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PROSPECTUS

 

January 27, 2023

as Revised February 8, 2023

 

CLASS I (DDJCX)

CLASS II (DDJRX)

Institutional (DDJIX)

 

 

 

As with all mutual funds, the Securities and Exchange Commission 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.

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

Page

Summary Section

2

Investment Objective and Principal Investment Strategies

8

More on the Fund’s Investments and Related Risks

10

Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings

15

Management

15

The Portfolio Managers

16

Administrator, Distributor and Transfer Agent of the Fund

17

Buying and Redeeming Shares

17

Share Transactions

21

Dividends and Distributions

22

Federal Income Taxes

23

Financial Highlights

24

Additional Information About the Fund

Back Cover

 

 

 

POLEN DDJ OPPORTUNISTIC HIGH YIELD FUND

 

 

DDJCX Class I

DDJRX Class II

DDJIX Institutional

ICE BofA ML U.S. High Yield Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

Summary SectIon

 

POLEN DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund (the “Fund”)

 

Investment Objective

 

The Fund’s investment objective is overall total return consisting of a high level of current income together with 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.

 

Institutional

Class I

Class II

Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment)

     

Maximum sales charge (Load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

None

None

None

Maximum deferred sales charge (Load)

None

None

None

Redemption Fee (as a % of amount redeemed within 60 days of purchase)

1.00%

1.00%

1.00%

 

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

Management Fees

0.70%

0.70%

0.70%

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

None

None

0.25%

Other Expenses

0.19%

0.20%

0.19%

Shareholder Servicing Expenses

None

0.10%

0.10%

Total Other Expenses

0.19%

0.30%

0.29%

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(1)

0.89%

1.00%

1.24%

Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement(2)

-0.10%

-0.11%

-0.10%

Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement(1)

0.79%

0.89%

1.14%

 

(1)

Expenses have been restated to reflect current fees.

 

(2)

Polen Capital Credit, LLC (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to limit the amount of the Fund’s Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees, Shareholder Servicing fees, Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, brokerage expenses, interest expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) to an annual rate of 0.79% of the Fund’s average daily net assets for each of the Institutional Class, Class I and Class II shares. This agreement is in effect through at least January 31, 2024, and will automatically continue upon annual approval by the Board of Trustees for successive twelve-month periods unless (i) it is terminated earlier by the Board of Trustees, or (ii) the Adviser provides at least 30 days written notice of its non-continuance prior to the end of the then effective term. The Adviser will be permitted to recover, on a class-by-class basis, expenses it has borne subsequent to the effective date of the agreement described above (whether through reduction of its management fee or otherwise) only to the extent that the Fund’s expenses in later periods do not exceed the lesser of: (1) the contractual expense limit in effect at the time the Adviser waives or limits the expenses; or (2) the contractual expense limit in effect at the time the Adviser seeks to recover the expenses; provided, however, that the Fund will not be obligated to pay any such deferred fees or expenses more than three years after the date on which the fee and expense was reduced.

 

Example

 

This example is intended to help you compare the costs 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 takes into consideration the agreement by the Adviser to waive fees and reimburse expenses for the contractual period only.

 

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

1 Year

3 Years

5 Years

10 Years

Institutional Class

$81

$274

$483

$1,086

Class I

$91

$307

$542

$1,214

Class II

$116

$383

$671

$1,490

 

Portfolio Turnover

 

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance. A higher turnover rate may also result in additional income taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 36% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

Principal Investment Strategies of the Fund

 

The Fund pursues its investment objective by seeking to outperform the broader high yield market over a complete credit cycle. The “credit cycle” is a cyclical event that generally occurs over a several year timeframe as access to credit increases or decreases for borrowers.

 

2

Prospectus | January 27, 2023

 

 

 

 

The Fund seeks to achieve its objective mainly by investing in high yield fixed income securities with a focus on “middle market” issuers in the United States and, to a much lesser extent, Canada. The Adviser considers middle market companies to be those with normalized earnings before interest, tax and depreciation (“EBITDA”) in the range of $75-250 million. The Adviser believes that the flexibility to invest, sell, and reinvest throughout the capital structure of an issuer (and in particular, in both more senior bank loans and more junior high yield bonds) will enable the Adviser to tailor its investment approach to the specific credit-related circumstances of that issuer as they may change from time to time and thereby select the most attractive opportunities for the Fund.

 

The Fund intends to invest its assets primarily in credit instruments that are rated below investment grade by some or all relevant independent rating agencies, including Moody’s Investors Service, Standard and Poor’s Rating Services and Fitch Ratings (including a significant portion of such assets in credit instruments in the lower tier of the high yield market that are rated B and below). Additionally, certain other high yield securities may be unrated by rating agencies, but determined by the Adviser to be of similar quality as other below investment grade bonds and credit instruments and accordingly purchased for investment by the Fund. The Fund does not have a percentage limitation on investing in securities that are rated below investment grade.

 

High yield fixed income securities include high yield corporate bonds (commonly known as “junk bonds”), senior loans, convertible bonds, preferred stock, and other types of debt instruments (including, without limitation, unregistered (Rule 144A) securities, floating and variable rate securities and other restricted fixed income securities to the extent permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”)). In addition, the Fund may also purchase equity securities or otherwise hold positions in equity or other assets that the Fund receives as part of a reorganization process of a high yield issuer, and may hold those assets until such time as the Adviser believes that a disposition is most advantageous. From time to time, the Fund may make investments in distressed or defaulted securities or in issuers that are in bankruptcy. The Fund does not have any maturity or duration requirements. However, the Fund typically targets securities that, on average, have a shorter maturity and duration than the maturity and duration of broad-based high yield market indices.

 

In making these investments, the Adviser seeks to purchase instruments that the Adviser believes are undervalued and offer a compelling risk/reward ratio. Specifically, the Adviser’s investment process attempts to exploit inefficiencies in the high yield credit markets by adhering to a disciplined, bottom-up, fundamentally-oriented investment process with an emphasis on downside protection. This process applies value investing principles through exhaustive research coupled with financial, structural and legal analysis, including a review of bankruptcy law considerations where applicable. The foundation of this investment process is to derive an accurate, real-time valuation of a target company, and only invest in securities of that company’s capital structure that offer a significant margin of safety coupled with strong total return potential. By utilizing such a fundamental, bottom-up approach to investing, the Adviser seeks to add value first and foremost through security selection.

 

The Adviser intends to manage a relatively concentrated portfolio typically comprising between 50-90 issuers and 60-120 issues. The Fund has adopted an investment policy providing that under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of the value of its assets (net assets plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in high yield fixed income securities.

 

Principal Risks of the Fund

 

As with any mutual fund, there are risks to investing. There is no guarantee that the Fund will meet its investment objective. The following is a description of the principal risks of the Fund, which may adversely affect its net asset value and total return. There are other circumstances (including additional risks that are not described herein) which could prevent the Fund from achieving its investment objective.

 

Below-Investment Grade Risk. The Fund will invest in high yield securities rated below BBB by S&P or Baa by Moody’s. High yield securities generally offer a higher current yield than that available from higher grade issues, but typically involve greater risk and are described as speculative by both S&P and Moody’s. Securities rated below investment grade are commonly referred to as “junk bonds.” The ability of issuers of high yield securities to make timely payments of interest and principal may be adversely impacted by adverse changes in general economic conditions, changes in the financial condition of the issuers and price fluctuations in response to changes in interest rates. High yield securities are less liquid than investment grade securities and may be difficult to price or sell, particularly in times of negative sentiment toward high yield securities.

 

www.ddjfunds.com

3

 

 

 

POLEN DDJ OPPORTUNISTIC HIGH YIELD FUND

 

Credit Risk. There is a risk that issuers and counterparties will not make payments on securities and other investments held by the Fund, resulting in losses to the Fund. In addition, the credit quality of fixed income securities held by the Fund may be lowered if an issuer’s financial condition changes. High yield or junk bonds as well as other debt securities issued by below investment grade issuers are typically more susceptible to these risks than debt of higher quality issuers. Furthermore, a significant amount of the Fund’s net asset value is expected to be invested in the lower-rated segment of the high yield market (rated B and below), which investments generally involve greater credit risk than high yield securities that are rated BB and above.

 

Debt Securities Risk. Debt securities in which the Fund invests are subject to several types of investment risk, including market or interest rate risk (i.e., the risk that their value will be inversely affected by fluctuations in the prevailing interest rates), credit risk (i.e., the risk that the issuer may be unable to make timely interest payments and repay the principal upon maturity), call or income risk, (i.e., the risk that certain debt securities with high interest rates will be prepaid or “called” by the issuer before they mature), and event risk (i.e., the risk that certain debt securities may suffer a substantial decline in credit quality and market value if the issuer restructures). Fixed income markets have recently experienced a period of relatively high volatility. If the Federal Reserve continues to increase interest rates, fixed income markets (and the high yield market in particular) could experience continuing high volatility, which could negatively impact the Fund’s performance.

 

Bank Loan Risk. The Fund’s investment in secured and unsecured assignments of (or participations in) bank loans may create substantial risk. In making investments in bank loans, which are made by banks or other financial intermediaries to borrowers, the Fund will depend primarily upon the creditworthiness of the borrower for payment of principal and interest. In addition, the settlement of bank loans occurs on an extended (multi-week) basis, which may prevent the Fund from obtaining liquidity of certain assets within a desired timeframe. In addition, there is the potential that bank loans and other similar instruments may not be considered “securities” and, as a result, the Fund may not be entitled to rely on the anti-fraud protections under the federal securities laws and instead may have to resort to state law and direct claims.

 

Cash Positions. The Fund may not always stay fully invested. For example, when the Adviser believes that market conditions are unfavorable for profitable investing, or when it is otherwise unable to locate attractive investment opportunities, the Fund’s cash or similar investments may increase. In other words, cash or similar investments generally are a residual – they represent the assets that remain after the Fund has committed available assets to desirable investment opportunities. When the Fund’s investments in cash or similar investments increase, it may not participate in market advances to the same extent that it would if the Fund remained more fully invested, and the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective may be affected.

 

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

 

Equity Securities Risk. The Fund may invest in equity securities, including equities of stressed issuers or companies emerging from a financial restructuring or corporate reorganization. Equity securities represent ownership in a company. Stock markets are volatile. The price of equity securities will fluctuate and can decline and reduce the value of a portfolio investing in equity securities. The value of equity securities purchased or otherwise acquired by the Fund could decline if the financial condition of the companies the Fund invests in declines or if overall market and economic conditions deteriorate. The value of equity securities may also decline due to factors that affect a particular industry or industries, such as labor shortages, supply-chain disruptions or an increase in production costs and competitive conditions within an industry.

 

In addition, the value may decline due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a company or industry, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates, natural disasters, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, or generally adverse investor sentiment.

