WCM Focused International Growth Fund

Investor Class Shares – WCMRX
Institutional Class Shares – WCMIX

 

WCM China Quality Growth Fund

Investor Class Shares – WCQGX

Institutional Class Shares – WCMCX

 

WCM Focused Emerging Markets Fund
Investor Class Shares – WFEMX

Institutional Class Shares – WCMEX

 

WCM Developing World Equity Fund

Investor Class Shares – WCMUX

Institutional Class Shares – WCMDX

 

WCM Focused Global Growth Fund

Investor Class Shares – WFGGX

Institutional Class Shares – WCMGX

 

WCM International Equity Fund

Investor Class Shares – WESGX

Institutional Class Shares – WCMMX

 

WCM International Small Cap Growth Fund
Institutional Class Shares – WCMSX

 

WCM Focused International Value Fund

Investor Class Shares – WLIVX
Institutional Class Shares – WCMVX

 

WCM Small Cap Growth Fund

Investor Class Shares – WCMNX

Institutional Class Shares – WCMLX

 

WCM Focused International Opportunities Fund

Investor Class Shares – WCFOX

Institutional Class Shares – WCMOX

WCM SMID Quality Value Fund (formerly,
WCM Focused Small Cap Fund)

Investor Class Shares – WCMJX

Institutional Class Shares – WCMFX

WCM Mid Cap Quality Value Fund (formerly,
WCM Focused Mid Cap Fund)

Investor Class Shares – WMIDX

Institutional Class Shares – WCMAX

 

 

WCM Focused Emerging Markets ex China Fund

Investor Class SharesWCFEX

Institutional Class SharesWCMWX

 

PROSPECTUS

April 30, 2023

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

WCM Focused International Growth Fund

WCM Focused Emerging Markets Fund

WCM Focused Global Growth Fund

WCM International Small Cap Growth Fund

WCM Small Cap Growth Fund

WCM SMID Quality Value Fund

WCM China Quality Growth Fund

WCM Developing World Equity Fund

WCM International Equity Fund

WCM Focused International Value Fund

WCM Focused International Opportunities Fund

WCM Mid Cap Quality Value Fund

WCM Focused Emerging Markets ex China Fund

 

Each a series of Investment Managers Series Trust (the “Trust”)

Each of the funds described in this Prospectus is referred to as a “Fund” and together as the “Funds”

 

 

Table of Contents

 

SUMMARY SECTION - WCM Focused International Growth Fund 1
SUMMARY SECTION - WCM Focused Emerging Markets Fund 7
SUMMARY SECTION - WCM Focused Global Growth Fund 14
SUMMARY SECTION – WCM International Small Cap Growth Fund 20
SUMMARY SECTION – WCM Small Cap Growth Fund 27
SUMMARY SECTION – WCM SMID Quality Value Fund 32
SUMMARY SECTION – WCM China Quality Growth Fund 38
SUMMARY SECTION – WCM Developing World Equity Fund 46
SUMMARY SECTION – WCM International Equity Fund 53
SUMMARY SECTION – WCM Focused International Value Fund 60
SUMMARY SECTION – WCM Focused International Opportunities Fund 66
SUMMARY SECTION – WCM Mid Cap Quality Value Fund 74
SUMMARY SECTION – WCM Focused Emerging Markets ex China Fund 79
MORE ABOUT THE FUNDS’ INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS 85
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS 108
DISTRIBUTION AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICE PLAN 122
YOUR ACCOUNT WITH THE FUNDS 123
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS 134
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES 134
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 136
APPENDIX A – CERTAIN INFORMATION RELATED TO PURCHASE OF SHARES THROUGH CERTAIN BROKERAGE PLATFORMS 161
FOR MORE INFORMATION 163

This Prospectus sets forth basic information about the Funds that you should know before investing. It should be read and retained for future reference.

 

The date of this Prospectus is April 30, 2023.

 

 

 

SUMMARY SECTION - WCM Focused International Growth Fund

 

 

Investment Objective

 

The investment objective of the WCM Focused International Growth Fund (the “Fund”) is long-term capital appreciation.

 

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 and example below.

 

   

Investor

Class Shares

      Institutional Class Shares  
Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases   None       None  
Maximum deferred sales charge (load)   None       None  
Wire fee   $20       $20  
Overnight check delivery fee   $25       $25  
Retirement account fees (annual maintenance fee)   $15       $15  
               
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Management fees     0.85%       0.85%  
Distribution (Rule 12b-1) fee     0.25%       None  
Other expenses     0.19%       0.19%  
Shareholder service fee 0.10%       0.10%      
All other expenses 0.09%       0.09%      
Total annual fund operating expenses     1.29%       1.04%  
                 

 

Example

 

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same.

 

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

  One Year Three Years Five Years Ten Years
Investor Class $131 $409 $708 $1,556
Institutional Class $106 $331 $574 $1,271

 

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 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. For the fiscal period May 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 17% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

  1  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM Focused International Growth Fund

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 75% of its net assets in equity securities of non-U.S. domiciled companies or depositary receipts of non-U.S. domiciled companies located in developed countries and in emerging and frontier market countries. Emerging and frontier countries or markets are those countries or markets with low- to middle-income economies as classified by the World Bank or included in any of the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) emerging markets or frontier markets indices. The Fund’s advisor considers a company to be located in a country if the company has been organized under the laws of, has its principal offices in, or has its securities principally traded in, the country, or if the company derives at least 50% of its revenues or net profits from, or has at least 50% of its assets or production capacities in, the country.

 

The Fund’s investments in equity securities may include common stocks and depositary receipts. The Fund’s investments in depositary receipts may include American, European, Canadian and Global Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”, “EDRs”, “CDRs” and “GDRs”, respectively). ADRs are receipts that represent interests in foreign securities held on deposit by U.S. banks. EDRs and GDRs have the same qualities as ADRs, except that they may be traded in several international trading markets.

 

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

 

Although the Fund may invest in any size companies, it generally invests in large capitalization established multinational companies. The Fund’s advisor considers large capitalization companies to be those with market capitalization of $5 billion or greater at the time of investment. The Fund generally invests in securities of companies located in different regions and in at least three different countries. However, from time to time, the Fund may have a significant portion of its assets invested in the securities of companies in one or a few countries or regions. The Fund may make significant investments in certain sectors or group of sectors within a particular industry or industries from time to time.

 

Principal Risks of Investing

 

Risk is inherent in all investing and you could lose money by investing in the Fund. A summary description of certain principal risks of investing in the Fund is set forth below. Before you decide whether to invest in the Fund, carefully consider these risk factors associated with investing in the Fund, which may cause investors to lose money. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

 

Market Risk. The market price of a security or instrument may decline, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions throughout the world, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. In addition, local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, or other events could have significant impact on a security or instrument. The market value of a security or instrument also may decline because of factors that affect a particular industry or industries, such as labor shortages or increased production costs and competitive conditions within an industry.

 

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

 

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

 

  2  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM Focused International Growth Fund

 

Emerging Markets Risk. Many of the risks with respect to foreign investments are more pronounced for investments in issuers in developing or emerging market countries. Emerging market countries tend to have more government exchange controls, more volatile interest and currency exchange rates, less market regulation, and less developed and less stable economic, political and legal systems than those of more developed countries. There may be less publicly available and reliable information about issuers in emerging markets than is available about issuers in more developed markets. In addition, emerging market countries may experience high levels of inflation and may have less liquid securities markets and less efficient trading and settlement systems.

 

Frontier Markets Risk. Frontier market countries generally have smaller economies and even less developed capital markets than traditional emerging markets, and as a result, the risks of investing in emerging market countries are magnified in frontier market countries.

 

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

 

Currency Risk. The values of investments in securities denominated in foreign currencies increase or decrease as the rates of exchange between those currencies and the U.S. dollar change. Currency conversion costs and currency fluctuations could erase investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates can be volatile and are affected by factors such as general economic conditions, the actions of the United States and foreign governments or central banks, the imposition of currency controls, and speculation.

 

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

 

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

 

Large-Cap Company Risk. Larger, more established companies may be unable to attain the high growth rates of successful, smaller companies during periods of economic expansion.

 

Recent Market Events. Periods of market volatility may occur in response to market events and other economic, political, and global macro factors. For example, in recent years the COVID-19 pandemic, the large expansion of government deficits and debt as a result of government actions to mitigate the effects of the pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the rise of inflation have resulted in extreme volatility in the global economy and in global financial markets. These and other similar events could be prolonged and could adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments, impair the Fund’s ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Fund’s performance.

 

  3  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM Focused International Growth Fund

 

Sector Focus Risk. The Fund may invest a larger portion of its assets in one or more sectors than many other mutual funds, and thus will be more susceptible to negative events affecting those sectors. For example, as of December 31, 2022, 25.0% of the Fund’s assets were invested in the health care sector. Performance of companies in the health care sector may be affected by, among other things, government regulation, industry innovation, and extensive litigation based on product liability and similar claims.

 

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

 

Performance

 

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year for Institutional Class Shares and by showing how the average annual total returns of each class of the Fund compare with the average annual total returns of a broad-based market index. Performance for classes other than those shown may vary from the performance shown to the extent the expenses for those classes differ. Updated performance information is available at the Fund’s website www.wcminvestfunds.com, or by calling the Fund at 1-888-988-9801. The Fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

 

Annual Total Return (before taxes) for Institutional Class Shares

 

For each calendar year at NAV

 

 

 

Year

The year-to-date return as of March 31, 2023, was 10.58%.

 

Institutional Shares
Highest Calendar Quarter Return at NAV 25.68% Quarter Ended 06/30/2020
Lowest Calendar Quarter Return at NAV (17.44)% Quarter Ended 06/30/2022

 

Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended December 31, 2022)
1 Year 5 Years

 

10 Years

Institutional Class Shares — Return Before Taxes (28.90)% 6.73% 8.91%
Institutional Class Shares — Return After Taxes on Distributions* (28.92)% 6.25% 8.57%
Institutional Class Shares — Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares* (17.10)% 5.34% 7.35%
Investor Class Shares — Return Before Taxes (29.06)% 6.48% 8.66%
MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) (16.00)% 0.88% 3.80%

 

  4  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM Focused International Growth Fund

 

* After-tax returns are 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. After–tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. After-tax returns are shown for Institutional Class Shares only and after-tax returns for classes other than Institutional Class will vary from returns shown for Institutional Class.

 

Investment Advisor

 

WCM Investment Management, LLC (the “Advisor” or “WCM”)

 

Portfolio Managers

 

The portfolio management team is comprised of Sanjay Ayer, CFA, Portfolio Manager, Paul R. Black, President and CEO, Michael B. Trigg, Portfolio Manager, and Jon Tringale, Portfolio Manager. Messrs. Black and Trigg have served as portfolio managers of the Fund since its inception on May 31, 2011. Mr. Ayer has served as a portfolio manager of the Fund since June 30, 2020. Mr. Tringale has served as a portfolio manager of the Fund since March 31, 2022. The members of the portfolio management team are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio.

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

 

To purchase shares of the Fund, you must invest at least the minimum amount.

 

  Investor Class Institutional Class
Minimum Investments To Open Your Account To Add to Your Account To Open Your Account To Add to Your Account
Direct Regular Accounts $1,000 $100 $100,000 $5,000
Direct Retirement Accounts $1,000 $100 $100,000 $5,000
Automatic Investment Plan $100 $50 $5,000 $2,500
Gift Account For Minors $1,000 $500 $100,000 $5,000

 

Fund shares are redeemable on any business day the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) is open for business, by written request or by telephone.

 

Tax Information

 

The Fund’s distributions are generally taxable, and will ordinarily be taxed as ordinary income, qualified dividend income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-advantaged arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. Shareholders investing through such tax-advantaged arrangements may be taxed later upon withdrawal of monies from those arrangements.

 

  5  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM Focused International Growth Fund

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund 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.

 

  6  

 

SUMMARY SECTION - WCM Focused Emerging Markets Fund

 

 

Investment Objective

 

The investment objective of the WCM Focused Emerging Markets Fund (the “Fund”) is long-term capital appreciation.

 

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 and example below.

 

     

Investor

Class Shares

      Institutional Class Shares  

Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)

Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases     None       None  
Maximum deferred sales charge (load)     None       None  
Wire fee     $20       $20  
Overnight check delivery fee     $25       $25  
Retirement account fees (annual maintenance fee)     $15       $15  
                 

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

Management fees     1.00%       1.00%  
Distribution (Rule 12b-1) fee     0.25%       None  
Other expenses     0.37%       0.37%  
Shareholder service fee 0.13%       0.13%      
All other expenses 0.24%       0.24%      
Total annual fund operating expenses     1.62%       1.37%  
Fees waived and/or expenses reimbursed1     (0.12%)       (0.12%)  
Total annual fund operating expenses after waiving fees and/or reimbursing expenses1     1.50%       1.25%  
                 

 

1 The Fund’s advisor has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or pay for operating expenses of the Fund to ensure that total annual fund operating expenses (excluding any taxes, leverage interest, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on short sales, acquired fund fees and expenses (as determined in accordance with Form N-1A), professional fees related to services for the collection of foreign tax reclaims, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization, and extraordinary expenses such as litigation expenses) do not exceed 1.50% and 1.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s Investor Class and Institutional Class shares of the Fund, respectively. This agreement is in effect until April 30, 2024, and it may be terminated before that date only by the Trust’s Board of Trustees. The Fund’s advisor is permitted to seek reimbursement from the Fund, subject to certain limitations, of fees waived or payments made to the Fund for a period ending three full fiscal years after the date of the waiver or payment. This reimbursement may be requested from the Fund if the reimbursement will not cause the Fund’s annual expense ratio to exceed the lesser of (a) the expense limitation in effect at the time such fees were waived or payments made, or (b) the expense limitation in effect at the time of the reimbursement.

 

  7  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM Focused Emerging Markets Fund

 

Example

 

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. The example reflects the Fund’s contractual fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement only for the term of the contractual fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement.

 

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

  One Year Three Years Five Years Ten Years
Investor Class $153 $499 $870 $1,912
Institutional Class $127 $422 $739 $1,636

 

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 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. For the fiscal period May 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 18% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (including amounts borrowed for investment purposes) in equity securities of companies in emerging or frontier countries or markets. Emerging and frontier countries or markets are those countries or markets with low- to middle-income economies as classified by the World Bank or included in any of the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) emerging markets or frontier markets indices. The Fund’s advisor considers a company to be located in a country if the company has been organized under the laws of, has its principal offices in, or has its securities principally traded in, the country, or if the company derives at least 50% of its revenues or net profits from, or has at least 50% of its assets or production capacities in, the country.

 

The Fund’s advisor expects the Fund to primarily invest in equity securities under normal circumstances. The Fund’s equity investments include common stock, common stock that is offered in initial public offerings (“IPOs”) and depositary receipts. The Fund’s investments in depositary receipts may include American, European, Canadian and Global Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”, “EDRs”, “CDRs” and “GDRs”, respectively).

 

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

 

The Fund may invest in securities of any size companies. The Fund generally invests in the securities of companies domiciled in at least three different countries. However, from time to time, the Fund may have a significant portion of its assets invested in the securities of companies domiciled in one or a few countries or regions. The Fund may make significant investments in certain sectors or group of sectors within a particular industry or industries from time to time.

 

  8  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM Focused Emerging Markets Fund

 

Principal Risks of Investing

 

Risk is inherent in all investing and you could lose money by investing in the Fund. A summary description of certain principal risks of investing in the Fund is set forth below. Before you decide whether to invest in the Fund, carefully consider these risk factors associated with investing in the Fund, which may cause investors to lose money. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

 

Market Risk. The market price of a security or instrument may decline, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions throughout the world, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. In addition, local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, or other events could have significant impact on a security or instrument. The market value of a security or instrument also may decline because of factors that affect a particular industry or industries, such as labor shortages or increased production costs and competitive conditions within an industry.

 

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

 

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

 

Emerging Markets Risk. Many of the risks with respect to foreign investments are more pronounced for investments in issuers in developing or emerging market countries. Emerging market countries tend to have more government exchange controls, more volatile interest and currency exchange rates, less market regulation, and less developed and less stable economic, political and legal systems than those of more developed countries. There may be less publicly available and reliable information about issuers in emerging markets than is available about issuers in more developed markets. In addition, emerging market countries may experience high levels of inflation and may have less liquid securities markets and less efficient trading and settlement systems.

 

Frontier Markets Risk. Frontier market countries generally have smaller economies and even less developed capital markets than traditional emerging markets, and as a result, the risks of investing in emerging market countries are magnified in frontier market countries.

 

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

 

Risks Associated with China. Investments in Chinese issuers involve legal, regulatory, political, currency, and economic risks that are specific to China. The Fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in the securities of Chinese companies. For example, as of December 31, 2022, 27.6% of the Fund’s assets were invested in such securities. The Chinese economy is generally considered an emerging market and can be significantly affected by economic and political conditions and policy in China and surrounding Asian countries. A relatively small number of Chinese companies represent a large portion of China’s total market and thus may be more sensitive to adverse political or economic circumstances and market movements. The economy of China differs, often unfavorably, from the U.S. economy in such respects as structure, general development, government involvement, wealth distribution, rate of inflation, growth rate, allocation of resources and capital reinvestment, among others. Under China’s political and economic system, the central government has historically exercised substantial control over virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through administrative regulation and/or state ownership. In addition, expropriation, including nationalization, confiscatory taxation, political, economic or social instability or other developments could adversely affect and significantly diminish the values of the Chinese companies in which the Fund invests. International trade tensions may arise from time to time which can result in trade tariffs, embargoes, trade limitations, trade wars and other negative consequences. These consequences may trigger a reduction in international trade, the oversupply of certain manufactured goods, substantial price reductions of goods and possible failure of individual companies and/or large segments of China’s export industry with a potentially severe negative impact to the Fund. From time to time, China has experienced outbreaks of infectious illnesses, and the country may be subject to other public health threats or similar issues in the future. Any spread of an infectious illness, public health threat or similar issue could reduce consumer demand or economic output, result in market closures, travel restrictions or quarantines, and generally have a significant impact on the Chinese economy.

 

  9  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM Focused Emerging Markets Fund

 

Risks of Investing in A-Shares. The A-Share market is volatile with a risk of suspension of trading in a particular security or multiple securities or government intervention. Securities in the A-Share market may be suspended from trading without an indication of how long the suspension will last, which may impair the liquidity of such securities and may impact the ability of the Fund to pursue its investment strategy. The Chinese securities markets are emerging markets characterized by relatively low trading volume, resulting in substantially less liquidity and greater price volatility. Liquidity risks may be more pronounced for the A-Share market than for Chinese securities markets generally because the A-Share market is subject to greater government restrictions and control, including trading suspensions. China A-Shares are only available to non-mainland China investors (i) through the QFII Programs or (ii) through Stock Connect.

 

A-Shares Tax Risk. The Fund’s investments in A-Shares will be subject to a number of taxes and tax regulations in China. The application of many of these tax regulations is at present uncertain. Moreover, the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”) has implemented a number of tax reforms in recent years, including the value added tax reform, and may continue to amend or revise existing PRC tax laws in the future. Changes in applicable PRC tax law, particularly taxation on a retrospective basis, could reduce the after-tax profits of the Fund directly or indirectly by reducing the after-tax profits of the Chinese companies in which the Fund invests. Uncertainties in the Chinese tax rules governing taxation of income and gains from investments in A-Shares could result in unexpected tax liabilities for the Fund. The Fund’s investments in securities issued by Chinese companies, including A-Shares, may cause the Fund to become subject to withholding income tax and other taxes imposed by the PRC. The PRC taxation rules are evolving, may change, and new rules may be applied retroactively. Any such changes could have an adverse impact on Fund performance.

 

Risks of Investing through Stock Connect. Investing in A-Shares through Stock Connect is subject to trading, clearance, settlement and other procedures, which could pose risks to the Fund. Trading through Stock Connect is also subject to a daily quota (the “Daily Quota”), which limits the maximum net purchases under Stock Connect each day, and as such, buy orders for A-Shares would be rejected once the Daily Quota is exceeded (although the Fund will be permitted to sell A-Shares regardless of the Daily Quota balance). Thus, the Daily Quota may restrict the Fund’s ability to invest in A-Shares through Stock Connect on a timely basis and could affect the Fund’s ability to effectively pursue its investment strategy. Stock Connect will only operate on days when both the Chinese and Hong Kong markets are open for trading and when banking services are available in both markets on the corresponding settlement days. Therefore, an investment in A-Shares through Stock Connect may subject the Fund to the risk of price fluctuations on days when the Chinese markets are open, but Stock Connect is not trading.

 

  10  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM Focused Emerging Markets Fund

 

Risks of Investing in H-Shares. H-Shares are shares of companies incorporated in mainland China and traded in Hong Kong dollars on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and they must meet Hong Kong’s listing and disclosure requirements. In addition to the risks described herein, H-shares are subject to the risk that the Hong Kong stock market may behave very differently from the mainland Chinese stock market. There may be little to no correlation between the performance of the Hong Kong stock market and the mainland Chinese stock market.

 

Currency Risk. The value of investments in securities denominated in foreign currencies increases or decreases as the rates of exchange between those currencies and the U.S. dollar change. Currency conversion costs and currency fluctuations could erase investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates can be volatile and are affected by factors such as general economic conditions, the actions of the United States and foreign governments or central banks, the imposition of currency controls, and speculation.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Recent Market Events. Periods of market volatility may occur in response to market events and other economic, political, and global macro factors. For example, in recent years the COVID-19 pandemic, the large expansion of government deficits and debt as a result of government actions to mitigate the effects of the pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the rise of inflation have resulted in extreme volatility in the global economy and in global financial markets. These and other similar events could be prolonged and could adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments, impair the Fund’s ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Fund’s performance.

 

Sector Focus Risk. The Fund may invest a larger portion of its assets in one or more sectors than many other mutual funds, and thus will be more susceptible to negative events affecting those sectors. For example, as of December 31, 2022, 27.4% of the Fund’s assets were invested in the information technology sector. Companies in the information technology sector can be significantly affected by intense competition, consumer preferences, problems with product compatibility and government regulation.

 

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

 

  11  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM Focused Emerging Markets Fund

 

Performance

 

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year for Institutional Class Shares and by showing how the average annual total returns of each class of the Fund compare with the average annual total returns of a broad-based market index. Performance for classes other than those shown may vary from the performance shown to the extent the expenses for those classes differ. Updated performance information is available at the Fund’s website www.wcminvestfunds.com, or by calling the Fund at 1-888-988-9801. The Fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

 

Annual Total Return (before taxes) for Institutional Class Shares

 

For each calendar year at NAV

 

 

 

Year

The year-to-date return as of March 31, 2023, was 3.26%.

 

Institutional Shares
Highest Calendar Quarter Return at NAV 27.34% Quarter Ended 06/30/2020
Lowest Calendar Quarter Return at NAV  (21.09)% Quarter Ended 03/31/2020

 

Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended December 31, 2022)
1 Year 5 Years Since Inception Inception Date
Institutional Class Shares — Return Before Taxes (30.69)% 2.24% 3.64% June 28, 2013
Institutional Class Shares — Return After Taxes on Distributions* (30.77)% 1.85% 3.38% June 28, 2013
Institutional Class Shares — Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares* (18.12)% 1.73% 2.86% June 28, 2013
Investor Class Shares — Return Before Taxes (30.86)% 2.05% 3.49% June 28, 2013
MSCI Emerging Markets Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) (20.09)% (1.40)% 2.59% June 28, 2013

 

* After-tax returns are 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. After–tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. After-tax returns are shown for Institutional Class Shares only and after-tax returns for classes other than Institutional Class will vary from returns shown for Institutional Class.

 

  12  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM Focused Emerging Markets Fund

 

Investment Advisor

 

WCM Investment Management, LLC (the “Advisor” or “WCM”)

 

Portfolio Managers

 

The portfolio management team is comprised of Sanjay Ayer, CFA, Portfolio Manager, Michael B. Trigg, Portfolio Manager, Gregory S. Ise, CFA, Portfolio Manager, and Mike Tian, CFA, Portfolio Manager. Messrs. Ayer and Trigg have served as portfolio managers of the Fund since its inception on June 28, 2013. Messrs. Ise and Tian have served as portfolio managers of the Fund since June 30, 2018. The members of the portfolio management team are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio.

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

 

To purchase shares of the Fund, you must invest at least the minimum amount.

 

  Investor Class Institutional Class
Minimum Investments To Open Your Account To Add to Your Account To Open Your Account To Add to Your Account
Direct Regular Accounts $1,000 $100 $100,000 $5,000
Direct Retirement Accounts $1,000 $100 $100,000 $5,000
Automatic Investment Plan $100 $50 $5,000 $2,500
Gift Account For Minors $1,000 $500 $100,000 $5,000

 

Fund shares are redeemable on any business day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open for business, by written request or by telephone.

 

Tax Information

 

The Fund’s distributions are generally taxable, and will ordinarily be taxed as ordinary income, qualified dividend income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-advantaged arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. Shareholders investing through such tax-advantaged arrangements accounts may be taxed later upon withdrawal of monies from those arrangements.

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund 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.

 

  13  

 

SUMMARY SECTION - WCM Focused Global Growth Fund

 

 

Investment Objective

 

The investment objective of the WCM Focused Global Growth Fund (the “Fund”) is long-term capital appreciation.

 

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 and example below.

 

    Investor Class Shares       Institutional Class Shares  

Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)

Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases   None       None  
Maximum deferred sales charge (load)   None       None  
Wire fee     $20       $20  
Overnight check delivery fee     $25       $25  
Retirement account fees (annual maintenance fees)     $15       $15  
                 

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

Management fees     0.85%       0.85%  
Distribution (Rule 12b-1) fee     0.25%       None  
Other expenses     0.34%       0.34%  
Shareholder service fee 0.10%       0.10%      
All other expenses 0.24%       0.24%      
Total annual fund operating expenses     1.44%       1.19%  
Fees waived and/or expenses reimbursed1     (0.14%)       (0.14%)  
Total annual fund operating expenses after waiving fees and/or reimbursing expenses1   1.30%       1.05%  
               

 

1 The Fund’s advisor has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or pay for operating expenses of the Fund to ensure that total annual fund operating expenses (excluding any taxes, leverage interest, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on short sales, acquired fund fees and expenses as determined in accordance with Form N-1A, professional fees related to services for the collection of foreign tax reclaims, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization, and extraordinary expenses such as litigation expenses) do not exceed 1.30% and 1.05% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s Investor Class and Institutional Class shares, respectively. This agreement is in effect until April 30, 2024, and it may be terminated before that date only by the Trust’s Board of Trustees. The Fund’s advisor is permitted to seek reimbursement from the Fund, subject to certain limitations, of fees waived or payments made to the Fund for a period ending three full fiscal years after the date of the waiver or payment. This reimbursement may be requested from the Fund if the reimbursement will not cause the Fund’s annual expense ratio to exceed the lesser of (a) the expense limitation in effect at the time such fees were waived or payments made, or (b) the expense limitation in effect at the time of the reimbursement.

 

  14  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM Focused Global Growth Fund

 

Example

 

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. The example reflects the Fund’s contractual fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement only for the term of the contractual fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement.

 

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

  One Year Three Years Five Years Ten Years
Investor Class $132 $442 $774 $1,712
Institutional Class $107 $364 $641 $1,431

 

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 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. For the fiscal period May 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 36% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Fund invests primarily in equity securities of companies located throughout the world, including the United States. Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 40% of its net assets in companies organized, headquartered or doing a substantial amount of business outside the United States including emerging and frontier market countries. Emerging and frontier countries or markets are those countries or markets with low- to middle-income economies as classified by the World Bank or included in any of the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) emerging markets or frontier markets indices. The Fund’s advisor considers a company to be located in a country if the company has been organized under the laws of, has its principal offices in, or has its securities principally traded in, the country, or if the company derives at least 50% of its revenues or net profits from, or has at least 50% of its assets or production capacities in, the country. The Fund’s advisor considers a company that has at least 50% of its assets, or derives at least 50% of its revenues from business, outside the United States as doing a substantial amount of business outside the United States.

 

The Fund’s equity investments include common stock and depositary receipts. The Fund’s investments in depositary receipts may include American, European, Canadian and Global Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”, “EDRs”, “CDRs” and “GDRs”, respectively).

 

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

 

Although the Fund may invest in securities of any size companies, it generally invests in the securities of large, established multinational companies. The Fund generally invests in securities of companies located in different regions and in at least three different countries. However, from time to time, the Fund may have a significant portion of its assets invested in the securities of companies in one or a few countries or regions. The Fund may make significant investments in certain sectors or group of sectors within a particular industry or industries from time to time.

 

  15  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM Focused Global Growth Fund

 

Principal Risks of Investing

 

Risk is inherent in all investing and you could lose money by investing in the Fund. A summary description of certain principal risks of investing in the Fund is set forth below. Before you decide whether to invest in the Fund, carefully consider these risk factors associated with investing in the Fund, which may cause investors to lose money. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objectives.

 

Market Risk. The market price of a security or instrument may decline, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions throughout the world, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. In addition, local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, or other events could have significant impact on a security or instrument. The market value of a security or instrument also may decline because of factors that affect a particular industry or industries, such as labor shortages or increased production costs and competitive conditions within an industry.

 

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

 

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

 

Emerging Markets Risk. Many of the risks with respect to foreign investments are more pronounced for investments in issuers in developing or emerging market countries. Emerging market countries tend to have more government exchange controls, more volatile interest and currency exchange rates, less market regulation, and less developed and less stable economic, political and legal systems than those of more developed countries. There may be less publicly available and reliable information about issuers in emerging markets than is available about issuers in more developed markets. In addition, emerging market countries may experience high levels of inflation and may have less liquid securities markets and less efficient trading and settlement systems.

 

Frontier Markets Risk. Frontier market countries generally have smaller economies and even less developed capital markets than traditional emerging markets, and as a result, the risks of investing in emerging market countries are magnified in frontier market countries.

 

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

 

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

 

  16  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM Focused Global Growth Fund

 

Currency Risk. The value of investments in securities denominated in foreign currencies increase or decrease as the rates of exchange between those currencies and the U.S. dollar change. Currency conversion costs and currency fluctuations could erase investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates can be volatile and are affected by factors such as general economic conditions, the actions of the United States and foreign governments or central banks, the imposition of currency controls, and speculation.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Recent Market Events. Periods of market volatility may occur in response to market events and other economic, political, and global macro factors. For example, in recent years the COVID-19 pandemic, the large expansion of government deficits and debt as a result of government actions to mitigate the effects of the pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the rise of inflation have resulted in extreme volatility in the global economy and in global financial markets. These and other similar events could be prolonged and could adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments, impair the Fund’s ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Fund’s performance.

 

Sector Focus Risk. The Fund may invest a larger portion of its assets in one or more sectors than many other mutual funds, and thus will be more susceptible to negative events affecting those sectors. For example, as of December 31, 2022, 25.0% of the Fund’s assets were invested in the information technology sector. Companies in the information technology sector can be significantly affected by intense competition, consumer preferences, problems with product compatibility and government regulation.

 

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

 

  17  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM Focused Global Growth Fund

 

Performance

 

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year for Institutional Class Shares and by showing how the average annual total returns of each class of the Fund compare with the average annual total returns of a broad-based market index. Performance for classes other than those shown may vary from the performance shown to the extent the expenses for those classes differ. Updated performance information is available at the Fund’s website www.wcminvestfunds.com, or by calling the Fund at 1-888-988-9801. The Fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

 

Annual Total Return (before taxes) for Institutional Class Shares

 

For each calendar year at NAV

 

 

 

Year

The year-to-date return as of March 31, 2023, was 9.84%.

 

Institutional Shares
Highest Calendar Quarter Return at NAV 24.91% Quarter Ended 06/30/2020
Lowest Calendar Quarter Return at NAV (18.11)% Quarter Ended 06/30/2022

 

Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended December 31, 2022)
1 Year 5 Years Since Inception Inception Date
Institutional Class Shares — Return Before Taxes (30.57)% 7.58% 10.04% June 28, 2013
Institutional Class Shares — Return After Taxes on Distributions* (31.12)% 6.50% 8.91% June 28, 2013
Institutional Class Shares — Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares* (17.69)% 6.09% 8.05% June 28, 2013
Investor Class Shares — Return Before Taxes (30.76)% 7.29% 9.79% June 28, 2013
MSCI ACWI Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) (18.36)% 5.23% 7.74% June 28, 2013

 

* After-tax returns are 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. After–tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. After-tax returns are shown for Institutional Class Shares only and after-tax returns for classes other than Institutional Class will vary from returns shown for Institutional Class.

 

  18  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM Focused Global Growth Fund

 

Investment Advisor

 

WCM Investment Management, LLC (the “Advisor” or “WCM”)

 

Portfolio Managers

 

The portfolio management team is comprised of Sanjay Ayer, CFA, Portfolio Manager, Paul R. Black, President and CEO, Michael B. Trigg, Portfolio Manager, and Jon Tringale, Portfolio Manager. Messrs. Ayer, Black, and Trigg have served as portfolio managers of the Fund since its inception on June 28, 2013. Mr. Tringale has served as a portfolio manager of the Fund since March 31, 2022. The members of the portfolio management team are jointly and primarily responsible of the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio.

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

 

To purchase shares of the Fund, you must invest at least the minimum amount.

 

  Investor Class Institutional Class
Minimum Investments To Open Your Account To Add to Your Account To Open Your Account To Add to Your Account
Direct Regular Accounts $1,000 $100 $100,000 $5,000
Direct Retirement Accounts $1,000 $100 $100,000 $5,000
Automatic Investment Plan $100 $50 $5,000 $2,500
Gift Account For Minors $1,000 $500 $100,000 $5,000

 

Fund shares are redeemable on any business day the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) is open for business, by written request or by telephone.

 

Tax Information

 

The Fund’s distributions are generally taxable, and will ordinarily be taxed as ordinary income, qualified dividend income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-advantaged arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. Shareholders investing through such tax-advantaged arrangements may be taxed later upon withdrawal of monies from those arrangements.

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund 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.

 

  19  

 

SUMMARY SECTION – WCM International Small Cap Growth Fund

 

 

Investment Objective

 

The investment objective of the WCM International Small Cap Growth Fund (the “Fund”) is long-term capital appreciation.

 

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 and example below.

 

     

Institutional

Class Shares

 

Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)

Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases     None  
Maximum deferred sales charge (load)     None  
Wire fee     $20  
Overnight check delivery fee     $25  
Retirement account fees (annual maintenance fees)     $15  
         

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

Management fees      1.00%  
Distribution (Rule 12b-1) fee     None  
Other expenses     0.48%  
Shareholder service fee 0.13%      
All other expenses 0.35%      
Total annual fund operating expenses      1.48%  
Fees waived and/or expenses reimbursed1     (0.23%)  
Total annual fund operating expenses after waiving fees and/or reimbursing expenses1      1.25%  
         

 

1 The Fund’s advisor has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or pay for operating expenses of the Fund to ensure that total annual fund operating expenses (excluding any taxes, leverage interest, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on short sales, acquired fund fees and expenses (as determined in accordance with SEC Form N-1A), professional fees related to services for the collection of foreign tax reclaims, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization, and extraordinary expenses such as litigation expenses) do not exceed 1.25% of the average daily net assets of the Institutional Class Shares of the Fund. This agreement is in effect until April 30, 2024, and it may be terminated before that date only by the Trust’s Board of Trustees. The Fund’s advisor is permitted to seek reimbursement from the Fund, subject to certain limitations, of fees waived or payments made to the Fund for a period ending three full fiscal years after the date of the waiver or payment. This reimbursement may be requested from the Fund if the reimbursement will not cause the Fund’s annual expense ratio to exceed the lesser of (a) the expense limitation in effect at the time such fees were waived or payments made, or (b) the expense limitation in effect at the time of the reimbursement.

 

  20  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM International Small Cap Growth Fund

 

Example

 

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. The example reflects the Fund’s contractual fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement only for the term of the contractual fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement.

 

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

  One Year Three Years Five Years Ten Years
Institutional Class $127 $445 $786 $1,749

 

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 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. For the fiscal period May 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 56% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities or depositary receipts of small capitalization companies domiciled outside of the United States, including in emerging and frontier market countries. Emerging and frontier countries or markets are those countries or markets with low- to middle-income economies as classified by the World Bank or included in any of the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) emerging markets or frontier markets indices. The Fund’s advisor considers a company to be located in a country if the company has been organized under the laws of, has its principal offices in, or has its securities principally traded in, the country, or if the company derives at least 50% of its revenues or net profits from, or has at least 50% of its assets or production capacities in, the country. The Fund’s advisor considers small capitalization companies to be companies with market capitalizations within the range of those companies included in the MSCI ACWI Ex-US Small Cap Index at the time of purchase. Because small capitalization companies are defined by reference to an index, the range of market capitalization of companies in which the Fund invests may vary with market conditions. As of March 31, 2023, the market capitalizations of companies included in the MSCI ACWI Ex-US Small Cap Index were between $55.43 million and $7.73 billion. The Fund’s advisor will consider the market capitalization range by country. Investments in companies that move above or below the capitalization range of the MSCI ACWI Ex-US Small Cap Index may continue to be held by the Fund in the Fund’s advisor’s sole discretion.

 

The Fund’s investments in equity securities may include common stock, common stock that is offered in initial public offerings (“IPOs”), depositary receipts and China A-shares (“China A-Shares” or “A-Shares”). The Fund’s investments in depositary receipts may include American, European, Canadian and Global Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”, “EDRs”, “CDRs” and “GDRs”, respectively). ADRs and CDRs are receipts that represent interests in foreign securities held on deposit by U.S. and Canadian banks or trust companies, respectively. EDRs and GDRs have the same qualities as ADRs, although they may be traded in several international trading markets. China A-Shares are equity securities issued by companies located in the People’s Republic of China (“China” or the “PRC”) that are denominated and traded in Renminbi (“RMB”) on the Shanghai Stock Exchange or the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. The Fund may invest in China A-Shares through the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect and the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect programs (collectively, “Stock Connect”), or through the Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor and Renminbi Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor systems (collectively, the “QFII Programs”). The Fund may also invest in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”). The Fund may also use participatory notes (commonly known as “P-notes”) issued by foreign banks or brokers evidencing ownership of underlying stock issued by a foreign company. P-notes are used by foreign investors to access local markets and to gain exposure to, primarily, equity securities of issuers listed on a local exchange. For purposes of the Fund’s 80% policy described above, P-notes are classified according to their underlying or referenced security.

 

  21  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM International Small Cap Growth Fund

 

Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests in the securities of companies located in different countries and in at least three different countries. However, from time to time, the Fund may have a significant portion of its assets invested in the securities of companies in one or a few countries or regions. The Fund may make significant investments in certain sectors or group of sectors from time to time. The Fund will be managed pursuant to a “focused” strategy, whereby the Fund’s advisor will typically invest the Fund’s assets in the equity securities of a small number of issuers.

 

The Fund’s advisor uses a bottom-up approach that seeks to identify companies believed to have above-average potential for growth in the rate of return on invested capital and assets. The advisor’s investment process seeks companies that are industry leaders with sustainable competitive advantages; corporate cultures emphasizing strong, quality and experienced management; low or no debt; and attractive relative valuations. In selecting securities, the Fund’s advisor also considers other factors including, among others, political risk, monetary policy risk, and regulatory risk specific to an issuer’s country of domicile.

 

Principal Risks of Investing

 

Risk is inherent in all investing and you could lose money by investing in the Fund. A summary description of certain principal risks of investing in the Fund is set forth below. Before you decide whether to invest in the Fund, carefully consider these risk factors associated with investing in the Fund, which may cause investors to lose money. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

 

Market Risk. The market price of a security or instrument may decline, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions throughout the world, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. In addition, local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, or other events could have significant impact on a security or instrument. The market value of a security or instrument also may decline because of factors that affect a particular industry or industries, such as labor shortages or increased production costs and competitive conditions within an industry.

 

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

 

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

 

Foreign Investment Risk. The prices of foreign securities may be more volatile than the prices of securities of U.S. issuers because of economic and social conditions abroad, political developments, and changes in the regulatory environments of foreign countries. Changes in exchange rates and interest rates, and the imposition of sanctions, confiscations, trade restrictions (including tariffs) and other government restrictions by the United States and/or other governments may adversely affect the values of the Fund’s foreign investments. Foreign companies are generally subject to different legal and accounting standards than U.S. companies, and foreign financial intermediaries may be subject to less supervision and regulation than U.S. financial firms. Foreign securities include ADRs, EDRs, CDRs and GDRs. Unsponsored depositary receipts involve additional risks because U.S. reporting requirements do not apply. In addition, the issuing bank may deduct shareholder distribution, custody, foreign currency exchange, and other fees from the payment of dividends.

 

  22  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM International Small Cap Growth Fund

 

Risks Associated with China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

China: Investments in Chinese issuers involve legal, regulatory, political, currency, and economic risks that are specific to China. The Chinese economy is generally considered an emerging market and can be significantly affected by economic and political conditions and policy in China and surrounding Asian countries. A relatively small number of Chinese companies represent a large portion of China’s total market and thus may be more sensitive to adverse political or economic circumstances and market movements. The economy of China differs, often unfavorably, from the U.S. economy in such respects as structure, general development, government involvement, wealth distribution, rate of inflation, growth rate, allocation of resources and capital reinvestment, among others. Under China’s political and economic system, the central government has historically exercised substantial control over virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through administrative regulation and/or state ownership. In addition, expropriation, including nationalization, confiscatory taxation, political, economic or social instability or other developments could adversely affect and significantly diminish the values of the Chinese companies in which the Fund invests. International trade tensions may arise from time to time which can result in trade tariffs, embargoes, trade limitations, trade wars and other negative consequences. These consequences may trigger a reduction in international trade, the oversupply of certain manufactured goods, substantial price reductions of goods and possible failure of individual companies and/or large segments of China’s export industry with a potentially severe negative impact to the Fund. From time to time, China has experienced outbreaks of infectious illnesses, and the country may be subject to other public health threats or similar issues in the future. Any spread of an infectious illness, public health threat or similar issue could reduce consumer demand or economic output, result in market closures, travel restrictions or quarantines, and generally have a significant impact on the Chinese economy.

