Segall Bryant & Hamill Small Cap Value Fund

(Ticker Symbol: Retail - SBRVX; Institutional - SBHVX)

 

Segall Bryant & Hamill Small Cap Growth Fund

(Ticker Symbol: Retail - WTSGX; Institutional - WISGX)

 

Segall Bryant & Hamill Small Cap Core Fund

(Ticker Symbol: Retail - SBHCX; Institutional - SBASX)

 

Segall Bryant & Hamill All Cap Fund

(Ticker Symbol: Retail - SBRAX; Institutional - SBHAX)

 

Segall Bryant & Hamill Emerging Markets Fund

(Ticker Symbol: Retail - SBHEX; Institutional - SBEMX)

 

Segall Bryant & Hamill International Small Cap Fund

(Ticker Symbol: Retail - SBHSX; Institutional - SBSIX)

 

Segall Bryant & Hamill Fundamental International Small Cap Fund

(Ticker Symbol: Retail - WTIFX; Institutional - WIIFX)

 

Segall Bryant & Hamill Global All Cap Fund

(Ticker Symbol: Retail - WTMVX; Institutional - WIMVX)

 

Segall Bryant & Hamill Workplace Equality Fund

(Ticker Symbol: Retail - WEQRX; Institutional – WEQIX)

 

Segall Bryant & Hamill Short Term Plus Fund

(Ticker Symbol: Retail - SBHPX; Institutional - SBAPX)

 

Segall Bryant & Hamill Plus Bond Fund

(Ticker Symbol: Retail - WTIBX; Institutional - WIIBX)

 

Segall Bryant & Hamill Quality High Yield Fund

(Ticker Symbol: Retail - WTLTX; Institutional - WILTX)

 

Segall Bryant & Hamill Municipal Opportunities Fund

(Ticker Symbol: Retail - WTTAX; Institutional - WITAX)

 

Segall Bryant & Hamill Colorado Tax Free Fund

(Ticker Symbol: Retail - WTCOX; Institutional - WICOX)

 

PROSPECTUS
May 1, 2023

 

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

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS   1
Segall Bryant & Hamill Small Cap Value Fund   1
Segall Bryant & Hamill Small Cap Growth Fund   6
Segall Bryant & Hamill Small Cap Core Fund   10
Segall Bryant & Hamill All Cap Fund   14
Segall Bryant & Hamill Emerging Markets Fund   18
Segall Bryant & Hamill International Small Cap Fund   23
Segall Bryant & Hamill Fundamental International Small Cap Fund   28
Segall Bryant & Hamill Global All Cap Fund   33
Segall Bryant & Hamill Workplace Equality Fund   38
Segall Bryant & Hamill Short Term Plus Fund   42
Segall Bryant & Hamill Plus Bond Fund   47
Segall Bryant & Hamill Quality High Yield Fund   52
Segall Bryant & Hamill Municipal Opportunities Fund   57
Segall Bryant & Hamill Colorado Tax Free Fund   62
Summary of Other Important Information Regarding Fund Shares   67
     
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS   68
Additional Investment Strategies and General Portfolio Policies   68
Segall Bryant & Hamill Equity Funds   68
Segall Bryant & Hamill Bond Funds   69
     
GENERAL PORTFOLIO POLICIES   70
Principal Risks of Segall Bryant & Hamill Funds   71
     
HOW TO INVEST AND OBTAIN INFORMATION   80
How to Contact Segall Bryant & Hamill Funds   80
Purchasing Shares   81
Exchanging Shares   82
Redeeming Shares   83
Additional Information on Telephone and Online Services   84
     
GENERAL ACCOUNT POLICIES   85
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES   91
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS   95
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS   102
APPENDIX - BOND RATING CATEGORIES   130

 

i

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

Segall Bryant & Hamill Small Cap Value Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

The Segall Bryant & Hamill Small Cap Value Fund (the “Fund”) seeks to achieve long-term capital appreciation.

 

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

 

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

 

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Retail Class Institutional Class
Annual Account Maintenance Fee (for Retail Class accounts under $750) $12.00
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)        
Management Fees   0.80%   0.80%
Distribution (12b-1) Fees   None   None
Other Expenses   0.34%   0.19%
Shareholder service fee(1)  0.25%   0.10%  
All other expenses 0.09%   0.09%  
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(2)    1.14%   0.99%

 

(1)  The Retail Class and the Institutional Class of the Fund may pay a fee at an annual rate of up to 0.25% and 0.10%, respectively, of average daily net assets to shareholder servicing agents. The amount listed represents the maximum fee that the Fund may pay. Refer to the “Shareholder Service Fee” section in the prospectus.

 

(2)  Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC (“SBH” or the “Adviser”), the Fund’s investment adviser, has contractually agreed until at least April 30, 2024, to waive the investment advisory and/or administration fees and/or to reimburse other expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, taxes, brokerage expenses, class action claim fees, tax reclaim fees, and extraordinary expenses), so that the ratio of expenses of average net assets as reported in the Fund’s Financial Highlights will be no more than 1.14% and 0.99% to the Fund’s Retail Class and Institutional Class, respectively, for such period. This agreement may not be terminated or modified by the Adviser prior to the termination date without the approval of the Board of Trustees.

 

Example

 

This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in either the Retail Class shares or the Institutional Class shares of 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 total annual operating expenses remain the same.

 

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be: One Year Three Years Five Years Ten Years
Retail Class $116 $362 $628 $1,386
Institutional Class $101 $315 $547 $1,213

 

Portfolio Turnover

 

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover 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 higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. During the most recent fiscal year, the portfolio turnover rate of the Fund was 26% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

1

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

Principal Investment Strategies of the Fund

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (including amounts borrowed for investment purposes) in equity securities of small-capitalization companies.

 

The Fund currently considers “small-capitalization companies” to be those included in, or similar in size to, those included in its benchmark index, the Russell 2000® Value Index, at the time of purchase. As of February 28, 2023, the benchmark capitalization range was $5.4 million to $6.7 billion. As of February 28, 2023, the weighted average market capitalization of the benchmark index was approximately $2.5 billion as compared to approximately $3.4 billion for the companies within the Fund’s portfolio. Please note that these market capitalization measures will fluctuate over time.

 

The Fund will primarily invest in common stock. The Fund is not limited to the stocks included in the Russell 2000® Value Index.

 

With respect to portfolio structure, the Adviser maintains exposure to most sectors within the benchmark; however, with an active management process, there will be variances in sector exposure relative to the benchmark index. The Adviser maintains guidelines to monitor this variance.

 

The investment process used by the Fund’s Adviser is driven by a combination of quantitative analysis (which may encompass techniques such as evaluation of financial data or statistical/mathematical modeling), fundamental analysis (which may include assessments of a company’s holdings or key characteristics, as well as broader economic factors) and experienced judgment.

 

The Adviser seeks to invest in companies the stocks of which the Adviser believes are trading below the Adviser’s estimate of their intrinsic values. The Adviser searches for companies it believes are attractively priced relative to historical valuation, peer groups, and the market, concentrating most on cash flow capability over time.

 

The team seeks to identify companies that have the potential for significant improvement in return on invested capital (“ROIC”), with the idea being that, as ROIC improves, each dollar invested in the business earns an incrementally higher return. The team requires that management is ROIC-focused, financially incentivized to improve returns through appropriate capital allocation, and able to articulate an appropriate returns-based strategy to improve profitability.

 

SBH also utilizes an “integrated” approach to a company’s environmental, social, and corporate governance (“ESG”) practices within its investment process alongside other non-ESG factors. SBH believes ESG factors may be important drivers of value in conjunction with the underlying strength and potential of a business, however its consideration of these factors would not necessarily result in a company being included or excluded from the evaluation process but rather would contribute to the overall evaluation of that company.

 

The Fund expects to only invest in securities of companies whose stock is traded on U.S. markets, including depositary receipts or shares issued by companies incorporated outside of the United States (e.g., ADRs).

 

Stocks may be sold when conditions have changed and the company’s prospects are no longer attractive, its stock price has achieved the team’s valuation target or better relative investment opportunities have been identified.

 

Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund

 

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

 

Small Company Risk: The Fund is subject to the general risk that the stocks of smaller and newer companies can involve greater risks than those associated with larger, more established companies. Small company stocks may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements due to a number of reasons, including that the stocks are traded in lower volume and that the issuers are more sensitive to changing conditions and have less certain growth prospects. Small companies in which the Fund may invest typically lack the financial resources, product diversification, and competitive strengths of larger companies which may cause the value of the Fund to be more volatile. Small companies may be more thinly-traded than larger, more established companies.

 

Value Investing Risk: The value approach carries the risk that the market will not recognize a security’s intrinsic value for a long time, or that a stock considered to be undervalued may actually be appropriately priced. A portfolio may underperform other equity portfolios that use different investing styles. A portfolio may also underperform other equity portfolios using the value style. Value stocks as a group may be out of favor and underperform the overall equity market for a long period of time, for example, while the market favors “growth” stocks.

 

Market Risk: As with any fund, the value of your investment will fluctuate over time in response to overall movements in the stock market. Further, investments in common stocks tend to be more volatile than many other investment choices. The value of a security or other asset may decline due to changes in general market conditions, economic

 

2

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

trends or events that are not specifically related to the issuer of the security or other asset, or factors that affect a particular issuer or issuers, country, group of countries, region, market industry, group of industries, sector or asset class. Local, regional, or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infections, illness or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant impact on the Fund and its investments. During a general market downturn, multiple asset classes may be negatively affected. Changes in market conditions and interest rates generally do not have the same impact on all types of securities and instruments.

 

Portfolio Management Risk: The Fund is subject to the risk that the securities held by the Fund will underperform other securities and/or may decline in value.

 

Sector Focus Risk: The Fund may, for finite periods and from time to time, make significant investments in a particular sector which may make the Fund more susceptible to adverse economic, business, regulatory or other developments affecting that sector. If an economic downturn occurs in a sector in which the Fund’s investments are focused, the Fund may perform poorly during that period.

 

ESG Risk: The Fund’s consideration of ESG factors as part of its investment strategy may limit the types and number of investment opportunities available to the Fund and, as a result, the Fund may underperform other funds that do not consider ESG factors. The Fund’s consideration of ESG factors may result in the Fund investing in securities or industry sectors that underperform the market as a whole, or forgoing opportunities to invest in securities that might otherwise be advantageous to buy. The Fund may also underperform other funds that apply different ESG standards.

 

Bar Chart and Performance Tables

 

The Fund acquired the assets of the Segall Bryant & Hamill Small Cap Value Fund, a series portfolio of Investment Managers Series Trust, on December 9, 2019 (the “Predecessor Fund”). The Predecessor Fund was also advised by Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC. Performance results shown for the Institutional Class in the bar chart and the performance table below for periods prior to the reorganization reflect the performance of the Predecessor Fund. Institutional Class shares’ returns of the Fund will be different from the Predecessor Fund as they have different expenses. The Fund’s past performance (including the Predecessor Fund’s past performance), before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

 

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risk of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year, and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for one year, five years, and since inception for the Fund (including performance of the Predecessor Fund, as described above), compared with those of an unmanaged index of securities.

 

Updated performance information is available on www.sbhfunds.com or call toll-free (800) 392-2673.

 

SBH Small Cap Value Fund
Institutional Class - Calendar Year Total Returns as of December 31 (%)

 

 

Highest Quarterly Return: 12/31/2020 27.38%
Lowest Quarterly Return: 3/31/2020 (30.92)%

 

3

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

Average Annual Total Returns (for the Periods Ended December 31, 2022)

 

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

 

Segall Bryant & Hamill Small Cap Value Fund 1 Year 5 Years Since
Inception
Inception
Date
Institutional Class        
Return Before Taxes (14.65)% 4.73% 6.93% 7/31/13
Return After Taxes on Distributions (14.90)% 3.39% 5.58% 7/31/13
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares (8.49)% 3.35% 5.12% 7/31/13
Retail Class        
Return Before Taxes (14.76)% 4.60% 6.78% 12/9/19*
Russell 2000® Value Index
(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
(14.48)% 4.13% 6.77%  

 

* Retail Class started on December 9, 2019. The five year and since inception performance figures for Retail Class includes the performance for Institutional Class for the periods prior to the start date of Retail Class, adjusted for the difference in Retail Class and Institutional Class expenses. Retail Class imposes higher expenses than Institutional Class.

 

Management

 

Investment Adviser

 

Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC

 

Portfolio Managers

 

Name(s) of Portfolio Manager(s) and Title(s) Date Began Managing the Fund

Mark T. Dickherber, CFA, CPA

Director of Small Cap Strategies – Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC

Portfolio Manager of the Fund

July 31, 2013*
   

Shaun P. Nicholson

Senior Portfolio Manager – Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC

Portfolio Manager of the Fund

July 31, 2013*

 

* Since inception of the Predecessor Fund.

 

Other Important Information Regarding Fund Shares

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

 

The Board of Trustees reserves the right to modify the extent to which future sales of shares are limited, including closing the Fund to any subsequent purchases by any investor. The minimum initial purchase is $2,500 for the Retail Class and $250,000 for the Institutional Class. The minimum subsequent purchase is $25 for the Retail Class (or $25 per month for automatic investment). There is no minimum subsequent purchase for the Institutional Class. You may redeem shares of the Fund on any business day through the Fund’s website at www.sbhfunds.com, by telephone at (800) 392-2673, or by a systematic withdrawal plan (must be multiples of $50, and can be accomplished monthly, quarterly, or annually). You may redeem shares of the Fund on any business day by regular mail at Segall Bryant & Hamill Funds, P.O. Box 46707, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-0707.

 

4

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

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 held 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.

 

Financial Intermediary Compensation - 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.

 

5

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

Segall Bryant & Hamill Small Cap Growth Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

The Segall Bryant & Hamill Small Cap Growth Fund (the “Fund”) seeks to achieve long-term capital appreciation.

 

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

 

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

 

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Retail Class Institutional Class
Annual Account Maintenance Fee (for Retail Class accounts under $750) $12.00
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)        
Management Fees   0.65%   0.65%
Distribution (12b-1) Fees   None   None
Other Expenses   0.40%   0.25%
Shareholder Service Fees(1)  0.25%   0.10%  
All Other Expenses 0.15%   0.15%  
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(2)    1.05%   0.90%

 

(1)  The Retail Class and the Institutional Class of the Fund may pay a fee at an annual rate of up to 0.25% and 0.10%, respectively, of average daily net assets to shareholder servicing agents. The amount listed represents the maximum fee that the Fund may pay. Refer to the “Shareholder Service Fee” section in the prospectus.

 

(2)  Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC (“SBH” or the “Adviser”), the Fund’s investment adviser, has contractually agreed until at least April 30, 2024, to waive the investment advisory and/or administration fees and/or to reimburse other expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, taxes, brokerage expenses, class action claim fees, tax reclaim fees, and extraordinary expenses), so that the ratio of expenses of average net assets as reported in the Fund’s Financial Highlights will be no more than 1.14% and 0.99% to the Fund’s Retail Class and Institutional Class, respectively, for such period. This agreement may not be terminated or modified by the Adviser prior to the termination date without the approval of the Board of Trustees.

 

Example

 

This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in either the Retail Class shares or the Institutional Class shares of 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 total annual operating expenses remain the same.

 

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be: One Year Three Years Five Years Ten Years
Retail Class $107 $334 $579 $1,283
Institutional Class $92 $287 $498 $1,108

 

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 higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 59% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

6

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

Principal Investment Strategies of the Fund

 

The Fund emphasizes investments in small companies that the portfolio management team believes to have attractive growth prospects for earnings and/or cash flows.

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (including amounts borrowed for investment purposes) in small-cap companies.