 

Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that fixed income securities will decline in value because of changes in interest rates. As nominal interest rates rise, the value of fixed income securities held by the Fund are likely to decrease. Securities with longer durations tend to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates, and are usually more volatile than securities with shorter durations. In certain interest rate environments, such as when real interest rates are rising faster than nominal interest rates, inflation-indexed securities may experience greater losses than other fixed income securities with similar durations.

 

Liquidity Risk. Low or lack of trading volume in the high yield market may make it difficult to sell securities held by the Fund at quoted market prices. In addition, with respect to certain fixed income investments (bank loans in particular), settlement occurs on an extended basis, further decreasing their liquidity profile.

 

Management and Strategy Risk. The Fund is an actively managed portfolio. Investment strategies employed by the Adviser on behalf of the Fund may not result in an increase in the value of your investment or in overall performance equal to other investments. In addition, the Fund’s tactical asset allocation strategy may be unsuccessful and may cause the Fund to incur losses.

 

4

Prospectus | January 27, 2023

 

 

 

 

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 the impact of inflation on the economy, supply chain disruptions, 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, natural disasters, war, the spread of infectious illness or other public issues, 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.

 

Money Market Instruments/Securities. In seeking to provide downside protection, during periods of high market volatility, the Fund may hold money market instruments, including commercial paper, banker’s acceptances, certificates of deposit and other short-term debt securities.

 

Preferred Stock Risk. Preferred stocks may be more volatile than fixed income securities and may be more correlated with the issuer’s underlying common stock than fixed income securities.

 

Prepayment and Extension Risk. When interest rates fall, issuers of high interest debt obligations may pay off the debts earlier than expected (prepayment risk), and the Fund may have to reinvest the proceeds at lower yields. When interest rates rise, issuers of lower interest debt obligations may pay off the debts later than expected (extension risk), thus keeping the Fund’s assets tied up in lower interest debt obligations. Ultimately, any unexpected behavior in interest rates could increase the volatility of the Fund’s share price and yield and could hurt Fund performance. Prepayments could also create capital gains tax liability in some instances.

 

Rule 144A Securities Risk. The market for certain Rule 144A securities can be less active than the market for publicly-traded securities. Certain Rule 144A securities carry a heightened risk that the liquidity of these securities may become impaired, making it more difficult for the Fund to sell these bonds at reasonable prices.

 

It is possible to lose money on an investment in the Fund. Investments in the Fund are not deposits or obligations of any bank, are not endorsed or guaranteed by any bank and are not insured or guaranteed by the U.S. government, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board or any other government agency.

 

Performance Information

 

The following information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing how the Fund’s performance has varied over time. The bar chart depicts the change in performance from year to year during the periods indicated. The bar chart figures do not include any applicable sales charges that an investor may pay when they buy or sell shares of the Fund. If sales charges were included, the returns would be lower. The performance table compares the average annual returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class Shares to broad-based securities market index for the periods indicated. The index is not actively managed and is not available for direct investment. The bar charts and performance tables assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Fund’s past performance does not necessarily indicate how it will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available on the Fund’s website at www.ddjfunds.com or by calling 1-844-363-4898.

 

Annual Total Returns
(For Calendar Years ended 12/31) – Institutional Class Shares

 

 

 

Best QuarterJune 30, 2020

9.83%

Worst QuarterMarch 31, 2020

(15.97)%

 

www.ddjfunds.com

5

 

 

 

POLEN DDJ OPPORTUNISTIC HIGH YIELD FUND

 

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

 

1 Year

5 Year

Since
Inception
(July 16, 2015
)

Institutional Class

 

 

 

 

Return Before Taxes

-11.31%

0.62%

3.08%

July 16, 2015

Return After Taxes on Distributions

-13.82%

-2.36%

-0.22%

July 16, 2015

Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares

-6.64%

-0.71%

0.96%

July 16, 2015

Class I

       

Return Before Taxes

-11.36%

0.65%

3.08%

July 16, 2015

Class II

 

 

 

 

Return Before Taxes

-11.70%

0.30%

2.75%

July 16, 2015

ICE BofA ML U.S. High Yield Index* (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)(1)*,(1)

-11.22%

2.12%

3.60%

July 16, 2015

 

*

Source ICE Data Indices, LLC (“ICE DATA”), is used with permission. ICE Data, its affiliates and their respective third party suppliers disclaim any and all warranties and representations, express and/or implied, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or use, including the index, index data and any data included in, related to, or derived therefrom. neither ice data, its affiliates or their respective third party providers shall not be subject to any damages or liability with respect to the adequacy, accuracy, timeliness or completeness of the index or the index data or any component thereof, and the index and index data and all components thereof are provided on an “as is” basis and your use is at your own risk. ICE Data, its affiliates and their respective third party suppliers do not sponsor, endorse, or recommend the Adviser, the Fund, or any of the Adviser’s products or services.

 

(1)

The benchmark of the Fund is the ICE BofAML US High Yield Index, maintained by ICE BofA Merrill Lynch and comprised of U.S. dollar denominated below investment grade corporate debt publicly issued in the U.S. domestic market.

 

After-tax returns are calculated using the historically highest individual U.S. federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on your individual tax situation and may differ from those shown in the preceding table. The after-tax return information shown above does not apply to Fund shares held through a tax-advantaged account, such as a 401(k) plan or an IRA.

 

After-tax returns are only shown for Institutional Class shares of the Fund. After-tax returns for Class I and Class II shares will vary from those shown for Institutional Class shares due to varying sales charges and expenses among the classes.

 

Investment Adviser

Polen Capital Credit, LLC (the "Adviser"), serves as the investment adviser to the Fund.

 

Portfolio Managers

Since January 1, 2018, David J. Breazzano, John W. Sherman and Benjamin Santonelli have each served as co-portfolio manager for the Fund. Previously, from June 1, 2016 until December 31, 2017, Mr. Breazzano served as portfolio manager for the Fund, while Messrs. Sherman and Santonelli served as assistant portfolio managers.

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

The Fund offers investors three classes of shares: Institutional Class, Class I and Class II. The minimum initial investment in Institutional Class shares is $5,000,000 with no minimum subsequent investment. Employees of the Adviser, their spouses, and members of their immediate family living in the same household are eligible to purchase the Institutional Class with a minimum investment of $2,500. Moreover, the Fund may waive minimum investment amounts in Institutional Class shares with respect to investments by the Trust’s officers or its Trustees. Institutional Class accounts offered or sourced through a service organization, as determined by the Adviser, may meet the minimum investment amount by aggregating multiple accounts; however, each account must meet a minimum investment requirement of $500,000. In addition, investors with a preexisting relationship with the Adviser, as determined by the Adviser in its sole discretion, may also be deemed eligible to purchase the Institutional Class with a minimum investment of $500,000. Investors generally may meet the minimum investment amount by aggregating multiple accounts within the Fund if desired and if allowed by the relevant intermediary. Investors may establish an Automatic Investment Plan (AIP) account or a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) account; there are no subsequent investment minimums for investments in AIP or SWP accounts. The minimum initial investment in Class I shares is $1,000,000, and the minimum subsequent investment is $50,000. The minimum initial investment in Class II shares is $5,000, and the minimum subsequent investment is $2,500.

 

Purchases and redemptions of Institutional Class, Class I and Class II shares may be made on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading. Purchases and redemptions can generally be made only through institutional channels, such as financial intermediaries and retirement platforms. You should contact your financial intermediary or refer to your plan documents for information on how to invest in the Fund.

 

6

Prospectus | January 27, 2023

 

 

 

 

Tax Information

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Fund’s distributions may be taxable as ordinary income, capital gains, qualified dividend income or section 199A dividends, except when your investment is in an IRA, 401(k) or other tax-advantaged investment plan. Withdrawals from such a tax-advantaged investment plan will be subject to special tax rules.

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other
Financial Intermediaries

If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the 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.

 

www.ddjfunds.com

7

 

 

 

POLEN DDJ OPPORTUNISTIC HIGH YIELD FUND

 

Investment Objective and Principal Investment Strategies

 

This section describes the Fund’s investment objective and principal investment strategies. See “MORE ON THE FUND’S INVESTMENTS AND RELATED RISKS” in this Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information for more information about the Fund’s investments and the risks of investing.

 

What is the Fund’s Investment Objective?

The Fund’s objective is to seek overall total return consisting of a high level of current income together with long-term capital appreciation.

 

While there is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective, the Fund endeavors to do so by following the strategies and policies described in this Prospectus.

 

What is the Adviser’s Investment Philosophy?

The Adviser’s opportunistic high yield investment philosophy is based upon its belief that the lower-rated segments of the high yield market (rated B and below) are the most inefficient areas of the market and provide ample investment opportunities.

 

The Adviser believes that inefficiencies arise in this market segment (and in particular with respect to issuers within the middle market) for several reasons, including:

 

Many traditional managers of large-cap high yield portfolios do not have an in-depth understanding of this market and/or do not participate in it. These traditional high yield managers oftentimes manage outsized, inflexible funds with large minimum investment size criteria. Therefore, they may not find it cost-effective to dedicate resources to the middle market segment, which the Adviser believes to be less frequently traded and offers smaller investment sizes. This segment accordingly is not as widely covered by high yield research analysts, and fewer brokers make a market trading in its securities. Because of the more limited following in the middle market, investment managers, such as the Adviser, that dedicate the resources and perform a heightened level of due diligence, are able to identify attractive investment opportunities.

 

Traditional high yield managers generally may operate under more rigid investment guidelines than the Fund, which give rise to market inefficiencies. For example, certain mutual funds and structured products (e.g., CLOs) that invest in the leveraged credit market may have restrictions on the amount of CCC-rated investments that can be held in their portfolios. In addition, other institutional portfolios also have similar restrictions on the amount of CCC-rated investments that may be held. Consequently, managers of such portfolios may be encouraged if not required to divest debt securities that are downgraded below a single-B rating, potentially at a depressed trading price, without regard to the merits of the investment, or whether the manager agrees with the rating agency’s new characterization of risk.

 

The Adviser seeks to identify and exploit inefficiencies such as these by adhering to a disciplined, fundamental-oriented investment process based upon company-specific research, and applying value investing principles to the credit markets through extensive financial and legal analysis. The Adviser’s investment process involves observing a company as a whole and deriving a real-time total enterprise value, and then only targeting those investments in that company’s capital structure that the Adviser believes offer a significant margin of safety coupled with strong return potential.

 

As part of its due diligence process, the Adviser will attempt to create a comprehensive analytical overview of a target company focused on its current and future business prospects. In addition, the Adviser may evaluate the company’s senior management, industry fundamentals, market share, pricing power, operating characteristics and historical and projected financial performance to identify the risk and rewards of an investment.

 

In particular, the Adviser’s fundamental analysis of each investment opportunity focuses on the following three critical components:

 

1.

Cash Flow / Liquidity – The ability of a company to service its fixed obligations including interest, capital expenditures, and working capital needs. Additionally, generation of free cash flow is examined to assess a company’s ability to repay debt or reinvest capital.