 

Hong Kong: Investments in Hong Kong issuers involve legal, regulatory, political, currency, and economic risks that are specific to Hong Kong. If China were to exert its authority so as to alter the economic, political or legal structures or the existing social policy of Hong Kong, investor and business confidence in Hong Kong could be negatively affected, which in turn could negatively affect markets and business performance and have an adverse effect on the Fund’s investments.

 

Taiwan: Investments in Taiwanese issuers involve legal, regulatory, political, currency, and economic risks that are specific to Taiwan. Taiwan’s geographic proximity and history of political contention with China have resulted in ongoing tensions between the two countries, which could have an adverse impact on the values of investments in either China or Taiwan, or make investments in China and/or Taiwan impractical or impossible.

 

Risks of Investing in A-Shares. The A-Share market is volatile with a risk of suspension of trading in a particular security or multiple securities or government intervention. Securities in the A-Share market may be suspended from trading without an indication of how long the suspension will last, which may impair the liquidity of such securities and may impact the ability of the Fund to pursue its investment strategy. The Chinese securities markets are emerging markets characterized by relatively low trading volume, resulting in substantially less liquidity and greater price volatility. Liquidity risks may be more pronounced for the A-Share market than for Chinese securities markets generally because the A-Share market is subject to greater government restrictions and control, including trading suspensions. China A-Shares are only available to non-mainland China investors (i) through the QFII Programs or (ii) through Stock Connect.

 

A-Shares Tax Risk. The Fund’s investments in A-Shares will be subject to a number of taxes and tax regulations in China. The application of many of these tax regulations is at present uncertain. Moreover, the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”) has implemented a number of tax reforms in recent years, including the value added tax reform, and may continue to amend or revise existing PRC tax laws in the future. Changes in applicable PRC tax law, particularly taxation on a retrospective basis, could reduce the after-tax profits of the Fund directly or indirectly by reducing the after-tax profits of the Chinese companies in which the Fund invests. Uncertainties in the Chinese tax rules governing taxation of income and gains from investments in A-Shares could result in unexpected tax liabilities for the Fund. The Fund’s investments in securities issued by Chinese companies, including A-Shares, may cause the Fund to become subject to withholding income tax and other taxes imposed by the PRC. The PRC taxation rules are evolving, may change, and new rules may be applied retroactively. Any such changes could have an adverse impact on Fund performance.

 

  23  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM International Small Cap Growth Fund

 

Emerging Markets Risk. Many of the risks with respect to foreign investments are more pronounced for investments in issuers in developing or emerging market countries. Emerging market countries tend to have more government exchange controls, more volatile interest and currency exchange rates, less market regulation, and less developed and less stable economic, political and legal systems than those of more developed countries. There may be less publicly available and reliable information about issuers in emerging markets than is available about issuers in more developed markets. In addition, emerging market countries may experience high levels of inflation and may have less liquid securities markets and less efficient trading and settlement systems.

 

Frontier Markets Risk. Frontier market countries generally have smaller economies and even less developed capital markets than traditional emerging markets, and as a result, the risks of investing in emerging market countries are magnified in frontier market countries.

 

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

 

Risks of Investing through Stock Connect. Investing in A-Shares through Stock Connect is subject to trading, clearance, settlement and other procedures, which could pose risks to the Fund. Trading through Stock Connect is also subject to a daily quota (the “Daily Quota”), which limits the maximum net purchases under Stock Connect each day, and as such, buy orders for A-Shares would be rejected once the Daily Quota is exceeded (although the Fund will be permitted to sell A-Shares regardless of the Daily Quota balance). Thus, the Daily Quota may restrict the Fund’s ability to invest in A-Shares through Stock Connect on a timely basis and could affect the Fund’s ability to effectively pursue its investment strategy. Stock Connect will only operate on days when both the Chinese and Hong Kong markets are open for trading and when banking services are available in both markets on the corresponding settlement days. Therefore, an investment in A-Shares through Stock Connect may subject the Fund to the risk of price fluctuations on days when the Chinese markets are open, but Stock Connect is not trading.

 

Sector Focus Risk. The Fund may invest a larger portion of its assets in one or more sectors than many other mutual funds, and thus will be more susceptible to negative events affecting those sectors. For example, as of December 31, 2022, 37.5% of the Fund’s assets were invested in the information technology sector. Companies in the information technology sector can be significantly affected by intense competition, consumer preferences, problems with product compatibility and government regulation.

 

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

 

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

 

Recent Market Events. Periods of market volatility may occur in response to market events and other economic, political, and global macro factors. For example, in recent years the COVID-19 pandemic, the large expansion of government deficits and debt as a result of government actions to mitigate the effects of the pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the rise of inflation have resulted in extreme volatility in the global economy and in global financial markets. These and other similar events could be prolonged and could adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments, impair the Fund’s ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Fund’s performance.

 

  24  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM International Small Cap Growth Fund

 

Currency Risk. The values of investments in securities denominated in foreign currencies increase or decrease as the rates of exchange between those currencies and the U.S. dollar change. Currency conversion costs and currency fluctuations could erase investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates can be volatile and are affected by factors such as general economic conditions, the actions of the United States and foreign governments or central banks, the imposition of currency controls, and speculation.

 

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

 

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

 

Performance

 

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year for Institutional Class Shares and by showing how the average annual total returns of the Fund compare with the average annual total returns of broad-based market indexes. Updated performance information is available at the Fund’s website www.wcminvestfunds.com, or by calling the Fund at 1-888-988-9801. The Fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

 

Annual Total Return (before taxes) for Institutional Class Shares

 

For each calendar year at NAV

 

 

 

Year

The year-to-date return as of March 31, 2023, was 8.61%.

 

Institutional Shares    
Highest Calendar Quarter Return at NAV 43.49% Quarter Ended 06/30/2020
Lowest Calendar Quarter Return at NAV (25.60)% Quarter Ended 06/30/2022

 

  25  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM International Small Cap Growth Fund

 

 Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended December 31, 2022)
1 Year 5 Years Since Inception Inception Date
Institutional Class Shares — Return Before Taxes (42.12)% 6.60% 10.11% November 30, 2015
Institutional Class Shares — Return After Taxes on Distributions* (42.12)% 5.60% 9.32% November 30, 2015
Institutional Class Shares — Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares* (24.94)% 5.23% 8.20% November 30, 2015
MSCI ACWI ex USA Small Cap Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) (19.97)% 0.67% 5.03% November 30, 2015

 

* After-tax returns are 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. After–tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

Investment Advisor

 

WCM Investment Management, LLC (the “Advisor” or “WCM”)

 

Portfolio Managers

 

Gregory S. Ise, CFA, Portfolio Manager, and Sanjay Ayer, CFA, Portfolio Manager, have been jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio since its inception on November 30, 2015.

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

 

To purchase shares of the Fund, you must invest at least the minimum amount.

 

Minimum Investments To Open Your Account To Add to Your Account
Direct Regular Accounts $100,000 $5,000
Direct Retirement Accounts $100,000 $5,000
Automatic Investment Plan $5,000 $2,500
Gift Account For Minors $100,000 $5,000

 

Fund shares are redeemable on any business day the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) is open for business, by written request or by telephone.

 

Tax Information

 

The Fund’s distributions are generally taxable, and will ordinarily be taxed as ordinary income, qualified dividend income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-advantaged arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. Shareholders investing through such tax-advantaged arrangements may be taxed later upon withdrawal of monies from those arrangements.

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund 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.

 

  26  

 

SUMMARY SECTION – WCM Small Cap Growth Fund

 

 

Investment Objective

 

The investment objective of the WCM Small Cap Growth Fund (the “Fund”) is long-term capital appreciation.

 

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 and example below.

 

   

Investor

Class Shares

      Institutional Class Shares  
Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
             
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases   None       None  
Maximum deferred sales charge (load)   None       None  
Wire fee   $20       $20  
Overnight check delivery fee   $25       $25  
Retirement account fees (annual maintenance fee)   $15       $15  
               
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Management fees     0.99%       0.99%  
Distribution (Rule 12b-1) fee     0.25%       None  
Other expenses     0.95%       0.95%  
Shareholder service fee 0.12%       0.12%      
All other expenses 0.83%        0.83%      
Total annual fund operating expenses     2.19%       1.94%  
Fees waived and/or expenses reimbursed1     (0.95%)       (0.95%)  
Total annual fund operating expenses after waiving fees and/or reimbursing expenses1     1.24%       0.99%  
                 

 

1 The Fund’s advisor has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or pay for operating expenses of the Fund to ensure that total annual fund operating expenses (excluding any taxes, leverage interest, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on short sales, acquired fund fees and expenses (as determined in accordance with SEC Form N-1A), expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization, and extraordinary expenses such as litigation expenses) do not exceed 1.24% and 0.99% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s Investor Class and Institutional Class shares, respectively. This agreement is in effect until April 30, 2033, and it may be terminated before that date only by the Trust’s Board of Trustees. The Fund’s advisor is permitted to seek reimbursement from the Fund, subject to certain limitations, of fees waived or payments made to the Fund for a period ending three full years after the date of the waiver or payment. This reimbursement may be requested from the Fund if the reimbursement will not cause the Fund’s annual expense ratio to exceed the lesser of (a) the expense limitation in effect at the time such fees were waived or payments made, or (b) the expense limitation in effect at the time of the reimbursement.

 

  27  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM Small Cap Growth Fund

 

Example

 

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. The example reflects the Fund’s contractual fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement only for the term of the contractual fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement.

 

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

  One Year Three Years Five Years Ten Years
Investor Class $126 $393 $681 $1,500
Institutional Class $101 $315 $547 $1,213

 

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 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. For the fiscal period May 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 45% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities of small capitalization companies. The Fund primarily invests in common stocks of U.S. companies. The Fund may also invest in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”). The Fund’s advisor considers small capitalization companies to be companies with market capitalizations within the range of those companies included in the Russell 2000® Index at the time of purchase. Because small capitalization companies are defined by reference to an index, the range of market capitalization of companies in which the Fund invests may vary with market conditions. As of March 31, 2023, the market capitalizations of companies included in the Russell 2000® Index were between $5.54 million and $7.91 billion. Investments in companies that move above or below the capitalization range of the Russell 2000® Index may continue to be held by the Fund in the Fund advisor’s sole discretion.

 

The Fund’s advisor uses a bottom-up approach that seeks to identify companies believed to have above-average potential for growth in the rate of return on invested capital and assets. The advisor’s investment process seeks companies that are industry leaders with sustainable competitive advantages; corporate cultures emphasizing strong, quality and experienced management; little or no debt; attractive relative valuations; and potential for asset base growth. The Fund’s advisor employs a dynamic process to analyze corporate performance and valuation, which includes evaluating the current trajectory and outlook for each company held by the Fund, as well as the value the market is assigning to the cash flow the company can generate. In selecting securities, the Fund’s advisor also considers other factors including, among others, political risk, monetary policy risk, and regulatory risk.

 

Principal Risks of Investing

 

Risk is inherent in all investing and you could lose money by investing in the Fund. A summary description of certain principal risks of investing in the Fund is set forth below. Before you decide whether to invest in the Fund, carefully consider these risk factors associated with investing in the Fund, which may cause investors to lose money. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

 

Market Risk. The market price of a security or instrument may decline, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions throughout the world, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. In addition, local regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, or other events could have a significant impact on a security or instrument. The market value of a security or instrument also may decline because of factors that affect a particular industry or industries, such as labor shortages or increased production costs and competitive conditions within an industry.

 

  28  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM Small Cap Growth Fund

 

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

 

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

 

Sector Focus Risk. The Fund may invest a larger portion of its assets in one or more sectors than many other mutual funds, and thus will be more susceptible to negative events affecting those sectors. For example, as of December 31, 2022, 26.9% of the Fund’s assets were invested in the information technology sector. Companies in the information technology sector can be significantly affected by intense competition, consumer preferences, problems with product compatibility and government regulation.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Recent Market Events. Periods of market volatility may occur in response to market events and other economic, political, and global macro factors. For example, in recent years the COVID-19 pandemic, the large expansion of government deficits and debt as a result of government actions to mitigate the effects of the pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the rise of inflation have resulted in extreme volatility in the global economy and in global financial markets. These and other similar events could be prolonged and could adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments, impair the Fund’s ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Fund’s performance.

 

Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) Risk. The Fund’s investment in REITs will subject the Fund to risks similar to those associated with direct ownership of real estate, including losses from casualty or condemnation, and changes in local and general economic, supply and demand, interest rates, zoning laws, regulatory limitations on rents, property taxes and operating expenses.

 

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

 

  29  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM Small Cap Growth Fund

 

Performance

 

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year for Institutional Class Shares and by showing how the average annual total returns of the Fund compare with the average annual total returns of broad-based market indexes. Updated performance information is available at the Fund’s website www.wcminvestfunds.com, or by calling the Fund at 1-888-988-9801. The Fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

 

Annual Total Return (before taxes) for Institutional Class Shares

 

For each calendar year at NAV

 

 

 

Year

The year-to-date return as of March 31, 2023, was 8.36%.

 

Institutional Shares    
Highest Calendar Quarter Return at NAV 33.85% Quarter Ended 06/30/2020
Lowest Calendar Quarter Return at NAV (25.65)% Quarter Ended 03/31/2020

 

Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended December 31, 2022)
1 Year Since Inception Inception Date
Institutional Class Shares — Return Before Taxes (23.26)% 5.21% October 30, 2019
Institutional Class Shares — Return After Taxes on Distributions* (23.30)% 4.21% October 30, 2019
Institutional Class Shares — Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares* (13.75)% 3.93% October 30, 2019
Investor Class Shares — Return Before Taxes (23.47)% 4.95% October 30, 2019
Russell 2000 Growth Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) (26.36)% 2.99% October 30, 2019

 

* After-tax returns are 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. After–tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

  30  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM Small Cap Growth Fund

 

Investment Advisor

 

WCM Investment Management, LLC (the “Advisor” or “WCM”)

 

Portfolio Managers

 

John Rackers, Portfolio Manager, and Chad Hoffman, Portfolio Manager, have been jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio since its inception on October 30, 2019.

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

 

To purchase shares of the Fund, you must invest at least the minimum amount.

 

  Investor Class Institutional Class
Minimum Investments To Open Your Account To Add to Your Account To Open Your Account To Add to Your Account
Direct Regular Accounts $1,000 $100 $100,000 $5,000
Direct Retirement Accounts $1,000 $100 $100,000 $5,000
Automatic Investment Plan $100 $50 $5,000 $2,500
Gift Account For Minors $1,000 $500 $100,000 $5,000

 

Fund shares are redeemable on any business day the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) is open for business, by written request or by telephone.

 

Tax Information

 

The Fund’s distributions are generally taxable, and will ordinarily be taxed as ordinary income, qualified dividend income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-advantaged arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. Shareholders investing through such tax-advantaged arrangements may be taxed later upon withdrawal of monies from those arrangements.

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund 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.

 

  31  

 

SUMMARY SECTION – WCM SMID Quality Value Fund

 

 

Investment Objective

 

The investment objective of the WCM SMID Quality Value Fund (formerly, WCM Focused Small Cap Fund) (the “Fund”) is long-term capital appreciation.

 

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 and example below.

 

   

Investor

Class Shares

      Institutional Class Shares  
Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
             
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases   None       None  
Maximum deferred sales charge (load)   None       None  
Wire fee   $20       $20  
Overnight check delivery fee   $25       $25  
Retirement account fees (annual maintenance fee)   $15       $15  
               
Annual Fund Operating Expenses1
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
             
Management fees     0.85%       0.85%  
Distribution (Rule 12b-1) fee     0.25%       None  
Other expenses     0.41%       0.41%  
Shareholder service fee 0.09%       0.09%      
All other expenses 0.32%       0.32%      
Total annual fund operating expenses     1.51%       1.26%  
Fees waived and/or expenses reimbursed2     (0.41%)       (0.41%)  
Total annual fund operating expenses after waiving fees and/or reimbursing expenses1, 2     1.10%       0.85%  
                 

 

1 The expense information in the table has been restated to reflect the current management fees and expense cap, effective November 30, 2022.
2 The Fund’s advisor has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or pay for operating expenses of the Fund to ensure that total annual fund operating expenses (excluding any taxes, leverage interest, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on short sales, acquired fund fees and expenses (as determined in accordance with SEC Form N-1A), expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization, and extraordinary expenses such as litigation expenses) do not exceed 1.10% and 0.85% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s Investor Class and Institutional Class shares, respectively. This agreement is in effect until April 30, 2033, and may be terminated before that date only by the Trust’s Board of Trustees. The Fund’s advisor is permitted to seek reimbursement from the Fund, subject to certain limitations, of fees waived or payments made to the Fund for a period ending three full years after the date of the waiver or payment. This reimbursement may be requested from the Fund if the reimbursement will not cause the Fund’s annual expense ratio to exceed the lesser of (a) the expense limitation in effect at the time such fees were waived or payments made, or (b) the expense limitation in effect at the time of the reimbursement.

 

  32  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM SMID Quality Value Fund

 

Example

 

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. The example reflects the Fund’s contractual fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement only for the term of the contractual fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement.

 

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

  One Year Three Years Five Years Ten Years
Investor Class $112 $350 $606 $1,340
Institutional Class $87 $271 $471 $1,049

 

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 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. For the fiscal period May 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 53% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities of small- and mid-capitalization companies the Fund’s advisor believes to be undervalued. Value investing involves buying stocks that are out of favor and/or undervalued in comparison to their peers or their prospects for growth. The Fund primarily invests in common stocks of U.S. companies. The Fund may also invest in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”). The Fund’s advisor considers small- and mid-capitalization companies to be companies with market capitalizations within the range of those companies included in the Russell 2500® Index at the time of purchase. Because small- and mid-capitalization companies are defined by reference to an index, the range of market capitalization of companies in which the Fund invests may vary with market conditions. As of March 31, 2023, the market capitalizations of companies included in the Russell 2500® Index were between $5.54 million and $24.00 billion. Investments in companies that move above or below the capitalization range of the Russell 2500® Index may continue to be held by the Fund in the Fund advisor’s sole discretion. The Fund will be managed pursuant to a “focused” strategy whereby the Fund’s investment advisor will typically invest the Fund’s assets in the equity securities of a small number of issuers. Generally, the Fund expects to hold the equity securities of approximately 45 or less issuers.

 

The Fund’s advisor uses a bottom-up approach that seeks to identify companies trading at discounts to their intrinsic value. The Fund’s advisor seeks to determine a company’s intrinsic value through disciplined financial analysis. The Fund’s advisor believes that equities purchased at prices below their intrinsic value may afford capital protection from permanent loss and may result in substantial appreciation if the market recognizes the company’s intrinsic value. The advisor’s investment process seeks companies that are industry leaders with sustainable competitive advantages; corporate cultures emphasizing strong, quality and experienced management; little or no debt; and attractive relative valuations. In selecting securities, the Fund’s advisor also considers other factors including, among others, political risk, monetary policy risk, and regulatory risk.

 

Principal Risks of Investing

 

Risk is inherent in all investing and you could lose money by investing in the Fund. A summary description of certain principal risks of investing in the Fund is set forth below. Before you decide whether to invest in the Fund, carefully consider these risk factors associated with investing in the Fund, which may cause investors to lose money. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

 

  33  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM SMID Quality Value Fund

 

Market Risk. The market price of a security or instrument may decline, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions throughout the world, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. In addition, local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, or other events could have significant impact on a security or instrument. The market value of a security or instrument also may decline because of factors that affect a particular industry or industries, such as labor shortages or increased production costs and competitive conditions within an industry.

 

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

 

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

 

Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) Risk. The Fund’s investment in REITs will subject the Fund to risks similar to those associated with direct ownership of real estate, including losses from casualty or condemnation, and changes in local and general economic, supply and demand, interest rates, zoning laws, regulatory limitations on rents, property taxes and operating expenses.

 

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

 

Value-Oriented Investment Strategies Risk. Value stocks are those that are believed to be undervalued in comparison to their peers due to adverse business developments or other factors.  Value investing is subject to the risk that the market will not recognize a security’s inherent value for a long time or at all, or that a stock judged to be undervalued may actually be appropriately priced or overvalued. In addition, during some periods (which may be extensive) value stocks generally may be out of favor in the markets.

 

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

 

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

 

Recent Market Events. Periods of market volatility may occur in response to market events and other economic, political, and global macro factors. For example, in recent years the COVID-19 pandemic, the large expansion of government deficits and debt as a result of government actions to mitigate the effects of the pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the rise of inflation have resulted in extreme volatility in the global economy and in global financial markets. These and other similar events could be prolonged and could adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments, impair the Fund’s ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Fund’s performance.

 

  34  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM SMID Quality Value Fund

 

Sector Focus Risk. The Fund may invest a larger portion of its assets in one or more sectors than many other mutual funds, and thus will be more susceptible to negative events affecting those sectors. For example, as of December 31, 2022, 24.7% of the Fund’s assets were invested in the industrials sector. Performance of companies in the industrials sector may be affected by, among other things, supply and demand for their specific product or service and for industrial sector products in general. Moreover, government regulation, world events, exchange rates and economic conditions, technological developments, fuel prices, labor agreements, insurance costs, and liabilities for environmental damage and general civil liabilities will likewise affect the performance of these companies.

 

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

 

Performance

 

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year for Institutional Class Shares and by showing how the average annual total returns of the Fund compare with the average annual total returns of broad-based market indexes. Prior to November 30, 2022, the Fund was named the WCM Focused Small Cap Fund and invested primarily in equity securities of small capitalization companies the Fund’s advisor believes to be undervalued. Updated performance information is available at the Fund’s website www.wcminvestfunds.com, or by calling the Fund at 1-888-988-9801. The Fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

 

Annual Total Return (before taxes) for Institutional Class Shares

 

For each calendar year at NAV

 

 

Year

 

The year-to-date return as of March 31, 2023, was 8.65%.

 

Institutional Shares    
Highest Calendar Quarter Return at NAV 23.61% Quarter Ended 12/31/2020
Lowest Calendar Quarter Return at NAV  (33.81)% Quarter Ended 03/31/2020

 

  35  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM SMID Quality Value Fund

 

Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended December 31, 2022)
1 Year Since Inception Inception Date
Institutional Class Shares — Return Before Taxes (13.65)% 2.42% October 30, 2019
Institutional Class Shares — Return After Taxes on Distributions* (14.05)% 1.61% October 30, 2019
Institutional Class Shares — Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares* (7.85)% 1.70% October 30, 2019
Investor Class Shares — Return Before Taxes (13.91)% 2.12% October 30, 2019
Russell 2500® Value Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)** (13.08)% 6.50% October 30, 2019
Russell 2000® Value Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) (14.48)% 12.09% October 30, 2019

 

* After-tax returns are 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. After–tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
** Effective November 30, 2022, the Fund changed its primary performance benchmark from the Russell 2000® Value Index to the Russell 2500® Value Index. WCM Investment Management, LLC, the Fund’s advisor, believes the Russell 2500® Value Index represents a better benchmark with which to compare performance of the Fund in light of the Fund’s investment strategy change as of November 30, 2022.

 

Investment Advisor

 

WCM Investment Management, LLC (the “Advisor” or “WCM”)

 

Portfolio Managers

 

Jon Detter, Portfolio Manager, Pat McGee, Portfolio Manager, and Anthony Glickhouse, Portfolio Manager, have been jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio since its inception on October 30, 2019.

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

 

To purchase shares of the Fund, you must invest at least the minimum amount.

 

  Investor Class Institutional Class
Minimum Investments To Open Your Account To Add to Your Account To Open Your Account To Add to Your Account
Direct Regular Accounts $1,000 $100 $100,000 $5,000
Direct Retirement Accounts $1,000 $100 $100,000 $5,000
Automatic Investment Plan $100 $50 $5,000 $2,500
Gift Account For Minors $1,000 $500 $100,000 $5,000

 

Fund shares are redeemable on any business day the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) is open for business, by written request or by telephone.

 

  36  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM SMID Quality Value Fund

 

Tax Information

 

The Fund’s distributions are generally taxable, and will ordinarily be taxed as ordinary income, qualified dividend income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-advantaged arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. Shareholders investing through such tax-advantaged arrangements may be taxed later upon withdrawal of monies from those arrangements.

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund 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.

 

  37  

 

SUMMARY SECTION – WCM China Quality Growth Fund

 

 

Investment Objective

 

The investment objective of the WCM China Quality Growth Fund (the “Fund”) is long-term capital appreciation.

 

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 and example below.

 

   

Investor

Class Shares

      Institutional Class Shares  
Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
             
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases   None       None  
Maximum deferred sales charge (load)   None       None  
Wire fee   $20       $20  
Overnight check delivery fee   $25       $25  
Retirement account fees (annual maintenance fee)   $15       $15  
               
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
             
Management fees     1.00%       1.00%  
Distribution (Rule 12b-1) fee     0.25%       None  
Other expenses     3.27%       3.27%  
Shareholder service fee 0.15%       0.15%      
All other expenses 3.12%       3.12%      
Total annual fund operating expenses     4.52%       4.27%  
Fees waived and/or expenses reimbursed1     (3.02%)       (3.02%)  
Total annual fund operating expenses after waiving fees and/or reimbursing expenses1     1.50%       1.25%  
                 

 

1 The Fund’s advisor has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or pay for operating expenses of the Fund to ensure that total annual fund operating expenses (excluding any taxes, leverage interest, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on short sales, acquired fund fees and expenses (as determined in accordance with SEC Form N-1A), professional fees related to services for the collection of foreign tax reclaims, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization, and extraordinary expenses such as litigation expenses) do not exceed 1.50% and 1.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s Investor Class and Institutional Class shares, respectively. This agreement is in effect until April 30, 2033, and it may be terminated before that date only by the Trust’s Board of Trustees. The Fund’s advisor is permitted to seek reimbursement from the Fund, subject to certain limitations, of fees waived or payments made to the Fund for a period ending three full years after the date of the waiver or payment. This reimbursement may be requested from the Fund if the reimbursement will not cause the Fund’s annual expense ratio to exceed the lesser of (a) the expense limitation in effect at the time such fees were waived or payments made, or (b) the expense limitation in effect at the time of the reimbursement.

 

  38  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM China Quality Growth Fund

 

Example

 

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. The example reflects the Fund’s contractual fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement only for the term of the contractual fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement.

 

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

  One Year Three Years Five Years Ten Years
Investor Class $153 $474 $818 $1,791
Institutional Class $127 $397 $686 $1,511

 

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 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. For the fiscal period May 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 26% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (including amounts borrowed for investment purposes) in equity securities of Chinese companies. The Fund’s advisor considers a company to be a Chinese company if it has been organized under the laws of, has its principal offices in, or has its securities principally traded in, China, or if the company derives at least 50% of its revenues or net profits from, or has at least 50% of its assets or production capacities in, China. For purposes of the Fund’s investments, China also includes its special administrative regions and other districts, such as Hong Kong and Taiwan.

 

The Fund’s investments in equity securities may include common stock, including A-Shares, H-Shares, and depositary receipts. The Fund’s investments in depositary receipts may include American, European, Canadian and Global Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”, “EDRs”, “CDRs” and “GDRs”, respectively). ADRs and CDRs are receipts that represent interests in foreign securities held on deposit by U.S. and Canadian banks or trust companies, respectively. EDRs and GDRs have the same qualities as ADRs, although they may be traded in several international trading markets. The Fund may invest in China A-Shares through the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect and the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect programs (collectively, “Stock Connect”), or through the Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor and Renminbi Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor systems (collectively, the “QFII Programs”). The Fund may also use participation certificates issued by foreign banks or brokers evidencing ownership of underlying stock issued by a foreign company. Participation certificates are used by foreign investors to access local markets and to gain exposure to, primarily, equity securities of issuers listed on a local exchange.

 

The Fund’s advisor uses a bottom-up approach that seeks to identify companies believed to be quality companies and have above-average potential for growth in assets and the rate of return on invested capital. The Fund’s advisor considers quality growth companies to: (i) have a history of predictable and consistent earnings growth; (ii) have regular, growing dividend payments; (iii) be industry leaders with sustainable competitive advantages; (iv) have corporate cultures emphasizing strong, quality and experienced management; (v) have little or no debt; (vi) have attractive relative valuations; and (vii) have potential for asset base growth. In selecting securities, the Fund’s advisor also considers other factors including, among others, political risk, monetary policy risk, and regulatory risk. The Fund will generally hold the equity securities of approximately 30 to 50 issuers, and the Fund may invest in securities of any market capitalization. The Fund generally invests in companies in any sector, however, from time to time the Fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in the securities of companies in one or more sectors.

 

  39  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM China Quality Growth Fund

 

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

 

Principal Risks of Investing

 

Risk is inherent in all investing and you could lose money by investing in the Fund. A summary description of certain principal risks of investing in the Fund is set forth below. Before you decide whether to invest in the Fund, carefully consider these risk factors associated with investing in the Fund, which may cause investors to lose money. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

 

Market Risk. The market price of a security or instrument may decline, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions throughout the world, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. In addition, local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, or other events could have a significant impact on a security or instrument. The market value of a security or instrument also may decline because of factors that affect a particular industry or industries, such as labor shortages or increased production costs and competitive conditions within an industry.

 

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

 

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

 

Risks Associated with China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

China: Investments in Chinese issuers involve legal, regulatory, political, currency, and economic risks that are specific to China. The Chinese economy is generally considered an emerging market and can be significantly affected by economic and political conditions and policy in China and surrounding Asian countries. A relatively small number of Chinese companies represent a large portion of China’s total market and thus may be more sensitive to adverse political or economic circumstances and market movements. The economy of China differs, often unfavorably, from the U.S. economy in such respects as structure, general development, government involvement, wealth distribution, rate of inflation, growth rate, allocation of resources and capital reinvestment, among others. Under China’s political and economic system, the central government has historically exercised substantial control over virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through administrative regulation and/or state ownership. In addition, expropriation, including nationalization, confiscatory taxation, political, economic or social instability or other developments could adversely affect and significantly diminish the values of the Chinese companies in which the Fund invests. International trade tensions may arise from time to time which can result in trade tariffs, embargoes, trade limitations, trade wars and other negative consequences. These consequences may trigger a reduction in international trade, the oversupply of certain manufactured goods, substantial price reductions of goods and possible failure of individual companies and/or large segments of China’s export industry with a potentially severe negative impact to the Fund. From time to time, China has experienced outbreaks of infectious illnesses, and the country may be subject to other public health threats or similar issues in the future. Any spread of an infectious illness, public health threat or similar issue could reduce consumer demand or economic output, result in market closures, travel restrictions or quarantines, and generally have a significant impact on the Chinese economy.

 

  40  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM China Quality Growth Fund

 

Hong Kong: Investments in Hong Kong issuers involve legal, regulatory, political, currency, and economic risks that are specific to Hong Kong. If China were to exert its authority so as to alter the economic, political or legal structures or the existing social policy of Hong Kong, investor and business confidence in Hong Kong could be negatively affected, which in turn could negatively affect markets and business performance and have an adverse effect on the Fund’s investments.

 

Taiwan: Investments in Taiwanese issuers involve legal, regulatory, political, currency, and economic risks that are specific to Taiwan. Taiwan’s geographic proximity and history of political contention with China have resulted in ongoing tensions between the two countries, which could have an adverse impact on the values of investments in either China or Taiwan, or make investments in China and/or Taiwan impractical or impossible.

 

Emerging Markets Risk. Many of the risks with respect to foreign investments are more pronounced for investments in issuers in developing or emerging market countries. Emerging market countries tend to have more government exchange controls, more volatile interest and currency exchange rates, less market regulation, and less developed and less stable economic, political and legal systems than those of more developed countries. There may be less publicly available and reliable information about issuers in emerging markets than is available about issuers in more developed markets. In addition, emerging market countries may experience high levels of inflation and may have less liquid securities markets and less efficient trading and settlement systems.

 

Risks of Investing in A-Shares. The A-Share market is volatile with a risk of suspension of trading in a particular security or multiple securities or government intervention. Securities in the A-Share market may be suspended from trading without an indication of how long the suspension will last, which may impair the liquidity of such securities and may impact the ability of the Fund to pursue its investment strategy. The Chinese securities markets are emerging markets characterized by relatively low trading volume, resulting in substantially less liquidity and greater price volatility. Liquidity risks may be more pronounced for the A-Share market than for Chinese securities markets generally because the A-Share market is subject to greater government restrictions and control, including trading suspensions. China A-Shares are only available to non-mainland China investors (i) through the QFII Programs or (ii) through Stock Connect.

 

A-Shares Tax Risk. The Fund’s investments in A-Shares will be subject to a number of taxes and tax regulations in China. The application of many of these tax regulations is at present uncertain. Moreover, the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”) has implemented a number of tax reforms in recent years, including the value added tax reform, and may continue to amend or revise existing PRC tax laws in the future. Changes in applicable PRC tax law, particularly taxation on a retrospective basis, could reduce the after-tax profits of the Fund directly or indirectly by reducing the after-tax profits of the Chinese companies in which the Fund invests. Uncertainties in the Chinese tax rules governing taxation of income and gains from investments in A-Shares could result in unexpected tax liabilities for the Fund. The Fund’s investments in securities issued by Chinese companies, including A-Shares, may cause the Fund to become subject to withholding income tax and other taxes imposed by the PRC. The PRC taxation rules are evolving, may change, and new rules may be applied retroactively. Any such changes could have an adverse impact on Fund performance.

 

Risks of Investing through Stock Connect. Investing in A-Shares through Stock Connect is subject to trading, clearance, settlement and other procedures, which could pose risks to the Fund. Trading through Stock Connect is also subject to a daily quota (the “Daily Quota”), which limits the maximum net purchases under Stock Connect each day, and as such, buy orders for A-Shares would be rejected once the Daily Quota is exceeded (although the Fund will be permitted to sell A-Shares regardless of the Daily Quota balance). Thus, the Daily Quota may restrict the Fund’s ability to invest in A-Shares through Stock Connect on a timely basis and could affect the Fund’s ability to effectively pursue its investment strategy. Stock Connect will only operate on days when both the Chinese and Hong Kong markets are open for trading and when banking services are available in both markets on the corresponding settlement days. Therefore, an investment in A-Shares through Stock Connect may subject the Fund to the risk of price fluctuations on days when the Chinese markets are open, but Stock Connect is not trading.

 

  41  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM China Quality Growth Fund

 

Risks of Investing in H-Shares. H-Shares are shares of companies incorporated in mainland China and traded in Hong Kong dollars on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and they must meet Hong Kong’s listing and disclosure requirements. In addition to the risks described herein, H-shares are subject to the risk that the Hong Kong stock market may behave very differently from the mainland Chinese stock market. There may be little to no correlation between the performance of the Hong Kong stock market and the mainland Chinese stock market.

 

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

 

Currency Risk. The value of investments in securities denominated in foreign currencies increases or decreases as the rates of exchange between those currencies and the U.S. dollar change. Currency conversion costs and currency fluctuations could erase investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates can be volatile and are affected by factors such as general economic conditions, the actions of the United States and foreign governments or central banks, the imposition of currency controls, and speculation.

 

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

 

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

 

Participation Certificates Risk.  Participation certificates represent interests in securities listed on certain foreign exchanges, and thus present similar risks to investing directly in such securities. The risks of investing in participation certificates includes foreign investment risk. Participation certificates also expose investors to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the entity issuing the note may not be able to honor its financial commitments. The purchaser of a participation certificate must rely on the credit worthiness of the bank or broker who issues the participation certificate, and these notes do not have the same rights as a shareholder of the underlying foreign security.

 

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

 

Recent Market Events. Periods of market volatility may occur in response to market events and other economic, political, and global macro factors. For example, in recent years the COVID-19 pandemic, the large expansion of government deficits and debt as a result of government actions to mitigate the effects of the pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the rise of inflation have resulted in extreme volatility in the global economy and in global financial markets. These and other similar events could be prolonged and could adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments, impair the Fund’s ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Fund’s performance.

 

Sector Focus Risk. The Fund may invest a larger portion of its assets in one or more sectors than many other mutual funds, and thus will be more susceptible to negative events affecting those sectors.

 

  42  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM China Quality Growth Fund

 

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

 

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

 

Performance

 

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year for Institutional Class Shares and by showing how the average annual total returns of the Fund compare with the average annual total returns of broad-based market indexes. Updated performance information is available at the Fund’s website www.wcminvestfunds.com, or by calling the Fund at 1-888-988-9801. The Fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

 

Annual Total Return (before taxes) for Institutional Class Shares

 

For each calendar year at NAV

 

 

 

 

The year-to-date return as of March 31, 2023, was 1.77%.

 

Institutional Shares    
Highest Calendar Quarter Return at NAV 16.53% Quarter Ended 12/31/2022
Lowest Calendar Quarter Return at NAV (21.14)% Quarter Ended 03/31/2022

 

  43  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM China Quality Growth Fund

 

Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended December 31, 2022)
1 Year Since Inception Inception Date
Institutional Class Shares — Return Before Taxes (26.62)% 8.63% March 31, 2020
Institutional Class Shares — Return After Taxes on Distributions* (26.71)% 7.14% March 31, 2020
Institutional Class Shares — Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares* (15.75)% 6.38% March 31, 2020
Investor Class Shares — Return Before Taxes (26.79)% 8.38% March 31, 2020
MSCI China All Shares Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) (23.61)% (0.55)% March 31, 2020

 

* After-tax returns are 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. After–tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

Investment Advisor

 

WCM Investment Management, LLC (the “Advisor” or “WCM”)

 

Portfolio Managers

 

The portfolio management team is comprised of Michael Tian, CFA, Portfolio Manager, and Yan Gao, Portfolio Manager. Mr. Tian has served as a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception on March 31, 2020. Ms. Gao has served as a portfolio manager of the Fund since December 31, 2022. The members of the portfolio management team are jointly and primarily responsible of the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio.

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

 

To purchase shares of the Fund, you must invest at least the minimum amount.

 

  Investor Class Institutional Class
Minimum Investments To Open Your Account To Add to Your Account To Open Your Account To Add to Your Account
Direct Regular Accounts $1,000 $100 $100,000 $5,000
Direct Retirement Accounts $1,000 $100 $100,000 $5,000
Automatic Investment Plan $100 $50 $5,000 $2,500
Gift Account For Minors $1,000 $500 $100,000 $5,000

 

Fund shares are redeemable on any business day the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) is open for business, by written request or by telephone.

 

Tax Information

 

The Fund’s distributions are generally taxable, and will ordinarily be taxed as ordinary income, qualified dividend income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-advantaged arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. Shareholders investing through such tax-advantaged arrangements may be taxed later upon withdrawal of monies from those arrangements.

 

  44  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM China Quality Growth Fund

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund 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.

 

  45  

 

SUMMARY SECTION – WCM Developing World Equity Fund

 

 

Investment Objective

 

The investment objective of the WCM Developing World Equity Fund (the “Fund”) is long-term capital appreciation.

 

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 and example below.

 

   

Investor

Class
Shares

      Institutional Class
Shares
 
Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
             
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases   None       None  
Maximum deferred sales charge (load)   None       None  
Wire fee   $20       $20  
Overnight check delivery fee   $25       $25  
Retirement account fees (annual maintenance fee)   $15       $15  
               
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
             
Management fees      1.00%       1.00%  
Distribution (Rule 12b-1) fee      0.25%       None  
Other expenses     12.75%       12.75%  
Shareholder service fee   0.12%        0.12%      
All other expenses 12.63%       12.63%      
Total annual fund operating expenses     14.00%       13.75%  
Fees waived and/or expenses reimbursed1     (12.50%)       (12.50%)  
Total annual fund operating expenses after waiving fees and/or reimbursing expenses1     1.50%       1.25%  
                 

 

1 The Fund’s advisor has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or pay for operating expenses of the Fund to ensure that total annual fund operating expenses (excluding any taxes, leverage interest, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on short sales, acquired fund fees and expenses (as determined in accordance with SEC Form N-1A), professional fees related to services for the collection of foreign tax reclaims, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization, and extraordinary expenses such as litigation expenses) do not exceed 1.50% and 1.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s Investor Class and Institutional Class shares, respectively. This agreement is in effect until April 30, 2033, and may be terminated before that date only by the Trust’s Board of Trustees. The Fund’s advisor is permitted to seek reimbursement from the Fund, subject to certain limitations, of fees waived or payments made to the Fund for a period ending three full years after the date of the waiver or payment. This reimbursement may be requested from the Fund if the reimbursement will not cause the Fund’s annual expense ratio to exceed the lesser of (a) the expense limitation in effect at the time such fees were waived or payments made, or (b) the expense limitation in effect at the time of the reimbursement.

 

  46  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM Developing World Equity Fund

 

Example

 

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. The example reflects the Fund’s contractual fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement only for the term of the contractual fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement.

 

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

  One Year Three Years Five Years Ten Years
Investor Class $153 $474 $818 $1,791
Institutional Class $127 $397 $686 $1,511

 

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 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. For the fiscal period May 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 30% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (including amounts borrowed for investment purposes) in equity securities of companies located in developing countries. In determining whether a country is a developing country, the Fund’s investment advisor will consider, among other things, whether the country is generally considered to be a developing country by the international financial community; the country’s per capita gross domestic product; the percentage of the country’s economy that is industrialized; market capital as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product; and the overall regulatory environment of the country, including the presence of governmental regulation limiting or banning foreign ownership and restrictions on repatriation of initial capital, dividends, interest and/or capital gains. For example, the investment advisor expects that most countries classified by the World Bank as having low- to middle-income economies, or that are included in any of the Morgan Stanley Capital International (“MSCI”) emerging markets or frontier markets indices, will be treated as developing countries. The Fund’s advisor considers a company to be located in a country if the company has been organized under the laws of, has its principal offices in, or has its securities principally traded in, the country, or if the company derives at least 50% of its revenues or net profits from, or has at least 50% of its assets or production capacities in, the country.

