WESTCOTT
FUNDS
Prospectus dated December 19, 2000
Westcott Technology Fund
Westcott Large-Cap Fund
Westcott Fixed Income Fund
230 Westcott, Suite 1
Houston, Texas 77007
(800) 998-6658
Like all mutual fund shares and prospectuses, the Securities and Exchange
Commission has not approved or disapproved these shares or passed upon the
adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal
offense.
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Westcott Technology Fund........................................................
Westcott Large-Cap Fund.........................................................
Westcott Fixed Income Fund......................................................
How the Funds Have Performed....................................................
Fees and Expenses of the Funds..................................................
How To Buy Shares...............................................................
Distribution Plans..............................................................
Additional Purchase Information.................................................
How To Redeem Shares............................................................
How To Exchange Shares..........................................................
Determination of Net Asset Value................................................
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes..............................................
Management of the Funds.........................................................
Other Information About Investments.............................................
Financial Highlights............................................................
For More Information .................................................Back Cover
<PAGE>
WESTCOTT TECHNOLOGY FUND
Investment Objective
The investment objective of the Technology Fund is long term growth of
capital.
Principal Strategies
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 65% of its total
assets in common stocks of U.S. companies that rely extensively on technology in
their product development and/or operations or will derive a substantial portion
of their sales from technology and technology-related products or services.
These companies are in fields such as internet services and development,
computer software and hardware, telecommunication services and equipment,
electronics, data management and storage, networking, IT (information
technology) services and consulting, biotechnology, robotics and video
technologies. Any ordinary income received from portfolio securities is entirely
incidental to the Fund's principal strategy.
While the Fund invests in technology companies generally, the Fund will,
under normal circumstances, invest at least 25% of its assets in internet
companies. These companies are in internet services and development fields such
as internet retailing, internet infrastructure, internet software development,
online advertising, internet business development consulting, and internet
business development incubators.
The Fund may sell a stock if the Fund's adviser believes the company's
long term growth prospects have deteriorated. Growth prospects may be measured
by earnings, revenue growth, stock price performance, market dominance or
technological innovation.
Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund
o Company risk is the risk that the Fund might decrease in value in response
to the activities and financial prospects of an individual company. o
Market risk is the risk that the Fund might decrease in value in response
to general market and economic conditions. o Technology sector risk is the
risk that because the Fund is concentrated in the technology sector,
significant weakness in this sector could result in significant losses to
the Fund. Technology companies may be significantly affected by falling
prices and profits and intense competition, and their products may be
subject to rapid obsolescence. Changes in governmental policies, such as
telephone and cable regulations and anti-trust enforcement, may have a
material effect on the products and services of technology companies,
including internet companies. In addition, the rate of technological change
often requires extensive and sustained investment in research and
development.
o Internet concentration risk means that your investment in the Fund is
subject to special risks because the Fund invests at least 25% of its
assets in internet companies. Significant weakness in internet companies
could result in significant losses to the Fund. Internet companies are
subject to competitive pressures and changing demands that may have a
significant effect on the financial condition of internet companies. It is
likely that some of today's public internet companies will not exist in the
future. The price of many internet stocks has risen based on projections of
future earnings and company growth. If a company does not perform as
expected, the price of the stock could decline significantly. Many internet
companies are currently operating at a loss and may never be profitable. o
Volatility risk means that common stocks of technology companies, including
internet companies, tend to be more volatile than other investment choices.
Because of its narrow focus, the Fund's performance is closely tied to any
factors which may affect technology companies, including internet
companies, and, as a result, is more likely to fluctuate than that of a
fund which is invested in a broader range of companies.
o Smaller company risk means that the stocks of smaller sized companies are
subject to certain risks, including: possible dependence on a limited
product line, market, financial resources or management group, less
frequent trading and trading with smaller volume than larger stocks, which
may make it difficult for the Fund to buy or sell the stocks, and greater
fluctuation in value than larger, more established company stocks.
o Portfolio turnover risk is the risk that the adviser's investment strategy
may involve active trading and could result in a high portfolio turnover
rate. The Fund does not intend to purchase or sell securities for short
term trading purposes. However, if the objective of the Fund would be
better served, short term profits or losses may be realized from time to
time. To the extent the Fund has high portfolio turnover, it will generally
incur higher brokerage commissions than those incurred by a fund with a
lower portfolio turnover rate (which would lower the Fund's total return),
and the higher turnover rate may result in the realization for federal tax
purposes of more net capital gains (which may be ordinary income).
o As with any mutual fund investment, the Fund's returns will vary and you
could lose money.
o The Fund is not a complete investment program.
Is this Fund Right for You?
The Fund may be a suitable investment for:
o long term investors seeking to diversify into technology securities
o investors willing to accept significant price fluctuations in their
investment
o investors who can tolerate the greater risks associated with technology
investments
WESTCOTT LARGE-CAP FUND
Investment Objective
The investment objective of the Large-Cap Fund is long term growth of
capital.
Principal Strategies
The Fund will normally invest at least 65 % of its assets in common stocks
of larger-sized U.S. companies (those with a market capitalization above $5
billion). The Fund's adviser selects stocks based on their long-term earnings
potential and capital appreciation prospects. The adviser focuses on companies
with high earnings growth and stock prices that the adviser considers to be
undervalued based on the company's historic returns.
The Fund may sell a stock if the Fund's adviser believes that the stock no
longer possesses superior earnings and price growth relative to its peers and/or
the S&P 500 Index. The adviser will also consider negative changes in earnings
per share estimates and material changes in the company's business plan that may
adversely affect future earnings momentum.
Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund
o Company risk is the risk that the Fund might decrease in value in response
to the activities and financial prospects of an individual company.
o Market risk is the risk that the Fund might decrease in value in response
to general market and economic conditions.
o Volatility risk means that common stocks tend to be more volatile than
other investment choices.
o The Fund is not a complete investment program.
o As with any mutual fund investment, the Fund's returns will vary and you
could lose money.
WESTCOTT FIXED INCOME FUND
Investment Objective
The investment objective of the Fixed Income Fund is income over the long
term consistent with preservation of capital.
Principal Strategies
The Fund invests primarily in a broad range of investment grade fixed
income securities. These include bonds, notes, convertible bonds,
mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations, corporate debt,
government securities, zero coupon bonds and short term obligations, such as
commercial paper and repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements. The Fund's
adviser typically selects fixed income securities with maturities of less than
five years, based on the available yield at various maturity levels. The Fund
will normally invest at least 65% of its assets in fixed income securities.
The Fund may sell a security if its rating is downgraded, to shorten or lengthen
the average maturity of the Fund's portfolio, or if the Fund's adviser believes
that the issuer's business is experiencing material negative changes.
Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund
o Interest rate risk is the risk that the value of your investment may
decrease when interest rates rise. To the extent the Fund invests in fixed
income securities with longer maturities, the Fund will be more greatly
affected by changes in interest rates, and will be more volatile, than a
fund that invests in securities with shorter maturities. o Credit risk is
the risk that the issuer of the fixed income security may not be able to
make interest and principal payments when due. Generally, the lower the
credit rating of a security, the greater the risk that the issuer will
default on its obligation.
o Prepayment risk means that during periods of declining interest rates,
prepayment of loans underlying mortgage-backed securities usually
accelerate. Prepayment may shorten the effective maturities of these
securities and the Fund may have to reinvest at lower interest rates.
o The Fund is not a complete investment program
o As with any mutual fund investment, the Fund's returns will vary and you
could lose money.
<PAGE>
HOW THE FUNDS HAVE PERFORMED
Although past performance of a fund is no guarantee of how it will perform
in the future, historical performance may give you some indication of the risk
of investing in the fund because it demonstrates how its returns have varied
over time. The Bar Chart and Performance Table that would otherwise appear in
this prospectus have been omitted because the Funds are recently organized and
have limited performance histories.
FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUNDS
The tables describe the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and
hold shares of a Fund.
Shareholder Fees
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
(fees paid directly from your investment) Class A Class B Institutional
------- ------- -------------
Technology Fund
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on
Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) 5.00% NONE NONE
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load)
(as a percentage of original purchase price or
redemption proceeds, whichever is less) NONE* 5.00% NONE
Large-Cap Fund
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on
Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) 5.00% NONE NONE
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load)
(as a percentage of original purchase price or
redemption proceeds, whichever is less) NONE* 5.00% NONE
Fixed Income Fund
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on
Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) 3.00% NONE NONE
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load)
(as a percentage of original purchase price or
redemption proceeds, whichever is less) NONE* 3.00% NONE
</TABLE>
*If you purchase $1 million or more of Class A shares of a Fund, the purchase
may be made without an initial sales load. However, those shares are subject to
a CDSC if redeemed within one year of the date of purchase. See "How To Buy
Shares".
<PAGE>
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Technology Fund Class A Class B Institutional
------- ------- -------------
Management Fees 1.70% 1.70% 1.70%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees 0.25% 1.00% None
Other Expenses 0.14% 0.15%1 0.16%
----- ------ -----
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 2.09% 2.85% 1.86%
Expense Reimbursement2 0.14% 0.15% 0.16%
----- ----- -----
Net Expenses 1.95% 2.70% 1.70%
Large-Cap Fund
Management Fees 1.00% 1.00% 1.00%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees 0.25% 1.00% None
Other Expenses1 0.15% 0.15% 0.15%
----- ----- --------------
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 1.40% 2.15% 1.15%
Expense Reimbursement2 0.15% 0.15% 0.15%
----- ----- -----
Net Expenses 1.25% 2.00% 1.00%
Fixed Income Fund
Management Fees 0.75% 0.75% 0.75%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees 0.25% 1.00% None
Other Expenses1 0.15% 0.15% 0.15%
----- ----- --------------
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 1.15% 1.90% 0.90%
Expense Reimbursement2 0.15% 0.15% 0.15%
----- ----- --------------
Net Expenses 1.00% 1.75% 0.75%
</TABLE>
1 "Other Expenses" are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year. 2
The Funds' adviser has contractually agreed to reimburse each Fund for the fees
and expenses of the disinterested Trustees incurred by the Fund through February
1, 2002.