 

2.

Asset Coverage – An analysis of a company’s overall asset coverage relative to its liabilities, which is vitally important in assessing downside protection in the event that liquidity or cash flow of the issuer deteriorates.

 

3.

Legal Protection – Assessment of the rights and remedies contractually set forth in relevant legal documents, including loan agreements, inter-creditor agreements, and bond indentures, with a focus on the “waterfall of value” and worst-case scenarios.

 

Once a potential investment opportunity is identified, the analyst prepares a “first pass” analysis using financial information obtained from both public (e.g., from EDGAR) and private sources (e.g., proprietary data sites), outlining the company’s business model and financial condition. The objective of the first pass is to develop a preliminary investment thesis. If an investment thesis is identified and a senior investment professional agrees with the analyst’s recommendation, a more in-depth “second pass” analysis is undertaken in order to create a comprehensive financial assessment of the investment opportunity. Investment recommendations that survive the “second pass” stage of the Adviser’s investment process are generally subject to follow-up due diligence in order to reconfirm the Adviser’s investment thesis. Once follow-up due diligence is complete, a final decision on whether to proceed with the investment is made by the co-portfolio managers.

 

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Prospectus | January 27, 2023

 

 

 

 

Maintaining adequate downside protection is the key principle to the Adviser’s risk management philosophy. In order to assess downside protection, the Adviser endeavors to undertake a careful evaluation of credit risk, legal risk and liquidity risk, as understanding these risks in particular is a crucial element of the Adviser’s due diligence with respect to each investment opportunity. The Adviser believes that its portfolios can appropriately balance these risks with the potential reward by purchasing securities of companies at deep discounts to intrinsic enterprise value, thereby providing significant cushion from a loan-to-value perspective; by properly understanding, as part of the Adviser’s due diligence process, the relevant legal aspects of a bond indenture or loan document with a focus on downside or bankruptcy scenarios; and by managing liquidity in the portfolio by limiting the number and size of positions considered by the Adviser to be less liquid in nature.

 

What are the Fund’s Principal Investment Strategies?

The Fund pursues its investment objective by seeking to outperform the broader high yield market over a complete credit cycle. The “credit cycle” is a cyclical event that generally occurs over a several year timeframe as access to credit increases or decreases for borrowers.

 

The Fund seeks to achieve its objective mainly by investing in high yield fixed income securities with a focus on “middle market” issuers in the United States and, to a much lesser extent, Canada. The Adviser considers middle market companies to be those with normalized earnings before interest, tax and depreciation (“EBITDA”) in the range of $75-250 million. The Adviser believes that the flexibility to invest, sell, and reinvest throughout the capital structure of an issuer (and in particular, in both more senior bank loans and more junior high yield bonds) will enable the Adviser to tailor its investment approach to the specific credit-related circumstances of that issuer as they may change from time to time and thereby select the most attractive opportunities for the Fund.

 

The Fund intends to invest its assets primarily in credit instruments that are rated below investment grade by some or all relevant independent rating agencies, including Moody’s Investors Service, Standard and Poor’s Rating Services and Fitch Ratings (including a significant portion of such assets in credit instruments in the lower tier of the high yield market that are rated B and below). Additionally, certain other high yield securities may be unrated by rating agencies, but determined by the Adviser to be of similar quality as other below investment grade bonds and credit instruments and accordingly purchased for investment by the Fund. The Fund does not have a percentage limitation on investing in securities that are rated below investment grade.

 

High yield fixed income securities include high yield corporate bonds (commonly known as “junk bonds”), senior loans, convertible bonds, preferred stock, and other types of debt instruments (including, without limitation, unregistered (Rule 144A) securities, floating and variable rate securities and other restricted fixed income securities to the extent permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”)). Additionally, certain other high yield securities may be unrated by rating agencies, but determined by the Adviser to be of similar quality as other below investment grade bonds and credit instruments and accordingly purchased for investment by the Fund. Senior loans are loans that have been issued to one or more banks or commercial lenders by a company, typically feature a floating interest rate, and usually carry a lien on the assets of the company. This type of debt is often syndicated among large institutions and then traded among them and in private secondary markets. Convertible debt is debt that is convertible into other securities, usually common stock of the issuing company. Preferred stock is an equity security that typically entitles the holder to a fixed dividend and whose payment takes priority over that of common stock dividends. From time to time, the Fund may make investments in distressed or defaulted securities or in issuers that are in bankruptcy. The Fund does not have any maturity or duration requirements. However, the Fund typically targets securities that, on average, have a shorter maturity and duration than the maturity and duration of broad-based high yield market indices.

 

In addition, the Fund may also hold positions in equity or other assets (including convertible bonds) that the Fund receives as part of a unit of, or in connection with, a high yield security or otherwise as a result of reorganization, corporate action, or conversion. The Fund may hold those assets until such time as the Adviser believes that a disposition is most advantageous. The Fund may also make investments in equity securities, including common stocks. However, such assets, along with convertible bonds and preferred stock, will not be considered “high yield fixed income securities” for purposes of the Fund’s requirement to invest at least 80% of the value of its net assets in high yield fixed income securities, as described below.

 

In making these investments, the Adviser seeks to purchase instruments that the Adviser believes are undervalued and offer a compelling risk/reward ratio. Specifically, the Adviser’s investment process attempts to exploit inefficiencies in the high yield credit markets by adhering to a disciplined, bottom-up, fundamentally-oriented investment process with an emphasis on downside protection. This process applies value investing principles through exhaustive research coupled with financial, structural and legal analysis, including a review of bankruptcy law considerations where applicable. The foundation of this investment process is to derive an accurate, real-time valuation of a target company, and only invest in securities of that company’s capital structure that offer a significant margin of safety coupled with strong total return potential. By utilizing such a fundamental, bottom-up approach to investing, the Adviser seeks to add value first and foremost through security selection.

 

The Adviser intends to manage a relatively concentrated portfolio typically comprising between 50-90 issuers and 60-120 issues. The Fund has adopted an investment policy providing that under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of the value of its assets (net assets plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in high yield fixed income securities.

 

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Temporary Defensive Positions. The Fund may also invest some or all of its assets in cash and/or cash equivalent securities when the Adviser believes that current market, economic, political or other conditions are unsuitable and would impair the pursuit of the Fund’s investment objective. Cash equivalent securities include, but are not limited to, obligations of the U.S. Government, money market fund shares, commercial paper, certificates of deposit and/or bankers acceptances, as well as other interest bearing or discount obligations or debt instruments that carry an investment grade rating by a national rating agency. When the Fund’s investments in cash or similar investments increase, it may not participate in market advances or declines to the same extent that it would if the Fund remained more fully invested, and as a result the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.

 

The Board of Trustees (the “Board”) may change the Fund’s name, investment objective or its principal investment strategies without a shareholder vote. The Fund will notify you in writing at least sixty (60) days before making any such change. If there is a material change to the Fund’s investment objective or principal investment strategies, you should consider whether the Fund remains an appropriate investment for you.

 

More on the Fund’s Investments and
Related Risks

The Fund’s investment objective and principal investment strategies are described above under “INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES.” This section provides additional information about the Fund’s investment strategies and certain portfolio management techniques the Fund may use, as well as the principal and other risks that may affect the Fund’s portfolio. Additional information about some of these investments and portfolio management techniques and their associated risks is included in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”).

 

What are the Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund?

There are inherent risks associated with the Fund’s principal investment strategies. The factors that are most likely to have a material effect on the Fund’s investment portfolio as a whole are called “principal risks.” The principal risks of the Fund are summarized in the Fund’s “Summary Section” above and further described below. The Fund may be subject to additional risks other than those described because, among other reasons, the types of investments made by the Fund may change over time. For additional information regarding risks of investing in the Fund, please see the Statement of Additional Information. It is important to read all the disclosure information provided and to understand that you may lose money by investing in the Fund.

 

Below-Investment Grade Risk. The Fund will invest in high yield securities rated below BBB by S&P or Baa by Moody’s. High yield securities generally offer a higher current yield than that available from higher grade issues, but typically involve greater risk and are described as speculative by both S&P and Moody’s. Securities rated below investment grade are commonly referred to as “junk bonds.” The ability of issuers of high yield securities to make timely payments of interest and principal may be adversely impacted by adverse changes in general economic conditions, changes in the financial condition of the issuers and price fluctuations in response to changes in interest rates. High yield securities are less liquid than investment grade securities and may be difficult to price or sell, particularly in times of negative market sentiment toward high yield securities.

 

Credit Risk. There is a risk that issuers and counterparties will not make payments on securities and other investments held by the Fund, resulting in losses to the Fund. In addition, the credit quality of fixed income securities held by the Fund may be lowered if an issuer’s financial condition changes. High yield or junk bonds as well as other debt securities issued by below investment grade issuers are typically more susceptible to these risks than debt of higher quality issuers. Furthermore, a significant amount of the Fund’s net asset value is expected to be invested in the lower-rated segment of the high yield market (rated B and below), which investments generally involve greater credit risk than high yield securities that are rated BB and above.

 

Debt Securities Risk. Debt securities in which the Fund may (and typically does) invest are subject to several types of investment risk, including market or interest rate risk (i.e., the risk that their value will be inversely affected by fluctuations in the prevailing interest rates), credit risk (i.e., the risk that the issuer may be unable to make timely interest payments and repay the principal upon maturity), call or prepayment risk, (i.e., the risk that certain debt securities with high interest rates will be prepaid or “called” by the issuer before they mature), and event risk (i.e., the risk that certain debt securities may suffer a substantial decline in credit quality and market value if the issuer restructures).

 

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

 

The size of the trading market for loans is generally smaller than that for registered equities and investment grade rated bond securities; as such, loans may be relatively illiquid compared to those types of securities. Liquidity relates to the ability of a portfolio to sell an investment in a timely manner at a price approximately equal to its value on the portfolio’s books. The Fund’s ability to realize the full value of its assets may be

 

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Prospectus | January 27, 2023

 

 

 

 

impaired in the event of a voluntary or involuntary liquidation of any illiquid assets. Furthermore, in the event of an economic downturn, a substantial increase or decrease in interest rates, or other type of market dislocation, the market for loans may be subject to irregular trading activity, wide bid/ask spreads and extended trade settlement periods. In those instances, loans may be difficult to value and prices provided by external pricing services may not reflect the true fair value of the assets.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Cash Positions. The Fund may not always be fully invested. For example, when the Adviser believes that market conditions are unfavorable for profitable investing, or when it is otherwise unable to locate attractive investment opportunities in the high yield market, the Fund’s cash or similar investments may increase. In other words, cash or similar investments generally are a residual – they represent the assets that remain after the Fund has committed available assets to desirable investment opportunities. When the Fund’s investments in cash or similar investments increase, it may not participate in market advances to the same extent that it would if the Fund remained more fully invested, and the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective may be affected.