 

The Fund’s investments in equity securities may include common stock and depositary receipts. The Fund’s investments in depositary receipts may include American, European, Canadian and Global Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”, “EDRs”, “CDRs” and “GDRs”, respectively). ADRs and CDRs are receipts that represent interests in foreign securities held on deposit by U.S. and Canadian banks or trust companies, respectively. EDRs and GDRs have the same qualities as ADRs, although they may be traded in several international trading markets. Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests in the securities of companies located in at least three different countries outside of the United States, and the Fund may invest in securities of any market capitalization. From time to time, the Fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in the securities of companies located in one or a few developing countries or regions.

 

  47  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM Developing World Equity Fund

 

The advisor’s investment process begins with bottom-up, fundamental research, which involves examining and ranking companies based on the following factors: (i) the company’s corporate performance; (ii) the company’s competitive position; (iii) the company’s potential future growth; and (iv) the company’s intrinsic value. The advisor’s fundamental research also involves an analysis of a company’s environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) characteristics. The Fund’s advisor utilizes a proprietary, qualitative analysis in screening companies for the Fund’s portfolio that satisfy its ESG criteria. Industry-specific, material ESG value drivers are identified for each company based on the internally derived criteria as well as from information sourced from corporate disclosures, specialized datasets and other publicly filed information. The advisor’s strategy is focused on identification and analysis of material ESG drivers, which are the most relevant and financially important ESG aspects of the company’s business model. In the advisor’s view, these ESG drivers can have a significant short- or long-term impact on the company’s financial performance and the sustainability of that performance. The advisor’s methodology determines what it believes the impact each of the drivers has on the metrics such as revenue, profits, cash flow, returns and risks. These drivers serve as a tool to identify companies’ with improving ESG characteristics (i.e., the company’s “ESG Trajectory”). The advisor’s approach is also informed by industry-based standards for material ESG factors established by the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board. In addition, the Fund’s advisor will review company financial filings, proxy disclosures, corporate sustainability reports, Carbon Disclosure Project scores, government databases, Bloomberg ESG analytics, Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (“ISS”) reports and engage with company management as part of its screening process. The advisor’s environmental assessment includes identifying companies that provide products or services that are tied to an environmental competitive advantage as compared to their peers. For example, the Fund may invest in companies offering products or services with superior energy efficiency, better management of energy, water and waste resources, or offer solutions to emissions regulations.  Social assessment includes identifying companies that promote societal benefits or address societal challenges. For example, the Fund may invest in companies with good diversity practices, lower employee turnover, and solid employee safety track-records.  Governance assessment includes a focus on shareholder rights, senior management compensation, board structure, and audit/accounting risk. Based on the advisor’s deeper qualitative ESG assessment, the Fund’s advisor selects companies that demonstrate a strong or improving ESG Trajectory and generally excludes companies with weak ESG performance. The Fund’s ESG screening process is designed to exclude companies that are involved in and derive significant revenue from certain industries or product lines, including:

 

· tobacco,
· gambling,
· civil firearms (i.e., those firearms typically available for consumer use in the United States),
· controversial weapons (e.g., land mines), and
· pornography.

 

The Fund’s ESG screening process does not exclude traditional defense contractors nor does it exclude all alcohol. The Fund’s advisor does not utilize third-party ESG rankings or a scoring mechanism in the Fund’s portfolio construction process. 

 

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

 

Principal Risks of Investing

 

Risk is inherent in all investing and you could lose money by investing in the Fund. A summary description of certain principal risks of investing in the Fund is set forth below. Before you decide whether to invest in the Fund, carefully consider these risk factors associated with investing in the Fund, which may cause investors to lose money. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

 

Market Risk. The market price of a security or instrument may decline, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions throughout the world, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. In addition, local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, or other events could have a significant impact on a security or instrument. The market value of a security or instrument also may decline because of factors that affect a particular industry or industries, such as labor shortages or increased production costs and competitive conditions within an industry.

 

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

 

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

 

  48  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM Developing World Equity Fund

 

Risks Associated with China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

China: Investments in Chinese issuers involve legal, regulatory, political, currency, and economic risks that are specific to China. The Chinese economy is generally considered an emerging market and can be significantly affected by economic and political conditions and policy in China and surrounding Asian countries. A relatively small number of Chinese companies represent a large portion of China’s total market and thus may be more sensitive to adverse political or economic circumstances and market movements. The economy of China differs, often unfavorably, from the U.S. economy in such respects as structure, general development, government involvement, wealth distribution, rate of inflation, growth rate, allocation of resources and capital reinvestment, among others. Under China’s political and economic system, the central government has historically exercised substantial control over virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through administrative regulation and/or state ownership. In addition, expropriation, including nationalization, confiscatory taxation, political, economic or social instability or other developments could adversely affect and significantly diminish the values of the Chinese companies in which the Fund invests. International trade tensions may arise from time to time which can result in trade tariffs, embargoes, trade limitations, trade wars and other negative consequences. These consequences may trigger a reduction in international trade, the oversupply of certain manufactured goods, substantial price reductions of goods and possible failure of individual companies and/or large segments of China’s export industry with a potentially severe negative impact to the Fund. From time to time, China has experienced outbreaks of infectious illnesses, and the country may be subject to other public health threats or similar issues in the future. Any spread of an infectious illness, public health threat or similar issue could reduce consumer demand or economic output, result in market closures, travel restrictions or quarantines, and generally have a significant impact on the Chinese economy.

 

Hong Kong: Investments in Hong Kong issuers involve legal, regulatory, political, currency, and economic risks that are specific to Hong Kong. If China were to exert its authority so as to alter the economic, political or legal structures or the existing social policy of Hong Kong, investor and business confidence in Hong Kong could be negatively affected, which in turn could negatively affect markets and business performance and have an adverse effect on the Fund’s investments.

 

Taiwan: Investments in Taiwanese issuers involve legal, regulatory, political, currency, and economic risks that are specific to Taiwan. Taiwan’s geographic proximity and history of political contention with China have resulted in ongoing tensions between the two countries, which could have an adverse impact on the values of investments in either China or Taiwan, or make investments in China and/or Taiwan impractical or impossible.

 

Emerging Markets Risk. Many of the risks with respect to foreign investments are more pronounced for investments in issuers in developing or emerging market countries. Emerging market countries tend to have more government exchange controls, more volatile interest and currency exchange rates, less market regulation, and less developed and less stable economic, political and legal systems than those of more developed countries. There may be less publicly available and reliable information about issuers in emerging markets than is available about issuers in more developed markets. In addition, emerging market countries may experience high levels of inflation and may have less liquid securities markets and less efficient trading and settlement systems.

 

Frontier Markets Risk. Frontier market countries generally have smaller economies and even less developed capital markets than traditional emerging markets, and as a result, the risks of investing in emerging market countries are magnified in frontier market countries.

 

ESG Criteria Risk. While the Fund’s advisor believes that the integration of ESG analysis as part of the investment process contributes to its risk management approach, the Fund’s consideration of ESG criteria in making its investment decisions may affect the Fund’s exposure to risks associated with certain issuers, industries and sectors, which may impact the Fund’s investment performance. In addition, because the Fund’s ESG criteria exclude securities of certain issuers, the Fund may forgo some market opportunities available to funds that do not use these criteria. There are significant differences in interpretations of what it means for a company to have positive ESG characteristics. Furthermore, ESG information from third-party data providers may be incomplete, inaccurate or unavailable which could cause the Fund’s advisor to incorrectly assess a company’s ESG characteristics.

 

  49  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM Developing World Equity Fund

 

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

 

Currency Risk. The value of investments in securities denominated in foreign currencies increases or decreases as the rates of exchange between those currencies and the U.S. dollar change. Currency conversion costs and currency fluctuations could erase investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates can be volatile and are affected by factors such as general economic conditions, the actions of the United States and foreign governments or central banks, the imposition of currency controls, and speculation.

 

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

 

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

 

Recent Market Events. Periods of market volatility may occur in response to market events and other economic, political, and global macro factors. For example, in recent years the COVID-19 pandemic, the large expansion of government deficits and debt as a result of government actions to mitigate the effects of the pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the rise of inflation have resulted in extreme volatility in the global economy and in global financial markets. These and other similar events could be prolonged and could adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments, impair the Fund’s ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Fund’s performance.

 

Sector Focus Risk. The Fund may invest a larger portion of its assets in one or more sectors than many other mutual funds, and thus will be more susceptible to negative events affecting those sectors. For example, as of December 31, 2022, 25.5% of the Fund’s assets were invested in the financial sector. The performance of companies in the financial sector may be adversely impacted by many factors, including, among others: government regulations of, or related to, the sector; governmental monetary and fiscal policies; economic, business or political conditions; credit rating downgrades; changes in interest rates; price competition; and decreased liquidity in credit markets.

 

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

 

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

 

  50  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM Developing World Equity Fund

 

Performance

 

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year for Institutional Class Shares and by showing how the average annual total returns of the Fund compare with the average annual total returns of broad-based market indexes. Updated performance information is available at the Fund’s website www.wcminvestfunds.com, or by calling the Fund at 1-888-988-9801. The Fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

 

Annual Total Return (before taxes) for Institutional Class Shares

 

For each calendar year at NAV

 

 

Year

 

The year-to-date return as of March 31, 2023, was 5.58%.

 

Institutional Shares    
Highest Calendar Quarter Return at NAV 15.29% Quarter Ended 12/31/2022
Lowest Calendar Quarter Return at NAV (13.48)% Quarter Ended 06/30/2022

 

Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended December 31, 2022)
1 Year Since Inception Inception Date
Institutional Class Shares — Return Before Taxes (13.61)% 10.44% March 31, 2020
Institutional Class Shares — Return After Taxes on Distributions* (13.87)% 9.48% March 31, 2020
Institutional Class Shares — Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares* (7.87)% 7.92% March 31, 2020
Investor Class Shares — Return Before Taxes (13.82)% 10.16% March 31, 2020
MSCI Emerging Markets Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) (20.09)% 7.04% March 31, 2020

 

* After-tax returns are 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. After–tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

  51  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM Developing World Equity Fund

 

Investment Advisor

 

WCM Investment Management, LLC (the “Advisor” or “WCM”)

 

Portfolio Managers

 

The portfolio management team is comprised of Pablo Echavarria, Portfolio Manager, Rolf Kelly, Portfolio Manager, and Rob Quirk, Portfolio Manager. Messrs. Echevarria and Kelly have served as portfolio managers of the Fund since its inception on March 31, 2020. Mr. Quirk has served as a portfolio manager of the Fund since June 30, 2021. The members of the portfolio management team are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio.

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

 

To purchase shares of the Fund, you must invest at least the minimum amount.

 

  Investor Class Institutional Class
Minimum Investments To Open Your Account To Add to Your Account To Open Your Account To Add to Your Account
Direct Regular Accounts $1,000 $100 $100,000 $5,000
Direct Retirement Accounts $1,000 $100 $100,000 $5,000
Automatic Investment Plan $100 $50 $5,000 $2,500
Gift Account For Minors $1,000 $500 $100,000 $5,000

 

Fund shares are redeemable on any business day the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) is open for business, by written request or by telephone.

 

Tax Information

 

The Fund’s distributions are generally taxable, and will ordinarily be taxed as ordinary income, qualified dividend income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-advantaged arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. Shareholders investing through such tax-advantaged arrangements may be taxed later upon withdrawal of monies from those arrangements.

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund 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.

 

  52  

 

SUMMARY SECTION – WCM International Equity Fund

 

 

Investment Objective

 

The investment objective of the WCM International Equity Fund (the “Fund”) is long-term capital appreciation.

 

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 and example below.

 

   

Investor

Class
Shares

      Institutional Class
Shares
 
Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
             
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases   None       None  
Maximum deferred sales charge (load)   None       None  
Wire fee   $20       $20  
Overnight check delivery fee   $25       $25  
Retirement account fees (annual maintenance fee)   $15       $15  
               
Annual Fund Operating Expenses1
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
             
Management fees     0.85%       0.85%  
Distribution (Rule 12b-1) fee     0.25%       None  
Other expenses     1.88%       1.88%  
Shareholder service fee 0.10%       0.10%      
All other expenses 1.78%       1.78%      
Total annual fund operating expenses     2.98%       2.73%  
Fees waived and/or expenses reimbursed2     (1.63%)       (1.63%)  
Total annual fund operating expenses after waiving fees and/or reimbursing expenses2     1.35%       1.10%  
                 

 

1 The expense information in the table has been restated to reflect the current expense cap, effective December 31, 2022.
2 The Fund’s advisor has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or pay for operating expenses of the Fund to ensure that total annual fund operating expenses (excluding any taxes, leverage interest, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on short sales, acquired fund fees and expenses (as determined in accordance with SEC Form N-1A), professional fees related to services for the collection of foreign tax reclaims, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization, and extraordinary expenses such as litigation expenses) do not exceed 1.35% and 1.10% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s Investor Class and Institutional Class shares, respectively. This agreement is in effect until April 30, 2033, and may be terminated before that date only by the Trust’s Board of Trustees. The Fund’s advisor is permitted to seek reimbursement from the Fund, subject to certain limitations, of fees waived or payments made to the Fund for a period ending three full years after the date of the waiver or payment. This reimbursement may be requested from the Fund if the reimbursement will not cause the Fund’s annual expense ratio to exceed the lesser of (a) the expense limitation in effect at the time such fees were waived or payments made, or (b) the expense limitation in effect at the time of the reimbursement.

 

  53  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM International Equity Fund

 

Example

 

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. The example reflects the Fund’s contractual fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement only for the term of the contractual fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement.

 

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

  One Year Three Years Five Years Ten Years
Investor Class $137 $428 $739 $1,624
Institutional Class $112 $350 $606 $1,340

 

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 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. For the fiscal period May 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 20% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (including amounts borrowed for investment purposes) in equity securities of non-U.S. domiciled companies. The Fund may invest in equity securities or depositary receipts of companies located in developed countries and in emerging market and frontier market countries. Emerging market and frontier market countries are those countries with low- to middle-income economies as classified by the World Bank, or included in any of the Morgan Stanley Capital International (“MSCI”) emerging markets or frontier markets indices. The Fund’s advisor considers a company to be located in a country if the company has been organized under the laws of, has its principal offices in, or has its securities principally traded in, the country, or if the company derives at least 50% of its revenues or net profits from, or has at least 50% of its assets or production capacities in, the country.

 

The Fund’s investments in equity securities may include common stock and depositary receipts. The Fund’s investments in depositary receipts may include American, European, Canadian and Global Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”, “EDRs”, “CDRs” and “GDRs”, respectively). ADRs and CDRs are receipts that represent interests in foreign securities held on deposit by U.S. and Canadian banks or trust companies, respectively. EDRs and GDRs have the same qualities as ADRs, although they may be traded in several international trading markets. Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests in the securities of companies domiciled in at least three different countries outside of the United States, and the Fund may invest in securities of any market capitalization. From time to time, the Fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in the securities of companies domiciled in one or a few countries or regions.

 

The advisor’s investment process begins with bottom-up, fundamental research, which involves examining and ranking companies based on the following factors: (i) the company’s corporate performance; (ii) the company’s competitive position; (iii) the company’s potential future growth; and (iv) the company’s intrinsic value. The advisor’s fundamental research also involves an analysis of a company’s environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) characteristics. The Fund’s advisor utilizes a proprietary, qualitative analysis in screening companies for the Fund’s portfolio that satisfy its ESG criteria. Industry-specific, material ESG value drivers are identified for each company based on the internally derived criteria as well as from information sourced from corporate disclosures, specialized datasets and other publicly filed information. The advisor’s strategy is focused on identification and analysis of material ESG drivers, which are the most relevant and financially important ESG aspects of the company’s business model. In the advisor’s view, these ESG drivers can have a significant short- or long-term impact on the company’s financial performance and the sustainability of that performance. The advisor’s methodology determines what it believes the impact each of the drivers has on the metrics such as revenue, profits, cash flow, returns and risks. These drivers serve as a tool to identify companies’ with improving ESG characteristics (i.e., the company’s “ESG Trajectory”). The advisor’s approach is also informed by industry-based standards for material ESG factors established by the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board. In addition, the Fund’s advisor will review company financial filings, proxy disclosures, corporate sustainability reports, Carbon Disclosure Project scores, government databases, Bloomberg ESG analytics, Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (“ISS”) reports and engage with company management as part of its screening process. The advisor’s environmental assessment includes identifying companies that provide products or services that are tied to an environmental competitive advantage as compared to their peers. For example, the Fund may invest in companies offering products or services with superior energy efficiency, better management of energy, water and waste resources, or offer solutions to emissions regulations.  Social assessment includes identifying companies that promote societal benefits or address societal challenges. For example, the Fund may invest in companies with good diversity practices, lower employee turnover, and solid employee safety track-records.  Governance assessment includes a focus on shareholder rights, senior management compensation, board structure, and audit/accounting risk. Based on the advisor’s deeper qualitative ESG assessment, the Fund’s advisor selects companies that demonstrate a strong or improving ESG Trajectory and generally excludes companies with weak ESG performance. The Fund’s ESG screening process is designed to exclude companies that are involved in and derive significant revenue from certain industries or product lines, including:

 

· tobacco,
· gambling,
· civil firearms (i.e., those firearms typically available for consumer use in the United States),
· controversial weapons (e.g., land mines), and
· pornography.

 

The Fund’s ESG screening process does not exclude traditional defense contractors nor does it exclude all alcohol. The Fund's advisor does not utilize third-party ESG rankings or a scoring mechanism in the Fund's portfolio construction process.

 

  54  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM International Equity Fund

 

Principal Risks of Investing

 

Risk is inherent in all investing and you could lose money by investing in the Fund. A summary description of certain principal risks of investing in the Fund is set forth below. Before you decide whether to invest in the Fund, carefully consider these risk factors associated with investing in the Fund, which may cause investors to lose money. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

 

Market Risk. The market price of a security or instrument may decline, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions throughout the world, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. In addition, local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, or other events could have a significant impact on a security or instrument. The market value of a security or instrument also may decline because of factors that affect a particular industry or industries, such as labor shortages or increased production costs and competitive conditions within an industry.

 

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

 

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

 

  55  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM International Equity Fund

 

Emerging Markets Risk. Many of the risks with respect to foreign investments are more pronounced for investments in issuers in developing or emerging market countries. Emerging market countries tend to have more government exchange controls, more volatile interest and currency exchange rates, less market regulation, and less developed and less stable economic, political and legal systems than those of more developed countries. There may be less publicly available and reliable information about issuers in emerging markets than is available about issuers in more developed markets. In addition, emerging market countries may experience high levels of inflation and may have less liquid securities markets and less efficient trading and settlement systems.

 

Frontier Markets Risk. Frontier market countries generally have smaller economies and even less developed capital markets than traditional emerging markets, and as a result, the risks of investing in emerging market countries are magnified in frontier market countries.

 

ESG Criteria Risk. While the Fund’s advisor believes that the integration of ESG analysis as part of the investment process contributes to its risk management approach, the Fund’s consideration of ESG criteria in making its investment decisions may affect the Fund’s exposure to risks associated with certain issuers, industries and sectors, which may impact the Fund’s investment performance. In addition, because the Fund’s ESG criteria exclude securities of certain issuers, the Fund may forgo some market opportunities available to funds that do not use these criteria. There are significant differences in interpretations of what it means for a company to have positive ESG characteristics. Furthermore, ESG information from third-party data providers may be incomplete, inaccurate or unavailable, which could cause the Fund’s advisor to incorrectly assess a company’s ESG characteristics.

 

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

 

Currency Risk. The value of investments in securities denominated in foreign currencies increases or decreases as the rates of exchange between those currencies and the U.S. dollar change. Currency conversion costs and currency fluctuations could erase investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates can be volatile and are affected by factors such as general economic conditions, the actions of the United States and foreign governments or central banks, the imposition of currency controls, and speculation.

 

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

 

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

 

Recent Market Events. Periods of market volatility may occur in response to market events and other economic, political, and global macro factors. For example, in recent years the COVID-19 pandemic, the large expansion of government deficits and debt as a result of government actions to mitigate the effects of the pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the rise of inflation have resulted in extreme volatility in the global economy and in global financial markets. These and other similar events could be prolonged and could adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments, impair the Fund’s ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Fund’s performance.

 

  56  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM International Equity Fund

 

Sector Focus Risk. The Fund may invest a larger portion of its assets in one or more sectors than many other mutual funds, and thus will be more susceptible to negative events affecting those sectors. For example, as of December 31, 2022, 24.1% of the Fund’s assets were invested in the financial sector. The performance of companies in the financial sector may be adversely impacted by many factors, including, among others: government regulations of, or related to, the sector; governmental monetary and fiscal policies; economic, business or political conditions; credit rating downgrades; changes in interest rates; price competition; and decreased liquidity in credit markets.

 

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

 

Performance

 

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year for Institutional Class Shares and by showing how the average annual total returns of the Fund compare with the average annual total returns of broad-based market indexes. Updated performance information is available at the Fund’s website www.wcminvestfunds.com, or by calling the Fund at 1-888-988-9801. The Fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

 

Annual Total Return (before taxes) for Institutional Class Shares

 

For each calendar year at NAV

 

 

Year

 

The year-to-date return as of March 31, 2023, was 5.96%.

 

Institutional Shares    
Highest Calendar Quarter Return at NAV 16.25% Quarter Ended 12/31/2022
Lowest Calendar Quarter Return at NAV (13.96)% Quarter Ended 06/30/2022

 

  57  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM International Equity Fund

 

Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended December 31, 2022)

 

1 Year

Since Inception

 

Inception Date

Institutional Class Shares — Return Before Taxes (13.25)% 12.67% March 31, 2020
Institutional Class Shares — Return After Taxes on Distributions* (13.26)% 12.11% March 31, 2020
Institutional Class Shares — Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares* (7.84)% 9.80% March 31, 2020
Investor Class Shares — Return Before Taxes (13.48)% 12.37% March 31, 2020
MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) (16.00)% 10.23% March 31, 2020

 

* After-tax returns are 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. After–tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

Investment Advisor

 

WCM Investment Management, LLC (the “Advisor” or “WCM”)

 

Portfolio Managers

 

The portfolio management team is comprised of Pablo Echavarria, Portfolio Manager, Rolf Kelly, Portfolio Manager, and Rob Quirk, Portfolio Manager. Messrs. Echevarria and Kelly have served as portfolio managers of the Fund since its inception on March 31, 2020. Mr. Quirk has served as a portfolio manager of the Fund since June 30, 2021. The members of the portfolio management team are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio.

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

 

To purchase shares of the Fund, you must invest at least the minimum amount.

 

  Investor Class Institutional Class
Minimum Investments To Open Your Account To Add to Your Account To Open Your Account To Add to Your Account
Direct Regular Accounts $1,000 $100 $100,000 $5,000
Direct Retirement Accounts $1,000 $100 $100,000 $5,000
Automatic Investment Plan $100 $50 $5,000 $2,500
Gift Account For Minors $1,000 $500 $100,000 $5,000

 

Fund shares are redeemable on any business day the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) is open for business, by written request or by telephone.

 

Tax Information

 

The Fund’s distributions are generally taxable, and will ordinarily be taxed as ordinary income, qualified dividend income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-advantaged arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. Shareholders investing through such tax-advantaged arrangements may be taxed later upon withdrawal of monies from those arrangements.

 

  58  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM International Equity Fund

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund 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.

 

  59  

 

SUMMARY SECTION – WCM Focused International Value Fund

 

 

Investment Objective

 

The investment objective of the WCM Focused International Value Fund (the “Fund”) is long-term capital appreciation.

 

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 and example below.

 

   

Investor

Class
Shares

      Institutional Class
Shares
 
Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
             
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases   None       None  
Maximum deferred sales charge (load)   None       None  
Wire fee   $20       $20  
Overnight check delivery fee   $25       $25  
Retirement account fees (annual maintenance fee)   $15       $15  
               
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
             
Management fees       0.85%       0.85%  
Distribution (Rule 12b-1) fee       0.25%       None  
Other expenses       1.78%       1.78%  
Shareholder service fee 0.10%        0.10%      
All other expenses 1.68%       1.68%      
Total annual fund operating expenses     2.88%       2.63%  
Fees waived and/or expenses reimbursed1     (1.38%)       (1.38%)  
Total annual fund operating expenses after waiving fees and/or reimbursing expenses1     1.50%       1.25%  
                 

 

1 The Fund’s advisor has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or pay for operating expenses of the Fund to ensure that total annual fund operating expenses (excluding any taxes, leverage interest, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on short sales, acquired fund fees and expenses (as determined in accordance with SEC Form N-1A), professional fees related to services for the collection of foreign tax reclaims, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization, and extraordinary expenses such as litigation expenses) do not exceed 1.50% and 1.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s Investor Class and Institutional Class shares, respectively. This agreement is in effect until April 30, 2033, and it may be terminated before that date only by the Trust’s Board of Trustees. The Fund’s advisor is permitted to seek reimbursement from the Fund, subject to certain limitations, of fees waived or payments made to the Fund for a period ending three full years after the date of the waiver or payment. This reimbursement may be requested from the Fund if the reimbursement will not cause the Fund’s annual expense ratio to exceed the lesser of (a) the expense limitation in effect at the time such fees were waived or payments made, or (b) the expense limitation in effect at the time of the reimbursement.

 

  60  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM Focused International Value Fund

 

Example

 

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. The example reflects the Fund’s contractual fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement only for the term of the contractual fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement.

 

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

  One Year Three Years Five Years Ten Years
Investor Class $153 $474 $818 $1,791
Institutional Class $127 $397 $686 $1,511

 

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 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. For the fiscal period May 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 43% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 75% of its net assets in equity securities of non-U.S. domiciled companies or depositary receipts of non-U.S. domiciled companies the Fund’s advisor believes to be undervalued, which companies may be located in developed, emerging market or frontier market countries. Value investing involves buying stocks that are out of favor and/or undervalued in comparison to their intrinsic values, their peers, or their prospects for growth. Emerging market and frontier market countries are those countries with low- to middle-income economies as classified by the World Bank, or are included in any of the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) emerging markets or frontier markets indices. The Fund’s advisor considers a company to be located in a country if the company has been organized under the laws of, has its principal offices in, or has its securities principally traded in, the country, or if the company derives at least 50% of its revenues or net profits from, or has at least 50% of its assets or production capacities in, the country.

 

The Fund’s investments in equity securities may include common stock and depositary receipts. The Fund’s investments in depositary receipts may include American, European, Canadian and Global Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”, “EDRs”, “CDRs” and “GDRs”, respectively). ADRs and CDRs are receipts that represent interests in foreign securities held on deposit by U.S. and Canadian banks or trust companies, respectively. EDRs and GDRs have the same qualities as ADRs, although they may be traded in several international trading markets. The Fund will be managed pursuant to a “focused” strategy, whereby the Fund’s advisor typically invests the Fund’s assets in the equity securities of a small number of issuers. Generally, the Fund will invest in equity securities of approximately 30 to 60 issuers.

 

The Fund’s advisor uses a bottom-up approach that seeks to identify companies with comparatively low valuations compared to other companies of similar market capitalization, sector, and/or industry, based on factors such as the price-to-earnings ratio, price-to-book ratio, price-to-cash flow ratio, dividend yield, net working capital, and earnings estimate revisions. The Fund’s advisor believes that investment in a company with relatively low valuations may afford capital protection from permanent loss and may result in substantial appreciation if the market recognizes the company’s intrinsic value. The advisor’s investment process seeks companies that are industry leaders with expanding competitive advantages, strong balance sheets, and attractive valuations. In selecting securities, the Fund’s advisor also considers other factors including, among others, political risk, monetary policy risk, and regulatory risk.

 

  61  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM Focused International Value Fund

 

Although the Fund may invest in companies of any size, it generally invests in large capitalization, established, multinational companies. The Fund’s advisor considers large capitalization companies to be those with market capitalizations of $5 billion or greater at the time of investment. The Fund generally invests in the securities of companies located in different regions and in at least three different countries. From time to time, the Fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in the securities of companies located in one or a few countries or regions. From time to time, the Fund may also make significant investments in certain sectors or group of sectors within a particular industry or industries.

 

Principal Risks of Investing

 

Risk is inherent in all investing and you could lose money by investing in the Fund. A summary description of certain principal risks of investing in the Fund is set forth below. Before you decide whether to invest in the Fund, carefully consider these risk factors associated with investing in the Fund, which may cause investors to lose money. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

 

Market Risk. The market price of a security or instrument may decline, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions throughout the world, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. In addition, local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, or other events could have a significant impact on a security or instrument. The market value of a security or instrument also may decline because of factors that affect a particular industry or industries, such as labor shortages or increased production costs and competitive conditions within an industry.

 

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

 

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

 

Emerging Markets Risk. Many of the risks with respect to foreign investments are more pronounced for investments in issuers in developing or emerging market countries. Emerging market countries tend to have more government exchange controls, more volatile interest and currency exchange rates, less market regulation, and less developed and less stable economic, political and legal systems than those of more developed countries. There may be less publicly available and reliable information about issuers in emerging markets than is available about issuers in more developed markets. In addition, emerging market countries may experience high levels of inflation and may have less liquid securities markets and less efficient trading and settlement systems.

 

Frontier Markets Risk. Frontier market countries generally have smaller economies and even less developed capital markets than traditional emerging markets, and as a result, the risks of investing in emerging market countries are magnified in frontier market countries.

 

  62  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM Focused International Value Fund

 

Currency Risk. The value of investments in securities denominated in foreign currencies increases or decreases as the rates of exchange between those currencies and the U.S. dollar change. Currency conversion costs and currency fluctuations could erase investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates can be volatile and are affected by factors such as general economic conditions, the actions of the United States and foreign governments or central banks, the imposition of currency controls, and speculation.

 

Value-Oriented Investment Strategies Risk. Value stocks are those that are believed to be undervalued in comparison to their peers due to adverse business developments or other factors.  Value investing is subject to the risk that the market will not recognize a security’s inherent value for a long time or at all, or that a stock judged to be undervalued may actually be appropriately priced or overvalued. In addition, during some periods (which may be extensive) value stocks generally may be out of favor in the markets.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Recent Market Events. Periods of market volatility may occur in response to market events and other economic, political, and global macro factors. For example, in recent years the COVID-19 pandemic, the large expansion of government deficits and debt as a result of government actions to mitigate the effects of the pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the rise of inflation have resulted in extreme volatility in the global economy and in global financial markets. These and other similar events could be prolonged and could adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments, impair the Fund’s ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Fund’s performance.

 

Sector Focus Risk. The Fund may invest a larger portion of its assets in one or more sectors than many other mutual funds, and thus will be more susceptible to negative events affecting those sectors. For example, as of December 31, 2022, 26.6% of the Fund’s assets were invested in the information technology sector. Companies in the information technology sector can be significantly affected by intense competition, consumer preferences, problems with product compatibility and government regulation.

 

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

 

  63  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM Focused International Value Fund

 

Performance

 

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year for Institutional Class Shares and by showing how the average annual total returns of the Fund compare with the average annual total returns of broad-based market indexes. Updated performance information is available at the Fund’s website www.wcminvestfunds.com, or by calling the Fund at 1-888-988-9801. The Fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

 

Annual Total Return (before taxes) for Institutional Class Shares

 

For each calendar year at NAV

 

 

 

Year

The year-to-date return as of March 31, 2023, was 3.25%.

 

Institutional Shares    
Highest Calendar Quarter Return at NAV 15.21% Quarter Ended 12/31/2022
Lowest Calendar Quarter Return at NAV (16.22)% Quarter Ended 06/30/2022

 

Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended December 31, 2022)
1 Year Since Inception Inception Date
Institutional Class Shares — Return Before Taxes (26.21)% 5.57% June 29, 2020
Institutional Class Shares — Return After Taxes on Distributions* (26.32)% 5.50% June 29, 2020
Institutional Class Shares — Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares* (15.44)% 4.28% June 29, 2020
Investor Class Shares — Return Before Taxes (26.40)% 5.33% June 29, 2020
MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) (16.00)% 4.98% June 29, 2020

 

* After-tax returns are 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. After–tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

  64  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM Focused International Value Fund

 

Investment Advisor

 

WCM Investment Management, LLC (the “Advisor” or “WCM”)

 

Portfolio Manager

 

The portfolio management team is comprised of Andrew Wiechert, Portfolio Manager, and Drew French, Portfolio Manager. Mr. Wiechert has served as a portfolio manager of the Fund since its inception on June 29, 2020. Mr. French has served as a portfolio manager of the Fund since December 31, 2020. The members of the portfolio management team are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio.

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

 

To purchase shares of the Fund, you must invest at least the minimum amount.

 

  Investor Class Institutional Class
Minimum Investments To Open Your Account To Add to Your Account To Open Your Account To Add to Your Account
Direct Regular Accounts $1,000 $100 $100,000 $5,000
Direct Retirement Accounts $1,000 $100 $100,000 $5,000
Automatic Investment Plan $100 $50 $5,000 $2,500
Gift Account For Minors $1,000 $500 $100,000 $5,000

 

Fund shares are redeemable on any business day the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) is open for business, by written request or by telephone.

 

Tax Information

 

The Fund’s distributions are generally taxable, and will ordinarily be taxed as ordinary income, qualified dividend income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-advantaged arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. Shareholders investing through such tax-advantaged arrangements may be taxed later upon withdrawal of monies from those arrangements.

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund 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.

 

  65  

 

SUMMARY SECTION – WCM Focused International Opportunities Fund

 

 

Investment Objective

 

The investment objective of the WCM Focused International Opportunities Fund (the “Fund”) is long-term capital appreciation.

 

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 and example below.

 

   

Investor

Class Shares

     

Institutional

Class

Shares

 
Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
             
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases   None       None  
Maximum deferred sales charge (load)   None       None  
Wire fee   $20       $20  
Overnight check delivery fee   $25       $25  
Retirement account fees (annual maintenance fee)   $15       $15  
               
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
             
Management fees     1.00%       1.00%  
Distribution (Rule 12b-1) fee     0.25%       None  
Other expenses     1.59%       1.59%  
Shareholder service fee 0.14%       0.14%      
All other expenses 1.45%       1.45%      
Total annual fund operating expenses     2.84%       2.59%  
Fees waived and/or expenses reimbursed1     (1.34%)       (1.34%)  
Total annual fund operating expenses after waiving fees and/or reimbursing expenses1     1.50%       1.25%  
                 

 

1 The Fund’s advisor has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or pay for operating expenses of the Fund to ensure that total annual fund operating expenses (excluding any taxes, leverage interest, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on short sales, acquired fund fees and expenses (as determined in accordance with SEC Form N-1A), professional fees related to services for the collection of foreign tax reclaims, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization, and extraordinary expenses such as litigation expenses) do not exceed 1.50% and 1.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s Investor Class and Institutional Class shares, respectively. This agreement is in effect until April 30, 2033, and may be terminated before that date only by the Trust’s Board of Trustees. The Fund’s advisor is permitted to seek reimbursement from the Fund, subject to certain limitations, of fees waived or payments made to the Fund for a period ending three full years after the date of the waiver or payment. This reimbursement may be requested from the Fund if the reimbursement will not cause the Fund’s annual expense ratio to exceed the lesser of (a) the expense limitation in effect at the time such fees were waived or payments made, or (b) the expense limitation in effect at the time of the reimbursement.

 

  66  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM Focused International Opportunities Fund

 

Example

 

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. The example reflects the Fund’s contractual fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement only for the term of the contractual fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement.

 

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

  One Year Three Years Five Years Ten Years
Investor Class $153 $474 $818 $1,791
Institutional Class $127 $397 $686 $1,511

 

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 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. For the fiscal period May 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 74% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities or depositary receipts of small- to mid-capitalization companies domiciled outside of the United States, including companies located in emerging market or frontier market countries. Emerging market or frontier market countries are those countries with low- to middle-income economies as classified by the World Bank, or included in any of the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) emerging markets or frontier market indices. The Fund’s advisor considers a company to be located in a country if the company has been organized under the laws of, has its principal offices in, or has its securities principally traded in, the country, or if the company derives at least 50% of its revenues or net profits from, or has at least 50% of its assets or production capacities in, the country. The Fund’s advisor considers small- to mid-capitalization companies to be companies with market capitalizations within the range of those companies included in the MSCI ACWI Ex USA SMID Cap Index at the time of purchase. Because small- to mid-capitalization companies are defined by reference to an index, the range of market capitalizations of companies in which the Fund invests may vary with market conditions. As of March 31, 2023, the market capitalizations of companies included in the MSCI ACWI Ex USA SMID Cap Index were between $55.43 million and $24.37 billion. The Fund’s advisor will consider the market capitalization range by country. Investments in companies that move above or below the capitalization range of the MSCI ACWI Ex USA SMID Cap Index may continue to be held by the Fund in the sole discretion of the Fund’s advisor.

 

The Fund’s investments in equity securities may include common stock, common stock that is offered in initial public offerings (“IPOs”), depositary receipts and China A-shares (“China A-Shares” or “A-Shares”). The Fund’s investments in depositary receipts may include American, European, Canadian and Global Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”, “EDRs”, “CDRs” and “GDRs”, respectively). ADRs and CDRs are receipts that represent interests in foreign securities held on deposit by U.S. and Canadian banks or trust companies, respectively. EDRs and GDRs have the same qualities as ADRs, although they may be traded in several international trading markets. China A-Shares are equity securities issued by companies located in the People’s Republic of China (“China” or the “PRC”) that are denominated and traded in Renminbi (“RMB”) on the Shanghai Stock Exchange or the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. The Fund may invest in China A-Shares through the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect and the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect programs (collectively, “Stock Connect”), or through the Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor and Renminbi Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor systems (collectively, the “QFII Programs”). The Fund may also invest in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”). The Fund may also use participation certificates issued by foreign banks or brokers evidencing ownership of underlying stock issued by a foreign company. Participation certificates are used by foreign investors to access local markets and to gain exposure to, primarily, equity securities of issuers listed on a local exchange. For purposes of the Fund’s 80% policy described above, participation certificates are classified according to their underlying or referenced security.

 

  67  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM Focused International Opportunities Fund

 

Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests in the securities of companies located in different countries and in at least three different countries. However, from time to time, the Fund may have a significant portion of its assets invested in the securities of companies in one or a few countries or regions. The Fund may make significant investments in certain sectors or group of sectors from time to time. The Fund will be managed pursuant to a “focused” strategy, whereby the Fund’s advisor will typically invest the Fund’s assets in the equity securities of a small number of issuers.

 

The Fund’s advisor uses a bottom-up approach that seeks to identify companies believed to have above-average potential for growth in the rate of return on invested capital and assets. The advisor’s investment process seeks companies that are industry leaders with sustainable competitive advantages; corporate cultures emphasizing strong, quality and experienced management; low or no debt; and attractive relative valuations. In selecting securities, the Fund’s advisor also considers other factors including, among others, political risk, monetary policy risk, and regulatory risk specific to an issuer’s country of domicile.

 

Principal Risks of Investing

 

Risk is inherent in all investing and you could lose money by investing in the Fund. A summary description of certain principal risks of investing in the Fund is set forth below. Before you decide whether to invest in the Fund, carefully consider these risk factors associated with investing in the Fund, which may cause investors to lose money. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

 

Market Risk. The market price of a security or instrument may decline, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions throughout the world, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. In addition, local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, or other events could have a significant impact on a security or instrument. The market value of a security or instrument also may decline because of factors that affect a particular industry or industries, such as labor shortages or increased production costs and competitive conditions within an industry.

 

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

 

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

 

Emerging Markets Risk. Many of the risks with respect to foreign investments are more pronounced for investments in issuers in developing or emerging market countries. Emerging market countries tend to have more government exchange controls, more volatile interest and currency exchange rates, less market regulation, and less developed and less stable economic, political and legal systems than those of more developed countries. There may be less publicly available and reliable information about issuers in emerging markets than is available about issuers in more developed markets. In addition, emerging market countries may experience high levels of inflation and may have less liquid securities markets and less efficient trading and settlement systems.

 

  68  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM Focused International Opportunities Fund

 

Frontier Markets Risk. Frontier market countries generally have smaller economies and even less developed capital markets than traditional emerging markets, and as a result, the risks of investing in emerging market countries are magnified in frontier market countries.

 

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

 

Risks Associated with China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

China: Investments in Chinese issuers involve legal, regulatory, political, currency, and economic risks that are specific to China. The Chinese economy is generally considered an emerging market and can be significantly affected by economic and political conditions and policy in China and surrounding Asian countries. A relatively small number of Chinese companies represent a large portion of China’s total market and thus may be more sensitive to adverse political or economic circumstances and market movements. The economy of China differs, often unfavorably, from the U.S. economy in such respects as structure, general development, government involvement, wealth distribution, rate of inflation, growth rate, allocation of resources and capital reinvestment, among others. Under China’s political and economic system, the central government has historically exercised substantial control over virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through administrative regulation and/or state ownership. In addition, expropriation, including nationalization, confiscatory taxation, political, economic or social instability or other developments could adversely affect and significantly diminish the values of the Chinese companies in which the Fund invests. International trade tensions may arise from time to time which can result in trade tariffs, embargoes, trade limitations, trade wars and other negative consequences. These consequences may trigger a reduction in international trade, the oversupply of certain manufactured goods, substantial price reductions of goods and possible failure of individual companies and/or large segments of China’s export industry with a potentially severe negative impact to the Fund. From time to time, China has experienced outbreaks of infectious illnesses, and the country may be subject to other public health threats or similar issues in the future. Any spread of an infectious illness, public health threat or similar issue could reduce consumer demand or economic output, result in market closures, travel restrictions or quarantines, and generally have a significant impact on the Chinese economy.

 

Hong Kong: Investments in Hong Kong issuers involve legal, regulatory, political, currency, and economic risks that are specific to Hong Kong. If China were to exert its authority so as to alter the economic, political or legal structures or the existing social policy of Hong Kong, investor and business confidence in Hong Kong could be negatively affected, which in turn could negatively affect markets and business performance and have an adverse effect on the Fund’s investments.

