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Dalton Investments, Inc.
Part 2A of Form ADV
March 31, 2025
Item 1: Cover Page
This brochure is offered to you, our current or prospective client or investor, to provide information
on our business qualifications and practices as an investment adviser.
Dalton Investments, Inc. (“Dalton” or “we”) is a disciplined, value-oriented investment
management firm committed to capital preservation and long-term growth. We are located in Los
Angeles, California, with offices and affiliates in (i) Las Vegas, Nevada, (ii) New York, New York,
(iii) Tokyo, Japan, (iv) Mumbai, India, (v) Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China, (vi) Sydney,
Australia, and (vii) Seoul, Republic of Korea.
We are an investment adviser registered with the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission (“SEC”). From March 2020 through May 2021, we were a relying adviser of our
now-dissolved affiliate, Dalton Investments LLC, which was a predecessor of Dalton, and which
was registered with the SEC since its founding in 1999 until recently. The format and content of
this brochure seeks to satisfy certain regulatory obligations required of all SEC-registered
investment advisers.
This brochure has not been verified or approved by the SEC or by any other federal, state
or foreign authority. In addition, our registration as an SEC investment adviser does not
imply a certain level of skill or training.
If you have questions regarding this brochure or any other information that we have provided to
you, please contact us at the following:
360 North Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 1060
El Segundo, CA 90245
Phone: (424) 231-9100
Email: investorrelations@daltoninvestments.com
information about us
is also available on
the SEC’s website at:
Additional
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov and on Dalton’s website at: www.daltoninvestments.com.
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Item 2: Material Changes
None.
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Item 3: Table of Contents
Cover Page ..................................................................................................................................... 1
Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................... 3
Advisory Business ......................................................................................................................... 4
Fees and Compensation ................................................................................................................. 6
Performance Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management ............................................................. 9
Types of Clients ............................................................................................................................. 9
Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss .................................................... 10
Disciplinary Information .............................................................................................................. 15
Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ................................................................... 15
Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading .............. 17
Brokerage Practices ..................................................................................................................... 19
Review of Accounts ..................................................................................................................... 22
Client Referrals and Other Compensation ................................................................................... 22
Custody ........................................................................................................................................ 23
Investment Discretion .................................................................................................................. 23
Voting Client Securities ............................................................................................................... 23
Financial Information................................................................................................................... 24
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Item 4: Advisory Business
A. Firm Description
We are a disciplined, value-oriented, global investment management firm committed to capital
preservation and long-term growth. Since Dalton Investments LLC (a now-dissolved predecessor
of Dalton Investments, Inc.) was founded in 1999, our strategies have focused on investments in
Asian and Global equity securities, and in 2018, we initiated an Emerging Markets equities
strategy. We generally look for less crowded areas of the markets with the objective of generating
positive long-term returns on an absolute and relative basis.
We were formed as a Nevada corporation in 2019. Mr. James B. Rosenwald III serves as the Chief
Investment Officer, Founding Partner, and the Chairman of the Board of the Directors of Dalton.
Gifford Combs, who also was one of the Founding Partners of Dalton Investments LLC (along
with Mr. Rosenwald), serves as a Director of Dalton’s Board and has portfolio management
responsibilities. We also have established a Management Committee to run the firm’s day-to-day
business, composed of our most senior executives: (i) the Chief Executive Officer/President, (ii)
the Chief Operating Officer/Chief Financial Officer, (iii) the Chief Marketing Officer, (iv) the
Chief Research Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer and (v) the Chief Compliance Officer and
Counsel. As of the date of this document, Rosenwald Capital Management, Inc., for which Mr.
Rosenwald serves as the President, is a majority-owner of Dalton, with our remaining shareholders
being other senior professionals of Dalton.
B. Advisory Services
We provide discretionary investment advisory services to a select group of domestic and foreign
institutional clients including pension plans, charitable organizations and endowments. The
investment parameters of each such separately managed account will vary by strategy, client
specific guidelines and applicable regulations.
In addition, we also provide discretionary investment advisory services to commingled funds. The
investors for the funds include domestic and foreign institutional investors, high net-worth family
offices and individuals.