 

The Fund currently considers “small-capitalization companies” to be those included in, or similar in size to, those included in its benchmark index, the Russell 2000® Growth Index, at the time of purchase. As of February 28, 2023, the benchmark capitalization range was $5.4 million to $8.0 billion. As of February 28, 2023, the weighted average market capitalization of the benchmark index was approximately $3.4 billion as compared to approximately $4.5 billion for the companies within the Fund’s portfolio. Please note that these market capitalization measures will fluctuate over time.

 

The team implements an investment strategy primarily through independent “bottom-up” fundamental research. The team constructs a portfolio designed to generate alpha, or risk-adjusted excess return relative to the Fund’s benchmark, primarily through stock selection.

 

The team uses a proprietary discounted cash flow (DCF) model for purposes of valuing and generating price targets for individual stocks. The DCF model is utilized for two primary purposes – to understand what assumptions are implied in a stock’s current price, and to generate an expected value for each stock, based on the team’s internally generated forecasts.

 

SBH also utilizes an “integrated” approach to a company’s environmental, social, and corporate governance (“ESG”) practices within its investment process alongside other non-ESG factors. SBH believes ESG factors may be important drivers of value in conjunction with the underlying strength and potential of a business, however its consideration of these factors would not necessarily result in a company being included or excluded from the evaluation process but rather would contribute to the overall evaluation of that company.

 

With respect to portfolio structure, the team typically maintains exposure to most sectors within the benchmark; however, with an active management process, there will be variances in sector exposure relative to the benchmark index. The team maintains guidelines to monitor this variance.

 

The Fund expects to only invest in securities of companies whose stock is traded on U.S. markets, including depositary receipts or shares issued by companies incorporated outside of the United States (e.g., ADRs).

 

Stocks may be sold when conditions have changed and the company’s prospects are no longer attractive, its stock price has achieved the team’s valuation target, certain objective criteria are met or better relative investment opportunities have been identified.

 

Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund

 

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

 

Small Company Risk: The Fund is subject to the general risk that the stocks of smaller and newer companies can involve greater risks than those associated with larger, more established companies. Small company stocks may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements due to a number of reasons, including that the stocks are traded in lower volume and that the issuers are more sensitive to changing conditions and have less certain growth prospects. Small companies in which the Fund may invest typically lack the financial resources, product diversification, and competitive strengths of larger companies which may cause the value of the Fund to be more volatile. Small companies may be more thinly-traded than larger, more established companies.

 

Growth Investing Risk: The Fund invests in companies that appear to be growth-oriented companies. If the Adviser’s perceptions of a company’s growth potential are wrong, the securities purchased may not perform as expected, causing losses that will reduce the Fund’s return. A portfolio may underperform other equity portfolios that use different investing styles. A portfolio may also underperform other equity portfolios using the growth style. Growth stocks as a group may be out of favor and underperform the overall equity market for a long period of time, for example, while the market favors “value” stocks.

 

Market Risk: As with any fund, the value of your investment will fluctuate over time in response to overall movements in the stock market. Further, investments in common stocks tend to be more volatile than many other investment choices. The value of a security or other asset may decline due to changes in general market conditions, economic trends or events that are not specifically related to the issuer of the security or other asset, or factors that affect a particular issuer or issuers, country, group of countries, region, market industry, group of industries, sector or asset

 

7

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

class. Local, regional, or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infections, illness or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant impact on the Fund and its investments. During a general market downturn, multiple asset classes may be negatively affected. Changes in market conditions and interest rates generally do not have the same impact on all types of securities and instruments.

 

Portfolio Management Risk: The Fund is subject to the risk that the securities held by the Fund will underperform other securities and/or may decline in value.

 

Sector Focus Risk: The Fund may, for finite periods and from time to time, make significant investments in a particular sector which may make the Fund more susceptible to adverse economic, business, regulatory or other developments affecting that sector. If an economic downturn occurs in a sector in which the Fund’s investments are focused, the Fund may perform poorly during that period.

 

ESG Risk: The Fund’s consideration of ESG factors as part of its investment strategy may limit the types and number of investment opportunities available to the Fund and, as a result, the Fund may underperform other funds that do not consider ESG factors. The Fund’s consideration of ESG factors may result in the Fund investing in securities or industry sectors that underperform the market as a whole, or forgoing opportunities to invest in securities that might otherwise be advantageous to buy. The Fund may also underperform other funds that apply different ESG standards.

 

Bar Chart and Performance Tables

 

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risk of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s Retail Class performance from year to year, and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for one year, five years and since inception for both the Retail Class and the Institutional Class compared with those of an unmanaged index of securities. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) does not necessarily indicate how it will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available on www.sbhfunds.com or call toll-free (800) 392-2673.

 

SBH Small Cap Growth Fund
Retail Class - Calendar Year Total Returns as of December 31 (%)

 

 

Highest Quarterly Return: 6/30/2020 32.80%
Lowest Quarterly Return: 6/30/2022 (22.34)%

 

The returns above are for the Retail Class of the Fund. The Institutional Class would have substantially similar annual returns to the Retail Class because the classes are invested in the same portfolio securities. The Institutional Class’ returns will be higher over the long-term when compared to the Retail Class’ returns to the extent that the Retail Class has higher expenses.

 

8

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

Average Annual Total Returns (for the Periods Ended December 31, 2022)

 

After-tax returns for the Retail Class are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are shown only for the Retail Class; after-tax returns for the Institutional Class will be different. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-advantaged arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

Segall Bryant & Hamill Small Cap Growth Fund 1 Year 5 Years Since
Inception
Inception
Date
Retail Class        
Return Before Taxes (32.59)% 9.48% 8.90% 12/20/13
Return After Taxes on Distributions (32.59)% 8.14% 7.95% 12/20/13
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares (19.29)% 7.04% 6.93% 12/20/13
Institutional Class        
Return Before Taxes (32.48)% 9.68% 9.15% 12/20/13
Russell 2000® Growth Index
(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
(26.36)% 3.51% 6.13%  

 

Management

 

Investment Adviser

 

Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC

 

Portfolio Managers

 

Name(s) of Portfolio Manager(s) and Title(s) Date Began Managing the Fund

Brian C. Fitzsimons, CFA

Director of Small Cap Growth Strategies – Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC

Portfolio Manager of the Fund

December 20, 2013
   

Mitch S. Begun, CFA

Senior Portfolio Manager – Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC

Portfolio Manager of the Fund

December 20, 2013

 

Other Important Information Regarding Fund Shares

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

 

The minimum initial purchase is $2,500 for the Retail Class and $250,000 for the Institutional Class. The minimum subsequent purchase is $25 for the Retail Class (or $25 per month for automatic investment). There is no minimum subsequent purchase for the Institutional Class. You may redeem shares of the Fund on any business day through the Fund’s website at www.sbhfunds.com, by telephone at (800) 392-2673, or by a systematic withdrawal plan (must be multiples of $50, and can be accomplished monthly, quarterly, or annually). You may redeem shares of the Fund on any business day by regular mail at Segall Bryant & Hamill Funds, P.O. Box 46707, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-0707.

 

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 held 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.

 

Financial Intermediary Compensation - 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.

 

9

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

Segall Bryant & Hamill Small Cap Core Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

The Segall Bryant & Hamill Small Cap Core Fund (the “Fund”) seeks to achieve long-term capital appreciation.

 

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

 

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

 

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Retail Class Institutional Class
Annual Account Maintenance Fee (for Retail Class accounts under $750) $12.00
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)        
Management Fees   0.80%   0.80%
Other Expenses   0.56%   0.40%
Shareholder Service Fee(1)  0.25%   0.10%  
All Other Expenses 0.31%   0.30%  
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses   1.36%   1.20%
Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements   (0.22)%(2)    (0.21)%(2) 
Total Annual Fund Operations Expenses
After Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements
  1.14%(2)    0.99%(2) 

 

(1)  The Retail Class and the Institutional Class of the Fund may pay a fee at an annual rate of up to 0.25% and 0.10%, respectively, of average daily net assets to shareholder servicing agents. The amount listed represents the maximum fee that the Fund may pay. Refer to the “Shareholder Service Fee” section in the prospectus.

 

(2)  Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC (“SBH” or the “Adviser”), the Fund’s investment adviser, has contractually agreed until at least April 30, 2024, to waive the investment advisory and/or administration fees and/or to reimburse other expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, taxes, brokerage expenses, class action claim fees, tax reclaim fees, and extraordinary expenses), so that the ratio of expenses of average net assets as reported in the Fund’s Financial Highlights will be no more than 1.14% and 0.99% to the Fund’s Retail Class and Institutional Class, respectively, for such period. This agreement may not be terminated or modified by the Adviser prior to the termination date without the approval of the Board of Trustees.

 

Example

 

This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Retail Class shares of 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 total annual operating expenses remain the same. This Example reflects the net operating expenses with expense waivers for the one-year contractual period and the total operating expenses without expense waivers for the three-year, five-year, and ten-year periods.

 

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be: One Year Three Years Five Years Ten Years
Retail Class $116 $409 $724 $1,616
Institutional Class $101 $360 $639 $1,436

 

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 higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 44% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

10

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

Principal Investment Strategies of the Fund

 

Under normal the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (including amounts borrowed for investment purposes) in small-cap companies. The Fund currently considers “small-capitalization companies” to be those included in, or similar in size to, those included in its benchmark index, the Russell 2000® Index, at the time of purchase. As of February 28, 2023, the benchmark capitalization range was $5.4 million to $8.0 billion. As of February 28, 2023, the weighted average market capitalization of the benchmark index was approximately $2.9 billion as compared to approximately $5.8 billion for the companies within the Fund’s portfolio. Please note that these market capitalization measures will fluctuate over time.

 

The Fund is not limited to the stocks included in the Russell 2000® Index. With respect to portfolio structure, the Adviser maintains exposure to most sectors within the benchmark; however, with an active management process, there will be variances in sector exposure relative to the benchmark index. The Adviser maintains guidelines to monitor this variance.

 

The investment process used by the Fund’s Adviser is driven by a combination of quantitative analysis (which may encompass techniques such as evaluation of financial data or statistical/mathematical modeling), fundamental analysis (which may include assessments of a company’s holdings or key characteristics, as well as broader economic factors) and experienced judgment. The Adviser searches for companies it believes are attractively priced relative to historical valuation, peer groups, and the market, concentrating most on cash flow capability over time.

 

SBH also utilizes an “integrated” approach to a company’s environmental, social, and corporate governance (“ESG”) practices within its investment process alongside other non-ESG factors. SBH believes ESG factors may be important drivers of value in conjunction with the underlying strength and potential of a business, however its consideration of these factors would not necessarily result in a company being included or excluded from the evaluation process but rather would contribute to the overall evaluation of that company.

 

The Fund expects to only invest in securities of companies whose stock is traded on U.S. markets, including depositary receipts or shares issued by companies incorporated outside of the United States (e.g., ADRs).

 

Stocks may be sold when conditions have changed and the company’s prospects are no longer attractive, its stock price has achieved the team’s valuation target or better relative investment opportunities have been identified.

 

Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund

 

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

 

Small Company Risk: The Fund is subject to the general risk that the stocks of smaller and newer companies can involve greater risks than those associated with larger, more established companies. Small company stocks may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements due to a number of reasons, including that the stocks are traded in lower volume and that the issuers are more sensitive to changing conditions and have less certain growth prospects. Small companies in which the Fund may invest typically lack the financial resources, product diversification, and competitive strengths of larger companies which may cause the value of the Fund to be more volatile. Small companies may be more thinly-traded than larger, more established companies.

 

Market Risk: As with any fund, the value of your investment will fluctuate over time in response to overall movements in the stock market. Further, investments in common stocks tend to be more volatile than many other investment choices. The value of a security or other asset may decline due to changes in general market conditions, economic trends or events that are not specifically related to the issuer of the security or other asset, or factors that affect a particular issuer or issuers, country, group of countries, region, market industry, group of industries, sector or asset class. Local, regional, or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infections, illness or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant impact on the Fund and its investments. During a general market downturn, multiple asset classes may be negatively affected. Changes in market conditions and interest rates generally do not have the same impact on all types of securities and instruments.

 

Portfolio Management Risk: The Fund is subject to the risk that the securities held by the Fund will underperform other securities and/or may decline in value.

 

Sector Focus Risk: The Fund may, for finite periods and from time to time, make significant investments in a particular sector which may make the Fund more susceptible to adverse economic, business, regulatory or other developments affecting that sector. If an economic downturn occurs in a sector in which the Fund’s investments are focused, the Fund may perform poorly during that period.

 

11

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

ESG Risk: The Fund’s consideration of ESG factors as part of its investment strategy may limit the types and number of investment opportunities available to the Fund and, as a result, the Fund may underperform other funds that do not consider ESG factors. The Fund’s consideration of ESG factors may result in the Fund investing in securities or industry sectors that underperform the market as a whole, or forgoing opportunities to invest in securities that might otherwise be advantageous to buy. The Fund may also underperform other funds that apply different ESG standards.

 

Bar Chart and Performance Table

 

For periods prior to December 31, 2019, the performance shown below is for the Lower Wacker Small Cap Investment Fund, LLC, an unregistered limited partnership managed by the portfolio managers of the Segall Bryant & Hamill Small Cap Core Fund (the “Small Cap Core Predecessor Fund”). The Small Cap Core Predecessor Fund was reorganized into the Institutional Class shares on December 31, 2019, the date that the Segall Bryant & Hamill Small Cap Core Fund commenced operations. The Segall Bryant & Hamill Small Cap Core Fund has been managed in the same style since the Small Cap Core Predecessor Fund’s inception on December 15, 2003. The Segall Bryant & Hamill Small Cap Core Fund’s investment goals, policies, guidelines and restrictions are, in all material respects, equivalent to the Small Cap Core Predecessor Fund’s investment goals, policies, guidelines and restrictions. The Small Cap Core Predecessor Fund’s annual returns and long-term performance reflect the actual fees and expenses that were charged when the Segall Bryant & Hamill Small Cap Core Fund was a limited partnership. The Small Cap Core Predecessor Fund’s performance is net of management fees and other expenses. From its inception on December 15, 2003, through December 31, 2019, the Small Cap Core Predecessor Fund was not subject to certain investment restrictions, diversification requirements and other restrictions of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) or Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), which, if they had been applicable, might have adversely affected the Segall Bryant & Hamill Small Cap Core Fund’s performance.

 

The Segall Bryant & Hamill Small Cap Core Fund’s past performance (including the Small Cap Core Predecessor Fund), before and after taxes, does not necessarily indicate how it will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available on www.sbhfunds.com or call toll-free (800) 392-2673.

 

SBH Small Cap Core Fund
Institutional Class - Calendar Year Total Returns as of December 31 (%)

 

 

Highest Quarterly Return: 12/31/2020 24.17%
Lowest Quarterly Return: 3/31/2020 (23.70)%

 

Average Annual Total Returns (for the Periods Ended December 31, 2022)

 

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

 

12

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

Segall Bryant & Hamill Small Cap Core Fund 1 Year 5 Years 10 Years
Institutional Class      
Return Before Taxes (13.12)% 9.71% 10.81%
Return After Taxes on Distributions (13.54)% 8.63% 10.27%
Return After Taxes on Distribution and Sale of Fund Shares (7.46)% 7.66% 8.97%
Retail Class*      
Return Before Taxes (13.26)% 9.53% 10.64%
Russell 2000® Index
(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
(20.44)% 4.13% 9.01%

 

* Retail Class started on December 31, 2019. The 5-year and 10-year performance figures for Retail Class include the performance for Institutional Class for the periods prior to the start date of Retail Class, adjusted for the difference in Retail Class and Institutional Class expenses. Retail Class imposes higher expenses than Institutional Class.

