an investment is made, a subsequent change in the percentage of Fund assets invested in certain securities or other instruments of the Fund's investment portfolio, resulting from changes in the value of the Fund's total assets, will not be considered a violation of the restriction; provided, however, that the asset coverage requirement applicable to borrowings shall be maintained in the manner contemplated by applicable law.

With respect to Fundamental Investment Restriction #2, if the Fund's asset coverage falls below 300%, the Fund will reduce borrowing within 3 days in order to ensure that the Fund has 300% asset coverage.

With respect to Fundamental Investment Restriction #5, if the Fund invests in one or more investment companies that concentrates its investments in a particular industry, the Fund will examine its other investment company holdings to ensure that the Fund is not indirectly concentrating its investments in a particular industry.

Although Fundamental Investment Restriction #7 reserves for the Fund the ability to make loans, there is no present intent to loan money or portfolio securities and additional disclosure will be provided if such a strategy is implemented in the future.

**POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS**

The Trust has adopted a policy regarding the disclosure of information about the Fund's portfolio holdings. The Fund and its service providers may not receive compensation or any other consideration (which includes any agreement to maintain assets in the Fund or in other investment companies or accounts managed by the Adviser or any affiliated person of the Adviser) in connection with the disclosure of portfolio holdings information of the Fund. The Trust's policy is implemented and overseen by the Chief Compliance Officer of the Fund, subject to the oversight of the Board. Periodic reports regarding these procedures will be provided to the Board. The Trust, the Adviser and the Fund's distributor will not disseminate non-public information concerning the Trust. The Board must approve all material amendments to this policy.

Each business day, the Fund's portfolio holdings information will generally be provided for dissemination through the facilities of the National Securities Clearing Corporation ("NSCC") and/or other fee-based subscription services to NSCC members and/or subscribers to those other fee-based subscription services, including APs, and to entities that publish and/or analyze such information in connection with the process of purchasing or redeeming Creation Units or trading shares of the Fund in the secondary market. This information typically reflects the Fund's anticipated holdings as of the next Business Day.

Access to information concerning the Fund's portfolio holdings may be permitted to personnel of third party service providers, including the Fund's custodian, transfer agent, auditors and counsel, as may be necessary to conduct business in the ordinary course in a manner consistent with such service providers' agreements with the Trust on behalf of the Fund.

The Fund discloses on the Adviser's website at https://fpag.fpa.com/ at the start of each Business Day the identities and quantities of the securities and other assets held by the Fund that will form the basis of the Fund's calculation of its NAV on that Business Day. The portfolio holdings so disclosed will be based on information as of the close of business on the prior Business Day and/or trades that have been completed prior to the opening of business on that Business Day and that are expected to settle on that Business Day. The Fund may also concurrently disclose this portfolio holdings information directly to ratings agencies on a daily basis.

*Quarterly Portfolio Schedule*. The Trust is required to disclose, after its first and third fiscal quarters, the complete schedule of the Fund's portfolio holdings with the SEC on Form N-PORT. The Trust will also disclose a complete schedule of the Fund's portfolio holdings with the SEC on Form N-CSR after its second and fourth quarters.

Form N-PORT and Form N-CSR for the Fund are available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. The Fund's Form N-PORT and Form N-CSR are available without charge, upon request, by calling (800) 982-4372 by visiting https://fpag.fpa.com/, or by writing to: FPA Global Equity ETF, c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, OH 45246.

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

**Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC.** Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC is the fund accountant and administrator for the Fund; therefore, its personnel have full daily access to the Fund's portfolio holdings since that information is necessary in order for them to provide the agreed-upon services for the Trust.

**State Street Bank and Trust Co.** State Street Bank and Trust Co. is custodian and transfer agent for the Fund; therefore, its personnel have full daily access to the Fund's portfolio holdings since that information is necessary in order for them to provide the agreed-upon services for the Trust.

**Deloitte & Touche LLP.** Deloitte & Touche LLP is the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm; therefore, its personnel have access to the Fund's portfolio holdings in connection with auditing of the Fund's annual financial statements and providing assistance and consultation in connection with SEC filings.

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

**Derivatives Risk Consultant**. The Trust has engaged a derivatives risk consultant ("Consultant") to consult with the Board, and the Adviser, regarding the effectiveness of derivatives risk management. The Consultant therefore may have access to the Fund's portfolio holdings in order to provide such services to the Trust.

**Additions to List of Approved Recipients** 

The Trust's Chief Compliance Officer is the person responsible, and whose prior approval is required, for any disclosure of the Fund's portfolio securities at any time or to any persons other than those described above. In such cases, the recipient must have a legitimate business need for the information in connection with the operation or administration of the Funds, as determined by the Trust's Chief Compliance Officer, and must be subject to a duty to keep the information confidential and not to trade on any material non-public information. There are no ongoing arrangements in place with respect to the disclosure of portfolio holdings. In no event shall the Fund, the Adviser, or any other party receive any direct or indirect compensation in connection with the disclosure of information about the Fund's portfolio holdings.

**Compliance with Portfolio Holdings Disclosure Procedures** 

The Trust's Chief Compliance Officer reports periodically to the Board with respect to compliance with the Fund's portfolio holdings disclosure procedures, and from time to time provides the Board any updates to the portfolio holdings disclosure policies and procedures.

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

**MANAGEMENT**

The business of the Trust is managed under the direction of the Board in accordance with the Agreement and Declaration of Trust and the Trust's By-laws (the "Governing Documents"), which have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and are available upon request. The Board consists of four (4) individuals, each of whom are not "interested persons" (as defined under the 1940 Act) of the Trust or any investment adviser to any series of the Trust ("Independent Trustees"). Pursuant to the Governing Documents, the Board shall elect officers including a President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, a Principal Executive Officer and a Principal Accounting Officer. The Board retains the power to conduct, operate and carry on the business of the Trust and has the power to incur and pay any expenses, which, in the opinion of the Board, are necessary or incidental to carry out any of the Trust's purposes. The Board, officers, employees and agents of the Trust, when acting in such capacities, shall not be subject to any personal liability except for his or her own bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard of his or her duties.

**Board Leadership Structure** 

The Board is led by John V. Palancia, who has served as the Chairman of the Board ("Chairman") since May 2014. The Board has not appointed a Lead Independent Trustee because all Trustees are Independent Trustees. Under the Governing Documents, the Chairman is responsible for (a) presiding at Board meetings, (b) calling special meetings on an as-needed basis, and (c) execution and administration of Trust policies, including (i) setting the agendas for Board meetings and (ii) providing information to Board members in advance of each Board meeting and between Board meetings. Generally, the Trust believes it best to have a non-executive Chairman, who together with the President (principal executive officer), are seen by its shareholders, business partners and other stakeholders as providing strong leadership. The Trust believes that its Chairman, the independent chair of the Audit Committee, and, as an entity, the full Board, provide effective leadership that is in the best interests of the Trust, its funds and each shareholder.

**Board Risk Oversight** 

The Board is comprised entirely of Independent Trustees with an Audit Committee with a separate chair. The Board is responsible for overseeing risk management, and the Board regularly engages in discussions of risk management and receives compliance reports that inform its oversight of risk management from its Chief Compliance Officer at quarterly meetings and on an ad hoc basis, when and if necessary. The Audit Committee considers financial reporting and risk within

its area of responsibilities. Generally, the Board believes that its oversight of material risks is adequately maintained through the compliance-reporting chain where the Chief Compliance Officer is the primary recipient and communicator of such risk-related information.

**Trustee Qualifications** 

Generally, the Fund believes that each Trustee is competent to serve because of his or her individual overall merits including his or her: (i) experience, (ii) qualifications, (iii) attributes and (iv) skills.

Patricia Luscombe, CFA, has more than 30 years in financial advisory and valuation services. She has delivered a broad range of corporate finance advice including fairness opinions and valuations. Ms. Luscombe joined Lincoln International in 2007 as a Managing Director and co-head of Lincoln's Valuations & Opinions Group. In this position, she assists regulated investment funds, business development companies, private equity funds and hedge funds in the valuation of illiquid securities for fair value accounting purposes. Ms. Luscombe's clients range from closely held businesses to large, publicly-traded companies. Previously, Ms. Luscombe spent 16 years with Duff & Phelps Corporation, as a Managing Director in the firm's valuation and financial advisory business. Prior to joining Duff & Phelps Corporation, Ms. Luscombe was an Associate at Smith Barney, a division of Citigroup Capital Markets, Inc., where she managed a variety of financial transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, and equity and debt financings. Ms. Luscombe is a member of the Chicago Chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth, the Chartered Financial Analyst Society of Chicago and former president of the Chicago Finance Exchange. Ms. Luscombe holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Stanford University, a Masters degree in economics from the University of Chicago and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. In addition, Ms. Luscombe is licensed under the Series 24, 79 and 63 of FINRA.

John V. Palancia has over 40 years of business experience in the financial services industry including serving as the Director of Global Futures Operations for Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc. ("Merrill Lynch"). Mr. Palancia possesses an in depth understanding of broker-dealer operations from having served in various management capacities and has held industry registrations in both securities and futures. Based on his service at Merrill Lynch, he also possesses a strong understanding of risk management, balance sheet analysis, compliance and the regulatory framework under which regulated financial entities must operate. Additionally, he is well versed in the regulatory framework under which investment companies must operate based on his service as a member of three other mutual fund boards. This practical and extensive experience in the securities industry provides valuable insight into fund operations and enhances his ability to effectively serve as chairman of the Board. Mr. Palancia is a member of the Investment Company Institute and Mutual Fund Directors Forum. Mr. Palancia holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics.

Mark H. Taylor has over 30 years of academic and professional experience in the accounting and auditing fields, which makes him particularly qualified to chair the Board's Audit Committee. Dr. Taylor holds PhD, Master's and Bachelors degrees in Accountancy and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant and serves as a member of two other mutual fund boards within the Northern Lights Fund Complex. Dr. Taylor is the Director of the Lynn Pippenger School of Accountancy at the Muma College of Business at the University of South Florida and has been serving a three-year term as President of the American Accounting Association (AAA) since August 2022 (as President-Elect 8/22-7/23, President 8/23-8/24, and Past President 8/24-8/25). Dr. Taylor previously served as Vice President-Finance of the AAA, and as President of the Auditing Section of the AAA. He previously served a three-year term on the AICPA's Auditing Standards Board and completed a fellowship in the Professional Practice Group of the Office of the Chief Accountant at the headquarters of the United States Securities Exchange Commission. Dr. Taylor is a member of two research teams that received grants from the Center for Audit Quality to study how accounting firms' tone-at-the-top messaging impacts audit performance and how auditors manage the process of auditing fair value measurements and other complex estimates in financial statements. Dr. Taylor has had his research widely published in leading academic accounting and practice journals. He has teaching interests in corporate governance and accounting policy as well as auditing and assurance services at the graduate and undergraduate levels and possesses a strong understanding of the regulatory framework under which investment companies operate.

Jeffery D. Young has over 40 years of business management experience, including in the transportation industry and operations and information technologies. He is currently Co-owner and Vice President of the Latin America Agriculture Development Corporation, an agribusiness exporting fruit to the United States and other Central American countries. He has served as Assistant Vice President of Transportation Systems at Union Pacific Railroad Company, where he was responsible for the development and implementation of large-scale command and control systems that support railroad operations and safety. In this position, Mr. Young was heavily involved in the regulatory compliance of safety and mission critical systems. Mr. Young also served as Chairman of the Association of American Railroads Policy Committee and represented both Union Pacific Railroad and the railroad industry in safety and regulatory hearings with the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Railroad Administration in Washington, DC. Mr. Young was a member of the Board of Directors of PS Technologies, a Union Pacific affiliate serving as a technology supplier to the railroad industry. His practical business experience and understanding of regulatory compliance provides a different perspective that brings diversity to Board deliberations.