Certain of our commingled funds are structured as “master-feeders” with a domestic feeder,
whereby U.S. taxable investors are admitted as limited partners to a Delaware limited partnership
and a foreign feeder, whereby U.S. tax exempt entities and foreigners are admitted as shareholders
of a Cayman corporation.
The “feeder” funds generally contribute all their assets to a master (Delaware or Cayman Islands)
limited partnership which trades and holds investments on behalf of the feeder funds.
In addition to the “master-feeders,” Dalton has also established various other structures for its
commingled funds, including one that is structured as a Delaware statutory trust.
Commingled funds are offered only by private placement and are limited to accredited and
qualified investors as defined by the SEC.
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We have included in our ADV Part 1A the list of our private funds managed on a discretionary
basis. In addition to the fund disclosures, Part 1A includes information about our affiliated entities
that are the general partners to funds. Part 1A is available on the SEC’s website or by contacting
us.
As of the date of this document, we also serve as a sub-adviser or delegated investment manager
to certain UCITS funds formed in the European Union, which are distributed by the applicable
investment company (or their affiliates) to qualified investors subject to each country’s laws and
regulations.
C. Customized Services
Our advisory services will vary by client, but we typically have broad and flexible investment
parameters and may make investments outside of the core strategies when the opportunity arises
and the investment fits our investment philosophy.
For example, certain client accounts and funds may utilize margin borrowing and other forms of
leverage. Our client mandates may permit us to invest in long and short positions as well as certain
illiquid securities and jurisdictions. Investment parameters and limitations are described in each
client’s respective advisory contract.
Similarly, the holdings for the pooled investment vehicles which Dalton advises will vary by and
within a strategy. The variance is attributable to differing investment strategies, various
investment restrictions and tailoring for certain investor limitations or requests.
We may emphasize or deemphasize, add, develop or eliminate different investments and strategies
from time to time depending upon, among other factors, our view of new market opportunities or
regulatory changes.
To the extent that our clients are commingled funds, we provide advisory services to the
commingled funds and not to the individual investors in such funds.
In addition, we may enter into separate agreements with certain investors in our commingled funds
which may provide more favorable terms than those provided to our other investors.
D. Wrap Fee Programs
None.
E. Client Assets
As of December 31, 2024, the regulatory assets under management of Dalton and its affiliates
were $4,112,185,669 (based on unaudited numbers).
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Item 5: Fees and Compensation
A. Advisory Fees and Compensation
Management Fees
Our compensation generally includes a management fee typically paid in arrears either monthly or
quarterly. Fees for strategy-specific separately managed accounts are subject to negotiation.
Factors such as the client’s proposed investment size and/or a long-term commitment may be taken
into consideration in negotiating the fees
Management fees payable by the commingled funds may vary and are described in each fund’s
offering materials, or organizational documents. Dalton’s standard management fees charged to
the funds are calculated as a percentage of assets under management and typically range from
0.5% up to 1.5% per annum but may be lower per client written agreements. Management fees
are generally payable and deducted from the assets of each fund monthly in arrears.
Performance Fees and Allocations
For certain client accounts and commingled funds, including the UCITS funds, we receive
performance-based compensation. For our funds, our standard performance-based allocation is
typically charged at a year-end generally, at a rate of 20% of all net realized and unrealized profits
(if any) from each investor’s account as of year-end, which is then reallocated to the respective
fund’s general partner or special member (as applicable) account. Certain funds have a
performance-based compensation based on relative performance over a specific benchmark,
greater than one year performance measurement periods and differing performance compensation
rates.
The UCITS funds that we sub-advise also include performance-based compensation as described
in their offering materials. The compensation percentages will vary by and among the different
classes within the UCITS.
We are generally not entitled to receive any performance-based compensation to the extent that
there are unrecouped accumulated losses in performance carried forward from prior years.
We may decide to rebate, reduce, or waive either the management fee or performance-based
compensation for certain classes or investors. To the extent that we are sharing portions of either
the management fee or performance compensation with others, it is solely at our cost.
To the extent applicable, performance-based compensation are calculated after the accrual of any
applicable management fees.
Redemption Amount
We seek to partner with investors who share our long-term view and investment philosophy.
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Thus, some of our funds and other collective vehicles may be subject to a fee for withdrawals made
during a lock-up period. In those cases, we may charge an early withdrawal fee ranging from 1-
10% and deduct directly from the early withdrawal amounts.
