Articles from Schwartz Investment Counsel, Inc.

Ave Maria Mutual Funds, the largest family of pro-life Catholic‑oriented mutual funds in the United States, proudly celebrates its 25th anniversary as a leader in morally responsible investing. Founded with its first fund in 2001, Ave Maria Mutual Funds has grown into a nationally recognized investment family dedicated to helping investors align their financial goals with the core moral teachings of the Catholic Church.

Ave Maria Mutual Funds is pleased to announce the addition of Michael Knowles to its Catholic Advisory Board. As a conservative political commentator and media host, he brings fresh insight to the board, further strengthening the Funds’ commitment to serving Catholic investors.

Schwartz Investment Counsel, Inc., the investment adviser to the Ave Maria Mutual Funds, today announced that its Ave Maria Bond Fund (NASDAQ: AVEFX) has been awarded 2025 LSEG Lipper Fund Awards for the best A-rated corporate bond funds. The award is for the 3-year (among 10 funds) and 5-year periods (among 10 funds) ended November 30, 2024. The Fund also won awards in 2024 for the best A-rated corporate bond funds. Those awards were for the 3-year (among 12 funds), 5-year (among 12 funds) and 10-year periods (among 11 funds) ended November 30, 2023. The awards acknowledge the mutual fund’s consistently strong risk-adjusted returns relative to its peers.

Schwartz Investment Counsel, Inc. (the Firm), the investment adviser for the Ave Maria Mutual Funds, has announced the promotion of James T. Peregoy, CFA, to co-Portfolio Manager of the Ave Maria Bond Fund (AVEFX), joining Lead Portfolio Manager, Brandon S. Scheitler and co-portfolio Manager, George P. Schwartz, CFA. Before joining the Firm in 2021, James worked as a consultant at Plante Moran. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance and Statistics from Grand Valley State University and has also earned the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.

Schwartz Investment Counsel, Inc., the investment adviser to the Ave Maria Mutual Funds, today announced that its Ave Maria Bond Fund (NASDAQ: AVEFX) has been awarded 2024 LSEG Lipper Fund Awards for the best A-rated corporate bond funds. The award is for the 3-year (among 12 funds), 5-year (among 12 funds) and 10-year periods (among 11 funds) ended November 30, 2023. The awards acknowledge the mutual fund’s consistently strong risk-adjusted returns relative to its peers.

Schwartz Investment Counsel, Inc. (the Firm), the investment adviser for Ave Maria Mutual Funds, has announced promotions effective January 1, 2024, for Timothy Schwartz, Brandon Scheitler, and Anthony Gennaro.

Schwartz Investment Counsel, Inc. (the Firm), the investment adviser for the Ave Maria Mutual Funds and the Schwartz Value Focused Fund, has announced a reduction in the management fee of three funds effective May 1, 2022. The management fee of the Ave Maria Focused Fund (AVEAX) will be lowered from 0.85% to 0.75% per year, bringing the total expense ratio down to 1.12%. The Ave Maria World Equity Fund (AVEWX), will lower its management fee from 0.95% to 0.75% per year, reducing the total expense ratio to 1.02%. Also, the Schwartz Value Focused Fund (RCMFX) will reduce its management fee from 0.95% to 0.75% per year, resulting in a 1.26% total expense ratio. George P. Schwartz, CFA, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “As fund assets have appreciated, cost savings have been realized and our Board of Trustees has decided to pass those savings along in the form of reduced expenses for our shareholders.” Over the past five years, the Ave Maria Mutual Funds have reduced expenses for several of its funds to the benefit of shareholders.

Schwartz Investment Counsel, Inc. (the Firm), investment adviser for the Ave Maria Mutual Funds, has seen an incredible growth of interest in the morally responsible investment (MRI) strategies presented in the Ave Maria Mutual Funds. In order to satisfy the demand among advisors and their clients, the Firm has hired an industry professional with a deep understanding of the needs of advisors who also aligns with the principles and culture of the organization. Robert M. Geppner has joined Schwartz Investment Counsel, Inc. as Director of Strategic Planning, having recently retired from Franklin Templeton Investments where he crafted an illustrious 34-year career. Bob has worked in all facets of intermediary distribution, beginning his career as a wholesaler in 1987 and advancing to Executive Vice President - Head of National Sales. In his new role with the Firm, Bob will further cultivate relationships with financial advisors across the full spectrum of distributors.