*Trustees and Officers*. The Trustees and officers of the Trust, together with information as to their principal business occupations during the past five years and other information, are shown below. Unless otherwise noted, the address of each Trustee and officer is 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246.

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Independent Trustees** | **Independent Trustees** | **Independent Trustees** | **Independent Trustees** | **Independent Trustees** | **Independent Trustees** |
| **Name, Address, Year of Birth** | **Position(s) Held with Registrant** | **Length of Service and Term** | **Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years** | **Number of Funds Overseen In The Fund Complex\*** | **Other Directorships Held During Past 5 Years\*\*** |
| Patricia<br> Luscombe<br> 1961 | Trustee | Since January 2015, Indefinite | Managing Director of the Valuations and Opinions Group, Lincoln International LLC (since August 2007). | 1 | Northern Lights Fund Trust III (for series not affiliated with the Fund since 2015); Monetta Mutual Funds (since November 2015). |
| John V.<br> Palancia<br> 1954 | Trustee, Chairman | Trustee, since February 2012, Indefinite; Chairman of the Board since May 2014 | Retired (since 2011); formerly, Director of Global Futures Operations Control, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc. (1975-2011). | 1 | Northern Lights Fund Trust III (for series not affiliated with the Fund since 2012); Northern Lights Fund Trust (since 2011); Northern Lights Variable Trust (since 2011); Alternative Strategies Fund (since 2012). |
| Mark H.<br> Taylor<br> 1964 | Trustee, Chairman of the Audit Committee | Since February 2012, Indefinite | PhD (Accounting), CPA; Professor and Director, Lynn Pippenger School of Accountancy, Muma College of Business, University of South Florida (2019 – present); Professor and Department of Accountancy Chair, Case Western Reserve University (2009-2019); President, American Accounting Association (AAA) commencing August 2022 (President-Elect 2022-2023, President 2023-2024; Past President 2024-2025). AAA Vice President-Finance (2017-2020); President, Auditing Section of the AAA; Member, AICPA Auditing Standards Board (2009-2012); Academic Fellow, Office of the Chief Accountant, United States Securities Exchange Commission (2005-2006); Center for Audit Quality research grants (2014, 2012). | 1 | Northern Lights Fund Trust III (for series not affiliated with the Fund since 2012); Northern Lights Fund Trust (since 2007); Northern Lights Variable Trust (since 2007); Alternative Strategies Fund (since June 2010). |

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Jeffery D. Young<br> 1956 | Trustee | Since January 2015, Indefinite | Co-owner and Vice President, Latin America Agriculture Development Corp. (since May 2015); President, Celeritas Rail Consulting (since June 2014); Asst. Vice President - Transportation Systems, Union Pacific Railroad Company (June 1976 to April 2014).<sub>1</sub> | Northern Lights Fund Trust III (for series not affiliated with the Fund since 2015). |

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\* As of December 1, 2022, the Trust was comprised of 31 active portfolios managed by 15 unaffiliated investment advisers. The term "Fund Complex" applies only to the Fund. The Fund does not hold itself out as related to any other series within the Trust for investment purposes, nor do they share the same investment adviser with any other series.

\*\* Only includes directorships held within the past 5 years in a company with a class of securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or subject to the requirements of Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or any company registered as an investment company under the 1940 Act.

**Officers of the Trust**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name, Address, Year of Birth** | **Position(s) Held with Registrant** | **Length of Service and Term** | **Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years** |
| Eric Kane<br> 1981 | President | Since<br> August 2022, indefinite | Vice President and Senior Managing Counsel, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (since 2022); Vice President and Managing Counsel, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (2020-2022); Vice President and Counsel, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2017-2020); Assistant Vice President, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2014- 2017). |
| Brian Curley<br> 1970 | Treasurer | Since<br> February 2013, indefinite | Vice President, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (since 2020); Vice President, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2015-2020). |
| Viktoriya Pallino<br> 1995 | Secretary | Since<br> August 2022, indefinite | Legal Administrator II, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (since 2021); Legal Administrator I, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (2019-2021); Legal Administration Associate, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2017-2019). |
| William Kimme<br> 1962 | Chief Compliance Officer | Since<br> February 2012, indefinite | Senior Compliance Officer of Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (since 2011). |

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*Audit Committee.* The Board of Trustees has an Audit Committee that consists solely of Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Trust within the meaning of the 1940 Act. The Audit Committee's responsibilities include: (i) recommending to the Board the selection, retention or termination of the Trust's independent auditors; (ii) reviewing with the independent auditors the scope, performance and anticipated cost of their audit; (iii) discussing with the independent auditors certain matters relating to the Trust's financial statements, including any adjustment to such financial statements recommended by such independent auditors, or any other results of any audit; (iv) reviewing on a periodic basis a formal written statement from the independent auditors with respect to their independence, discussing with the independent auditors any relationships or services disclosed in the statement that may impact the objectivity and independence of the Trust's independent auditors and recommending that the Board take appropriate action in response thereto to satisfy itself of the auditor's independence; and (v) considering the comments of the independent auditors and management's responses thereto with respect to the quality and adequacy of the Trust's accounting and financial reporting policies and practices and internal controls. The Audit Committee operates pursuant to an Audit Committee Charter. Dr. Taylor is Chairman of the Audit Committee. During the past fiscal year, the Audit Committee held five meetings.

*Compensation of Directors.* Effective January 1, 2022, each Trustee who is not affiliated with the Trust or an investment adviser to any series of the Trust received a quarterly fee of $26,000, allocated among each of the various portfolios comprising the Trust, for his or her attendance at the regularly scheduled meetings of the Board, to be paid in advance of

each calendar quarter, as well as reimbursement for any reasonable expenses incurred. Effective January 1, 2022, in addition to the quarterly fees and reimbursements, the Chairman of the Board receives a quarterly fee of $6,250, and the Audit Committee Chairman receives a quarterly fee of $4,500. From January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021, each Trustee who is not affiliated with the Trust or an investment adviser to any series of the Trust received a quarterly fee of $23,500, allocated among each of the various portfolios comprising the Trust, for his or her attendance at the regularly scheduled meetings of the Board, to be paid in advance of each calendar quarter, as well as reimbursement for any reasonable expenses incurred. From April 1, 2019 through December 31, 2020, each Trustee who was not affiliated with the Trust or an investment adviser to any series of the Trust received a quarterly fee of $21,500, allocated among each of the various portfolios comprising the Trust, for his or her attendance at the regularly scheduled meetings of the Board, to be paid in advance of each calendar quarter, as well as reimbursement for any reasonable expenses incurred. From January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2021, in addition to the quarterly fees and reimbursements, the Chairman of the Board received a quarterly fee of $5,000, and the Audit Committee Chairman received a quarterly fee of $3,750.

Additionally, in the event an in-person meeting of the Board other than its regularly scheduled meetings (a "Special Meeting") is required, each Independent Trustee will receive a fee of $2,500 per Special Meeting, as well as reimbursement for any reasonable expenses incurred, to be paid by the relevant series of the Trust or its investment adviser depending on the circumstances necessitating the Special Meeting. None of the executive officers receive compensation from the Trust.

The table below details the amount of compensation the Trustees received from the Fund and the Trust during the initial fiscal year ending September 30, 2022. Each Independent Trustee is expected to attend all quarterly meetings during the period. The Trust does not have a bonus, profit sharing, pension or retirement plan.

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Name and Position** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Estimated Aggregate Compensation From the Fund** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Pension or Retirement Benefits Accrued as Part of Fund Expenses** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Estimated Annual Benefits Upon Retirement** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Estimated Total Compensation From Fund and Fund Complex\* Paid to Trustees** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Patricia Luscombe | &nbsp;&nbsp;$1612.55 |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;$1612.55 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;John V. Palancia | &nbsp;&nbsp;$1963.10 |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;$1963.10 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mark H. Taylor | &nbsp;&nbsp;$1822.88 |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;$1822.88 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Jeffery D. Young | &nbsp;&nbsp;$1612.55 |  |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;$1612.55 |

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\* There are currently numerous series comprising the Trust. The term "Fund Complex" refers only to the Fund and not to any other series of the Trust. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, the aggregate Independent Trustees' fees paid by the entire Trust were $447,000.

 ****

***<u>Management and Trustee Ownership</u>***

As of December 31, 2022, the Trustees beneficially owned the following amounts in the Fund:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Name of Trustee | &nbsp;&nbsp;Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Fund | &nbsp;&nbsp;Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in All Registered Investment Companies Overseen by Trustee in Family of Investment Companies |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Patricia Luscombe |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;$10001-$50000 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;John V. Palancia |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;$10001-$50000 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mark H. Taylor |  | &nbsp;&nbsp;$10001-$50000 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Jeffery D. Young |  |  |

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**CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS**

A principal shareholder is any person who owns (either of record or beneficially) 5% or more of the outstanding shares of a fund. A control person is one who owns, either directly or indirectly more than 25% of the voting securities of a company or acknowledges the existence of control. A control person is one who owns beneficially or through controlled companies more than 25% of the voting securities of a company or acknowledged the existence of control.

As of January 6, 2023, the following shareholders of record owned 5% or more of the outstanding Shares of the Fund.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name & Address** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Shares** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Percentage of Class** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC<br> 499 WASHINGTON BLVD<br> JERSEY CITY, NJ 07310 | &nbsp;&nbsp;816789.0000 | &nbsp;&nbsp;60.50% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; TD AMERITRADE INC FBO/OUR CLIENTS<br> P.O. BOX 2226<br> OMAHA, NE 68103-2226 | &nbsp;&nbsp;225357.0000 | &nbsp;&nbsp;16.69% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC/SPECIAL CUSTODY A/C FBO<br> CUSTOMERS<br> ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS<br> 211 MAIN ST<br> SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105 | &nbsp;&nbsp;167123.0000 | &nbsp;&nbsp;12.38% |

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*National Financial Services, LLC is a Delaware limited liability company, and may be deemed to control the Fund.*

*Management Ownership Information.* As of January 6, 2023, the Trustees and officers of the Trust, as a group, beneficially owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Funds.

**INVESTMENT ADVISER**

 ****

***<u>Investment Adviser and Advisory Agreement</u>***

First Pacific Advisors, LP, 11601 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1200, Los Angeles, CA 90025, serves as the Fund's investment adviser. The Adviser is registered with the SEC as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. The Adviser manages separate accounts and mutual funds and has approximately $23.8 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2022.

Subject to the oversight of the Board, the Adviser is responsible for the overall management of the Fund's investment-related business affairs. Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement (the "Advisory Agreement") with the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, the Adviser, subject to the supervision of the Board, and in conformity with the stated policies of the Fund, manages the portfolio investment operations of the Fund. The Adviser has overall supervisory responsibilities for the general management and investment of the Fund's securities portfolio, as detailed below, which are subject to review and approval by the Board. In general, the Adviser's duties include setting the Fund's overall investment strategies and asset allocation.

Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser, under the supervision of the Board, agrees to invest the assets of the Fund in accordance with applicable law and the investment objective, policies and restrictions set forth in the Fund's current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, and subject to such further limitations as the Trust may from time to time impose by written notice to the Adviser. The Adviser shall act as the investment adviser to the Fund and, as such shall, (i) obtain and evaluate such information relating to the economy, industries, business, securities markets and securities as it may deem necessary or useful in discharging its responsibilities here under, (ii) formulate a continuing program for the investment of the assets of the Fund in a manner consistent with its investment objective, policies and restrictions, and (iii) determine from time to time securities to be purchased, sold, retained or lent by the Fund, and implement those decisions, including the selection of entities with or through which such purchases, sales or loans are to be effected; provided, that the Adviser or its designee, directly, will place orders pursuant to its investment determinations either directly with the issuer or with a broker or dealer, and if with a broker or dealer, (a) will attempt to obtain the best price and execution of its orders, and (b) may nevertheless in its discretion purchase and sell portfolio securities from and to brokers who provide the Adviser with research, analysis, advice and similar services and pay such brokers in return a higher commission or spread than may be charged by other brokers. The Adviser also provides the Fund with all necessary office facilities and personnel for servicing the Fund's investments and compensates all personnel of the Fund or the Adviser performing services relating to research, statistical and investment activities.