Some of our separately managed accounts may also have an early withdrawal provision that
provides for a change in fees for early withdrawals.
B. Payment of Fees
We generally charge management fees as of either monthly or quarterly in arrears based upon
assets under management for the respective measuring period. The management fee is typically
pro-rated for contributions or withdrawals made within, depending on the fund, either intra-month
or quarter. Fees paid from commingled funds are debited directly from the funds.
C. Additional Fees and Expenses
Any additional fees and expenses for our separately managed account clients will vary and are
subject to negotiation.
Fund investors may pay certain expenses directly or reimburse us for certain expenses paid on a
fund’s behalf as described in their offering materials. Certain investors have limited the amount
of expenses that they pay, pursuant to letter arrangements.
From time to time, certain expenses, such as legal costs, may be allocated across the funds
managed by Dalton and the separately managed account clients. In those cases, Dalton generally
allocates the expenses on a fair and equitable manner (e.g., pro rata based on each fund/account’s
assets under management).
Generally, funds are responsible for operating expenses which include, but are not limited to the
following:
• brokerage and execution charges, commissions, custodial charges, and fees for quotation
and other data services;
fees related to accounting, trading, portfolio management and risk management systems;
•
research subscriptions and expenses, including service contracts related to online research;
•
legal and consulting fees related to investment research and due diligence;
•
• expenses to register securities and transfer taxes;
• costs and expenses incurred for the purpose of protecting or enhancing the value of a fund’s
assets (including the costs of instituting and defending litigation);
• U.S. federal, state and local taxes, filing and registration fees, including audits associated
with such taxes and filings (other than our corporate taxes);
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•
investor communications, relations, bookkeeping, accounting and the preparation and
mailing of financial, tax and performance information to investors fees, costs and expenses;
fees, costs and expenses incurred in connection with borrowings;
•
• administration fees, costs and expenses;
• all regulatory and tax compliance fees, costs, and expenses incurred by the fund’s general
partner, Dalton, or their affiliates in complying with regulatory and tax requirements that
directly result from management of such fund (e.g., expenses incurred in complying with
FATCA and preparing Form PF), including an allocable share of the general partner’s or
Dalton’s costs, fees and expenses relating to internal regulatory and compliance functions
should the fund determine not to use third party providers for such services;
•
fees for attorneys, accountants, consultants and other professionals or experts (including
the fees and expenses for counsel to Dalton, the general partner, their affiliates or one or
more of their respective officers or managers) arising in connection with the fund’s
business; and
• Directors’ fees and expenses for funds organized as corporations.
If one of our funds holds other unaffiliated collective managed investments, e.g., mutual funds,
those underlying fund fees, including a management fee, other fund expenses and a possible
distribution fee, are paid by the fund directly and are not deducted or rebated from our fees. Please
note that you can generally purchase mutual funds directly without Dalton’s advisory services.
D. Prepayment of Fees
Not Applicable.
E. Additional Compensation and Conflicts of Interest
While Dalton utilizes third parties to administer the commingled funds, Dalton typically assists in
reviewing the net asset value of the commingled funds and retains responsibility to determine the
net asset value of its separately managed accounts. This practice creates a potential conflict of
interest because, if the determination of the net asset value is inaccurate, Dalton might receive
management fees and performance compensation that are greater (or less) than the actual
compensation entitled. In addition, for the commingled funds, inaccurate valuations could
potentially cause redeeming investors and new investors to receive less (or more) fund redemption
proceeds or interests than otherwise entitled. Dalton has instituted valuation policies and
procedures, which include monthly internal valuation committee meetings and reconciliation
procedures for identifying and resolving material differences with third-party administrators.
Additionally, from time to time, Dalton investment team members serve as directors or special
observers on the boards of directors of companies in which we invest, and in such cases, the
employee may (although generally do not) receive director fees and/or expenses.
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Item 6: Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management
We manage client accounts with differing fees – including management fee only and relative
performance-based compensation accounts.
Consequently, the incentive to favor higher performance-based compensation accounts over
accounts with differing fees exists as a potential conflict of interest.
In addition, performance-based compensation may create an incentive for our portfolio managers
to select investments that are riskier or more speculative than might otherwise be the case for fixed
managed fee accounts.