Example:
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the
Funds with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time
periods indicated, reinvest dividends, 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 Funds operating expenses remain the same. Although
your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs
would be:
Technology Fund 1 year 3 years 5 years 10 years
------ ------- ------- --------
Class A $695 $1101 $1531 $2725
Class B $683 $1170 $1580 $3032
Institutional $179 $552 $952 $2067
<PAGE>
Large-Cap Fund 1 year 3 years
------ -------
Class A $625 $888
Class B $610 $948
Institutional $105 $328
Fixed Income Fund 1 year 3 years
------ -------
Class A $402 $618
Class B $384 $748
Institutional $79 $246
For Class B shares, you would pay the following expenses if you did not
redeem your shares:
1 year 3 years
------ -------
Technology Fund $284 $869
Large-Cap Fund $210 $648
Fixed Income Fund $184 $569
HOW TO BUY SHARES
Initial Purchase
The minimum initial investment in each Fund is $1,000 ($200 for qualified
retirement accounts and medical savings accounts). The minimum initial
investment in each Fund is $50 for shareholders participating in the continuing
automatic investment plan.
You may open an account and make an initial investment through securities
dealers who have a sales agreement with Unified Financial Securities, Inc., the
Funds' distributor. Your securities dealer may charge you additional fees. To
the extent investments of individual investors are aggregated into an omnibus
account established by an investment adviser, broker or other intermediary, the
account minimums apply to the omnibus account, not to the account of the
individual investor.
By Mail
You may also make a direct initial investment by following these steps: o
complete and sign the investment application form which accompanies this
Prospectus; o draft a check made payable to the appropriate Fund; o identify on
the check and the application the Class in which you would like to invest; o
mail the application and check to:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
U.S. Mail: Westcott Funds Overnight: Westcott Funds
Unified Fund Services, Inc. Unified Fund Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 6110 431 North Pennsylvania Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46206-6110 Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
</TABLE>
By Wire
You may also purchase shares of a Fund by wiring federal funds from your
bank, which may charge you a fee for doing so. To wire money, you must call
Unified Fund Services, Inc (the "Transfer Agent") at (800) 998-6658 to set up
your account and obtain an account number. You should be prepared at that time
to provide the information on the application. Then, provide your bank with the
following information for purposes of wiring your investment:
Firstar Bank, N.A.
ABA #0420-0001-3
Attn: Westcott Funds
Fund Name ____________________________ (write in fund name) Class Name
____________________________ (write in class name) Account Name
__________________________ (write in shareholder name) For the Account #
________________________ (write in account number) D.D.A.# 821-637634
You must mail a signed application to Unified Fund Services, Inc at the
above address in order to complete your initial wire purchase. Wire orders will
be accepted only on a day on which the Fund, custodian and Transfer Agent are
open for business. A wire purchase will not be considered made until the wired
money is received and the purchase is accepted by the Fund. Any delays which may
occur in wiring money, including delays which may occur in processing by the
banks, are not the responsibility of the Fund or the Transfer Agent. There is
presently no fee for the receipt of wired funds, but the Fund may charge
shareholders for this service in the future.
Sales Loads
o Class A Shares
Shares of the Fund are purchased at the public offering price. The public
offering price for Class A shares of each fund is the next determined NAV plus a
sales load as shown in the following table.
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> C>
======================================== ========================== ================================
Sales Load as of % of:
Technology Fund and Public Net Dealer Reallowance as % of
Large Cap Fund Offering Amount Public Offering Price
Priceo Invested
Amount of Investment
======================================== ========================== ================================
Less than $25,000 5.00% 5.26% 5.00%
$25,000 but less than $50,000 4.75% 4.99% 4.75%
$50,000 but less than $100,000 4.50% 4.71% 4.50%
$100,000 but less than $200,000 3.75% 3.90% 3.75%
$200,000 but less than $500,000 3.25% 3.36% 3.25%
$500,000 but less than $1million 2.00% 2.04% 2.00%
$1 million or more None* None* 1.00%
======================================== ========================== ================================
======================================== ========================== ================================
Sales Load as of % of:
Fixed Income Fund Public Net Dealer Reallowance as % of
Offering Amount Public Offering Price
Amount of Investment Price Invested
======================================== =========================== ================================
Less than $50,000 3.00% 3.09% 3.00%
$50,000 but less than $100,000 2.25% 2.30% 2.25%
$100,000 but less than $250,000 1.75% 1.78% 1.75%
$250,000 but less than $500,000 1.50% 1.52% 1.50%
$500,000 but less than $1million 0.50% 0.50% 0.50%
$1 million or more None* None* 0.25%
======================================== =========================== ================================
</TABLE>
*If you purchase $1 million or more of Class A shares of a Fund, the purchase
may be made without an initial sales load. However, those shares are subject to
a contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") if redeemed within one year of the
date of purchase. The CDSC is 1.00% for the Technology Fund and Large Cap Fund,
and 0.25% for the Fixed Income Fund, based on the lower of the original purchase
price or net asset value at the time of the redemption. Reinvested dividends and
distributions from Class A shares are not subject to the CDSC.
<PAGE>
Class B Shares
You can purchase Class B shares at NAV. However, when you redeem them, you
may pay a contingent deferred sales change ("CDSC") in the following
percentages:
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Year Since Purchase Date TECHNOLOGY Fund* Large Cap Fund* Fixed Income Fund**
First 5% 5% 3%
Second 4 4 2
Third 3 3 2
Fourth 3 3 1
Fifth 2 2 None
Sixth 1 1 None
Seventh and following None None None
</TABLE>
* Convert to Class A shares after eighth year. **Convert to Class A shares after
sixth year.
o Institutional Shares
Institutional shares are available for purchase by registered investment
advisers, bank trust departments, financial planners and other financial
intermediaries on behalf of their clients. Institutional shareholders pay no
sales load or 12b-1 fees.
DISTRIBUTION PLANS
Each Fund has adopted plans under Rule 12b-1 that allow Class A shares and
Class B shares of the Fund to pay distribution fees for the sale and
distribution of its shares. The distribution plan for Class B shares also allows
the class to pay for services provided to shareholders. Class A shares pay
annual 12b-1 expenses of 0.25% and Class B shares pay annual 12b-1 expenses of
1.00% (of which 0.75% is an asset based sales charge and 0.25% is a service
fee). Because these fees are paid out of the Fund's assets on an on-going basis,
over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you
more than paying other types of sales charges.
ADDITIONAL PURCHASE INFORMATION
Additional Purchases
You may purchase additional shares of any Fund (subject to the minimum
investment of $50) by mail, wire or automatic investment. If you purchase
additional Class A shares, you will pay a sales load unless the purchase is made
by reinvesting a dividend or capital gains distribution. If your securities
dealer received concessions for selling shares of a Fund to you, such securities
dealer will receive the concessions described above with respect to additional
investments. Each additional mail purchase request must contain:
o your name
o the name of your account(s),
o your account number(s),
o the name of the Fund
o a check
Send your purchase request to the address listed above. A bank wire should be
sent as outlined above.
Automatic Investment Plan
You may make regular investments in a Fund with an Automatic Investment
Plan by completing the appropriate section of the account application and
attaching a voided personal check. Investments may be made monthly to allow
dollar-cost averaging by automatically deducting $50 or more from your bank
checking account. You may change the amount of your monthly purchase at any
time.
Reduced Sales Load
You may use the Right of Accumulation to combine the cost or current net
asset value (whichever is higher) of your shares of a Fund with the amount of
your current purchases in order to take advantage of the reduced sales loads set
forth in the table above. Purchases made pursuant to a Letter of Intent may also
be eligible for the reduced sales loads. The minimum initial investment under a
Letter of Intent is $50,000. Shareholders should contact the Transfer Agent for
information about the Right of Accumulation and Letter of Intent.
Purchases at Net Asset Value
Purchases of Class A shares may be effected at net asset value for the
benefit of the clients of brokers-dealers and registered investment advisers
affiliated with a broker-dealer, if such broker-dealer or investment adviser has
entered into an agreement with the Funds' distributor providing specifically for
the purchase of Fund shares in connection with special investment products, such
as wrap accounts or similar fee based programs.
Trustees, directors, officers and employees of the Trust, the Adviser and
service providers to the Trust, including members of the immediate family of
such individuals and employee benefit plans established by such entities, may
also purchase shares of each Fund at net asset value.
Additional Information
For purposes of determining the applicable sales load, a purchaser
includes an individual, his spouse and their children under the age of 21,
purchasing shares for his or their own account; or a trustee or other fiduciary
purchasing shares for a single fiduciary account although more than one
beneficiary is involved; or employees of a common employer, provided that
economies of scale are realized through remittances from a single source and
quarterly confirmation of such purchases; or an organized group, provided that
the purchases are made through a central administration, or a single dealer or
by other means which result in economy of sales effort or expense.
Tax Sheltered Retirement Plans
Since the Funds are oriented to longer term investments, shares of the
Funds may be an appropriate investment medium for tax sheltered retirement
plans, including: individual retirement plans (IRAs); simplified employee
pensions (SEPs); SIMPLE plans; 401(k) plans; qualified corporate pension and
profit sharing plans (for employees); tax deferred investment plans (for
employees of public school systems and certain types of charitable
organizations); and other qualified retirement plans. Contact the Transfer Agent
for the procedure to open an IRA or SEP plan and more specific information
regarding these retirement plan options. Please consult with your attorney or
tax adviser regarding these plans. You must pay custodial fees for your IRA by
redemption of sufficient shares of the Fund from the IRA unless you pay the fees
directly to the IRA custodian. Call the Transfer Agent about the IRA custodial
fees.
<PAGE>
Other Purchase Information
Each Fund may limit the amount of purchases and refuse to sell to any
person. If your check or wire does not clear, you will be responsible for any
loss incurred by the Funds. If you are already a shareholder, the Funds can
redeem shares from any identically registered account in the Funds as
reimbursement for any loss incurred. You may be prohibited or restricted from
making future purchases in the Funds.