 

Management

 

Investment Adviser

 

Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC

 

Portfolio Managers

 

Name(s) of Portfolio Manager(s) and Title(s) Date Began Managing the Fund

Jeffrey C. Paulis, CFA

Senior Portfolio Manager – Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC

Portfolio Manager of the Fund

December 31, 2019*
   

Mark T. Dickherber, CFA, CPA

Director of Small Cap Strategies – Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC

Portfolio Manager of the Fund

December 31, 2019*

 

* The Fund’s inception date is December 31, 2019, however Mr. Paulis began managing the Small Cap Core Predecessor Fund on October 1, 2017, and Mr. Dickherber began managing the Small Cap Core Predecessor Fund on July 1, 2013.

 

Other Important Information Regarding Fund Shares

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

 

The minimum initial purchase is $2,500 for the Retail Class and $250,000 for the Institutional Class. The minimum subsequent purchase is $25 for the Retail Class (or $25 per month for automatic investment). There is no minimum subsequent purchase for the Institutional Class. You may redeem shares of the Fund on any business day through the Fund’s website at www.sbhfunds.com, by telephone at (800) 392-2673, or by a systematic withdrawal plan (must be multiples of $50, and can be accomplished monthly, quarterly, or annually). You may redeem shares of the Fund on any business day by regular mail at Segall Bryant & Hamill Funds, P.O. Box 46707, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-0707.

 

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 held 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.

 

Financial Intermediary Compensation - 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.

 

13

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

Segall Bryant & Hamill All Cap Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

The Segall Bryant & Hamill All Cap Fund (the “Fund”) seeks to achieve long-term capital appreciation.

 

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

 

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

 

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Retail Class Institutional Class
Annual Account Maintenance Fee (for Retail Class accounts under $750) $12.00
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)        
Management Fees   0.65%   0.65%
Distribution (12b-1) Fees   None   None
Other Expenses   0.40%   0.25%
Shareholder service fee(1)  0.25%   0.10%  
All other expenses 0.15%   0.15%  
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses   1.05%   0.90%
Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements   (0.06)%(2)    (0.06)%(2) 
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
After Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements
  0.99%(2)    0.84%(2) 

 

(1)  The Retail Class and the Institutional Class of the Fund may pay a fee at an annual rate of up to 0.25% and 0.10%, respectively, of average daily net assets to shareholder servicing agents. The amount listed represents the maximum fee that the Fund may pay. Refer to the “Shareholder Service Fee” section in the prospectus.

 

(2)  Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC (“SBH” or the “Adviser”), the Fund’s investment adviser, has contractually agreed until at least April 30, 2024, to waive the investment advisory and/or administration fees and/or to reimburse other expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, taxes, brokerage expenses, class action claim fees, tax reclaim fees, and extraordinary expenses), so that the ratio of expenses of average net assets as reported in the Fund’s Financial Highlights will be no more than 0.99% and 0.84% to the Fund’s Retail Class and Institutional Class, respectively, for such period. This agreement may not be terminated or modified by the Adviser prior to the termination date without the approval of the Board of Trustees.

 

Example

 

This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in either the Retail Class shares or the Institutional Class shares of 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 total annual operating expenses remain the same. This Example reflects the net operating expenses with expense waivers for the one-year contractual period and the total operating expenses without expense waivers for years two through ten.

 

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be: One Year Three Years Five Years Ten Years
Retail Class $101 $328 $574 $1,277
Institutional Class $86 $281 $493 $1,102

 

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 higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. During the most recent fiscal year, the portfolio turnover rate of the Fund was 32% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

14

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

Principal Investment Strategies of the Fund

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (including amounts borrowed for investment purposes) in equity securities of companies of any size, including small- and mid-capitalization companies. The Fund will primarily invest in common stock of companies traded on U.S. exchanges with market capitalization in excess of $1 billion. The Russell 3000® Index is the Fund’s benchmark which represents a broad-based U.S. equity index. The Russell Midcap® Index and the Russell 2000® Index are indices which include companies with market capitalizations within the mid-cap and small-cap universe. The Fund will, under normal circumstances, invest at least 35% of its net assets in common stock of companies with market capitalizations similar in size to companies within the Russell Midcap® Index and Russell 2000® Index.

 

The Adviser invests the Fund’s assets opportunistically based on market information and does not limit its investment analysis approach to value, growth, or core investment styles.

 

The Adviser believes that returns in excess of general market returns can be achieved by actively managing investment portfolios. The Fund invests in companies that the Adviser believes have superior growth potential and are trading at a discount to the Adviser’s estimate of the companies’ intrinsic value.

 

The Adviser’s investment process is driven by fundamental research utilizing a combination of external and proprietary research in its selection process. Through a combination of quantitative analysis (which may encompass techniques such as evaluation of financial data or statistical/mathematical modeling), fundamental analysis (which may include assessments of a company’s holdings or key characteristics, as well as broader economic factors) and experienced judgment, the Adviser seeks to identify companies that have historically generated, or are positioned to generate, superior returns on investments.

 

SBH also utilizes an “integrated” approach to a company’s environmental, social, and corporate governance (“ESG”) practices within its investment process alongside other non-ESG factors. SBH believes ESG factors may be important drivers of value in conjunction with the underlying strength and potential of a business, however its consideration of these factors would not necessarily result in a company being included or excluded from the evaluation process but rather would contribute to the overall evaluation of that company.

 

The Fund expects to only invest in securities of companies whose stock is traded on U.S. markets, including depositary receipts or shares issued by companies incorporated outside of the United States (e.g., ADRs).

 

Stocks may be sold when conditions have changed and the company’s prospects are no longer attractive, its stock price has achieved the team’s valuation target or better relative investment opportunities have been identified.

 

Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund

 

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

 

Market Capitalization Risk: To the extent a Fund invests in securities issued by small-, medium- or large capitalization companies, it will be subject to the risks associated with securities issued by companies of the applicable market capitalization. Securities issued by companies of different market capitalizations tend to go in and out of favor based on market and economic conditions. During a period when securities of a particular market capitalization underperform other types of investments, a Fund’s performance could be adversely impacted. The small- and medium-sized companies in which the Fund may invest may be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic events than larger, more established companies. In particular, these small- and medium-sized companies may pose additional risks, including liquidity risk, because these companies tend to have limited product lines, markets, and financial resources, and may depend upon a relatively small management group. Therefore, small- and medium-sized stocks may be more volatile than those of larger companies. Small- and medium-sized companies may be more thinly-traded than larger, more established companies.

 

Market Risk: As with any fund, the value of your investment will fluctuate over time in response to overall movements in the stock market. Further, investments in common stocks tend to be more volatile than many other investment choices. The value of a security or other asset may decline due to changes in general market conditions, economic trends or events that are not specifically related to the issuer of the security or other asset, or factors that affect a particular issuer or issuers, country, group of countries, region, market industry, group of industries, sector or asset class. Local, regional, or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infections, illness or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant impact on the Fund and its investments. During a

 

15

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

general market downturn, multiple asset classes may be negatively affected. Changes in market conditions and interest rates generally do not have the same impact on all types of securities and instruments.

 

Portfolio Management Risk: The Fund is subject to the risk that the securities held by the Fund will underperform other securities and/or may decline in value.

 

Sector Focus Risk: The Fund may, for finite periods and from time to time, make significant investments in a particular sector which may make the Fund more susceptible to adverse economic, business, regulatory or other developments affecting that sector. If an economic downturn occurs in a sector in which the Fund’s investments are focused, the Fund may perform poorly during that period.

 

ESG Risk: The Fund’s consideration of ESG factors as part of its investment strategy may limit the types and number of investment opportunities available to the Fund and, as a result, the Fund may underperform other funds that do not consider ESG factors. The Fund’s consideration of ESG factors may result in the Fund investing in securities or industry sectors that underperform the market as a whole, or forgoing opportunities to invest in securities that might otherwise be advantageous to buy. The Fund may also underperform other funds that apply different ESG standards.

 

Bar Chart and Performance Tables

 

The Fund acquired the assets of the Segall Bryant & Hamill All Cap Fund, a series portfolio of Investment Managers Series Trust, on December 9, 2019 (the “Predecessor Fund”). The Predecessor Fund was also advised by Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC. Performance results shown for the Institutional Class in the bar chart and the performance table below for periods prior to the reorganization reflect the performance of the Predecessor Fund. Institutional Class shares’ returns of the Fund will be different from the Predecessor Fund as they have different expenses. The Fund’s past performance (including the Predecessor Fund’s past performance), before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

 

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risk of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year, and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for one year, five years, and since inception for the Fund (including performance of the Predecessor Fund, as described above), compared with those of an unmanaged index of securities.

Updated performance information is available on www.sbhfunds.com or call toll-free (800) 392-2673.

 

SBH All Cap Fund
Institutional Class - Calendar Year Total Returns as of December 31 (%)

 

 

Highest Quarterly Return: 6/30/2020 24.00%
Lowest Quarterly Return: 3/31/2020 (17.65)%

 

Average Annual Total Returns (for the Periods Ended December 31, 2022)

 

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

 

16

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

Segall Bryant & Hamill All Cap Fund 1 Year 5 Years Since
Inception
Inception
Date
Institutional Class        
Return Before Taxes (19.21)% 10.25% 10.10% 7/31/13
Return After Taxes on Distributions (20.75)% 8.92% 9.24% 7/31/13
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares (10.26)% 8.09% 8.22% 7/31/13
Retail Class        
Return Before Taxes (19.23)% 10.17% 9.98% 12/9/19*
Russell 3000® Index
(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
(19.21)% 8.79% 10.73%  

 

* Retail Class started on December 9, 2019. The five-year and since inception performance figures for Retail Class include the performance for Institutional Class for the periods prior to the start date of Retail Class, adjusted for the difference in Retail Class and Institutional Class expenses. Retail Class imposes higher expenses than Institutional Class.

 

Management

 

Investment Adviser

 

Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC

 

Portfolio Managers

 

Name(s) of Portfolio Manager(s) and Title(s) Date Began Managing the Fund

Ralph M. Segall, CFA, CIC

Chief Investment Officer – Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC

Portfolio Manager of the Fund

July 31, 2013*
   

Suresh Rajagopal, CFA

Director All/Mid Cap Strategies – Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC

Portfolio Manager of the Fund

July 31, 2013*

 

* Since inception of the Predecessor Fund.

 

Other Important Information Regarding Fund Shares

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

 

The Board of Trustees reserves the right to modify the extent to which future sales of shares are limited, including closing the Fund to any subsequent purchases by any investor. The minimum initial purchase is $2,500 for the Retail Class and $250,000 for the Institutional Class. The minimum subsequent purchase is $25 for the Retail Class (or $25 per month for automatic investment). There is no minimum subsequent purchase for the Institutional Class. You may redeem shares of the Fund on any business day through the Fund’s website at www.sbhfunds.com, by telephone at (800) 392-2673, by regular mail at Segall Bryant & Hamill Funds, P.O. Box 46707, Cincinnati, OH 45246-0707, or by a systematic withdrawal plan (must be multiples of $50, and can be accomplished monthly, quarterly, or annually).

 

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 held 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.

 

Financial Intermediary Compensation - 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.

 

17

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

Segall Bryant & Hamill Emerging Markets Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

The Segall Bryant & Hamill Emerging Markets Fund (the “Fund”) seeks to achieve long-term capital appreciation.

 

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

 

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

 

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Retail Class Institutional Class
Annual Account Maintenance Fee (for Retail Class accounts under $750) $12.00
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)        
Management Fees   0.90%   0.90%
Distribution (12b-1) Fees   None   None
Other Expenses   1.19%   1.04%
Shareholder service fee(1)  0.25%   0.10%  
All other expenses 0.94%   0.94%  
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses   2.09%   1.94%
Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements   (0.71)%(2)    (0.71)%(2) 
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
After Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements
  1.38%(2)    1.23%(2) 

 

(1)  The Retail Class and the Institutional Class of the Fund may pay a fee at an annual rate of up to 0.25% and 0.10%, respectively, of average daily net assets to shareholder servicing agents. The amount listed represents the maximum fee that the Fund may pay. Refer to the “Shareholder Service Fee” section in the prospectus.

 

(2)  Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC (“SBH” or the “Adviser”), the Fund’s investment adviser, has contractually agreed until at least April 30, 2024, to waive the investment advisory and/or administration fees and/or to reimburse other expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, taxes, brokerage expenses, class action claim fees, tax reclaim fees, and extraordinary expenses), so that the ratio of expenses of average net assets as reported in the Fund’s Financial Highlights will be no more than 1.38% and 1.23% to the Fund’s Retail Class and Institutional Class, respectively, for such period. This agreement may not be terminated or modified by the Adviser prior to the termination date without the approval of the Board of Trustees.

 

Example

 

This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in either the Retail Class shares or the Institutional Class shares of 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 total annual operating expenses remain the same. This Example reflects the net operating expenses with expense waivers for the one-year contractual period and the total operating expenses without expense waivers for years two through ten.

 

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be: One Year Three Years Five Years Ten Years
Retail Class $140 $586 $1,058 $2,364
Institutional Class $125 $540 $981 $2,207

 

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 higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. During the most recent fiscal year, the portfolio turnover rate of the Fund was 88% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

18

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

Principal Investment Strategies of the Fund

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (including amounts borrowed for investment purposes) in equity securities, primarily common stock, of companies tied economically to emerging markets countries. The Fund’s Adviser considers emerging markets countries to be those countries included in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, which, as of March 31, 2023, consisted of Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and United Arab Emirates. If the countries composing the MSCI Emerging Markets Index change, the Fund’s Adviser will similarly adjust its criteria to reflect any such change. The Fund’s Adviser considers a company to be tied economically to a particular country if: (i) it is organized under the laws of that country or maintains its principal offices or headquarters in that country; (ii) its securities are principally traded in that country; or (iii) it derives at least 50% of its revenues or profits from goods produced or sold, investments made, or services performed in that country, or has at least 50% of its assets in that country. The Fund will allocate its assets among various regions and countries. The Fund may invest in companies of any size market capitalization.

 

The Fund may purchase equity securities on exchanges where companies are located, and on exchanges other than where companies are domiciled (often traded as dual listed securities) or in the form of Depository Receipts, which include American Depository Receipts (“ADRs”), Global Depository Receipts (“GDRs”) or similar securities.

 

The Fund may also purchase participatory notes (commonly known as “P-notes”) issued by foreign banks or brokers evidencing ownership of underlying stocks issued by a foreign company. This type of investment allows the Fund to have exposure to foreign securities without trading directly in the local market.

 

The Fund may use derivatives such as swaps, options, futures, options on futures and P-notes to manage risk inherent in the Fund’s portfolio (e.g., cash flows and currency exposure). The Fund may also enter into forward currency exchange contracts to hedge against uncertainty in the level of future foreign exchange rates in the purchase and sale of investment securities; it will not enter into such contracts for speculative purposes. Investments in P-notes, exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) or derivatives, such as swaps, options, futures and options on futures designed to provide exposure to emerging market indices, will be considered equity securities for purposes of meeting the Fund’s 80% investment policy.

 

The Fund’s Adviser uses proprietary quantitative models to evaluate and select countries and securities for the Fund’s portfolio. The Fund’s Adviser evaluates and selects securities based on value, momentum and profitability models. The Fund may engage in active and frequent trading.

 

The team utilizes an “integrated” approach to a company’s environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) practices within its investment processes. The quantitative strategies utilize a top-down approach for assessing ESG characteristics of the portfolio. Specifically, the team controls the aggregate ESG exposure relative to the benchmark similar to other risk factors such as country or sector.

 

Stocks may be sold when conditions have changed and the company’s prospects are no longer attractive, its stock price has achieved the team’s valuation target or better relative investment opportunities have been identified.

 

Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund

 

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

 

Market Risk: As with any fund, the value of your investment will fluctuate over time in response to overall movements in the stock market. Further, investments in common stocks tend to be more volatile than many other investment choices. The value of a security or other asset may decline due to changes in general market conditions, economic trends or events that are not specifically related to the issuer of the security or other asset, or factors that affect a particular issuer or issuers, country, group of countries, region, market industry, group of industries, sector or asset class. Local, regional, or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infections, illness or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant impact on the Fund and its investments. During a general market downturn, multiple asset classes may be negatively affected. Changes in market conditions and interest rates generally do not have the same impact on all types of securities and instruments.

