Ave Maria Rising Dividend Fund Names New Portfolio Management Team

PLYMOUTH, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Schwartz Investment Counsel, Inc. (The Firm), the investment advisor to the Ave Maria Mutual Funds, announced that Timothy S. Schwartz, CFA, and Ryan M. Kuyawa, CFA, have been named the portfolio management team for the Ave Maria Rising Dividend Fund (AVEDX), succeeding Brandon S. Scheitler and George P. Schwartz, CFA.

The appointment reflects the Fund’s commitment to continuity in its disciplined investment process and long-term focus on companies with the capacity to grow their dividends over time. Schwartz and Kuyawa will assume responsibility for portfolio construction, security selection, and ongoing risk management for the Fund, subject to the Fund’s established investment objective, strategies, and policies.

“Tim and Ryan also co-manage the Ave Maria Value Fund and bring complementary experience, rigorous fundamental research, and a shared commitment to serving shareholders,” said Executive Chairman George P. Schwartz, CFA. “We are confident they will provide thoughtful stewardship of the Ave Maria Rising Dividend Fund while maintaining the disciplined approach investors expect from Ave Maria Mutual Funds.”

Brandon S. Scheitler will continue to be lead manager of the Ave Maria Bond Fund and the firm’s Chief Investment Officer. George P. Schwartz, CFA, continues as the firm’s Executive Chairman and co-manager of the Ave Maria Value Focused Fund.

About the New Portfolio Management Team

Timothy S. Schwartz, CFA

President & Chief Executive Officer

Tim is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Firm. He is the lead portfolio manager of the Ave Maria Rising Dividend Fund, the Ave Maria Value Fund, and the Ave Maria Value Focused Fund. Tim joined Schwartz Investment Counsel, Inc. in 1998, and prior thereto was an analyst in the commercial credit departments of Fifth Third Bank and Comerica Bank.

Tim has a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Fairfield University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Walsh College. He is a CFA® charterholder and a member of the CFA Society of Naples and the CFA Institute. He also serves as President of the Board of Trustees of Royal Palm Academy, an independent Catholic elementary school in Naples, Florida.

Ryan M. Kuyawa, CFA

Portfolio Manager

Ryan is lead manager of the Ave Maria Undiscovered Fund, co-manager of the Ave Maria Rising Dividend Fund, and the Ave Maria Value Fund. He is also a Senior Research Analyst responsible for equity research functions for the Firm. Previously, Ryan was a research analyst and portfolio manager for Grey Value Management. Prior to Grey Value Management, Ryan was a portfolio manager for Cypress Trust Company. He began his career in the finance industry in 2001 with Fidelity Federal Bank & Trust as a credit analyst.

Ryan earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Michigan-Flint. He is a CFA® charterholder.

About Ave Maria Rising Dividend Fund

Ave Maria Rising Dividend Fund (AVEDX), launched May 2, 2005, seeks long-term capital appreciation and a reasonable level of current income. The Fund invests primarily in common stocks of dividend-paying companies that are expected to increase their dividends over time. Investment selections must also meet the Fund’s religious criteria, consistent with the core values and teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.

About Ave Maria Mutual Funds

Ave Maria Mutual Funds is the largest family of Catholic mutual funds in the U.S with $3.7 billion in assets under management. Their eight no-load funds invest in companies that do not violate core values and teachings of the Catholic Church. The largest fund is the $1.2 billion Ave Maria Growth Fund (Ticker: AVEGX). For more information about Ave Maria Mutual Funds, call 1-866-AVE-MARIA (866-283-6274) or visit www.avemariafunds.com.

Schwartz Investment Counsel, Inc., a registered investment adviser established in 1980, serves as investment adviser for Ave Maria Mutual Funds and invests only in securities that meet the Funds’ investment and religious requirements. The returns may be lower or higher than if decisions were based solely on investment considerations. The method of security selection may or may not be successful and the Funds may underperform or outperform the stock market as a whole. All mutual funds are subject to market risk, including possible loss of principal.

Request a prospectus, which includes investment objectives, risks, fees, expenses, and other information that you should read and consider carefully before investing. The prospectus can be obtained by calling 1-866-283-6274 or it can be viewed at www.avemariafunds.com.

Distributed by Ultimus Fund Distributors LLC. Schwartz Investment Counsel, Inc. is not affiliated with Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC. 20261026-6045048