HOW TO REDEEM SHARES
All redemptions will be made at the net asset value determined after the
redemption request has been received by the Transfer Agent in proper form, less
any applicable CDSC. You may receive redemption payments in the form of a check
or federal wire transfer. Presently there is no charge for wire redemptions;
however, the Funds may charge for this service in the future. Any charges for
wire redemptions will be deducted from the shareholder's Fund account by
redemption of shares. If you redeem your shares through a broker/dealer or other
institution, you may be charged a fee by that institution.
By Mail - You may redeem any part of your account in a Fund at no charge by
mail. Your request should be addressed to:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
U.S. Mail: Westcott Funds Overnight: Westcott Funds
Unified Fund Services, Inc. Unified Fund Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 6110 431 North Pennsylvania Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46206-6110 Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
</TABLE>
"Proper form" means your request for a redemption must include your letter
of instruction, including the Fund name, account number, account name(s), the
address and the dollar amount or number of shares you wish to redeem. This
request must be signed by all registered share owner(s) in the exact name(s) and
any special capacity in which they are registered. For all redemptions, the
Funds require that signatures be guaranteed by a bank or member firm of a
national securities exchange. Signature guarantees are for the protection of
shareholders. At the discretion of the Funds or Unified Fund Services, Inc., you
may be required to furnish additional legal documents to insure proper
authorization.
By Telephone - You may redeem any part of your account in a Fund by
calling the Transfer Agent (800) 998-6658. You must first complete the Optional
Telephone Redemption and Exchange section of the investment application to
institute this option. The Fund, the Transfer Agent and the custodian are not
liable for following redemption or exchange instructions communicated by
telephone that they reasonably believe to be genuine. However, if they do not
employ reasonable procedures to confirm that telephone instructions are genuine,
they may be liable for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent
instructions. Procedures employed may include recording telephone instructions
and requiring a form of personal identification from the caller.
The Funds may terminate the telephone redemption and exchange procedures
at any time. During periods of extreme market activity it is possible that
shareholders may encounter some difficulty in telephoning the Funds, although
neither the Funds nor the Transfer Agent has ever experienced difficulties in
receiving and in a timely fashion responding to telephone requests for
redemptions or exchanges. If you are unable to reach the Funds by telephone, you
may request a redemption or exchange by mail.
Additional Information - If you are not certain of the requirements for a
redemption please call the Transfer Agent at (800) 998-6658. Redemptions
specifying a certain date or share price cannot be accepted and will be
returned. You will be mailed the proceeds on or before the fifth business day
following the redemption. However, payment for redemption made against shares
purchased by check will be made only after the check has been collected, which
normally may take up to fifteen calendar days. Also, when the New York Stock
Exchange is closed (or when trading is restricted) for any reason other than its
customary weekend or holiday closing or under any emergency circumstances, as
determined by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Funds may suspend
redemptions or postpone payment dates.
Because the Funds incur certain fixed costs in maintaining shareholder
accounts, each Fund may require you to redeem all of your shares in the Fund on
30 days' written notice if the value of your shares in the Fund is less than
$1,000 due to redemption, or such other minimum amount as the Fund may determine
from time to time. An involuntary redemption constitutes a sale. You should
consult your tax adviser concerning the tax consequences of involuntary
redemptions. You may increase the value of your shares in the Fund to the
minimum amount within the 30 day period. Your shares are subject to redemption
at any time if the Board of Trustees determines in its sole discretion that
failure to so redeem may have materially adverse consequences to all or any of
the shareholders of the Funds.
HOW TO EXCHANGE SHARES
You may exchange any or all of your shares in a Fund for shares of another
Westcott Fund or The Cash Fund, a separately managed money market fund. The
exchange is made without charge unless you exchange Class A shares of the Fixed
Income Fund for Class A shares of another Westcott Fund with a higher sales
load. In that case, you would pay the incremental amount of the sales load. For
exchanges between Westcott Funds, shares of a particular class may be exchanged
only for shares of the same class.
You may request the exchange by telephoning the Transfer Agent at (800)
998-6658 or writing the Transfer Agent at P.O. Box 6110, Indianapolis, Indiana
46206-6110. Shares of the fund selected must be registered for sale in your
state of residence. The exchange privilege with The Cash Fund does not
constitute an offering or recommendation of The Cash Fund. It is your
responsibility to obtain and read a prospectus of The Cash Fund before you make
an exchange.
o You may make up to one exchange out of each Fund during a calendar month
and four exchanges out of each Fund during a calendar year. This limit
helps keep each Fund's net asset base stable and reduces the Fund's
administrative expenses.
o If you exchange shares into or out of a Fund, the exchange is made at the
net asset value per share of each Fund next determined after the exchange
request is received, plus any applicable sales load.
o If you exchange Class B shares of a Fund for The Cash Fund, the time you
own The Cash Fund shares will not be included when the holding period for
the CDSC is calculated.
o If you exchange Class B shares of a Westcott Fund for another Westcott Fund
(or Class A shares of a Westcott Fund that were subject to a CDSC because
of a sales load waiver), the holding periods are combined, however the
highest applicable CDSC will be charged if the shares are redeemed.
o If you exchange only a portion of your Class B shares, shares not subject
to a CDSC are exchanged first.
o If you redeem shares from The Cash Fund that were previously Class B shares
of a Westcott Fund (or Class A shares of a Westcott Fund that were subject
to a CDSC because of a sales load waiver), the redemption is made at the
net asset value per share next determined after the redemption request is
received, less any CDSC that applied to the Westcott Fund shares.
In times of extreme economic or market conditions, exchanging Fund or The
Cash Fund shares by telephone may be difficult. To receive a specific day's
price, your letter or call must be received before that day's close of the New
York Stock Exchange. A day or more delay may be experienced prior to the
investment of the redemption proceeds into The Cash Fund. Each exchange
represents the sale of shares from one Fund and the purchase of shares in
another, which may produce a gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes.
All exchanges out of a Westcott Fund into The Cash Fund are subject to the
minimum and subsequent investment requirements of The Cash Fund. No exchange
will be accepted unless the registration of the two accounts is identical.
Neither the Funds, The Cash Fund, nor the Transfer Agent assumes responsibility
for the authenticity of exchange instructions communicated by telephone or in
writing which are believed to be genuine. They will use reasonable procedures to
confirm that telephone instructions are genuine.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The price you pay for your shares is based on the applicable Fund's net
asset value per share (NAV). The NAV is calculated at the close of trading
(normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the New York Stock Exchange is
open for business (the Stock Exchange is closed on weekends, Federal holidays
and Good Friday). The NAV is calculated by dividing the value of the Fund's
total assets (including interest and dividends accrued but not yet received)
minus liabilities (including accrued expenses) by the total number of shares
outstanding.
The Funds' assets are generally valued at their market value. If market
prices are not available, or if an event occurs after the close of the trading
market that materially affects the values, assets may be valued at their fair
value.
Requests to purchase and sell shares are processed at the NAV next
calculated after we receive your order in proper form.
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
Dividends and Distributions. Each Fund typically distributes substantially
all of its net investment income in the form of dividends and taxable capital
gains to its shareholders. These distributions are automatically reinvested in
the Fund unless you request cash distributions on your application or through a
written request. Dividends paid by the Funds may be eligible in part for the
dividends received deduction for corporations.
Taxes. In general, selling shares of a Fund and receiving distributions
(whether reinvested or taken in cash) are taxable events. Depending on the
purchase price and the sale price, you may have a gain or a loss on any shares
sold. Any tax liabilities generated by your transactions or by receiving
distributions are your responsibility. Because distributions of long term
capital gains are subject to capital gains taxes, regardless of how long you
have owned your shares, you may want to avoid making a substantial investment
when a Fund is about to make a long term capital gains distribution.
Early each year, the Funds will mail to you a statement setting forth the
federal income tax information for all distributions made during the previous
year. If you do not provide your taxpayer identification number, your account
will be subject to backup withholding.
The tax considerations described in this section do not apply to
tax-deferred accounts or other non-taxable entities. Because each investor's tax
circumstances are unique, please consult with your tax adviser about your
investment.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS
Aegis Management, Inc., 230 Westcott St., Suite 1, Houston, Texas 77007,
serves as investment adviser to the Funds. The adviser was organized as a Texas
corporation in 1993. The adviser manages large capitalization equity, medium
capitalization equity, balanced and fixed income portfolios for a variety of
tax-exempt and taxable clients. The investment decisions for each Fund are made
by a committee of the adviser, which is primarily responsible for the day-to-day
management of each Fund's portfolio. Each Fund is authorized to pay the adviser
an annual fee as follows: Technology Fund, 1.70%; Large-Cap Fund, 1.00%; and
Fixed Income Fund, 0.75%.
OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENTS
The Technology Fund invests at least 25% of its assets in internet
companies. The internet is a global network of computers that allows users to
quickly and easily share information and conduct business. Users of the internet
include commercial and professional organizations, educational institutions,
government agencies and consumers; they use the internet to communicate
electronically, access and share information and conduct business. Internet and
internet related companies include internet access providers; companies that
develop software tools to access the internet and facilitate secure internet
transactions; companies that manufacture personal computers and other hardware
used in conjunction with the internet; companies that manufacture software and
other technologies used in conjunction with the internet; companies engaging in
electronic commerce; companies publishing information about the internet;
companies that develop or provide communication systems or other infrastructure
for the internet; companies that supply information, such as games, music and
video, on the internet; companies that consult on the design and implementation
of internet strategies; and other internet and intranet related businesses and
technologies. The types of companies that are considered "internet" and
"internet related" companies will change as technology and applications change.
The Fixed Income Fund invests primarily in investment grade fixed income
securities. The Fund may also invest in fixed income securities which are
unrated if the Fund's adviser determines that they are of comparable quality to
securities rated investment grade. Investment grade debt securities generally
have adequate to strong protection of principal and interest payments. In the
lower end of this category, credit quality may be more susceptible to potential
future changes in circumstances and the securities have speculative elements. In
addition, changes in economic conditions or other circumstances are more likely
to lead to a weakened capacity to make principal and interest payments than with
higher grade securities. If the rating of an investment grade security drops
below investment grade, the Fund's adviser will dispose of the security as soon
as practicable (depending on market conditions) unless the adviser determines
based on its own credit analysis that the security provides the opportunity of
meeting the Fund's objective without presenting excessive risk.