 

Country Risk: The Fund may, for finite periods and from time to time, focus its investments in companies that are in a single country or a small number of countries. Focusing investments in a small number of countries may make the Fund more susceptible to currency fluctuations and adverse economic, business, regulatory or other developments

 

19

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

affecting that country or group of countries. If an economic downturn occurs in a country in which the Fund’s investments are focused, the Fund may perform poorly during that period.

 

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

 

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

 

China Risk: Investments in Chinese issuers subject the Fund to risks specific to the China region. Political, social or economic disruptions in China and surrounding countries, even in countries in which the Fund is not invested, may adversely affect security values in China and thus the Fund’s investments. At times, religious, cultural and military disputes within and outside China have caused volatility in the China securities markets and such disputes could adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments. China remains a totalitarian country with continuing risk of nationalization, expropriation, or confiscation of property. Each of these risks could increase the Fund’s volatility.

 

Value Investing Risk: The value approach carries the risk that the market will not recognize a security’s intrinsic value for a long time, or that a stock considered to be undervalued may actually be appropriately priced. A portfolio may underperform other equity portfolios that use different investing styles. A portfolio may also underperform other equity portfolios using the value style. Value stocks as a group may be out of favor and underperform the overall equity market for a long period of time, for example, while the market favors “growth” stocks.

 

Direct Foreign Exposure Risk: The Fund may invest in non-U.S.-traded securities. There are risks and costs involved in investing in non-U.S.-traded securities which are in addition to the usual risks inherent in securities that trade on a U.S. exchange. These risks will vary from time to time and from country to country, especially if the country is considered an emerging market or developing country, and may be different from or greater than the risks associated with investing in developed countries. These risks may include, but are not limited to, higher transaction costs, the imposition of additional foreign taxes, less market liquidity, security registration requirements, and less comprehensive security settlement procedures and regulations, significant currency devaluation relative to the U.S. dollar, restrictions on the Fund’s ability to repatriate investment income or capital, less government regulation and supervision, less public information, less economic, political and social stability, and adverse changes in diplomatic relations between the United States and that foreign country.

 

Portfolio Management Risk: The Fund is subject to the risk that the securities held by the Fund will underperform other securities and/or may decline in value.

 

Sector Focus Risk: The Fund may, for finite periods and from time to time, make significant investments in a particular sector which may make the Fund more susceptible to adverse economic, business, regulatory or other developments affecting that sector. If an economic downturn occurs in a sector in which the Fund’s investments are focused, the Fund may perform poorly during that period.

 

Non-Diversification Risk: The Fund is classified as a “non-diversified” investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“1940 Act”). As a result, the Fund is subject to the risk that it may be more volatile than a diversified fund because the Fund may invest its assets in a smaller number of issuers or may invest a larger proportion of its assets in a single issuer. As a result, the gains and losses on a single investment may have a greater impact on the Fund’s NAV and may make the Fund more volatile than more diversified funds.

 

ADR and GDR Risk: ADRs and GDRs may be subject to some of the same risks as direct investment in foreign companies, which includes international trade, currency, political, regulatory and diplomatic risks. In a sponsored ADR arrangement, the foreign issuer assumes the obligation to pay some or all of the Depository’s transaction fees. Unsponsored ADRs and GDRs are organized independently and without the cooperation of the foreign issuer of the underlying securities, and involve additional risks because U.S. reporting requirements do not apply. In addition, the issuing bank may deduct shareholder distribution, custody, foreign currency exchange, and other fees from the payment of dividends. GDRs can involve currency risk since, unlike ADRs, they may not be U.S. Dollar-denominated.

 

20

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

ESG Risk: The Fund’s consideration of ESG factors as part of its investment strategy may limit the types and number of investment opportunities available to the Fund and, as a result, the Fund may underperform other funds that do not consider ESG factors. The Fund’s consideration of ESG factors may result in the Fund investing in securities or industry sectors that underperform the market as a whole, or forgoing opportunities to invest in securities that might otherwise be advantageous to buy. The Fund may also underperform other funds that apply different ESG standards.

 

Bar Chart and Performance Tables

 

The Fund acquired the assets of the Segall Bryant & Hamill Emerging Markets Fund, a series portfolio of Investment Managers Series Trust, on December 9, 2019, (the “Emerging Markets Predecessor Fund”). The Emerging Markets Predecessor Fund was also advised by Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC. On October 30, 2015, the Emerging Markets Predecessor Fund acquired the assets and liabilities of the Philadelphia Emerging Markets Fund (the “Philadelphia Predecessor Fund”) (together, with the Emerging Markets Predecessor Fund, the “Predecessor Funds”).

 

For periods from October 31, 2015, to December 9, 2019, performance results shown in the bar chart and the performance table below for the Fund’s Retail Class shares and Institutional Class shares reflect the performance of the Emerging Markets Predecessor Fund. For periods prior to October 30, 2015, performance results shown in the bar chart and the performance table below for the Fund’s Class I shares and Class A shares reflect the performance of the Philadelphia Predecessor Fund’s Class IV shares and Class I shares, respectively.

 

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risk of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund performance from year to year, and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for one year, five years, and since inception for the Fund (including performance of the Predecessor Funds, as described above), compared with those of an unmanaged index of securities.

 

The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) does not necessarily indicate how it will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available on www.sbhfunds.com or call toll-free (800) 392-2673.

 

SBH Emerging Markets Fund
Institutional Class - Calendar Year Total Returns as of December 31 (%)

 

 

Highest Quarterly Return: 6/30/2020 16.82%
Lowest Quarterly Return: 3/31/2020 (26.12)%

 

Average Annual Total Returns (for the Periods Ended December 31, 2022)

 

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

 

21

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

Segall Bryant & Hamill Emerging Markets Fund 1 Year 5 Years 10 Years
Institutional Class*      
Return Before Taxes (16.08)% (1.33)% 1.34%
Return After Taxes on Distributions (16.51)% (1.97)% 0.39%
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares (8.57)% (0.83)% 0.94%
Retail Class*      
Return Before Taxes (16.17)% (1.52)% 1.15%
MSCI Emerging Markets Index
(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
(20.09)% (1.40)% 1.44%

 

* The Institutional Class commenced operations on June 30, 2011. Retail Class (previously known as Class A of the Emerging Markets Predecessor Fund) started on June 30, 2014. The ten year performance figure for Retail Class includes the performance for Institutional Class for the periods prior to the start date of Retail Class, adjusted for the difference in Retail Class and Institutional Class expenses. Retail Class imposes higher expenses than Institutional Class.

 

Management

 

Investment Adviser

 

Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC

 

Portfolio Managers

 

Name(s) of Portfolio Manager(s) and Title(s) Date Began Managing the Fund

Scott E. Decatur, Ph.D.

Director of Quantitative International Strategies – Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC

Portfolio Manager of the Fund

June 30, 2011*
   

Nicholas C. Fedako, CFA

Senior Portfolio Manager – Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC

Portfolio Manager of the Fund

June 30, 2011*

 

* Since Inception of the Philadelphia Predecessor Fund

 

Other Important Information Regarding Fund Shares

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

 

The Board of Trustees reserves the right to modify the extent to which future sales of shares are limited, including closing the Fund to any subsequent purchases by any investor. The minimum initial purchase is $2,500 for the Retail Class and $250,000 for the Institutional Class. The minimum subsequent purchase is $25 for the Retail Class (or $25 per month for automatic investment). There is no minimum subsequent purchase for the Institutional Class. You may redeem shares of the Fund on any business day through the Fund’s website at www.sbhfunds.com, by telephone at (800) 392-2673, by regular mail at Segall Bryant & Hamill Funds, P.O. Box 46707, Cincinnati, OH 45246-0707, or by a systematic withdrawal plan (must be multiples of $50, and can be accomplished monthly, quarterly, or annually).

 

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 held 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.

 

Financial Intermediary Compensation - 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.

 

22

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

Segall Bryant & Hamill International Small Cap Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

The Segall Bryant & Hamill International Small Cap Fund (the “Fund”) seeks to achieve long-term capital appreciation.

 

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

 

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

 

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Retail Class Institutional Class
Annual Account Maintenance Fee (for Retail Class accounts under $750) $12.00
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)        
Management Fees   0.90%   0.90%
Distribution (12b-1) Fees   None   None
Other Expenses   0.51%   0.39%
Shareholder service fee(1)  0.25%   0.10%  
All other expenses 0.26%   0.29%  
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses   1.41%   1.29%
Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements   (0.23)%(2)    (0.26)%(2) 
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
After Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements
  1.18%(2)    1.03%(2) 

 

(1)  The Retail Class and the Institutional Class of the Fund may pay a fee at an annual rate of up to 0.25% and 0.10%, respectively, of average daily net assets to shareholder servicing agents. The amount listed represents the maximum fee that the Fund may pay. Refer to the “Shareholder Service Fee” section in the prospectus.

 

(2)  Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC (“SBH” or the “Adviser”), the Fund’s investment adviser, has contractually agreed until at least April 30, 2024, to waive the investment advisory and/or administration fees and/or to reimburse other expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, taxes, brokerage expenses, class action claim fees, tax reclaim fees, and extraordinary expenses), so that the ratio of expenses of average net assets as reported in the Fund’s Financial Highlights will be no more than 1.18% and 1.03% to the Fund’s Retail Class and Institutional Class, respectively, for such period. This agreement may not be terminated or modified by the Adviser prior to the termination date without the approval of the Board of Trustees.

 

Example

 

This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in either the Retail Class shares or the Institutional Class shares of 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 total annual operating expenses remain the same. This Example reflects the net operating expenses with expense waivers for the one-year contractual period and the total operating expenses without expense waivers for years two through ten.

 

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be: One Year Three Years Five Years Ten Years
Retail Class $120 $424 $749 $1,671
Institutional Class $105 $383 $683 $1,534

 

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 higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. During the most recent fiscal year, the portfolio turnover rate of the Fund was 105% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

23

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

Principal Investment Strategies of the Fund

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (including amounts borrowed for investment purposes) in equity securities, primarily common stock, of small capitalization companies located outside of the United States, including those in emerging markets.

 

The Fund’s Adviser considers small capitalization companies to be companies with market capitalizations within the range of those companies included in the MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index at the time of purchase. Investments in companies that move above or below the capitalization range of the MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index may continue to be held by the Fund in the Fund adviser’s sole discretion. As of February 28, 2023, the market capitalization of companies included in the MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index was between $111.4 million and $11.9 billion. The Fund’s Adviser will consider the market capitalization range by country.

 

The Fund’s Adviser considers a company to be outside of the United States if: (i) it is organized under the laws of a foreign country or maintains its principal offices or headquarters in a foreign country; (ii) its securities are principally traded in a foreign country; or (iii) it derives at least 50% of its revenues or profits from goods produced or sold, investments made, or services performed in a foreign country, or has at least 50% of its assets in a foreign country. The Fund will allocate its assets among various regions and countries including those in emerging markets.

 

The Fund may purchase equity securities on exchanges where the companies are located, on exchanges other than where companies are domiciled (often traded as dual listed securities) or in the form of Depository Receipts, which include American Depository Receipts (“ADRs”), Global Depository Receipts (“GDRs”) or similar securities. The Fund may also purchase participatory notes (commonly known as “P-notes”) issued by foreign banks or brokers evidencing ownership of underlying stocks issued by a foreign company. This type of investment allows the Fund to have exposure to foreign securities without trading directly in the local market.

 

The Fund may use derivatives such as swaps, options, futures, options on futures and P-notes to manage risk inherent in the Fund’s portfolio (e.g., cash flows and currency exposure). The Fund may also enter into forward currency exchange contracts to hedge against uncertainty in the level of future foreign exchange rates in the purchase and sale of investment securities; it will not enter into such contracts for speculative purposes. Investments in P-notes, exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) or derivatives, such as such as swaps, options, futures and options on futures, designed to provide exposure to indices comprised of small capitalization companies located outside of the United States, will be considered equity securities for purposes of meeting the Fund’s 80% investment policy.

 

The Fund’s Adviser uses proprietary quantitative models to evaluate and select countries and securities for the Fund’s portfolio. The Fund’s Adviser evaluates and selects securities based on value, momentum and profitability models. The Fund may engage in active and frequent trading.

 

The team utilizes an “integrated” approach to a company’s environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) practices within its investment process. The quantitative strategies utilize a top-down approach for assessing ESG characteristics of the portfolio. Specifically, the team controls the aggregate ESG exposure relative to the benchmark similar to other risk factors such as country or sector.

 

Stocks may be sold when conditions have changed and the company’s prospects are no longer attractive, its stock price has achieved the team’s valuation target or better relative investment opportunities have been identified.

 

Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund

 

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

 

Market Risk: As with any fund, the value of your investment will fluctuate over time in response to overall movements in the stock market. Further, investments in common stocks tend to be more volatile than many other investment choices. The value of a security or other asset may decline due to changes in general market conditions, economic trends or events that are not specifically related to the issuer of the security or other asset, or factors that affect a particular issuer or issuers, country, group of countries, region, market industry, group of industries, sector or asset class. Local, regional, or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infections, illness or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant impact on the Fund and its investments. During a general market downturn, multiple asset classes may be negatively affected. Changes in market conditions and interest rates generally do not have the same impact on all types of securities and instruments.

 

Country Risk: The Fund may, for finite periods and from time to time, focus its investments in companies that are in a single country or a small number of countries. Focusing investments in a small number of countries may make the

 

24

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

Fund more susceptible to currency fluctuations and adverse economic, business, regulatory or other developments affecting that country or group of countries. If an economic downturn occurs in a country in which the Fund’s investments are focused, the Fund may perform poorly during that period.

 

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

 

Small Company Risk: Small company stocks may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements due to a number of reasons, including that the stocks are traded in lower volume and that the issuers are more sensitive to changing conditions and have less certain growth prospects. Small companies in which the Fund may invest typically lack the financial resources, product diversification, and competitive strengths of larger companies which may cause the value of the Fund to be more volatile. Small companies may be more thinly-traded than larger, more established companies.

 

Direct Foreign Exposure Risk: The Fund may invest in non-U.S.-traded securities. There are risks and costs involved in investing in non-U.S.-traded securities which are in addition to the usual risks inherent in securities that trade on a U.S. exchange. These risks will vary from time to time and from country to country, especially if the country is considered an emerging market or developing country, and may be different from or greater than the risks associated with investing in developed countries. These risks may include, but are not limited to, higher transaction costs, the imposition of additional foreign taxes, less market liquidity, security registration requirements, and less comprehensive security settlement procedures and regulations, significant currency devaluation relative to the U.S. dollar, restrictions on the Fund’s ability to repatriate investment income or capital, less government regulation and supervision, less public information, less economic, political and social stability, and adverse changes in diplomatic relations between the United States and that foreign country.

 

Portfolio Management Risk: The Fund is subject to the risk that the securities held by the Fund will underperform other securities and/or may decline in value.

 

Japan Risk: The growth of Japan’s economy has historically lagged behind that of its Asian neighbors and other major developed economies. The Japanese economy is heavily dependent on international trade and has been adversely affected by trade tariffs, other protectionist measures, competition from emerging economies and the economic conditions of its trading partners. The Japanese yen has fluctuated widely at times and any increase in its value may cause a decline in exports that could weaken the Japanese economy. Japan has, in the past, intervened in the currency markets to attempt to maintain or reduce the value of the yen. Japan’s aging and shrinking population increases the cost of the country’s pension and public welfare system and lowers domestic demand, making Japan more dependent on exports to sustain its economy. Therefore, any developments that negatively affect Japan’s exports could present risks to a fund’s investments in Japan.