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

The Fund pays an annual management fee (computed daily and payable monthly) of 0.70% of the Fund's average daily net assets to the Adviser pursuant to the Advisory Agreement.

The Adviser has contractually agreed to limit the Fund's total annual fund operating expenses (excluding any front-end or contingent deferred loads, brokerage fees and commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short), taxes, and extraordinary expenses, such as litigation expenses (which may include indemnification of Fund officers and Trustees, contractual indemnification of Fund service providers (other than the Adviser))), to 0.49% of the Fund's average daily net assets through January 31, 2024, and to of 0.59% for the subsequent one-year period ending January 31, 2025. The Adviser may recoup operating expenses in excess of these limits

from the Fund within three years if such recoupment can be achieved within the lesser of the foregoing expense limits and the expense limits in place at the time of recoupment. This agreement may be terminated by the Board only on 60 days' written notice to the Adviser.

Expenses not expressly assumed by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement are paid by the Fund. Under the terms of the Advisory Agreement, the Fund is responsible for the payment of the following expenses among others: (a) the fees payable to the Adviser, (b) the fees and expenses of Trustees who are not affiliated persons of the Adviser or the Fund's distributor, (c) the fees and certain expenses of the custodian and transfer and dividend disbursing agent, including the cost of maintaining certain required records of the Fund and of pricing the Shares, (d) the charges and expenses of legal counsel and independent accountants for the Fund, (e) brokerage commissions and any issue or transfer taxes chargeable to the Fund in connection with its securities transactions, (f) all taxes and corporate fees payable by the Fund to governmental agencies, (g) the fees of any trade association of which the Fund may be a member, (h) the cost of fidelity and liability insurance, (i) the fees and expenses involved in registering and maintaining registration of the Fund and of shares with the SEC, qualifying its shares under state securities laws, including the preparation and printing of the Fund's registration statements and prospectuses for such purposes, (j) all expenses of shareholders and Board meetings (including travel expenses of trustees and officers of the Trust who are not directors, officers or employees of the Adviser) and of preparing, printing and mailing reports, proxy statements and prospectuses to shareholders in the amount necessary for distribution to the shareholders and (k) litigation and indemnification expenses and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund's business.

The Advisory Agreement was approved at a meeting of the Board on October 21, 2021. The Advisory Agreement will continue in effect for two (2) years initially and thereafter shall continue from year to year provided such continuance is approved at least annually by (a) a vote of the majority of the Independent Trustees, cast in person at a meeting specifically called for the purpose of voting on such approval and by (b) the majority vote of the Board or the vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund. The Advisory Agreement may be terminated without penalty on 60 days written notice by a vote of a majority of the Board or by the Adviser, or by holders of a majority of the Fund's outstanding shares (with respect to the Fund). The Advisory Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.

The table below provides information about the advisory fees paid to the Adviser by the Fund for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022.

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| ***Management Fee*** | ***Fees Earned by the Adviser*** | ***Advisory Fees Waived*** | ***Net Fees Earned by the Adviser*** | ***Amount Subject to Recoupment*** |
| 0.70% | $86986 | $86986 | $0\* | $86986 |

---

\*During the year ended September 30, 2022, the Adviser reimbursed $132,071 in expenses.

***<u>Code of Ethics</u>***

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

In addition, the Trust has adopted a code of ethics (the "Trust Code"), which applies only to the Trust's executive officers to ensure that these officers promote professional conduct in the practice of corporate governance and management. The purpose behind these guidelines is to promote (i) honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships; (ii) full, fair, accurate, timely, and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that the Trust files with, or submits to, the SEC and in other public communications made by the Fund; (iii) compliance with applicable governmental laws, rule and regulations; (iv) the

prompt internal reporting of violations of the Trust Code to an appropriate person or persons identified in the Trust Code; and (v) accountability for adherence to the Trust Code.

***<u>Proxy Voting Policies</u>***

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

Where a proxy proposal raises a material conflict between the Adviser's interests and the Fund's interests, the Adviser will resolve the conflict by voting in accordance with the policy guidelines or at the client's directive using the recommendation of an independent third party. If the third party's recommendations are not received in a timely fashion, the Adviser will abstain from voting the securities held by that client's account. A copy of the Adviser's and proxy voting policies is attached hereto as Appendix A.

*More information*. Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Fund during the most recent 12-month period ending June 30 will be available (1) without charge, upon request, by calling the Fund at (800) 982-4372; and (2) on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, a copy of the Fund's proxy voting policies and procedures are also available by calling (800) 982-4372 and will be sent within three business days of receipt of a request.

**THE DISTRIBUTOR**

Northern Lights Distributors, LLC, located at 4221 North 203<sup>rd</sup> Street, Suite 100, Elkhorn, NE 68022 (the "Distributor") serves as the principal underwriter and national distributor for the shares of the Fund pursuant to an underwriting agreement with the Trust (the "Underwriting Agreement"). The Distributor is registered as a broker-dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and each state's securities laws and is a member of the FINRA. The offering of Shares is continuous. The Underwriting Agreement provides that the Distributor, as agent in connection with the distribution of Shares, will use reasonable efforts to facilitate the sale of the Shares.

The Underwriting Agreement provides that, unless sooner terminated, it will continue in effect for two years initially and thereafter shall continue from year to year, subject to annual approval by (a) the Board or a vote of a majority of the outstanding shares, and (b) by a majority of the Board by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.

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

The Distributor may enter into selling agreements with broker-dealers that solicit orders for the sale of shares of the Fund and may allow concessions to dealers that sell shares of the Fund. Total compensation received by the Distributor from the Fund was $0 during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022.

***<u>Rule 12b-1 Plan</u>***

The Trust, with respect to the Fund, has adopted Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plans pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the "Plans") for Shares pursuant to which the Fund is authorized to pay the Distributor, as compensation for Distributor's account maintenance services under the Plans. The Board has approved a distribution and shareholder servicing fee at the rate of up to 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets. Such fees are to be paid by the Fund quarterly, or at such other intervals as the Board shall determine. Such fees shall be based upon the Fund's average daily net assets during the preceding month, and shall be calculated and accrued daily. The Fund may pay fees to the Distributor at a lesser rate, as agreed upon by the Board of the Trust and the Distributor. The Plans authorize payments to the Distributor as compensation for providing account maintenance services to Fund shareholders, including arranging for certain securities dealers or brokers, administrators and others ("Recipients") to provide these services and paying compensation for these services. The Fund will bear its own costs of distribution with respect to its shares. The Plans were adopted in order to permit the implementation of the Fund's method of distribution. No fees are currently paid by the Fund under the Plans, and there are no current plans to impose such fees. In the event such fees were to be charged, over time they would increase the cost of an investment in the Fund.

The services to be provided by Recipients may include, but are not limited to, the following: assistance in the offering and sale of Shares and in other aspects of the marketing of the shares to clients or prospective clients of the respective recipients; answering routine inquiries concerning the Fund; assisting in the establishment and maintenance of accounts or sub-accounts in the Fund and in processing purchase and redemption transactions; making the Fund's investment plan and shareholder services available; and providing such other information and services to investors in shares of the Fund as the Distributor or the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, may reasonably request. The distribution services shall also include any advertising and marketing services provided by or arranged by the Distributor with respect to the Fund.

The Distributor is required to provide a written report, at least quarterly to the Board, specifying in reasonable detail the amounts expended pursuant to the Plans and the purposes for which such expenditures were made. Further, the Distributor informs the Board of any Rule 12b-1 fees paid by the Distributor to Recipients.

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

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

During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, the Fund incurred $0 in distribution related fees pursuant to the Plan.

**PORTFOLIO MANAGERS**

As described in the Prospectus, the portfolio managers listed below are responsible for the management of the Fund and, as of September 30, 2022, the other accounts set forth in the following tables.

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Other Registered Investment Companies** | **Other Registered Investment Companies** | **Other Pooled<br> Investment Vehicles** | **Other Pooled<br> Investment Vehicles** | **Other Accounts** | **Other Accounts** |
| **Portfolio Manager** | **Number** | **Total Assets (millions)** | **Number** | **Total Assets (millions)** | **Number** | **Total Assets (millions)** |
| Steven Romick | 4 | $8723 | 19 | $3000 | 5 | $264 |
| Mark Landecker | 4 | $8723 | 17 | $2700 | 4 | $261 |
| Brian A. Selmo | 4 | $8723 | 17 | $2547 | 3 | $261 |

---

Of the accounts above, the following are subject to performance-based fees.

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Other Registered Investment Companies** | **Other Registered Investment Companies** | **Other Pooled<br> Investment Vehicles** | **Other Pooled<br> Investment Vehicles** | **Other Accounts** | **Other Accounts** |
| **Portfolio Manager** | **Number** | **Total Assets (millions)** | **Number** | **Total Assets (millions)** | **Number** | **Total Assets (millions)** |
| Steven Romick | 0 | $0 | 8 | $728 | 2 | $2 |
| Mark Landecker | 0 | $0 | 6 | $429 | 0 | $0 |
| Brian A. Selmo | 0 | $0 | 6 | $275 | 0 | $0 |

---

 **

***<u>Conflicts of Interest</u>***

 

***<u>Compensation</u>***

Compensation of the portfolio managers of funds advised by the Adviser consists of: (i) a base salary; (ii) an annual bonus; and (iii) if the portfolio manager is an equity owner of the Adviser, participation in residual profits of the Adviser.

The bonus calculation has both variable and fixed components. The most significant portion of the variable component is based upon the Adviser's assessment of the portfolio manager's performance in three key areas: long-term performance, team building, and succession planning. The Adviser assesses long-term performance over a full market cycle, which generally lasts between five and ten years. Other considerations include manager and strategy recognition, client engagement and retention and business development. The majority of the fixed portion of the bonus is based on the revenues received on the assets managed by the portfolio manager, including the Fund's assets.

The value of a portfolio manager's ownership interest in the Adviser is dependent upon a variety of factors, including his ability to effectively manage the business over the long term.

***<u>Ownership of Securities</u>***

As of September 30, 2022, the Portfolio Managers beneficially owned the following amount in the Fund:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Portfolio Manager** | **Dollar Range of Shares** <br> **Beneficially Owned** |
| Steven Romick | $500001-$1000000 |
| Mark Landecker |  |
| Brian A. Selmo | Over $1,000,000 |

---

**ALLOCATION OF PORTFOLIO BROKERAGE**

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

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

* the best net price available;

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

* the size of and difficulty in executing the order;
and

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

Brokers or dealers executing a portfolio transaction on behalf of the Fund may receive a commission in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for executing the transaction if the Adviser determines in good faith that such commission is reasonable in relation to the value of brokerage and research services provided to the Fund. In allocating portfolio brokerage, the Adviser may select brokers or dealers who also provide brokerage, research and other services to other accounts over which the Adviser exercises investment discretion. Some of the services received as the result of Fund transactions may primarily benefit accounts other than the Fund, while services received as the result of portfolio transactions effected on behalf of those other accounts may primarily benefit the Fund. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, the Fund paid $6,528 in brokerage commissions.

**PORTFOLIO TURNOVER**

The Fund 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. The calculation excludes from both the numerator and the denominator securities with maturities at the time of acquisition of one year or less. High portfolio turnover involves correspondingly greater brokerage commissions and other transaction costs, which will be borne directly by the Fund. A 100% turnover rate would occur if all of the Fund's portfolio securities were replaced once within a one-year period. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 28% of the average value of the portfolio.

**OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS**

*Fund Administration, Fund Accounting and Transfer Agent Services*

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC ("Ultimus"), which has its principal office at 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, OH 45246, serves as administrator and fund accountant for the Fund pursuant to the ETF Services Agreement with the Trust and subject to the supervision of the Board. Ultimus is primarily in the business of providing administrative, fund accounting and transfer agent services to retail and institutional mutual funds. Ultimus is an affiliate of the Distributor. Ultimus may also provide persons to serve as officers of the Fund. Such officers may be directors, officers or employees of Ultimus or its affiliates.

The ETF Services Agreement is dated August 29, 2019. The ETF Services Agreement will remain in effect for two years from the effective date of the agreement, and will remain in effect subject to annual approval of the Board for one-year periods thereafter. The ETF Services Agreement is terminable by the Board or Ultimus on ninety days' written notice and may be assigned provided the non-assigning party provides prior written consent. This ETF Services Agreement provides that in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of Ultimus or reckless disregard of its obligations thereunder, Ultimus shall not be liable for any action or failure to act in accordance with its duties thereunder.

Under the ETF Services Agreement, the Administrator provides facilitating administrative services, including: (i) providing services of persons competent to perform such administrative and clerical functions as are necessary to provide effective administration of the Fund; (ii) facilitating the performance of administrative and professional services to the Fund by others, including the Fund's custodian; (iii) preparing, but not paying for, the periodic updating of the Fund's Registration Statement, Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information in conjunction with Fund counsel, including the printing of such documents for the purpose of filings with the SEC and state securities administrators, and preparing reports to the Fund's shareholders and the SEC; (iv) preparing in conjunction with Fund counsel, but not paying for, all filings under the securities or "Blue Sky" laws of such states or countries as are designated by the Distributor, which may be required to register or qualify, or continue the registration or qualification, of each Fund and/or its shares under such laws; (v) preparing notices and agendas for meetings of the Board and minutes of such meetings in all matters required by the 1940 Act to be acted upon by the Board; and (vi) monitoring daily and periodic compliance with respect to all requirements and restrictions of the 1940 Act, the Internal Revenue Code and the Prospectuses.

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

For the services rendered to the Fund under the Agreement, the Fund pays Ultimus the greater of an annual minimum fee or an asset-based fee, which scales downward based upon net assets. The Fund also pays Ultimus for any out-of-pocket expenses. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, the fees paid by the Fund for administration and accounting services was $24,631 and $13,041, respectively.

**<u>Transfer Agent</u>**

State Street Bank and Trust Co., located at One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111, acts as transfer, dividend disbursing, and shareholder servicing agent for the Fund pursuant to the Custodian and Transfer Agency Agreement between State Street Bank and Trust Co. and the Trust on behalf of the Fund (the "Transfer Agent"). Under the Agreement, the Transfer Agent is responsible for administering and performing transfer agent functions, dividend distribution, shareholder administration, and maintaining necessary records in accordance with applicable rules and regulations. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, the fees paid by the Fund for transfer agent services was $22,558.

**<u>Custodian</u>**

State Street Bank and Trust Co., located at One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111 (the "Custodian"), serves as the custodian of the Fund's assets pursuant to a custody agreement (the "Custody Agreement") by and between the Custodian and the Trust on behalf of the Fund. The Custodian's responsibilities include safeguarding and controlling the Fund's cash and securities, handling the receipt and delivery of securities, and collecting interest and dividends on the Fund's investments. Pursuant to the Custody Agreement, the Custodian also maintains original entry documents and books of record and general ledgers; posts cash receipts and disbursements; and records purchases and sales based upon communications from the Adviser. The Fund may employ foreign sub-custodians that are approved by the Board to hold foreign assets.

 

*Securities Lending Activities*

State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street") serves as the Funds' securities lending agent pursuant to a Securities Lending Agency Agreement between State Street and the Trust on behalf of the Funds. For the fiscal period ended September 30, 2022, the following amounts of income and fees and compensation were paid to the Funds related to the Funds' securities lending activities:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| | **FPA Global Equity ETF** |
| Gross income from securities lending activities<br> (including income from cash collateral reinvestment) | $102.92 |
| Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services | &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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split | $(20.59) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split\* | &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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Administrative fees not included in revenue split | &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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Indemnification fees not included in revenue split | &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;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rebate (paid to borrower) | - |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other fees not included in revenue split | &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;- |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities | $(20.59) |
| Net income from securities lending activities | $82.33 |

---

The services provided by State Street as securities lending agent include: selection of securities to be loaned; locating borrowers previously approved by the Funds' board; negotiation of loan terms; monitoring daily the value of the loaned securities and collateral; requiring additional collateral as necessary; investing cash collateral in accordance with the Funds' instructions; marking to market noncash collateral; maintaining custody of non-cash collateral; recordkeeping and account servicing; monitoring dividend activity and material proxy votes relating to loaned securities; transferring loaned securities; recalling loaned securities in accordance with the Funds' instructions; and arranging for return of loaned securities to the Funds at loan termination.

**<u>Compliance Officer</u>**

Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC ("NLCS"), 4221 North 203<sup>rd</sup> Street, Suite 100, Elkhorn, NE 68022, an affiliate of Ultimus and the Distributor, provides a Chief Compliance Officer to the Trust as well as related compliance services pursuant to a consulting agreement between NLCS and the Trust. NLCS's compliance services consist primarily of reviewing and assessing the policies and procedures of the Trust and its service providers pertaining to compliance with applicable federal securities laws, including Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act. For the compliance services rendered to the Fund, the Fund pays NLCS a one-time fee plus an annual asset based fee, which scales downward based upon net assets. The Fund also pays NLCS for any out-of-pocket expenses. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, the fees paid by the Fund for compliance services was $22,123.

**DESCRIPTION OF SHARES**

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

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

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

**ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING PROGRAM**

The Trust has established an Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Program (the "Program") as required by the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 ("USA PATRIOT Act"). To ensure compliance with this law, the Trust's Program provides for the development of internal practices, procedures and controls, designation of anti-money laundering compliance officers, an ongoing training program and an independent audit function to determine the effectiveness of the Program. The Trust's secretary serves as its Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer.

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

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

**PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND PRICING OF SHARES**

**<u>Calculation of Share Price</u>**

As indicated in the Prospectus under the heading "How Shares are Priced," NAV of a Share is determined by dividing the total value of the Fund's portfolio investments and other assets, less any liabilities, by the total number of shares outstanding of the Fund.

Generally, the Fund's domestic securities (including underlying ETFs which hold portfolio securities primarily listed on foreign (non-U.S.) exchanges) are valued each day at the last quoted sales price on each security's primary exchange. Securities traded or dealt in upon one or more securities exchanges for which market quotations are readily available and not subject to restrictions against resale shall be valued at the last quoted sales price on the primary exchange or, in the absence of a sale on the primary exchange, at the mean between the current bid and ask prices on such exchange. Securities primarily traded in the NASDAQ National Market System for which market quotations are readily available shall be valued using the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. If market quotations are not readily available, securities will be valued at their fair market value as determined in good faith by the Adviser in accordance with procedures approved by the Board and as further described below. Securities that are not traded or dealt in any securities exchange (whether domestic or foreign) and for which over-the-counter market quotations are readily available generally shall be valued at the last sale price or, in the absence of a sale, at the mean between the current bid and ask price on such over-the-counter market.

Certain securities or investments for which daily market quotes are not readily available may be valued, pursuant to guidelines established by the Board, with reference to other securities or indices. Debt securities not traded on an exchange may be valued at prices supplied by a pricing agent(s) based on broker or dealer supplied valuations or matrix pricing, a method of valuing securities by reference to the value of other securities with similar characteristics, such as rating, interest rate and maturity. Short-term investments having a maturity of 60 days or less may be generally valued at amortized cost when it is approximate to fair value.

Exchange traded options are valued at the last quoted sales price or, in the absence of a sale, at the mean between the current bid and ask prices on the exchange on which such options are traded. Futures and options on futures are valued at the settlement price determined by the exchange, or, if no settlement price is available, at the last sale price as of the close of business prior to when the Fund calculates NAV. Other securities for which market quotes are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Board or persons acting at their direction.

Swap agreements and other derivatives are generally valued daily depending on the type of instrument and reference assets based upon market prices, the mean between bid and asked prices quotations from market makers or by a pricing service or other parties in accordance with the valuation procedures approved by the Board.

Under certain circumstances, the Fund may use an independent pricing service to calculate the fair market value of foreign equity securities on a daily basis by applying valuation factors to the last sale price or the mean price as noted above. The fair market values supplied by the independent pricing service will generally reflect market trading that occurs after the close of the applicable foreign markets of comparable securities or the value of other instruments that have a strong correlation to the fair-valued securities. The independent pricing service will also take into account the current relevant currency exchange rate. A security that is fair valued may be valued at a price higher or lower than actual market quotations or the value determined by other funds using their own fair valuation procedures. Because foreign securities may trade on days when Shares are not priced, the value of securities held by the Fund can change on days when Shares cannot be redeemed or purchased. In the event that a foreign security's market quotations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable (for reasons other than because the foreign exchange on which it trades closed before the Fund's calculation of NAV), the security will be valued at its fair market value as determined in good faith by the Adviser in accordance with procedures approved by the Board as discussed below. Without fair valuation, it is possible that short-term traders could take advantage of the arbitrage opportunity and dilute the NAV of long-term investors. Fair valuation of the Fund's portfolio securities can serve to reduce arbitrage opportunities available to short-term traders, but there is no assurance that it will prevent dilution of the Fund's NAV by short-term traders. In addition, because the Fund may invest in underlying ETFs which hold portfolio securities primarily listed on foreign (non-U.S.) exchanges, and these exchanges may trade on weekends or other days when the underlying ETFs do not price their shares, the value of these portfolio securities may change on days when you may not be able to buy or sell Shares.

Investments initially valued in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are converted to U.S. dollars using exchange rates obtained from pricing services or other parties in accordance with the valuation procedures approved by the Board. As a result, the NAV of the Shares may be affected by changes in the value of currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar. The value of securities traded in markets outside the United States or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar may be

affected significantly on a day that the Exchange is closed and an investor is not able to purchase, redeem or exchange Shares.

Shares are valued at the close of regular trading on the Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) (the "Exchange Close") on each day that the Exchange is open. For purposes of calculating the NAV, the Fund normally use pricing data for domestic equity securities received shortly after the Exchange Close and does not normally take into account trading, clearances or settlements that take place after the Exchange Close. Domestic fixed income and foreign securities are normally priced using data reflecting the earlier closing of the principal markets for those securities. Information that becomes known to the Fund or its agents after the NAV has been calculated on a particular day will not generally be used to retroactively adjust the price of the security or the NAV determined earlier that day.

When market quotations are insufficient or not readily available, the Fund may value securities at fair value or estimate their value as determined in good faith by the Board or its designees, pursuant to procedures approved by the Board. Fair valuation may also be used by the Board if extraordinary events occur after the close of the relevant market but prior to the Exchange Close.

**<u>Creation Units</u>**

The Fund sells and redeems Shares in Creation Units on a continuous basis through the Distributor, without a sales load, at the NAV next determined after receipt of an order in proper form on any Business Day. A "Business Day" is any day on which the Exchange is open for business. As of the date of this SAI, the Exchange observes the following holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Juneteenth, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

A Creation Unit is an aggregation of 25,000 Shares. The Board may declare a split or a consolidation in the number of Shares outstanding of a Fund or Trust, and make a corresponding change in the number of Shares in a Creation Unit.

**<u>Authorized Participants</u>**

To purchase or redeem any Creation Units, you must be, or transact through, an authorized participant. In order to be an authorized participant, you must be either a broker-dealer or other participant ("Participating Party") in the Continuous Net Settlement System ("Clearing Process") of the National Securities Clearing Corporation ("NSCC") or a participant in DTC with access to the DTC system ("DTC Participant"), and you must execute an agreement ("Participant Agreement") with the Distributor that governs transactions in Creation Units.