The Technology Fund and the Large-Cap Fund are each expected under normal
circumstances to invest no more than 15% of its net assets in American
Depositary Receipts (ADRs). An ADR is a certificate of ownership issued by an
U.S. bank as a convenience to investors instead of the underlying foreign
security, which the bank holds in custody. In general, foreign investments
involve higher risks than U.S. investments. Foreign markets tend to be more
volatile than those of the U.S. and bring increased exposure to foreign
economic, political and other events that can have a negative effect on the
value of issuers in a particular foreign country.
Each Fund may from time to time take temporary defensive positions that
are inconsistent with the Fund's principal investment strategies in attempting
to respond to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions. For
example, any Fund may hold all or a portion of its assets in money market
instruments, securities of no-load mutual funds or repurchase agreements. If a
Fund invests in shares of another mutual fund, the shareholders of the Fund
generally will be subject to duplicative management fees. As a result of
engaging in these temporary measures, the Funds may not achieve their investment
objectives. Each Fund may also invest in such instruments at any time to
maintain liquidity or pending selection of investments in accordance with its
policies.
The investment objectives and strategies of any Fund may be changed
without shareholder approval.
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following tables are intended to help you better understand the Funds'
financial performance since their inceptions. Certain information reflects
financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns represent the rate
you would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the applicable Fund,
assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. This information has
been audited by McCurdy & Associates CPA's, Inc., whose report, along with the
Funds' financial statements, are included in the Funds' annual report, which is
available upon request.
Westcott Technology Fund (formerly Nothing But Net Fund)
Class A
Financial Highlights for the period December 9, 1999
(Commencement of Operations) to September 30, 2000
Selected Per Share Data
Net asset value, beginning of period $10.00
-------------
Income from investment operations
Net investment loss (0.10)
Net realized and unrealized loss (4.07)
-------------
Total from investment operations (4.17)
-------------
Less distributions:
Distributions from net investment income
-
Distributions from net realized gains
-
-------------
Total distributions
-
-------------
-------------
Net asset value, end of period $ 5.83
=============
Total Return (41.70)% (a)
Ratios and Supplemental Data
Net assets, end of period (000) $169
Ratio of expenses to average net assets 1.97% (b)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
Before reimbursement 2.09% (b)
Ratio of net investment income(loss) to
Average net assets (1.61)% (b)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to
Average net assets before reimbursement (1.73)% (b)
Portfolio turnover rate 190.14% (b)
(a) For periods of less than a full year, total return is not annualized.
(b) Annualized
<PAGE>
Westcott Technology Fund (formerly Nothing But Net Fund)
Institutional Class
Financial Highlights for the period December 9, 1999
(Commencement of Operations) to September 30, 2000
Selected Per Share Data
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 10.00
--------------
Income from investment operations
Net investment loss (0.08)
Net realized and unrealized loss (4.15)
--------------
Total from investment operations (4.23)
--------------
Less distributions:
Distributions from net investment income
-
Distributions from net realized gains
-
--------------
Total distributions
-
--------------
--------------
Net asset value, end of period $ 5.77
==============
Total Return (42.30)% (a)
Ratios and Supplemental Data
Net assets, end of period (000) $1,395
Ratio of expenses to average net assets 1.72% (b)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
Before reimbursement 1.86% (b)
Ratio of net investment income(loss) to
Average net assets (1.32)% (b)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to
Average net assets before reimbursement (1.46)% (b)
Portfolio turnover rate 190.14% (b)
(a) For periods of less than a full year, total return is not annualized.
(b) Annualized
<PAGE>
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Several additional sources of information are available to you. The
Statement of Additional Information (SAI), incorporated into this prospectus by
reference, contains detailed information on Fund policies and operations. Annual
and semi-annual reports contain management's discussion of market conditions,
investment strategies and performance results as of the Funds' latest
semi-annual or annual fiscal year end.
Call the Funds at 800-998-6658 to request free copies of the SAI and the
Funds' annual and semi-annual reports, to request other information about the
Funds and to make shareholder inquiries.
You may review and copy information about the Funds (including the SAI and
other reports) at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Public Reference
Room in Washington, D.C. Call the SEC at 1-202-942-8090 for room hours and
operation. You may also obtain reports and other information about the Funds on
the EDGAR Database on the SEC's Internet site at http://www.sec.gov, and copies
of this information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by
electronic request at the following email address: [email protected], or by
writing the SEC's Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-0102.
Investment Company Act #811-9096
WESTCOTT FUNDS
Westcott Technology Fund
Westcott Large-Cap Fund
Westcott Fixed Income Fund
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
December 19, 2000
This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus. It should be
read in conjunction with the Prospectus of the Westcott Funds dated December 19,
2001. A free copy of the Prospectus can be obtained by writing the Transfer
Agent at 431 North Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204, or by
calling (800) 998-6658.
TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST AND THE FUND..........................................2
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT FUND INVESTMENTS AND RISK
CONSIDERATIONS................................................................3
INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS.........................................................8
THE INVESTMENT ADVISER........................................................10
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS.........................................................11
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE..........................................12
DETERMINATION OF SHARE PRICE..................................................14
INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE........................................................14
CUSTODIAN.....................................................................16
FUND SERVICES.................................................................16
ACCOUNTANTS...................................................................17
DISTRIBUTOR...................................................................17
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS..........................................................17
<PAGE>
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST AND THE FUND
The Westcott Technology Fund, Westcott Large-Cap Fund and Westcott Fixed
Income Fund (each a "Fund" or collectively, the "Funds") were organized as
diversified series of AmeriPrime Funds (the "Trust") on September 29, 1999. The
Trust is an open-end investment company established under the laws of Ohio by an
Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated August 8, 1995 (the "Trust Agreement").
The Trust Agreement permits the Trustees to issue an unlimited number of shares
of beneficial interest of separate series without par value. Each Fund is one of
a series of funds currently authorized by the Trustees. The investment adviser
to each Fund is Aegis Asset Management, Inc. (the "Adviser"). The Westcott
Technology Fund commenced operations on December 9, 1999. As of the date of this
Statement of Additional Information, the Westcott Large-Cap Fund and the
Westcott Fixed Income Fund have not commenced operations.
The Funds do not issue share certificates. All shares are held in
non-certificate form registered on the books of the Fund's transfer agent for
the account of the shareholders. Each share of a series represents an equal
proportionate interest in the assets and liabilities belonging to that series
with each other share of that series and is entitled to such dividends and
distributions out of income belonging to the series as are declared by the
Trustees. The shares do not have cumulative voting rights or any preemptive or
conversion rights, and the Trustees have the authority from time to time to
divide or combine the shares of any series into a greater or lesser number of
shares of that series so long as the proportionate beneficial interest in the
assets belonging to that series and the rights of shares of any other series are
in no way affected. In case of any liquidation of a series, the holders of
shares of the series being liquidated will be entitled to receive as a class a
distribution out of the assets, net of the liabilities, belonging to that
series. Expenses attributable to any series are borne by that series. Any
general expenses of the Trust not readily identifiable as belonging to a
particular series are allocated by or under the direction of the Trustees in
such manner as the Trustees determine to be fair and equitable. No shareholder
is liable to further calls or to assessment by the Trust without his or her
express consent.
Prior to the public offering of the Funds, Unified Financial Securities,
Inc. (the Fund's distributor), 1793 Kingswood Drive, Suite 200, Southlake, Texas
76092, purchased all of the outstanding shares of each Fund and may be deemed to
control the Funds. After the public offering commences, it is anticipated that
Unified Financial Securities, Inc. will no longer control the Funds. As the
controlling shareholder, Unified Financial Securities, Inc. would control the
outcome of any proposal submitted to the shareholders for approval, including
changes to a Fund's fundamental policies or the terms of the management
agreement with the Adviser.
For information concerning the purchase and redemption of shares of the
Fund, see "How to Buy Shares" and "How to Redeem Shares" in the Fund's
Prospectus. For a description of the methods used to determine the share price
and value of the Fund's assets, see "Determination of Net Asset Value" in the
Funds' Prospectus.
As of December 6, 2000, the following persons may be deemed to
beneficially own five percent (5%) or more of the Westcott Technology Fund Class
A Shares: Margaret Guerriero, Post Office Box 2052, Jersey City, New Jersey
07303-9998 - 45.28%; Lora Jean Kilroy, Post Office Box 2052, Jersey City, New
Jersey 07303-9998 - 16.98%; and Walter Konrad, Post Office Box 2052, Jersey
City, New Jersey 07303-9998 - 11.57%.
As of December 6, 2000, the following persons may be deemed to
beneficially own five percent (5%) or more of the Westcott Technology Fund
Institutional Shares: Eckhard Pfeiffer, Post Office Box 2052, Jersey City, New
Jersey 07303-9998 - 49.33%; and Joann Dillon, Post Office Box 2052, Jersey City,
New Jersey 07303-9998 - 17.59%.
As of December 6, 2000, Eckhard Pfeiffer may be deemed to control the
Westcott Technology Fund as a result of his beneficial ownership of the shares
of the Fund. As a controlling shareholder, he would control the outcome of any
proposal submitted to the shareholders for approval, including changes to the
Fund's fundamental policies or the terms of the management agreement with the
Fund's adviser.
As of December 6, 2000, the officers and trustees of the Trust as a group
beneficially owned less than 1% of the Westcott Technology Fund.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT FUND INVESTMENTS AND RISK CONSIDERATIONS
This section contains a more detailed discussion of some of the
investments the Fund may make and some of the techniques it may use, as
described in the Prospectus (see "Investment Objectives and Strategies" and
"Investment Policies and Techniques and Risk Considerations").