 

Sector Focus Risk: The Fund may, for finite periods and from time to time, make significant investments in a particular sector which may make the Fund more susceptible to adverse economic, business, regulatory or other developments affecting that sector. If an economic downturn occurs in a sector in which the Fund’s investments are focused, the Fund may perform poorly during that period.

 

ADR and GDR Risk: ADRs and GDRs may be subject to some of the same risks as direct investment in foreign companies, which includes international trade, currency, political, regulatory and diplomatic risks. In a sponsored ADR arrangement, the foreign issuer assumes the obligation to pay some or all of the Depository’s transaction fees. Unsponsored ADRs and GDRs are organized independently and without the cooperation of the foreign issuer of the underlying securities, and involve additional risks because U.S. reporting requirements do not apply. In addition, the issuing bank may deduct shareholder distribution, custody, foreign currency exchange, and other fees from the payment of dividends. GDRs can involve additional currency risk since, unlike ADRs, they may not be U.S. Dollar-denominated.

 

Portfolio Turnover Risk: Active and frequent trading of the Fund’s portfolio securities may lead to higher transaction costs and may result in a greater number of taxable transactions than would otherwise be the case, which could negatively affect the Fund’s performance. A high rate of portfolio turnover is 100% or more.

 

ESG Risk: The Fund’s consideration of ESG factors as part of its investment strategy may limit the types and number of investment opportunities available to the Fund and, as a result, the Fund may underperform other funds that do not consider ESG factors. The Fund’s consideration of ESG factors may result in the Fund investing in securities or industry sectors that underperform the market as a whole, or forgoing opportunities to invest in securities that might otherwise be advantageous to buy. The Fund may also underperform other funds that apply different ESG standards.

 

25

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

Bar Chart and Performance Tables

 

The Fund acquired the assets of the Segall Bryant & Hamill International Small Cap Fund, a series portfolio of Investment Managers Series Trust on December 9, 2019, (the “International Small Cap Predecessor Fund”). The International Small Cap Predecessor Fund was also advised by Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC.

 

On October 30, 2015, the International Small Cap Predecessor Fund acquired the assets and liabilities of the Philadelphia International Small Cap Fund (the “Philadelphia International Small Cap Predecessor Fund”) (together, with the International Small Cap Predecessor Fund, the “Predecessor Funds”).

 

For periods from October 31, 2015, to December 31, 2018, performance results shown in the bar chart and the performance table below for the Fund’s Retail Class shares and Institutional Class shares reflect the performance of the International Small Cap Predecessor Fund. For periods prior to October 30, 2015, performance results shown in the bar chart and the performance table below for the Fund’s Class I shares and Class A shares reflect the performance of the Philadelphia International Small Cap Predecessor Fund’s Class IV shares and Class I shares, respectively.

 

Performance results shown in the bar chart and the performance table below reflect the performance of the Predecessor Funds. Performance returns of the Fund will be different from the Predecessor Funds as they have different expenses. The Predecessor Funds’ past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

 

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risk of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year, and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for one year, five years, and since inception for the Fund (including performance of the Predecessor Funds, as described above), compared with those of an unmanaged index of securities.

 

The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) does not necessarily indicate how it will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available on www.sbhfunds.com or call toll-free (800) 392-2673.

 

SBH International Small Cap Fund
Institutional Class - Calendar Year Total Returns as of December 31 (%)

 

 

Highest Quarterly Return: 12/31/2022 17.46%
Lowest Quarterly Return: 3/31/2020 (34.51)%

 

Average Annual Total Returns (for the Periods Ended December 31, 2022)

 

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

 

26

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

Segall Bryant & Hamill International Small Cap Fund 1 Year 5 Years 10 Years
Institutional Class*      
Return Before Taxes (13.19)% (3.70)% 4.52%
Return After Taxes on Distributions (13.93)% (4.48)% 3.37%
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares (6.88)% (2.67)% 3.44%
Retail Class**      
Return Before Taxes (13.31)% (3.89)% 4.31%
MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index
(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
(21.39)% (0.05)% 6.21%

 

* Institutional Class (previously known as Class I of the Predecessor Funds) started on May 31, 2011.

 

** Retail Class (previously known as Class A of the International Small Cap Predecessor Fund) started on June 30, 2014. The ten year performance figure for Retail Class includes the performance for Institutional Class for the periods prior to the start date of Retail Class, adjusted for the difference in Retail Class and Institutional Class expenses. Retail Class imposes higher expenses than Institutional Class.

 

Management

 

Investment Adviser

 

Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC

 

Portfolio Managers

 

Name(s) of Portfolio Manager(s) and Title(s) Date Began Managing the Fund

Scott E. Decatur, Ph.D.

Director of Quantitative International Strategies – Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC

Portfolio Manager of the Fund

May 31, 2011*
   

Nicholas C. Fedako, CFA

Senior Portfolio Manager – Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC

Portfolio Manager of the Fund

May 31, 2011*

 

* Since inception of the Philadelphia International Small Cap Predecessor Fund

 

Other Important Information Regarding Fund Shares

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

 

The minimum initial purchase is $2,500 for the Retail Class and $250,000 for the Institutional Class. The minimum subsequent purchase is $25 for the Retail Class (or $25 per month for automatic investment). There is no minimum subsequent purchase for the Institutional Class. You may redeem shares of the Fund on any business day through the Fund’s website at www.sbhfunds.com, by telephone at (800) 392-2673, or by a systematic withdrawal plan (must be multiples of $50, and can be accomplished monthly, quarterly, or annually). You may redeem shares of the Fund on any business day by regular mail at Segall Bryant & Hamill Funds, P.O. Box 46707, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-0707.

 

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 held 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.

 

Financial Intermediary Compensation - 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.

 

27

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

Segall Bryant & Hamill Fundamental International Small Cap Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

The Segall Bryant & Hamill Fundamental International Small-Cap Fund (the “Fund”) seeks to achieve long-term capital appreciation.

 

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

 

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

 

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Retail Class Institutional Class
Annual Account Maintenance Fee (for Retail Class accounts under $750) $12.00

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)        
Management Fees   1.00%   1.00%
Distribution (12b-1) Fees   None   None
Other Expenses   0.61%   0.46%
Shareholder service fee(1)  0.25%   0.10%  
All other expenses 0.36%   0.36%  
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses   1.61%   1.46%
Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements   (0.36)%(2)    (0.36)%(2) 
Total Annual Fund Operations Expenses
After Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements
  1.25%(2)    1.10%(2) 

 

(1)  The Retail Class and the Institutional Class of the Fund may pay a fee at an annual rate of up to 0.25% and 0.10%, respectively, of average daily net assets to shareholder servicing agents. The amount listed represents the maximum fee that the Fund may pay. Refer to the “Shareholder Service Fee” section in the prospectus.

 

(2)  Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC (“SBH” or the “Adviser”), the Fund’s investment adviser, has contractually agreed until at least April 30, 2024, to waive the investment advisory and/or administration fees and/or to reimburse other expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, taxes, brokerage expenses, class action claim fees, tax reclaim fees, and extraordinary expenses), so that the ratio of expenses of average net assets as reported in the Fund’s Financial Highlights will be no more than 1.25% and 1.10% to the Fund’s Retail Class and Institutional Class, respectively, for such period. This agreement may not be terminated or modified by the Adviser prior to the termination date without the approval of the Board of Trustees.

 

Example

 

This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in either the Retail Class shares or the Institutional Class shares of 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 total annual operating expenses remain the same. This Example reflects the net operating expenses with expense waivers for the one-year contractual period and the total operating expenses without expense waivers for years two through ten.

 

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be: One Year Three Years Five Years Ten Years
Retail Class $127 $473 $842 $1,881
Institutional Class $112 $426 $763 $1,715

 

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 higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 45% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

28

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

Principal Investment Strategies of the Fund

 

The Fund invests primarily in the common stock of approximately 35 to 60 foreign small-cap companies that are trading at a discount to the portfolio management team’s estimated intrinsic value of such company with the potential to grow their earnings and cash flows.

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (including amounts borrowed for investment purposes) in international small-cap companies.

 

The Fund currently considers “small-cap companies” to be those companies included in, or similar in size to, those included in its benchmark index, the MSCI ACWI ex USA Small Cap Index, at the time of purchase. As of February 28, 2023, companies within this benchmark index ranged from approximately $92.2 million to $11.9 billion in market capitalization. As of February 28, 2023, the weighted average market capitalization of the benchmark was approximately $2.4 billion as compared to approximately $5.2 billion for the companies within the Fund’s portfolio. Please note that these market capitalization measures will fluctuate over time.

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund primarily invests its assets in common stocks of foreign companies in developed countries. The Fund may, to a lesser extent, invest in emerging markets and/or in U.S.-based companies.

 

The team implements an investment strategy that is based on the belief that investing in businesses trading at a significant discount to intrinsic value leads to strong performance over time. Utilizing a bottom-up approach grounded in independent fundamental research, the team constructs a portfolio designed to generate alpha, or risk-adjusted excess return, relative to the Fund’s benchmark, primarily through stock selection.

 

The team seeks to capitalize on the inefficiencies within its small-cap universe. Investments are made in small-cap companies, primarily in developed foreign markets.

 

The team believes the best way to identify attractive candidates for research is to consider companies within its entire small-cap universe. The team does not eliminate any industries from the research process and does not pre-judge companies based on the nature of the business, but rather focuses on the underlying characteristics of the business.

 

The goal of the team’s process is to invest in cash-generative companies at attractive valuations. Using proprietary fundamental research, the team looks for key attributes in companies including free cash flow, earnings growth, return on invested capital, balance sheet strength and relative upside to its estimate of intrinsic value. It seeks to manage risk through a valuation discipline, in-depth fundamental analysis and portfolio structure.

 

SBH also utilizes an “integrated” approach to a company’s environmental, social, and corporate governance (“ESG”) practices within its investment process alongside other non-ESG factors. SBH believes ESG factors may be important drivers of value in conjunction with the underlying strength and potential of a business, however its consideration of these factors would not necessarily result in a company being included or excluded from the evaluation process but rather would contribute to the overall evaluation of that company.

 

The Fund considers “foreign companies” to include those domiciled outside of the United States or with the principal trading market of their securities outside of the United States. For purposes of determining the countries in which the Fund invests, the following countries are currently considered to be “developed countries”: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The Fund considers emerging market countries to be those countries that are neither the United States nor developed countries.

 

Stocks may be sold when conditions have changed and the company’s prospects are no longer attractive, its stock price has achieved the team’s valuation target or better relative investment opportunities have been identified.

 

Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund

 

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

 

Small Company Risk: The Fund is subject to the general risk that the stocks of smaller and newer companies can involve greater risks than those associated with larger, more established companies. Small company stocks may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements due to a number of reasons, including that the stocks are traded in lower volume and that the issuers are more sensitive to changing conditions and have less certain growth prospects. Small companies in which the Fund may invest typically lack the financial resources, product diversification, and competitive strengths of larger companies which may cause the value of the Fund to be more volatile. Small companies may be more thinly-traded than larger, more established companies.

 

29

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

Market Risk: As with any fund, the value of your investment will fluctuate over time in response to overall movements in the stock market. Further, investments in common stocks tend to be more volatile than many other investment choices. The value of a security or other asset may decline due to changes in general market conditions, economic trends or events that are not specifically related to the issuer of the security or other asset, or factors that affect a particular issuer or issuers, country, group of countries, region, market industry, group of industries, sector or asset class. Local, regional, or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infections, illness or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant impact on the Fund and its investments. During a general market downturn, multiple asset classes may be negatively affected. Changes in market conditions and interest rates generally do not have the same impact on all types of securities and instruments.

 

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

 

Portfolio Management Risk: The Fund is subject to the risk that the securities held by the Fund will underperform other securities and/or may decline in value.

 

Sector Focus Risk: The Fund may, for finite periods and from time to time, make significant investments in a particular sector which may make the Fund more susceptible to adverse economic, business, regulatory or other developments affecting that sector. If an economic downturn occurs in a sector in which the Fund’s investments are focused, the Fund may perform poorly during that period.

 

Industrial Sector Risk: The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in the industrial sector. The industrial sector can be significantly affected by, among other things, worldwide economic growth, supply and demand for specific products and services, rapid technological developments, international political and economic developments, environmental issues, tariffs and trade barriers, and tax and governmental regulatory policies. As the demand for, or prices of, industrials increase, the value of the Fund’s investments generally would be expected to also increase. Conversely, declines in the demand for, or prices of, industrials generally would be expected to contribute to declines in the value of such securities.

 

Information Technology Sector Risk: The Fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in the information technology sector, and therefore the Fund’s performance could be negatively impacted by events affecting this sector. Companies in the rapidly changing field of information technology face special risks. Additionally, companies in this field are dependent upon consumer and business acceptance as new technologies evolve. Information technology companies face intense competition and potentially rapid product obsolescence. They are also heavily dependent on intellectual property rights and may be adversely affected by the loss or impairment of, or inability to enforce, those rights.

 

Country Risk: The Fund may, for finite periods and from time to time, focus its investments in companies that are in a single country or a small number of countries. Focusing investments in a small number of countries may make the Fund more susceptible to currency fluctuations and adverse economic, business, regulatory or other developments affecting that country or group of countries. If an economic downturn occurs in a country in which the Fund’s investments are focused, the Fund may perform poorly during that period.

 

Direct Foreign Exposure Risk: The Fund may invest in non-U.S.-traded securities. There are risks and costs involved in investing in non-U.S.-traded securities which are in addition to the usual risks inherent in securities that trade on a U.S. exchange. These risks will vary from time to time and from country to country, especially if the country is considered an emerging market or developing country, and may be different from or greater than the risks associated with investing in developed countries. These risks may include, but are not limited to, higher transaction costs, the imposition of additional foreign taxes, less market liquidity, security registration requirements, and less comprehensive security settlement procedures and regulations, significant currency devaluation relative to the U.S. dollar, restrictions on the Fund’s ability to repatriate investment income or capital, less government regulation and supervision, less public information, less economic, political and social stability, and adverse changes in diplomatic relations between the United States and that foreign country.

 

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

 

30

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

ADR and GDR Risk: ADRs and GDRs may be subject to some of the same risks as direct investment in foreign companies, which includes international trade, currency, political, regulatory and diplomatic risks. In a sponsored ADR arrangement, the foreign issuer assumes the obligation to pay some or all of the Depository’s transaction fees. Unsponsored ADRs and GDRs are organized independently and without the cooperation of the foreign issuer of the underlying securities, and involve additional risks because U.S. reporting requirements do not apply. In addition, the issuing bank may deduct shareholder distribution, custody, foreign currency exchange, and other fees from the payment of dividends. GDRs can involve additional currency risk since, unlike ADRs, they may not be U.S. Dollar-denominated.

 

ESG Risk: The Fund’s consideration of ESG factors as part of its investment strategy may limit the types and number of investment opportunities available to the Fund and, as a result, the Fund may underperform other funds that do not consider ESG factors. The Fund’s consideration of ESG factors may result in the Fund investing in securities or industry sectors that underperform the market as a whole, or forgoing opportunities to invest in securities that might otherwise be advantageous to buy. The Fund may also underperform other funds that apply different ESG standards.

 

Bar Chart and Performance Tables

 

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risk of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s Retail Class performance from year to year, and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for one, five, and ten years for both the Retail Class and the Institutional Class compared with those of an unmanaged index of securities. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) does not necessarily indicate how it will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available on www.sbhfunds.com or call toll-free (800) 392-2673.

 

SBH Fundamental International Small Cap Fund
Retail Class - Calendar Year Total Returns as of December 31 (%)

 

 

Highest Quarterly Return: 6/30/2020 30.61%
Lowest Quarterly Return: 3/31/2020 (28.97)%

 

The returns above are for the Retail Class of the Fund. The Institutional Class would have substantially similar annual returns to the Retail Class because the classes are invested in the same portfolio securities. The Institutional Class’ returns will be higher over the long-term when compared to the Retail Class’ returns to the extent that the Retail Class has higher expenses.