 

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

 

Equity Securities Risk. The Fund may invest in equity securities, including equities of stressed issuers or companies emerging from a financial restructuring or corporate reorganization. Equity securities represent ownership in a company. Stock markets are volatile. The price of equity securities will fluctuate and can decline and reduce the value of a portfolio investing in equity securities. The value of equity securities purchased by the Fund could decline if the financial condition of the companies the Fund invests in declines or if overall market and economic conditions deteriorate. The value of equity securities may also decline due to factors that affect a particular industry or industries, such as labor shortages, supply-chain disruptions or an increase in production costs and competitive conditions within an industry.

 

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In addition, the value may decline due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a company or industry, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates, natural disasters, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, or generally adverse investor sentiment.

 

Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that fixed income securities will decline in value because of changes in interest rates. As nominal interest rates rise, the value of fixed income securities held by the Fund are likely to decrease. Securities with longer durations tend to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates, and are usually more volatile than securities with shorter durations. In certain interest rate environments, such as when real interest rates are rising faster than nominal interest rates, inflation-indexed securities may experience greater losses than other fixed income securities with similar durations.

 

Liquidity Risk. Liquidity risk exists when particular investments are difficult to sell. The Fund may not be able to sell these investments at the best prices or at the value the Fund places on them. In such a market, the value of such investments and the Fund’s share price may fall dramatically. Investments that are illiquid or that trade in lower volumes may be more difficult to value. The market for high yield securities (and in particular those securities in which the Fund, together with the Adviser’s other managed funds and accounts, hold a significant percentage of the outstanding class) may be less liquid and therefore these securities may be harder to value or sell at the value that the Fund places on them or otherwise at an acceptable price, especially during times of market volatility or decline.

 

Management and Strategy Risk. The Fund is an actively managed portfolio. Investment strategies employed by the Fund may not result in an increase in the value of your investment or in overall performance equal to other investments. In addition, the Fund’s tactical asset allocation strategy may be unsuccessful and may cause the Fund to incur losses. Furthermore, the Adviser will invest and trade without regard to portfolio turnover considerations, and the Fund’s annual portfolio turnover rate and investment costs and charges may, therefore, be greater than the turnover rates and costs of other types of investment vehicles.

 

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 the impact of inflation on the economy, supply chain disruptions, 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, natural disasters, war, the spread of infectious illness or other public issues, 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.

 

Money Market Instruments/Securities. In seeking to provide downside protection, during periods of high market volatility the Fund may hold money market instruments, including commercial paper, banker’s acceptances, certificates of deposit and other short-term debt securities.

 

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

 

Prepayment and Extension Risk. When interest rates fall, issuers of high interest debt obligations may pay off the debts earlier than expected (prepayment risk), and the Fund may have to reinvest the proceeds at lower yields. When interest rates rise, issuers of lower interest debt obligations may pay off the debts later than expected (extension risk), thus keeping the Fund’s assets tied up in lower interest debt obligations. Ultimately, any unexpected behavior in interest rates could increase the volatility of the Fund’s share price and yield and could hurt Fund performance. Prepayments could also create capital gains tax liability for Fund shareholders in some instances.

 

Rule 144A Securities Risk. The market for certain Rule 144A securities may be less active than the market for publicly-traded securities. Rule 144A securities oftentimes carry a heightened risk that the liquidity of these securities may become impaired, making it more difficult for the Fund to sell these bonds at reasonable prices.

 

What are the Non-Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund?

Other inherent risks associated with the Fund that are less likely to have a material effect on the Fund’s investment portfolio as a whole are called “non-principal risks.” The non-principal risks of the Fund are further described below and in the Statement of Additional Information. It is important to read all the disclosure information provided and to understand that you may lose money by investing in the Fund.

 

Bankruptcy and Restructuring Risk. The Fund may target securities and other obligations of issuers that are in financial difficulty, and/or may be in, entering, or emerging from, bankruptcy proceedings. Bankruptcy or other insolvency proceedings are highly complex and may result in unpredictable outcomes. In any investment opportunity involving work-outs, liquidations, spin-offs, reorganizations, bankruptcies and similar transactions, there exists the risk that the contemplated transaction may be unsuccessful. Similarly, if an anticipated transaction does not in fact occur, the Fund may be required to sell the investment at a loss. The level of analytical sophistication, both financial and legal, necessary for successful investment in companies experiencing significant business and financial difficulties is unusually high. Because there is a substantial uncertainty concerning the outcome of transactions involving financially troubled companies in which the Fund may invest, there is a

 

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potential risk of loss of the entire investment in such companies, as well as the risk that the Fund may be required to accept cash or new securities with a value less than the Fund’s original investment and/or may be required to accept payment over an extended period of time. Under such circumstances, the returns generated from the Fund’s investments may not compensate it adequately for the risks assumed.

 

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

 

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

 

The Fund may incur substantial costs to prevent or address cyber incidents in the future. In addition, there is a possibility that certain risks have not been adequately identified or prepared for. Furthermore, the Fund cannot directly control any cyber security plans and systems put in place by third party service providers. Cyber security risks are also present for issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers, and may cause the Fund’s investment in such securities to lose value.

 

Derivatives Risk. The Fund may invest in derivative securities for bona fide hedging purposes. A derivative security is a financial contract whose value is based on (or “derived from”) a traditional security (such as a bond) or a market index. The use of futures, options, repurchase agreements and other derivatives involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments, and include leverage, volatility, liquidity, credit and tracking risks. Long options positions may expire worthless.

 

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

 

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

 

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LIBOR Replacement and Transition Risk. Certain of the Fund’s investments, payment obligations and financing terms may be based on floating rates, such as LIBOR, Euro Interbank Offered Rate and other similar types of reference rates (each, a “Reference Rate”). In July of 2017, the head of the UK Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) announced a desire to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021. The FCA and ICE Benchmark Administrator have since announced that most LIBOR settings will no longer be published after December 31, 2021 and a majority of U.S. dollar LIBOR settings will cease publication after June 30, 2023. It is possible that a subset of LIBOR settings will be published after these dates on a “synthetic” basis, but any such publications would be considered non-representative of the underlying market. The U.S. Federal Reserve, based on the recommendations of the New York Federal Reserve’s Alternative Reference Rate Committee (comprised of major derivative market participants and their regulators), has begun publishing Secured Overnight Financial Rate Data (“SOFR”) that is intended to replace U.S. dollar LIBOR. Proposals for alternative reference rates for other currencies have also been announced or have already begun publication. Markets are slowly developing in response to these new reference rates.

 

Leverage Risk. The use of leverage by the Fund, such as borrowing money to purchase securities or the use of options, will cause the Fund to incur additional expenses and magnify the Fund’s gains or losses. The Fund intends to generally use leverage, if any, to meet Fund redemptions.

 

Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may engage in short-term trading to try and achieve its investment objective, and accordingly may have portfolio turnover rates in excess of 100%. A portfolio turnover rate of 100% is equivalent to a fund buying and selling all of the securities in its portfolio once during the course of a year. How long the Fund holds a security in its portfolio is generally not a factor in making buy and sell decisions. Increased portfolio turnover may cause the Fund to incur higher brokerage costs, which may adversely affect the Fund’s performance, and may produce increased taxable distributions. In the fixed income market, brokerage commissions are built directly into the applicable bid-ask spread. Distributions resulting from short-term trading may be taxed to shareholders at ordinary income rates.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings

The Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio securities are described in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information.

 

Management

Polen Capital Credit, LLC (the “Adviser”), subject to the authority of the Board of Trustees, is responsible for the overall management and administration of the Fund’s business affairs.

 

Co-founded in 1996 by David J. Breazzano and two other investment professionals, the Adviser is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Polen Capital Management, LLC (“Polen Capital”). Polen Capital is a global investment management firm advising $54 billion in assets and providing high value investment strategies to a wide range of institutional and individual clients around the world.

 

As of December 31, 2022, the Adviser managed approximately $6.8 billion in assets pursuing a variety of fixed income credit strategies targeting the below investment grade universe primarily on behalf of corporate and public retirement funds, Taft-Hartley plans, foundations, healthcare plans and other institutional clients. In addition, the Adviser serves as investment adviser to two other open-end U.S. mutual funds each pursuing distinct fixed income credit strategies with assets under management of approximately $8.4 million as of December 31, 2022. Furthermore, the Adviser provides investment sub-advisory services to three other open-end U.S. mutual funds pursuing a multi-manager multi-strategy approach with assets under management of approximately $0.93 billion as of December 31, 2022. Mr. Breazzano presently serves as the Head of Team and Portfolio Manager of the Adviser and chairs the firm’s Investment Review Committee. Prior to co-founding the Adviser in 1996, Mr. Breazzano served as a portfolio manager at Fidelity Investments with responsibility for over $4 billion in high yield and distressed assets, including the Fidelity Capital & Income Fund. The Adviser’s investment team consists of professionals specialized in the areas of credit research, legal analysis, bankruptcy law, portfolio management, trading and business operational improvements.

 

The Adviser’s address is 1075 Main Street, Suite 320, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451.

 

Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) with the Adviser, the Fund pays the Adviser an annual management fee of 0.70% based on the Fund’s average daily net assets. The management fee is paid on a monthly basis. The Board and shareholders of the Fund may terminate the Advisory Agreement upon thirty (30) days’ written notice. The Adviser may terminate the Advisory Agreement upon sixty (60) days’ notice. A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement is provided in the Fund’s annual report to shareholders for the period ended September 30, 2022.

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to limit the amount of the Fund’s Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding Distribution and Service (12b-1) fees, Shareholder Servicing Fees, Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, brokerage expenses, interest expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses) to an annual rate of 0.79% of the Fund’s average daily net assets for each of the Institutional Class, Class I and Class II shares. This agreement is in effect through at least January 31, 2024, and will automatically continue upon annual approval by the Board of Trustees for successive twelve-month periods unless (i) it is terminated earlier by the Board of Trustees, or (ii) the Adviser provides at least 30 days written notice of its non-continuance prior to the end of the then effective term. The Adviser will be permitted to recover, on a class-by-class basis, expenses it has borne subsequent to the effective date of the agreement described above (whether through reduction of its management fee or otherwise) only to the extent that the Fund’s expenses in later periods do not exceed the lesser of: (1) the contractual expense limit in effect at the time the Adviser waives or limits the expenses; or (2) the contractual expense limit in effect at the time the Adviser seeks to recover the expenses; provided, however, that the Fund will not be obligated to pay any such deferred fees or expenses more than three years after the date on which the fee and expense was reduced.

 

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POLEN DDJ OPPORTUNISTIC HIGH YIELD FUND

 

The following table reflects the Fund’s contractual investment advisory fee rate (expressed as an annual rate), as well as the actual investment advisory fee rate paid by the Fund to the Adviser (net of fee waivers).