A. American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). ADRs are subject to risks similar
to those associated with direct investment in foreign securities. For example,
there may be less information publicly available about a foreign company then
about a U.S. company, and foreign companies are not generally subject to
accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and practices comparable
to those in the U.S. Other risks associated with investments in foreign
securities include changes in restrictions on foreign currency transactions and
rates of exchanges, changes in the administrations or economic and monetary
policies of foreign governments, the imposition of exchange control regulations,
the possibility of expropriation decrees and other adverse foreign governmental
action, the imposition of foreign taxes, less liquid markets, less government
supervision of exchanges, brokers and issuers, difficulty in enforcing
contractual obligations, delays in settlement of securities transactions and
greater price volatility. In addition, investing in foreign securities will
generally result in higher commissions than investing in similar domestic
securities. The Funds have no present intention to invest in unsponsored ADRs.
B. Fixed Income Securities. The Fixed Income Fund may invest in a broad
range of fixed income securities, including corporate debt securities, U.S.
government securities, mortgage-backed securities, zero coupon bonds,
asset-backed and receivable-backed securities and participation interests in
such securities. Preferred stock and certain common stock equivalents may also
be considered to be fixed income securities. Fixed income securities are
generally considered to be interest rate sensitive, which means that their value
will generally decrease when interest rates rise and increase when interest
rates fall. Securities with shorter maturities, while offering lower yields,
generally provide greater price stability than longer term securities and are
less affected by changes in interest rates.
Corporate debt securities are bonds or notes issued by corporations and
other business organizations, including business trusts, in order to finance
their credit needs. Corporate debt securities include commercial paper which
consists of short term (usually from one to two hundred seventy days) unsecured
promissory notes issued by corporations in order to finance their current
operations. The Adviser considers corporate debt securities to be of investment
grade quality if they are rated BBB or higher by Standard & Poor's Corporation
("S&P"), Baa or higher by Moody's Investors Services, Inc. ("Moody's"), or if
unrated, determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality. Investment grade
debt securities generally have adequate to strong protection of principal and
interest payments. In the lower end of this category, credit quality may be more
susceptible to potential future changes in circumstances and the securities have
speculative elements. If the rating of a security by S&P or Moody's drops below
investment grade, the Adviser will dispose of the security as soon as
practicable (depending on market conditions) unless the Adviser determines based
on its own credit analysis that the security provides the opportunity of meeting
the Fund's objective without presenting excessive risk.
Convertible bonds may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed
amount of common stock of the same or a different issuer within a particular
period of time at a specified price or formula. A convertible security entitles
the holder to receive interest generally paid or accrued on debt or the dividend
paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is redeemed,
converted or exchanged. Convertible securities have several unique investment
characteristics, such as (a) higher yields than common stocks, but lower yields
than comparable nonconvertible securities, (b) a lesser degree of fluctuation in
value than the underlying stock since they have fixed income characteristics,
and (c) the potential for capital appreciation if the market price of the
underlying common stock increases. A convertible security might be subject to
redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the convertible
security's governing instrument. If a convertible security held by the Fund is
called for redemption, the Fund may be required to permit the issuer to redeem
the security.
Municipal securities are long and short term debt obligations issued by or
on behalf of states, territories and possessions of the United States, the
District of Columbia and their political subdivisions, agencies,
instrumentalities and authorities, as well as other qualifying issuers
(including the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Guam), the income from which
is exempt from regular federal income tax and exempt from state tax in the state
of issuance. Municipal securities are issued to obtain funds to construct,
repair or improve various public facilities such as airports, bridges, highways,
hospitals, housing, schools, streets and water and sewer works, to pay general
operating expenses or to refinance outstanding debts. They also may be issued to
finance various private activities, including the lending of funds to public or
private institutions for construction of housing, educational or medical
facilities or the financing of privately owned or operated facilities. Municipal
securities consist of tax exempt bonds, tax exempt notes and tax exempt
commercial paper. Municipal notes, which are generally used to provide short
term capital needs and have maturities of one year of less, include tax
anticipation notes, revenue anticipation notes, bond anticipation notes and
construction loan notes. Tax exempt commercial paper typically represents short
term, unsecured, negotiable promissory notes. The Fund may invest in other
municipal securities such as variable rate demand instruments.
The two principal classifications of municipal securities are "general
obligations" and "revenue" bonds. General obligation bonds are backed by the
issuer's full credit and taxing power. Revenue bonds are backed by the revenues
of a specific project, facility or tax. Industrial development revenue bonds are
a specific type of revenue bond backed by the credit of the private issuer of
the facility, and therefore investments in these bonds have more potential risk
that the issuer will not be able to meet scheduled payments of principal and
interest.
The Adviser considers municipal securities to be of investment grade
quality if they are rated BBB or higher by S&P, Baa or higher by Moody's, or if
unrated, determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality. Investment grade
debt securities generally have adequate to strong protection of principal and
interest payments. In the lower end of this category, credit quality may be more
susceptible to potential future changes in circumstances and the securities have
speculative elements. If the rating of a security by S&P or Moody's drops below
investment grade, the Adviser will dispose of the security as soon as
practicable (depending on market conditions) unless the Adviser determines based
on its own credit analysis that the security provides the opportunity of meeting
the Fund's objective without presenting excessive risk.
U.S. government securities may be backed by the credit of the government
as a whole or only by the issuing agency. U.S. Treasury bonds, notes, and bills
and some agency securities, such as those issued by the Federal Housing
Administration and the Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA), are
backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government as to payment of
principal and interest and are the highest quality government securities. Other
securities issued by U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities, such as
securities issued by the Federal Home Loan Banks and the Federal Home Loan
Mortgage Corporation, are supported only by the credit of the agency that issued
them, and not by the U.S. government. Securities issued by the Federal Farm
Credit System, the Federal Land Banks, and the Federal National Mortgage
Association (FNMA) are supported by the agency's right to borrow money from the
U.S. Treasury under certain circumstances, but are not backed by the full faith
and credit of the U.S. government.
Mortgage-backed securities represent an interest in a pool of mortgages.
These securities, including securities issued by FNMA and GNMA, provide
investors with payments consisting of both interest and principal as the
mortgages in the underlying mortgage pools are repaid. Unscheduled or early
payments on the underlying mortgages may shorten the securities' effective
maturities. The average life of securities representing interests in pools of
mortgage loans is likely to be substantially less than the original maturity of
the mortgage pools as a result of prepayments or foreclosures of such mortgages.
Prepayments are passed through to the registered holder with the regular monthly
payments of principal and interest, and have the effect of reducing future
payments. To the extent the mortgages underlying a security representing an
interest in a pool of mortgages are prepaid, the Fixed Income Fund may
experience a loss (if the price at which the respective security was acquired by
the Fund was at a premium over par, which represents the price at which the
security will be sold upon prepayment). In addition, prepayments of such
securities held by the Fund will reduce the share price of the Fund to the
extent the market value of the securities at the time of prepayment exceeds
their par value. Furthermore, the prices of mortgage-backed securities can be
significantly affected by changes in interest rates. Prepayments may occur with
greater frequency in periods of declining mortgage rates because, among other
reasons, it may be possible for mortgagors to refinance their outstanding
mortgages at lower interest rates. In such periods, it is likely that any
prepayment proceeds would be reinvested by the Fund at lower rates of return.
Collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs) are securities collateralized
by mortgages or mortgage-backed securities. CMOs are issued with a variety of
classes or series, which have different maturities and are often retired in
sequence. CMOs may be issued by governmental or non-governmental entities such
as banks and other mortgage lenders. Non-government securities may offer a
higher yield but also may be subject to greater price fluctuation than
government securities. Investments in CMOs are subject to the same risks as
direct investments in the underlying mortgage and mortgage-backed securities. In
addition, in the event of a bankruptcy or other default of an entity who issued
the CMO held by the Fund, the Fund could experience both delays in liquidating
its position and losses.
Financial services industry obligations consist of certificates of
deposit, time deposits and bankers' acceptance certificates. Certificates of
deposit are negotiable certificates evidencing the indebtedness of a commercial
bank or a savings and loan association to repay funds deposited with it for a
definite period of time (usually from fourteen days to one year) at a stated or
variable interest rate. Time deposits are non-negotiable deposits maintained in
a banking institution or a savings and loan association for a specified period
of time at a stated interest rate. Bankers' acceptances are credit instruments
evidencing the obligation of a bank to pay a draft which has been drawn on it by
a customer, which instruments reflect the obligation both of the bank and of the
drawer to pay the face amount of the instrument upon maturity.
Zero coupon securities are debt securities issued or sold at a discount
from their face value which do not entitle the holder to any periodic payment of
interest prior to maturity or a specified redemption date (or cash payment
date). These involve risks that are similar to those of other debt securities,
although they may be more volatile, and certain zero coupon securities move in
the same direction as interest rates. The amount of the discount varies
depending on the time remaining until maturity or cash payment date, prevailing
interest rates, liquidity of the security and perceived credit quality of the
issuer. Zero coupon securities also may take the form of debt securities that
have been stripped of their unmatured interest coupons, the coupons themselves
and receipts or certificates representing interests in such stripped debt
obligations and coupons. The market prices of zero coupon securities generally
are more volatile than the market prices of interest-bearing securities and are
likely to respond to a greater degree to changes in interest rates than
interest-bearing securities having similar maturities and credit qualities.
C. Foreign Securities. The Fixed Income Fund may invest in foreign
corporate and foreign government securities. Foreign government obligations
generally consist of debt securities supported by national, state or provincial
governments or similar political units or governmental agencies. Such
obligations may or may not be backed by the national government's full faith and
credit and general taxing powers. Investments in foreign securities also include
obligations issued by international organizations. International organizations
include entities designated or supported by governmental entities to promote
economic reconstruction or development as well as international banking
institutions and related government agencies. Examples are the International
Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the World Bank), the European Coal and
Steel Community, the Asian Development Bank and the InterAmerican Development
Bank. In addition, investments in foreign securities may include debt securities
denominated in multinational currency units of an issuer (including
international issuers). An example of a multinational currency unit is the
European Currency Unit. A European Currency Unit represents specified amounts of
the currencies of certain member states of the European Economic Community, more
commonly known as the Common Market.