 

Average Annual Total Returns (for the Periods Ended December 31, 2022)

 

After-tax returns for the Retail Class are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are shown only for the Retail Class; after-tax returns for the Institutional Class will be different. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-advantaged arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

31

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

Segall Bryant & Hamill Fundamental International Small Cap Fund 1 Year 5 Years 10 Years
Retail Class      
Return Before Taxes (33.89)% 2.50% 4.42%
Return After Taxes on Distributions (35.85)% 0.29% 2.75%
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares (18.65)% 1.80% 3.29%
Institutional Class*      
Return Before Taxes (33.74)% 2.66% 4.54%
MSCI ACWI ex USA Small Cap Index
(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes, except foreign withholding taxes)
(19.97)% 0.67% 5.24%

 

* Institutional Class started on April 29, 2016. The ten-year performance figure for Institutional Class includes the performance for Retail Class for the periods prior to the start date of the Institutional Class. The Institutional Class performance has not been adjusted to reflect the lower fees and expenses of the Institutional Class because (1) the Retail Class represent interests in the same portfolio of securities; and (2) the fees and expenses of the Institutional Class are lower than the Retail Class.

 

Management

 

Investment Adviser

 

Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC

 

Portfolio Manager

 

Name(s) of Portfolio Manager(s) and Title(s) Date Began Managing the Fund

John C. Fenley, CFA

Director of Fundamental International Strategies – Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC

Portfolio Manager of the Fund

October 1, 2003

 

Other Important Information Regarding Fund Shares

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

 

The minimum initial purchase is $2,500 for the Retail Class and $250,000 for the Institutional Class. The minimum subsequent purchase is $25 for the Retail Class (or $25 per month for automatic investment). There is no minimum subsequent purchase for the Institutional Class. You may redeem shares of the Fund on any business day through the Fund’s website at www.sbhfunds.com, by telephone at (800) 392-2673, or by a systematic withdrawal plan (must be multiples of $50, and can be accomplished monthly, quarterly, or annually). You may redeem shares of the Fund on any business day by regular mail at Segall Bryant & Hamill Funds, P.O. Box 46707, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-0707.

 

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 held 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.

 

Financial Intermediary Compensation - 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.

 

32

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

Segall Bryant & Hamill Global ALL Cap Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

The Segall Bryant & Hamill Global All Cap Fund (the “Fund”) seeks to achieve long-term capital appreciation.

 

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

 

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

 

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Retail Class Institutional Class
Annual Account Maintenance Fee (for Retail Class accounts under $750) $12.00
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)        
Management Fees   0.65%   0.65%
Distribution (12b-1) Fees   None   None
Other Expenses   0.78%   0.62%
Shareholder service fee(1)  0.25%   0.10%  
All other expenses 0.53%   0.52%  
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses   1.43%   1.27%
Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements   (0.54)%(2)    (0.53)%(2) 
Total Annual Fund Operations Expenses
After Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements
  0.89%(2)    0.74%(2) 

 

(1)  The Retail Class and the Institutional Class of the Fund may pay a fee at an annual rate of up to 0.25% and 0.10%, respectively, of average daily net assets to shareholder servicing agents. The amount listed represents the maximum fee that the Fund may pay. Refer to the “Shareholder Service Fee” section in the prospectus.

 

(2)  Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC (“SBH” or the “Adviser”), the Fund’s investment adviser, has contractually agreed until at least April 30, 2024, to waive the investment advisory and/or administration fees and/or to reimburse other expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, taxes, brokerage expenses, class action claim fees, tax reclaim fees, and extraordinary expenses), so that the ratio of expenses of average net assets as reported in the Fund’s Financial Highlights will be no more than 0.89% and 0.74% to the Fund’s Retail Class and Institutional Class, respectively, for such period. This agreement may not be terminated or modified by the Adviser prior to the termination date without the approval of the Board of Trustees.

 

Example

 

This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in either the Retail Class shares or the Institutional Class shares of 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 total annual operating expenses remain the same. This Example reflects the net operating expenses with expense waivers for the one-year contractual period and the total operating expenses without expense waivers for years two through ten.

 

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be: One Year Three Years Five Years Ten Years
Retail Class $91 $399 $730 $1,667
Institutional Class $76 $350 $646 $1,487

 

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 higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 31% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

33

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

Principal Investment Strategies of the Fund

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of the value of its net assets (including amounts borrowed for investment purposes) in equity securities of companies of any size, including small- and mid-capitalization companies as measured at the time of purchase. The Fund will primarily invest in common stock of companies traded on U.S. exchanges with market capitalization in excess of $1 billion. The MSCI World Mid Cap Index and the MSCI World Small Cap Index are indices which include companies with market capitalizations within the mid-cap and small-cap universe. The Fund will, under normal circumstances, invest at least 35% of its net assets in common stock of companies with market capitalizations similar in size to companies within the MSCI World Mid Cap Index and the MSCI World Small Cap Index.

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 40% of its net assets in stocks of foreign companies drawn from at least three different countries (and at least 30% of its net assets in stocks of foreign companies if market conditions are not favorable).

 

The Adviser invests the Fund’s assets opportunistically based on market information and does not limit its investment analysis approach to value, growth, or core investment styles.

 

The Adviser believes that returns in excess of general market returns can be achieved by actively managing investment portfolios. The Fund invests in companies that the Adviser believes have superior growth potential and are trading at a discount to the Adviser’s estimate of the companies’ intrinsic value.

 

The Adviser’s investment process is driven by fundamental research utilizing a combination of external and proprietary research in its selection process. Through a combination of quantitative analysis (which may encompass techniques such as evaluation of financial data or statistical/mathematical modeling), fundamental analysis (which may include assessments of a company’s holdings or key characteristics, as well as broader economic factors) and experienced judgment, the Adviser seeks to identify companies that have historically generated, or are positioned to generate, superior returns on investments.

 

The Fund can invest in securities of companies whose stock is traded on U.S. or foreign markets, including depositary receipts or shares issued by companies incorporated outside of the United States (e.g., ADRs).

 

The Fund considers “foreign companies” to include those domiciled outside of the United States or with the principal trading market of their securities outside of the United States.

 

SBH also utilizes an “integrated” approach to a company’s environmental, social, and corporate governance (“ESG”) practices within its investment process alongside other non-ESG factors. SBH believes ESG factors may be important drivers of value in conjunction with the underlying strength and potential of a business, however its consideration of these factors would not necessarily result in a company being included or excluded from the evaluation process but rather would contribute to the overall evaluation of that company.

 

Stocks may be sold when conditions have changed and the company’s prospects are no longer attractive, its stock price has achieved the team’s valuation target or better relative investment opportunities have been identified.

 

Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund

 

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

 

Market Capitalization Risk: To the extent a Fund invests in securities issued by small-, medium- or large capitalization companies, it will be subject to the risks associated with securities issued by companies of the applicable market capitalization. Securities issued by companies of different market capitalizations tend to go in and out of favor based on market and economic conditions. During a period when securities of a particular market capitalization underperform other types of investments, a Fund’s performance could be adversely impacted.

 

The small- and medium-sized companies in which the Fund may invest may be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic events than larger, more established companies. In particular, these small-and medium-sized companies may pose additional risks, including liquidity risk, because these companies tend to have limited product lines, markets, and financial resources, and may depend upon a relatively small management group. Therefore, small- and medium-sized stocks may be more volatile than those of larger companies. Small- and medium-sized companies may be more thinly-traded than larger, more established companies.

 

Market Risk: As with any fund, the value of your investment will fluctuate over time in response to overall movements in the stock market. Further, investments in common stocks tend to be more volatile than many other investment choices. The value of a security or other asset may decline due to changes in general market conditions, economic trends or events that

 

34

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

are not specifically related to the issuer of the security or other asset, or factors that affect a particular issuer or issuers, country, group of countries, region, market industry, group of industries, sector or asset class. Local, regional, or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infections, illness or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant impact on the Fund and its investments. During a general market downturn, multiple asset classes may be negatively affected. Changes in market conditions and interest rates generally do not have the same impact on all types of securities and instruments.

 

Portfolio Management Risk: The Fund is subject to the risk that the securities held by the Fund will underperform other securities and/or may decline in value.

 

Direct Foreign Exposure Risk: The Fund may invest in non-U.S.-traded securities. There are risks and costs involved in investing in non-U.S.-traded securities which are in addition to the usual risks inherent in securities that trade on a U.S. exchange. These risks will vary from time to time and from country to country, especially if the country is considered an emerging market or developing country, and may be different from or greater than the risks associated with investing in developed countries. These risks may include, but are not limited to, higher transaction costs, the imposition of additional foreign taxes, less market liquidity, security registration requirements, and less comprehensive security settlement procedures and regulations, significant currency devaluation relative to the U.S. dollar, restrictions on the Fund’s ability to repatriate investment income or capital, less government regulation and supervision, less public information, less economic, political and social stability, and adverse changes in diplomatic relations between the United States and that foreign country.

 

ADR and GDR Risk: ADRs and GDRs may be subject to some of the same risks as direct investment in foreign companies, which includes international trade, currency, political, regulatory and diplomatic risks. In a sponsored ADR arrangement, the foreign issuer assumes the obligation to pay some or all of the Depository’s transaction fees. Unsponsored ADRs and GDRs are organized independently and without the cooperation of the foreign issuer of the underlying securities, and involve additional risks because U.S. reporting requirements do not apply. In addition, the issuing bank may deduct shareholder distribution, custody, foreign currency exchange, and other fees from the payment of dividends. GDRs can involve additional currency risk since, unlike ADRs, they may not be U.S. Dollar-denominated.

 

Sector Focus Risk: The Fund may, for finite periods and from time to time, focus its investments in companies that are in a single sector or related sector, due to reasons such as a rebalancing or reconstitution of a benchmark index. Focusing investments in a single sector may make the Fund more susceptible to adverse economic, business, regulatory or other developments affecting that sector. If an economic downturn occurs in a sector in which the Fund’s investments are focused, the Fund may perform poorly during that period.

 

Currency Risk: The Fund’s exposure to foreign markets may affect the net asset value and total return of the Fund due to fluctuations in currency exchange rates.

 

ESG Risk: The Fund’s consideration of ESG factors as part of its investment strategy may limit the types and number of investment opportunities available to the Fund and, as a result, the Fund may underperform other funds that do not consider ESG factors. The Fund’s consideration of ESG factors may result in the Fund investing in securities or industry sectors that underperform the market as a whole, or forgoing opportunities to invest in securities that might otherwise be advantageous to buy. The Fund may also underperform other funds that apply different ESG standards.

 

35

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

Bar Chart and Performance Tables

 

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risk of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s Retail Class performance from year to year, and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for one, five, and ten years for both the Retail Class and the Institutional Class compared with those of unmanaged indexes of securities. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) does not necessarily indicate how it will perform in the future. Please note that for longer term performance numbers, prior to April 29, 2016 the Fund was known as the Westcore Blue Chip Dividend Fund, prior to April 30, 2018 the Fund was known as the Westcore Global Large-Cap Dividend Fund, and prior to September 19, 2020 the Fund was known as the Segall Bryant & Hamill Global Large Cap Fund.

 

Updated performance information is available on www.sbhfunds.com or call toll-free (800) 392-2673.

 

SBH Global All Cap Fund
Retail Class - Calendar Year Total Returns as of December 31 (%)

 

 

Highest Quarterly Return: 6/30/2020 16.21%
Lowest Quarterly Return: 3/31/2020 (23.72)%

 

The returns above are for the Retail Class of the Fund. The Institutional Class would have substantially similar annual returns to the Retail Class because the classes are invested in the same portfolio securities. The Institutional Class’ returns will be higher over the long-term when compared to the Retail Class’ returns to the extent that the Retail Class has higher expenses.

 

Average Annual Total Returns (for the Periods Ended December 31, 2022)

 

After-tax returns for the Retail Class are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are shown only for the Retail Class; after-tax returns for the Institutional Class will be different. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-advantaged arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

Segall Bryant & Hamill Global All Cap Fund 1 Year 5 Years 10 Years
Retail Class      
Return Before Taxes (18.68)% 3.81% 7.30%
Return After Taxes on Distributions (19.10)% 1.70% 4.81%
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares (10.76)% 2.76% 5.41%
Institutional Class      
Return Before Taxes (18.55)% 3.95% 7.47%
MSCI World Index
(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes, except foreign withholding taxes)
(18.14)% 6.14% 8.85%

 

36

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

Management

 

Investment Adviser

 

Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC

 

Portfolio Managers

 

Name(s) of Portfolio Manager(s) and Title(s) Date Began Managing the Fund

Suresh Rajagopal, CFA

Director All/Mid Cap Strategies – Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC

Portfolio Manager of the Fund

July 23, 2020
   

Ralph M. Segall, CFA, CIC

Chief Investment Officer – Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC

Portfolio Manager of the Fund

July 23, 2020

 

Other Important Information Regarding Fund Shares

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

 

The minimum initial purchase is $2,500 for the Retail Class and $250,000 for the Institutional Class. The minimum subsequent purchase is $25 for the Retail Class (or $25 per month for automatic investment). There is no minimum subsequent purchase for the Institutional Class. You may redeem shares of the Fund on any business day through the Fund’s website at www.sbhfunds.com, by telephone at (800) 392-2673, or by a systematic withdrawal plan (must be multiples of $50, and can be accomplished monthly, quarterly, or annually). You may redeem shares of the Fund on any business day by regular mail at Segall Bryant & Hamill Funds, P.O. Box 46707, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-0707.

 

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 held 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.

 

Financial Intermediary Compensation - 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.

 

37

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

Segall Bryant & Hamill Workplace Equality Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

The Segall Bryant & Hamill Workplace Equality Fund (the “Fund”) seeks to achieve long-term capital appreciation.

 

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

 

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

 

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Retail Class Institutional Class
Annual Account Maintenance Fee (for Retail Class accounts under $750) $12.00
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)        
Management Fees   0.65%   0.65%
Distribution (12b-1) Fees   None   None
Other Expenses   0.80%   0.65%
Shareholder service fee(1)  0.25%   0.10%  
All other expenses 0.55%   0.55%  
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses   1.45%   1.30%
Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements   (0.56)%(2)    (0.56)%(2) 
Total Annual Fund Operations Expenses
After Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements
  0.89%(2)    0.74%(2) 

 

(1)  The Retail Class and the Institutional Class of the Fund may pay a fee at an annual rate of up to 0.25% and 0.10%, respectively, of average daily net assets to shareholder servicing agents. The amount listed represents the maximum fee that the Fund may pay. Refer to the “Shareholder Service Fee” section in the prospectus.

 

(2)  Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC (“SBH” or the “Adviser”), the Fund’s investment adviser, has contractually agreed until at least April 30, 2024, to waive the investment advisory and/or administration fees and/or to reimburse other expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, taxes, brokerage expenses, class action claim fees, tax reclaim fees, and extraordinary expenses), so that the ratio of expenses of average net assets as reported in the Fund’s Financial Highlights will be no more than 0.89% and 0.74% to the Fund’s Retail Class and Institutional Class, respectively, for such period. This agreement may not be terminated or modified by the Adviser prior to the termination date without the approval of the Board of Trustees.

 

Example

 

This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in either the Retail Class shares or the Institutional Class shares of 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 total annual operating expenses remain the same. This Example reflects the net operating expenses with expense waivers for the one-year contractual period and the total operating expenses without expense waivers for years two through ten.

 

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be: One Year Three Years Five Years Ten Years
Retail Class $91 $404 $739 $1,687
Institutional Class $76 $357 $659 $1,519

 

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 higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 38% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

38

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

Principal Investment Strategies of the Fund

 

The Fund invests primarily in companies with greater than $1 billion in market capitalization. The portfolio management team considers a candidate company’s workplace equality practices and inclusionary hiring and promotion policies because they believe these traits can enhance a company’s growth trajectory and long-term financial success.