 

Contractual Advisory
Fee (%)(annual rate)

Net Investment Advisory Fee (%)
(for the fiscal year ended
September 30, 2022)

0.70%

50%

 

The Portfolio Managers

The portfolio managers are primarily responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Fund. The portfolio managers listed below have jointly comprised the Fund’s portfolio management team since June 1, 2016.

 

Information about the portfolio managers, including information about the portfolio managers’ business experience, appears below. More information about the portfolio managers’ compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers, and the portfolio managers’ ownership of securities in the Fund is included in the SAI.

 

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

PAST 5 YEARS’ BUSINESS EXPERIENCE

David J. Breazzano

Since January 1, 2018, Mr. Breazzano has served as co-portfolio manager of the Fund. Previously, from June 1, 2016 through December 31, 2017, he served as the portfolio manager of the Fund. He is a co-founder and Head of Team of the Adviser and chairs the firm’s Investment Review Committee. Mr. Breazzano is the co-portfolio manager of the Adviser’s U.S. opportunistic high yield strategy, which is the investment strategy pursued by the Fund, and the co-portfolio manager of the Adviser’s upper tier U.S. high yield strategy. Prior to the acquisition of the Adviser by Polen Capital in January 2022, Mr. Breazzano served as the President and Chief Investment Officer of the Adviser. Prior to forming the Adviser in 1996, from 1990 to 1996, Mr. Breazzano was a vice president and portfolio manager in the High Income Group at Fidelity Investments, where he had investment management responsibility for over $4 billion in high yield and distressed assets. Specifically, he was a portfolio manager of the Fidelity Capital & Income Fund, which was one of the largest high yield funds in existence at that time. In addition, Mr. Breazzano co-managed the distressed investing operation at Fidelity. Prior to joining Fidelity Investments in 1990, from 1985 to 1990, Mr. Breazzano was a vice president and portfolio manager at T. Rowe Price Associates. Mr. Breazzano received his MBA from the Johnson School at Cornell University and graduated cum laude with a BA from Union College.

 

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PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

PAST 5 YEARS’ BUSINESS EXPERIENCE

John W. Sherman

Mr. Sherman has served as co-portfolio manager of the Fund since January 1, 2018. Previously, from June 1, 2016 until December 31, 2017, he served as an assistant portfolio manager of the Fund. He is a co-portfolio manager of the Adviser’s U.S. opportunistic high yield strategy as well as the portfolio manager of the Adviser’s bank loan strategy and the assistant portfolio manager of the Adviser’s total return credit strategy. Mr. Sherman serves on the firm’s Investment Review Committee. Mr. Sherman also serves as a member of the board of directors of a portfolio company held by certain of the Adviser’s managed funds and/or accounts. Prior to joining the Adviser in 2007, in 2006, Mr. Sherman was an associate in the Healthcare Group at Thoma Cressey Equity Partners, focusing on private equity investments in middle-market companies. Mr. Sherman graduated magna cum laude with a BBA from the University of Notre Dame.

Benjamin J. Santonelli

Mr. Santonelli has served as co-portfolio manager of the Fund since January 1, 2018. Previously, from June 1, 2016 until December 31, 2017, he served as an assistant portfolio manager of the Fund. He is a co-portfolio manager of the Adviser’s U.S. opportunistic high yield strategy, as well as the portfolio manager of the Adviser’s total return credit strategy and the assistant portfolio manager of the Adviser’s bank loan strategy. Mr. Santonelli serves on the firm’s Investment Review Committee. Mr. Santonelli also serves as a member of the board of directors of a portfolio company held by certain of the Adviser’s managed funds and/or accounts. Mr. Santonelli, who joined the Adviser in 2004, received his BA from Amherst College.

 

Administrator, Distributor and Transfer Agent of the Fund

ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (the “Administrator” or the “Transfer Agent”) serves as the Fund’s administrator, fund accountant and transfer agent. ALPS Distributors, Inc. (“ADI” or the “Distributor”) serves as the Fund’s distributor.

 

Buying and Redeeming Shares

The Fund currently offers Institutional Class, Class I and Class II shares. Each share class of the Fund represents an investment in the same portfolio of securities, but each share class has its own expense structure, allowing you to choose the class that best meets your situation. When you purchase shares of the Fund, you must choose a share class.

 

Factors you should consider in choosing a class of shares include:

 

how long you expect to own the shares;

 

how much you intend to invest; and

 

total expenses associated with owning shares of each class.

 

No sales charges will be applied to your share purchases.

 

Institutional Class shares are typically offered only through certain types of financial intermediaries and to certain institutional investors. Institutional Class shares are offered directly, via the Fund’s transfer agent, and/or through financial intermediaries. Such financial intermediaries may seek payment from the Fund or its service providers for the provision of distribution, administrative and/or shareholder retention services. Institutional investors may include, but are not limited to, corporations, retirement plans, public plans and foundations/endowments.

 

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

 

You may transfer between classes of a Fund if you meet the minimum investment requirements for the class into which you would like to transfer. Transfers between classes of the same Fund are generally not considered a taxable transaction. Certain significant holders of Fund shares are required to provide information concerning such a nontaxable exchange on their federal income tax returns for the year of the exchange. See the SAI under “FEDERAL INCOME TAXES-Special Tax Considerations.”

 

To open your account directly with the Fund, complete the Account application and mail or fax to the transfer agent at the appropriate address below. Please make your purchase check payable to the Polen DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund. You should include any required organizational documents.

 

via US Postal Service
Polen Fund
c/o ALPS Funds
P.O. Box 1920
Denver, CO 80201

via Express Courier
Polen Fund
c/o ALPS Fund Services, Inc.
1290 Broadway, Suite 1000
Denver, CO 80203

 

Please call an investor services representative at 1-844-363-4898 to obtain the fax number and wiring instructions.

 

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POLEN DDJ OPPORTUNISTIC HIGH YIELD FUND

 

The Fund does not consider the US Postal Service or other independent delivery services to be its agents. Therefore, deposit in the mail or with such services, or receipt at the Polen Fund’s post office box, of purchase orders or redemption requests does not constitute receipt by the Fund.

 

Distribution and Services (12b-1) Plan for Class II Shares

The Fund has adopted a plan of distribution for Class II shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the “Plan”).

 

Under the terms of the Plan, the Fund is authorized to make payments to the Distributor for remittance to financial intermediaries, as compensation for distribution and/or the provision of on-going shareholder services performed by such financial intermediaries for their customers who are investors in the Fund. The Plan permits payment for services and related expenses in connection with a financial intermediary’s administration of mutual fund distribution platforms that offer Class II shares of the Fund.

 

The Plan permits the Fund to make total payments at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to its Class II shares. Because these fees are paid out of the Fund’s Class II share assets on an ongoing basis, over time, they will increase the cost of an investment in Class II shares.

 

The Distributor may retain some or all compensation payable pursuant to the Plan under certain circumstances, including but not limited to, such as if a financial intermediary resigns as the broker/dealer of record, or such financial intermediary failing to meet certain eligibly standards to be able to continue to be the broker/dealer of record.

 

Shareholder Services Plan for Class I and Class II Shares

The Fund has adopted non-Rule 12b-1 shareholder services plans (the “Services Plan”) for Class I and Class II shares which authorize the Fund to compensate select financial intermediaries and Fund affiliates an aggregate fee in an amount not to annually exceed 0.10% of the average daily net asset value of the Class I and Class II shares of the Fund attributable to, or held in the name of, the financial intermediary for its clients as compensation for maintaining customer accounts that hold Fund shares. The Service Plan fee is compensation for providing, some or all of the following services: (i) establishing and maintaining Fund shareholder accounts, (ii) processing and transmitting Fund shareholder orders and instructions regarding accounts, (iii) processing dividend and other distribution payments from the Fund for shareholder accounts, (iv) preparing reports or forms on behalf of Fund shareholder accounts, (v) forwarding communications from the Fund to shareholders, and (vi) providing such other similar services as applicable statutes, rules or regulations permit. None of the aforementioned services includes distribution related services or activities. Any amount of the Services Plans fees not paid during the Fund’s fiscal year for such services may be reimbursed to the Fund.

 

Payments to Financial Intermediaries and Other Arrangements

The Adviser and/or its affiliates may enter into arrangements to make payments for additional activities to select financial intermediaries intended to result in the sale of Fund shares and/or other shareholder servicing activities out of the Adviser’s own resources (which may include profits from providing advisory services to the Fund). These payments are often referred to as “revenue sharing payments” and the revenue sharing payment amount generally vary by financial intermediary. The aggregate amount of the revenue sharing payments is determined by the Adviser and may be substantial. Revenue sharing payments create no additional cost to the Fund or its shareholders.

 

Revenue sharing payments may create an incentive for a financial intermediary or its employees or associated persons to recommend or sell shares of the Fund to you, rather than shares of another mutual fund. Please contact your financial intermediary’s investment professional for details about revenue sharing payments it may be receiving.

 

Networking, Sub-Accounting and Administrative Fees

Select financial intermediaries may enter into arrangements with the Fund, or its designees, to perform certain networking, recordkeeping, sub-accounting and/or administrative services for shareholders of the Fund. These actives are routinely processed through the National Securities Clearing Corporation’s Fund/SERV and Trust Networking systems or similar systems. In consideration for providing these services in an automated environment, such financial intermediaries may receive compensation from the Fund. Any such compensation by the Fund to these select financial intermediaries for the aforementioned services are in addition to any applicable 12b-1 related services provided to Fund shareholders.

 

Investment Minimums

The Fund offers investors three classes of shares: Institutional Class, Class I and Class II. The minimum initial investment in Institutional Class shares is $5,000,000 with no minimum subsequent investment. Employees of the Adviser, their spouses, and members of their immediate family living in the same household are eligible to purchase the Institutional Class with a minimum investment of $2,500. Moreover, the Fund may waive minimum investment amounts in Institutional Class shares with respect to investments by the Trust’s officers or its Trustees. Institutional Class accounts offered or sourced through a service organization may, as determined by the Adviser, meet the minimum investment amount by aggregating multiple accounts; however, each account must meet a minimum investment requirement of $500,000. In addition, investors with a preexisting relationship with the Adviser, as determined by the Adviser in its sole discretion, may also be deemed eligible to purchase the Institutional Class with a minimum investment of $500,000. Investors generally may meet the minimum investment amount by aggregating multiple accounts within the Fund if desired and if allowed by the relevant intermediary. Investors may establish an Automatic Investment Plan (AIP) account or a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) account; there are no subsequent investment minimums for investments in AIP or SWP accounts.

 

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Prospectus | January 27, 2023

 

 

 

 

The minimum initial investment in Class I shares is $1,000,000, and the minimum subsequent investment is $50,000. The minimum initial investment in Class II shares is $5,000, and the minimum subsequent investment is $2,500.

 

The Fund reserves the right to waive or change investment minimums. For accounts sold through financial intermediaries, it is the primary responsibility of the financial intermediary to ensure compliance with investment minimums.