Purchases of foreign securities are usually made in foreign currencies
and, as a result, a Fund may incur currency conversion costs and may be affected
favorably or unfavorably by changes in the value of foreign currencies against
the U.S. dollar. In addition, there may be less information publicly available
about a foreign company then about a U.S. company, and foreign companies are not
generally subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and
practices comparable to those in the U.S. Other risks associated with
investments in foreign securities include changes in restrictions on foreign
currency transactions and rates of exchanges, changes in the administrations or
economic and monetary policies of foreign governments, the imposition of
exchange control regulations, the possibility of expropriation decrees and other
adverse foreign governmental action, the imposition of foreign taxes, less
liquid markets, less government supervision of exchanges, brokers and issuers,
difficulty in enforcing contractual obligations, delays in settlement of
securities transactions and greater price volatility. In addition, investing in
foreign securities will generally result in higher commissions than investing in
similar domestic securities.
D. Floating Rate, Inverse Floating Rate and Index Obligations. The Fixed
Income Fund may invest in debt securities with interest payments or maturity
values that are not fixed, but float in conjunction with (or inversely to) an
underlying index or price. These securities may be backed by U.S. Government or
corporate issuers, or by collateral such as mortgages. The indices and prices
upon which such securities can be based include interest rates, currency rates
and commodities prices. However, the Funds will not invest in any instrument
whose value is computed based on a multiple of the change in price or value of
an asset or an index of or relating to assets in which the Fund cannot or will
not invest.
Floating rate securities pay interest according to a coupon which is reset
periodically. The reset mechanism may be formula based, or reflect the passing
through of floating interest payments on an underlying collateral pool. The
coupon is usually reset daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly or semi-annually, but
other schedules are possible. Floating rate obligations generally exhibit a low
price volatility for a given stated maturity or average life because their
coupons adjust with changes in interest rates. If their underlying index is not
an interest rate, or the reset mechanism lags the movement of rates in the
current market, greater price volatility may be experienced.
Inverse floating rate securities are similar to floating rate securities
except that their coupon payments vary inversely with an underlying index by use
of a formula. Inverse floating rate securities tend to exhibit greater price
volatility than other floating rate securities. Because the changes in the
coupon are usually negatively correlated with changes in overall interest rates,
interest rate risk and price volatility on inverse floating rate obligations can
be high, especially if leverage is used in the formula. Index securities pay a
fixed rate of interest, but have a maturity value that varies by formula, so
that when the obligation matures, a gain or loss is realized. The risk of index
obligations depends on the volatility of the underlying index, the coupon
payment and the maturity of the obligation.
E. Repurchase Agreements. A repurchase agreement is a short term
investment in which the purchaser (i.e., a Fund) acquires ownership of an
obligation issued by the U.S. Government or by an agency of the U.S. Government
(a "U.S. Government obligation") (which may be of any maturity) and the seller
agrees to repurchase the obligation at a future time at a set price, thereby
determining the yield during the purchaser's holding period (usually not more
than seven days from the date of purchase). Any repurchase transaction in which
a Fund engages will require full collateralization of the seller's obligation
during the entire term of the repurchase agreement. In the event of a bankruptcy
or other default of the seller, a Fund could experience both delays in
liquidating the underlying security and losses in value. However, each Fund
intends to enter into repurchase agreements only with the custodian, other banks
with assets of $1 billion or more and registered securities dealers determined
by the Adviser to be creditworthy. The Adviser monitors the creditworthiness of
the banks and securities dealers with which a Fund engages in repurchase
transactions.
F. Reverse Repurchase Agreements. The Fixed Income Fund may enter into
reverse repurchase agreements. Reverse repurchase agreements involve sales of
portfolio securities by the Fund to member banks of the Federal Reserve System
or recognized securities dealers, concurrently with an agreement by the Fund to
repurchase the same securities at a later date at a fixed price, which is
generally equal to the original sales price plus interest. The Fund retains
record ownership and the right to receive interest and principal payments on the
portfolio security involved. The Fund's objective in such a transaction would be
to obtain funds to pursue additional investment opportunities whose yield would
exceed the cost of the reverse repurchase transaction. Generally, the use of
reverse repurchase agreements should reduce portfolio turnover and increase
yield. In connection with each reverse repurchase agreement, the Fund will
direct its custodian to place cash or U.S. government obligations in a separate
account in an amount equal to the repurchase price. In the event of bankruptcy
or other default by the purchaser, the Fund could experience both delays in
repurchasing the portfolio securities and losses.
When a separate account is maintained in connection with reverse
repurchase agreements, the securities deposited in the separate account will be
valued daily at market for the purpose of determining the adequacy of the
securities in the account. If the market value of such securities declines,
additional cash, U.S. government obligations or liquid high grade debt
obligations will be placed in the account on a daily basis so that the market
value of the account will equal the amount of the Fund's commitments to
repurchase securities. To the extent funds are in a separate account, they will
not be available for new investment or to meet redemptions. Reverse repurchase
agreements constitute a borrowing by the Fund and, together with all other
borrowings, will not represent more than 5% of the net assets of the Fund.
Securities subject to reverse repurchase agreements and the securities
held in the Fund's portfolio are subject to changes in market value based upon
the public's perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and changes in the
level of interest rates (which will generally result in all of those securities
changing in value in the same way, i.e., all those securities experiencing
appreciation when interest rates decline and depreciation when interest rates
rise). Therefore, if in order to achieve a higher level of income, the Fund
remains substantially fully invested at the same time that it has entered into
reverse repurchase transactions, there will be a possibility that the market
value of the Fund's assets will have greater fluctuation.
INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS
Fundamental. The investment limitations described below have been adopted
by the Trust with respect to each Fund and are fundamental ("Fundamental"),
i.e., they may not be changed without the affirmative vote of a majority of the
outstanding shares of each Fund. As used in the Prospectus and the Statement of
Additional Information, the term "majority" of the outstanding shares of the
Fund means the lesser of (1) 67% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund
present at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares
of the Fund are present or represented at such meeting; or (2) more than 50% of
the outstanding shares of the Fund. Other investment practices which may be
changed by the Board of Trustees without the approval of shareholders to the
extent permitted by applicable law, regulation or regulatory policy are
considered non-fundamental ("Non-Fundamental").
1. Borrowing Money. The Funds will not borrow money, except (a) from a
bank, provided that immediately after such borrowing there is an asset coverage
of 300% for all borrowings of the Fund; or (b) from a bank or other persons for
temporary purposes only, provided that such temporary borrowings are in an
amount not exceeding 5% of the Fund's total assets at the time when the
borrowing is made. This limitation does not preclude the Fund from entering into
reverse repurchase transactions, provided that the Fund has an asset coverage of
300% for all borrowings and repurchase commitments of the Fund pursuant to
reverse repurchase transactions.
2. Senior Securities. The Funds will not issue senior securities. This
limitation is not applicable to activities that may be deemed to involve the
issuance or sale of a senior security by the Fund, provided that the Fund's
engagement in such activities is consistent with or permitted by the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended, the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder or interpretations of the Securities and Exchange Commission or its
staff.
3. Underwriting. The Funds will not act as underwriter of securities issued
--------------
by other persons. This limitation is not applicable to the extent that, in
connection with the disposition of portfolio securities (including restricted
securities), the Fund may be deemed an underwriter under certain federal
securities laws.
4. Real Estate. The Funds will not purchase or sell real estate. This
limitation is not applicable to investments in marketable securities which are
secured by or represent interests in real estate. This limitation does not
preclude the Fund from investing in mortgage-related securities or investing in
companies engaged in the real estate business or that have a significant portion
of their assets in real estate (including real estate investment trusts).
5. Commodities. The Funds will not purchase or sell commodities unless
acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other investments. This
limitation does not preclude the Fund from purchasing or selling options or
futures contracts, from investing in securities or other instruments backed by
commodities or from investing in companies which are engaged in a commodities
business or have a significant portion of their assets in commodities.
6. Loans. The Funds will not make loans to other persons, except (a) by
loaning portfolio securities, (b) by engaging in repurchase agreements, or (c)
by purchasing nonpublicly offered debt securities. For purposes of this
limitation, the term "loans" shall not include the purchase of a portion of an
issue of publicly distributed bonds, debentures or other securities.
7. Concentration. Neither the Large-Cap Fund nor the Fixed Income Fund will
--------------
invest 25% or more of its total assets in a particular industry. The Technology
Fund will not invest 25% or more of its total assets in a particular industry,
other than the internet industry. This limitation is not applicable to
investments in obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its
agencies and instrumentalities or repurchase agreements with respect thereto.
With respect to the percentages adopted by the Trust as maximum
limitations on its investment policies and limitations, an excess above the
fixed percentage will not be a violation of the policy or limitation unless the
excess results immediately and directly from the acquisition of any security or
the action taken. This paragraph does not apply to the borrowing policy set
forth in paragraph 1 above.
Notwithstanding any of the foregoing limitations, any investment company,
whether organized as a trust, association or corporation, or a personal holding
company, may be merged or consolidated with or acquired by the Trust, provided
that if such merger, consolidation or acquisition results in an investment in
the securities of any issuer prohibited by said paragraphs, the Trust shall,
within ninety days after the consummation of such merger, consolidation or
acquisition, dispose of all of the securities of such issuer so acquired or such
portion thereof as shall bring the total investment therein within the
limitations imposed by said paragraphs above as of the date of consummation.
Non-Fundamental. The following limitations have been adopted by the Trust
with respect to the Fund and are Non-Fundamental (see "Investment Restrictions"
above).
1. Pledging. The Funds will not mortgage, pledge, hypothecate or in any
manner transfer, as security for indebtedness, any assets of the Fund except as
may be necessary in connection with borrowings described in limitation (1)
above. Margin deposits, security interests, liens and collateral arrangements
with respect to transactions involving options, futures contracts, short sales
and other permitted investments and techniques are not deemed to be a mortgage,
pledge or hypothecation of assets for purposes of this limitation.
2. Borrowing. No Fund will purchase any security while borrowings
----------
(including reverse repurchase agreements) representing more than one third of
its total assets are outstanding.