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in companies that meet the quantitative and qualitative screening criteria of the Adviser’s proprietary workplace equality screen (the “Screen”). Among various factors, these screening criteria seek to identify, for example, whether a company’s equal employment opportunity statement prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and/or whether the company offers health benefits to same-sex partners or spouses of employees.

 

As a secondary consideration, the team utilizes an “integrated” approach to a company’s environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) practices. Specifically, the team evaluates the materiality of ESG exposures for companies in the strategy universe, benchmarks exposures against industry peers, and lastly integrates exposures into the team’s valuation process. The Adviser may also conduct a supplemental analysis of individual companies’ corporate governance factors and a range of environmental and social factors that may vary by sector.

 

Through a combination of proprietary quantitative screening and independent fundamental analysis, the team seeks to identify and thoroughly assess the financial strength and capital appreciation opportunity of candidate companies.

 

The team researches companies in which the historical consistency and fundamental improvement in free cash flow appear sustainable. The team seeks to develop an understanding of the economics of the business and sustainability of a company’s competitive advantage.

 

With respect to portfolio structure, the team seeks to achieve a balance between risk-adjusted total return opportunity and down-market capital preservation without regard to sector weighting limitations.

 

Stocks may be sold when business fundamentals have changed, ESG practices deteriorate, the stock no longer meets the Screen or the stock price has achieved the team’s valuation target. The stock may also be sold if better relative investment opportunities have been identified.

 

Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund

 

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

 

ESG Risk: The Fund’s consideration of ESG factors as part of its investment strategy may limit the types and number of investment opportunities available to the Fund and, as a result, the Fund may underperform other funds that do not consider ESG factors. The Fund’s consideration of ESG factors may result in the Fund investing in securities or industry sectors that underperform the market as a whole, or forgoing opportunities to invest in securities that might otherwise be advantageous to buy. The Fund may also underperform other funds that apply different ESG standards.

 

Market Risk: As with any fund, the value of your investment will fluctuate over time in response to overall movements in the stock market. Further, investments in common stocks tend to be more volatile than many other investment choices. The value of a security or other asset may decline due to changes in general market conditions, economic trends or events that are not specifically related to the issuer of the security or other asset, or factors that affect a particular issuer or issuers, country, group of countries, region, market industry, group of industries, sector or asset class. Local, regional, or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infections, illness or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant impact on the Fund and its investments. During a general market downturn, multiple asset classes may be negatively affected. Changes in market conditions and interest rates generally do not have the same impact on all types of securities and instruments.

 

Portfolio Management Risk: The Fund is subject to the risk that the securities held by the Fund will underperform other securities and/or may decline in value.

 

Sector Focus Risk: The Fund may, for finite periods and from time to time, focus its investments in companies that are in a single sector or related sector, due to reasons such as a rebalancing or reconstitution of a benchmark index. Focusing investments in a single sector may make the Fund more susceptible to adverse economic, business, regulatory or other developments affecting that sector. If an economic downturn occurs in a sector in which the Fund’s investments are focused, the Fund may perform poorly during that period.

 

Information Technology Sector Risk: The Fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in the information technology sector, and therefore the Fund’s performance could be negatively impacted by events affecting this sector. Companies in the rapidly changing field of information technology face special risks. Additionally, companies in this field are

 

39

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

dependent upon consumer and business acceptance as new technologies evolve. Information technology companies face intense competition and potentially rapid product obsolescence. They are also heavily dependent on intellectual property rights and may be adversely affected by the loss or impairment of, or inability to enforce, those rights.

 

Bar Chart and Performance Tables

 

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risk of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s Retail Class performance from year to year, and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for one, five, and ten years for both the Retail Class and for the Institutional Class compared with those of an unmanaged index of securities. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) does not necessarily indicate how it will perform in the future. Please note that for the longer term performance numbers, prior to April 29, 2016 the Fund was known as the Westcore Growth Fund, prior to April 30, 2018, the Fund was known as the Westcore Large Cap Dividend Fund, and prior to May 1, 2019 the Fund was known as the Segall Bryant & Hamill Large Cap Dividend.

 

Updated performance information is available on www.sbhfunds.com or call toll-free (800) 392-2673.

 

SBH Workplace Equality Fund
Retail Class – Calendar Year Total Returns as of December 31 (%)

 

 

Highest Quarterly Return: 6/30/2020 17.12%
Lowest Quarterly Return: 3/31/2020 (23.26)%

 

The returns above are for the Retail Class of the Fund. The Institutional Class would have substantially similar annual returns to the Retail Class because the classes are invested in the same portfolio securities. The Institutional Class’ returns will be higher over the long-term when compared to the Retail Class’ returns to the extent that the Retail Class has higher expenses.

 

Average Annual Total Returns (for the Periods Ended December 31, 2022)

 

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

 

Segall Bryant & Hamill Workplace Equality Fund 1 Year 5 Years 10 Years
Retail Class      
Return Before Taxes (21.11)% 5.87% 8.65%
Return After Taxes on Distributions (21.29)% 4.46% 4.42%
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares (12.37)% 4.40% 5.77%
Institutional Class      
Return Before Taxes (20.95)% 6.03% 8.86%
Russell 1000® Index
(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
(19.13)% 9.13% 12.37%

 

40

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

Management

 

Investment Adviser

 

Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC

 

Portfolio Managers

 

Name(s) of Portfolio Manager(s) and Title(s) Date Began Managing the Fund

Suresh Rajagopal, CFA

Director All/Mid Cap Strategies – Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC

Portfolio Manager of the Fund

July 23, 2020
   

William J. Barritt, CFA

Equity Analyst – Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC

Portfolio Manager of the Fund

July 23, 2020
   

John N. Roberts, Esq.

Senior Portfolio Manager – Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC

Portfolio Manager of the Fund

May 1, 2019

 

Other Important Information Regarding Fund Shares

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

 

The minimum initial purchase is $2,500 for the Retail Class and $250,000 for the Institutional Class. The minimum subsequent purchase is $25 for the Retail Class (or $25 per month for automatic investment). There is no minimum subsequent purchase for the Institutional Class. You may redeem shares of the Fund on any business day through the Fund’s website at www.sbhfunds.com, by telephone at (800) 392-2673, or by a systematic withdrawal plan (must be multiples of $50, and can be accomplished monthly, quarterly, or annually). You may redeem shares of the Fund on any business day by regular mail at Segall Bryant & Hamill Funds, P.O. Box 46707, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-0707.

 

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 held 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.

 

Financial Intermediary Compensation - 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.

 

41

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

Segall Bryant & Hamill Short Term Plus Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

The Segall Bryant & Hamill Short Term Plus Fund (the “Fund”) seeks to provide current income and competitive total return.

 

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

 

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

 

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Retail Class Institutional Class
Annual Account Maintenance Fee (for Retail Class accounts under $750) $12.00
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)        
Management Fees   0.25%   0.25%
Distribution (12b-1) Fees   None   None
Other Expenses   0.56%   0.49%
Shareholder service fee(1)  0.19%   0.10%  
All other expenses 0.37%   0.39%  
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses   0.81%   0.74%
Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements   (0.32)%(2)    (0.34)%(2) 
Total Annual Fund Operations Expenses
After Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements
  0.49%(2)    0.40%(2) 

 

(1)  The Retail Class and the Institutional Class of the Fund may pay a fee at an annual rate of up to 0.25% and 0.10%, respectively, of average daily net assets to shareholder servicing agents. The amount listed represents the maximum fee that the Fund may pay. Refer to the “Shareholder Service Fee” section in the prospectus.

 

(2)  Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC (“SBH” or the “Adviser”), the Fund’s investment adviser, has contractually agreed until at least April 30, 2024, to waive the investment advisory and/or administration fees and/or to reimburse other expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, taxes, brokerage expenses, class action claim fees, tax reclaim fees, and extraordinary expenses), so that the ratio of expenses of average net assets as reported in the Fund’s Financial Highlights will be no more than 0.49% and 0.40% to the Fund’s Retail Class and Institutional Class, respectively, for such period. This agreement may not be terminated or modified by the Adviser prior to the termination date without the approval of the Board of Trustees.

 

Example

 

This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in either the Retail Class shares or the Institutional Class shares of 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, that the Fund’s total annual operating expenses remain the same. This Example reflects the net operating expenses with expense wavers for the one-year contractual period and the total operating expenses without expense waivers for years two through ten.

 

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be: One Year Three Years Five Years Ten Years
Retail Class $50 $227 $418 $972
Institutional Class $41 $202 $378 $886

 

42

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

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 higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 22% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

Principal Investment Strategies of the Fund

 

The Fund invests 80% or more of its assets in investment-grade debt securities–those rated in the top four rating categories by at least one nationally recognized rating agency, such as Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s (a “Rating Agency”). The dollar-weighted average quality is expected to be “Baa” or better. A “Baa” rating typically is the lowest of the four investment-grade categories.

 

The Fund may invest up to twenty percent (20%) of its assets in high yield securities. The Fund considers “high yield” securities to include securities rated, at the time of purchase, below investment grade by at least one Rating Agency or are unrated and determined to be of comparable quality by the Adviser and may include securities that are already in default.

 

The Fund expects to maintain an effective duration of between 0 and 2 years and an effective maturity of between 0 and 3 years, under normal circumstances.

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least eighty percent (80%) of the value of its net assets, plus any borrowings for investment purposes, in investment-grade securities with average maturities of five years or less and the dollar weighted average maturity will be three years or less. Investment-grade securities for purposes of this limitation include corporate bonds, government and agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, mortgage pass-through securities, asset-backed securities, taxable municipal bonds, bonds issued in the U.S. by foreign entities, and zero coupon bonds.

 

Although the Fund normally focuses on U.S. dollar-denominated securities, the Fund may invest up to ten percent (10%) in non-U.S. dollar-denominated securities.

 

The Fund may also invest in interest rate futures to vary the Fund’s average-weighted effective maturity based on the portfolio management team’s forecast of interest rates.

 

The portfolio management team implements an investment strategy that is based on bottom up research and security selection. The team opportunistically seeks inefficiencies within the bond market created by the size of the market, behaviors of large investors and the nature of over-the-counter trading. The team also opportunistically focuses on discrepancies in credit ratings provided by different credit rating agencies to provide income.

 

The team uses a multiple step screening process and internally built modeling to identify suitable investments, taking into account financial and credit strength, operating cash flow, free cash flow stability, interest coverage and leverage ratios. The team typically focuses on publicly available data and company data rather than third-party research. The team also meets with company management teams in a variety of venues, including direct phone contact, conferences, one-on-one meetings at conferences, visits to our offices, company-site analyst days and quarterly earnings calls, to better understand potential investments.

 

SBH utilizes an “integrated” approach to a company’s environmental, social, and corporate governance (“ESG”) practices within its investment process alongside other non-ESG factors. SBH believes responsible corporate citizenship is additive to the creditworthiness of underlying issuers and contributes to our quality determination and assessment of risks, however consideration of ESG factors would not necessarily result in an issuer being included or excluded from the evaluation process.

 

Using a collaborative approach grounded in proprietary research, the team constructs a diversified portfolio by issuer to seek to minimize issuer-specific credit risk. Potential transactions are analyzed to evaluate impact on the entire portfolio.

 

Securities may be sold when conditions have changed, and the security’s prospects are no longer attractive, the security has achieved the team’s valuation target or better relative investment opportunities have been identified.

 

43

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund

 

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

 

Fixed Income Securities Risk: Fixed income securities markets may, in response to governmental intervention, economic or market developments (including potentially a reduction in the number of broker-dealers willing to engage in market-making activity), or other factors, experience periods of increased volatility and reduced liquidity. Additionally, there is a possibility that the Fund’s income may decline due to a decrease in interest rates.

 

Market Risk: As with any fund, the value of your investment will fluctuate over time in response to overall movements in the market. The value of a security or other asset may decline due to changes in general market conditions, economic trends or events that are not specifically related to the issuer of the security or other asset, or factors that affect a particular issuer or issuers, country, group of countries, region, market industry, group of industries, sector or asset class. Local, regional, or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infections, illness or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant impact on the Fund and its investments. During a general market downturn, multiple asset classes may be negatively affected. Changes in market conditions and interest rates generally do not have the same impact on all types of securities and instruments.

 

Portfolio Management Risk: The Fund is subject to the risk that particular types of securities held will underperform other securities and/or may decline in value.

 

Credit Risk: An issuer may be unable to make principal and interest payments when due or that the price of the security changes due to a downgrade in the credit quality of the issuer. In such cases, the value of the Fund’s portfolio could fall.

 

Corporate Bond Risk: The investment return of corporate bonds reflects interest earned on the security and changes in the market value of the security. The market value of a corporate bond may be affected by changes in interest rates, the credit rating of the corporation, the corporation’s performance and perceptions of the corporation in the marketplace. The market value of a corporate bond generally may be expected to rise and fall inversely with interest rates. The market value of intermediate and longer-term corporate bonds is generally more sensitive to changes in interest rates than is the market value of shorter-term corporate bonds. Corporate bonds are also subject to the credit risk of the issuer, as the issuer of corporate bonds may not be able to meet their obligations on interest or principal payments at the time called for by an instrument.

 

Interest Rate Risk: A principal risk of investing in the Fund is that the value of a fixed income portfolio will generally decrease when interest rates rise, which means the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) will likewise decrease. Generally, debt securities decrease in value if interest rates rise and increase in value if interest rates fall, with longer-term securities being more sensitive than shorter- term securities. For example, the approximate percentage change in the price of a security with a two -year duration would be expected to drop by approximately 2% in response to a 1% increase in interest rates.

 

Prepayment Risk: A general decline in interest rates may result in prepayments of certain obligations the Fund will acquire. These prepayments may require the Fund to reinvest at a lower rate of return. They may also reduce the Fund’s share price because the value of those securities may depreciate or may not appreciate as rapidly as debt securities, which cannot be prepaid.

 

Mortgage-Backed and Asset-Backed Securities Risk: Mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities may be particularly sensitive to changes in prevailing interest rates. Rising interest rates tend to extend the duration of mortgage-backed securities, making them more sensitive to changes in interest rates, and may reduce the market value of the securities, and by extension, the value of the Fund’s portfolio. Mortgage-backed securities are also subject to pre-payment risk. Due to their often-complicated structures, various mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities may be difficult to value and may constitute illiquid securities. Furthermore, debtors may be entitled to the protection of a number of state and federal consumer protection credit laws with respect to these securities, which may give the debtor the right to avoid or reduce payment.

 

Liquidity Risk: The Fund is subject to additional risks in that it may invest in high-yield/high-risk bonds (commonly referred to as “junk” bonds). These are bonds rated below investment grade by a Rating Agency or are unrated and determined to be of comparable quality by the Adviser and may include bonds that are already in default. Lower quality bonds may be more difficult or impossible to sell at the time and price that the Fund would like, making the Fund subject to greater levels

 

44

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

of liquidity risk than other bond funds that do not invest in such securities. This could in turn negatively impact the value of the Fund’s portfolio.

 

U.S. Government Securities Risk: The Fund invests in securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities (such as Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac securities). Although U.S. government securities issued directly by the U.S. government are guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury, other U.S. government securities issued by an agency or instrumentality of the U.S. government may not be. No assurance can be given that the U.S. government would provide financial support to its agencies and instrumentalities if not required to do so by law.

 

ESG Risk: The Fund’s consideration of ESG factors as part of its investment strategy may limit the types and number of investment opportunities available to the Fund and, as a result, the Fund may underperform other funds that do not consider ESG factors. The Fund’s consideration of ESG factors may result in the Fund investing in securities or industry sectors that underperform the market as a whole, or forgoing opportunities to invest in securities that might otherwise be advantageous to buy. The Fund may also underperform other funds that apply different ESG standards.