Investors who are not authorized participants but want to transact in Creation Units may contact the Distributor for the names of authorized participants. An authorized participant may require investors to enter into a separate agreement to transact through it for Creation Units and may require orders for purchases of shares placed with it to be in a particular form. Investors transacting through a broker that is not itself an authorized participant and therefore must still transact through an authorized participant may incur additional charges. There are expected to be a limited number of authorized participants at any one time.

Orders must be transmitted by an authorized participant by telephone or other transmission method acceptable to the Distributor. Market disruptions and telephone or other communication failures may impede the transmission of orders.

**<u>Transaction Fees</u>**

A fixed fee payable to the Custodian is imposed on each creation and redemption transaction regardless of the number of Creation Units involved in the transaction ("Fixed Fee"). Purchases and redemptions of Creation Units for cash or involving cash-in-lieu (as defined below) are required to pay an additional variable charge to compensate the Fund and its ongoing shareholders for brokerage and market impact expenses relating to Creation Unit transactions ("Variable Charge," and together with the Fixed Fee, the "Transaction Fees"). With the approval of the Board, the Adviser may waive or adjust the

Transaction Fees, including the Fixed Fee and/or Variable Charge (shown in the table below), from time to time. In such cases, the AP will reimburse the Fund for, among other things, any difference between the market value at which the securities and/or financial instruments were purchased by a Fund and the cash-in-lieu amount, applicable registration fees, brokerage commissions and certain taxes. In addition, purchasers of Creation Units are responsible for the costs of transferring the deposit securities to the account of a Fund.

Investors who use the services of a broker, or other such intermediary may be charged a fee for such services. The Transaction Fees for the Fund are listed in the table below.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp; Fee for In-Kind and<br> Cash Purchases | &nbsp;&nbsp;Fee for Cash/Redeem Transaction | &nbsp;&nbsp;Maximum Additional Variable Charge for Cash Purchases\* |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;$400 | &nbsp;&nbsp;$100 | &nbsp;&nbsp;2.00% |

---

\* As a percentage of the amount invested.

**<u>The Clearing Process</u>**

Transactions by an authorized participant that is a Participating Party using the NSCC system are referred to as transactions "through the Clearing Process." Transactions by an authorized participant that is a DTC Participant using the DTC system are referred to as transactions "outside the Clearing Process." The Clearing Process is an enhanced clearing process that is available only for certain securities and only to DTC participants that are also participants in the Continuous Net Settlement System of the NSCC. In-kind (portions of) purchase orders not subject to the Clearing Process will go through a manual clearing process run by DTC. Portfolio Deposits that include government securities must be delivered through the Federal Reserve Bank wire transfer system ("Federal Reserve System"). Fund Deposits that include cash may be delivered through the Clearing Process or the Federal Reserve System. In-kind deposits of securities for orders outside the Clearing Process must be delivered through the Federal Reserve System (for government securities) or through DTC (for corporate securities).

**<u>Foreign Securities</u>**

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

**<u>Purchasing Creation Units</u>**

<u>Portfolio Deposit</u>

The consideration for a Creation Unit generally consists of the deposit securities and a cash component. Together, the deposit securities and the cash component constitute the "Portfolio Deposit." The cash component serves the function of compensating for any differences between the NAV per Creation Unit and the deposit securities. Thus, the cash component is equal to the difference between (x) the NAV per Creation Unit of the Fund and (y) the market value of the deposit securities. If (x) is more than (y), the authorized participant will pay the cash component to the Fund. If (x) is less than (y), the authorized participant will receive the cash component from the Fund.

On each Business Day, prior to the opening of business on the Exchange (currently 9:30 a.m., Eastern Time), the Adviser through the Custodian makes available through NSCC the name and amount of each deposit security in the current Portfolio Deposit (based on information at the end of the previous Business Day) for the Fund and the (estimated) cash component, effective through and including the previous Business Day, per Creation Unit. The deposit securities announced are applicable to purchases of Creation Units until the next announcement of deposit securities.

Payment of any stamp duty or the like shall be the sole responsibility of the authorized participant purchasing a Creation Unit. The authorized participant must ensure that all deposit securities properly denote change in beneficial ownership.

<u>Custom Orders and Cash-in-Lieu</u>

The Fund may, in its sole discretion, permit or require the substitution of an amount of cash ("cash-in-lieu") to be added to the cash component to replace any deposit security. The Fund may permit or require cash-in-lieu when, for example, a deposit security may not be available in sufficient quantity for delivery or may not be eligible for transfer through the systems of DTC or the Clearing Process. Similarly, the Fund may permit or require cash-in-lieu of deposit securities when, for example, the authorized participant or its underlying investor is restricted under U.S. or local securities laws or policies from transacting in one or more deposit securities. The Fund complies with the federal securities laws in accepting deposit securities including that the deposit securities are sold in transactions that would be exempt from registration under the Securities Act. All orders involving cash-in-lieu are considered to be "Custom Orders."

<u>Purchase Orders</u>

To order a Creation Unit, an authorized participant must submit an irrevocable purchase order to the Distributor.

<u>Timing of Submission of Purchase Orders</u>

An authorized participant must submit an irrevocable purchase order no later than the earlier of (i) 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time or (ii) the closing time of the bond markets and/or the trading session on the Exchange, on any Business Day in order to receive that Business Day's NAV ("Cut-off Time"). The Cut-off Time for Custom Orders is generally two hours earlier. The Business Day the order is deemed received by the Distributor is referred to as the "Transmittal Date." An order to create Creation Units is deemed received on a Business Day if (i) such order is received by the Distributor by the Cut-off Time on such day and (ii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed. Persons placing or effectuating custom orders and/or orders involving cash should be mindful of time deadlines imposed by intermediaries, such as DTC and/or the Federal Reserve Bank wire system, which may impact the successful processing of such orders to ensure that cash and securities are transferred by the "Settlement Date," which is generally the Business Day immediately following the Transmittal Date ("T+1") for cash and the second Business Day following the Transmittal Date for securities ("T+2").

<u>Orders Using the Clearing Process</u>

If available, (portions of) orders may be settled through the Clearing Process. In connection with such orders, the Distributor transmits, on behalf of the authorized participant, such trade instructions as are necessary to effect the creation order. Pursuant to such trade instructions, the authorized participant agrees to deliver the requisite Portfolio Deposit to the Fund, together with such additional information as may be required by the Distributor. Cash components are delivered using either the Clearing Process or the Federal Reserve System.

<u>Orders Outside the Clearing Process</u>

If the Clearing Process is not available for (portions of) an order, Portfolio Deposits will be made outside the Clearing Process. Orders outside the Clearing Process must state that the DTC Participant is not using the Clearing Process and that the creation of Creation Units will be effected through DTC. The Portfolio Deposit transfer must be ordered by the DTC Participant on the Transmittal Date in a timely fashion so as to ensure the delivery of Deposit Securities (whether standard or custom) through DTC to a Fund account by 11:00 a.m., Eastern time, on T+1. The cash component, along with any cash-in-lieu and Transaction Fee, must be transferred directly to the Custodian through the Federal Reserve System in a timely manner so as to be received by the Custodian no later than 12:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on T+1. If the Custodian does not receive both the deposit securities and the cash by the appointed time, the order may be canceled. A canceled order may be resubmitted the following Business Day but must conform to that Business Day's Portfolio Deposit. Authorized participants that submit a canceled order will be liable to the Fund for any losses incurred by the Fund in connection therewith.

Orders involving foreign deposit securities are expected to be settled outside the Clearing Process. Thus, upon receipt of an irrevocable purchase order, the Distributor will notify the Adviser and the Custodian of such order. The Custodian, who will have caused the appropriate local sub-custodian(s) of the Fund to maintain an account into which an authorized participant may deliver deposit securities (or cash-in-lieu), with adjustments determined by the Fund, will then provide information of the order to such local sub-custodian(s). The ordering authorized participant will then deliver the deposit securities (and any cash-in-lieu) to the Fund's account at the applicable local sub-custodian. The authorized participant must also make available on or before the contractual settlement date, by means satisfactory to the Fund, immediately available or same day funds in U.S. dollars estimated by the Fund to be sufficient to pay the cash component and Transaction Fee. When a relevant local market is closed due to local market holidays, the local market settlement process will not commence until the end of the local holiday period. Settlement must occur by 2:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the contractual settlement date.

<u>Acceptance of Purchase Order</u>

All questions as to the number of shares of each security in the deposit securities and the validity, form, eligibility and acceptance for deposit of any securities to be delivered shall be determined by the Fund. The Fund's determination shall be final and binding.

The Fund reserves the absolute right to reject or revoke acceptance of a purchase order transmitted to it by the Distributor if (a) the order is not in proper form; (b) the investor(s), upon obtaining the shares ordered, would own 80% or more of the currently outstanding shares of the Fund; (c) the deposit securities delivered do not conform to the deposit securities for the applicable date; (d) acceptance of the deposit securities would have certain adverse tax consequences to the Fund; (e) the acceptance of the Portfolio Deposit would, in the opinion of counsel, be unlawful; (f) the acceptance of the Portfolio Deposit would otherwise, in the discretion of the Trust, Fund or the Adviser, have an adverse effect on the Trust, Fund or the rights of beneficial owners; or (g) in the event that circumstances outside the control of the Trust, the Distributor and the Adviser make it for all practical purposes impossible to process purchase orders. Examples of such circumstances include acts of God; public service or utility problems resulting in telephone, telecopy or computer failures; fires, floods or extreme weather conditions; market conditions or activities causing trading halts; systems failures involving computer or other informational systems affecting the Trust, the Distributor, DTC, NSCC, the Adviser, the Custodian, a sub-custodian or any other participant in the creation process; and similar extraordinary events. The Distributor shall notify an authorized participant of its rejection of the order. The Fund, the Custodian, any sub-custodian and the Distributor are under no duty, however, to give notification of any defects or irregularities in the delivery of Portfolio Deposits, and they shall not incur any liability for the failure to give any such notification.

<u>Issuance of a Creation Unit</u>

Once the Fund has accepted an order, upon next determination of the Fund's NAV, the Fund will confirm the issuance of a Creation Unit, against receipt of payment, at such NAV. The Distributor will transmit a confirmation of acceptance to the authorized participant that placed the order.

Except as provided below, a Creation Unit is not issued until the Fund obtains good title to the deposit securities and the cash component, along with any cash-in-lieu and Transaction Fee. The delivery of Creation Units will generally occur no later than T+2.

In certain cases, authorized participants create and redeem Creation Units on the same trade date. In these instances, the Trust reserves the right to settle these transactions on a net basis.

With respect to orders involving foreign deposit securities, when the applicable local sub-custodian(s) have confirmed to the Custodian that the deposit securities (or cash -in-lieu) have been delivered to the Fund's account at the applicable local sub-custodian(s), the Distributor and the Adviser shall be notified of such delivery, and the Fund will issue and cause the delivery of the Creation Unit. While, as stated above, Creation Units are generally delivered on T+2, the Fund may settle Creation Unit transactions on a basis other than T+2 in order to accommodate foreign market holiday schedules, to account for different treatment among foreign and U.S. markets of dividend record dates and ex-dividend dates (that is the last day the holder of a security can sell the security and still receive dividends payable on the security), and in certain other circumstances.

The Fund may issue a Creation Unit prior to receiving good title to the deposit securities, under the following circumstances. Pursuant to the applicable Participant Agreement, the Fund may issue a Creation Unit notwithstanding that (certain) deposit securities have not been delivered, in reliance on an undertaking by the relevant authorized participant to deliver the missing deposit securities as soon as possible, which undertaking is secured by such authorized participant's delivery to and maintenance with the Custodian of collateral having a value equal to at least 115% of the value of the missing deposit securities ("Collateral"), as adjusted by time to time by the Adviser. Such Collateral will have a value greater than the NAV of the Creation Unit on the date the order is placed. Such collateral must be delivered no later than 2:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on T+1. The only Collateral that is acceptable to the Fund is cash in U.S. Dollars.