3. Margin Purchases. No Fund will purchase securities or evidences of
interest thereon on "margin." This limitation is not applicable to short term
credit obtained by a Fund for the clearance of purchases and sales or redemption
of securities, or to arrangements with respect to transactions involving
options, futures contracts, short sales and other permitted investments and
techniques.
4. Options. The Funds will not purchase or sell puts, calls, options or
---------
straddles.
5. Illiquid Investments. The Funds will not invest in securities for which
---------------------
there are legal or contractual restrictions on resale and other illiquid
securities.
6. Loans of Portfolio Securities. The Funds will not make loans of
---------------------------------
portfolio securities.
THE INVESTMENT ADVISER
The investment adviser to the Westcott Funds is Aegis Asset Management,
Inc., 230 Westcott, Suite 1, Houston, Texas 77007 (the "Adviser"). William S.
Kilroy, Jr. is the controlling shareholder of the Adviser.
Under the terms of the management agreement (the "Agreement"), the Adviser
manages each Fund's investments subject to approval of the Board of Trustees and
pays all of the expenses of each Fund except brokerage, taxes, borrowing costs
(such as (a) interest and (b) dividend expenses on securities sold short), fees
and expenses of the non-interested person trustees and extraordinary expenses.
As compensation for its management services and agreement to pay the Fund's
expenses, each Fund is obligated to pay the Adviser a fee (based on average
daily net assets) computed and accrued daily and paid monthly at the following
annual rates: Technology Fund, 1.70%; Large-Cap Fund, 1.00%; and Fixed Income
Fund, 0.75%. For the period December 9, 1999 (commencement of operations)
through September 30, 2000, the Westcott Technology Fund paid advisory fees of
$28,480 to the Adviser.
The Adviser retains the right to use the name "Westcott" in connection
with another investment company or business enterprise with which the Adviser is
or may become associated. The Trust's right to use the name "Westcott"
automatically ceases ninety days after termination of the Agreement and may be
withdrawn by the Adviser on ninety days written notice.
The Adviser may make payments to banks or other financial institutions
that provide shareholder services and administer shareholder accounts. Banks may
charge their customers fees for offering these services to the extent permitted
by applicable regulatory authorities, and the overall return to those
shareholders availing themselves of the bank services will be lower than to
those shareholders who do not. The Funds may from time to time purchase
securities issued by banks which provide such services; however, in selecting
investments for the Funds, no preference will be shown for such securities.
<PAGE>
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
The Board of Trustees supervises the business activities of the Trust. The
names of the Trustees and executive officers of the Trust are shown below. Each
Trustee who is an "interested person" of the Trust, as defined in the Investment
Company Act of 1940, is indicated by an asterisk.
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
==================================== ================ ======================================================================
Name, Age and Address Position Principal Occupations During Past 5 Years
------------------------------------ ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
*Kenneth D. Trumpfheller President, Managing Director of Unified Fund Services, Inc., the Fund's
1793 Kingswood Drive Secretary and transfer agent, fund accountant and administrator, since October
Suite 200 Trustee 2000. President, Treasurer and Secretary of AmeriPrime Financial
Southlake, Texas 76092 Services, Inc., a fund administrator, (which merged with Unified
Year of Birth: 1958 Fund Services, Inc.) from 1994 through October 2000. President,
Treasurer and Secretary of AmeriPrime Financial
Securities, Inc., the Fund's distributor, from
1994 through November 2000; President and
Trustee of AmeriPrime Advisors Trust and
AmeriPrime Insurance Trust.
------------------------------------ ---------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Robert A. Chopyak Treasurer and Assistant Vice-President of Financial Administration of Unified Fund
------------------------------------ ---------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steve L. Cobb Trustee President of Chandler Engineering Company, L.L.C., oil and gas
------------------------------------ ---------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gary E. Hippenstiel Trustee Director, Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of Legacy Trust
600 Jefferson Street Company since 1992; President and Director of Heritage Trust Company
Suite 350 from 1994 - 1996; Vice President and Manager of Investments of Kanaly
Houston, TX 77002 Trust Company from 1988 to 1992.
Year of Birth: 1947
==================================== ================ ========================================================================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
The compensation paid to the Trustees of the Trust for the fiscal year
ended September 30, 2000 is set forth in the following table. Trustee fees are
Trust expenses and each series of the Trust pays a portion of the Trustee fees.
============================== ===================== ===========================
Aggregate Total Compensation
Compensation from Trust (the Trust is
from Trust not in a Fund Complex)
Name
----------------------------- --------------------- ----------------------------
Kenneth D. Trumpfheller 0 0
----------------------------- --------------------- ----------------------------
Steve L. Cobb $21,000 $21,000
----------------------------- --------------------- ----------------------------
Gary E. Hippenstiel $21,000 $21,000
============================ ====================== ============================
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE
Subject to policies established by the Board of Trustees of the Trust, the
Adviser is responsible for each Fund's portfolio decisions and the placing of
each Fund's portfolio transactions. In placing portfolio transactions, the
Adviser seeks the best qualitative execution for each Fund, taking into account
such factors as price (including the applicable brokerage commission or dealer
spread), the execution capability, financial responsibility and responsiveness
of the broker or dealer and the brokerage and research services provided by the
broker or dealer. The Adviser generally seeks favorable prices and commission
rates that are reasonable in relation to the benefits received. Consistent with
the Rules of Fair Practice of the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc., and subject to its obligation of seeking best qualitative execution, the
Adviser may give consideration to sales of shares of the Trust as a factor in
the selection of brokers and dealers to execute portfolio transactions.
The Adviser is specifically authorized to select brokers or dealers who
also provide brokerage and research services to the Funds and/or the other
accounts over which the Adviser exercises investment discretion and to pay such
brokers or dealers a commission in excess of the commission another broker or
dealer would charge if the Adviser determines in good faith that the commission
is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services
provided. The determination may be viewed in terms of a particular transaction
or the Adviser's overall responsibilities with respect to the Trust and to other
accounts over which it exercises investment discretion.
Research services include supplemental research, securities and economic
analyses, statistical services and information with respect to the availability
of securities or purchasers or sellers of securities and analyses of reports
concerning performance of accounts. The research services and other information
furnished by brokers through whom the Funds effect securities transactions may
also be used by the Adviser in servicing all of its accounts. Similarly,
research and information provided by brokers or dealers serving other clients
may be useful to the Adviser in connection with its services to the Funds.
Although research services and other information are useful to the Funds and the
Adviser, it is not possible to place a dollar value on the research and other
information received. It is the opinion of the Board of Trustees and the Adviser
that the review and study of the research and other information will not reduce
the overall cost to the Adviser of performing its duties to the Funds under the
Agreement.
While each Fund does not deem it practicable and in its best interests to
solicit competitive bids for commission rates on each transaction, consideration
is regularly given to posted commission rates as well as other information
concerning the level of commissions charged on comparable transactions by
qualified brokers.
None of the Funds has any obligation to deal with any broker or dealer in
the execution of its transactions. However, it is contemplated that Westcott
Securities, L.L.C., in its capacity as a registered broker-dealer, will effect
substantially all securities transactions which are executed on a national
securities exchange and over-the-counter transactions conducted on an agency
basis. Such transactions will be executed at competitive commission rates
through Pershing, Inc.
Over-the-counter transactions will be placed either directly with
principal market makers or with broker-dealers, if the same or a better price,
including commissions and executions, is available. Fixed income securities are
normally purchased directly from the issuer, an underwriter or a market maker.
Purchases include a concession paid by the issuer to the underwriter and the
purchase price paid to a market maker may include the spread between the bid and
asked prices.
Under the Investment Company Act of 1940, persons affiliated with an
affiliate of the Adviser (such as Westcott Securities, L.L.C.) may be prohibited
from dealing with a Fund as a principal in the purchase and sale of securities.
Therefore, Westcott Securities, L.L.C. will not serve as a Fund's dealer in
connection with over-the-counter transactions. However, Westcott Securities,
L.L.C. may serve as a Fund's broker in over-the-counter transactions conducted
on an agency basis and will receive brokerage commissions in connection with
such transactions. Such agency transactions will be executed through Pershing,
Inc.
A Fund will not effect any brokerage transactions in its portfolio
securities with Westcott Securities, L.L.C. if such transactions would be unfair
or unreasonable to Fund shareholders, and the commissions will be paid solely
for the execution of trades and not for any other services. The Agreement
provides that affiliates of affiliates of the Adviser may receive brokerage
commissions in connection with effecting such transactions for the Fund. In
determining the commissions to be paid to Westcott Securities, L.L.C., it is the
policy of each Fund that such commissions will, in the judgment of the Trust's
Board of Trustees, be (a) at least as favorable to the Fund as those which would
be charged by other qualified brokers having comparable execution capability and
(b) at least as favorable to the Fund as commissions contemporaneously charged
by Westcott Securities, L.L.C. on comparable transactions for its most favored
unaffiliated customers, except for customers of Westcott Securities, L.L.C.
considered by a majority of the Trust's disinterested Trustees not to be
comparable to the Fund. The disinterested Trustees from time to time review,
among other things, information relating to the commissions charged by Westcott
Securities, L.L.C. to the Fund and its other customers, and rates and other
information concerning the commissions charged by other qualified brokers.
The Agreement does not provide for a reduction of the Adviser's fee by the
amount of any profits earned by Westcott Securities, L.L.C. from brokerage
commissions generated from portfolio transactions of the Funds.
While the Funds contemplate no ongoing arrangements with any other
brokerage firms, brokerage business may be given from time to time to other
firms. Westcott Securities, L.L.C. will not receive reciprocal brokerage
business as a result of the brokerage business placed by the Funds with others.
When a Fund and another of the Adviser's clients seek to purchase or sell
the same security at or about the same time, the Adviser may execute the
transaction on a combined ("blocked") basis. Blocked transactions can produce
better execution for the Funds because of the increased volume of the
transaction. If the entire blocked order is not filled, a Fund may not be able
to acquire as large a position in such security as it desires or it may have to
pay a higher price for the security. Similarly, a Fund may not be able to obtain
as large an execution of an order to sell or as high a price for any particular
portfolio security if the other client desires to sell the same portfolio
security at the same time. In the event that the entire blocked order is not
filled, the purchase or sale will normally be allocated on a pro rata basis. The
allocation may be adjusted by the Adviser, taking into account such factors as
the size of the individual orders and transaction costs, when the Adviser
believes an adjustment is reasonable.