 

Buying Shares

In order to buy, exchange or redeem shares at that day’s net asset value, you must place your order with the Fund or its agent before the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) closes (normally, 4:00 p.m. Eastern time). If the NYSE closes early, you must place your order prior to the actual closing time. Orders received by financial intermediaries prior to the close of trading on the NYSE will be confirmed at the offering price computed as of the close of the trading on the NYSE. It is the responsibility of the financial intermediary to ensure that all orders are transmitted in a timely manner to the Fund. Otherwise, you will receive the next business day’s net asset value.

 

Investors may purchase, exchange or redeem Institutional Class, Class I and Class II shares of the Fund directly or through retirement plans, broker-dealers, bank trust departments, financial advisors or other financial intermediaries. Shares made available through full service broker-dealers may be available through wrap accounts under which such broker-dealers impose additional fees for services connected to the wrap account. Contact your financial intermediary or refer to your plan documents for instructions on how to purchase or redeem shares.

 

Investors may be charged a fee if they effect transactions through a broker or agent. The Fund has authorized one or more brokers to receive on its behalf purchase and redemption orders. Such brokers are authorized to designate other intermediaries to receive purchase and redemption orders on the Fund’s behalf. The Fund will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when an authorized broker or, if applicable, a broker’s authorized designee, receives the order. Customer orders will be priced at the Fund’s net asset value next computed after they are received by an authorized broker or the broker’s authorized designee.

 

There is an annual pass through IRA and Coverdell Education Savings Account maintenance fee of $10.00 that is charged by the IRA custodian on a per-account basis.

 

With certain limited exceptions, the Fund is available only to U.S. citizens or residents.

 

The Fund will generally accept purchases only in U.S. dollars drawn from U.S. financial institutions. Cashier’s checks, third party checks, money orders, credit card convenience checks, cash or equivalents or payments in foreign currencies are not acceptable forms of payment. You may also contact the Fund to request a purchase of Fund shares using securities you own. The Fund reserves the right to refuse or accept such requests in whole or in part.

 

Redeeming Shares

Redemptions, like purchases, may generally be effected only through retirement plans, broker-dealers, financial intermediaries and directly through the Fund. Please contact the Fund, your financial intermediary or refer to the appropriate plan documents for details. Your financial intermediary may charge a processing or service fee in connection with the redemption of shares.

 

Redemption Payments

In all cases, your redemption price is the net asset value per share next determined after your request is received in good order less any applicable redemption fees. “Good order” means that your redemption request includes: (i) the Fund name and account number; (ii) the amount of the transaction in dollars or shares; (iii) signatures of you and any other person listed on the account, exactly as the shares are registered; (iv) any certificates you are holding for the account; and (v) any supporting legal documentation that may be required.

 

Redemption proceeds days will typically be sent within one to two business days but may take up to seven days. However, if you recently purchased your shares by check, your redemption proceeds will not be sent to you until your original check clears, which may take up to 15 days. The Fund typically pays redemptions from cash, cash equivalents, proceeds from the sale of Fund shares or from the sale of portfolio securities. These redemption payment methods are expected to be used in regular and stressed market conditions.

 

Your redemption proceeds can be sent by check to your address of record or by wire transfer to a bank account designated on your application. Your bank may charge you a fee for wire transfers. Any request that your redemption proceeds be sent to a destination other than your bank account or address of record must be in writing and must include a Medallion signature guarantee. Please call 1-844-363-4898 for information on obtaining a Medallion signature guarantee.

 

The Fund is not responsible for losses or fees resulting from posting delays or non-receipt of redemption payments at your bank, when shareholder payment instructions are followed.

 

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POLEN DDJ OPPORTUNISTIC HIGH YIELD FUND

 

Redemptions In-Kind

The Fund reserves the right to make a payment in securities rather than cash. If the Fund deems it advisable for the benefit of all shareholders that a redemption payment wholly or partly in-kind would be in the best interests of the Fund’s remaining shareholders, the Fund may pay redemption proceeds to you in whole or in part with securities held by the Fund. If the Fund decides to redeem in-kind, the redeeming shareholder will generally receive pro-rata shares of the Fund’s portfolio. These pro-rata shares would have similar characteristics to the Fund and will consist of any other pro-rata share of the securities held in the Fund. A redemption in-kind could occur under extraordinary circumstances, such as a very large redemption that could affect the Fund’s operations (for example, more than 1% of the Fund’s net assets). However, the Fund is required to redeem shares solely for cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the net asset value of the Fund during any 90-calendar day period for any one shareholder. Should redemptions by any shareholder exceed such limitation, the Fund will have the option of redeeming the excess in cash or in-kind. Securities used to redeem Fund shares will be valued as described in “How Fund Shares are Priced” below. A shareholder may pay brokerage charges on the sale of any securities received as a result of a redemption in-kind. Redemptions in-kind are taxed to a redeeming shareholder for federal income tax purposes in the same manner as cash redemptions. Securities received in a redemption in-kind are subject to market risk until sold.

 

Medallion Signature Guarantees

The Fund requires a Medallion signature guarantee on any written redemption over $100,000 (but may require additional documentation or a Medallion signature guarantee on any redemption request to help protect against fraud) or for certain types of transfer requests or account registration changes. A Medallion signature guarantee may be obtained from a domestic bank or trust company, broker, dealer, clearing agency, savings association or other financial institution that is participating in a medallion program recognized by the Securities Transfer Association. The three “recognized” medallion programs are Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program (STAMP), Stock Exchanges Medallion Program (SEMP) and NYSE, Inc. Medallion Signature Program (NYSE MSP). Please call 1-844-363-4898 for information on obtaining a Medallion signature guarantee.

 

Redemption Fees

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

 

The Fund permits waivers of the redemption fee for the following transactions:

 

Redemptions related to a disability as defined by Internal Revenue Service requirements;

 

Redemptions due to death for shares transferred from a decedent’s account to a beneficiary’s account;

 

Redemptions due to divorce for shares transferred pursuant to a divorce decree;

 

Redemptions of shares through a systematic withdrawal plan;

 

Broker-dealer sponsored wrap program accounts and/or fee-based accounts maintained for clients of certain financial intermediaries who have entered into selling agreements with the Distributor;

 

Redemptions through an automatic, non-discretionary rebalancing or asset allocation program;

 

Rollovers, transfers and changes of account registration within the Fund as long as the money never leaves the Fund;

 

Redemptions due to reinvestment of dividends and/or capital gains;

 

Any involuntary redemption and/or exchange transactions, including, for example, those required by law or regulation, a regulatory agency, a court order or as a result of a liquidation of the Fund by the Board of Trustees;

 

Certain types of IRA account transactions, including redemptions pursuant to systematic withdrawal programs, required minimum distributions, withdrawals due to disability or death, return of excess contribution amounts, and redemptions related to payment of custodian fees;

 

Certain types of employer-sponsored and 403(b) retirement plan transactions, including loans or hardship withdrawals, minimum required distributions, redemptions pursuant to systematic withdrawal programs, forfeiture of assets, return of excess contribution amounts, redemptions related to payment of plan fees, and redemptions related to death, disability or qualified domestic relations order; and

 

Certain other transactions as deemed appropriate by the Adviser.

 

The application of redemption fees and waivers may vary among intermediaries and certain intermediaries may not apply the waivers listed above. If you purchase, exchange or sell shares of the Fund through an intermediary, you should contact your intermediary for more information on whether the redemption fee will be applied to redemptions of your shares.

 

The Fund reserves the right to modify or eliminate the redemption fee or waivers at any time. Investment advisers or their affiliates may pay redemption fees on behalf of investors in managed accounts. Unitized group accounts consisting of qualified plan assets may be treated as a single account for redemption fee purposes.

 

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Prospectus | January 27, 2023

 

 

 

 

Redemptions Based on Minimum Requirements

Due to the relatively high cost of handling small investments, the Fund reserves the right, upon 60 days’ written notice, to redeem, at NAV, the shares of any shareholder whose account in the Fund has a value of less than (i) $750,000 for Class I shareholders; (ii) $2,000 for Class II shareholders; or (iii) $3.75 million for Institutional Class shareholders, other than as a result of a decline in the NAV per share. This policy will not be implemented where the Fund has previously waived the minimum investment requirement for that shareholder. Before the Fund redeems such shares and sends the proceeds to the shareholder, it will notify the shareholder that the value of the shares in the account is less than the minimum amount and will allow the shareholder 60 days to make an additional investment in an amount that will increase the value of the account to at least (i) $750,000 for Class I shareholders; (ii) $2,000 for Class II shareholders; or (iii) or $3.75 million for Institutional Class shareholders, before the redemption is processed. As a sale of your Fund shares, this redemption will generally be taxable for shareholders who hold their shares through taxable accounts.

 

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

 

Share Transactions

Share Certificates

The Fund does not issue share certificates.

 

Frequent Purchases and Sales of Fund Shares

The Fund does not permit market timing or other abusive trading practices. The Fund reserves the right, but does not have the obligation, to reject any purchase transaction at any time. In addition, the Fund reserves the right to suspend its offering of shares or to impose restrictions on purchases at any time that are more restrictive than those that are otherwise stated in this Prospectus with respect to disruptive, excessive or short-term trading.

 

Excessive short-term trading or other abusive trading practices may disrupt portfolio management strategies, increase brokerage and administrative costs and hurt Fund performance. The Board has adopted policies and procedures with respect to frequent purchases and redemptions and to seek to prevent market timing. To minimize harm to the Fund and its shareholders, the Fund reserves the right to reject, in its sole discretion, any purchase order from any investor it believes has a history of abusive trading or whose trading, in its judgment, has been or may be disruptive to the Fund. Such disruption may include trading that may interfere with the efficient management of the Fund, may materially increase the Fund’s transaction costs, administrative costs or taxes, or may otherwise be detrimental to the interests of the Fund and its shareholders. The Fund may also refuse purchase transactions from Fund intermediaries it believes may be facilitating or have facilitated abusive trading practices. In making this judgment, the Fund may consider trading done in multiple accounts under common ownership or control.

 

On a periodic basis, the Fund or its agents may review transaction history reports to identify redemptions that are within a specific time period from a previous purchase in the same account(s) in the Fund, or in multiple accounts that are known to be under common control. Redemptions meeting the criteria will be investigated for possible inappropriate trading.

 

Certain accounts, in particular omnibus accounts, include multiple investors and such accounts typically provide the Fund with a net purchase or redemption request on any given day. In these cases, purchases and redemptions of Fund shares are netted against one another and the identity of individual purchasers and redeemers whose orders are aggregated may not be known by the Fund. Therefore, it becomes more difficult for the Fund to identify market timing or other abusive trading activities in these accounts, and the Fund may be unable to eliminate abusive traders in these accounts from the Fund. Further, identification of abusive traders may also be limited by operational systems and technical limitations. To the extent abusive or disruptive trading is identified, the Fund will encourage omnibus account intermediaries to address such trading activity in a manner consistent with how the Fund would address such activity directly, if it were able to do so.