While (certain) deposit securities remain undelivered, the Collateral shall at all times have a value equal to at least 115% (as adjusted by the Adviser) of the daily marked-to-market value of the missing deposit Securities. At any time, the Fund may use the Collateral to purchase the missing securities, and the authorized participant will be liable to the Fund for any costs incurred thereby or losses resulting therefrom, whether or not they exceed the amount of the Collateral, including any Transaction Fee, any amount by which the purchase price of the missing Deposit Securities exceeds the market value of such securities on the Transmittal Date, brokerage and other transaction costs. The Trust will return any unused Collateral once all of the missing securities have been received by the Fund. More information regarding the Fund's current procedures for collateralization is available from the Distributor.

<u>Cash Purchase Method</u>

When cash purchases of Creation Units are available or specified for the Fund, they will be effected in essentially the same manner as in-kind purchases In the case of a cash purchase, the investor must pay the cash equivalent of the Portfolio Deposit. In addition, cash purchases will be subject to Transaction Fees, as described above.

**<u>Redeeming a Creation Unit</u>**

<u>Redemption Basket</u>

The consideration received in connection with the redemption of a Creation Unit generally consists of an in-kind basket of designated securities ("Redemption Securities") and a cash component. Together, the Redemption Securities and the cash component constitute the "Redemption Basket."

There can be no assurance that there will be sufficient liquidity in Shares in the secondary market to permit assembly of a Creation Unit. In addition, investors may incur brokerage and other costs in connection with assembling a Creation Unit.

The cash component serves the function of compensating for any differences between the NAV per Creation Unit and the Redemption Securities. Thus, the cash component is equal to the difference between (x) the NAV per Creation Unit of the Fund and (y) the market value of the Redemption Securities. If (x) is more than (y), the authorized participant will receive the cash component from the Fund. If (x) is less than (y), the authorized participant will pay the cash component to the Fund.

If the Redemption Securities on a Business Day are different from the deposit securities, prior to the opening of business on the Exchange (currently 9:30 a.m., Eastern Time), the Adviser through the Custodian makes available through NSCC the name and amount of each Redemption Security in the current Redemption Basket (based on information at the end of the previous Business Day) for the Fund and the (estimated) cash component, effective through and including the previous Business Day, per Creation Unit. If the Redemption Securities on a Business Day are different from the deposit securities, all redemption requests that day will be processed outside the Clearing Process.

The right of redemption may be suspended or the date of payment postponed: (i) for any period during which the Exchange is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings); (ii) for any period during which trading on the Exchange is suspended or restricted; (iii) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal of the Shares or determination of the Fund's NAV is not reasonably practicable; or (iv) in such other circumstances as permitted by the SEC, including as described below.

<u>Custom Redemptions and Cash-in-Lieu</u>

The Fund may, in its sole discretion, permit or require the substitution of cash-in-lieu to be added to the cash component to replace any Redemption Security. The Fund may permit or require cash-in-lieu when, for example, a Redemption Security may not be available in sufficient quantity for delivery or may not be eligible for transfer through the systems of DTC or the Clearing Process. Similarly, the Fund may permit or require cash-in-lieu of Redemption Securities when, for example, the authorized participant or its underlying investor is restricted under U.S. or local securities law or policies from transacting in one or more Redemption Securities. The Fund complies with the federal securities laws in satisfying redemptions with Redemption Securities, including that the Redemption Securities are sold in transactions that would be exempt from registration under the Securities Act. All redemption requests involving cash-in-lieu are considered to be "Custom Redemptions."

<u>Redemption Requests</u>

To redeem a Creation Unit, an authorized participant must submit an irrevocable redemption request to the Distributor.

An authorized participant submitting a redemption request is deemed to represent to the Fund that it or, if applicable, the investor on whose behalf it is acting, (i) owns outright or has full legal authority and legal beneficial right to tender for redemption the Creation Unit to be redeemed and can receive the entire proceeds of the redemption, and (ii) all of the Shares that are in the Creation Unit to be redeemed have not been borrowed, loaned or pledged to another party nor are they the subject of a repurchase agreement, securities lending agreement or such other arrangement that would preclude the delivery of such Shares to the Fund. The Fund reserves the absolute right, in its sole discretion, to verify these representations, but will typically require verification in connection with higher levels of redemption activity and/or short interest in the Fund. If the authorized participant, upon receipt of a verification request, does not provide sufficient verification of the requested representations, the redemption request will not be considered to be in proper form and may be rejected by the Fund.

<u>Timing of Submission of Redemption Requests</u>

An authorized participant must submit an irrevocable redemption order no later than the Cut-off Time. The Cut-off Time for Custom Orders is generally two hours earlier. The Business Day the order is deemed received by the Distributor is referred to as the "Transmittal Date." A redemption request is deemed received if (i) such order is received by the Distributor by the Cut-off Time on such day and (ii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed. Persons placing or effectuating Custom Redemptions and/or orders involving cash should be mindful of time deadlines

imposed by intermediaries, such as DTC and/or the Federal Reserve System, which may impact the successful processing of such orders to ensure that cash and securities are transferred by the Settlement Date, as defined above.

<u>Requests Using the Clearing Process</u>

If available, (portions of) redemption requests may be settled through the Clearing Process. In connection with such orders, the Distributor transmits on behalf of the Authorized Participant, such trade instructions as are necessary to effect the redemption. Pursuant to such trade instructions, the Authorized Participant agrees to deliver the requisite Creation Unit(s) to the Fund, together with such additional information as may be required by the Distributor. Cash Components are delivered using either the Clearing Process or the Federal Reserve System, as described above.

<u>Requests Outside the Clearing Process</u>

If the Clearing Process is not available for (portions of) an order, Redemption Baskets will be delivered outside the Clearing Process. Orders outside the Clearing Process must state that the DTC Participant is not using the Clearing Process and that the redemption will be effected through DTC. The Authorized Participant must transfer or cause to be transferred the Creation Unit(s) of shares being redeemed through the book-entry system of DTC so as to be delivered through DTC to the Custodian by 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time, on received T+1. In addition, the Cash Component must be received by the Custodian by 12:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on T+1. If the Custodian does not receive the Creation Unit(s) and Cash Component by the appointed times on T+1, the redemption will be rejected, except in the circumstances described below. A rejected redemption request may be resubmitted the following Business Day.

Orders involving foreign Redemption Securities are expected to be settled outside the Clearing Process. Thus, upon receipt of an irrevocable redemption request, the Distributor notifies the Adviser and the Custodian. The Custodian then provides information of the redemption to the Fund's local sub-custodian(s). The redeeming Authorized Participant, or the investor on whose behalf is acting, will have established appropriate arrangements with a broker-dealer, bank or other custody provider in each jurisdiction in which the Redemption Securities are customarily traded and to which such Redemption Securities (and any cash-in-lieu) can be delivered from the Fund's accounts at the applicable local sub-custodian(s).

<u>Acceptance of Redemption Requests</u>

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

<u>Delivery of Redemption Basket</u>

Once the Fund has accepted a redemption request, upon next determination of the Fund's NAV, the Fund will confirm the issuance of a Redemption Basket, against receipt of the Creation Unit(s) at such NAV, any cash-in-lieu and Transaction Fee. A Creation Unit tendered for redemption and the payment of the Cash Component, any cash-in-lieu and Transaction Fee will be effected through DTC. The Authorized Participant, or the investor on whose behalf it is acting, will be recorded on the book-entry system of DTC.

The Redemption Basket is generally delivered to the redeeming Authorized Participant within T+2. Except under the circumstances described below, however, a Redemption Basket generally is not issued until the Creation Unit(s) are delivered to the Fund, along with the Cash Component, any cash-in-lieu and Transaction Fee.

In certain cases, Authorized Participants will create and redeem Creation Units on the same trade date. In these instances, the Trust reserves the right to settle these transactions on a net basis.

With respect to orders involving foreign Redemption Securities, a Fund may settle Creation Unit transactions on a basis other than T+2 in order to accommodate foreign market holiday schedules, to account for different treatment among foreign

and U.S. markets of dividend record dates and ex-dividend dates (that is the last day the holder of a security can sell the security and still receive dividends payable on the security), and in certain other circumstances. When a relevant local market is closed due to local market holidays, the local market settlement process will not commence until the end of the local holiday period.

<u>Cash Redemption Method</u>

When cash redemptions of Creation Units are available or specified for the Fund, they will be effected in essentially the same manner as in-kind redemptions. In the case of a cash redemption, the investor will receive the cash equivalent of the Redemption Basket minus any Transaction Fees, as described above.

**TAX STATUS**

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

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

Net investment income is made up of dividends and interest less expenses. Net capital gain for a fiscal year is computed by taking into account any capital loss carryforward of the Fund. Capital losses may be carried forward indefinitely and retain the character of the original loss. Capital loss carry forwards are available to offset future realized capital gains. To the extent that these carry forwards are used to offset future capital gains it is probable that the amount offset will not be distributed to shareholders.

The Fund intends to distribute all of its net investment income, any excess of net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses, and any excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses in accordance with the timing requirements imposed by the Tax Code and therefore should not be required to pay any federal income or excise taxes. Distributions from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid quarterly by the Fund. The Fund distributes its net realized capital gains, if any, to shareholders annually no later than December 31 of each year.

As of September 30, 2022, the components of accumulated earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

---

| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | | **Undistributed** | | | | | |
| | **Long-Term** | **Long-Term** | | | | | |
| **Undistributed**<br>**Ordinary**<br>**Income** | **Capital Gains** | **Capital Gains** | **Post October Loss**<br>**and**<br>**Late Year Loss** | **Capital Loss**<br>**Carry**<br>**Forwards** | **Other**<br>**Book/Tax**<br>**Differences** | **Unrealized**<br>**Appreciation/**<br>**(Depreciation)** | **Total**<br>**Accumulated**<br>**Earnings/(Deficits)** |
| $15543 | $ | $— | $— | $(210848) | $— | $(5248583) | $(5443888) |

---

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

government securities or the securities of other regulated investment companies) any one issuer, two or more issuers that the Fund controls and that are determined to be engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses, or the securities of certain publicly traded partnerships.

If the Fund fails to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M in any fiscal year, it will be treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes. As such, the Fund would be required to pay income taxes on its net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, at the rates generally applicable to corporations. Shareholders of the Fund generally would not be liable for income tax on the Fund's net investment income or net realized capital gains in their individual capacities. Distributions to shareholders, whether from the Fund's net investment income or net realized capital gains, would be treated as taxable dividends to the extent of current or accumulated earnings and profits of the Fund.

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

The following discussion of tax consequences is for the general information of shareholders that are subject to tax. Shareholders that are IRAs or other qualified retirement plans are exempt from income taxation under the Tax Code.

Distributions of taxable net investment income and the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income.

Distributions of net capital gain ("capital gain dividends") generally are taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gain; regardless of the length of time the shares of the Fund have been held by such shareholders.

Certain U.S. shareholders, including individuals and estates and trusts, are subject to an additional 3.8% Medicare tax on all or a portion of their "net investment income," which should include dividends from the Fund and net gains from the disposition of Shares. U.S. shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the implications of the additional Medicare tax resulting from an investment in the Fund.

Redemption of Shares by a shareholder will result in the recognition of taxable gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized and the shareholder's tax basis in his or her Shares. Such gain or loss is treated as a capital gain or loss if the shares are held as capital assets. However, any loss realized upon the redemption of Shares within six months from the date of their purchase will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as capital gain dividends during such six-month period. All or a portion of any loss realized upon the redemption of Shares may be disallowed to the extent shares are purchased within 30 days before or after such redemption.

Distributions of taxable net investment income and net capital gain will be taxable as described above, whether received in additional cash or shares. Shareholders electing to receive distributions in the form of additional shares will have a cost basis for federal income tax purposes in each Share so received equal to the NAV of a Share on the reinvestment date.