We seek to mitigate this potential conflict through our allocation policies and procedures. Please
see Items 10 and 12 below for a more detailed discussion of conflicts of interest.
Item 7: Types of Clients
Dalton’s clients include:
Institutional separate account clients – e.g., pension plans, corporations, charitable entities and
endowments.
Commingled funds, including private funds such as Dalton’s master-feeder funds, Delaware
statutory trust, and other private commingled funds, and registered funds sub-advised by Dalton.
Investors in the funds may include, among others, pension funds, endowments, foundations, other
financial institutions and corporations, fund of funds, family offices and high net worth
individuals. Generally, Dalton requires that each US investor in its private commingled funds be
an “accredited investor” as defined in Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1933 and a
“qualified purchaser” as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Investors in the
funds are generally required to invest a minimum of $1,000,000. Dalton has waived, and reserves
the right to modify or waive, this minimum requirement.
Required investment amounts for separately managed accounts are negotiated and may differ
substantially.
The private funds may enter into separate agreements, commonly referred to as “side letters,” or
other similar agreements with a particular limited partner in connection with its admission to the
private fund without the approval of any other limited partner, which would have the effect of
establishing rights under or supplementing the terms of the applicable private fund’s partnership
agreement with respect to such limited partner in a manner more favorable to such limited partner
than those applicable to other limited partners. Such rights or terms in any such side letter or other
similar agreement may include, without limitation: (i) reporting obligations, (ii) waiver of certain
confidentiality obligations, (iii) “most favored nation” provisions, (iv) increased liquidity rights,
(v) “side pocket” arrangements or (vi) rights or terms requested or necessary considering particular
investment, legal, regulatory or public policy characteristics of a limited partner.
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
We are a disciplined, value-oriented, global investment management firm committed to capital
preservation and long-term growth. Since our formation, our strategies have primarily focused on
investments in Asia and Global markets. In 2018, we added an Emerging Markets equities
strategy.
We seek less crowded areas of markets and believe our value is largely attributable to our agility
and rigorous value analysis. Our investment objective is to generate positive long-term
compounded returns on an absolute and relative basis.
Across our strategies and client accounts, we seek broad and flexible mandates. We generally
concentrate the number of investment holdings. We search for investments that we believe are
mispriced or misunderstood in the market and have the potential for appreciation over a longer
holding period.
We invest and trade in securities and other instruments, including but not limited to stocks, bonds,
notes, high-yield securities, options, warrants, rights, private claims, bank debt, sovereign debt,
credit default swaps, derivatives, commodities, futures, options on futures and other securities and
instruments of U.S and non-U.S. issuers. Certain accounts may engage in short selling, margin
trading and other investment and hedging strategies.
A. Methods of Analysis and Investment Strategies
Asia Strategy and Emerging Markets Strategy
James B. Rosenwald III is Dalton’s Chief Investment Officer. Mr. Rosenwald has more than 40
years of investing experience in the region.
He is supported by research teams in Los Angeles, Tokyo, Mumbai, Hong Kong, Sydney and
Seoul, of which some professionals may act as portfolio managers. The research teams run a
rigorous screen on prospect companies by applying a fundamental value analysis on each
investment. Our Asia mandates are typically Japan only or pan-Asia. Our Emerging Markets
mandate began in 2018.
We search for undervalued, typically owner-operated, profitable businesses that we believe are
likely to benefit from the substantial growth and structural changes taking place in Asia and
emerging markets. Our shorts include specific positions with the opposite characteristics of our
long positions or serve as a hedge for the portfolio or a specific security within the portfolio.
Investment ideas are primarily internally generated and all investments are researched by the
portfolio managers and analysts prior to purchase or sale, which is ultimately made by Mr.
Rosenwald. Our research includes our own determination of fair value through our rigorous
analysis of company financials, and requires meetings with key company managers, suppliers,
and/or clients to assess company strategy and alignment of interests.
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While our investments are primarily in equity securities, certain accounts (including the master-
feeder funds and UCITS funds) permit derivatives, options, debt and other complicated
investments.
Global Strategy
Dalton’s Global strategy is managed by Gifford Combs. Mr. Combs has over 40 years’ experience
as a value investor and has managed equity portfolios for both domestic and international
institutions.