 

Due to the complexity and subjectivity involved in identifying market timing and other abusive trading practices, there can be no assurance that the Fund’s efforts will identify all market timing or abusive trading activities. Therefore, investors should not assume that the Fund will be able to detect or prevent all practices that may disadvantage the Fund.

 

Verification of Shareholder Transaction Statements

You must contact the Fund in writing regarding any errors or discrepancies within 60 days after the date of the statement confirming a transaction. The Fund may deny your ability to refute a transaction if it does not hear from you within 60 days after the confirmation statement date.

 

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Non-receipt of Purchase Wire/Insufficient Funds Policy

The Fund reserves the right to cancel a purchase if payment of the check or electronic funds transfer does not clear your bank, or if a wire is not received by settlement date. You will be responsible for any fees charged to the Fund for insufficient funds (failed payment) and you may be responsible for any fees imposed by your bank as well as any losses that the Fund may incur as a result of the canceled purchase.

 

How Fund Shares are Priced

The Board of Trustees has approved procedures to be used to value the Fund’s assets for the purposes of determining the Fund’s net asset value. The valuation of the assets of the Fund is determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Adviser as the valuation designee as selected by the Board.

 

The Fund generally values its securities based on market prices determined at the close of regular trading on the NYSE (normally, 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each business day (Monday through Friday). The Fund will not value its securities on any day that the NYSE is closed, including the following observed holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The Fund’s currency valuations, if any, are done as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE (normally, 4:00 p.m. Eastern time). For equity securities that are traded on an exchange, the market price is usually the closing sale or official closing price on that exchange. In the case of securities not traded on an exchange, or if such closing prices are not otherwise available, the market price is typically determined by independent third-party pricing vendors using a variety of pricing techniques and methodologies. The market price for debt obligations is generally the price supplied by an independent third-party pricing service, which may use a matrix, formula or other objective method that takes into consideration market indices, yield curves and other specific adjustments. Short-term debt obligations that will mature in 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, unless it is determined by the valuation designee that using this method would not reflect an investment’s fair value. If vendors are unable to supply a price, or if the price supplied is deemed to be unreliable, the market price may be determined using quotations received from one or more brokers-dealers that make a market in the security.

 

When such prices or quotations are not available, or when the Adviser believes that they are unreliable, securities may be priced using fair value procedures approved by the Board. The Fund may determine the fair value of investments based on information provided by pricing services and other third-party vendors, which may recommend fair value prices or adjustments with reference to other securities, indices or assets. In considering whether fair value pricing is required and in determining fair values, the Fund may, among other things, consider significant events (which may be considered to include changes in the value of U.S. securities or securities indices) that occur after the close of the relevant market and before the Fund values its securities.

 

Valuing securities at fair value involves greater reliance on judgment than valuation of securities based on readily available market quotations. A fund that uses fair value to price securities may value those securities higher or lower than another fund using market quotations or its own fair value methodologies to price the same securities. There can be no assurance that the Fund could obtain the fair value assigned to a security if it were to sell the security at approximately the time at which the Fund determines its net asset value.

 

Customer Identification Program

To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, federal law requires the Fund or its agents to obtain certain personal information from you (or persons acting on your behalf) in order to verify your (or such person’s) identity when you open an account, including name, address, date of birth and other information (which may include certain documents) that will allow the Transfer Agent to verify your identity. If this information is not provided, the Transfer Agent may not be able to open your account. If the Transfer Agent is unable to verify your identity (or that of another person authorized to act on your behalf) shortly after your account is opened, or believes it has identified potential criminal activity, the Fund, the Distributor and the Transfer Agent each reserve the right to reject further purchase orders from you or to take such other action as they deem reasonable or required by law, including closing your account and redeeming your shares at their net asset value at the time of redemption.

 

If you are opening an account in the name of a legal entity (e.g., a partnership, business trust, limited liability company, corporation, etc.), you may be required to supply the identity of the beneficial owner or controlling person(s) of the legal entity prior to the opening of your account. The Fund may request additional information about you (which may include certain documents, such as articles of incorporation for companies) to help the Transfer Agent verify your identity.

 

Dividends and Distributions

Income Dividends. Income dividends are derived from net investment income (i.e., interest and other income, less any related expenses) the Fund earns from its portfolio securities and other investments. The Fund intends to distribute any net income to shareholders monthly.

 

Capital Gain Distributions. Capital gain distributions are derived from gains realized when the Fund sells a portfolio security. Long-term capital gains are derived from gains realized when the Fund sells a portfolio security it has owned for more than one year, and short-term capital gains are derived from gains realized when a portfolio security was owned for one year or less. The Fund intends to distribute amounts derived from capital gains to shareholders annually.

 

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Reinvested in Shares or Paid in Cash. Dividends and distributions are reinvested in additional Fund shares unless you instruct the Transfer Agent to have your dividends and/or distributions paid by check mailed to the address of record or transferred through an Automated Clearing House to the bank of your choice. You can change your choice at any time to be effective as of the next dividend or distribution, except that any change given to the Transfer Agent less than five days before the payment date will not be effective until the next dividend or distribution is made.

 

Federal Income Taxes

The following information is a general summary of U.S. federal income tax consequences of investments in the Fund for U.S. person only, which include (i) U.S. citizens or residents, (ii) corporations organized in the United States or under the law of the United States or any state, (iii) an estate whose income is subject to U.S. federal income taxation of its source; or (iv) a trust, if a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over its administration and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all of its substantial decisions, or if the trust has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person. Shareholders that are partnerships or nonresident aliens, foreign trusts or estates, or foreign corporations may be subject to different U.S. federal income tax treatment. If an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes is a beneficial owner of Fund shares, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership will generally depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. You should rely on your own tax adviser for advice about the particular federal, state and local tax consequences regarding your investment in the Fund.

 

This discussion assumes that the Fund will qualify under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended as a regulated investment company. There can be no guarantee that this assumption will be correct. The Fund will not be subject to federal income taxes to the extent that it distributes substantially all of its net investment income and any realized capital gains. The Fund expects to distribute substantially all of its ordinary income and net capital gains in excess of any loss carryovers to its shareholders every year. In turn, shareholders will be taxed on distributions they receive, unless the shares are held by certain types of tax-exempt organizations or through tax-advantaged accounts (such as 401(k) plan accounts or individual retirement accounts). Such arrangements are subject to special tax rules.

 

Income Dividends and Capital Gains

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, shareholders of a Fund are generally subject to taxation based on the underlying character of the income and gain recognized by the Fund and distributed to the shareholders. Distributions properly reported as net capital gain of the Fund will be taxable to Fund shareholders as long-term capital gain, regardless of how long shares of the Fund are held. The Fund may realize long-term capital gains when it sells or redeems a security that it has owned for more than one year and when it receives capital gain distributions from ETFS in which the Fund owns investments.

 

Generally, distributions of earnings derived from ordinary income and short-term capital gains will be taxable as ordinary income. Certain Fund distributions will generally be taxable as “qualified dividend income” taxable to individual shareholders at the same maximum rates applicable to long-term capital gains, provided that the individual receiving the dividend satisfies certain holding period requirements for his or her Fund shares, the Fund satisfies certain holding period requirements for its investments in the stock producing such dividends and certain other requirements are satisfied. The amount of distributions from the Fund that will be eligible for the “qualified dividend income” lower maximum rate, however, cannot exceed the amount of dividends received by the Fund that are qualifying dividends (i.e., dividends from U.S. corporations or certain qualifying foreign corporations). Thus, to the extent that dividends from the Fund are attributable to other sources, such as taxable interest, fees from securities lending transactions, certain distributions from real estate investment trusts, income from foreign-currency transactions or short-term capital gains, such dividends will be taxed as ordinary income and will not be eligible for the lower rate. The Fund may realize short-term capital gains from the sale of investments that the Fund owned for one year or less.

 

Some of the Fund’s investments, such as certain option transactions and regulated futures contracts, may be “section 1256 contracts.” Section 1256 contracts owned by the Fund generally will be treated for income tax purposes as if sold for their fair market values (i.e., “marked to market”) on an annual basis and resulting gains or losses generally will be treated as 60% long-term capital gains or losses and 40% short-term capital gains or losses.

 

Fund distributions of earnings and gains are taxable regardless of whether they are paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares, and even if they are paid from income or gains earned by the Fund prior to the shareholder’s investment and thus were included in the price paid for the shares. Thus, a shareholder who purchases shares on or just before the record date of a Fund distribution will pay full price for the shares and may receive a portion of his or her investment back as a taxable distribution. While in effect a return of capital to the shareholder, the distribution is still taxable even though the shareholder did not participate in these gains. An investor can avoid this by investing soon after the Fund has made a distribution.

 

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POLEN DDJ OPPORTUNISTIC HIGH YIELD FUND

 

Fund dividends paid to shareholders that are C corporations may be eligible for a 50% corporate dividends-received deduction to the extent such dividends are attributable to qualifying dividends received from U.S. domestic corporations, subject to certain holding period requirements and debt financing limitations.

 

Any distributions on, sales, exchanges or redemptions of, shares held in an IRA (or other tax-advantaged plan) are generally not currently taxable.

 

If the Fund invests in stock of a real-estate investment trust (a “REIT”), it may be eligible to pay “section 199A dividends” to its shareholders with respect to certain dividends received by it from its investment in REITs. Section 199A dividends are taxable to individual and other non-corporate shareholders at a reduced effective federal income tax rate for taxable years beginning before 2026, provided that certain holding period requirements and other conditions are satisfied.

 

Sale or Redemption of Fund Shares

Shareholders of the Fund will recognize taxable gain or loss on a sale, exchange or redemption of shares of the Fund based on the difference between the shareholder’s adjusted tax basis in the shares disposed of and the amount received for them. Generally, this gain or loss will be long-term if the shareholder’s holding period for the shares disposed of exceeds 12 months, except that any loss realized on shares held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends that were received on the shares. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

 

Any loss realized on a disposition of shares of the Fund may be disallowed under “wash sale” rules to the extent that the shares disposed of are replaced with other substantially identical shares of the same Fund within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before the shares are disposed of, such as pursuant to a dividend reinvestment in shares of the Fund. If disallowed, the loss will be reflected in an adjustment to the basis of the shares acquired.

 

Cost Basis Reporting. The Fund (or its administrative agent) generally must report to the IRS the gross proceeds from the sale of Fund shares. The Fund also must report to the IRS and furnish to Fund shareholders the cost basis information for Fund shares purchased on or after January 1, 2012, when subsequently sold or redeemed, and indicate whether such shares had a short-term or long-term holding period. These requirements do not apply to investments through a tax-advantaged arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement plan. If a shareholder does not make an election among the available IRS-accepted cost basis methods, the Fund will use a default cost basis method for the shareholder. The cost basis method elected or applied may not be changed after the settlement date of a sale of Fund shares. Fund shareholders should consult with their tax advisers concerning the most desirable IRS-accepted cost basis method for their tax situation.