All distributions of taxable net investment income and net capital gain, whether received in Shares or in cash, must be reported by each taxable shareholder on his or her federal income tax return. Dividends or distributions declared in October, November or December as of a record date in such a month, if any, will be deemed to have been received by shareholders on December 31, if paid during January of the following year. Redemptions of Shares may result in tax consequences (gain or loss) to the shareholder and are also subject to these reporting requirements.

Under the Tax Code, the Fund is required to report to the Internal Revenue Service all distributions of taxable income and capital gains as well as gross proceeds from the redemption or exchange of Shares, except in the case of certain exempt shareholders. Under the backup withholding provisions of Section 3406 of the Code, distributions of taxable net investment

income and net capital gain and proceeds from the redemption or exchange of the shares of a regulated investment company may be subject to withholding of federal income tax in the case of non-exempt shareholders who fail to furnish the investment company with their taxpayer identification numbers and with required certifications regarding their status under the federal income tax law, or if the Fund is notified by the IRS or a broker that withholding is required due to an incorrect TIN or a previous failure to report taxable interest or dividends. If the withholding provisions are applicable, any such distributions and proceeds, whether taken in cash or reinvested in additional shares, will be reduced by the amounts required to be withheld.

**<u>Options, Futures, Forward Contracts and Swap Agreements</u>**

To the extent such investments are permissible for the Fund, the Fund's transactions in options, futures contracts, hedging transactions, forward contracts, straddles and foreign currencies will be subject to special tax rules (including mark-to-market, constructive sale, straddle, wash sale and short sale rules), the effect of which may be to accelerate income to the Fund, defer losses to the Fund, cause adjustments in the holding periods of the Fund's securities, convert long-term capital gains into short-term capital gains and convert short-term capital losses into long-term capital losses. These rules could therefore affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to shareholders.

To the extent such investments are permissible, certain of the Fund's hedging activities (including its transactions, if any, in foreign currencies or foreign currency-denominated instruments) are likely to produce a difference between its book income and its taxable income. If the Fund's book income exceeds its taxable income, the distribution (if any) of such excess book income will be treated as (i) a dividend to the extent of the Fund's remaining earnings and profits (including earnings and profits arising from tax-exempt income), (ii) thereafter, as a return of capital to the extent of the recipient's basis in the shares, and (iii) thereafter, as gain from the sale or exchange of a capital asset. If the Fund's book income is less than taxable income, the Fund could be required to make distributions exceeding book income to qualify as a regulated investment company that is accorded special tax treatment.

**<u>Passive Foreign Investment Companies</u>**

Investment by the Fund in certain passive foreign investment companies ("PFICs") could subject the Fund to a U.S. federal income tax (including interest charges) on distributions received from the company or on proceeds received from the disposition of shares in the company, which tax cannot be eliminated by making distributions to Fund shareholders. However, the Fund may elect to treat a PFIC as a qualified electing fund ("QEF"), in which case the Fund will be required to include its share of the company's income and net capital gains annually, regardless of whether it receives any distribution from the company.

The Fund also may make an election to mark the gains (and to a limited extent losses) in such holdings "to the market" as though it had sold and repurchased its holdings in those PFICs on the last day of the Fund's taxable year. Such gains and losses are treated as ordinary income and loss. The QEF and mark-to-market elections may accelerate the recognition of income (without the receipt of cash) and increase the amount required to be distributed for the Fund to avoid taxation. Making either of these elections, therefore, may require a Fund to liquidate other investments (including when it is not advantageous to do so) to meet its distribution requirement, which also may accelerate the recognition of gain and affect the Fund's total return.

**<u>Foreign Currency Transactions</u>**

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

**<u>Foreign Taxation</u>**

Income received by the Fund from sources within foreign countries may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by such countries. Tax treaties and conventions between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes.

If more than 50% of the value of the Fund's total assets at the close of its taxable year consists of securities of foreign corporations, the Fund may be able to elect to "pass through" to the Fund's shareholders the amount of eligible foreign income and similar taxes paid by the Fund. If this election is made, a shareholder generally subject to tax will be required to include in gross income (in addition to taxable dividends actually received) his or her pro rata share of the foreign taxes paid by the Fund, and may be entitled either to deduct (as an itemized deduction) his or her pro rata share of foreign taxes in computing his or her taxable income or to use it as a foreign tax credit against his or her U.S. federal income tax liability, subject to certain limitations. In particular, a shareholder must hold his or her shares (without protection from risk of loss) on the ex-dividend date and for at least 15 more days during the 30-day period surrounding the ex-dividend date to be eligible to claim a foreign tax credit with respect to a gain dividend. No deduction for foreign taxes may be claimed by a shareholder who does not itemize deductions. Each shareholder will be notified within 60 days after the close of the Fund's taxable year whether the foreign taxes paid by the Fund will "pass through" for that year.

Generally, a credit for foreign taxes is subject to the limitation that it may not exceed the shareholder's U.S. tax attributable to his or her total foreign source taxable income. For this purpose, if the pass-through election is made, the source of the Fund's income will flow through to shareholders of the Fund. With respect to the Fund, gains from the sale of securities will be treated as derived from U.S. sources and certain currency fluctuation gains, including fluctuation gains from foreign currency-denominated debt securities, receivables and payables will be treated as ordinary income derived from U.S. sources. The limitation on the foreign tax credit is applied separately to foreign source passive income, and to certain other types of income. A shareholder may be unable to claim a credit for the full amount of his or her proportionate share of the foreign taxes paid by the Fund. The foreign tax credit can be used to offset only 90% of the revised alternative minimum tax imposed on corporations and individuals and foreign taxes generally are not deductible in computing alternative minimum taxable income.

**<u>Original Issue Discount and Pay-In-Kind Securities</u>**

Current federal tax law requires the holder of a U.S. Treasury or other fixed income zero coupon security to accrue as income each year a portion of the discount at which the security was purchased, even though the holder receives no interest payment in cash on the security during the year. In addition, pay-in-kind securities will give rise to income, which is required to be distributed and is taxable even though the Fund holding the security receives no interest payment in cash on the security during the year.

Some of the debt securities (with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by the Fund may be treated as debt securities that are issued originally at a discount. Generally, the amount of the original issue discount ("OID") is treated as interest income and is included in income over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, usually when the debt security matures. A portion of the OID includable in income with respect to certain high-yield corporate debt securities (including certain pay-in-kind securities) may be treated as a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Some of the debt securities (with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by the Fund in the secondary market may be treated as having market discount. Generally, any gain recognized on the disposition of, and any partial payment of principal on, a debt security having market discount is treated as ordinary income to the extent the gain, or principal payment, does not exceed the "accrued market discount" on such debt security. Market discount generally accrues in equal daily installments. The Fund may make one or more of the elections applicable to debt securities having market discount, which could affect the character and timing of recognition of income.

Some debt securities (with a fixed maturity date of one year or less from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by the Fund may be treated as having acquisition discount, or OID in the case of certain types of debt securities. Generally, the Fund will be required to include the acquisition discount, or OID, in income over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, usually when the debt security matures. The Fund may make one or more of the elections applicable to debt securities having acquisition discount, or OID, which could affect the character and timing of recognition of income.

If the Fund holds the foregoing kinds of securities, it may be required to pay out as an income distribution each year an amount that is greater than the total amount of cash interest the Fund actually received. Such distributions may be made from the cash assets of the Fund or by liquidation of portfolio securities, if necessary (including when it is not advantageous to do so). The Fund may realize gains or losses from such liquidations. In the event the Fund realizes net capital gains from such transactions, its shareholders may receive a larger capital gain distribution, if any, than they would in the absence of such transactions.

Shareholders of the Fund may be subject to state and local taxes on distributions received from the Fund and on redemptions of Shares.

A brief explanation of the form and character of the distribution accompany each distribution. In January of each year the Fund issues to each shareholder a statement of the federal income tax status of all distributions.

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

**INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM**

The Board has selected Deloitte & Touche LLP, located at 695 Town Center Drive, Suite 1000, Costa Mesa, California 92626, as their independent registered public accounting firm for the current fiscal period. The firm provides services including (i) audit of annual financial statements, and (ii) assistance and consultation in connection with SEC filings.

**LEGAL COUNSEL**

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

**FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

The audited financial statements and report of the independent registered public accounting firm required to be included in this SAI are hereby incorporated by reference to the [Annual Report for the Fund for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1537140/000158064222006121/fpaglobalequity_ncsr.htm). You can obtain a copy of the Fund's Annual Report without charge by visiting https://fpag.fpa.com/ or by calling the Fund at (800) 982-4372.

**<u>APPENDIX A</u>**

**FPA Proxy Voting Policy**

As of May 2021

This policy is designed to reflect FPA's fiduciary duty to act in a manner that furthers the best interests of its Clients when voting proxies or deciding not to vote. In determining how or whether to vote proxies or provide consents, FPA will not subordinate the economic interests of its clients to the interests of other persons or to FPA's self-interest. Each proxy issue will be considered individually. Decisions will be made by relevant portfolio managers and based on the financial interest of Clients in light of the specific applicable investment strategy, taking into consideration the guidelines enumerated in this Policy.

Recognizing that proxy voting is a rare event in the realm of fixed income investing and is typically limited to solicitation of consent to changes in features of debt securities, this Policy also applies generally to voting and/or consent rights relating to debt securities (to the extent they are voted in a proxy process) on behalf of Clients, including but not limited to, plans of reorganization, and waivers and consents under applicable indentures.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**1.** **Procedures** 

Absent specific Client instructions, and subject to the limitations described below, FPA has adopted the following proxy voting procedures designed to ensure that proxies and consent rights that are voted in a proxy process (each a "proxy", and collectively, "proxies") are properly identified and voted, and that any conflicts of interest are addressed appropriately:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· The Proxy Administrator or designee takes steps to ensure that the custodians
for all Client accounts have been instructed to electronically deliver all applicable proxy ballots to Institutional Shareholder Services
Inc. ("ISS"), which FPA uses to process proxy votes. Note, in certain cases, a proxy vote may be received outside of the ISS
process.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· ISS electronically delivers proxy ballots to FPA's Proxy Administrator,
or in certain situations (e.g., for some debt securities), FPA may receive a proxy ballot or a request to make a voting decision through
another method (e.g., mail, etc.). Upon receipt of the proxy ballot, FPA's Proxy Administrator will forward the ballot to the appropriate
FPA Portfolio Manager along with a due date by which the Portfolio Manager must respond back to the Proxy Administrator. The due date
provided to the Portfolio Manager should be at least one business day prior to the date by which FPA must vote the proxy for it to be
counted. The Portfolio Manager evaluates the proxy ballot to determine voting decisions that will be in the best interest of Clients,
and may consider ISS' recommendations (as applicable) in making a determination to the extent the Portfolio Manager has determined
that any such recommendations are consistent with the Firm's fiduciary duties, including, without limitation, ERISA. The Portfolio
Manager then communicates the voting instructions by email to the Proxy Administrator.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· To the extent that FPA receives a proxy ballot for an issuer for which FPA
has filed Schedule 13D and/or is a Section 16 filer, the Proxy Administrator will consult with the Legal Department prior to sending the
proxy to the Portfolio Manager to determine whether FPA is subject to any related restrictions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· When the Proxy Administrator receives voting instructions from the Portfolio
Manager, the Proxy Administrator will follow those instructions and enter the votes electronically through ISS' online system, or
in the case of proxies that are not delivered through ISS' online system, vote in accordance with the instructions provided.