 

Taiwan: Investments in Taiwanese issuers involve legal, regulatory, political, currency, and economic risks that are specific to Taiwan. Taiwan’s geographic proximity and history of political contention with China have resulted in ongoing tensions between the two countries, which could have an adverse impact on the values of investments in either China or Taiwan, or make investments in China and/or Taiwan impractical or impossible.

 

Risks of Investing in A-Shares. The A-Share market is volatile with a risk of suspension of trading in a particular security or multiple securities or government intervention. Securities in the A-Share market may be suspended from trading without an indication of how long the suspension will last, which may impair the liquidity of such securities and may impact the ability of the Fund to pursue its investment strategy. The Chinese securities markets are emerging markets characterized by relatively low trading volume, resulting in substantially less liquidity and greater price volatility. Liquidity risks may be more pronounced for the A-Share market than for Chinese securities markets generally because the A-Share market is subject to greater government restrictions and control, including trading suspensions. China A-Shares are only available to non-mainland China investors (i) through the QFII Programs or (ii) through Stock Connect.

 

  69  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM Focused International Opportunities Fund

 

A-Shares Tax Risk. The Fund’s investments in A-Shares will be subject to a number of taxes and tax regulations in China. The application of many of these tax regulations is currently uncertain. Moreover, the PRC has implemented a number of tax reforms in recent years, including the value added tax reform, and may continue to amend or revise existing PRC tax laws in the future. Changes in applicable PRC tax law, particularly taxation on a retrospective basis, could reduce the after-tax profits of the Fund directly or indirectly by reducing the after-tax profits of the Chinese companies in which the Fund invests. Uncertainties in the Chinese tax rules governing taxation of income and gains from investments in A-Shares could result in unexpected tax liabilities for the Fund. The Fund’s investments in securities issued by Chinese companies, including A-Shares, may cause the Fund to become subject to withholding income tax and other taxes imposed by the PRC. The PRC taxation rules are evolving, may change, and new rules may be applied retroactively. Any such changes could have an adverse impact on Fund performance.

 

Risks of Investing through Stock Connect. Investing in A-Shares through Stock Connect is subject to trading, clearance, settlement and other procedures, which could pose risks to the Fund. Trading through Stock Connect is also subject to a daily quota (the “Daily Quota”), which limits the maximum net purchases under Stock Connect each day, and as such, buy orders for A-Shares would be rejected once the Daily Quota is exceeded (although the Fund will be permitted to sell A-Shares regardless of the Daily Quota balance). Thus, the Daily Quota may restrict the Fund’s ability to invest in A-Shares through Stock Connect on a timely basis and could affect the Fund’s ability to effectively pursue its investment strategy. Stock Connect will only operate on days when both the Chinese and Hong Kong markets are open for trading and when banking services are available in both markets on the corresponding settlement days. Therefore, an investment in A-Shares through Stock Connect may subject the Fund to the risk of price fluctuations on days when the Chinese markets are open, but Stock Connect is not trading.

 

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

 

Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) Risk. The Fund’s investment in REITs will subject the Fund to risks similar to those associated with direct ownership of real estate, including losses from casualty or condemnation, and changes in local and general economic, supply and demand, interest rates, zoning laws, regulatory limitations on rents, property taxes and operating expenses.

 

Participation Certificates Risk. Participation certificates represent interests in securities listed on certain foreign exchanges, and thus present similar risks to investing directly in such securities. The risks of investing in participation certificates includes foreign investment risk. Participation certificates also expose investors to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the entity issuing the note may not be able to honor its financial commitments. The purchaser of a participation certificate must rely on the credit worthiness of the bank or broker who issues the participation certificate, and these notes do not have the same rights as a shareholder of the underlying foreign security.

 

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

 

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

 

Currency Risk. The value of investments in securities denominated in foreign currencies increases or decreases as the rates of exchange between those currencies and the U.S. dollar change. Currency conversion costs and currency fluctuations could erase investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates can be volatile and are affected by factors such as general economic conditions, the actions of the United States and foreign governments or central banks, the imposition of currency controls, and speculation.

 

  70  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM Focused International Opportunities Fund

 

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

 

Sector Focus Risk. The Fund may invest a larger portion of its assets in one or more sectors than many other mutual funds, and thus will be more susceptible to negative events affecting those sectors.

 

Recent Market Events. Periods of market volatility may occur in response to market events and other economic, political, and global macro factors. For example, in recent years the COVID-19 pandemic, the large expansion of government deficits and debt as a result of government actions to mitigate the effects of the pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the rise of inflation have resulted in extreme volatility in the global economy and in global financial markets. These and other similar events could be prolonged and could adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments, impair the Fund’s ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Fund’s performance.

 

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

 

Performance

 

The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year for Institutional Class Shares and by showing how the average annual total returns of the Fund compare with the average annual total returns of broad-based market indexes. Updated performance information is available at the Fund’s website www.wcminvestfunds.com, or by calling the Fund at 1-888-988-9801. The Fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

 

Annual Total Return (before taxes) for Institutional Class Shares

 

For each calendar year at NAV

 

 

 

Year

The year-to-date return as of March 31, 2023, was 11.10%.

 

  71  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM Focused International Opportunities Fund

 

Institutional Shares    
Highest Calendar Quarter Return at NAV 16.24% Quarter Ended 12/31/2022
Lowest Calendar Quarter Return at NAV (23.50)% Quarter Ended 06/30/2022

 

Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended December 31, 2022)

 

1 Year

Since Inception

 

Inception Date

Institutional Class Shares — Return Before Taxes (35.25)% (14.03)% March 30, 2021
Institutional Class Shares — Return After Taxes on Distributions* (35.25)% (14.05)% March 30, 2021
Institutional Class Shares — Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares* (20.87)% (10.54)% March 30, 2021
Investor Class Shares — Return Before Taxes (35.42)% (14.28)% March 30, 2021
MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) (16.00)% (7.45)% March 30, 2021

 

* After-tax returns are 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. After–tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

Investment Advisor

 

WCM Investment Management, LLC (the “Advisor” or “WCM”)

 

Portfolio Managers

 

Gregory Ise, Portfolio Manager, and Tamara Manoukian, Portfolio Manager, have been jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio since its inception on March 30, 2021.

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

 

To purchase shares of the Fund, you must invest at least the minimum amount.

 

  Investor Class Institutional Class
Minimum Investments To Open Your Account To Add to Your Account To Open Your Account To Add to Your Account
Direct Regular Accounts $1,000 $100 $100,000 $5,000
Direct Retirement Accounts $1,000 $100 $100,000 $5,000
Automatic Investment Plan $100 $50 $5,000 $2,500
Gift Account For Minors $1,000 $500 $100,000 $5,000

 

Fund shares are redeemable on any business day the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) is open for business, by written request or by telephone.

 

  72  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM Focused International Opportunities Fund

 

Tax Information

 

The Fund’s distributions are generally taxable, and will ordinarily be taxed as ordinary income, qualified dividend income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-advantaged arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. Shareholders investing through such tax-advantaged arrangements may be taxed later upon withdrawal of monies from those arrangements.

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund 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.

 

  73  

 

SUMMARY SECTION – WCM Mid Cap Quality Value Fund

 

 

Investment Objective

 

The investment objective of the WCM Mid Cap Quality Value Fund (formerly, WCM Focused Mid Cap Fund) (the “Fund”) is long-term capital appreciation.

 

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 and example below.

 

    Investor Class Shares      

Institutional Class

Shares

 
Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
             
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases   None       None  
Maximum deferred sales charge (load)   None       None  
Wire fee   $20       $20  
Overnight check delivery fee   $25       $25  
Retirement account fees (annual maintenance fee)   $15       $15  
               
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
             
Management fees     0.85%       0.85%  
Distribution (Rule 12b-1) fee     0.25%       None  
Other expenses     2.14%       2.14%  
Shareholder service fee 0.10%       0.10%      
All other expenses 2.04%       2.04%      
Total annual fund operating expenses     3.24%       2.99%  
Fees waived and/or expenses reimbursed1     (1.99%)       (1.99%)  
Total annual fund operating expenses after waiving fees and/or reimbursing expenses1     1.25%       1.00%  
                 

 

1 The Fund’s advisor has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or pay for operating expenses of the Fund to ensure that total annual fund operating expenses (excluding any taxes, leverage interest, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on short sales, acquired fund fees and expenses (as determined in accordance with SEC Form N-1A), expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization, and extraordinary expenses such as litigation expenses) do not exceed 1.25% and 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s Investor Class and Institutional Class shares, respectively. This agreement is in effect until April 30, 2033, and may be terminated before that date only by the Trust’s Board of Trustees. The Fund’s advisor is permitted to seek reimbursement from the Fund, subject to certain limitations, of fees waived or payments made to the Fund for a period ending three full fiscal years after the date of the waiver or payment. This reimbursement may be requested from the Fund if the reimbursement will not cause the Fund’s annual expense ratio to exceed the lesser of (a) the expense limitation in effect at the time such fees were waived or payments made, or (b) the expense limitation in effect at the time of the reimbursement.

 

  74  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM Mid Cap Quality Value Fund

 

Example

 

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. The example reflects the Fund’s contractual fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement only for the term of the contractual fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement.

 

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

  One Year Three Years
Investor Class $127 $397
Institutional Class $102 $318

 

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 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. For the fiscal period July 28, 2022 (inception), through December 31, 2022, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 13% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities of mid capitalization companies. The Fund primarily invests in common stocks of U.S. companies. The Fund may also invest in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”). The Fund’s advisor considers mid capitalization companies to be companies with market capitalizations within the range of those companies included in the Russell Midcap Index at the time of purchase. Because mid capitalization companies are defined by reference to an index, the range of market capitalization of companies in which the Fund invests may vary with market conditions. As of March 31, 2023, the market capitalizations of companies included in the Russell Midcap Index were between $542.80 million and $58.83 billion. Investments in companies that move above or below the capitalization range of the Russell Midcap Index may continue to be held by the Fund in the Fund advisor’s sole discretion. The Fund will be managed pursuant to a “focused” strategy whereby the Fund’s investment advisor will typically invest the Fund’s assets in the equity securities of a small number of issuers. Generally, the Fund expects to hold the equity securities of approximately 40 or less issuers.

 

Value investing involves buying stocks that are out of favor and/or undervalued in comparison to their peers or their prospects for growth. The Fund’s advisor uses a bottom-up approach that seeks to identify companies trading at significant discounts to their intrinsic value. The Fund’s advisor seeks to determine a company’s intrinsic value through disciplined financial analysis. The Fund’s advisor believes that equities purchased at prices substantially below their intrinsic value may afford capital protection from permanent loss and may result in substantial appreciation if the market recognizes the company’s intrinsic value. The advisor’s investment process seeks companies that are industry leaders with sustainable competitive advantages; corporate cultures emphasizing strong, quality and experienced management; little or no debt; and attractive relative valuations. In selecting securities, the Fund’s advisor also considers other factors including, among others, political risk, monetary policy risk, and regulatory risk.

 

  75  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM Mid Cap Quality Value Fund

 

Principal Risks of Investing

 

Risk is inherent in all investing and you could lose money by investing in the Fund. A summary description of certain principal risks of investing in the Fund is set forth below. Before you decide whether to invest in the Fund, carefully consider these risk factors associated with investing in the Fund, which may cause investors to lose money. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

 

Market Risk. The market price of a security or instrument may decline, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions throughout the world, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. In addition, local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, or other events could have significant impact on a security or instrument. The market value of a security or instrument also may decline because of factors that affect a particular industry or industries, such as labor shortages or increased production costs and competitive conditions within an industry.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Value-Oriented Investment Strategies Risk. Value stocks are those that are believed to be undervalued in comparison to their peers due to adverse business developments or other factors.  Value investing is subject to the risk that the market will not recognize a security’s inherent value for a long time or at all, or that a stock judged to be undervalued may actually be appropriately priced or overvalued. In addition, during some periods (which may be extensive) value stocks generally may be out of favor in the markets.

 

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

 

Sector Focus Risk. The Fund may invest a larger portion of its assets in one or more sectors than many other mutual funds, and thus will be more susceptible to negative events affecting those sectors.

 

REIT Risk. The Fund’s investment in REITs will subject the Fund to risks similar to those associated with direct ownership of real estate, including losses from casualty or condemnation, and changes in local and general economic, supply and demand, interest rates, zoning laws, regulatory limitations on rents, property taxes and operating expenses.

 

Recent Market Events. Periods of market volatility may occur in response to market events and other economic, political, and global macro factors. For example, in recent years the COVID-19 pandemic, the large expansion of government deficits and debt as a result of government actions to mitigate the effects of the pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the rise of inflation have resulted in extreme volatility in the global economy and in global financial markets. These and other similar events could be prolonged and could adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments, impair the Fund’s ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Fund’s performance.

 

  76  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM Mid Cap Quality Value Fund

 

Limited Operating History. The Fund is recently organized and has a limited operating history. As a result, prospective investors have a limited track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

 

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

 

Performance

 

The Fund is new and does not have a full calendar year performance record to compare against other mutual funds or broad measures of securities market performance such as indices. Performance information will be available after the Fund has been in operation for one calendar year.

 

Investment Advisor

 

WCM Investment Management, LLC (the “Advisor” or “WCM”)

 

Portfolio Managers

 

Jon Detter, Portfolio Manager, Pat McGee, Portfolio Manager, and Anthony Glickhouse, Portfolio Manager, have been jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio since its inception on July 28, 2022.

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

 

To purchase shares of the Fund, you must invest at least the minimum amount.

 

  Investor Class Institutional Class
Minimum Investments To Open Your Account To Add to Your Account To Open Your Account To Add to Your Account
Direct Regular Accounts $1,000 $100 $100,000 $5,000
Direct Retirement Accounts $1,000 $100 $100,000 $5,000
Automatic Investment Plan $100 $50 $5,000 $2,500
Gift Account For Minors $1,000 $500 $100,000 $5,000

 

Fund shares are redeemable on any business day the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) is open for business, by written request or by telephone.

 

Tax Information

 

The Fund’s distributions are generally taxable, and will ordinarily be taxed as ordinary income, qualified dividend income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-advantaged arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. Shareholders investing through such tax-advantaged arrangements may be taxed later upon withdrawal of monies from those arrangements.

 

  77  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM Mid Cap Quality Value Fund

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund 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.

 

  78  

 

SUMMARY SECTION – WCM Focused Emerging Markets ex China Fund

 

 

Investment Objective

 

The investment objective of the WCM Focused Emerging Markets ex China Fund (the “Fund”) is long-term capital appreciation.

 

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 and example below.

 

   

Investor

Class Shares

      Institutional Class Shares  
Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)
             
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases   None       None  
Maximum deferred sales charge (load)   None       None  
Wire fee   $20       $20  
Overnight check delivery fee   $25       $25  
Retirement account fees (annual maintenance fee)   $15       $15  
               
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
             
Management fees     1.00%       1.00%  
Distribution (Rule 12b-1) fee     0.25%       None  
Other expenses     2.45%       2.45%  
Shareholder service fee 0.15%       0.15%      
All other expenses 2.30%       2.30%      
Total annual fund operating expenses     3.70%       3.45%  
Fees waived and/or expenses reimbursed1     (2.20%)       (2.20%)  
Total annual fund operating expenses after waiving fees and/or reimbursing expenses1     1.50%       1.25%  
                 

 

1 The Fund’s advisor has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or pay for operating expenses of the Fund to ensure that total annual fund operating expenses (excluding any taxes, leverage interest, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on short sales, acquired fund fees and expenses (as determined in accordance with SEC Form N-1A), expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization, and extraordinary expenses such as litigation expenses) do not exceed 1.50% and 1.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s Investor Class and Institutional Class shares, respectively. This agreement is in effect until April 30, 2033, and may be terminated before that date only by the Trust’s Board of Trustees. The Fund’s advisor is permitted to seek reimbursement from the Fund, subject to certain limitations, of fees waived or payments made to the Fund for a period ending three full fiscal years after the date of the waiver or payment. This reimbursement may be requested from the Fund if the reimbursement will not cause the Fund’s annual expense ratio to exceed the lesser of (a) the expense limitation in effect at the time such fees were waived or payments made, or (b) the expense limitation in effect at the time of the reimbursement.

 

  79  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM Focused Emerging Markets ex China Fund

 

Example

 

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. The example reflects the Fund’s contractual fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement only for the term of the contractual fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement.

 

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

  One Year Three Years
Investor Class $153 $474
Institutional Class $127 $397

 

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 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. For the fiscal period December 29, 2022 (inception), through December 31, 2022, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 0% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (including amounts borrowed for investment purposes) in equity securities of companies in emerging or frontier countries or markets, excluding companies in China. Emerging and frontier countries or markets are those countries or markets with low- to middle-income economies as classified by the World Bank or included in any of the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) emerging markets or frontier markets indices. The Fund’s advisor considers a company to be located in a country if the company has been organized under the laws of, has its principal offices in, or has its securities principally traded in, the country, or if the company derives at least 50% of its revenues or net profits from, or has at least 50% of its assets or production capacities in, the country.

 

The Fund’s advisor expects the Fund to primarily invest in equity securities under normal circumstances. The Fund’s equity investments include common stock, which may include common stock that is offered in initial public offerings (“IPOs”), and depositary receipts. The Fund’s investments in depositary receipts may include American, European, Canadian and Global Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”, “EDRs”, “CDRs” and “GDRs”, respectively). The Fund will be managed pursuant to a “focused” strategy whereby the Fund’s investment advisor will typically invest the Fund’s assets in the equity securities of a small number of issuers.

 

The Fund may purchase exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) to manage the Fund’s cash holdings and gain exposure to the types of securities in which the Fund primarily invests. ETFs are investment companies that invest in portfolios of securities designed to track particular market segments or indices, the shares of which are bought and sold on a securities exchange. The Fund will count its ETF positions for purposes of determining whether it holds at least 80% of the value of its net assets (including investment-related borrowings) in equity securities of companies in emerging or frontier countries or markets, excluding companies in China.

 

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

 

  80  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM Focused Emerging Markets ex China Fund

 

The Fund may invest in securities of any size companies. The Fund generally invests in the securities of companies domiciled in at least three different countries. However, from time to time, the Fund may have a significant portion of its assets invested in the securities of companies domiciled in one or a few countries or regions. The Fund may make significant investments in certain sectors or group of sectors within a particular industry or industries from time to time.

 

Principal Risks of Investing

 

Risk is inherent in all investing and you could lose money by investing in the Fund. A summary description of certain principal risks of investing in the Fund is set forth below. Before you decide whether to invest in the Fund, carefully consider these risk factors associated with investing in the Fund, which may cause investors to lose money. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

 

Market Risk. The market price of a security or instrument may decline, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions throughout the world, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. In addition, local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, or other events could have significant impact on a security or instrument. The market value of a security or instrument also may decline because of factors that affect a particular industry or industries, such as labor shortages or increased production costs and competitive conditions within an industry.

 

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

 

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

 

Emerging Markets Risk. Many of the risks with respect to foreign investments are more pronounced for investments in issuers in developing or emerging market countries. Emerging market countries tend to have more government exchange controls, more volatile interest and currency exchange rates, less market regulation, and less developed and less stable economic, political and legal systems than those of more developed countries. There may be less publicly available and reliable information about issuers in emerging markets than is available about issuers in more developed markets. In addition, emerging market countries may experience high levels of inflation and may have less liquid securities markets and less efficient trading and settlement systems.

 

Frontier Markets Risk. Frontier market countries generally have smaller economies and even less developed capital markets than traditional emerging markets, and as a result, the risks of investing in emerging market countries are magnified in frontier market countries.

 

ETF Risk. Investing in an ETF will provide the Fund with exposure to the securities comprising the index on which the ETF is based and will expose the Fund to risks similar to those of investing directly in those securities. Shares of ETFs typically trade on securities exchanges and may at times trade at a premium or discount to their net asset values. In addition, an ETF may not replicate exactly the performance of the benchmark index it seeks to track for a number of reasons, including transaction costs incurred by the ETF, the temporary unavailability of certain index securities in the secondary market or discrepancies between the ETF and the index with respect to the weighting of securities or the number of securities held. Investing in ETFs, which are investment companies, may involve duplication of advisory fees and certain other expenses. The Fund will pay brokerage commissions in connection with the purchase and sale of shares of ETFs.

 

  81  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM Focused Emerging Markets ex China Fund

 

Risks Associated with Taiwan. Investments in Taiwanese issuers involve legal, regulatory, political, currency, and economic risks that are specific to Taiwan. Taiwan’s geographic proximity and history of political contention with China have resulted in ongoing tensions between the two countries. These tensions may materially affect the Taiwanese economy and its securities market. Taiwan’s economy is export-oriented and depends on open world trade, which makes it vulnerable to fluctuations in the world economy. The Taiwanese economy is dependent on the economies of Asia, mainly those of Japan and China, and the United States. Reduction in spending by any of those countries on Taiwanese products and services, or negative changes in any of those economies, may adversely impact the Taiwanese economy.

 

Risks Associated with India. Investments in Indian issuers involve legal, regulatory, political, currency, and economic risks that are specific to India. For example, in addition to the general risks applicable to emerging market securities, there are special risks associated with investments in Indian issuers, including exposure to currency fluctuations, less liquidity, expropriation, confiscatory taxation, and exchange control regulations (including currency blockage). Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation and interest rates have had, and may continue to have, negative effects on the economy and securities markets of India. A high proportion of the securities of many Indian issuers are held by a limited number of persons or entities, which may limit the number of shares available for investment by the Fund. Also, a limited number of issuers represent a disproportionately large percentage of market capitalization and trading value in India.

 

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

 

Currency Risk. The value of investments in securities denominated in foreign currencies increases or decreases as the rates of exchange between those currencies and the U.S. dollar change. Currency conversion costs and currency fluctuations could erase investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates can be volatile and are affected by factors such as general economic conditions, the actions of the United States and foreign governments or central banks, the imposition of currency controls, and speculation.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Recent Market Events. Periods of market volatility may occur in response to market events and other economic, political, and global macro factors. For example, in recent years the COVID-19 pandemic, the large expansion of government deficits and debt as a result of government actions to mitigate the effects of the pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the rise of inflation have resulted in extreme volatility in the global economy and in global financial markets. These and other similar events could be prolonged and could adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments, impair the Fund’s ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Fund’s performance.

 

  82  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM Focused Emerging Markets ex China Fund

 

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

 

Sector Focus Risk. The Fund may invest a larger portion of its assets in one or more sectors than many other mutual funds, and thus will be more susceptible to negative events affecting those sectors. For example, as of December 31, 2022, 31.8% of the Fund’s assets were invested in the information technology sector. Companies in the information technology sector can be significantly affected by intense competition, consumer preferences, problems with product compatibility and government regulation.

 

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

 

Limited Operating History. The Fund is newly organized and has a limited operating history. As a result, prospective investors have a limited track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

 

Performance

 

The Fund is new and does not have a full calendar year performance record to compare against other mutual funds or broad measures of securities market performance such as indices. Performance information will be available after the Fund has been in operation for one calendar year.

 

Investment Advisor

 

WCM Investment Management, LLC (the “Advisor” or “WCM”)

 

Portfolio Managers

 

The portfolio management team is comprised of Gregory S. Ise, CFA, Portfolio Manager, and Mike Tian, CFA, Portfolio Manager. Messrs. Ise and Tian are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio and have served as portfolio managers of the Fund since its inception on December 29, 2022.

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

 

To purchase shares of the Fund, you must invest at least the minimum amount.

 

  Investor Class Institutional Class
Minimum Investments To Open Your Account To Add to Your Account To Open Your Account To Add to Your Account
Direct Regular Accounts $1,000 $100 $100,000 $5,000
Direct Retirement Accounts $1,000 $100 $100,000 $5,000
Automatic Investment Plan $100 $50 $5,000 $2,500
Gift Account For Minors $1,000 $500 $100,000 $5,000

 

Fund shares are redeemable on any business day the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) is open for business, by written request or by telephone.

 

  83  

 

SUMMARY SECTION             WCM Focused Emerging Markets ex China Fund

 

Tax Information

 

The Fund’s distributions are generally taxable, and will ordinarily be taxed as ordinary income, qualified dividend income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-advantaged arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. Shareholders investing through such tax-advantaged arrangements may be taxed later upon withdrawal of monies from those arrangements.

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund 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.

 

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MORE ABOUT THE FUNDS’ INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS

 

 

WCM Focused International Growth Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

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

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 75% of its net assets in equity securities of non-U.S. domiciled companies or depositary receipts of non-U.S. domiciled companies located in developed countries and emerging and frontier market countries. Emerging and frontier countries or markets are those countries or markets with low- to middle-income economies as classified by the World Bank or included in any of the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) emerging markets or frontier markets indices. The Advisor considers a company to be located in a country if the company has been organized under the laws of, has its principal offices in, or has its securities principally traded in, the country, or if the company derives at least 50% of its revenues or net profits from, or has at least 50% of its assets or production capacities in, the country. Although the Fund may invest in any size companies, investments will generally be in large capitalization established multinational companies. The Advisor considers large capitalization companies to be those with market capitalization of $5 billion or greater at the time of investment.

 

The Fund’s equity investments include common stock and depositary receipts. The Fund’s investments in depositary receipts may include ADRs, EDRs, and GDRs. ADRs, EDRs and GDRs are certificates evidencing ownership of shares of foreign issuers and are alternatives to directly purchasing the underlying foreign securities in their national markets and currencies.

 

In investing the Fund’s assets, the Advisor establishes portfolio guidelines for sector and industry emphasis by analyzing major trends in the global economy in order to identify those economic sectors and industries that are most likely to benefit. The Advisor analyzes trends in areas including demographics, global commerce, outsourcing, the growing global middle class and the proliferation of technology. The Advisor then develops a portfolio strategy that best capitalizes on the expected growth. In constructing the Fund’s portfolio, the Advisor seeks non-U.S. domiciled quality businesses with superior growth prospects, high returns on invested capital and low or no debt. The Advisor also requires each company to maintain a durable competitive advantage and strongly considers qualitative elements such as corporate culture and the strength, quality and trustworthiness of management. The Advisor is sensitive to valuation and seeks to avoid companies with limited or spotty histories. In selecting equity investments for the Fund, the Advisor typically plans to hold positions for three to five years.

 

The Advisor may sell all or a portion of a portfolio holding of the Fund when, in its opinion, one or more of the following occurs, among other reasons: (1) the issuer’s fundamentals deteriorate; (2) there is increased geopolitical or currency risk; (3) the Advisor identifies a more attractive security; or (4) the Fund requires cash to meet redemption requests.

 

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

 

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WCM Focused Emerging Markets Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

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

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (including amounts borrowed for investment purposes) in equity securities of companies in emerging or frontier countries or markets. The Fund will not change this investment policy unless it gives shareholders at least 60 days’ advance written notice.

 

Emerging and frontier countries or markets are those countries or markets with low- to middle-income economies as classified by the World Bank or included in any of the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) emerging markets or frontier markets indices. The Advisor considers a company to be located in a country if the company has been organized under the laws of, has its principal offices in, or has its securities principally traded in, the country, or if the company derives at least 50% of its revenues or net profits from, or has at least 50% of its assets or production capacities in, the country.

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will primarily invest in equity securities. The Fund’s equity investments include common stock, common stock that is offered in IPOs and depositary receipts. The Fund’s investments in depositary receipts may include ADRs, EDRs, and GDRs. ADRs, EDRs and GDRs are certificates evidencing ownership of shares of foreign issuers and are alternatives to directly purchasing the underlying foreign securities in their national markets and currencies. ADRs are receipts that represent interests in foreign securities held on deposit by U.S. banks. EDRs and GDRs have the same qualities as ADRs, except that they may be traded in several international trading markets.

 

In investing the Fund’s assets, the Advisor establishes portfolio guidelines for sector and industry emphasis by analyzing major trends in the global economy in order to identify those economic sectors and industries that are most likely to benefit. Examples of major trends include demographics, global commerce, outsourcing, emerging markets healthcare formalization, aging populations, the growing global middle class and the proliferation of technology. The Advisor then develops a portfolio strategy intended to best capitalize on the expected growth. In constructing the Fund’s portfolio, the Advisor seeks quality businesses with superior growth prospects, high returns on invested capital and low or no debt. The Advisor also requires each company to maintain a durable competitive advantage and strongly considers qualitative elements such as corporate culture and the strength, quality and trustworthiness of management. The Advisor is sensitive to valuation and seeks to avoid companies with limited or spotty histories. In selecting equity investments for the Fund, the Advisor typically plans to hold positions for three to five years.

 

The Advisor may sell all or a portion of a portfolio holding of the Fund when, in its opinion, one or more of the following occurs, among other reasons: (1) the issuer’s fundamentals deteriorate; (2) there is increased geopolitical or currency risk; (3) the Advisor identifies a more attractive security; or (4) the Fund requires cash to meet redemption requests.

 

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

 

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WCM Focused Global Growth Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

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

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Fund will invest primarily in equity securities of companies located throughout the world, including the United States. Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 40% of its net assets in companies organized, headquartered or doing a substantial amount of business outside the United States including emerging and frontier market countries. Emerging and frontier countries or markets are those countries or markets with low- to middle-income economies as classified by the World Bank or included in any of the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) emerging markets or frontier markets indices. The Advisor considers a company to be located in a country if the company has been organized under the laws of, has its principal offices in, or has its securities principally traded in, the country, or if the company derives at least 50% of its revenues or net profits from, or has at least 50% of its assets or production capacities in, the country. The Fund will allocate its assets among various regions and countries (but in no less than three different countries).

 

The Fund’s equity investments include common stock and depositary receipts. The Fund’s investments in depositary receipts may include ADRs, EDRs, and GDRs.

 

In investing the Fund’s assets, the Advisor establishes portfolio guidelines for sector and industry emphasis by analyzing major trends in the global economy in order to identify those economic sectors and industries that are most likely to benefit. Examples of major trends include demographics, global commerce, outsourcing, the growing global middle class and the proliferation of technology. The Advisor then develops a portfolio strategy intended to best capitalize on the expected growth. In constructing the Fund’s portfolio, the Advisor seeks quality businesses with superior growth prospects, high returns on invested capital and low or no debt. The Advisor also requires each company to maintain a durable competitive advantage and strongly considers qualitative elements such as corporate culture and the strength, quality and trustworthiness of management. The Advisor is sensitive to valuation and seeks to avoid companies with limited or spotty histories. In selecting equity investments for the Fund, the Advisor typically plans to hold positions for three to five years.

 

The Advisor may sell all or a portion of a portfolio holding of the Fund when, in its opinion, one or more of the following occurs, among other reasons: (1) the issuer’s fundamentals deteriorate; (2) there is increased geopolitical or currency risk; (3) the Advisor identifies a more attractive security; or (4) the Fund requires cash to meet redemption requests.

 

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

 

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WCM International Small Cap Growth Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

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

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of non-U.S. domiciled small capitalization companies or depositary receipts of non-U.S. domiciled companies located in developed countries and in emerging and frontier market countries. The Fund will not change this investment policy unless it gives shareholders at least 60 days’ advance written notice.

 

The Advisor considers small capitalization companies to be companies with market capitalizations within the range of those companies included in the MSCI ACWI Ex-US Small Cap index at the time of purchase. Because small capitalization companies are defined by reference to an index, the range of market capitalization of companies in which the Fund invests may vary with market conditions. As of March 31, 2023, the market capitalizations of companies included in the MSCI ACWI Ex-US Small Cap index were between $55.43 million and $7.73 billion. The Advisor will consider the market capitalization range by country. Investments in companies that move above or below the capitalization range of the MSCI ACWI Ex-US Small Cap index may continue to be held by the Fund in the Advisor’s sole discretion. Emerging and frontier countries or markets are those countries or markets with low- to middle-income economies as classified by the World Bank or included in any of the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) emerging markets or frontier markets indices. The Advisor considers a company to be located in a country if the company has been organized under the laws of, has its principal offices in, or has its securities principally traded in, the country, or if the company derives at least 50% of its revenues or net profits from, or has at least 50% of its assets or production capacities in, the country.

 

The Fund’s investments in equity securities may include common stock, common stock that is offered in IPOs, depositary receipts and China A-Shares. The Fund’s investments in depositary receipts may include ADRs, EDRs, CDRs and GDRs. ADRs and CDRs are receipts that represent interests in foreign securities held on deposit by U.S. and Canadian banks or trust companies, respectively. EDRs and GDRs have the same qualities as ADRs, although they may be traded in several international trading markets. China A-Shares are equity securities issued by companies located in China that are denominated and traded in RMB on the Shanghai Stock Exchange or the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. The Fund may invest in China A-Shares through Stock Connect, or through the QFII Programs. The Fund may also invest in REITs. The Fund may also use participatory notes (commonly known as “P-notes”) issued by foreign banks or brokers evidencing ownership of underlying stock issued by a foreign company. P-notes are used by foreign investors to access local markets and to gain exposure to, primarily, equity securities of issuers listed on a local exchange. For purposes of the Fund’s 80% policy described above, P-notes are classified according to their underlying or referenced security.

 

Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests in the securities of companies located in different countries and in at least three different countries. However, from time to time, the Fund may have a significant portion of its assets invested in the securities of companies in one or a few countries or regions. The Fund may make significant investments in certain sectors or group of sectors from time to time. The Fund will be managed pursuant to a “focused” strategy, whereby the Advisor will typically invest the Fund’s assets in the equity securities of a small number of issuers.

 

The Advisor uses a bottom-up approach that seeks to identify companies believed to have above-average potential for growth in the rate of return on invested capital and assets. The Advisor’s investment process seeks companies that are industry leaders with sustainable competitive advantages; corporate cultures emphasizing strong, quality and experienced management; low or no debt; and attractive relative valuations. In selecting securities, the Advisor also considers other factors including, among others, political risk, monetary policy risk, and regulatory risk specific to an issuer’s country of domicile.

 

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The Advisor may sell all or a portion of a portfolio holding of the Fund when, in its opinion, one or more of the following occurs, among other reasons: (1) the issuer’s fundamentals deteriorate; (2) there is increased geopolitical or currency risk; (3) the Advisor identifies a more attractive investment opportunity for the Fund; or (4) the Fund requires cash to meet requests for redemptions of shares.

 

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

 

The Fund generally will invest in the securities of companies domiciled in at least three different countries. However, from time to time, the Fund may have a significant portion of its assets invested in the securities of companies domiciled in one or a few countries or regions. The Fund may make significant investments in certain sectors or group of sectors from time to time.

 

WCM Small Cap Growth Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

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

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities of small capitalization companies. The Fund will not change this investment policy unless it gives shareholders at least 60 days’ advance written notice. The Fund primarily invests in common stocks of U.S. companies. The Fund may also invest in REITs. The Advisor considers small capitalization companies to be companies with market capitalizations within the range of those companies included in the Russell 2000® Index at the time of purchase. Because small capitalization companies are defined by reference to an index, the range of market capitalization of companies in which the Fund invests may vary with market conditions. As of March 31, 2023, the market capitalizations of companies included in the Russell 2000® Index were between $5.54 million and $7.91 billion. Investments in companies that move above or below the capitalization range of the Russell 2000® Index may continue to be held by the Fund in the Advisor’s sole discretion.

 

The Advisor uses a bottom-up approach that seeks to identify companies believed to have above-average potential for growth in the rate of return on invested capital and assets. The Advisor’s investment process seeks companies that are industry leaders with sustainable competitive advantages; corporate cultures emphasizing strong, quality and experienced management; little or no debt; attractive relative valuations; and potential for asset base growth. The Advisor employs a dynamic process to analyze corporate performance and valuation, which includes evaluating the current trajectory and outlook for each company held by the Fund, as well as the value the market is assigning to the cash flow the company can generate. In selecting securities, the Advisor also considers other factors including, among others, political risk, monetary policy risk, and regulatory risk.

 

The Advisor may sell all or a portion of a portfolio holding of the Fund when, in its opinion, one or more of the following occurs, among other reasons: (1) the issuer’s fundamentals deteriorate; (2) the Advisor’s analysis determines a security is fully valued; (3) the Advisor identifies a more attractive investment opportunity for the Fund; or (4) the Fund requires cash to meet redemption requests.

 

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

 

WCM SMID Quality Value Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

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

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities of small- and mid-capitalization companies the Advisor believes to be undervalued. The Fund will not change this investment policy unless it gives shareholders at least 60 days’ advance written notice. The Fund primarily invests in the common stocks of U.S. companies. The Advisor considers small- and mid-capitalization companies to be companies with market capitalizations within the range of those companies included in the Russell 2500® Index at the time of purchase. Because small- and mid-capitalization companies are defined by reference to an index, the range of market capitalization of companies in which the Fund invests may vary with market conditions. As of March 31, 2023, the market capitalizations of companies included in the Russell 2500® Index were between $5.54 million and $24.00 billion. Investments in companies that move above or below the capitalization range of the Russell 25000® Index may continue to be held by the Fund in the Fund advisor’s sole discretion. The Fund will be managed pursuant to a “focused” strategy whereby the Advisor will typically invest the Fund’s assets in the equity securities of a small number of issuers. Generally, the Fund expects to hold the equity securities of approximately 45 or less issuers.

 

Value investing involves buying securities that are out of favor and/or undervalued in comparison to their peers or their prospects for growth. The Advisor uses a bottom-up approach that seeks to identify companies trading at discounts to their intrinsic value. The Advisor seeks to determine a company’s intrinsic value through disciplined financial analysis. The Advisor believes that equities purchased at prices below than their intrinsic value may afford capital protection from permanent loss and may result in substantial appreciation if the market recognizes the company’s intrinsic value. The Advisor’s investment process seeks companies that are industry leaders with sustainable competitive advantages; corporate cultures emphasizing strong, quality and experienced management; little or no debt; and attractive relative valuations. In selecting securities, the Advisor also considers other factors including, among others, political risk, monetary policy risk, and regulatory risk.

 

The Advisor may sell all or a portion of a portfolio holding of the Fund when, in its opinion, one or more of the following occurs, among other reasons: (1) the issuer’s fundamentals deteriorate; (2) the Advisor’s analysis determines a security is fully valued; (3) the Advisor identifies a more attractive investment opportunity for the Fund; or (4) the Fund requires cash to meet redemption requests.

 

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

 

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WCM China Quality Growth Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

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

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (including amounts borrowed for investment purposes) in equity securities of Chinese companies. The Fund will not change this investment policy unless it gives shareholders at least 60 days’ advance written notice. The Advisor considers a company to be a Chinese company if it has been organized under the laws of, has its principal offices in, or has its securities principally traded in, China, or if the company derives at least 50% of its revenues or net profits from, or has at least 50% of its assets or production capacities in, China. For purposes of the Fund’s investments, China also includes its special administrative regions and other districts, such as Hong Kong and Taiwan.

 

The Fund’s investments in equity securities may include common stock, including A-Shares, H-Shares, and depositary receipts. The Fund’s investments in depositary receipts may include ADRs, EDRs, CDRs and GDRs. ADRs and CDRs are receipts that represent interests in foreign securities held on deposit by U.S. and Canadian banks or trust companies, respectively. EDRs and GDRs have the same qualities as ADRs, although they may be traded in several international trading markets. The Fund may invest in China A-Shares through Stock Connect, or through the QFII Programs. The Fund may also use participation certificates issued by foreign banks or brokers evidencing ownership of underlying stock issued by a foreign company. Participation certificates are used by foreign investors to access local markets and to gain exposure to, primarily, equity securities of issuers listed on a local exchange.

 

The Advisor uses a bottom-up approach that seeks to identify companies believed to be quality companies and have above-average potential for growth in assets and the rate of return on invested capital. The Advisor considers quality growth companies to: (i) have a history of predictable and consistent earnings growth; (ii) have regular, growing dividend payments; (iii) be industry leaders with sustainable competitive advantages; (iv) have corporate cultures emphasizing strong, quality and experienced management; (v) have little or no debt; (vi) have attractive relative valuations; and (vii) have potential for asset base growth. In selecting securities, the Advisor also considers other factors including, among others, political risk, monetary policy risk, and regulatory risk. The Fund will generally hold the equity securities of approximately 30 to 50 issuers, and the Fund may invest in securities of any market capitalization. The Fund generally invests in companies in any sector, however, from time to time the Fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in the securities of companies in one or more sectors.

 

The Advisor may sell all or a portion of a portfolio holding of the Fund when, in its opinion, one or more of the following occurs, among other reasons: (1) the issuer’s fundamentals deteriorate or the issuer’s competitive advantage is no longer growing; (2) the Advisor’s analysis determines the issuer’s leadership abandoned its core values or the issuer’s culture is challenged; (3) the Advisor identifies a more attractive investment opportunity for the Fund; or (4) the Fund requires cash to meet redemption requests.

 

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

 

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

 

WCM Developing World Equity Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

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

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (including amounts borrowed for investment purposes) in equity securities of companies located in developing countries. The Fund will not change this investment policy unless it gives shareholders at least 60 days’ advance written notice. In determining whether a country is a developing country, the Advisor will consider, among other things, whether the country is generally considered to be a developing country by the international financial community; the country’s per capita gross domestic product; the percentage of the country’s economy that is industrialized; market capital as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product; and the overall regulatory environment of the country, including the presence of governmental regulation limiting or banning foreign ownership and restrictions on repatriation of initial capital, dividends, interest and/or capital gains. For example, the Advisor expects that most countries classified by the World Bank as having low- to middle-income economies, or that are included in any of the MSCI emerging markets or frontier markets indices, will be treated as developing countries. The Advisor considers a company to be located in a country if the company has been organized under the laws of, has its principal offices in, or has its securities principally traded in, the country, or if the company derives at least 50% of its revenues or net profits from, or has at least 50% of its assets or production capacities in, the country.

 

The Fund’s investments in equity securities may include common stock and depositary receipts. The Fund’s investments in depositary receipts may include ADRs, EDRs, CDRs and GDRs, respectively. ADRs and CDRs are receipts that represent interests in foreign securities held on deposit by U.S. and Canadian banks or trust companies, respectively. EDRs and GDRs have the same qualities as ADRs, although they may be traded in several international trading markets. Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests in the securities of companies located in at least three different countries outside of the United States, and the Fund may invest in securities of any market capitalization. From time to time, the Fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in the securities of companies located in one or a few developing countries or regions.