 

Interest Rate Futures Risk: The Fund’s use of interest rate futures from time to time may result in risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in traditional investments. Interest rate futures are subject to a number of risks described elsewhere in this section, such as liquidity risk, interest rate risk and portfolio management risk. Interest rate futures also involve the risk that changes in the value of the instrument may not correlate exactly with the underlying assets.

 

Performance Information

 

Bar Chart and Performance Tables

 

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risk of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s Retail Class performance from year to year, and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for one year and since inception for both the Retail Class and the Institutional Class compared with those of an unmanaged index of securities. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) does not necessarily indicate how it will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available on www.sbhfunds.com or call toll-free (800) 392-2673.

 

SBH Short Term Plus Fund
Retail Class - Calendar Year Total Returns as of December 31 (%)

 

 

Highest Quarterly Return: 6/30/2020 3.41%
Lowest Quarterly Return: 3/31/2020 (2.65)%

 

The returns above are for the Retail Class of the Fund. The Institutional Class would have substantially similar annual returns to the Retail Class because the classes are invested in the same portfolio securities. The Institutional Class’ returns will be higher over the long-term when compared to the Retail Class’ returns to the extent that the Retail Class has higher expenses.

 

45

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

Average Annual Total Returns (for the Periods Ended December 31, 2022)

 

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

 

Segall Bryant & Hamill Short Term Plus Fund 1 Year Since
Inception
Inception
Date
Retail Class      
Return Before Taxes (2.07)% 0.85% 12/14/18
Return After Taxes on Distributions (2.40)% 0.26% 12/14/18
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares (1.23)% 0.40% 12/14/18
Institutional Class      
Return Before Taxes (1.98)% 0.96% 12/14/18
Bloomberg U.S. Government / Credit 1-3 Year Index
(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
(3.69)% 0.87%  

 

Management

 

Investment Adviser

 

Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC

 

Portfolio Managers

 

Name(s) of Portfolio Manager(s) and Title(s) Date Began Managing the Fund

James D. Dadura, CFA

Director of Fixed Income – Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC

Portfolio Manager of the Fund

December 14, 2018
   

Gregory C. Hosbein, CFA

Senior Portfolio Manager – Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC

Portfolio Manager of the Fund

December 14, 2018

 

Other Important Information Regarding Fund Shares

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

 

The minimum initial purchase is $2,500 for the Retail Class and $250,000 for the Institutional Class. The minimum subsequent purchase is $25 for the Retail Class (or $25 per month for automatic investment). There is no minimum subsequent purchase for the Institutional Class. You may redeem shares of the Fund on any business day through the Fund’s website at www.sbhfunds.com, by telephone at (800) 392-2673, or by a systematic withdrawal plan (must be multiples of $50, and can be accomplished monthly, quarterly, or annually). You may redeem shares of the Fund on any business day by regular mail at Segall Bryant & Hamill Funds, P.O. Box 46707, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-0707.

 

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 held 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.

 

Financial Intermediary Compensation - 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.

 

46

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

Segall Bryant & Hamill Plus Bond Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

The Segall Bryant & Hamill Plus Bond Fund (the “Fund”) seeks to achieve long-term total rate of return consistent with preservation of capital.

 

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

 

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

 

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Retail Class Institutional Class
Annual Account Maintenance Fee (for Retail Class accounts under $750) $12.00
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)        
Management Fees   0.35%   0.35%
Distribution (12b-1) Fees   None   None
Other Expenses   0.34%   0.19%
Shareholder service fee(1)  0.25%   0.10%  
All other expenses 0.09%   0.09%  
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses   0.69%   0.54%
Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements   (0.14)%(2)    (0.14)%(2) 
Total Annual Fund Operations Expenses
After Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements
 
 
0.55%(2)   
 
0.40%(2) 

 

(1)  The Retail Class and the Institutional Class of the Fund may pay a fee at an annual rate of up to 0.25% and 0.10%, respectively, of average daily net assets to shareholder servicing agents. The amount listed represents the maximum fee that the Fund may pay. Refer to the “Shareholder Service Fee” section in the prospectus.

 

(2)  Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC (“SBH” or the “Adviser”), the Fund’s investment adviser, has contractually agreed until at least April 30, 2024, to waive the investment advisory and/or administration fees and/or to reimburse other expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, taxes, brokerage expenses, class action claim fees, tax reclaim fees, and extraordinary expenses), so that the ratio of expenses of average net assets as reported in the Fund’s Financial Highlights will be no more than 0.55% and 0.40% to the Fund’s Retail Class and Institutional Class, respectively, for such period. This agreement may not be terminated or modified by the Adviser prior to the termination date without the approval of the Board of Trustees.

 

Example

 

This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in either the Retail Class shares or the Institutional Class shares of 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, that the Fund’s total annual operating expenses remain the same. This Example reflects the net operating expenses with expense waivers for the one-year contractual period and the total operating expenses without expense waivers for years two through ten.

 

Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be: One Year Three Years Five Years Ten Years
Retail Class $56 $207 $370 $845
Institutional Class $41 $159 $288 $664

 

47

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

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 higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 26% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

Principal Investment Strategies of the Fund

 

The Fund invests 65% or more of its assets in investment-grade debt securities–those rated in the top four rating categories by at least one nationally recognized rating agency, such as Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s (a “Rating Agency”). The dollar-weighted average quality is expected to be “Baa” or better. A “Baa” rating typically is the lowest of the four investment-grade categories. The Fund may invest up to thirty-five percent (35%) of its assets in below investment-grade securities, (also known as “junk” bonds), which are securities rated below investment-grade by a Rating Agency or are unrated and determined to be of comparable quality by the Adviser and may include bonds that are already in default.

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least eighty percent (80%) of the value of its net assets, plus any borrowings for investment purposes, in bonds of varying maturities. Bonds for purposes of this limitation include corporate bonds, convertible bonds, government and agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, and zero coupon bonds.

 

The Fund may invest up to twenty percent (20%) in equity securities, generally in preferred stocks, but common stocks are allowed.

 

Although the Fund normally focuses on U.S. dollar-denominated securities, the Fund may invest up to twenty-five percent (25%) in non-U.S. dollar-denominated securities.

 

The Fund may also invest in interest rate futures to vary the Fund’s average-weighted effective maturity based on the portfolio management team’s forecast of interest rates.

 

The portfolio management team implements an investment strategy that is based on the belief that consistently strong risk-adjusted returns are best achieved through an emphasis on securities with higher income streams (typically non-Treasury sectors). The team seeks to deliver alpha, or risk-adjusted excess return, relative to the Fund’s benchmark, primarily through security and sector selection. However, the team opportunistically uses top-down strategies, such as increasing or decreasing exposure to interest rate changes, when market conditions are compelling.

 

Credit analysis is at the core of the investment process, as the team believes valuation anomalies between sectors and securities are most effectively captured through proprietary fundamental research and a long-term investment orientation. The process also leverages the resources of the Adviser’s equity research teams, providing diverse perspectives and added knowledge about the securities the team analyzes.

 

The Fund expects to maintain an effective duration of between 4 and 7 years and an effective maturity of between 7 and 12 years, under normal circumstances.

 

Using a collaborative approach grounded in proprietary research, the team constructs a diversified portfolio by issuer to seek to minimize issuer-specific credit risk.

 

SBH utilizes an “integrated” approach to a company’s environmental, social, and corporate governance (“ESG”) practices within its investment process alongside other non-ESG factors. SBH believes responsible corporate citizenship is additive to the creditworthiness of underlying issuers and contributes to our quality determination and assessment of risks, however consideration of ESG factors would not necessarily result in an issuer being included or excluded from the evaluation process.

 

Securities may be sold when conditions have changed and the security’s prospects are no longer attractive, the security has achieved the team’s valuation target or better relative investment opportunities have been identified.

 

48

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund

 

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

 

Fixed Income Securities Risk: Fixed income securities markets may, in response to governmental intervention, economic or market developments (including potentially a reduction in the number of broker-dealers willing to engage in market-making activity), or other factors, experience periods of increased volatility and reduced liquidity. Additionally, there is a possibility that the Fund’s income may decline due to a decrease in interest rates.

 

Market Risk: As with any fund, the value of your investment will fluctuate over time in response to overall movements in the market. The value of a security or other asset may decline due to changes in general market conditions, economic trends or events that are not specifically related to the issuer of the security or other asset, or factors that affect a particular issuer or issuers, country, group of countries, region, market industry, group of industries, sector or asset class. Local, regional, or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infections, illness or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant impact on the Fund and its investments. During a general market downturn, multiple asset classes may be negatively affected. Changes in market conditions and interest rates generally do not have the same impact on all types of securities and instruments.

 

Portfolio Management Risk: The Fund is subject to the risk that particular types of securities held will underperform other securities and/or may decline in value.

 

Credit Risk: An issuer may be unable to make principal and interest payments when due or that the price of the security changes due to a downgrade in the credit quality of the issuer. In such cases, the value of the Fund’s portfolio could fall.

 

Corporate Bond Risk: The investment return of corporate bonds reflects interest earned on the security and changes in the market value of the security. The market value of a corporate bond may be affected by changes in interest rates, the credit rating of the corporation, the corporation’s performance and perceptions of the corporation in the marketplace. The market value of a corporate bond generally may be expected to rise and fall inversely with interest rates. The market value of intermediate and longer-term corporate bonds is generally more sensitive to changes in interest rates than is the market value of shorter-term corporate bonds. Corporate bonds are also subject to the credit risk of the issuer, as the issuer of corporate bonds may not be able to meet their obligations on interest or principal payments at the time called for by an instrument.

 

Interest Rate Risk: A principal risk of investing in the Fund is that the value of a fixed income portfolio will generally decrease when interest rates rise, which means the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) will likewise decrease. Generally, debt securities decrease in value if interest rates rise and increase in value if interest rates fall, with longer term securities being more sensitive than shorter-term securities. For example, the approximate percentage change in the price of a security with a two-year duration would be expected to drop by approximately 2% in response to a 1% increase in interest rates.

 

Prepayment Risk: A general decline in interest rates may result in prepayments of certain obligations the Fund will acquire. These prepayments may require the Fund to reinvest at a lower rate of return. They may also reduce the Fund’s share price because the value of those securities may depreciate or may not appreciate as rapidly as debt securities, which cannot be prepaid.

 

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

 

Below-Investment Grade Securities Risk: High-yield fixed income securities, sometimes referred to as “junk” bonds, are considered speculative. While generally providing greater income than investments in higher-quality securities, these lower quality securities involve greater risk to principal and income than higher-quality securities, including the possibility of default or bankruptcy of the issuers of the security. Like other fixed income securities, the value of high-yield securities will also fluctuate as interest rates rise.

 

Liquidity Risk: The Fund is subject to additional risks in that it may invest in high-yield/high-risk bonds (commonly referred to as “junk” bonds). These are bonds rated below investment grade by a Rating Agency or are unrated and determined to be of comparable quality by the Adviser and may include bonds that are already in default. Lower quality bonds may be more difficult or impossible to sell at the time and price that the Fund would like, making the

 

49

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

Fund subject to greater levels of liquidity risk than other bond funds that do not invest in such securities. This could in turn negatively impact the value of the Fund’s portfolio.

 

ESG Risk: The Fund’s consideration of ESG factors as part of its investment strategy may limit the types and number of investment opportunities available to the Fund and, as a result, the Fund may underperform other funds that do not consider ESG factors. The Fund’s consideration of ESG factors may result in the Fund investing in securities or industry sectors that underperform the market as a whole, or forgoing opportunities to invest in securities that might otherwise be advantageous to buy. The Fund may also underperform other funds that apply different ESG standards.

 

Derivatives Risk: The risks associated with the use of derivatives are different from, and may be greater than, the risks associated with investing in the underlying asset, index or security on which the derivative is based. In addition to the risks associated with specific types of derivatives, derivatives may be subject to the following risks: (i) Counterparty risk: the risk of loss due to the failure of the other party to the contract to make required payments or otherwise comply with contract terms; (ii) Liquidity risk: the risk that a portfolio may not be able to purchase or sell a derivative at the most advantageous time or price due to difficulty in finding a buyer or seller; (iii) Pricing or Valuation risk: the risk that a derivative may not be correctly priced within a portfolio due to the fluctuating nature of the underlying asset, index or rate; (iv) Correlation Risk: the risk that the fluctuations in value of a derivative will not correlate perfectly with that of the underlying asset, index or rate; and (v) Market Risk: gains and losses on investments in options and futures depend on the ability of the Adviser to correctly predict the direction of security prices, interest rates, and other economic factors.

 

Interest Rate Futures Risk: The Fund’s use of interest rate futures from time to time may result in risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in traditional investments. Interest rate futures are subject to a number of risks described elsewhere in this section, such as liquidity risk, interest rate risk and portfolio management risk. Interest rate futures also involve the risk that changes in the value of the instrument may not correlate exactly with the underlying assets.

 

Bar Chart and Performance Tables

 

The following bar chart and table provide an indication of the risk of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s Retail Class performance from year to year, and by showing how the Fund’s average annual returns for one, five, and ten years for both the Retail Class and the Institutional Class compared with those of an unmanaged index of securities. The Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) does not necessarily indicate how it will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available on www.sbhfunds.com or call toll-free (800) 392-2673.

 

SBH Plus Bond Fund
Retail Class - Calendar Year Total Returns as of December 31 (%)

 

 

Highest Quarterly Return: 6/30/2020 5.21%
Lowest Quarterly Return: 3/31/2022 (5.85)%

 

The returns above are for the Retail Class of the Fund. The Institutional Class would have substantially similar annual returns to the Retail Class because the classes are invested in the same portfolio securities. The Institutional Class’ returns will be higher over the long-term when compared to the Retail Class’ returns to the extent that the Retail Class has higher expenses.

 

50

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

Average Annual Total Returns (for the Periods Ended December 31, 2022)

 

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

 

Segall Bryant & Hamill Plus Bond Fund 1 Year 5 Years 10 Years
Retail Class      
Return Before Taxes (13.13)% 0.35% 1.47%
Return After Taxes on Distributions (14.21)% (1.00)% 0.04%
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares (7.75)% (0.21)% 0.55%
Institutional Class      
Return Before Taxes (12.95)% 0.52% 1.64%
Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index
(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)
(13.01)% 0.02% 1.06%

 

Management

 

Investment Adviser

 

Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC

 

Portfolio Managers

 

Name(s) of Portfolio Manager(s) and Title(s) Date Began Managing the Fund

Troy A. Johnson, CFA

Director of Fixed Income Research – Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC

Portfolio Manager of the Fund

April 30, 2014
   

Darren G. Hewitson, CFA

Senior Portfolio Manager – Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC

Portfolio Manager of the Fund

March 31, 2018
   

Gregory M. Shea, CFA

Senior Portfolio Manager – Segall Bryant & Hamill, LLC

Portfolio Manager of the Fund

March 31, 2018

 

Other Important Information Regarding Fund Shares

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

 

The minimum initial purchase is $2,500 for the Retail Class and $250,000 for the Institutional Class. The minimum subsequent purchase is $25 for the Retail Class (or $25 per month for automatic investment). There is no minimum subsequent purchase for the Institutional Class. You may redeem shares of the Fund on any business day through the Fund’s website at www.sbhfunds.com, by telephone at (800) 392-2673, or by a systematic withdrawal plan (must be multiples of $50, and can be accomplished monthly, quarterly, or annually). You may redeem shares of the Fund on any business day by regular mail at Segall Bryant & Hamill Funds, P.O. Box 46707, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-0707.

 

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 held 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.

 

Financial Intermediary Compensation - 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.

 

51

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

Segall Bryant & Hamill Quality High Yield Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

The Segall Bryant & Hamill Quality High Yield Fund (the “Fund”) seeks to achieve long-term total rate of return consistent with preservation of capital.

 

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

 

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

 

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Retail Class Institutional Class
Annual Account Maintenance Fee (for Retail Class accounts under $750) $12.00
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)        
Management Fees   0.45%