For the period December 9, 1999 (commencement of operations ) through
September 30, 2000, the Westcott Technology Fund paid brokerage commissions of
$30,288.
The Trust, the Adviser and the Funds' distributor have each adopted a Code
of Ethics (the "Code") under Rule 17j-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940.
The personnel subject to the Code are permitted to invest in securities,
including securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund. You may obtain a
copy of the Code from the Securities and Exchange Commission.
DETERMINATION OF SHARE PRICE
The price (net asset value) of the shares of each Fund is determined as of
4:00 p.m., Eastern time on each day the Trust is open for business and on any
other day on which there is sufficient trading in the Fund's securities to
materially affect the net asset value. The Trust is open for business on every
day except Saturdays, Sundays and the following holidays: New Year's Day, Martin
Luther King, Jr. Day, President's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence
Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Securities that are traded on any exchange or on the NASDAQ
over-the-counter market are valued at the last quoted sale price. Lacking a last
sale price, a security is valued at its last bid price except when, in the
Adviser's opinion, the last bid price does not accurately reflect the current
value of the security. All other securities for which over-the-counter market
quotations are readily available are valued at their last bid price. When market
quotations are not readily available, when the Adviser determines the last bid
price does not accurately reflect the current value, or when restricted
securities are being valued, such securities are valued as determined in good
faith by the Adviser, in conformity with guidelines adopted by and subject to
review of the Board of Trustees of the Trust.
Fixed income securities generally are valued by using market quotations,
but may be valued on the basis of prices furnished by a pricing service when the
Adviser believes such prices accurately reflect the fair market value of such
securities. A pricing service utilizes electronic data processing techniques
based on yield spreads relating to securities with similar characteristics to
determine prices for normal institutional-size trading units of debt securities
without regard to sale or bid prices. If the Adviser decides that a price
provided by the pricing service does not accurately reflect the fair market
value of the securities, when prices are not readily available from a pricing
service or when restricted or illiquid securities are being valued, securities
are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Adviser. Short term
investments in fixed income securities with maturities of less than 60 days when
acquired, or which subsequently are within 60 days of maturity, are valued by
using the amortized cost method of valuation, which the Board has determined
will represent fair value.
INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE
Each Fund may periodically advertise "average annual total return."
"Average annual total return," as defined by the Securities and Exchange
Commission, is computed by finding the average annual compounded rates of return
for the period indicated that would equate the initial amount invested to the
ending redeemable value, according to the following formula:
P(1+T)n=ERV
Where: P = a hypothetical $1,000 initial investment
T = average annual total return
n = number of years
ERV = ending redeemable value at the end of the
applicable period of the hypothetical $1,000
investment made at the beginning of the
applicable period
The computation assumes that all dividends and distributions are reinvested at
the net asset value on the reinvestment dates that the maximum sales load is
deducted from the initial $1,000 and that a complete redemption occurs at the
end of the applicable period. If the Fund has been in existence less than one,
five or ten years, the time period since the date of the initial public offering
of shares will be substituted for the periods stated.
A Fund's "yield" is determined in accordance with the method defined by
the Securities and Exchange Commission. A yield quotation is based on a 30 day
(or one month) period and is computed by dividing the net investment income per
share earned during the period by the maximum offering price per share on the
last day of the period, according to the following formula:
Yield = 2[(a-b/cd+1)6-1]
Where:
a = dividends and interest earned during the period b = expenses
accrued for the period (net of reimbursements) c = the average daily
number of shares outstanding during the period that were entitled to
receive dividends d = the maximum offering price per share on the last
day of the period
Solely for the purpose of computing yield, dividend income is recognized by
accruing 1/360 of the stated dividend rate of the security each day that the
Fund owns the security. Generally, interest earned (for the purpose of "a"
above) on debt obligations is computed by reference to the yield to maturity of
each obligation held based on the market value of the obligation (including
actual accrued interest) at the close of business on the last business day prior
to the start of the 30-day (or one month) period for which yield is being
calculated, or, with respect to obligations purchased during the month, the
purchase price (plus actual accrued interest). With respect to the treatment of
discount and premium on mortgage or other receivable-backed obligations which
are expected to be subject to monthly paydowns of principal and interest, gain
or loss attributable to actual monthly paydowns is accounted for as an increase
or decrease to interest income during the period and discount or premium on the
remaining security is not amortized. As of the date of this Statement of
Additional Information, the Westcott Fixed Income Fund has not commenced
operations; therefor, no yield for the one month period ended September 30, 2000
is available.
Each Fund may also advertise performance information (a "non-standardized
quotation") which is calculated differently from average annual total return. A
non-standardized quotation of total return may be a cumulative return which
measures the percentage change in the value of an account between the beginning
and end of a period, assuming no activity in the account other than reinvestment
of dividends and capital gains distributions. A non-standardized quotation may
also be an average annual compounded rate of return over a specified period,
which may be a period different from those specified for average annual total
return. In addition, a non-standardized quotation may be an indication of the
value of a $10,000 investment (made on the date of the initial public offering
of the Fund's shares) as of the end of a specified period. These
non-standardized quotations do not include the effect of the applicable sales
load which, if included, would reduce the quoted performance. A non-standardized
quotation of total return will always be accompanied by the Fund's average
annual total return as described above.
Each Fund's investment performance will vary depending upon market
conditions, the composition of the Fund's portfolio and operating expenses of
the Fund. These factors and possible differences in the methods and time periods
used in calculating non-standardized investment performance should be considered
when comparing the Fund's performance to those of other investment companies or
investment vehicles. The risks associated with each Fund's investment objective,
policies and techniques should also be considered. At any time in the future,
investment performance may be higher or lower than past performance, and there
can be no assurance that any performance will continue. For the period December
9, 1999 (commencement of operations) through September 30, 2000, the Westcott
Technology Fund's average annual total return was -44.62%.
From time to time, in advertisements, sales literature and information
furnished to present or prospective shareholders, the performance of any of the
Funds may be compared to indices of broad groups of unmanaged securities
considered to be representative of or similar to the portfolio holdings of the
Funds or considered to be representative of the stock market in general. The
Funds may use the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index, the NASDAQ Composite Index
or the Dow Jones Industrial Average.
In addition, the performance of any of the Funds may be compared to other
groups of mutual funds tracked by any widely used independent research firm
which ranks mutual funds by overall performance, investment objectives and
assets, such as Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. or Morningstar, Inc. The
objectives, policies, limitations and expenses of other mutual funds in a group
may not be the same as those of any of the Funds. Performance rankings and
ratings reported periodically in national financial publications such as
Barron's and Fortune also may be used.
CUSTODIAN
Firstar Bank, N.A., 425 Walnut Street, M.L 6118, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202,
is the custodian (the "Custodian") of the Funds' investments. The Custodian acts
as the Funds' depository, safekeeps its portfolio securities, collects all
income and other payments with respect thereto, disburses funds at the Funds'
request and maintains records in connection with its duties.
FUND SERVICES
Unified Fund Services, Inc. ("Unified"), 431 North Pennsylvania Street,
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204, acts as the Funds' transfer agent and, in such
capacity, maintains the records of each shareholder's account, answers
shareholders' inquiries concerning their accounts, processes purchases and
redemptions of each Fund's shares, acts as dividend and distribution disbursing
agent and performs other transfer agent and shareholder service functions.
Unified receives a monthly fee from the Adviser of $1.20 per shareholder
(subject to a minimum monthly fee of $900 per Fund) for these transfer agency
services.
In addition, Unified provides the Funds with fund accounting services,
which includes certain monthly reports, record-keeping and other
management-related services. For its services as fund accountant, Unified
receives an annual fee from the Adviser equal to 0.0275% of each Fund's assets
up to $100 million, 0.0250% of each Fund's assets from $100 million to $300
million, and 0.0200% of each Fund's assets over $300 million (subject to various
monthly minimum fees, the maximum being $2,000 per month for assets of $20 to
$100 million). For the period December 9, 1999 (commencement of operations)
through September 30, 2000, Unified received $14,524 from the Adviser on behalf
of the Westcott Technology Fund for these accounting services.
Unified also provides the Funds with administrative services, including
all regulatory reporting and necessary office equipment, personnel and
facilities. Unified receives a monthly fee from the Adviser equal to an annual
rate of 0.10% of each Fund's assets under $50 million, 0.075% of each Fund's
assets from $50 million to $100 million, and 0.050% of each Fund's assets over
$100 million (subject to a minimum fee of $2,500 per month). For the period
December 9, 1999 (commencement of operations) through September 30, 2000,
Unified received $24,390 from the Adviser on behalf of the Westcott Technology
Fund for these administrative services.
ACCOUNTANTS
The firm of McCurdy & Associates, CPA's, 27955 Clemens Road, Westlake,
Ohio 44145, has been selected as independent public accountants for the Trust
for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2001. McCurdy & Associates performs an
annual audit of the Funds' financial statements and provides financial, tax and
accounting consulting services as requested.
DISTRIBUTOR
Unified Financial Securities, Inc., 431 North Pennsylvania Street,
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 (the "Distributor"), is the exclusive agent for
distribution of shares of the Funds. Kenneth D. Trumpfheller, a Trustee and
officer of the Trust, is a registered principal of, and may be deemed to be an
affiliate of, the Distributor. The Distributor is obligated to sell the shares
of the Funds on a best efforts basis only against purchase orders for the
shares. Shares of the Funds are offered to the public on a continuous basis. The
Distributor and Unified are controlled by Unified Financial Services, Inc.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The financial statements and independent auditor's report required to be
included in the statement of additional information are hereby incorporated by
reference to the Annual Report of the Westcott Technology Fund (formerly the
Westcott Nothing But Net Fund) to the shareholders for the period ended
September 30, 2000. The Trust will provide the Annual Report without charge by
calling the Fund at (800)-998-6658.