 

The Advisor’s investment process begins with bottom-up, fundamental research which involves examining and ranking companies based on the following factors: (i) the company’s corporate performance; (ii) the company’s competitive position; (iii) the company’s potential future growth; and (iv) the company’s intrinsic value. The advisor’s fundamental research also involves an analysis of a company’s ESG characteristics. The Advisor utilizes a proprietary, qualitative analysis in screening companies for the Fund’s portfolio that satisfy its ESG criteria. Industry-specific, material ESG value drivers are identified for each company based on the internally derived criteria as well as from information sourced from corporate disclosures, specialized datasets and other publicly filed information. The Advisor’s strategy is focused on identification and analysis of material ESG drivers, which are the most relevant and financially important ESG aspects of the company’s business model. In the Advisor’s view, these ESG drivers can have a significant short- or long-term impact on the company’s financial performance and the sustainability of that performance. The Advisor’s methodology determines what it believes the impact each of the drivers has on the metrics such as revenue, profits, cash flow, returns and risks. These drivers serve as a tool to identify companies’ with improving ESG characteristics (i.e., the company’s “ESG Trajectory”). The Advisor’s approach is also informed by industry-based standards for material ESG factors established by the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board.  In addition, the Advisor will review company financial filings, proxy disclosures, corporate sustainability reports, Carbon Disclosure Project scores, government databases, Bloomberg ESG analytics, Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (“ISS”) reports and engage with company management as part of its screening process. The Advisor’s environmental assessment includes identifying companies that provide products or services that are tied to an environmental competitive advantage as compared to their peers. For example, the Fund may invest in companies offering products or services with superior energy efficiency, better management of energy, water and waste resources, or offer solutions to emissions regulations.  Social assessment includes identifying companies that promote societal benefits or address societal challenges. For example, the Fund may invest in companies with good diversity practices, lower employee turnover, and solid employee safety track-records.  Governance assessment includes a focus on shareholder rights, senior management compensation, board structure, and audit/accounting risk. Based on the Advisor’s deeper qualitative ESG assessment, the Advisor selects companies that demonstrate a strong or improving ESG Trajectory and generally excludes companies with weak ESG performance. The Fund’s ESG screening process is designed to exclude companies that are involved in and derive significant revenue from certain industries or product lines, including:

 

· tobacco,
· gambling,
· civil firearms (i.e., those firearms typically available for consumer use in the United States),
· controversial weapons (e.g., land mines), and
· pornography.

 

The Fund’s ESG screening process does not exclude traditional defense contractors nor does it exclude all alcohol. The Advisor does not utilize third-party ESG rankings or a scoring mechanism in the Fund’s portfolio construction process.

 

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The Advisor may sell all or a portion of a portfolio holding of the Fund when, in its opinion, one or more of the following occurs, among other reasons: (1) the issuer’s competitive advantage deteriorates due to changing technology trends, consumer habits, or other factors; (2) the issuer’s potential for growth is no longer deemed to be attractive; (3) a significant number of the issuer’s ESG factors show signs of deterioration; (4) the Advisor identifies a more attractive investment opportunity for the Fund; or (5) the Fund requires cash to meet redemption requests.

 

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

 

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

 

WCM International Equity Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

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

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (including amounts borrowed for investment purposes) in equity securities of non-U.S. domiciled companies. The Fund will not change this investment policy unless it gives shareholders at least 60 days’ advance written notice. The Fund may invest in equity securities or depositary receipts of companies located in developed countries and in emerging market and frontier market countries. Emerging market and frontier market countries are those countries with low- to middle-income economies as classified by the World Bank, or included in any of the MSCI emerging markets or frontier markets indices. The Advisor considers a company to be located in a country if the company has been organized under the laws of, has its principal offices in, or has its securities principally traded in, the country, or if the company derives at least 50% of its revenues or net profits from, or has at least 50% of its assets or production capacities in, the country.

 

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The Fund’s investments in equity securities may include common stock and depositary receipts. The Fund’s investments in depositary receipts may include ADRs, EDRs, CDRs and GDRs. ADRs and CDRs are receipts that represent interests in foreign securities held on deposit by U.S. and Canadian banks or trust companies, respectively. EDRs and GDRs have the same qualities as ADRs, although they may be traded in several international trading markets. Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests in the securities of companies domiciled in at least three different countries outside of the Unites States, and the Fund may invest in securities of any market capitalization. From time to time, the Fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in the securities of companies domiciled in one or a few countries or regions.

 

The Advisor’s investment process begins with bottom-up, fundamental research which involves examining and ranking companies based on the following factors: (i) the company’s corporate performance; (ii) the company’s competitive position; (iii) the company’s potential future growth; and (iv) the company’s intrinsic value. The Advisor’s fundamental research also involves an analysis of a company’s ESG characteristics. The Advisor utilizes a proprietary, qualitative analysis in screening companies for the Fund’s portfolio that satisfy its ESG criteria. Industry-specific, material ESG value drivers are identified for each company based on the internally derived criteria as well as from information sourced from corporate disclosures, specialized datasets and other publicly filed information. The Advisor’s strategy is focused on identification and analysis of material ESG drivers, which are the most relevant and financially important ESG aspects of the company’s business model. In the Advisor’s view, these ESG drivers can have a significant short- or long-term impact on the company’s financial performance and the sustainability of that performance. The Advisor’s methodology determines what it believes the impact each of the drivers has on the metrics such as revenue, profits, cash flow, returns and risks. These drivers serve as a tool to identify companies’ with improving ESG characteristics (i.e., the company’s “ESG Trajectory”). The Advisor’s approach is also informed by industry-based standards for material ESG factors established by the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board.  In addition, the Advisor will review company financial filings, proxy disclosures, corporate sustainability reports, Carbon Disclosure Project scores, government databases, Bloomberg ESG analytics, Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (“ISS”) reports and engage with company management as part of its screening process. The Advisor’s environmental assessment includes identifying companies that provide products or services that are tied to an environmental competitive advantage as compared to their peers. For example, the Fund may invest in companies offering products or services with superior energy efficiency, better management of energy, water and waste resources, or offer solutions to emissions regulations.  Social assessment includes identifying companies that promote societal benefits or address societal challenges. For example, the Fund may invest in companies with good diversity practices, lower employee turnover, and solid employee safety track-records.  Governance assessment includes a focus on shareholder rights, senior management compensation, board structure, and audit/accounting risk. Based on the Advisor’s deeper qualitative ESG assessment, the Advisor selects companies that demonstrate a strong or improving ESG Trajectory and generally excludes companies with weak ESG performance. The Fund’s ESG screening process is designed to exclude companies that are involved in and derive significant revenue from certain industries or product lines, including:

 

· tobacco,
· gambling,
· civil firearms (i.e., those firearms typically available for consumer use in the United States),
· controversial weapons (e.g., land mines), and
· pornography.

 

The Fund’s ESG screening process does not exclude traditional defense contractors nor does it exclude all alcohol. The Advisor does not utilize third-party ESG rankings or a scoring mechanism in the Fund’s portfolio construction process. 

 

The Advisor may sell all or a portion of a portfolio holding of the Fund when, in its opinion, one or more of the following occurs, among other reasons: (1) the issuer’s competitive advantage deteriorates due to changing technology trends, consumer habits, or other factors; (2) the issuer’s potential for growth is no longer deemed to be attractive; (3) a significant number of the issuer’s ESG factors show signs of deterioration; (4) the Advisor identifies a more attractive investment opportunity for the Fund; or (5) the Fund requires cash to meet redemption requests.

 

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

 

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WCM Focused International Value Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

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

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 75% of its net assets in equity securities of non-U.S. domiciled companies or depositary receipts of non-U.S. domiciled companies the Advisor believes to be undervalued, which companies may be located in developed, emerging market or frontier market countries. Value investing involves buying stocks that are out of favor and/or undervalued in comparison to their intrinsic values, their peers, or their prospects for growth. Emerging market and frontier market countries are those countries with low- to middle-income economies as classified by the World Bank, or are included in any of the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) emerging markets or frontier markets indices. The Advisor considers a company to be located in a country if the company has been organized under the laws of, has its principal offices in, or has its securities principally traded in, the country, or if the company derives at least 50% of its revenues or net profits from, or has at least 50% of its assets or production capacities in, the country.

 

The Fund’s investments in equity securities may include common stock and depositary receipts. The Fund’s investments in depositary receipts may include ADRs, EDRs, CDRs and GDRs, respectively). ADRs and CDRs are receipts that represent interests in foreign securities held on deposit by U.S. and Canadian banks or trust companies, respectively. EDRs and GDRs have the same qualities as ADRs, although they may be traded in several international trading markets. The Fund will be managed pursuant to a “focused” strategy, whereby the Advisor typically invests the Fund’s assets in the equity securities of a small number of issuers. Generally, the Fund will invest in equity securities of approximately 30 to 60 issuers.

 

The Advisor uses a bottom-up approach that seeks to identify companies with comparatively low valuations compared to other companies of similar market capitalization, sector, and/or industry, based on factors such as the price-to-earnings ratio, price-to-book ratio, price-to-cash flow ratio, dividend yield, net working capital, and earnings estimate revisions. The Advisor believes that investment in a company with relatively low valuations may afford capital protection from permanent loss and may result in substantial appreciation if the market recognizes the company’s intrinsic value. The Advisor’s investment process seeks companies that are industry leaders with expanding competitive advantages, strong balance sheets, and attractive valuations. In selecting securities, the Advisor also considers other factors including, among others, political risk, monetary policy risk, and regulatory risk.

 

Although the Fund may invest in companies of any size, it generally invests in large capitalization, established, multinational companies. The Advisor considers large capitalization companies to be those with market capitalizations of $5 billion or greater at the time of investment. The Fund generally invests in the securities of companies located in different regions and in at least three different countries. From time to time, the Fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in the securities of companies located in one or a few countries or regions. From time to time, the Fund may also make significant investments in certain sectors or group of sectors within a particular industry or industries.

 

The Advisor may sell all or a portion of a portfolio holding of the Fund when, in its opinion, one or more of the following occurs, among other reasons: (1) the issuer’s competitive advantage deteriorates due to changing technology trends, consumer habits, or other factors; (2) the issuer’s valuation is no longer deemed to be attractive; (3) a number of the issuer’s fundamental factors show signs of deterioration; (4) the Advisor identifies a more attractive investment opportunity for the Fund; or (5) the Fund requires cash to meet redemption requests.

 

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

 

WCM Focused International Opportunities Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

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

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities or depositary receipts of small- to mid-capitalization companies domiciled outside of the United States, including companies located in emerging market and frontier market countries. The Fund will not change this investment policy unless it gives shareholders at least 60 days’ advance written notice. Emerging market and frontier market countries are those countries with low- to middle-income economies as classified by the World Bank, or included in any of the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) emerging markets or frontier markets indices. The Advisor considers a company to be located in a country if the company has been organized under the laws of, has its principal offices in, or has its securities principally traded in, the country, or if the company derives at least 50% of its revenues or net profits from, or has at least 50% of its assets or production capacities in, the country. The Advisor considers small to mid-capitalization companies to be companies with market capitalizations within the range of those companies included in the MSCI ACWI Ex USA SMID Cap Index at the time of purchase. Because small- to mid-capitalization companies are defined by reference to an index, the range of market capitalizations of companies in which the Fund invests may vary with market conditions. As of March 31, 2023, the market capitalizations of companies included in the MSCI ACWI Ex USA SMID Cap Index were between $55.43 million and $24.37 billion. The Advisor will consider the market capitalization range by country. Investments in companies that move above or below the capitalization range of the MSCI ACWI Ex USA SMID Cap Index may continue to be held by the Fund in the sole discretion of the Advisor.

 

The Fund’s investments in equity securities may include common stock, common stock that is offered in IPOs, depositary receipts, and China A-Shares. The Fund’s investments in depositary receipts may include ADRs, EDRs, CDRs and GDRs. ADRs and CDRs are receipts that represent interests in foreign securities held on deposit by U.S. and Canadian banks or trust companies, respectively. EDRs and GDRs have the same qualities as ADRs, although they may be traded in several international trading markets. China A-Shares are equity securities issued by companies located in China that are denominated and traded in RMB on the Shanghai Stock Exchange or the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. The Fund may invest in China A-Shares through Stock Connect, or through the QFII Programs. The Fund may also invest in REITs. The Fund may also use participation certificates issued by foreign banks or brokers evidencing ownership of underling stock issued by a foreign company. Participation certificates are used by foreign investors to access local markets and to gain exposure to, primarily, equity securities of issuers listed on a local exchange. For purposes of the Fund’s 80% policy described above, participation certificates are classified according to their underlying or referenced security.

 

Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests in the securities of companies located in different countries and in at least three different countries. However, from time to time, the Fund may have a significant portion of its assets invested in the securities of companies in one or a few countries or regions. The Fund may make significant investments in certain sectors or group of sectors from time to time. The Fund will be managed pursuant to a “focused” strategy, whereby the Advisor will typically invest the Fund’s assets in the equity securities of a small number of issuers.

 

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The Advisor uses a bottom-up approach that seeks to identify companies believed to have above-average potential for growth in the rate of return on invested capital and assets. The Advisor’s investment process seeks companies that are industry leaders with sustainable competitive advantages; corporate cultures emphasizing strong, quality and experienced management; low or no debt; and attractive relative valuations. In selecting securities, the Advisor also considers other factors including, among others, political risk, monetary policy risk, and regulatory risk.

 

The Advisor may sell all or a portion of a portfolio holding of the Fund when, in its opinion, one or more of the following occurs, among other reasons: (1) the issuer’s competitive advantage deteriorates due to changing technology trends, consumer habits, or other factors; (2) the issuer’s potential for growth is no longer deemed to be attractive; (3) there is increased geopolitical or currency risk; (4) the Advisor identifies a more attractive investment opportunity; or (5) the Fund requires cash to meet redemption requests.

 

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

 

WCM Mid Cap Quality Value Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

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

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities of mid capitalization companies. The Fund primarily invest in the common stocks of U.S. companies. The Advisor considers mid capitalization companies to be companies with market capitalizations within the range of those companies included in the Russell Midcap Index at the time of purchase. Because mid capitalization companies are defined by reference to an index, the range of market capitalization of companies in which the Fund invests may vary with market conditions. As of March 31, 2023, the market capitalizations of companies included in the Russell Midcap Index were between $542.80 million and $58.83 billion. Investments in companies that move above or below the capitalization range of the Russell Midcap Index may continue to be held by the Fund in the Fund advisor’s sole discretion. The Fund will be managed pursuant to a “focused” strategy whereby the Advisor will typically invest the Fund’s assets in the equity securities of a small number of issuers. Generally, the Fund expects to hold the equity securities of approximately 40 or less issuers.

 

Value investing involves buying securities that are out of favor and/or undervalued in comparison to their peers or their prospects for growth. The Advisor uses a bottom-up approach that seeks to identify companies trading at significant discounts to their intrinsic value. The Advisor seeks to determine a company’s intrinsic value through disciplined financial analysis. The Advisor believes that equities purchased at prices substantially below than their intrinsic value may afford capital protection from permanent loss and may result in substantial appreciation if the market recognizes the company’s intrinsic value. The Advisor’s investment process seeks companies that are industry leaders with sustainable competitive advantages; corporate cultures emphasizing strong, quality and experienced management; little or no debt; and attractive relative valuations. In selecting securities, the Advisor also considers other factors including, among others, political risk, monetary policy risk, and regulatory risk.

 

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The Advisor may sell all or a portion of a portfolio holding of the Fund when, in its opinion, one or more of the following occurs, among other reasons: (1) the issuer’s fundamentals deteriorate; (2) the Advisor’s analysis determines a security is fully valued; (3) the Advisor identifies a more attractive investment opportunity for the Fund; or (4) the Fund requires cash to meet redemption requests.

 

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

 

WCM Focused Emerging Markets ex China Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

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

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (including amounts borrowed for investment purposes) in equity securities of companies in emerging or frontier countries or markets, excluding companies in China. The Fund’s investment strategies and policies adopted in connection to the Fund’s name, may be changed without shareholder approval, upon at least 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders.

 

Emerging and frontier countries or markets are those countries or markets with low- to middle-income economies as classified by the World Bank or included in any of the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) emerging markets or frontier markets indices. The Advisor considers a company to be located in a country if the company has been organized under the laws of, has its principal offices in, or has its securities principally traded in, the country, or if the company derives at least 50% of its revenues or net profits from, or has at least 50% of its assets or production capacities in, the country.

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will primarily invest in equity securities. The Fund’s equity investments include common stock, which may include common stock that is offered in IPOs, and depositary receipts. The Fund’s investments in depositary receipts may include ADRs, EDRs, CDRs and GDRs. ADRs, EDRs, CDRs and GDRs are certificates evidencing ownership of shares of foreign issuers and are alternatives to directly purchasing the underlying foreign securities in their national markets and currencies. ADRs and CDRs are receipts that represent interests in foreign securities held on deposit by U.S. and Canadian banks or trust companies, respectively. EDRs and GDRs have the same qualities as ADRs, except that they may be traded in several international trading markets.

 

The Fund may purchase exchange-traded funds to manage the Fund’s cash holdings and gain exposure to the types of securities in which the Fund primarily invests. ETFs are investment companies that invest in portfolios of securities designed to track particular market segments or indices, the shares of which are bought and sold on a securities exchange. The Fund will count its ETF positions for purposes of determining whether it holds at least 80% of the value of its net assets (including investment-related borrowings) in equity securities of companies in emerging or frontier countries or markets, excluding companies in China.

 

In investing the Fund’s assets, the Advisor establishes portfolio guidelines for sector and industry emphasis by analyzing major trends in the global economy in order to identify those economic sectors and industries that are most likely to benefit. Examples of major trends include demographics, global commerce, outsourcing, emerging markets healthcare formalization, aging populations, the growing global middle class and the proliferation of technology. The Advisor then develops a portfolio strategy intended to best capitalize on the expected growth. In constructing the Fund’s portfolio, the Advisor seeks quality businesses with superior growth prospects, high returns on invested capital and low or no debt. The Advisor also requires each company to maintain a durable competitive advantage and strongly considers qualitative elements such as corporate culture and the strength, quality and trustworthiness of management. The Advisor is sensitive to valuation and seeks to avoid companies with limited or spotty histories. In selecting equity investments for the Fund, the Advisor typically plans to hold positions for three to five years.

 

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The Fund may invest in securities of any size companies. The Fund generally invests in the securities of companies domiciled in at least three different countries. However, from time to time, the Fund may have a significant portion of its assets invested in the securities of companies domiciled in one or a few countries or regions. The Fund may make significant investments in certain sectors or group of sectors within a particular industry or industries from time to time.

 

The Advisor may sell all or a portion of a portfolio holding of the Fund when, in its opinion, one or more of the following occurs, among other reasons: (1) the issuer’s fundamentals deteriorate; (2) there is increased geopolitical or currency risk; (3) the Advisor identifies a more attractive investment opportunity for the Fund; or (4) the Fund requires cash to meet redemption requests.

 

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

 

Principal Risks of Investing in the Funds

 

The following table sets forth the Funds’ principal risks. Before you decide whether to invest in a Fund, carefully consider these risk factors and special considerations associated with investing in the Fund, which may cause you to lose money. Following the table is further information describing the Funds’ principal risks listed in the table.

 

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Principal Risk of Investing WCM Focused International Growth Fund WCM Focused Emerging Markets Fund WCM Focused Global Growth Fund WCM International Small Cap Growth Fund WCM Small Cap Growth Fund WCM SMID Quality Value Fund WCM China Quality Growth Fund WCM Developing World Equity Fund WCM International Equity Fund WCM Focused International Value Fund WCM Focused International Opportunities Fund WCM Mid Cap Quality Value Fund WCM Focused Emerging Markets ex China Fund
Market Risk X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Equity Risk X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Foreign Investment Risk X X X X     X X X X X   X
Small-Cap Company Risk       X X                
Mid-Cap Company Risk                       X  
Small-Cap and  Mid-Cap Company Risk           X         X    
Emerging Markets Risk X X X X     X X X X X   X
Frontier Markets Risk X X X X       X X X X   X
ETF Risk                         X
IPO Risk   X X X             X   X
Risks Associated with China   X                      
Risks Associated with China, Hong Kong and Taiwan       X     X X     X    
Risks Associated with Taiwan                         X
Risks Associated with India                         X
Risks of Investing in A-Shares   X   X     X       X    
A-Shares Tax Risk   X   X     X       X    
Risks of Investing through Stock Connect   X   X     X       X    
Risks of Investing in H-Shares   X         X            
Growth-Oriented Investment Strategies Risk X   X X X   X            
REIT Risk         X X         X X  
ESG Criteria Risk               X X        
Sector Focus Risk X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Focused Investing Risk           X       X X X X
Currency Risk X X X X     X X X X X   X
Value-Oriented Investment Strategies Risk           X       X   X  
Participation Certificates Risk             X       X    
Liquidity Risk X X X X X X X X X X X   X
Management and Strategy Risk X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Market Capitalization Risk   X X       X X X X     X
Recent Market Events X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Large-Cap Company Risk X                        
Non-Diversification Risk             X X          
Limited Operating History                       X X
Cybersecurity Risk X X X X X X X X X X X X X

 

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· Market Risk. The market price of a security or instrument may decline, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions throughout the world, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates, or adverse investor sentiment generally. The market value of a security or instrument also may decline because of factors that affect a particular industry or industries, such as labor shortages or increased production costs and competitive conditions within an industry. In addition, local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, or other events could have significant impact on a security or instrument. For example, the financial crisis that began in 2007 caused a significant decline in the value and liquidity of many securities; in particular, the values of some sovereign debt and of securities of issuers that invest in sovereign debt and related investments fell, credit became more scarce worldwide and there was significant uncertainty in the markets. More recently, higher inflation, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic have negatively affected the worldwide economy, as well as the economies of individual countries, the financial health of individual companies and the market in general in significant and unforeseen ways. Such environments could make identifying investment risks and opportunities especially difficult for the Advisor. In response to these crises, the United States and other governments have taken steps to support financial markets. The withdrawal of this support or failure of efforts in response to a crisis could negatively affect financial markets generally as well as the value and liquidity of certain securities. In addition, policy and legislative changes in the United States and in other countries are changing many aspects of financial regulation. The impact of these changes on the markets, and the practical implications for market participants, may not be fully known for some time.

 

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

 

· Foreign Investment Risk. Investments in foreign securities are affected by risk factors generally not thought to be present in the United States. The prices of foreign securities may be more volatile than the prices of securities of U.S. issuers because of economic and social conditions abroad, political developments, and changes in the regulatory environments of foreign countries. Special risks associated with investments in foreign markets include less liquidity, less developed or less efficient trading markets, lack of comprehensive company information, less government supervision of exchanges, brokers and issuers, greater risks associated with counterparties and settlement, and difficulty in enforcing contractual obligations. Changes in exchange rates and interest rates, and imposition of foreign taxes, sanctions, confiscations, trade restrictions (including tariffs) and other government restrictions by the United States and/or other governments may adversely affect the values of a Fund’s foreign investments. Foreign companies are generally subject to different legal and accounting standards than U.S. companies, and foreign financial intermediaries may be subject to less supervision and regulation than U.S. financial firms. A Fund’s investments in depositary receipts (including ADRs) are subject to these risks, even if denominated in U.S. dollars, because changes in currency and exchange rates affect the values of the issuers of depositary receipts. In addition, the underlying issuers of certain depository receipts, particularly unsponsored or unregistered depositary receipts, are under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications to the holders of such receipts, or to pass through to them any voting rights with respect to the deposited securities.

 

· Small-Cap Company Risk. Investing in small-capitalization companies generally involves greater risks than investing in large-capitalization companies. Small- cap companies may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources or may depend on the expertise of a few people and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than securities of larger, more established companies or market averages in general. Many small capitalization companies may be in the early stages of development. Since equity securities of smaller companies may lack sufficient market liquidity and may not be regularly traded, it may be difficult or impossible to sell securities at an advantageous time or a desirable price.

 

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· Mid-Cap Company Risk. Investing in mid-capitalization companies generally involves greater risks than investing in large-capitalization companies. Mid-cap companies may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources or may depend on the expertise of a few people and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than securities of larger, more established companies or market averages in general.

 

· Small-Cap and Mid-Cap Company Risk. Investing in small-capitalization and mid-capitalization companies generally involves greater risks than investing in large-capitalization companies. Small- or mid-cap companies may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources or may depend on the expertise of a few people and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than securities of larger, more established companies or market averages in general. Many small-capitalization companies may be in the early stages of development. Since equity securities of smaller companies may lack sufficient market liquidity and may not be regularly traded, it may be difficult or impossible to sell securities at an advantageous time or a desirable price.

 

· Emerging Markets Risk. Many of the risks with respect to foreign investments are more pronounced for investments in issuers in developing or emerging market countries. Emerging market countries tend to have more government exchange controls, more volatile interest and currency exchange rates, less market regulation, and less developed and less stable economic, political and legal systems than those of more developed countries. There may be less publicly available and reliable information about issuers in emerging markets than is available about issuers in more developed capital markets, and such issuers may not be subject to regulatory, accounting, auditing, and financial reporting and recordkeeping standards comparable to those to which U.S. companies are subject. The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”), which regulates auditors of U.S. public companies, for example, may be unable to inspect audit work and practices in certain countries. If the PCAOB is unable to oversee the operations of accounting firms in such countries, inaccurate or incomplete financial records of an issuer’s operations may not be detected, which could negatively impact a Fund’s investment in such company. In addition, emerging market countries may experience high levels of inflation and may have less liquid securities markets and less efficient trading and settlement systems. Their economies also depend heavily upon international trade and may be adversely affected by protective trade barriers and the economic conditions of their trading partners. Emerging market countries may have fixed or managed currencies that are not free-floating against the U.S. dollar and may not be traded internationally. Some countries with emerging securities markets have experienced high rates of inflation for many years. Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had and may continue to have negative effects on the economies and securities markets of certain countries. Emerging markets typically have substantially less volume than U.S. markets, securities in these markets are less liquid, and their prices often are more volatile than those of comparable U.S. companies. Securities markets in emerging markets may also be susceptible to manipulation or other fraudulent trade practices, which could disrupt the functioning of these markets or adversely affect the value of investments traded in these markets, including investments of a Fund. A Fund’s rights with respect to its investments in emerging markets, if any, will generally be governed by local law, which may make it difficult or impossible for the Fund to pursue legal remedies or to obtain and enforce judgments in local courts. Delays may occur in settling securities transactions in emerging market countries, which could adversely affect a Fund’s ability to make or liquidate investments in those markets in a timely fashion. In addition, it may not be possible for a Fund to find satisfactory custodial services in an emerging market country, which could increase the Fund’s costs and cause delays in the transportation and custody of its investments. There may also be restrictions on imports from certain countries, such as Russia, and dealings with certain state-sponsored entities. For example, following Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine, the President of the United States signed an Executive Order in February 2022 prohibiting U.S. persons from entering into transactions with the Central Bank of Russia, and Executive Orders in March 2022 prohibiting U.S. persons from importing oil and gas from Russia as well as other popular Russian exports, such as diamonds, seafood and vodka. There may also be restrictions on investments in Chinese companies. For example, the President of the United States signed an Executive Order in June 2021 affirming and expanding the U.S. policy prohibiting U.S. persons from purchasing or investing in publicly-traded securities of companies identified by the U.S. Government as “Chinese Military-Industrial Complex Companies.” The list of such companies can change from time to time, and as a result of forced selling or an inability to participate in an investment the Advisor otherwise believes is attractive, a Fund may incur losses. Any of these factors may adversely affect a Fund’s performance or the Fund’s ability to pursue its investment objective.

 

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· Frontier Markets Risk. Frontier market countries generally have smaller economies and even less developed capital markets than traditional emerging markets, and, as a result, the risks of investing in emerging market countries are magnified in frontier market countries. The magnification of risks is the result of potential for extreme price volatility and illiquidity in frontier markets; government ownership or control of parts of private sector and of certain companies; trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which frontier market countries trade; and the relatively new and unsettled securities laws in many frontier market countries.

 

ETF Risk. Investing in an ETF will provide the Fund with exposure to the securities comprising the index on which the ETF is based and will expose the Fund to risks similar to those of investing directly in those securities. Shares of ETFs typically trade on securities exchanges and may at times trade at a premium or discount to their net asset values. In addition, an ETF may not replicate exactly the performance of the benchmark index it seeks to track for a number of reasons, including transaction costs incurred by the ETF, the temporary unavailability of certain index securities in the secondary market or discrepancies between the ETF and the index with respect to the weighting of securities or the number of securities held. Investing in ETFs, which are investment companies, may involve duplication of advisory fees and certain other expenses. The Fund will pay brokerage commissions in connection with the purchase and sale of shares of ETFs.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Hong Kong: Investments in Hong Kong issuers involve legal, regulatory, political, currency, and economic risks that are specific to Hong Kong. If China were to exert its authority so as to alter the economic, political or legal structures or the existing social policy of Hong Kong, investor and business confidence in Hong Kong could be negatively affected, which in turn could negatively affect markets and business performance and have an adverse effect on the Fund’s investments.

 

Taiwan: Investments in Taiwanese issuers involve legal, regulatory, political, currency, and economic risks that are specific to Taiwan. Taiwan’s geographic proximity and history of political contention with China have resulted in ongoing tensions between the two countries, which could have an adverse impact on the values of investments in either China or Taiwan, or make investments in China and/or Taiwan impractical or impossible.

 

· Risks Associated with Taiwan. Investments in Taiwanese issuers involve legal, regulatory, political, currency, and economic risks that are specific to Taiwan. Taiwan’s geographic proximity and history of political contention with China have resulted in ongoing tensions between the two countries, which could escalate into a military conflict. These tensions may materially affect the Taiwanese economy and its securities market. As an export-oriented economy, Taiwan depends on a free-trade regime and remains vulnerable to downturns in the world economy. The Taiwanese economy is dependent on the economies of Asia, mainly those of Japan and China, and the United States. Reduction in spending by any of those countries on Taiwanese products and services, or negative changes in any of those economies, may adversely impact the Taiwanese economy. Rising labor costs and increasing environmental consciousness have led some labor-intensive industries to relocate to countries with cheaper work forces, and continued labor outsourcing may adversely affect the Taiwanese economy. Taiwan is a small island state with few raw material resources and limited land area, and therefore it relies heavily on imports for its commodity needs. Any fluctuations or shortages in the commodity markets could negatively impact the Taiwanese economy.

 

· Risks Associated with India. Investments in Indian issuers involve legal, regulatory, political, currency, and economic risks that are specific to India. For example, in addition to the general risks applicable to emerging market securities, there are special risks associated with investments in Indian issuers, including exposure to currency fluctuations, less liquidity, expropriation, confiscatory taxation, nationalization, exchange control regulations (including currency blockage) and differing legal standards. Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation and interest rates have had, and may continue to have, negative effects on the economy and securities markets of India. A high proportion of the securities of many Indian issuers are held by a limited number of persons or entities, which may limit the number of shares available for investment by the Fund. In addition, further issuances, or the perception that such issuances may occur, of securities by Indian issuers in which the Fund has invested could dilute the earnings per share of the Fund’s investment and could adversely affect the market prices of such securities. Sales of securities by such issuers’ major shareholders, or the perception that such sales may occur, may also significantly and adversely affect the market price of such securities. A limited number of issuers represent a disproportionately large percentage of market capitalization and trading value in India. The limited liquidity of the Indian securities markets may also affect the Fund’s ability to acquire or dispose of securities at the price and time that it desires.

The value of the Fund's investments in Indian securities may also be affected by political, economic, social and religious factors, changes in Indian law or regulations, and the status of India's relations with other countries. The Indian government has exercised and continues to exercise significant influence over many aspects of the economy, and the number of public sector enterprises in India is substantial. Accordingly, Indian government actions in the future could have a significant effect on the Indian economy, which could affect private sector companies and the Fund, market conditions, and prices and yields of securities in the Fund's portfolio.

 

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· Risks of Investing in A-Shares. A-Shares may only be bought from, or sold to, the Fund at times when the relevant A-Shares may be sold or purchased on the relevant Chinese stock exchange. The A-Share market is volatile with a risk of suspension of trading in a particular security or multiple securities or government intervention. Securities in the A-Share market may be suspended from trading without an indication of how long the suspension will last, which may impair the liquidity of such securities and may impact the ability of the Fund to pursue its investment strategy. The Shanghai Stock Exchange and Shenzhen Stock Exchange currently apply a daily limit, set at 10%, of the amount of fluctuation permitted in the prices of A-Shares during a single trading day. The daily limit refers to price movements only and does not restrict trading within the relevant limit. The Chinese securities markets are emerging markets characterized by relatively low trading volume, resulting in substantially less liquidity and greater price volatility. Liquidity risks may be more pronounced for the A-Share market than for Chinese securities markets generally because the A-Share market is subject to greater government restrictions and control, including trading suspensions. China A-Shares are only available to non-mainland China investors (i) through the QFII Programs or (ii) through Stock Connect, which are subject to limits.

 

· A-Shares Tax Risk. The Fund’s investments in A-Shares will be subject to a number of taxes and tax regulations in China. The application of many of these tax regulations is at present uncertain. Moreover, the PRC has implemented a number of tax reforms in recent years, including the value added tax reform, and may continue to amend or revise existing PRC tax laws in the future. Changes in applicable PRC tax law, particularly taxation on a retrospective basis, could reduce the after-tax profits of the Fund directly or indirectly by reducing the after-tax profits of the Chinese companies in which the Fund invests. Uncertainties in the Chinese tax rules governing taxation of income and gains from investments in A-Shares could result in unexpected tax liabilities for the Fund. The Fund’s investments in securities issued by Chinese companies, including A-Shares, may cause the Fund to become subject to withholding income tax and other taxes imposed by the PRC. The PRC taxation rules are evolving, may change, and new rules may be applied retroactively. Any such changes could have an adverse impact on Fund performance.

 

· Risks of Investing through Stock Connect. Investing in A-Shares through Stock Connect is subject to trading, clearance, settlement and other procedures, which could pose risks to the Fund. Trading through Stock Connect is subject to the Daily Quota, which may restrict the Fund’s ability to invest in A-Shares through Stock Connect on a timely basis and could affect the Fund’s ability to effectively pursue its investment strategy. Stock Connect will only operate on days when both the Chinese and Hong Kong markets are open for trading and when banking services are available in both markets on the corresponding settlement days. Therefore, an investment in A-Shares through Stock Connect may subject the Fund to the risk of price fluctuations on days when the Chinese markets are open, but Stock Connect is not trading.

 

· Risks of Investing in H-Shares. H-Shares are shares of companies incorporated in mainland China and traded in Hong Kong dollars on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and they must meet Hong Kong’s listing and disclosure requirements. In addition to the risks described herein, H-shares are subject to the risk that the Hong Kong stock market may behave very differently from the mainland Chinese stock market. There may be little to no correlation between the performance of the Hong Kong stock market and the mainland Chinese stock market. Fluctuations in the value of the Hong Kong dollar will affect a Fund’s holdings of H-shares.

 

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

 

· REIT Risk. A Fund’s investments in REITs will subject the Fund to risks similar to those associated with direct ownership of real estate, including losses from casualty or condemnation, and changes in local and general economic conditions, supply and demand, interest rates, zoning laws, regulatory limitations on rents, property taxes and operating expenses. Investment in REITs is subject to additional risks, such as poor performance by the manager of the REIT, adverse changes to the tax laws or failure by the REIT to qualify for favorable tax treatment generally available to REITs under Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). In addition, some REITs have limited diversification because they invest in a limited number of properties, a narrow geographic area, or a single type of property.

 

· ESG Criteria Risk. While the Advisor believes that the integration of ESG analysis as part of the investment process contributes to its risk management approach, the Fund’s consideration of ESG criteria in making its investment decisions may affect the Fund’s exposure to risks associated with certain issuers, industries and sectors, which may impact the Fund’s investment performance. In addition, because the Fund’s ESG criteria exclude securities of certain issuers, the Fund may forgo some market opportunities available to funds that do not use these criteria. There are significant differences in interpretations of what it means for a company to have positive ESG characteristics. While the Advisor believes its ESG criteria for excluding securities of certain issuers is reasonable, the Fund’s investments may include securities of issuers that derive revenue from non-ESG activities. Furthermore, ESG information from third-party data providers may be incomplete, inaccurate or unavailable, which could cause the Advisor to incorrectly assess a company’s ESG characteristics. Moreover, ESG information, whether from an external and/or internal source, is, by nature and in many instances, based on a qualitative and subjective assessment. Moreover, the third party data providers may differ in the data they provide for a given security or between industries, or may only take into account one of many ESG-related components of a company.

 

· Sector Focus Risk. Each Fund may invest a larger portion of its assets in one or more sectors than many other mutual funds and thus will be more susceptible to negative events affecting those sectors. The prices of securities of issuers in a particular sector may be more susceptible to fluctuations due to changes in economic or business conditions, government regulations or monetary and fiscal policies, market sentiment and expectations, availability of basic resources or supplies, or other events that affect that sector more than securities of issuers in other sectors. At times the performance of the Funds’ investments may lag the performance of other sectors or the broader market as a whole. Such underperformance may continue for extended periods of time.

 

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

 

· Currency Risk. The values of investments in securities denominated in foreign currencies increase or decrease as the rates of exchange between those currencies and the U.S. dollar change. Currency conversion costs and currency fluctuations could erase investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates can be volatile and are affected by factors such as general economic conditions, the actions of the United States and foreign governments or central banks, the imposition of currency controls, and speculation.

 

· Value-Oriented Investment Strategies Risk. Value stocks are those that are believed to be undervalued in comparison to their peers due to adverse business developments or other factors. Value investing carries the risk that the market will not recognize a security’s inherent value for a long time or at all, or that a stock judged to be undervalued may actually be appropriately priced or overvalued. In addition, during some periods (which may be extensive) value stocks generally may be out of favor in the markets. Therefore, the Fund is most suitable for long-term investors who are willing to hold their shares for extended periods of time through market fluctuations and the accompanying changes in share prices.

 

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· Participation Certificates Risk. Participation certificates represent interests in securities listed on certain foreign exchanges, and thus present similar risks to investing directly in such securities. The risks of investing in participation certificates includes foreign investment risk. Participation certificates also expose investors to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the entity issuing the note may not be able to honor its financial commitments. The purchaser of a participation certificate must rely on the credit worthiness of the bank or broker who issues the participation certificate, and these notes do not have the same rights as a shareholder of the underlying foreign security.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Recent Market Events. Periods of market volatility may occur in response to market events and other economic, political, and global macro factors. The COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and higher inflation have resulted in extreme volatility in the financial markets, economic downturns around the world, and severe losses, particularly to some sectors of the economy and individual issuers, and reduced liquidity of certain instruments. These events have caused significant disruptions to business operations, including business closures; strained healthcare systems; disruptions to supply chains and employee availability; large fluctuations in consumer demand; large expansion of government deficits and debt as a result of government actions to mitigate the effects of such events; and widespread uncertainty regarding the long-term effects of such events.

 

  Governments and central banks, including the Federal Reserve in the United States, took extraordinary and unprecedented actions to support local and global economies and the financial markets in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including by keeping interest rates at historically low levels for an extended period. The Federal Reserve concluded its market support activities in 2022 and began to raise interest rates in an effort to fight inflation. The Federal Reserve may determine to raise interest rates further. This and other government intervention into the economy and financial markets to address the pandemic, inflation, or other significant events in the future, may not work as intended, particularly if the efforts are perceived by investors as being unlikely to achieve the desired results.

 

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

 

· Large-Cap Company Risk. Larger, more established companies may be unable to attain the high growth rates of successful, smaller companies during periods of economic expansion. In addition, large-capitalization companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges, such as changes in technology and consumer tastes and may be more prone to global economic risks.

 

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

 

· Limited Operating History. The Fund is recently organized and has a limited operating history. As a result, prospective investors have a limited track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

 

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

 

Portfolio Holdings Information

 

A description of the Funds’ policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Funds’ portfolio securities is available in the Funds’ SAI. Currently, disclosure of the Funds’ holdings is required to be made quarterly within 60 days of the end of each fiscal quarter in the Funds’ Annual Report and Semi-Annual Report to Fund shareholders, and in its monthly holdings report on Form N-PORT.

 

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS

 

 

Investment Advisor

 

WCM Investment Management, LLC is the Funds’ investment advisor and provides investment advisory services to the Funds pursuant to an investment advisory agreement between the Advisor and the Trust (the “Advisory Agreement”). The Advisor was founded in 1976 and its principal address is 281 Brooks Street, Laguna Beach, California 92651. WCM is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and provides investment advice to institutional and high net worth individual clients. WCM has approximately $71.6 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2022.

 

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The following table illustrates the annual contractual advisory fees to the Advisor for the services and facilities it provides to the Funds, payable on a monthly basis.

 

Fund Contractual Advisory Fees As a Percentage of Average Daily Net Assets
WCM Focused International Growth Fund 0.85%
WCM Focused Emerging Markets Fund 1.00%
WCM Focused Global Growth Fund 0.85%
WCM International Small Cap Growth Fund 1.00%
WCM Small Cap Growth Fund* 0.99%
WCM SMID Quality Value Fund** 0.85%
WCM China Quality Growth Fund 1.00%
WCM Developing World Equity Fund 1.00%
WCM International Equity Fund 0.85%
WCM Focused International Value Fund 0.85%
WCM Focused International Opportunities Fund 1.00%
WCM Mid Cap Quality Value Fund 0.85%
WCM Focused Emerging Markets Ex China Fund 1.00%

 

* With respect to the WCM Small Cap Growth Fund, effective July 1, 2022, the Advisor agreed to lower its management fee from 1.00% to 0.99% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.
** With respect to the WCM SMID Quality Value Fund, effective November 30, 2022, the Advisor agreed to lower its management fee from 1.00% to 0.85% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.