 

Medicare Surtax. A Medicare surtax of 3.8% will be imposed on net investment income (including ordinary dividends and capital gain distributions received from the Fund and net gains from redemptions or other taxable dispositions of Fund shares) of U.S. individuals, estates and certain trusts to the extent that such person’s gross income, as adjusted, exceeds a certain amount. Any liability for this additional tax will be reported on, and paid with, the shareholder’s federal income tax return.

 

Backup Withholding. A shareholder of the Fund may be subject to backup withholding on any distributions of income, capital gains, or proceeds from the sale or exchange of Fund shares if the shareholder (i) has provided either an incorrect tax identification number or no such number, (ii) has been identified by the IRS as otherwise subject to backup withholding, or (iii) has failed to certify that the shareholder is a U.S. person not subject to backup withholding. The backup withholding rate is 24% for tax years beginning before 2026.

 

Foreign Taxes. The Fund may be subject to foreign taxes or foreign tax withholding on dividends, interest and certain capital gains earned from its foreign security investments. A shareholder may be ineligible for any offsetting tax credit or tax deduction under U.S. tax laws for shareholder’s portion of the Fund’s foreign tax obligations.

 

Non-U.S. Persons. Non-U.S. persons that are considering the purchase of Fund shares should consult with their own tax advisers regarding the U.S. federal, foreign, state and local tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the shares.

 

Annual Notifications. Each year, the Fund will notify shareholders of the tax status of dividends and distributions.

 

State and Local Income Taxes. Shareholders may also be subject to state and local income taxes on distributions and redemptions.

 

For more information, see the SAI under “FEDERAL INCOME TAXES.” Investors should consult with their tax advisers regarding the U.S. federal, foreign, state and local tax consequences of an investment in the Fund.

 

Financial Highlights

The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the financial performance of the Fund for each fiscal period shown. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This information has been audited by Cohen & Company, Ltd. (“Cohen”), the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm. Cohen’s report, along with the Fund’s financial statements, is included in the Fund’s annual report, which is available upon request and free of charge by calling the Fund at 1-844-363-4898.

 

 

24

Prospectus | January 27, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INSTITUTIONAL CLASS

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

 

 

For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2022

   

For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2021

   

For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2020

   

For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2019

   

For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2018

 

NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD

  $ 8.59     $ 8.10     $ 8.72     $ 9.53     $ 10.04  
                                         

INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:

                                       

Net investment income(a)

    0.49       0.52       0.60 (b)      0.83       0.84  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    (1.50 )     0.48       (0.63 )     (0.82 )     (0.43 )

Total from investment operations

    (1.01 )     1.00       (0.03 )     0.01       0.41  
                                         

LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:

                                       

From net investment income

    (0.51 )     (0.51 )     (0.59 )     (0.82 )     (0.82 )

From net realized gains on investments

    (0.00 )(c)                       (0.10 )

Total Distributions

    (0.51 )     (0.51 )     (0.59 )     (0.82 )     (0.92 )
                                         

REDEMPTION FEES ADDED TO PAID-IN-CAPITAL

    0.00 (c)                         

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE

    (1.52 )     0.49       (0.62 )     (0.81 )     (0.51 )

NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD

  $ 7.07     $ 8.59     $ 8.10     $ 8.72     $ 9.53  
                                         

TOTAL RETURN(d)

    (12.23 %)     12.61 %     (0.03 %)     0.12 %     4.26 %
                                         

SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:

                                       

Net assets, end of period (in 000s)

  $ 257,043     $ 243,732     $ 135,801     $ 20,367     $ 8,801  

RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS

                                       

Operating expenses excluding reimbursement/waiver

    0.89 %     0.99 %     1.24 %     3.01 %     3.81 %

Operating expenses including reimbursement/waiver

    0.79 %     0.79 %     0.79 %     0.79 %     0.79 %

Net investment income including reimbursement/waiver

    6.12 %     6.07 %     7.36 %     9.14 %     8.56 %

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE

    36 %     74 %     66 %     43 %     147 %

 

(a)

Calculated using the average shares method.

(b)

The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and redemptions of Fund shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating market value of the investments of the Fund.

(c)

Less than $0.005 per share.

(d)

Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

 

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POLEN DDJ OPPORTUNISTIC HIGH YIELD FUND

 

CLASS I

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

 

 

For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2022

   

For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2021

   

For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2020

   

For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2019

   

For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2018

 

NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD

  $ 8.58     $ 8.09     $ 8.72     $ 9.54     $ 10.04  
                                         

INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:

                                       

Net investment income(a)

    0.43       0.52       0.61 (b)      0.84       0.81  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    (1.45 )     0.48       (0.64 )     (0.83 )     (0.39 )

Total from investment operations

    (1.02 )     1.00       (0.03 )     0.01       0.42  
                                         

LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:

                                       

From net investment income

    (0.45 )     (0.51 )     (0.60 )     (0.83 )     (0.82 )

From net realized gains on investments

    (0.00 )(c)                       (0.10 )

Total Distributions

    (0.45 )     (0.51 )     (0.60 )     (0.83 )     (0.92 )
                                         

REDEMPTION FEES ADDED TO PAID-IN-CAPITAL

                            0.00 (c) 

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE

    (1.47 )     0.49       (0.63 )     (0.82 )     (0.50 )

NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD

  $ 7.11     $ 8.58     $ 8.09     $ 8.72     $ 9.54  
                                         

TOTAL RETURN(d)

    (12.25 %)     12.63 %     (0.11 %)     0.16 %     4.42 %
                                         

SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:

                                       

Net assets, end of period (in 000s)

  $ 12     $ 708     $ 668     $ 719     $ 723  

RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS

                                       

Operating expenses excluding reimbursement/waiver

    0.90 %     0.98 %     1.32 %     2.98 %     3.04 %

Operating expenses including reimbursement/waiver

    0.79 %(e)     0.79 %(e)     0.79 %(e)     0.79 %(e)     0.79 %(e)

Net investment income including reimbursement/waiver

    5.14 %     6.11 %     7.44 %     9.20 %     8.29 %

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE

    36 %     74 %     66 %     43 %     147 %

 

(a)

Calculated using the average shares method.

(b)

The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and redemptions of Fund shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating market value of the investments of the Fund.

(c)

Less than $0.005 per share.

(d)

Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

(e)

According to the Fund’s shareholder services plan with respect to the Fund’s Class I shares, any amount of such payment not paid during the Fund’s fiscal year for such services activities shall be reimbursed to the Fund as soon as practical after the end of the fiscal year. Fees were reimbursed to the Fund during the years ended, September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018, in the amounts of 0.10% and 0.10% of average net assets of Class I shares. For the years ended September 30, 2022, September 30, 2021, and September 30, 2020, no fees were accrued and thus no fees were reimbursed.

 

26

Prospectus | January 27, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CLASS II

For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented

 

 

 

For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2022

   

For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2021

   

For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2020

   

For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2019

   

For the Year
Ended
September 30,
2018

 

NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD

  $ 8.61     $ 8.12     $ 8.75     $ 9.55     $ 10.04  
                                         

INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:

                                       

Net investment income(a)

    0.45       0.49       0.59 (b)      0.80       0.79  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    (1.49 )     0.48       (0.65 )     (0.82 )     (0.41 )

Total from investment operations

    (1.04 )     0.97       (0.06 )     (0.02 )     0.38  
                                         

LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:

                                       

From net investment income

    (0.48 )     (0.48 )     (0.57 )     (0.79 )     (0.77 )

From net realized gains on investments

    0.00 (c)                        (0.10 )

Total Distributions

    (0.48     (0.48 )     (0.57 )     (0.79 )     (0.87 )
                                         

REDEMPTION FEES ADDED TO PAID-IN-CAPITAL

          0.00 (c)      0.00 (c)      0.01       0.00 (c) 

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE

    (1.52 )     0.49       (0.63 )     (0.80 )     (0.49 )

NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD

  $ 7.09     $ 8.61     $ 8.12     $ 8.75     $ 9.55  
                                         

TOTAL RETURN(d)

    (12.51 %)     12.20 %     (0.46 %)     (0.12 %)     3.97 %
                                         

SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:

                                       

Net assets, end of period (in 000s)

  $ 1,384     $ 2,480     $ 2,579     $ 6,467     $ 1,292  

RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS

                                       

Operating expenses excluding reimbursement/waiver

    1.24 %     1.33 %     1.71 %     3.20 %     3.83 %

Operating expenses including reimbursement/waiver

    1.14 %(e)     1.14 %(e)     1.14 %(e)     1.14 %(e)     1.08 %(e)

Net investment income including reimbursement/waiver

    5.63 %     5.75 %     6.98 %     8.74 %     8.16 %

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE

    36 %     74 %     66 %     43 %     147 %

 

(a)

Calculated using the average shares method.

(b)

The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and redemptions of Fund shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating market value of the investments of the Fund.

(c)

Less than $0.005 per share.

(d)

Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.

(e)

According to the Fund’s shareholder services plan with respect to the Fund’s Class II shares, any amount of such payment not paid during the Fund’s fiscal year for such services activities shall be reimbursed to the Fund as soon as practical after the end of the fiscal year. Fees were reimbursed to the Fund during the years ended September 30, 2022, September 30, 2021, September 30, 2020, September 30, 2019, and September 30, 2018, in the amounts of 0.00% 0.00%, 0.00%, 0.00% and 0.06% of average net assets of Class II shares.

 

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Page Intentionally Left Blank.

 

 

 

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Additional Information About the Fund

 

Shareholder Reports

Annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders provide additional information about the Fund’s investments. These reports, when available, will discuss the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund’s performance during its last fiscal year.

 

Statement of Additional Information

The Statement of Additional Information provides more detailed information about the Fund. It is incorporated by reference into (and is legally a part of) this Prospectus.

 

Householding Relationships

The Fund sends only one report to a household if more than one account has the same address. Contact the Transfer Agent if you do not want this policy to apply to you.

 

How to Obtain Additional Information

You can obtain shareholder reports or the statement of additional information (without charge), make inquiries or request other
information about the Fund by contacting the Transfer Agent at 1-844-363-4898, by writing the Fund at Polen DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund, P.O. Box 1920, Denver, CO 80201, or by calling your financial consultant. This information is also available free of charge on the Fund’s website at www.ddjfunds.com.

 

The Fund’s shareholder reports, prospectus and statement of additional information and other information about the Fund are available on the EDGAR Database on the Commission’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov, and copies of this information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following E-mail address: [email protected].

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If someone makes a statement about the Fund
that is not in this Prospectus, you should not rely
upon that information. Neither the Fund nor the
Distributor is offering to sell shares of the Fund to
any person to whom the Fund may not lawfully sell
its shares.

(Investment Company Act file no. 811-22747)