* To the extent ISS notifies FPA, or FPA otherwise becomes aware, of additional
proxy materials that are filed after the FPA Portfolio Manager has communicated voting instructions or after those instructions have been
submitted through ISS' online system or submitted through another method, the Proxy Administrator and/or the applicable FPA personnel
will forward such additional materials to the appropriate Portfolio Manager for consideration. If the FPA Portfolio Manager wishes to
change a vote previously cast due to the additional information, the Proxy Administrator will work to implement such change, if feasible,
prior to the voting deadline.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· To the extent ISS notifies FPA, or FPA otherwise becomes aware, of additional
proxy materials that are filed after the FPA Portfolio Manager has communicated voting instructions or after those instructions have been
submitted through ISS' online system or submitted through another method, the Proxy Administrator and/or the applicable FPA personnel
will forward such additional materials to the appropriate Portfolio Manager for consideration. If the FPA Portfolio Manager wishes to
change a vote previously cast due to the additional information, the Proxy Administrator will work to implement such change, if feasible,
prior to the voting deadline.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· FPA will not neglect its proxy voting responsibilities, but may abstain
from voting if it deems that abstaining is in its Clients' best interests, as described below under the *Limitations on Proxy Voting* section. The Proxy Administrator will document instances in which FPA does not vote a Client's proxy.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· The Proxy Administrator will document instances where FPA votes the same
proxy in two directions for different Clients.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· Proxies received after a Client terminates its advisory relationship with
FPA will not be voted. <sup>[1]</sup> The Proxy Administrator will promptly
return such proxies to the sender, along with a statement indicating that FPA's advisory relationship with the Client has terminated,
and that future proxies should not be sent to FPA.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· To the extent that a conflict of interest is identified in conjunction with
a specific proxy vote, the voting process will be modified as described below under *Conflicts of Interest.* 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· The Proxy Administrator, in conjunction with Compliance, is responsible
for overseeing the services provided by ISS, and will conduct periodic diligence regarding such services that will consider, to the extent
applicable, the guidance set out in Investment Advisers Act Release No. 5325 (September 10, 2019). <sup>[2]</sup> If any FPA personnel identify potential factual errors, incompleteness, or methodological weakness in the voting recommendations provided
by ISS, the Proxy Administrator should be notified promptly. Additionally, the Proxy Administrator will take steps to ensure that FPA's
proxy voting decisions were not based on the erroneous or incomplete information.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**2.** **Conflicts of Interest** 

When completing the steps above, the Proxy Administrator will consider whether FPA is subject to any material conflicts of interest in connection with each proxy vote. In addition, Employees, including Portfolio Managers involved in

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<sup>[1]</sup> It is noted that in certain circumstances, a Client may request FPA to contractually agree to continue to vote proxies on their behalf after the termination date.

<sup>[2]</sup> Some of the considerations set forth in IA Release No. 5325 (Sept. 10, 2019) include, but are not limited to, reviewing: (i) the adequacy and quality of the proxy advisory firm's staffing, personnel, and/or technology; (ii) whether the proxy advisory firm has an effective process for seeking timely input from issuers and proxy advisory firm clients with respect to its proxy voting policies, methodologies, and peer group constructions; (iii) disclosures provided by the proxy advisory firm regarding its methodologies in formulating voting recommendations; (iv) the nature of any third-party information sources that the proxy advisory firm uses as a basis for voting recommendations; (v) when and how the proxy advisory firm would expect to engage with issuers and third parties; (vi) policies and procedures regarding identifying and addressing conflicts of interest; and (vii) the number of potential factual errors, incompleteness or methodical weakness in the proxy advisory firm's analysis that may have materially affected the proxy advisory firm's research or recommendations that an investment adviser utilized; and (vii) a proxy advisory firm's process for ensuring that it has complete and accurate information about the issuer and each particular matter.

determining proxy votes, must notify FPA's Legal Department and/or the CCO if they are aware of any material conflict of interest associated with a proxy vote. It is impossible to anticipate all material conflicts of interest that could arise in connection with proxy voting. The following examples are meant to help the Proxy Administrator and Employees identify potential conflicts when considering proxies of certain issuers and/or their competitors:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· FPA provides investment advice to a publicly traded company ("Company"),
to the public pension plan of such Company, or to a subsidiary or affiliate of such Company, and FPA holds shares of such Company in FPA
Client accounts;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· FPA provides investment advice to an issuer and an FPA employee (or family
member) is a member of the issuer's Board of Directors;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· FPA provides investment advice to an officer or director of an issuer;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· FPA, or an affiliate, has a financial interest in the outcome of a proxy
vote, such as when FPA is asked to vote on a change in Rule 12b-1 fees paid by a mutual fund to investment advisers, including FPA;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· An issuer or some other third party offers FPA or an Employee compensation
in exchange for voting a proxy in a particular way;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· An Employee, or a member of an Employee's household, has a personal
or business relationship with an issuer;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· FPA or its Employees have a short position in an issuer, but FPA's
Clients have a long position in the same issuer; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· An FPA Client holds securities of an issuer that are senior to the securities
of the same issuer held by other FPA Clients in the same strategy, and an action is required (e.g., proxy, bankruptcy, corporate action,
etc.) that would benefit some FPA Clients over others.

If FPA detects a material conflict of interest in connection with a proxy solicitation, FPA will abide by the following procedures:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· FPA will convene an internal group of senior FPA employees who are independent
from the conflict of interest at issue.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· The internal group will review any documentation associated with the proxy
vote and ISS' recommendation for the vote, and may discuss the matter with outside counsel or consultants if necessary.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· The internal group will propose a course of action that they determine to
be in the best interest of the applicable FPA Client(s). <sup>[3]</sup> Such course of action may include, but is not limited to:

* Consulting with the Board of Directors/Trustees of
the FPA Funds for conflicts of interest involving the registered investment companies, and following the course of action proposed by
such Board of Directors/Trustees;

* Voting in accordance with the recommendations provided
by ISS;

* "Echo" or "mirror" voting
those shares in the same proportion as other votes;

* Seeking Client consent for the vote that the Portfolio
Manager has proposed;

* Engaging an independent third party to provide a
recommendation on how to vote the proxy;

* Abstaining from voting the proxy (in-line with the
limitations noted in Section 3 below); or

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<sup>[3]</sup> With respect to any ERISA Plan Client, FPA will resolve any conflict in accordance with its fiduciary duties under ERISA.

* For debt proxies, additional courses of action may
also include: (i) voting with the majority of uninterested lenders; (ii) ceding its vote to the agent bank if the asset held is bank debt;
or (iii) appointing an independent committee or party to make the voting decision.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· The Proxy Administrator will vote the proxy or abstain from voting the proxy
pursuant to the internal group's instructions. The Proxy Administrator will retain documentation that reflects the rationale for
the proxy vote determination.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**3.** **Limitations on Proxy Voting** 

Notwithstanding the procedures listed above, in certain circumstances where FPA has determined that it is in the Client's best interest, FPA will not vote proxies received. In other situations, the Client will decide unilaterally to retain proxy voting authority. The following are some, but not all, circumstances where FPA will limit its role in voting proxies:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· <u>Client Maintains Proxy Voting Authority</u>. Where the Client has instructed
FPA in writing, FPA will not vote the securities and will direct the relevant custodian to send the proxy material directly to the Client.
If any proxy material is received by FPA, it will promptly be forwarded to the Client or a specified third party.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· <u>Client Provides Proxy Voting Instructions</u>. Where the Client has provided
written instructions to FPA directing FPA how to vote proxies (e.g., a Client directs FPA to vote ESG based on ISS ESG guidelines or directs
FPA to vote a proxy in a certain way in specific situations).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· <u>Terminated Account</u>. Once a Client account has been terminated in
accordance with the investment advisory agreement, FPA may refrain from voting any proxies received after the termination and will return
the proxy materials to the sender or to an address provided by the Client for forwarding any proxies received.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· <u>Securities No Longer Held</u>. FPA may refrain from voting proxies received
for securities which are no longer held by the Client's account.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· <u>Securities Lending Programs</u>. When securities are out on loan, they
are transferred into the borrower's name and are voted by the borrower, in its discretion.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· <u>Non-Discretionary Accounts</u>. If FPA accepts a Client with non-discretionary
authority, it may also yield the authority to vote proxies.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· <u>Limited Value</u>. FPA may abstain from voting a Client proxy based upon
a conclusion that the effect on a Client's economic interests or the value of the portfolio holding is indeterminable or insignificant.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· <u>Costs exceed benefits</u>. FPA may abstain from voting a Client proxy
if FPA believes that the costs of voting the proxy exceed the expected benefit to the Client of voting the proxy.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· <u>Non-US Issuers</u>. FPA will vote non-US issuer proxies on a best efforts
basis. Some non-US proxies may involve a number of features that restrict or prevent FPA's ability to vote in a timely manner, or
otherwise make voting impractical. For example, some proxies may not appear on any platform because some issuers do not reimburse custodians
for the distribution of proxies. FPA will use its best efforts to vote all proxies but cannot guarantee the votes will be processed due
to obstacles such as share blocking, re-registration, required powers of attorney, and sub-custodial arrangements. FPA may also be limited
in obtaining proxy records but will maintain evidence reflecting best efforts to vote such proxies.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**4.** **Sub-Adviser Engagement** 

As an investment manager, FPA may exercise its discretion to engage a Sub-Adviser to provide portfolio management services to certain FPA Clients. Consistent with its management responsibilities, the Sub-Adviser will typically

assume the authority for voting proxies on behalf of these FPA Clients. Sub-Advisers may retain the services of third parties to assist in the administration of the proxy voting process and/or provide other services related to proxy voting. FPA will maintain oversight of the Sub-Adviser, including ensuring that the Sub-Adviser has adopted written proxy voting policies and procedures, which it believes are reasonably designed to ensure that the Sub-Adviser votes client securities in the best interests of FPA Clients.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**5.** **Class Actions** 

Securities issuers are, on occasion, the subject of class action lawsuits where the class of potentially injured parties is defined to be purchasers of the issuer's securities during a specific period of time. These cases may result in an award of damages or settlement proceeds to the class members who file claims with the settlement administrator. At the time of the settlement, notice of the settlement together with a claim form and release is generally sent to the custodian of the securities who in turn may forward these notices to the separately managed account clients. FPA does not provide any legal advice to Clients in connection with class action litigation. FPA will instead provide such accounts with reasonable assistance by providing account-level information upon request.<sup>[4]</sup>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6.** **Books and Records** 

The Proxy Administrator will ensure that the following information is retained and available to be promptly produced in connection with each proxy vote:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· The issuer's name;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· The security's ticker symbol or CUSIP, as applicable;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· The shareholder meeting date;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· The number of shares that FPA voted;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· A brief identification of the matter voted on;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· Whether the matter was proposed by the issuer or a security-holder;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· Whether FPA cast a vote;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· How FPA cast its vote (for the proposal, against the proposal, or abstain);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· Whether FPA cast its vote with or against management;

decision or that memorializes the basis for that decision, to the extent applicable; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;· Any communication with Clients on how FPA voted proxies on behalf of the
Client.

FPA may satisfy certain of the above requirements by relying on a third party to retain a copy of the proxy statement on FPA's behalf, so long as FPA has obtained an undertaking from the third party to provide a copy of the proxy statement promptly upon request. FPA may also satisfy certain of the above requirements by relying on proxy statements available from the SEC's Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval (EDGAR) system.

For proxy ballots that are not delivered electronically via the ISS online system, the Proxy Administrator submits the ballot along with details as to how FPA voted to ISS, who will add it to the system for recordkeeping and regulatory filing purposes.

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<sup>[4]</sup> With respect to the FPA Funds and FPA Private Funds, FPA is responsible for determining participation in class actions.

The Proxy Administrator will periodically reconcile the proxy voting records from the custodians with the proxy voting records from ISS and follow up on any discrepancies to ensure that accurate records are maintained.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7.** **Disclosures to Clients and Investors** 

FPA includes a description of its policies and procedures regarding proxy voting in Part 2A of Form ADV, along with a statement that FPA Clients and investors can contact FPA to obtain a copy of these policies and procedures and information about how FPA voted with respect to the Client's securities.

Any request for information about proxy voting or class actions should be promptly forwarded to the Proxy Administrator, who will respond to any such requests. As a matter of policy, FPA does not disclose how it expects to vote on upcoming proxies.