 

For the fiscal period May 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022, the Advisor received the following advisory fees from each Fund, after waiving fees pursuant to its expense limitation agreement with each Fund:

 

Fund Advisory Fees Received As a Percentage of Average Daily Net Assets
WCM Focused International Growth Fund 0.85%
WCM Focused Emerging Markets Fund 0.88%
WCM Focused Global Growth Fund 0.71%
WCM International Small Cap Growth Fund 0.77%
WCM Small Cap Growth Fund 0.10%
WCM SMID Quality Value Fund 0.57%
WCM China Quality Growth Fund 0.00%
WCM Developing World Equity Fund 0.00%
WCM International Equity Fund 0.00%
WCM Focused International Value Fund 0.00%
WCM Focused International Opportunities Fund 0.00%
WCM Mid Cap Quality Value Fund* 0.00%
WCM Focused Emerging Markets Ex China Fund** 0.00%

 

* The WCM Mid Cap Quality Value Fund commenced operations on July 28, 2022.
** The WCM Focused Emerging Markets Ex China Fund commenced operations on December 29, 2022.

 

A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the Advisory Agreement for the WCM Focused International Growth Fund, WCM Focused Emerging Markets Fund, WCM Focused Global Growth Fund, WCM International Small Cap Growth Fund, WCM Small Cap Growth Fund, WCM SMID Quality Value Fund, WCM China Quality Growth Fund, WCM Developing World Equity Fund, WCM International Equity Fund, WCM Focused International Opportunities Fund, WCM Focused International Value Fund, and WCM Focused Emerging Markets ex China Fund is available in the Funds’ Annual Report to shareholders dated as of December 31, 2022. A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the Advisory Agreement for the WCM Mid Cap Quality Value Fund is available in the Funds’ Semi-Annual Report to shareholders dated as of October 31, 2022.

 

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Portfolio Managers

 

Each Fund is managed by members of the Advisor’s Investment Strategy Group (the “ISG”). The membership of the ISG differs for each Fund. The ISG for each respective Fund is as follows:

 

Fund Name Name(s) of ISG Investment Professional(s)
WCM Focused International Growth Fund

Sanjay Ayer, CFA

Paul R. Black

Michael B. Trigg

Jon Tringale

WCM Focused Emerging Markets Fund

Sanjay Ayer, CFA

Gregory S. Ise, CFA

Mike Tian, CFA

Michael B. Trigg

WCM Focused Global Growth Fund

Sanjay Ayer, CFA

Paul R. Black

Michael B. Trigg

Jon Tringale

WCM International Small Cap Growth Fund

Sanjay Ayer, CFA

Gregory S. Ise, CFA

WCM Small Cap Growth Fund

Chad Hoffman

John Rackers

WCM SMID Quality Value Fund

Jon Detter

Anthony Glickhouse

Pat McGee

WCM China Quality Growth Fund

Yan Gao

Michael Tian, CFA

WCM Developing World Equity Fund

Pablo Echavarria

Rolf Kelly

Rob Quick

WCM International Equity Fund

Pablo Echavarria

Rolf Kelly

Rob Quirk

WCM Focused International Value Fund

Drew French

Andrew Wiechert

WCM Focused International Opportunities Fund

Gregory S. Ise

Tamara Manoukian

WCM Mid Cap Quality Value Fund

Jon Detter

Anthony Glickhouse

Pat McGee

WCM Focused Emerging Markets ex China Fund

Gregory S. Ise, CFA

Mike Tian, CFA

 

These managers share portfolio management responsibilities and all investment purchase and sale decisions are made by the respective ISG.

 

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

 

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Paul R. Black began his investment career in 1986. He joined WCM in 1989, and has served as WCM’s President and co-CEO since December 2004. He is a member of the Advisor's ISG and his primary responsibilities include portfolio management and equity research.

 

Jon Detter began his investment career in 2001. He has served as a Portfolio Manager and Business Analyst for the Advisor since 2016. He is a member of the Advisor's ISG and his primary responsibilities include portfolio management and equity research. Prior to joining the Advisor, Mr. Detter was a principal with Opus Capital Management from 2003 to 2016, where he was one of three portfolio managers on the Opus Small Cap Value strategy and a portfolio manager for the Focused Small Cap strategy.

 

Pablo Echavarria began his investment career in 2007. He has served as Portfolio Manager and Business Analyst for the Advisor since 2018. He is a member of the Advisor's ISG and his primary responsibilities include portfolio management and equity research for the firm’s global equity strategies. Mr. Echavarria’s experience includes a position as Associate Portfolio Manager and Equity Research Analyst at Thornburg Investment Management and as Global Equity Analyst at Turner Investments. Mr. Echavarria earned his B.S. in Business Administration from Drexel University, where he graduated with honors. He is also a CFA® charterholder.

 

Drew French began his investment career in 2013 with WCM Investment Management, LLC, and has managed accounts in the Advisor's International Value style since 2020. He is a member of the Advisor's ISG and his primary responsibilities include portfolio management and equity research.

 

Yan Gao began her investment career in 2008. She joined the Advisor in 2014 as a Business Analyst and has served as Portfolio Manager & Business Analyst since December 2022. Ms. Gao’s primary responsibilities include portfolio management and equity research. Prior to joining the Advisor, Ms. Gao’s experience includes positions as Manager Research Associate at Wilshire Associates, as Fixed Income Investment Manager at Industrial & Commercial Bank of China (Beijing), and as trainee in the UBS Graduate Training Program in Switzerland and Germany.

 

Anthony Glickhouse began his investment career in 2006. He has served as a Portfolio Manager and Business Analyst for the Advisor since 2016. He is a member of the Advisor's ISG and his primary responsibilities include portfolio management and equity research. Prior to joining the Advisor, Mr. Glickhouse was an associate with Opus Capital Management from 2012 to 2016, where he was a portfolio manager for the Focused Small Cap strategy and a research analyst for the Opus Small Cap Value strategy.

 

Chad Hoffman began his investment career in 1998. He has served as a Portfolio Manager and Business Analyst for the Advisor since 2018. He is a member of the Advisor's ISG and his primary responsibilities include portfolio management and equity research. Prior to joining the Advisor, Mr. Hoffman was with Kennedy Capital Management, Inc. from 2012 to 2018 where he served as assistant portfolio manager for the Small Cap Growth and SMID Cap Growth strategies.

 

Gregory S. Ise, CFA began his investment career in 2002. He has served as a Business Analyst for the Advisor since 2014 and as a Portfolio Manager since 2015. He is a member of the Advisor’s ISG and his primary responsibilities include portfolio management and equity research. Prior to joining WCM, Mr. Ise was a Senior International Research Analyst at Rainier Investment Management (“RIM”) from 2012 to 2014, where he helped launch the firm’s first international small cap open-end mutual fund. Prior to RIM, he was a Vice President and Analyst at Allianz Global Investors from 2006 to 2011, where he contributed to the global and international small cap open-end mutual funds.

 

Rolf Kelly began his investment career in 2006. He has served as Portfolio Manager and Business Analyst for the Advisor since 2018. He is a member of the Advisor's ISG and his primary responsibilities include portfolio management and equity research for the Advisor's global equity strategies. Since he began his investment career in 2005. Mr. Kelly’s experience includes a position as Portfolio Manager and Analyst at Thornburg Investment Management where he concentrated on ESG investing. Prior to that, Mr. Kelly worked as an Analyst at NCM Capital. He is also a CFA® charterholder.

 

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Tamara Manoukian began her investment career in 2005. She has served as Portfolio Manager & Business Analyst for the Advisor since 2017. Ms. Manoukian’s primary responsibility is portfolio management and equity research. Prior to joining the Advisor, Ms. Manoukian was an Associate Portfolio Manager and Equity Research Analyst at Thornburg Investment Management and an Investment Analyst at Boston-based hedge fund Greenwood Investments. She is also a CFA® charterholder.

 

Pat McGee began his investment career in 2010. He has served as a Portfolio Manager and Business Analyst for the Advisor since 2016. He is a member of the Advisor's ISG and his primary responsibilities include portfolio management and equity research. Prior to joining the Advisor, Mr. McGee was an associate with Opus Capital Management from 2011 to 2016, where he was a portfolio manager for the Focused Small Cap Value strategy and a research analyst for the Opus Small Cap Value strategy.

 

Rob Quirk began his investment career in 2008. He joined the Advisor in 2018 as a Business Analyst and has served as Portfolio Manager and Business Analyst since 2021. He is a member of the Advisor's ISG and his primary responsibilities include portfolio management and equity research for the Advisor's global equity strategies. Since he began his investment career in 2008, Mr. Quirk’s experience includes a position as Equity Research Analyst at Thornburg Investment Management. Prior to that, he also worked with Thornburg’s Sales and Marketing groups.

 

John Rackers began his investment career in 1991. He has served as a Portfolio Manager and Business Analyst for the Advisor since 2018. He is a member of the Advisor's ISG and his primary responsibilities include portfolio management and equity research. Prior to joining the Advisor, Mr. Rackers was with Kennedy Capital Management, Inc. from 2012 to 2018 where he served as portfolio manager for the Small Cap Growth and SMID Cap Growth strategies.

 

Mike Tian, CFA began his investment career in 2006. He has served as a Portfolio Manager and Business Analyst for the Advisor since 2012. He is a member of the Advisor's Investment Strategy Group and his primary responsibilities include portfolio management and equity research for the Advisor's global, fundamental growth strategies. Prior to joining the Advisor, Mr. Tian was a Senior Equity Analyst and Equity Strategist at Morningstar, Inc. While at Morningstar, he also managed the Morningstar Opportunistic Investor, a portfolio and newsletter focusing on special situations and growth companies, and played an instrumental role in the development of Morningstar’s economic moat trend methodology.

 

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

 

Jon Tringale began his investment career in 2008. He joined WCM in 2015 and has served as Portfolio Manager for the Advisor since 2022. Prior to joining the Advisor, Mr. Tringale’s experience includes positions as an Analyst, on the trading floor at Wedbush Securities and as Vice President at Gerson Lehrman Group.

 

Andrew Wiechert began his investment career in 2007 with WCM Investment Management, LLC, and has managed accounts in the Advisor's International Value style since 2011. He is a member of the Advisor's ISG and his primary responsibilities include portfolio management and equity research.

 

The SAI provides additional information about each Portfolio Manager’s method of compensation, other accounts managed by the Portfolio Managers and the Portfolio Managers’ ownership of Fund securities.

 

Prior Performance for Similar Accounts Managed by the Advisor

 

The following tables set forth performance data relating to the historical performance of all private accounts managed by the Advisor for the periods indicated that have investment objectives, policies, strategies and risks substantially similar to those of the Funds. The data is provided to illustrate the past performance of the Advisor in managing substantially similar accounts as measured against market indices and does not represent the performance of the Funds. You should not consider this performance data as an indication of future performance of the Funds.

 

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The private accounts that are included in the performance data set forth below are not subject to the same types of expenses to which the Funds are subject, or to the diversification requirements, specific tax restrictions and investment limitations imposed on the Funds by the 1940 Act or Subchapter M of the Code. Consequently, the performance results for these private accounts could have been adversely affected if the private accounts had been regulated as investment companies under the federal securities laws.

 

Average Annual Total Returns

For the Periods Ended December 31, 2022

 

WCM FOCUSED GROWTH INTERNATIONAL STRATEGY COMPOSITE

 

  One Year Three Years Five Years Ten Years
WCM Focused Growth International Strategy Composite
Net Returns, after fees/expenses* (28.78)% 3.54% 6.93% 9.10%
Gross Returns (28.04)% 4.58% 8.00% 10.19%
 MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (15.57)% 0.53% 1.36%   4.28%

 

* The net returns for the composite are shown net of all fees and expenses. The fees and expenses of accounts included in the composite are lower than the anticipated operating expenses of the Fund and accordingly, the performance results of the composite are higher than what the Fund’s performance would have been.

 

Average Annual Total Returns

For the Periods Ended December 31, 2022

 

WCM EMERGING MARKETS STRATEGY COMPOSITE

 

  One Year Three Years Five Years

 

Ten Years

WCM Emerging Markets Strategy Composite
Net Returns, after fees/expenses* (30.63)% (1.80)% 2.35% 3.79%
Gross Returns (29.91)% (0.81)% 3.38% 4.83%
MSCI Emerging Markets Index (19.74)% (2.34)% (1.03)% 1.81%

 

* The net returns for the composite are shown net of all fees and expenses. The fees and expenses of accounts included in the composite are lower than the anticipated operating expenses of the WCM Focused Emerging Markets Fund and accordingly, the performance results of the composite are higher than what the Fund’s performance would have been.

 

Average Annual Total Returns

For the Periods Ended December 31, 2022

 

WCM QUALITY GLOBAL GROWTH STRATEGY COMPOSITE

 

  One Year Three Years Five Years Ten Years
WCM Quality Global Growth Strategy Composite
Net Returns, after fees/expenses* (30.66)% 4.47% 8.35% 11.06%
Gross Returns (29.94)% 5.52% 9.43% 12.17%
MSCI ACWI Index (17.96)% 4.49% 5.75%  8.54%
MSCI World Index (17.73)% 5.45% 6.69%  9.44%

 

* The net returns for the composite are shown net of fees and expenses. The fees and expenses of accounts included in the composite are lower than the anticipated operating expenses of the WCM Focused Global Growth Fund and accordingly, the performance results of the composite are higher than what the Fund’s performance would have been.

 

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Average Annual Total Returns

For the Periods Ended December 31, 2022

 

WCM INTERNATIONAL SMALL CAP STRATEGY COMPOSITE

 

  One Year

 

 

Three Years

Five Years Since Inception (12/31/2014)
WCM International Small Cap Strategy Composite
Net Returns, after fees/expenses* (41.73)% 2.07% 6.44% 11.77%
Gross Returns (41.11)% 3.10% 7.50% 12.89%
MSCI ACWI Ex-US Small Cap Index (19.56)% 1.50% 1.08%   5.17%

 

* The Composite is not subject to any fees or expenses. Therefore, the net returns for the composite have been adjusted to reflect the WCM International Small Cap Growth Fund’s total annual operating expenses after fee waivers and expense reimbursements as set forth in the “Fees and Expenses of the Fund” table in this Prospectus.

 

WCM INTERNATIONAL SMALL CAP STRATEGY COMPOSITE

(As of December 31, 2022)

 

  Total Firm Composite Assets Performance Results
  Assets U.S. Dollars Number of Composite   Composite
Period ($ millions) ($ millions) Accounts Net Gross Index Dispersion
2022 71,569 1,134.66 8 (41.73)% (41.11)% (19.56)% N/A
2021 107,468 2,070.97 6 16.81% 17.97% 13.36% N/A
2020 82,335 1,181.87 6 56.24% 57.76% 14.67% N/A
2019 49,005 465.28 5 44.36% 45.76% 22.93% N/A
2018 29,787 129.19 3 (11.02)% (10.12)% (17.89)% N/A
2017 25,600 2.85 2 42.59% 43.98% 32.12% N/A
2016 14,042 1.80 2 (0.08)% 0.93% 4.29% N/A
2015 11,662 1.00 1 25.17% 26.41% 2.95% N/A

 

Average Annual Total Returns

For the Periods Ended December 31, 2022

 

WCM Small Cap Growth Strategy Composite

 

  One Year Three Years

Since Inception

(11/30/2018)

WCM Small Cap Growth Strategy Composite
Net Returns, after fees/expenses* (23.30)% 4.56% 6.54%
Gross Returns (22.51)% 5.61% 7.61%
Russell 2000® Growth Index (26.36)% 0.64% 3.62%

 

* The net returns for the composite are shown net of all fees and expenses. The fees and expenses are lower than the anticipated operating expenses of the Fund and accordingly, the performance results of the composite are higher than what the Fund’s performance would have been.

 

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Average Annual Total Returns

For the Periods Ended December 31, 2022

 

WCM SMID Cap Quality Value Strategy Composite

 

  One Year Three Years Since Inception
(3/31/2018)
WCM SMID Cap Quality Value Strategy Composite      
 Net Returns, after fees/expenses* (18.18)% 3.85% 5.90%
 Gross Returns (17.35)% 4.89% 6.96%
Russell 2500® Value Index (13.08)% 5.21% 5.59%

 

* The net returns for the composite are shown net of all fees and expenses. The fees and expenses are lower than the anticipated operating expenses of the WCM SMID Quality Value Fund and accordingly, the performance results of the composite are higher than what the Fund’s performance would have been.

 

Average Total Returns

For the Period Ended December 31, 2022

 

WCM China Quality Growth Strategy Composite

 

  One Year Three Years Since Inception
(10/31/2018)
WCM China Quality Growth Strategy Composite
Net Returns, after fees/expenses* (29.14)% 3.96% 13.05%
Gross Returns (28.41)% 5.00% 14.18%
MSCI China All Shares Index    (23.47)% (3.75)% 3.19%

 

* The WCM China Quality Growth Strategy composite contains one non-fee paying fully discretionary account; therefore, the net returns for the composite are net of all expenses, with zero management fees. The fees and expenses of accounts included in the composite are lower than the anticipated operating expenses of the WCM China Quality Growth Fund and accordingly, the performance results of the composite are higher than what the Fund’s performance would have been.

 

Average Annual Total Returns

For the Periods Ended December 31, 2022

 

WCM DEVELOPING WORLD EQUITY Strategy Composite

 

 

 

One Year

Three Years Since Inception
(9/30/2018)

WCM Developing World Equity Strategy Composite 

Net Returns, after fees/expenses* (12.47)% 2.25% 5.66%
Gross Returns (11.58)% 3.28% 6.72%
MSCI Emerging Markets Index (19.74)% (2.34)% 0.59%

 

* The WCM Developing World Equity Strategy composite contains one non-fee paying fully discretionary account; therefore, the net returns for the composite are net of all expenses, with zero management fees. The fees and expenses of accounts included in the composite are lower than the anticipated operating expenses of the WCM Developing World Equity Fund and accordingly, the performance results of the composite are higher than what the Fund’s performance would have been.

 

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Average Annual Total Returns

For the Periods Ended December 31, 2022

 

WCM International EQUITY Strategy Composite

 

  One Year Three Years Since Inception
(7/31/2018)
WCM International Equity Strategy Composite
Net Returns, after fees/expenses* (13.04)% 4.69% 7.07%
Gross Returns (12.16)% 5.74% 8.14%
MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (15.57)% 0.53% 1.80%

 

* The WCM International Equity Strategy composite contains one non-fee paying fully discretionary account; therefore, the net returns for the composite are net of all expenses, with zero management fees. The fees and expenses of accounts included in the composite are lower than the anticipated operating expenses of the WCM International Equity Fund and accordingly, the performance results of the composite are higher than what the Fund’s performance would have been.

 

Average Annual Total Returns

For the Periods Ended December 31, 2022

 

WCM Focused International Value Strategy Composite

 

  One Year Three Years Five Years Ten Years
WCM Focused International Value Strategy Composite  
Net Returns, after fees/expenses* (25.34)% 0.72% 3.03% 5.82%
Gross Returns (24.57)% 1.74% 4.07% 6.88%
MSCI ACWI ex USA Index** (15.57)% 0.53% 1.36% 4.28%
MSCI ACWI ex USA Value Index***  (7.95)% 0.69% 0.57% 3.33%

 

* The net returns for the composite are shown net of all fees and expenses. The fees and expenses are lower than the anticipated operating expenses of the Fund and accordingly, the performance results of the composite are higher than what the Fund’s performance would have been.

 

** The MSCI ACWI ex USA Index captures large and mid cap representation across 22 of 23 developed markets countries (excluding the United States) and 24 emerging markets countries.

 

*** The MSCI ACWI ex USA Value Index captures large and mid cap securities exhibiting overall value style characteristics across 22 developed markets countries (excluding the United States) and 24 emerging markets countries.

 

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Average Annual Total Returns

For the Periods Ended December 31, 2022

 

WCM Focused International Opportunities Strategy Composite

 

  One Year Three Years Since Inception
10/31/2018**
WCM Focused International Opportunities Strategy Composite
     Net Returns, after certain fees/expenses* (35.19)% 5.49% 11.55%
     Gross Returns (34.51)% 6.55% 12.66%
MSCI ACWI ex USA Index (15.57)% 0.53%   4.40%

 

* The net returns for the composite are shown net of certain fees and expenses. The fees and expenses are lower than the anticipated operating expenses of the Fund and accordingly, the performance results of the composite are higher than what the Fund’s performance would have been.
** Annualized.

 

Average Annual Total Returns

For the Periods Ended December 31, 2022

 

WCM Mid Cap Quality Value Strategy Composite

 

  One Year Three Years Five Years Since Inception 6/30/2016
WCM Mid Cap Quality Value Strategy Composite
     Net Returns, after fees/expenses* (19.83)% 3.94% 6.53% 11.40%
     Gross Returns (19.01)% 4.99% 7.60% 12.51%
Russell Midcap® Value Index (12.03)% 5.82% 5.71%   7.99%

 

* The net returns for the composite are shown net of all fees and expenses. The fees and expenses are lower than the anticipated operating expenses of the Fund and accordingly, the performance results of the composite are higher than what the Fund’s performance would have been.

 

The Advisor claims compliance with the Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS®) which differs from the SEC method of calculating performance. The GIPS are a set of standardized, industry wide principles that provide investment firms with guidance on how to calculate and report their investment results. The GIPS total return is calculated by using a methodology that incorporates the time-weighted rate of return concept for all assets, which removes the effects of cash flows. The SEC standardized total return is calculated using a standard formula that uses the average annual total return assuming reinvestment of dividends and distributions and deduction of sales loads or charges.

 

WCM Focused Growth International Strategy Composite contains fully discretionary WCM Focused Growth International equity accounts. For comparison purposes, the composite is measured against the MSCI All-Country World Index ex-United States (ACWI ex US). In presentations shown prior to December 31, 2013, the composite was compared against the MSCI Europe, Australia and Far East (EAFE) index. The benchmark was changed to more appropriately reflect the developed and emerging markets exposure of the composite. As of January 1, 2017, the composite was redefined to only include accounts eligible to invest in issuers' ordinary shares (“ORD-eligible accounts”). Previously, the composite also included accounts that restricted investments to U.S.-denominated securities. The composite was redefined to reflect the larger opportunity set available to ORD-eligible accounts. The minimum account size for this composite is $1 million in equities. Prior to January 1, 2010 the minimum account size was $100,000 in equities.

 

WCM Emerging Markets Strategy Composite was created on December 31, 2010 and contains fully discretionary Emerging Markets equity accounts. For comparison purposes, the composite is measured against the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. There is no minimum account size for this composite.

 

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WCM Quality Global Growth Strategy Composite was created on March 31, 2008 and contains fully discretionary WCM Quality Global Growth equity accounts. As of January 1, 2017, the composite was redefined to only include ORD-eligible accounts. Previously, the composite also included accounts that restricted investments to U.S.-denominated securities. The composite was redefined to reflect the larger opportunity set available to ORD-eligible accounts. For comparison purposes, the composite is measured against the MSCI ACWI Index. There is no minimum account size for this composite.

 

WCM International Small Cap Strategy Composite was created in December 31, 2014 and contains fully discretionary International Small Cap Growth equity accounts. There is no minimum account size for this composite.

 

WCM Small Cap Growth Strategy Composite contains fully discretionary Small Cap Growth equity accounts. WCM uses quantitative metrics and fundamental research to identify companies that have an increasing cash flow return on investment and a growing investment base, with a focus on market capitalizations between $300 million and the largest in the Russell 2000 index. For comparison purposes, the composite is measured against the Russell 2000 Growth Index. There is no minimum account size for this composite.

 

WCM SMID Cap Quality Value Strategy Composite contains fully discretionary SMID Cap Quality Value equity accounts. WCM uses quantitative metrics and fundamental research to identify companies it believes are trading at discounted valuations, with a focus on market capitalizations between $1.5 billion and $15 billion. For comparison purposes, the composite is measured against the Russell 2500® Value Index.

 

WCM China Quality Growth Strategy Composite was created on October 31, 2018 and contains fully discretionary China Quality Growth equity accounts. For comparison purposes, the composite is measured against the MSCI China All Shares Index. There is no minimum account size for this composite.

 

WCM Developing World Equity Strategy Composite was created on September 30, 2018 and contains fully discretionary Sustainable Developing World equity accounts. For comparison purposes, the composite is measured against the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. There is no minimum account size for this composite. Effective June 30, 2022, the name of the composite changed from WCM Sustainable Developing World Strategy Composite to WCM Developing World Equity Strategy Composite.

 

WCM International Equity Strategy Composite was created on July 31, 2018 and contains fully discretionary Sustainable International equity accounts. For comparison purposes, the composite is measured against the MSCI ACWI ex US Index. There is no minimum account size for this composite. Effective June 30, 2022, the name of the composite changed from WCM Sustainable International Strategy Composite to WCM International Equity Strategy Composite.

 

WCM Focused International Value Strategy Composite contains fully discretionary Focused International Value equity accounts. WCM uses quantitative metrics and fundamental research to identify companies it believes are trading at discounted valuations. For comparison purposes, the composite is measured against the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index. There is no account minimum for this composite.

 

WCM Focused International Opportunities Fund was created on October 31, 2018 and contains one non-fee paying fully discretionary account. The underlying strategy for the WCM Focused International Opportunities Strategy strives to generate alpha while mitigating downside capture over full market cycles. In an effort to achieve these goals, the strategy employs a bottom-up fundamental approach which seeks to invest in companies with strengthening competitive advantages (“moats”) and moat-complementary corporate cultures. In addition, WCM seeks businesses which stand to benefit from long-lasting industry trends. For comparison purposes, the composite is measured against the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index. There is no minimum account size for this composite.

 

WCM Mid Cap Quality Value Strategy Composite contains fully discretionary Mid Cap Quality Value equity accounts. WCM uses quantitative metrics and fundamental research to identify companies it believes are trading at discounted valuations, with a focus on market capitalizations between $5 and $25 billion. For comparison purposes, the composite is measured against the Russell Midcap Value Index.

 

WCM is an investment advisor registered with the SEC under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended.

 

Results are based on fully discretionary accounts under management, including those accounts no longer managed by the firm. The WCM Focused Growth International Strategy Composite contains wrap fee accounts, which pay a fee based on a percentage of assets under management. In addition to brokerage commissions, this fee includes investment management, portfolio monitoring, consulting services, and in some cases, custodial services. Wrap fee schedules are provided by independent wrap sponsors and are available upon request from the respective wrap sponsor.

 

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The gross returns were calculated on a time weighted basis, including all dividends net of withholding taxes if applicable, accrual income, and realized and unrealized gains or losses, are net of all brokerage commissions and execution costs, and do not give effect to investment advisory fees, which would reduce such returns. The net returns for the composite have been adjusted to reflect the Fund’s total annual operating expenses after fee waivers and expense reimbursements as set forth in the “Fees and Expenses of the Fund” table in this Prospectus.

 

For comparison purposes, performance is presented gross of foreign withholding taxes on dividends, interest income, and capital gains for the composite and the benchmarks. Accounts experiencing cash flows equal to or greater than 20% of their value are temporarily removed from the composite during the month in which the cash flows occur. Accounts rejoin the composite the following month. In instances where assets are being transferred into an account, the account will not be removed from the composite, even if the inflow is equal to or greater than 20% of the account value, if the complete transfer (all assets) matches the account’s strategy/model on the day of transfer. Additional information regarding the treatment of significant cash flow is available upon request. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

 

The U.S. dollar is the currency used to express performance. Returns are presented gross and net of managements fees and include the reinvestment of all income. Net of fee performance is calculated using actual management fees.

 

The annual composite dispersion presented is an asset-weighted standard deviation calculated for the accounts in the composite the entire year. Additional information regarding policies for calculating and reporting returns, a compliant presentation and/or the firm’s list of composite descriptions is available upon request by contacting WCM at 800-827-4515.

 

The Advisor’s standard management fee schedule is as follows: 1.00% on all assets. Fees are negotiable.

 

The Morgan Stanley Capital International Europe, Australasia and Far East (MSCI EAFE) Index is an unmanaged market capitalization-weighted index of equity securities of companies domiciled in various countries. The Index is designed to represent the performance of developed stock markets outside the United States and Canada and excludes certain market segments unavailable to U.S. based investors.

 

The MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure equity market performance of emerging markets.

 

The MSCI ACWI Index is designed to represent performance of the full opportunity set of large- and mid-cap stocks across 23 developed and 24 emerging markets.

 

The MSCI ACWI EX-US Small Cap Index captures small cap representation across 22 of 23 Developed Markets countries (excluding the US) and 24 Emerging Markets countries.

 

The Russell 2000® Growth Index measures the performance of the small-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 2000® companies with higher price-to-value ratios and higher forecasted growth values. The Russell 2000® Growth Index is unmanaged and represents total returns including reinvestment of dividends.

 

The Russell 2500 Value Index measures the performance of the small to mid-cap value segment of the US equity universe. It includes those Russell 2500 companies with relatively lower price-to-book ratios, lower I/B/E/S forecast medium term (2 year) growth and lower sales per share historical growth (5 years).

 

The MSCI China All Shares Index captures large to mid-cap representation across China A-shares, B-shares, H-shares, Red-chips, P-chips, and foreign listings. The index aims to reflect the opportunity set of China share classes listed in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Shenzhen and outside of China.

 

The MSCI ACWI ex USA Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index designed to measure equity market performance in the global developed (excluding the USA) and emerging markets.

 

The MSCI ACWI ex USA SMID Cap Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure equity market performance of mid and small cap representation across developed markets, excluding the US.

 

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The Russell Midcap Value Index measures the performance of the midcap value segment of the U.S. equity universe. The Russell Midcap Value Index is unmanaged and represents total returns including reinvestment of dividends.

 

The MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index captures large and mid-cap representation across 23 of the 23 Emerging Markets (EM) countries excluding China.

 

Prior Performance for Similar Accounts Managed by the Portfolio Managers (WCM Small Cap Growth Fund)

 

The following table sets forth performance data relating to the historical performance of all private accounts (the “Accounts”) managed by the portfolio managers, John Rackers and Chad Hoffman, for the periods indicated, that have investment objectives, policies, strategies and risks substantially similar to those of the WCM Small Cap Growth Fund. The data does not represent the performance of the WCM Small Cap Growth Fund and is provided to illustrate the past performance of Messrs. Rackers and Hoffman when they were employed by their prior firms in managing substantially similar accounts as measured against a market index. Messrs. Rackers and Hoffman were the only individuals jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Accounts using the Small Cap Growth equity strategy, which Mr. Rackers began managing on January 1, 2008, and they began jointly managing on May 1, 2010. No other person played a significant part in achieving the Accounts’ performance. In addition, neither Mr. Rackers nor Mr. Hoffman managed any other comparable registered funds or private accounts while managing the Accounts at their prior firms, and they have the same discretion in managing the WCM Small Cap Growth Fund as they did in managing the Accounts. From January 2008 through May 2012, Messrs. Rackers and Hoffman were employees of Missouri Valley Partners and from June 2012 through November 2018, they were employees of Kennedy Capital Management. You should not consider this performance data as an indication of future performance of the WCM Small Cap Growth Fund.

 

The Accounts that are included in the performance data set forth below are not subject to the same types of expenses to which the WCM Small Cap Growth Fund is subject, or to the diversification requirements, specific tax restrictions and investment limitations imposed on the Fund by the 1940 Act or Subchapter M of the Code. Consequently, the performance results for the Accounts could have been adversely affected if the Accounts had been regulated as investment companies under the federal securities laws.

 

Average Annual Total Returns

For the Periods Ended November 30, 2018

 

Small Cap Growth Composite

 

  One Year Three Years Five Years Since
May 1, 2010
Small Cap Growth Composite
 Net Returns, after fees/expenses* 4.5% 11.9% 9.0% 14.6%
 Gross Returns 5.3% 12.7% 9.8% 15.6%
Russell 2000 Growth Index** 2.8% 9.9% 8.2% 12.1%

 

* The net returns for the composite are shown net of all fees and expenses. The fees and expenses of the Accounts were lower than the anticipated operating expenses of the Fund and accordingly, the performance results of the composite are higher than what the Fund’s performance would have been.

 

** The Russell 2000® Growth Index measures the performance of the small-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 2000® companies with higher price-to-value ratios and higher forecasted growth values. The Russell 2000® Growth Index is unmanaged and represents total returns including reinvestment of dividends.

 

Performance was calculated in compliance with GIPS®, which differs from the SEC method of calculating performance. The GIPS are a set of standardized, industry wide principles that provide investment firms with guidance on how to calculate and report their investment results. The GIPS total return is calculated by using a methodology that incorporates the time-weighted rate of return concept for all assets, which removes the effects of cash flows. The SEC standardized total return is calculated using a standard formula that uses the average annual total return assuming reinvestment of dividends and distributions and deduction of sales loads or charges. The use of the SEC standardized methodology to calculate the performance of the Small Cap Growth Composite could result in different performance data than that shown above.

 

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Composite specific data provided in the table above has been calculated from discretionary accounts.

 

Other Service Providers

 

Natixis Distribution, LLC (the “Distributor”) is the Fund’s principal underwriter and acts as the Fund’s distributor in connection with the offering of Fund shares. The Distributor may enter into agreements with banks, broker-dealers, or other financial intermediaries through which investors may purchase or redeem shares. The Distributor is affiliated with the Advisor, but it is not affiliated with the Trust or any other service provider for the Funds.

 

Fund Expenses

 

Each Fund is responsible for its own operating expenses (all of which will be borne directly or indirectly by the Fund’s shareholders), including among others, legal fees and expenses of counsel to the Fund and the Fund’s independent trustees; insurance (including trustees’ and officers’ errors and omissions insurance); auditing and accounting expenses; taxes and governmental fees; listing fees; fees and expenses of the Fund’s custodians, administrators, transfer agents, registrars and other service providers; expenses for portfolio pricing services by a pricing agent, if any; expenses in connection with the issuance and offering of shares; brokerage commissions and other costs of acquiring or disposing of any portfolio holding of the Fund; and any litigation expenses.

 

The Advisor has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or pay for operating expenses of each Fund to ensure that the total annual fund operating expenses (excluding, as applicable, taxes, leverage interest, brokerage commissions, dividend and interest expenses on short sales, acquired fund fees and expenses as determined in accordance with Form N-1A, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization, or extraordinary expenses such as litigation expenses) do not exceed the limits (as a percentage of average daily net assets) set forth below:

 

  Investor
Class
Institutional Class
WCM Focused International Growth Fund 1.50% 1.25%
WCM Focused Emerging Markets Fund 1.50% 1.25%
WCM Focused Global Growth Fund 1.30% 1.05%
WCM International Small Cap Growth Fund N/A 1.25%
WCM Small Cap Growth Fund* 1.24% 0.99%
WCM SMID Quality Value Fund** 1.10% 0.85%
WCM China Quality Growth Fund 1.50% 1.25%
WCM Developing World Equity Fund 1.50% 1.25%
WCM International Equity Fund 1.35% 1.10%
WCM Focused International Value Fund 1.50% 1.25%
WCM Focused International Opportunities Fund 1.50% 1.25%
WCM Mid Cap Quality Value Fund 1.25% 1.00%
WCM Focused Emerging Markets ex China Fund 1.50% 1.25%

 

* With respect to the WCM Small Cap Growth Fund, effective July 1, 2022, the Advisor agreed to reduce the expense caps from 1.50% and 1.25% to 1.24% and 0.99% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s Investor Class and Institutional Class shares, respectively.
** With respect to the WCM SMID Quality Value Fund, effective November 30, 2022, the Advisor agreed to reduce the expense caps from 1.25% and 1.00% to 1.10% and 0.85% of the average daily net assets of the Investor Class and Institutional Class shares, respectively.
With respect to the WCM International Equity Fund, effective December 31, 2022, the Advisor agreed to reduce the expense caps from 1.50% and 1.25% to 1.35% and 1.10% of the average daily net assets of the Fund’s Investor Class and Institutional Class shares, respectively.

 

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This agreement is effective until April 30, 2024, with respect to the WCM Focused International Growth Fund, WCM Focused Emerging Markets Fund, WCM Focused Global Growth Fund and WCM International Small Cap Growth Fund, and April 30, 2033, with respect to the WCM Small Cap Growth Fund, WCM SMID Quality Value Fund WCM China Quality Growth Fund, WCM Developing World Equity Fund, WCM International Equity Fund, WCM Focused International Value Fund, WCM Focused International Opportunities Fund, WCM Mid Cap Quality Value Fund, and WCM Focused Emerging Markets ex China Fund, and it may only be terminated or amended prior to the end of the term with the approval of the Trust’s Board of Trustees.

 

Any reduction in advisory fees or payment of a Fund’s expenses made by the Advisor in a fiscal year may be reimbursed by the Fund for a period ending three full fiscal years, with respect to the WCM Focused International Growth Fund, WCM Focused Emerging Markets Fund, WCM Focused Global Growth Fund, and WCM International Small Cap Growth Fund, after the date of reduction or payment if the Advisor so requests. Any reduction in advisory fees or payment of a Fund’s expenses made by the Advisor in a fiscal year may be reimbursed by the Fund for a period ending three full years with respect to the WCM Small Cap Growth Fund, WCM SMID Quality Value Fund, WCM China Quality Growth Fund, WCM Developing World Equity Fund, WCM International Equity Fund, WCM Focused International Value Fund, WCM Focused International Opportunities Fund, WCM Mid Cap Quality Value Fund, and WCM Focused Emerging Markets ex China Fund, after the date of reduction or payment if the Advisor so requests. This reimbursement may be requested from a Fund if the reimbursement will not cause the Fund’s annual expense ratio to exceed the lesser of (a) the expense limitation in effect at the time such fees were waived or payments made, or (b) the expense limitation in effect at the time of the reimbursement. However, the reimbursement amount may not exceed the total amount of fees waived and/or Fund expenses paid by the Advisor and will not include any amounts previously reimbursed to the Advisor by the Fund. Any such reimbursement is contingent upon the Board’s subsequent review of the reimbursed amounts. A Fund must pay current ordinary operating expenses before the Advisor is entitled to any reimbursement of fees and/or Fund expenses.

 

DISTRIBUTION AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICE PLAN

 

 

Distribution and Service (Rule 12b-1) Fees

 

The Trust has adopted a plan on behalf of the Funds, except for WCM International Small Cap Growth Fund, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act (the “12b-1 Plan”) which allows each Fund to pay distribution fees for the sale and distribution of its Investor Class shares and/or shareholder liaison service fees in connection with the provision of personal services to shareholders of Investor Class Shares and the maintenance of their shareholder accounts. The 12b-1 Plan provides for the payment of such fees at the annual rate of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets attributable to Investor Class shares. Since these fees are paid out of each Fund’s assets attributable to the Fund’s Investor Class shares, these fees will increase the cost of your investment and, over time, may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges. The net income attributable to Investor Class shares will be reduced by the amount of distribution and shareholder liaison service fees and other expenses of a Fund associated with that class of shares.

 

To assist investors in comparing classes of shares, the table under the Prospectus heading “Fees and Expenses of the Fund” provides a summary of expenses and an example of the expenses of each Fund applicable to each class of shares offered in this Prospectus.

 

Institutional Class shares are not subject to any distribution fees under the 12b-1 Plan.

 

Shareholder Service Fee

 

Each Fund may pay a fee at an annual rate of up to 0.15% of its average daily net assets to shareholder servicing agents. Shareholder servicing agents provide non-distribution administrative and support services to their customers, which may include establishing and maintaining accounts and records relating to shareholders, processing dividend and distribution payments from the Funds on behalf of shareholders, forwarding communications from the Funds, providing sub-accounting with respect to Fund shares, and other similar services.

 

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Additional Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

The Advisor may pay service fees to intermediaries such as banks, broker-dealers, financial advisors or other financial institutions, some of which may be affiliates, for sub-administration, sub-transfer agency and other shareholder services associated with shareholders whose shares are held of record in omnibus accounts, other group accounts or accounts traded through registered securities clearing agents.

 

The Advisor, out of its own resources, and without additional cost to the Funds or their shareholders, may provide additional cash payments or non-cash compensation to broker-dealers or intermediaries that sell shares of the Funds. These additional cash payments are generally made to intermediaries that provide shareholder servicing, marketing support and/or access to sales meetings, sales representatives and management representatives of the intermediary. The Advisor may pay cash compensation for inclusion of the Funds on a sales list, including a preferred or select sales list, or in other sales programs, or may pay an expense reimbursement in cases where the intermediary provides shareholder services to the Funds’ shareholders. The Advisor may also pay cash compensation in the form of finder’s fees that vary depending on the dollar amount of the shares sold.

 

YOUR ACCOUNT WITH THE FUNDS

 

 

Share Price

 

The offering price of each class of each Fund’s shares is the net asset value per share (“NAV”) of that class. For each Fund other than the WCM International Small Cap Growth Fund, the difference between the classes’ NAVs reflects the daily expense accruals of the distribution fees applicable to Investor Class Shares. Each Fund’s NAVs are calculated as of 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, the normal close of regular trading on the NYSE, on each day the NYSE is open for trading. If for example, the NYSE closes at 1:00 p.m. New York time, each Fund’s NAVs would still be determined as of 4:00 p.m. New York time. In this example, portfolio securities traded on the NYSE would be valued at their closing prices unless the Advisor determines that a “fair value” adjustment is appropriate due to subsequent events. The NAV for each class of a Fund is determined by dividing the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities, cash and other assets (including accrued interest) allocable to such class, less all liabilities (including accrued expenses) allocable to such class, by the total number of outstanding shares of such class. Each Fund’s NAVs may be calculated earlier if permitted by the SEC. The NYSE is closed on weekends and most U.S. national holidays. However, foreign securities listed primarily on non-U.S. markets may trade on weekends or other days on which a Fund does not value its shares, which may significantly affect the Fund’s NAVs on days when you are not able to buy or sell Fund shares.

 

The Funds’ securities generally are valued at market price. Securities are valued at fair value when market quotations are not readily available. The Board has designated the Advisor as each Fund’s valuation designee (the “Valuation Designee”) to make all fair value determinations with respect to the Fund’s portfolio investments, subject to the Board’s oversight. As the Valuation Designee, the Advisor adopted and implemented policies and procedures to be followed when a Fund must utilize fair value pricing, including when reliable market quotations are not readily available, when the Fund’s pricing service does not provide a valuation (or provides a valuation that, in the judgment of the Advisor, does not represent the security’s fair value), or when, in the judgment of the Advisor, events have rendered the market value unreliable (see, for example, the discussion of fair value pricing of foreign securities in the paragraph below). Valuing securities at fair value involves reliance on the judgment of the Advisor, and may result in a different price being used in the calculation of the Funds’ NAVs from quoted or published prices for the same securities. Fair value determinations are made by the Advisor, in good faith, in accordance with procedures approved by the Board. There can be no assurance that a Fund will obtain the fair value assigned to a security if it sells the security.

 

In certain circumstances, the Advisor employs fair value pricing to ensure greater accuracy in determining daily the Funds’ NAVs and to prevent dilution by frequent traders or market timers who seek to exploit temporary market anomalies. Fair value pricing may be applied to foreign securities held by a Fund upon the occurrence of an event after the close of trading on non-U.S. markets but before the close of trading on the NYSE when the Funds’ NAVs are determined. If the event may result in a material adjustment to the price of a Fund’s foreign securities once non-U.S. markets open on the following business day (such as, for example, a significant surge or decline in the U.S. market), the Advisor may value such foreign securities at fair value, taking into account the effect of such event, in order to calculate the Funds’ NAVs.

 

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Other types of portfolio securities that the Advisor may fair value include, but are not limited to: (1) investments that are illiquid or traded infrequently, including “restricted” securities and private placements for which there is no public market; (2) investments for which, in the judgment of the Advisor, the market price is stale; (3) securities of an issuer that has entered into a restructuring; (4) securities for which trading has been halted or suspended; and (5) fixed income securities for which there are no current market value quotations.

 

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

 

Purchase of Shares

 

This Prospectus offers two classes of shares of the WCM Focused International Growth Fund, WCM Focused Emerging Markets Fund, WCM Focused Global Growth Fund, WCM Small Cap Growth Fund, WCM SMID Quality Value Fund, WCM China Quality Growth Fund, WCM Developing World Equity Fund, WCM International Equity Fund, WCM Focused International Value Fund, WCM Focused International Opportunities Fund, WCM Mid Cap Quality Value Fund, and WCM Focused Emerging Markets ex China Fund designated as Investor Class and Institutional Class Shares. The Prospectus offers one class of shares of the WCM International Small Cap Growth Fund, designated as Institutional Class Shares.

 

· Investor Class shares generally incur annual distribution and shareholder service fees.
· Institutional Class shares do not incur distribution fees but may incur shareholder service fees.

 

By offering multiple classes of shares, the WCM Focused International Growth Fund, WCM Focused Emerging Markets Fund, WCM Focused Global Growth Fund, WCM Small Cap Growth Fund, WCM SMID Quality Value Fund, WCM China Quality Growth Fund, WCM Developing World Equity Fund, WCM International Equity Fund, WCM Focused International Value Fund, WCM Focused International Opportunities Fund, WCM Mid Cap Quality Value Fund, and WCM Focused Emerging Markets ex China Fund permit each investor to choose the class of shares that is most beneficial given the type of investor, the amount to be invested and the length of time the investor expects to hold the shares.

 

Before you invest, you should compare the features of each share class, so that you can choose the class that is right for you. When selecting a share class, you should consider the following:

 

· which shares classes are available to you;
· how long you expect to own your shares;
· how much you intend to invest; and
· total costs and expenses associated with a particular share class.

 

Each class of shares generally has the same rights, except for the distribution fees, and related expenses associated with each class of shares, and the exclusive voting rights by each class with respect to any distribution plan or service plan for such class of shares.

 

To purchase shares of a Fund, you must invest at least the minimum amount indicated in the following table.

 

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  Investor Class Institutional Class
Minimum Investments

To Open

Your Account

To Add to

Your Account

To Open

Your Account

To Add to

Your Account

Direct Regular Accounts $1,000 $100 $100,000 $5,000
Direct Retirement Accounts $1,000 $100 $100,000 $5,000
Automatic Investment Plan $100 $50 $5,000 $2,500
Gift Account For Minors $1,000 $500 $100,000 $5,000

 

For Investor Class Shares, there is no initial or subsequent investment minimum for:

 

· Fee Based Programs (such as wrap accounts) where an advisory fee is paid to the broker-dealer or other financial intermediary. Please consult your financial representative to determine if your fee based program is subject to additional or different conditions or fees.
· Certain Retirement Plans. Please consult your retirement plan administrator to determine if your retirement plan is subject to additional or different conditions or fees.
· Clients of a Registered Investment Adviser where the registered investment adviser receives an advisory, management or consulting fee.

 

For Institutional Class Shares, there is no initial or subsequent investment minimum for:

 

· Fee Based Programs (such as wrap accounts) where an advisory fee is paid to the broker-dealer or other financial intermediary. Please consult your financial representative to determine if your fee based program is subject to additional or different conditions or fees.
· Certain Retirement Plans. Please consult your retirement plan administrator to determine if your retirement plan is subject to additional or different conditions or fees.
· Certain Individual Retirement Accounts if the amounts invested represent rollover distributions from investments by any of the retirement plans invested in the Fund.
· Clients of a Registered Investment Adviser where the registered investment adviser receives an advisory, management or consulting fee.
· Trustees of the Trust, former trustees of the Trust, and current or retired directors and employees of the Advisor and its affiliates (this also applies to any spouse, parents, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren and in-laws of those mentioned).

 

At the discretion of the Advisor, clients of the Advisor and its affiliates may purchase Institutional Class Shares of the Fund below the stated minimums. Due to operational limitations at your financial intermediary, certain fee based programs, retirement plans, individual retirement accounts and accounts of registered investment advisers may be subject to the Fund’s investment minimums.

 

Certain Retirement Plans – The Advisor defines “Certain Retirement Plans” as it relates to account minimums as follows: 401(k) plans, 457 plans, 401(a) plans (including profit-sharing and money purchase pension plans), 403(b) and 403(b)(7) plans, defined benefit plans, non-qualified deferred compensation plans, Taft Hartley multi-employer plans and retiree health benefit plans. The accounts must be plan level omnibus accounts to qualify. Certain Retirement Plans does not include individual retirement plan accounts such as IRAs, SIMPLE, SEP, SARSEP, Roth IRA, etc. Any retirement plan accounts registered in the name of a participant would not qualify.

 

See “Appendix A” for certain information related to purchase of shares through certain brokerage platforms.

 

Shares of a Fund may be purchased by check, by wire transfer of funds via a bank or through an approved financial intermediary (i.e., a supermarket, investment advisor, financial planner or consultant, broker, dealer or other investment professional and their agents) authorized by the Funds to receive purchase orders. Financial intermediaries may provide varying arrangements for their clients to purchase and redeem shares, which may include different sales charges as described in this Prospectus, additional fees and different investment minimums. In addition, from time to time, a financial intermediary may modify or waive the initial and subsequent investment minimums. The share classes your financial intermediary sells may depend on, among other things, the type of investor account and the policies, procedures and practices adopted by your financial intermediary. You should review these arrangements with your financial intermediary.

 

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You may make an initial investment in an amount greater than the minimum amounts shown in the preceding table and a Fund may, from time to time, reduce or waive the minimum initial investment amounts. The minimum initial investment amount is automatically waived for Fund shares purchased by Trustees of the Trust and current or retired directors and employees of the Advisor and its affiliates.

 

To the extent allowed by applicable law, each Fund reserves the right to discontinue offering shares at any time or to cease operating entirely.

 

In Kind Purchases and Redemptions

 

Each Fund reserves the right to accept payment for shares in the form of securities that are permissible investments for the Fund. Each Fund also reserves the right to pay redemptions by an “in-kind” distribution of portfolio securities (instead of cash) from the Fund. In-kind purchases and redemptions are generally taxable events and may result in the recognition of gain or loss for federal income tax purposes. See the SAI for further information about the terms of these purchases and redemptions.

 

Additional Investments

 

Additional subscriptions in a Fund generally may be made by investing at least the minimum amount shown in the table above. Exceptions may be made at a Fund’s discretion. You may purchase additional shares of a Fund by sending a check together with the investment stub from your most recent account statement to the Fund at the applicable address listed on the table below. Please ensure that you include your account number on the check. If you do not have the investment stub from your account statement, list your name, address and account number on a separate sheet of paper and include it with your check. You may also make additional investments in a Fund by wire transfer of funds or through an approved financial intermediary. The minimum additional investment amount is automatically waived for shares purchased by Trustees of the Trust and current or retired directors and employees of the Advisor and its affiliates. Please follow the procedures described in this Prospectus.

 

Customer Identification Information

 

To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. When you open an account, you will be asked for your name, date of birth (for a natural person), your residential address or principal place of business, and mailing address, if different, as well as your Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number. Additional information is required for corporations, partnerships and other entities, including the name, residential address, date of birth and Social Security Number of the underlying beneficial owners and authorized control persons of entity owners. Applications without such information will not be considered in good order. Each Fund reserves the right to deny any application if the application is not in good order.

 

This Prospectus should not be considered a solicitation to purchase or as an offer to sell shares of the Funds in any jurisdiction where it would be unlawful to do so under the laws of that jurisdiction. Please note that the value of your account may be transferred to the appropriate state if no activity occurs in the account within the time period specified by state law.

 

Automatic Investment Plan

 

If you intend to use the Automatic Investment Plan (“AIP”), you may open your account with the initial minimum investment amount. Once an account has been opened, you may make additional investments in a Fund at regular intervals through the AIP. If elected on your account application, funds can be automatically transferred from your checking or savings account on the 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th or 25th of each month. In order to participate in the AIP, each additional subscription must be at least $50 ($2,500 for Institutional Class), and your financial institution must be a member of the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) network. The first AIP purchase will be made 15 days after the Funds’ transfer agent (the “Transfer Agent”) receives your request in good order. The Transfer Agent will charge a $25 fee for any ACH payment that is rejected by your bank. Your AIP will be terminated if two successive mailings we send to you are returned by the U.S. Postal Service as undeliverable. You may terminate your participation in the AIP at any time by notifying the Transfer Agent at 1-888-988-9801 at least five days prior to the date of the next AIP transfer. A Fund may modify or terminate the AIP at any time without notice.

 

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Timing and Nature of Requests

 

The purchase price you will pay for a Fund’s shares will be the next NAV calculated after the Transfer Agent or your authorized financial intermediary receives your request in good order. “Good order” means that your purchase request includes: (1) the name of the Fund, (2) the dollar amount of shares to be purchased, (3) your purchase application or investment stub, and (4) a check payable to WCM Funds. All requests received in good order before 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on any business day will be processed on that same day. Requests received at or after 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) will be transacted at the next business day’s NAV. All purchases must be made in U.S. dollars and drawn on U.S. financial institutions.

 

Methods of Buying

Through a broker-

dealer or other

financial

intermediary

Each Fund is offered through certain approved financial intermediaries (and their agents). Each Fund is also offered directly. A purchase order placed with a financial intermediary or its authorized agent is treated as if such order were placed directly with the Fund, and will be deemed to have been received by the Fund when the financial intermediary or its authorized agent receives the order and executed at the next NAV calculated by the Fund. Your financial intermediary will hold your shares in a pooled account in its (or its agent’s) name. A Fund may pay your financial intermediary (or its agent) to maintain your individual ownership information, maintain required records, and provide other shareholder services. A financial intermediary which offers shares may charge its individual clients transaction fees which may be in addition to those described in this Prospectus. For example, the financial intermediary may charge transaction fees or set different minimum investments. Your financial intermediary is responsible for processing your order correctly and promptly, keeping you advised of the status of your account, confirming your transactions and ensuring that you receive copies of the Fund’s Prospectus. Please contact your financial intermediary to determine whether it is an approved financial intermediary of the Funds or for additional information.
By mail A Fund will not accept payment in cash, including cashier’s checks. Also, to prevent check fraud, a Fund will not accept third party checks, Treasury checks, credit card checks, traveler’s checks, money orders or starter checks for the purchase of shares. All checks must be made in U.S. dollars and drawn on U.S. financial institutions.
  To buy shares directly from a Fund by mail, complete an account application and send it together with your check for the amount you wish to invest to the Fund at the address indicated below. To make additional investments once you have opened your account, write your account number on the check and send it to the Fund together with the most recent confirmation statement received from the Transfer Agent. If your check is returned for insufficient funds, your purchase will be canceled and a $25 fee will be assessed against your account by the Transfer Agent.
  Regular Mail
WCM Funds
P.O. Box 2175
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201
Overnight Delivery
WCM Funds
235 West Galena Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212

 

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

By telephone

 

To make additional investments by telephone, you must authorize telephone purchases on your account application. If you have given authorization for telephone transactions and your account has been open for at least 15 days, call the Transfer Agent toll-free at 1-888-988-9801 and you will be allowed to move money in amounts of at least $5,000 but not greater than $50,000, from your bank account to the applicable Fund’s account upon request. Only bank accounts held at U.S. institutions that are ACH members may be used for telephone transactions. If your order is placed before 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on a business day shares will be purchased in your account at the NAV calculated on that day. Orders received at or after 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) will be transacted at the next business day’s NAV. For security reasons, requests by telephone will be recorded.
By wire To open an account by wire, a completed account application form must be received by a Fund before your wire can be accepted. You may mail or send by overnight delivery your account application form to the Transfer Agent. Upon receipt of your completed account application form, an account will be established for you. The account number assigned to you will be required as part of the wiring instruction that should be provided to your bank to send the wire. Your bank must include the name of the Fund, the account number, and your name so that monies can be correctly applied. Your bank should transmit monies by wire to:
 

UMB Bank, n.a.

ABA Number 101000695

For credit to WCM Funds

A/C # 9871975789

For further credit to:

Your account number

Fund Name

Name(s) of investor(s)

Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number

  Before sending your wire, please contact the Transfer Agent at 1-888-988-9801 to notify it of your intention to wire funds. This will ensure prompt and accurate credit upon receipt of your wire. Your bank may charge a fee for its wiring service.
  Wired funds must be received prior to 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on a business day to be eligible for same day pricing. The Funds and UMB Bank, n.a. are not responsible for the consequences of delays resulting from the banking or Federal Reserve wire system, or from incomplete wiring instructions.

 

Selling (Redeeming) Fund Shares

Through a broker-

dealer or other

financial

intermediary

If you purchased your shares through an approved financial intermediary, your redemption order must be placed through the same financial intermediary. Such financial intermediaries are authorized to designate other financial intermediaries to receive purchase and redemption orders on the Fund’s behalf. A Fund will be deemed to have received a redemption order when a financial intermediary (or its authorized agent) receives the order. The financial intermediary must receive your redemption order prior to 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on a business day for the redemption to be processed at the current day’s NAV. Orders received at or after 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on a business day or on a day when the Fund does not value its shares will be transacted at the next business day’s NAV. Please keep in mind that your financial intermediary may charge additional fees for its services. In the event your approved financial intermediary is no longer available or in operation, you may place your redemption order directly with the Fund as described below.

 

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By mail You may redeem shares purchased directly from a Fund by mail. Send your written redemption request to WCM Funds at the address indicated below. Your request must be in good order and contain the Fund name, the name(s) on the account, your account number and the dollar amount or the number of shares to be redeemed. The redemption request must be signed by all shareholders listed on the account. Additional documents are required for certain types of shareholders, such as corporations, partnerships, executors, trustees, administrators, or guardians (i.e., corporate resolutions dated within 60 days, or trust documents indicating proper authorization).
  Regular Mail
WCM Funds
P.O. Box 2175
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201
Overnight Delivery
WCM Funds
235 West Galena Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212
  A Medallion signature guarantee must be included if any of the following situations apply:
 

·    You wish to redeem more than $50,000 worth of shares;

·    When redemption proceeds are sent to any person, address or bank account not on record;

·    If a change of address was received by the Transfer Agent within the last 15 days;

·     If ownership is changed on your account; or

·     When establishing or modifying certain services on your account.

By telephone To redeem shares by telephone, call the Funds at 1-888-988-9801 and specify the amount of money you wish to redeem. You may have a check sent to the address of record, or, if previously established on your account, you may have proceeds sent by wire or electronic funds transfer through the ACH network directly to your bank account. Wire transfers are subject to a $20 fee paid by the shareholder and your bank may charge a fee to receive wired funds. Checks sent via overnight delivery are subject to a $25 charge. You do not incur any charge when proceeds are sent via the ACH network; however, credit may not be available for two to three business days.
  If you are authorized to perform telephone transactions (either through your account application form or by subsequent arrangement in writing with the Funds), you may redeem shares worth up to $50,000, by instructing the Funds by phone at 1-888-988-9801. Unless noted on the initial account application, a Medallion signature guarantee is required of all shareholders in order to qualify for or to change telephone redemption privileges.
  Note: The Funds and all of their service providers will not be liable for any loss or expense in acting upon instructions that are reasonably believed to be genuine. To confirm that all telephone instructions are genuine, the caller must verify the following:
 

·    The Fund account number;

·    The name in which his or her account is registered;

·    The Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number under which the account is registered; and

·    The address of the account holder, as stated in the account application form.

 

Medallion Signature Guarantee

 

In addition to the situations described above, each Fund reserves the right to require a Medallion signature guarantee in other instances based on the circumstances relative to the particular situation.

 

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Shareholders redeeming more than $50,000 worth of shares by mail should submit written instructions with a Medallion signature guarantee from an eligible institution acceptable to the Transfer Agent, such as a domestic bank or trust company, broker, dealer, clearing agency or savings association, or from any participant in a Medallion program recognized by the Securities Transfer Association. The three currently recognized Medallion programs are Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program, Stock Exchanges Medallion Program and New York Stock Exchange, Inc. Medallion Signature Program. Signature guarantees that are not part of these programs will not be accepted. Participants in Medallion programs are subject to dollar limitations which must be considered when requesting their guarantee. The Transfer Agent may reject any signature guarantee if it believes the transaction would otherwise be improper. A notary public cannot provide a signature guarantee.

 

Systematic Withdrawal Plan

 

You may request that a predetermined dollar amount be sent to you on a monthly or quarterly basis. Your account must maintain a value of at least $100,000 for Institutional Class ($50,000 for IRA accounts) and $1,000 for Investor Class for you to be eligible to participate in the Systematic Withdrawal Plan (“SWP”). The minimum withdrawal amount is $100. If you elect to receive redemptions through the SWP, the Funds will send a check to your address of record, or will send the payment via electronic funds transfer through the ACH network, directly to your bank account on record. You may request an application for the SWP by calling the Transfer Agent toll-free at 1-888-988-9801. A Fund may modify or terminate the SWP at any time. You may terminate your participation in the SWP by calling the Transfer Agent at least five business days before the next withdrawal.

 

Payment of Redemption Proceeds

 

You may redeem shares of a Fund at a price equal to the NAV next determined after the Transfer Agent and/or authorized agent receives your redemption request in good order. Generally, your redemption request cannot be processed on days the NYSE is closed. Redemption proceeds for requests received in good order by the Transfer Agent and/or authorized agent before the close of the regular trading session of the NYSE (generally, 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) will usually be sent to the address of record or the bank you indicate, or wired using the wire instructions on record on the following business day. Payment of redemption proceeds may take longer than typically expected, but will be sent within seven calendar days after the Fund receives your redemption request, except as specified below.

 

If you purchase shares using a check and request a redemption before the check has cleared, a Fund may postpone payment of your redemption proceeds up to 15 calendar days while the Fund waits for the check to clear. Furthermore, a Fund may suspend the right to redeem shares or postpone the date of payment upon redemption for more than seven calendar days: (1) for any period during which the NYSE is closed (other than customary weekend or holiday closings) or trading on the NYSE is restricted; (2) for any period during which an emergency exists affecting the sale of the Fund’s securities or making such sale or the fair determination of the value of the Fund’s net assets not reasonably practicable; or (3) for such other periods as the SEC may permit for the protection of the Fund’s shareholders.

 

Other Redemption Information

 

IRA and retirement plan redemptions from accounts for which UMB Bank, n.a. is the custodian must be completed on an IRA Distribution Form or other acceptable form approved by UMB Bank, n.a. Shareholders who hold shares of a Fund through an IRA or other retirement plan must indicate on their redemption requests whether to withhold federal income tax. Such redemption requests will generally be subject to a 10% federal income tax withholding unless a shareholder elects not to have taxes withheld. An IRA owner with a foreign residential address may not elect to forgo the 10% withholding. In addition, if you are a resident of certain states, state income tax also applies to non-Roth IRA distributions when federal withholding applies. Please consult with your tax professional.

 

The Funds generally pay sale (redemption) proceeds in cash. The Funds typically expect to satisfy redemption requests by selling portfolio assets or by using holdings of cash or cash equivalents. On a less regular basis, a Fund may utilize a temporary overdraft facility offered through its custodian, UMB Bank, n.a., in order to assist the Fund in meeting redemption requests. The Funds use these methods during both normal and stressed market conditions. During conditions that make the payment of cash unwise and/or in order to protect the interests of a Fund’s remaining shareholders, the Fund may pay all or part of a shareholder’s redemption proceeds in portfolio securities with a market value equal to the redemption price (redemption-in-kind) in lieu of cash. The Funds may redeem shares in-kind during both normal and stressed market conditions. Generally, in kind redemptions will be effected through a pro rata distribution of the Fund’s portfolio securities. If a Fund redeems your shares in kind, you will bear any market risks associated with investment in those securities, and you will be responsible for the costs (including brokerage charges) of converting the securities to cash. On a less regular basis, the Funds may also satisfy redemption requests by using other short-term borrowings from their custodian.

 

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Cost Basis Information

 

Federal tax law requires that regulated investment companies, such as the Funds, report their shareholders’ cost basis, gain/loss, and holding period to the IRS on the shareholders’ Consolidated Form 1099s when “covered” shares of the regulated investment companies are sold. Covered shares are any shares acquired (including pursuant to a dividend reinvestment plan) on or after January 1, 2012.

 

Each Fund has chosen “first-in, first-out” (“FIFO”) as its standing (default) tax lot identification method for all shareholders, which means this is the method the Fund will use to determine which specific shares are deemed to be sold when there are multiple purchases on different dates at differing net asset values and the entire position is not sold at one time. A Fund’s standing tax lot identification method is the method it will use to report the sale of covered shares on your Consolidated Form 1099 if you do not select a specific tax lot identification method. Redemptions are taxable and you may realize a gain or loss upon the sale of your shares. Certain shareholders may be subject to backup withholding.

 

Subject to certain limitations, you may choose a method other than a Fund’s standing method at the time of your purchase or upon the sale of covered shares. For all shareholders using a method other than the specific tax lot identification method, the WCM Focused International Growth Fund first redeems shares you acquired on or before December 30, 2011, and then applies your elected method to shares acquired after that date. Please refer to the appropriate Treasury regulations or consult your tax advisor with regard to your personal circumstances.

 

Tools to Combat Frequent Transactions

 

The Trust’s Board of Trustees has adopted policies and procedures with respect to frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares by Fund shareholders. The Trust discourages excessive, short-term trading and other abusive trading practices that may disrupt portfolio management strategies and harm a Fund’s performance. The Trust takes steps to reduce the frequency and effect of these activities on the Funds. These steps may include monitoring trading activity and using fair value pricing. In addition, the Trust may take action, which may include using its best efforts to restrict a shareholder from making additional purchases in a Fund, if that shareholder has engaged in four or more “round trips” in the Fund during a 12-month period. Although these efforts (which are described in more detail below) are designed to discourage abusive trading practices, these tools cannot eliminate the possibility that such activity may occur. Further, while the Trust makes efforts to identify and restrict frequent trading, the Trust receives purchase and sale orders through financial intermediaries and cannot always know or detect frequent trading that may be facilitated by the use of intermediaries or the use of group or omnibus accounts by those intermediaries. The Trust seeks to exercise its judgment in implementing these tools to the best of its ability in a manner that the Trust believes is consistent with the interests of Fund shareholders.

 

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Monitoring Trading
Practices
The Trust may monitor trades in Fund shares in an effort to detect short-term trading activities. If, as a result of this monitoring, the Trust believes that a shareholder of a Fund has engaged in excessive short-term trading, it may, in its discretion, ask the shareholder to stop such activities or refuse to process purchases in the shareholder’s accounts. In making such judgments, the Trust seeks to act in a manner that it believes is consistent with the best interest of Fund shareholders. Due to the complexity and subjectivity involved in identifying abusive trading activity, there can be no assurance that the Trust’s efforts will identify all trades or trading practices that may be considered abusive.

 

General Transaction Policies

 

Some of the following policies are mentioned above. In general, each Fund reserves the right to:

 

· vary or waive any minimum investment requirement;
· refuse, change, discontinue, or temporarily suspend account services, including purchase or telephone redemption privileges (if redemption by telephone is not available, you may send your redemption order to the Funds via regular or overnight delivery), for any reason;
· redeem all shares in your account if your balance falls below $25,000 due to redemption activity. In these circumstances, the Fund will notify you in writing and request that you increase your balance above the minimum initial investment amount within 60 days of the date of the notice. If, within 60 days of the Fund’s written request, you have not increased your account balance, your shares may be redeemed. The Fund will not require that your shares be redeemed if the value of your account drops below the investment minimum due to fluctuations of the Fund’s NAVs;
· reject any purchase request for any reason (generally, the Fund does this if the purchase is disruptive to the efficient management of the Fund due to the timing of the investment or an investor’s history of excessive trading);
· delay paying redemption proceeds for up to seven calendar days after receiving a request, if an earlier payment could adversely affect the Fund;
· reject any purchase or redemption request that does not contain all required documentation; and
· subject to applicable law and with prior notice, adopt other policies from time to time requiring mandatory redemption of shares in certain circumstances.

 

If you elect telephone privileges on the account application or in a letter to a Fund, you may be responsible for any fraudulent telephone orders as long as the Fund and/or its service providers have taken reasonable precautions to verify your identity. In addition, once you place a telephone transaction request, it cannot be canceled or modified.

 

During periods of significant economic or market change, telephone transactions may be difficult to complete. If you are unable to contact a Fund by telephone, you may also mail your request to the Fund at the address listed under “Methods of Buying.”

 

Your broker or other financial intermediary may establish policies that differ from those of the Funds. For example, the organization may charge transaction fees, set higher minimum investments, or impose certain limitations on buying or selling shares in addition to those identified in this Prospectus. Contact your broker or other financial intermediary for details.

 

Please note that the value of your account may be transferred to the appropriate state if no activity occurs in the account within the time period specified by state law.

 

Exchange Privilege

 

You may exchange shares of each Fund for shares of another WCM Fund. The amount of the exchange must be equal to or greater than the required minimum initial investment of the other fund (see “Minimum Investment” table). You may realize either a gain or loss on those shares and will be responsible for paying any applicable taxes. If you exchange shares through a broker, the broker may charge you a transaction fee. You may exchange shares by sending a written request to the Fund or by telephone. Be sure that your written request includes the dollar amount or number of shares to be exchanged, the name(s) on the account and the account number(s), and is signed by all shareholders on the account. In order to limit expenses, each Fund reserves the right to limit the total number of exchanges you can make in any year.

 

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Conversion of Shares

 

A share conversion is a transaction in which shares of one class of a Fund are exchanged for shares of another class of the Fund. Share conversions can occur between each share class of a Fund. Generally, share conversions occur when a shareholder becomes eligible for another share class of the Fund or no longer meets the eligibility criteria of the share class owned by the shareholder (and another class exists for which the shareholder would be eligible). Please note that a share conversion is generally a non-taxable event, but you should consult with your personal tax advisor on your particular circumstances. Please also note, all share conversion requests must be approved by the Advisor.

 

A request for a share conversion will not be processed until it is received in “good order” (as defined above) by a Fund or your financial intermediary. To receive the NAV of the new class calculated that day, conversion requests must be received in good order by the Fund or your financial intermediary before 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time or the financial intermediary’s earlier applicable deadline. Please note that, because the NAV of each class of each Fund will generally vary from the NAV of the other class due to differences in expenses, you will receive a number of shares of the new class that is different from the number of shares that you held of the old class, but the total value of your holdings will remain the same.

 

The Funds’ frequent trading policies will not be applicable to share conversions. If you hold your shares through a financial intermediary, please contact the financial intermediary for more information on share conversions. Please note that certain financial intermediaries may not permit all types of share conversions. Each Fund reserves the right to terminate, suspend or modify the share conversion privilege for any shareholder or group of shareholders.

 

Each Fund reserves the right to automatically convert shareholders from one class to another if they either no longer qualify as eligible for their existing class or if they become eligible for another class. Such mandatory conversions may be as a result of a change in value of an account due to market movements, exchanges or redemptions. A Fund will notify affected shareholders in writing prior to any mandatory conversion.

 

Prospectus and Shareholder Report Mailings

 

In order to reduce the amount of mail you receive and to help reduce expenses, we generally send a single copy of any shareholder report and Prospectus to each household. If you do not want the mailing of these documents to be combined with those of other members of your household, please contact your authorized dealer or the Transfer Agent.

 

Additional Information

 

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

 

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

 

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DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

 

 

Each Fund will make distributions of net investment income and net capital gains, if any, at least annually, typically in December. A Fund may make additional payments of dividends or distributions if it deems it desirable at any other time during the year.

 

All dividends and distributions will be reinvested in Fund shares unless you choose one of the following options: (1) to receive net investment income dividends in cash, while reinvesting capital gain distributions in additional Fund shares; or (2) to receive all dividends and distributions in cash. If you wish to change your distribution option, please write to the Transfer Agent before the payment date of the distribution.

 

If you elect to receive distributions in cash and the U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver your check, or if your distribution check has not been cashed for six months, each Fund reserves the right to reinvest the distribution check in your account at the Fund’s then current NAV and to reinvest all subsequent distributions.

 

FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

 

 

The following discussion is very general and does not address investors subject to special rules, such as investors who hold Fund shares through an IRA, 401(k) plan or other tax-advantaged account. The SAI contains further information about taxes. Because each shareholder’s circumstances are different and special tax rules may apply, you should consult your tax advisor about your investment in a Fund.

 

You will generally have to pay federal income taxes, as well as any state or local taxes, on distributions received from a Fund, whether paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares. If you sell Fund shares, it is generally considered a taxable event. If you exchange shares of a Fund for shares of another fund, the exchange will generally be treated as a sale of the Fund’s shares and any gain on the transaction may be subject to federal income tax.

 

Distributions of net investment income, other than distributions a Fund reports as “qualified dividend income,” are taxable for federal income tax purposes at ordinary income tax rates. Distributions of net short-term capital gains are also generally taxable at ordinary income tax rates. Distributions from a Fund’s net capital gain (i.e., the excess of its net long-term capital gain over its net short-term capital loss) are taxable for federal income tax purposes as long-term capital gain, regardless of how long the shareholder has held Fund shares.

 

Dividends paid by a Fund (but none of a Fund’s capital gain distributions) may qualify in part for the dividends received deduction available to corporate shareholders, provided certain holding period and other requirements are satisfied. Dividends received by a Fund from REITs generally are not expected to qualify for treatment as qualified dividend income or for the dividends-received deduction. Distributions that a Fund reports as “qualified dividend income” may be eligible to be taxed to non-corporate shareholders at the reduced rates applicable to long-term capital gain if derived from a Fund’s qualified dividend income and/or if certain other requirements are satisfied. “Qualified dividend income” generally is income derived from dividends paid by U.S. corporations or certain foreign corporations that are either incorporated in a U.S. possession or eligible for tax benefits under certain U.S. income tax treaties. In addition, dividends that a Fund receives in respect of stock of certain foreign corporations may be qualified dividend income if that stock is readily tradable on an established U.S. securities market.

 

You may want to avoid buying shares of a Fund just before it declares a distribution (on or before the record date), because such a distribution will be taxable to you even though it may effectively be a return of a portion of your investment.

 

Although distributions are generally taxable when received, dividends declared in October, November or December to shareholders of record as of a date in such month and paid during the following January are treated as if received on December 31 of the calendar year when the dividends were declared.

 

Information on the federal income tax status of dividends and distributions is provided annually.

 

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Dividends and distributions from a Fund and net gain from redemptions of Fund shares will generally be taken into account in determining a shareholder’s “net investment income” for purposes of the Medicare contribution tax applicable to certain individuals, estates and trusts.

 

If you do not provide a Fund with your correct taxpayer identification number and any required certifications, you will be subject to backup withholding on your redemption proceeds, dividends and other distributions. The backup withholding rate is currently 24%.

 

Dividends and certain other payments made by a Fund to a non-U.S. shareholder are subject to withholding of federal income tax at the rate of 30% (or such lower rate as may be determined in accordance with any applicable treaty). Dividends that are reported by a Fund as “interest-related dividends” or “short-term capital gain dividends” are generally exempt from such withholding. In general, a Fund may report interest-related dividends to the extent of its net income derived from U.S.-source interest and a Fund may report short-term capital gain dividends to the extent its net short-term capital gain for the taxable year exceeds its net long-term capital loss. Backup withholding will not be applied to payments that have been subject to the 30% withholding tax described in this paragraph.

 

Under legislation commonly referred to as “FATCA,” unless certain non-U.S. entities that hold shares comply with IRS requirements that will generally require them to report information regarding U.S. persons investing in, or holding accounts with, such entities, a 30% withholding tax may apply to dividends payable to such entities. A non-U.S. shareholder may be exempt from the withholding described in this paragraph under an applicable intergovernmental agreement between the United States and a foreign government, provided that the shareholder and the applicable foreign government comply with the terms of the agreement.

 

Some of a Fund’s investment income may be subject to foreign income taxes that are withheld at the country of origin. Tax treaties between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes, but there can be no assurance that a Fund will qualify for treaty benefits.

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

The following tables are intended to help you understand each Fund’s financial performance. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total return figures represent the percentage that an investor in a Fund would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). The financial information for the period shown has been audited by Tait, Weller & Baker LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with each Fund’s financial statements, is included in the Fund’s annual report, which is available upon request (see back cover).

 

WCM Focused International Growth Fund

Investor Class

Per share operating performance.

For a capital share outstanding throughout each period.

 

   

For the Period May 1, 2022 through

December 31,

    For the Year Ended April 30,  
    2022^     2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 20.43     $ 26.00     $ 17.10     $ 16.51     $ 15.87     $ 13.84  
Income from Investment Operations:                                                
Net investment income (loss)1     (0.04 )     (0.18 )     (0.14 )     -       0.03       0.03  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)     (0.93 )     (4.12 )     9.39       0.60       1.15       2.04  
Total from investment operations     (0.97 )     (4.30 )     9.25       0.60       1.18       2.07  
Less Distributions:                                                
From net investment income     -       -       (0.01 )     (0.01 )     (0.01 )     (0.04 )
From net realized gain     (0.02 )     (1.27 )     (0.34 )     -       (0.53 )     - 2 
Total distributions     (0.02 )     (1.27 )     (0.35 )     (0.01 )     (0.54 )     (0.04 )
Redemption fee proceeds1     -       -       -       -       - 2      - 2 
Net asset value, end of period   $ 19.44     $ 20.43     $ 26.00     $ 17.10     $ 16.51     $ 15.87  
Total return3     (4.75 )%4     (17.75 )%     54.28 %     3.64 %     7.99 %     14.98 %
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                                                
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)   $ 695,036     $ 1,106,334     $ 1,537,934     $ 271,693     $ 200,100     $ 162,025  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets     1.29 %5     1.31 %     1.30 %     1.26 %     1.24 %     1.30 %
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets     (0.34 )%5     (0.68 )%     (0.62 )%     (0.01 )%     0.17 %     0.21 %
Portfolio turnover rate     17 %4     23 %     25 %     20 %     21 %     26 %

 

^ Fiscal year end changed to December 31, effective December 14, 2022.
1 Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.
2 Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.
3 Returns shown include Rule 12b-1 fees of up to 0.25% and do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
4 Not annualized.
5 Annualized.

 

  136  

 

WCM Focused International Growth Fund

Institutional Class

Per share operating performance.

For a capital share outstanding throughout each period.

 

   

For the Period May 1, 2022 through

December 31,

    For the Year Ended April 30,  
    2022^     2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 20.64     $ 26.18     $ 17.17     $ 16.58     $ 15.94     $ 13.89  
Income from Investment Operations:                                                
Net investment income (loss)1     (0.01 )     (0.11 )     (0.08 )     0.04       0.06       0.07  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)     (0.95 )     (4.16 )     9.44       0.59       1.16       2.05  
Total from investment operations     (0.96 )     (4.27 )     9.36       0.63       1.22       2.12  
Less Distributions:                                                
From net investment income     -       -       (0.01 )     (0.04 )     (0.05 )     (0.07 )
From net realized gain     (0.02 )     (1.27 )     (0.34 )     -       (0.53 )     - 2
Total distributions     (0.02 )     (1.27 )     (0.35 )     (0.04 )     (0.58 )     (0.07 )
Redemption fee proceeds1     -       -       -       -       - 2     - 2
Net asset value, end of period   $ 19.66     $ 20.64     $ 26.18     $ 17.17     $ 16.58     $ 15.94  
Total return3     (4.65 )%4     (17.51 )%     54.73 %     3.79 %     8.25 %     15.30 %
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                                                
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)   $ 15,390,849     $ 19,083,250     $ 22,891,438     $ 12,088,860     $ 7,420,808     $ 5,576,795  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets     1.04 %5     1.06 %     1.05 %     1.04 %     1.03 %     1.05 %
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets     (0.09 )%5     (0.43 )%     (0.37 )%     0.21 %     0.38 %     0.46 %
Portfolio turnover rate     17 %4     23 %     25 %     20 %     21 %     26 %

 

^ Fiscal year end changed to December 31, effective December 14, 2022.
1 Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.
2 Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.
3 Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
4 Not annualized.
5 Annualized.

 

 

  137  

 

WCM Focused Emerging Markets Fund

Investor Class

Per share operating performance.

For a capital share outstanding throughout each period.

 

    For the Period May 1, 2022 through December 31,     For the Year Ended April 30,  
    2022^     2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 14.00     $ 19.89     $ 12.71     $ 12.91     $ 12.43     $ 10.28  
Income from Investment Operations:                                                
Net investment income (loss)1     0.01       (0.11 )     (0.19 )     (0.05 )     0.14       0.13  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)     (1.24 )     (4.96 )     7.54       (0.10 )     0.42       2.11  
Net increase from payments by affiliates     -       -       -       -       - 2     -  
Total from investment operations     (1.23 )     (5.07 )     7.35       (0.15 )     0.56       2.24  
Less Distributions:                                                
From net investment income     (0.04 )     -       -       (0.03 )     (0.08 )     (0.09 )
From net realized gain     -       (0.82 )     (0.17 )     (0.02 )     -       -  
Total distributions     (0.04 )     (0.82 )     (0.17 )     (0.05 )     (0.08 )     (0.09 )
Redemption fee proceeds1     -       -       -       -       - 2     - 2
Net asset value, end of period   $ 12.73     $ 14.00     $ 19.89     $ 12.71     $ 12.91     $ 12.43  
Total return3     (8.78 )%4     (26.54 )%     57.93 %     (1.17 )%     4.64 %5     21.87 %
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                                                
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)   $ 125,641     $ 141,593     $ 55,369     $ 26,583     $ 6,540     $ 8,950  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:                                                
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed     1.62 %6     1.59 %     1.53 %     1.69 %     2.05 %     2.26 %
After fees waived and expenses absorbed     1.50 %6     1.50 %     1.50 %     1.49 %7     0.00 %     0.00 %
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:                                                
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed     0.00 %6     (0.71 )%     (1.07 )%     (0.59 )%     (0.88 )%     (1.17 )%
After fees waived and expenses absorbed     0.12 %6     (0.62 )%     (1.04 )%     (0.39 )%     1.17 %     1.09 %
Portfolio turnover rate     18 %4     39 %     35 %     23 %     48 %     47 %

 

 

^ Fiscal year end changed to December 31, effective December 14, 2022.
1 Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.
2 Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.
3 Total returns would have been lower had expenses not been waived or absorbed by the Advisor. Returns shown include Rule 12b-1 fees of up to 0.25% and do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
4 Not annualized.
5 The Advisor reimbursed the Fund $327 for losses from a trade error. Payments had no impact to the total return.
6 Annualized.
7 Effective May 1, 2019, the Advisor has contractually agreed to limit the annual operating expenses to 1.50%. Prior to May 1, 2019, the Advisor had contractually agreed to limit the annual operating expenses to 1.65%, but also voluntarily waived all of its fees, and paid all of the operating expenses.

 

  138  

 

WCM Focused Emerging Markets Fund

Institutional Class

Per share operating performance.

For a capital share outstanding throughout each period.

 

    For the Period May 1, 2022 through December 31,     For the Year Ended April 30,  
    2022^     2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 14.16     $ 20.06     $ 12.78     $ 12.96     $ 12.47     $ 10.32  
Income from Investment Operations:                                                
Net investment income (loss)1     0.03       (0.07 )     (0.15 )     (0.02 )     0.14       0.13  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)     (1.25 )     (5.01 )     7.60       (0.11 )     0.43       2.11  
Net increase from payments by affiliates     -       -       -       -       - 2     -  
Total from investment operations     (1.22 )     (5.08 )     7.45       (0.13 )     0.57       2.24  
Less Distributions:                                                
From net investment income     (0.06 )     -       -       (0.03 )     (0.08 )     (0.09 )
From net realized gain     -       (0.82 )     (0.17 )     (0.02 )     -       -  
Total distributions     (0.06 )     (0.82 )     (0.17 )     (0.05 )     (0.08 )     (0.09 )
Redemption fee proceeds1     -       -       -       -       - 2     -  
Net asset value, end of period   $ 12.88     $ 14.16     $ 20.06     $ 12.78     $ 12.96     $ 12.47  
Total return3     (8.62 )%4     (26.36 )%     58.39 %     (1.01 )%     4.70 %5     21.79 %
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                                                
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)   $ 1,309,276     $ 1,717,091     $ 2,116,203     $ 315,868     $ 50,850     $ 22,251  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:                                                
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed     1.37 %6     1.34 %     1.28 %     1.45 %     1.80 %     2.01 %
After fees waived and expenses absorbed     1.25 %6     1.25 %     1.25 %     1.25 %7     0.00 %     0.00 %
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:                                                
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed     0.25 %6     (0.46 )%     (0.82 )%     (0.35 )%     (0.63 )%     (0.92 )%
After fees waived and expenses absorbed     0.37 %6     (0.37 )%     (0.79 )%     (0.15 )%     1.17 %     1.09 %
Portfolio turnover rate     18 %4     39 %     35 %     23 %     48 %     47 %

 

^ Fiscal year end changed to December 31, effective December 14, 2022.
1 Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.
2 Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.
3 Total returns would have been lower had expenses not been waived or absorbed by the Advisor. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
4 Not annualized.
5 The Advisor reimbursed the Fund $327 for losses from a trade error. Payments had no impact to the total return.
6 Annualized.
7 Effective May 1, 2019, the Advisor has contractually agreed to limit the annual operating expenses to 1.25%. Prior to May 1, 2019, the Advisor had contractually agreed to limit the annual operating expenses to 1.40%, but also voluntarily waived all of its fees, and paid all of the operating expenses.

 

  139  

 

WCM Focused Global Growth Fund

Investor Class

Per share operating performance.

For a capital share outstanding throughout each period.

 

    For the Period May 1, 2022 through December 31,     For the Year Ended April 30,  
    2022^     2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 18.93     $ 25.28     $ 17.39     $ 16.68     $ 14.96     $ 13.00  
Income from Investment Operations:                                                
Net investment income (loss)1     (0.04 )     (0.19 )     (0.15 )     (0.05 )     (0.08 )     (0.04 )
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)     (1.41 )     (3.52 )     8.87       1.08       2.21       2.22  
Total from investment operations     (1.45 )     (3.71 )     8.72       1.03       2.13       2.18  
Less Distributions:                                                
From net investment income     -       -       -       -       -       (0.04 )
From net realized gain     (0.60 )     (2.64 )     (0.83 )     (0.32 )     (0.41 )     (0.18 )
Total distributions     (0.60 )     (2.64 )     (0.83 )     (0.32 )     (0.41 )     (0.22 )
Redemption fee proceeds1     -       -       -       -       - 2     - 2
Net asset value, end of period   $ 16.88     $ 18.93     $ 25.28     $ 17.39     $ 16.68     $ 14.96  
Total return3     (7.71 )%4     (17.30 )%     50.55 %     6.15 %     14.59 %     16.81 %
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                                                
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)   $ 12,943     $ 16,396     $ 21,378     $ 8,865     $ 4,541     $ 3,540  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:                                                
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed     1.44 %5     1.40 %     1.44 %     1.50 %     1.73 %     2.29 %
After fees waived and expenses absorbed     1.30 %5     1.30 %     1.30 %     1.28 %6     1.40 %     1.40 %
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:                                                
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed     (0.51 )%5     (0.88 )%     (0.80 )%     (0.52 )%     (0.83 )%     (1.13 )%
After fees waived and expenses absorbed     (0.37 )%5     (0.78 )%     (0.66 )%     (0.30 )%     (0.50 )%     (0.24 )%
Portfolio turnover rate     36 %4     44 %     56 %     37 %     48 %     38 %

 

^ Fiscal year end changed to December 31, effective December 14, 2022.
1 Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.
2 Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.
3 Total returns would have been lower had expenses not been waived or absorbed by the Advisor. Returns shown include Rule 12b-1 fees of up to 0.25% and do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
4 Not annualized.
5 Annualized.
6 Effective May 1, 2019, the Advisor has contractually agreed to limit the annual operating expenses to 1.30%. Prior to May 1, 2019, the Advisor had contractually agreed to limit the annual operating expenses to 1.40%.

 

  140  

 

WCM Focused Global Growth Fund

Institutional Class

Per share operating performance.

For a capital share outstanding throughout each period.

 

    For the Period May 1, 2022 through December 31,     For the Year Ended April 30,  
    2022^     2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 19.33     $ 25.70     $ 17.63     $ 16.87     $ 15.06     $ 13.05  
Income from Investment Operations:                                                
Net investment income (loss)1     (0.01 )     (0.13 )     (0.09 )     (0.01 )     (0.04 )     - 2 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)     (1.44 )     (3.60 )     8.99       1.09       2.25       2.23  
Total from investment operations     (1.45 )     (3.73 )     8.90       1.08       2.21       2.23  
Less Distributions:                                                
From net investment income     -       -       -       -       -       (0.04 )
From net realized gain     (0.60 )     (2.64 )     (0.83 )     (0.32 )     (0.41 )     (0.18 )
Total distributions     (0.60 )     (2.64 )     (0.83 )     (0.32 )     (0.41 )     (0.22 )
Redemption fee proceeds1     -       -       -       -       0.01       - 2 
Net asset value, end of period   $ 17.28     $ 19.33     $ 25.70     $ 17.63     $ 16.87     $ 15.06  
Total return3     (7.55 )%4     (17.09 )%     50.89 %     6.38 %     15.09 %     17.13 %
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                                                
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)   $ 277,438     $ 438,016     $ 468,073     $ 245,101     $ 93,974     $ 32,124  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:                                                
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed     1.19 %5     1.15 %     1.19 %     1.27 %     1.48 %     2.04 %
After fees waived and expenses absorbed     1.05 %5     1.05 %     1.05 %     1.05 %6     1.15 %     1.15 %
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:                                                
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed     (0.26 )%5     (0.63 )%     (0.55 )%     (0.29 )%     (0.58 )%     (0.88 )%
After fees waived and expenses absorbed     (0.12 )%5     (0.53 )%     (0.41 )%     (0.07 )%     (0.25 )%     0.01 %
Portfolio turnover rate     36 %4     44 %     56 %     37 %     48 %     38 %

 

^ Fiscal year end changed to December 31, effective December 14, 2022.
1 Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.
2 Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.
3 Total returns would have been lower had expenses not been waived or absorbed by the Advisor. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
4 Not annualized.
5 Annualized.
6 Effective May 1, 2019, the Advisor has contractually agreed to limit the annual operating expenses to 1.05%. Prior to May 1, 2019, the Advisor had contractually agreed to limit the annual operating expenses to 1.15%.
  141  

 

WCM International Small Cap Growth Fund

Institutional Class

Per share operating performance.

For a capital share outstanding throughout each period.

 

    For the Period May 1, 2022 through December 31,     For the Year Ended April 30,  
    2022^     2022     2021     2020     2019     2018  
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 20.22     $ 28.63     $ 16.80     $ 15.57     $ 14.79     $ 11.58  
Income from Investment Operations:                                                
Net investment income (loss)1     (0.02 )     (0.18 )     (0.19 )     (0.10 )     (0.09 )     (0.05 )
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)     (3.71 )     (5.30 )     12.76       1.33       1.37       3.41  
Net increase from payments by affiliates     -       -       - 2     -       -       -  
Total from investment operations     (3.73 )     (5.48 )     12.57       1.23       1.28       3.36  
Less Distributions:                                                
From net realized gain     -       (2.93 )     (0.74 )     -       (0.50 )     (0.15 )
Total distributions     -       (2.93 )     (0.74 )     -       (0.50 )     (0.15 )
Redemption fee proceeds1     -       -       -       -       - 2     - 2
Net asset value, end of period   $ 16.49     $ 20.22     $ 28.63     $ 16.80     $ 15.57     $ 14.79  
Total return3     (18.45 )%4     (22.04 )%     75.46 %5     7.90 %     9.29 %     29.18 %
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                                                
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)   $ 293,250     $ 533,268     $ 768,496     $ 86,504     $ 11,922     $ 2,705  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:                                                
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed     1.48 %6     1.34 %     1.34 %     1.79 %     4.34 %     11.35 %
After fees waived and expenses absorbed     1.25 %6     1.25 %     1.25 %     1.25 %7     1.40 %     1.40 %
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:                                                
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed     (0.44 )%6     (0.73 )%     (0.84 )%     (1.17 )%     (3.55 )%     (10.33 )%
After fees waived and expenses absorbed     (0.21 )%6     (0.64 )%     (0.75 )%     (0.63 )%     (0.61 )%     (0.38 )%
Portfolio turnover rate     56 %4     87 %     82 %     67 %     81 %     58 %

 

^ Fiscal year end changed to December 31, effective December 14, 2022.
1 Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.
2 Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.
3 Total returns would have been lower had expenses not been waived or absorbed by the Advisor. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
4 Not annualized.
5 The Advisor reimbursed the Fund $2,951 for losses from a trade error. Payment had no impact to the total return.
6 Annualized.
7 Effective May 1, 2019, the Advisor has contractually agreed to limit the annual operating expenses to 1.25%. Prior to May 1, 2019, the Advisor had contractually agreed to limit the annual operating expenses to 1.40%.

 

  142  

 

WCM Small Cap Growth Fund

Investor Class

Per share operating performance.

For a capital share outstanding throughout each period.

 

   

For the Period

May 1, 2022

through

December 31,

    For the Year Ended April 30,    

For the Period

October 30, 2019*

through

April 30,

 
    2022^     2022     2021     2020  
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 11.00     $ 15.71     $ 9.27     $ 10.00  
Income from Investment Operations:                                
Net investment income (loss)1     (0.06 )     (0.16 )     (0.16 )     (0.05 )
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)     (0.37 )     (3.28 )     6.75       (0.68 )
Total from investment operations     (0.43 )     (3.44 )     6.59       (0.73 )
Less Distributions:                                
From net realized gain     (0.02 )     (1.27 )     (0.15 )     -  
Total distributions     (0.02 )     (1.27 )     (0.15 )     -  
Net asset value, end of period   $ 10.55     $ 11.00     $ 15.71     $ 9.27  
Total return2     (3.92 )%3     (23.65 )%     71.37 %     (7.30 )%3
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                                
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)   $ 94     $ 79     $ 78     $ 31  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:                                
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed     2.19 %4     1.85 %     2.33 %     10.10 %4
After fees waived and expenses absorbed     1.30 %4,5     1.50 %     1.50 %     1.50 %4
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:                                
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed     (1.74 )%4     (1.48 )%     (2.08 )%     (9.69 )%4
After fees waived and expenses absorbed     (0.85 )%4     (1.13 )%     (1.25 )%     (1.09 )%4
Portfolio turnover rate     45 %3     57 %     51 %     51 %3

 

* Commencement of operations.
^ Fiscal year end changed to December 31, effective December 14, 2022.
1 Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.
2 Total returns would have been lower had expenses not been waived or absorbed by the Advisor. Returns shown include Rule 12b-1 fees of up to 0.25% and do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
3 Not annualized.
4 Annualized.
5 Effective July 1, 2022, the Advisor has contractually agreed to limit the annual fund operating expenses to 1.24%. Prior to July 1, 2022, the annual fund operating expense limitation was 1.50%.
  143  

 

WCM Small Cap Growth Fund

Institutional Class

Per share operating performance.

For a capital share outstanding throughout each period.

 

    For the Period May 1, 2022 through December 31,     For the Year Ended April 30,     For the Period October 30, 2019* through April 30,  
    2022^     2022     2021     2020  
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 11.07     $ 15.77     $ 9.28     $ 10.00  
Income from Investment Operations:                                
Net investment income (loss)1     (0.04 )     (0.12 )     (0.14 )     (0.04 )
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)     (0.37 )     (3.31 )     6.78       (0.68 )
Total from investment operations     (0.41 )     (3.43 )     6.64       (0.72 )
Less Distributions:                                
From net realized gain     (0.02 )     (1.27 )     (0.15 )     -  
Total distributions     (0.02 )     (1.27 )     (0.15 )     -  
Net asset value, end of period   $ 10.64     $ 11.07     $ 15.77     $ 9.28  
Total return2     (3.72 )%3     (23.49 )%     71.84 %     (7.20 )%3
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                                
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)   $ 32,916     $ 40,438     $ 58,164     $ 4,993  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:                                
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed     1.94 %4     1.60 %     2.08 %     9.85 %4
After fees waived and expenses absorbed     1.05 %4,5     1.25 %     1.25 %     1.25 %4
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:                                
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed     (1.49 )%4     (1.23 )%     (1.83 )%     (9.43 )%4
After fees waived and expenses absorbed     (0.60 )%4     (0.88 )%     (1.00 )%     (0.83 )%4
Portfolio turnover rate     45 %3     57 %     51 %     51 %3

 

* Commencement of operations.
^ Fiscal year end changed to December 31, effective December 14, 2022.
1 Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.
2 Total returns would have been lower had expenses not been waived or absorbed by the Advisor. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
3 Not annualized.
4 Annualized.
5 Effective July 1, 2022, the Advisor has contractually agreed to limit the annual fund operating expenses to 0.99%. Prior to July 1, 2022, the annual fund operating expense limitation was 1.25%.

 

 

  144  

 

WCM SMID Quality Value Fund

Investor Class

Per share operating performance.

For a capital share outstanding throughout each period.

 

   

For the Period

May 1, 2022

through

December 31,

    For the Year Ended April 30,    

For the Period

October 30, 2019*

through

April 30,

 
    2022^     2022     2021     2020  
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 10.30     $ 12.11     $ 7.71     $ 10.00  
Income from Investment Operations:                                
Net investment income (loss)1     (0.04 )     (0.08 )     (0.07 )     (0.02 )
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)     (0.24 )     (0.97 )     4.47       (2.27 )
Total from investment operations     (0.28 )     (1.05 )     4.40       (2.29 )
Less Distributions:                                
From net realized gain     (0.18 )     (0.76 )     -       -  
Total distributions     (0.18 )     (0.76 )     -       -  
Net asset value, end of period   $ 9.84     $ 10.30     $ 12.11     $ 7.71  
Total return2     (2.71 )%3     (9.29 )%     57.07 %     (22.90 )%3
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                                
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)   $ 196     $ 169     $ 161     $ 27  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:                                
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed     1.64 %4     1.77 %     1.97 %     15.49 %4
After fees waived and expenses absorbed     1.23 %4,5     1.25 %     1.25 %6     1.50 %4
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:                                
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed     (0.98 )%4     (1.26 )%     (1.43 )%     (14.51 )%4
After fees waived and expenses absorbed     (0.57 )%4     (0.74 )%     (0.71 )%     (0.52 )%4
Portfolio turnover rate     53 %3     32 %     32 %     5 %3

 

* Commencement of operations.
^ Fiscal year end changed to December 31, effective December 14, 2022.
1 Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.
2 Total returns would have been lower had expenses not been waived or absorbed by the Advisor. Returns shown include Rule 12b-1 fees of up to 0.25% and do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
3 Not annualized.
4 Annualized.
5 Effective November 30, 2022, the Advisor has contractually agreed to limit the annual fund operating expenses to 1.10%. Prior to November 30, 2022, the annual fund operating expense limitation was 1.25%.
6 Effective July 1, 2020, the Advisor has contractually agreed to limit the annual fund operating expenses to 1.25%. Prior to July 1, 2020, the annual fund operating expense limitation was 1.50%.

 

 

  145  

 

WCM SMID Quality Value Fund

Institutional Class

Per share operating performance.

For a capital share outstanding throughout each period.

 

   

For the Period

May 1, 2022

through

December 31,

    For the Year Ended April 30,    

For the Period

October 30, 2019*

through

April 30,

 
    2022^     2022     2021     2020  
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 10.38     $ 12.17     $ 7.73     $ 10.00  
Income from Investment Operations:                                
Net investment income (loss)1     (0.02 )     (0.06 )     (0.05 )     (0.01 )
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)     (0.24 )     (0.97 )     4.49       (2.26 )
Total from investment operations     (0.26 )     (1.03 )     4.44       (2.27 )
Less Distributions:                                
From net realized gain     (0.18 )     (0.76 )     -       -  
Total distributions     (0.18 )     (0.76 )     -       -  
Net asset value, end of period   $ 9.94     $ 10.38     $ 12.17     $ 7.73  
Total return2     (2.50 )%3     (9.08 )%     57.44 %     (22.70 )%3
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                                
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)   $ 117,974     $ 99,042     $ 99,267     $ 4,716  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:                                
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed     1.39 %4     1.52 %     1.72 %     15.24 %4
After fees waived and expenses absorbed     0.98 %4,5     1.00 %     1.00 %6     1.25 %4
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:                                
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed     (0.73 )%4     (1.01 )%     (1.18 )%     (14.26 )%4
After fees waived and expenses absorbed     (0.32 )%4     (0.49 )%     (0.46 )%     (0.27 )%4
Portfolio turnover rate     53 %3     32 %     32 %     5 %3

 

* Commencement of operations.
^ Fiscal year end changed to December 31, effective December 14, 2022.
1 Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.
2 Total returns would have been lower had expenses not been waived or absorbed by the Advisor. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
3 Not annualized.
4 Annualized.
5 Effective November 30, 2022, the Advisor has contractually agreed to limit the annual fund operating expenses to 0.85%. Prior to November 30, 2022, the annual fund operating expense limitation was 1.00%.
6 Effective July 1, 2020, the Advisor has contractually agreed to limit the annual fund operating expenses to 1.00%. Prior to July 1, 2020, the annual fund operating expense limitation was 1.25%.

 

  146  

 

WCM China Quality Growth Fund

Investor Class

Per share operating performance.

For a capital share outstanding throughout each period.

 

    For the Period
May 1, 2022
through
December 31,
    For the Year Ended April 30,    

For the Period
March 31,

2020*
through
April 30,

 
    2022^     2022     2021     2020  
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 11.19     $ 18.05     $ 10.65     $ 10.00  
Income from Investment Operations:                                
Net investment income (loss)1     0.02       (0.11 )     (0.17 )     (0.01 )
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)     0.03       (5.44 )     7.95       0.66  
Net increase from payments by affiliates     -       -       - 2     -  
Total from investment operations     0.05       (5.55 )     7.78       0.65  
                                 
Less Distributions:                                
From net investment income     (0.02 )     -       -       -  
From net realized gain     -       (1.31 )     (0.38 )     -  
Total distributions     (0.02 )     (1.31 )     (0.38 )     -  
Net asset value, end of period   $ 11.22     $ 11.19     $ 18.05     $ 10.65  
                                 
Total return3     0.42 %4     (32.83 )%     73.73 %5     6.50 %4
                                 
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                                
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)   $ 157     $ 138     $ 177     $ 11  
                                 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:                                
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed     4.52 %6     3.92 %     6.21 %     18.03 %6
After fees waived and expenses absorbed     1.50 %6     1.50 %     1.50 %     1.50 %6
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:                                
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed     (2.70 )%6     (3.09 )%     (5.72 )%     (17.69 )%6
After fees waived and expenses absorbed     0.32 %6     (0.67 )%     (1.01 )%     (1.16 )%6
                                 
Portfolio turnover rate     26 %4     56 %     57 %     - %4

 

* Commencement of operations.
^ Fiscal year end changed to December 31, effective December 14, 2022.
1 Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.
2 Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.
3 Total returns would have been lower had expenses not been waived or absorbed by the Advisor. Returns shown include Rule 12b-1 fees of up to 0.25% and do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
4 Not annualized.
5 The Advisor reimbursed the Fund $1,692 for losses from a trade error. This reimbursement had a positive 0.10% impact on the total return.
6 Annualized.
  147  

 

WCM China Quality Growth Fund

Institutional Class

Per share operating performance.

For a capital share outstanding throughout each period.

 

    For the Period
May 1, 2022
through
December 31,
    For the Year Ended April 30,    

For the Period
March 31,

2020*
through
April 30,

 
    2022^     2022     2021     2020  
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 11.25     $ 18.10     $ 10.65     $ 10.00  
Income from Investment Operations:                                
Net investment income (loss)1     0.04       (0.07 )     (0.12 )     (0.01 )
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)     0.02       (5.47 )     7.95       0.66  
Net increase from payments by affiliates     -       -       - 2     -  
Total from investment operations     0.06       (5.54 )     7.83       0.65  
                                 
Less Distributions:                                
From net investment income     (0.03 )     -       -       -  
From net realized gain     -       (1.31 )     (0.38 )     -  
Total distributions     (0.03 )     (1.31 )     (0.38 )     -  
Net asset value, end of period   $ 11.28     $ 11.25     $ 18.10     $ 10.65  
                                 
Total return3     0.57 %4     (32.68 )%     74.20 %5     6.50 %4
                                 
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                                
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)   $ 6,849     $ 10,629     $ 13,605     $ 2,391  
                                 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:                                
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed     4.27 %6     3.67 %     5.96 %     17.78 %6
After fees waived and expenses absorbed     1.25 %6     1.25 %     1.25 %     1.25 %6
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:                                
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed     (2.45 )%6     (2.84 )%     (5.47 )%     (17.42 )%6
After fees waived and expenses absorbed     0.57 %6     (0.42 )%     (0.76 )%     (0.89 )%6
                                 
Portfolio turnover rate     26 %4     56 %     57 %     - %4

 

* Commencement of operations.
^ Fiscal year end changed to December 31, effective December 14, 2022.
1 Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.
2 Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.
3 Total returns would have been lower had expenses not been waived or absorbed by the Advisor. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
4 Not annualized.
5 The Advisor reimbursed the Fund $1,692 for losses from a trade error. This reimbursement had a positive 0.10% impact on the total return.
6 Annualized.

 

  148  

 

 

WCM Developing World Equity Fund

Investor Class

Per share operating performance.

For a capital share outstanding throughout each period.

 

    For the Period
May 1, 2022
through
December 31,
    For the Year Ended April 30,    

For the Period
March 31,

2020*
through
April 30,

 
    2022^     2022     2021     2020  
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 12.83     $ 15.11     $ 10.99     $ 10.00  
Income from Investment Operations:                                
Net investment income (loss)1     0.07       0.02       (0.03 )     0.03  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)     (0.64 )     (1.83 )     4.59       0.96  
Total from investment operations     (0.57 )     (1.81 )     4.56       0.99  
                                 
Less Distributions:                                
From net investment income     (0.14 )     -       (0.03 )     -  
From net realized gain     -       (0.47 )     (0.41 )     -  
Total distributions     (0.14 )     (0.47 )     (0.44 )     -  
Net asset value, end of period   $ 12.12     $ 12.83     $ 15.11     $ 10.99  
                                 
Total return2     (4.42 )%3     (12.24 )%     41.48 %     10.00 %3
                                 
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                                
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)   $ 321     $ 35     $ 24     $ 11  
                                 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:                                
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed     14.00 %4     13.25 %     32.13 %     71.14 %4
After fees waived and expenses absorbed     1.50 %4     1.50 %     1.50 %     1.50 %4
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:                                
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed     (11.57 )%4     (11.60 )%     (30.87 )%     (66.39 )%4
After fees waived and expenses absorbed     0.93 %4     0.15 %     (0.24 )%     3.25 %4
                                 
Portfolio turnover rate     30 %3     67 %     41 %     6 %3

 

* Commencement of operations.
^ Fiscal year end changed to December 31, effective December 14, 2022.
1 Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.
2 Total returns would have been lower had expenses not been waived or absorbed by the Advisor. Returns shown include Rule 12b-1 fees of up to 0.25% and do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
3 Not annualized.
4 Annualized.

 

  149  

 

WCM Developing World Equity Fund

Institutional Class

Per share operating performance.

For a capital share outstanding throughout each period.

 

    For the Period
May 1, 2022
through
December 31,
    For the Year Ended April 30,    

For the Period
March 31,

2020*
through
April 30,

 
    2022^     2022     2021     2020  
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 12.88     $ 15.15     $ 10.99     $ 10.00  
Income from Investment Operations:                                
Net investment income (loss)1     0.09       0.06       -       0.03  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)     (0.63 )     (1.85 )     4.60       0.96  
Total from investment operations     (0.54 )     (1.79 )     4.60       0.99  
                                 
Less Distributions:                                
From net investment income     (0.16 )     (0.01 )     (0.03 )     -  
From net realized gain     -       (0.47 )     (0.41 )     -  
Total distributions     (0.16 )     (0.48 )     (0.44 )     -  
Net asset value, end of period   $ 12.18     $ 12.88     $ 15.15     $ 10.99  
                                 
Total return2     (4.22 )%3     (12.06 )%     41.73 %     10.10 %3
                                 
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                                
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)   $ 1,896     $ 2,767     $ 1,495     $ 571  
                                 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:                                
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed     13.75 %4     13.00 %     31.88 %     70.89 %4
After fees waived and expenses absorbed     1.25 %4     1.25 %     1.25 %     1.25 %4
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:                                
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed     (11.32 )%4     (11.35 )%     (30.62 )%     (66.08 )%4
After fees waived and expenses absorbed     1.18 %4     0.40 %     0.01 %     3.56 %4
                                 
Portfolio turnover rate     30 %3     67 %     41 %     6 %3

 

* Commencement of operations.
^ Fiscal year end changed to December 31, effective December 14, 2022.
1 Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.
2 Total returns would have been lower had expenses not been waived or absorbed by the Advisor. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
3 Not annualized.
4 Annualized.

 

  150  

 

WCM International Equity Fund

Investor Class

Per share operating performance.

For a capital share outstanding throughout each period.

 

    For the Period
May 1, 2022
through
December 31,
    For the Year Ended April 30,    

For the Period
March 31,

2020*
through
April 30,

 
    2022^     2022     2021     2020  
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 13.62     $ 14.90     $ 10.92     $ 10.00  
Income from Investment Operations:                                
Net investment income (loss)1     (0.02 )     0.04       (0.02 )     0.01  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)     (0.40 )     (0.90 )     4.22       0.91  
Total from investment operations     (0.42 )     (0.86 )     4.20       0.92  
                                 
Less Distributions:                                
From net investment income     - 2     (0.01 )     -       -  
From net realized gain     - 2     (0.41 )     (0.22 )     -  
Total distributions     -       (0.42 )     (0.22 )     -  
Net asset value, end of period   $ 13.20     $ 13.62     $ 14.90     $ 10.92  
                                 
Total return3     (3.07 )%4     (6.04 )%     38.49 %     9.30 %4
                                 
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                                
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)   $ 323     $ 23     $ 17     $ 11  
                                 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:                                
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed     2.98 %5     7.92 %     29.79 %     69.30 %5
After fees waived and expenses absorbed     1.50 %5,6     1.50 %     1.50 %     1.50 %5
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:                                
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed     (1.69 )%5     (6.17 )%     (28.46 )%     (66.82 )%5
After fees waived and expenses absorbed     (0.21 )%5     0.25 %     (0.17 )%     0.98 %5
                                 
Portfolio turnover rate     20 %4     59 %     19 %     9 %4

 

* Commencement of operations.
^ Fiscal year end changed to December 31, effective December 14, 2022.
1 Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.
2 Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.
3 Total returns would have been lower had expenses not been waived or absorbed by the Advisor. Returns shown include Rule 12b-1 fees of up to 0.25% and do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
4 Not annualized.
5 Annualized.
6 Effective December 31, 2022, the Advisor has contractually agreed to limit the annual operating expenses to 1.35%. Prior to December 31, 2022, the Advisor had contractually agreed to limit the annual operating expenses to 1.50%.

 

  151  

 

WCM International Equity Fund

Institutional Class

Per share operating performance.

For a capital share outstanding throughout each period.

 

    For the Period
May 1, 2022
through
December 31,
    For the Year Ended April 30,     

For the Period
March 31,

2020*
through
April 30,

 
    2022^     2022     2021     2020  
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 13.66     $ 14.92     $ 10.92     $ 10.00  
Income from Investment Operations:                                
Net investment income (loss)1     -       0.07       0.01       0.01  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)     (0.40 )     (0.89 )     4.23       0.91  
Total from investment operations     (0.40 )     (0.82 )     4.24       0.92  
                                 
Less Distributions:                                
From net investment income     - 2     (0.03 )     (0.02 )     -  
From net realized gain     - 2     (0.41 )     (0.22 )     -  
Total distributions     -       (0.44 )     (0.24 )     -  
Net asset value, end of period   $ 13.26     $ 13.66     $ 14.92     $ 10.92  
                                 
Total return3     (2.90 )%4     (5.74 )%     38.83 %     9.30 %4
                                 
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                                
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)   $ 59,425     $ 4,731     $ 2,751     $ 596  
                                 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:                                
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed     2.73 %5     7.67 %     29.54 %     69.05 %5
After fees waived and expenses absorbed     1.25 %5,6     1.25 %     1.25 %     1.25 %5
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:                                
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed     (1.44 )%5     (5.92 )%     (28.21 )%     (66.62 )%5
After fees waived and expenses absorbed     0.04 %5     0.50 %     0.08 %     1.18 %5
                                 
Portfolio turnover rate     20 %4     59 %     19 %     9 %4

 

* Commencement of operations.
^ Fiscal year end changed to December 31, effective December 14, 2022.
1 Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.
2 Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.
3 Total returns would have been lower had expenses not been waived or absorbed by the Advisor. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
4 Not annualized.
5 Annualized.
6 Effective December 31, 2022, the Advisor has contractually agreed to limit the annual operating expenses to 1.10%. Prior to December 31, 2022, the Advisor had contractually agreed to limit the annual operating expenses to 1.25%.

 

  152  

 

WCM Focused International Value Fund

Investor Class

Per share operating performance.

For a capital share outstanding throughout each period.

 

    For the Period
May 1, 2022
through
December 31,
2022^
    For the Year Ended
April 30,

2022
    For the Period
June 29,
 2020*
through
April 30,

2021
 
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 12.04     $ 14.22     $ 10.00  
Income from Investment Operations:                        
Net investment income (loss)1     0.05       - 2     (0.03 )
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)     (0.70 )     (2.18 )     4.25  
Total from investment operations     (0.65 )     (2.18 )     4.22  
                         
Less Distributions:                        
From net investment income     (0.04 )     -       -  
From net realized gain     -       - 2     -  
Total distributions     (0.04 )     - 2     -  
Net asset value, end of period   $ 11.35     $ 12.04     $ 14.22  
                         
Total return3     (5.43 )%4     (15.31 )%     42.20 %4
                         
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                        
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)   $ 48     $ 78     $ 49  
                         
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:                        
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed     2.88 %5     4.36 %     18.35 %5
After fees waived and expenses absorbed     1.50 %5     1.50 %     1.50 %5
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:                        
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed     (0.76 )%5     (2.86 )%     (17.16 )%5
After fees waived and expenses absorbed     0.62 %5     0.00 %     (0.31 )%5
                         
Portfolio turnover rate     43 %4     23 %     12 %4

 

* Commencement of operations.
^ Fiscal year end changed to December 31, effective December 14, 2022.
1 Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.
2 Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.
3 Total returns would have been lower had expenses not been waived or absorbed by the Advisor. Returns shown include Rule 12b-1 fees of up to 0.25% and do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
4 Not annualized.
5 Annualized.

 

  153  

 

WCM Focused International Value Fund

Institutional Class

Per share operating performance.

For a capital share outstanding throughout each period.

 

    For the Period
May 1, 2022
through
December 31,
2022^
    For the Year Ended
April 30,

2022
    For the Period
June 29,
 2020*
through
April 30,

2021
 
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 12.09     $ 14.24     $ 10.00  
Income from Investment Operations:                        
Net investment income (loss)1     0.07       0.04       (0.01 )
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)     (0.71 )     (2.19 )     4.25  
Total from investment operations     (0.64 )     (2.15 )     4.24  
                         
Less Distributions:                        
From net investment income     (0.07 )     - 2     -  
From net realized gain     -       - 2     -  
Total distributions     (0.07 )     - 2     -  
Net asset value, end of period   $ 11.38     $ 12.09     $ 14.24  
                         
Total return3     (5.28 )%4     (15.07 )%     42.40 %4
                         
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                        
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)   $ 16,030     $ 16,775     $ 3,194  
                         
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:                        
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed     2.63 %5     4.11 %     18.10 %5
After fees waived and expenses absorbed     1.25 %5     1.25 %     1.25 %5
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:                        
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed     (0.51 )%5     (2.61 )%     (16.91 )%5
After fees waived and expenses absorbed     0.87 %5     0.25 %     (0.06 )%5
                         
Portfolio turnover rate     43 %4     23 %     12 %4

 

* Commencement of operations.
^ Fiscal year end changed to December 31, effective December 14, 2022.
1 Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.
2 Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.
3 Total returns would have been lower had expenses not been waived or absorbed by the Advisor. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
4 Not annualized.
5 Annualized.

 

  154  

 

WCM Focused International Opportunities Fund

Investor Class

Per share operating performance.

For a capital share outstanding throughout each period.

 

    For the Period
May 1, 2022
through
December 31,
2022^
    For the Year Ended
April 30,

2022
    For the Period
March 30,
 2021*
through
April 30,

2021
 
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 8.33     $ 10.85     $ 10.00  
Income from Investment Operations:                        
Net investment income (loss)1     (0.02 )     (0.11 )     - 2
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)     (0.69 )     (2.40 )     0.85  
Total from investment operations     (0.71 )     (2.51 )     0.85  
Less Distributions:                        
From net realized gain     -       (0.01 )     -  
Total distributions     -       (0.01 )     -  
Net asset value, end of period   $ 7.62     $ 8.33     $ 10.85  
                         
Total return3     (8.52 )%4     (23.14 )%     8.50 %4
                         
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                        
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)   $ 87     $ 92     $ 11  
                         
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:                        
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed     2.84 %5     5.20 %     60.78 %5
After fees waived and expenses absorbed     1.50 %5     1.50 %     1.50 %5
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:                        
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed     (1.72 )%5     (4.77 )%     (59.25 )%5
After fees waived and expenses absorbed     (0.38 )%5     (1.07 )%     0.03 %5
                         
Portfolio turnover rate     74 %4     59 %     3 %4

 

* Commencement of operations.
^ Fiscal year end changed to December 31, effective December 14, 2022.
1 Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.
2 Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.
3 Total returns would have been lower had expenses not been waived or absorbed by the Advisor. Returns shown include Rule 12b-1 fees of up to 0.25% and do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
4 Not annualized.
5 Annualized.

 

  155  

 

WCM Focused International Opportunities Fund

Institutional Class

Per share operating performance.

For a capital share outstanding throughout each period.

 

    For the Period
May 1, 2022
through
December 31,
2022^
    For the Year Ended
April 30,

2022
    For the Period
March 30,
 2021*
through
April 30,

2021
 
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 8.35     $ 10.86     $ 10.00  
Income from Investment Operations:                        
Net investment income (loss)1     (0.01 )     (0.09 )     - 2
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)     (0.68 )     (2.41 )     0.86  
Total from investment operations     (0.69 )     (2.50 )     0.86  
                         
Less Distributions:                        
From net realized gain     -       (0.01 )     -  
Total distributions     -       (0.01 )     -  
Net asset value, end of period   $ 7.66     $ 8.35     $ 10.86  
                         
Total return3     (8.26 )%4     (23.02 )%     8.60 %4
                         
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                        
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)   $ 24,276     $ 21,038     $ 766  
                         
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:                        
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed     2.59 %5     4.95 %     60.53 %5
After fees waived and expenses absorbed     1.25 %5     1.25 %     1.25 %5
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:                        
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed     (1.47 )%5     (4.52 )%     (59.00 )%5
After fees waived and expenses absorbed     (0.13 )%5     (0.82 )%     0.28 %5
                         
Portfolio turnover rate     74 %4     59 %     3 %4

 

* Commencement of operations.
^ Fiscal year end changed to December 31, effective December 14, 2022.
1 Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.
2 Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.
3 Total returns would have been lower had expenses not been waived or absorbed by the Advisor. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
4 Not annualized.
5 Annualized.

 

  156  

 

WCM Mid Cap Quality Value Fund

Investor Class

Per share operating performance.

For a capital share outstanding throughout each period.

 

    For the Period
July 28, 2022*
through
December 31,
 
    2022^  
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 10.00  
Income from Investment Operations:        
Net investment income (loss)1     (0.01 )
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)     (0.72 )
Total from investment operations     (0.73 )
Net asset value, end of period   $ 9.27  
         
Total return2     (7.30 )%3
         
Ratios and Supplemental Data:        
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)   $ 9  
         
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:        
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed     56.33 %4
After fees waived and expenses absorbed     1.25 %4
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:        
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed     (55.37 )%4
After fees waived and expenses absorbed     (0.29 )%4
         
Portfolio turnover rate     13 %3

 

* Commencement of operations.
^ Fiscal year end changed to December 31, effective December 14, 2022.
1 Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.
2 Total returns would have been lower had expenses not been waived or absorbed by the Advisor. Returns shown include Rule 12b-1 fees of up to 0.25% and do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
3 Not annualized.
4 Annualized.

 

  157  

 

WCM Mid Cap Quality Value Fund

Institutional Class

Per share operating performance.

For a capital share outstanding throughout each period.

 

    For the Period
July 28, 2022*
through
December 31,
 
    2022^  
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 10.00  
Income from Investment Operations:        
Net investment income (loss)1     - 2
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)     (0.72 )
Total from investment operations     (0.72 )
Less Distributions:        
From net investment income     (0.01 )
Total distributions     (0.01 )
Net asset value, end of period   $ 9.27  
         
Total return3     (7.22 )%4
         
Ratios and Supplemental Data:        
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)   $ 571  
         
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:        
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed     56.08 %5
After fees waived and expenses absorbed     1.00 %5
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:        
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed     (55.12 )%5
After fees waived and expenses absorbed     (0.04 )%5
         
Portfolio turnover rate     13 %4

 

* Commencement of operations.
^ Fiscal year end changed to December 31, effective December 14, 2022.
1 Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.
2 Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.
3 Total returns would have been lower had expenses not been waived or absorbed by the Advisor. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
4 Not annualized.
5 Annualized.

 

  158  

 

WCM Focused Emerging Markets Ex China Fund

Investor Class

Per share operating performance.

For a capital share outstanding throughout each period.

 

   

For the Period
December 29,

2022*
through
December 31,

 
    2022  
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 10.00  
Income from Investment Operations:        
Net investment income (loss)1     -  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)     (0.09 )
Total from investment operations     (0.09 )
Net asset value, end of period   $ 9.91  
         
Total return2     (0.90 )%3
         
Ratios and Supplemental Data:        
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)   $ 10  
         
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:        
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed     416.99 %4
After fees waived and expenses absorbed     1.50 %4
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:        
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed     (416.99 )%4
After fees waived and expenses absorbed     (1.50 )%4
         
Portfolio turnover rate     - %3

 

* Commencement of operations.
1 Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.
2 Total returns would have been lower had expenses not been waived or absorbed by the Advisor. Returns shown include Rule 12b-1 fees of up to 0.25% and do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
3 Not annualized.
4 Annualized.

 

  159  

 

WCM Focused Emerging Markets Ex China Fund

Institutional Class

Per share operating performance.

For a capital share outstanding throughout each period.

 

   

For the Period
December 29,

2022*
through
December 31,

 
    2022  
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 10.00  
Income from Investment Operations:        
Net investment income (loss)1     -  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)     (0.09 )
Total from investment operations     (0.09 )
Net asset value, end of period   $ 9.91  
         
Total return2     (0.90 )%3
         
Ratios and Supplemental Data:        
Net assets, end of period (in thousands)   $ 485  
         
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:        
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed     416.74 %4
After fees waived and expenses absorbed     1.25 %4
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:        
Before fees waived and expenses absorbed     (416.74 )%4
After fees waived and expenses absorbed     (1.25 )%4
         
Portfolio turnover rate     - %3

 

* Commencement of operations.
1 Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.
2 Total returns would have been lower had expenses not been waived or absorbed by the Advisor. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
3 Not annualized.
4 Annualized.

 

  160  

 

APPENDIX A – CERTAIN INFORMATION RELATED TO PURCHASE OF SHARES THROUGH CERTAIN BROKERAGE PLATFORMS

 

 

UBS Financial Services, Inc. (“UBS-FS”)

 

Pursuant to an agreement with the Funds, Institutional Class Shares may be available on certain brokerage platforms at UBS-FS. For such platforms, UBS-FS may charge commissions on brokerage transactions in the Funds’ Institutional Class Shares. A shareholder should contact UBS-FS for information about the commissions charged by UBS-FS for such transactions. The minimum for the Institutional Class Shares is waived for transactions through such brokerage platforms at UBS-FS.

 

  161  

 

Investment Advisor

WCM Investment Management, LLC

281 Brooks Street

Laguna Beach, California 92651

 

 

Fund Co-Administrator

Mutual Fund Administration, LLC

2220 E. Route 66, Suite 226

Glendora, California 91740

 

 

Fund Co-Administrator, Transfer Agent and Fund Accountant

UMB Fund Services, Inc.

235 West Galena Street

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212

 

 

Custodian

UMB Bank, n.a.

928 Grand Boulevard, 5th Floor

Kansas City, Missouri 64106

 

 

Distributor

Natixis Distribution, LLC

888 Boylston Street, Suite 800

Boston, Massachusetts 02199-8197

 

Counsel to the Trust

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

600 Anton Boulevard, Suite 1800

Costa Mesa, California 92626

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Tait, Weller & Baker LLP

Two Liberty Place

50 S. 16th Street, Suite 2900

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102-2529

 

  162  

 

WCM FUNDS

Each a series of Investment Managers Series Trust

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

 

 

Statement of Additional Information (SAI)

The SAI provides additional details about the investments and techniques of the Funds and certain other additional information. The current SAI is on file with the SEC and is incorporated into this Prospectus by reference. This means that the SAI is legally considered a part of this Prospectus even though it is not physically within this Prospectus.

 

Shareholder Reports

Additional information about each Fund’s investments is available in the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders. In each Fund’s annual report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund’s performance during its most recent fiscal year.

 

The Funds’ SAI is available and annual and semi-annual reports are available, free of charge, on the Funds’ website at www.wcminvestfunds.com. You can also obtain a free copy of the Funds’ SAI or annual and semi-annual reports, request other information, or inquire about a Fund by contacting a broker that sells shares of the Funds or by calling the Funds (toll-free) at 1-888-988-9801 or by writing to:

 

WCM Funds

P.O. Box 2175

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201

 

Reports and other information about the Fund are also available:

· Free of charge on the SEC’s EDGAR Database on the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov; or
· For a duplication fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: [email protected].

 

(Investment Company Act file no. 811- 21719.)

 

 

 

  163