His investment philosophy focuses on a smaller number of securities, while continuing to
emphasize portfolio selection based on traditional valuation criteria. Mr. Combs seeks to invest
in situations that are not generally well-followed or understood by the investment community.
Through detailed research, and patience, Mr. Combs aims to build a concentrated portfolio of high
conviction investments and generate above average compounded returns on a long-term basis.
Mr. Combs seeks to adhere to a few investment principles.
Invest in what he believes to be high-return cash generators
•
• Search for shareholder friendly management
• Concentrate investments held
Other
From time to time, we may manage and provide advisory services for real estate assets directly or
through one of our affiliated advisers, Rosenwald Capital Management, Inc.
Dalton has adopted a sustainable investment philosophy for environmental, social and governance
(“ESG”) investing and has joined the Principles for Responsible Investment, and both the Japan
and Korea Stewardship Codes. Dalton also has in-house professionals focused on ESG
research. In addition, as of the date of this document, the UCITS Funds in the European Union
(sub-)advised by Dalton have been designated as “Article 8” funds under the European Sustainable
Finance Disclosure Regulation (commonly referred to as “SFDR”). Further information may be
found on Dalton’s website.
We may offer other advisory services, engage in any investment strategy and make any investment,
at any time.
PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT A GUARANTEE OF FUTURE PERFORMANCE. THE
VALUE OF THE INVESTMENTS AND THE INCOME FROM THEM CAN GO DOWN AS
WELL AS UP AND AN INVESTOR MAY NOT GET BACK THE AMOUNT INVESTED.
THESE INVESTMENTS ARE DESIGNED FOR INVESTORS WHO UNDERSTAND AND
ARE WILLING TO ACCEPT THESE RISKS. PERFORMANCE MAY BE VOLATILE, AND
AN INVESTOR COULD LOSE ALL OR A SUBSTANTIAL PORTION OF ITS
INVESTMENT.
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B. Certain Risks Relating to Investment Strategies
In considering an investment with us, we urge you to view our strategies as speculative and
entailing substantial risks. There is no assurance that we will meet our investment objectives or a
certain return threshold. While capital preservation is a primary focus of our investment process,
you should consider the impact to you of a substantial or total loss of your investment.
We have included below certain risk factors that we believe are material, significant or unusual for
our strategies based on current information. This non-exhaustive list is not a complete explanation
of the risks that should be considered prior to investing with us. We do not address certain standard
material risk factors that may cover, for example, certain instrument types or structural risks. Some
or all of these risks may be applicable to a strategy mandate or fund. Please thoroughly review all
materials with your advisers in consideration of your specific circumstances or risk tolerance.
Foreign Investment Considerations
Special risks associated with securities of foreign companies add to the complexity and usual risks
inherent in domestic investments. Such special risks include fluctuations in foreign exchange,
political or economic instability in the country of issue, and the possible imposition of exchange
controls or other laws or restrictions.
In addition, securities prices in foreign markets are generally subject to different economic,
financial, political and social factors than are the prices of securities in U.S. markets. With respect
to some foreign countries, there is a possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation,
limitations on liquidity of securities or political or economic developments.
Moreover, less information may be publicly available concerning certain of the foreign issuers of
securities than is available concerning U.S. companies. Foreign companies are also generally not
subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards or to practices and
requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies. Trading foreign investments may
be particularly difficult depending on the foreign jurisdiction.
Emerging Markets
Emerging market investments are subject to all of the risks of foreign investments generally, as
well as additional heightened risks due to a lack of established legal, political, business and social
frameworks to support securities markets.
These risks include, without limitation:
•
liquidity risks (sometimes aggravated by rapid and large outflows of “hot money” and
capital flight),
• extreme currency and political risks, including potential exchange control regulations and
restriction on foreign ownership,
repatriation of capital,
•
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• social instability and unrest, terrorism, corruption and crime,
• delays in settling portfolio transactions, risk of loss arising out of systems of security
registration and custody, less effective government regulation and supervision of business
and industry and a greater likelihood of disruptions brought about by regional conflicts,
and
• high levels of inflation, deflation or currency devaluation, each of which can harm their
economies and securities markets.
Given our investment strategy, portfolio holdings may be highly volatile and may decline
significantly in response to adverse issuer, political, social, regulatory, market or economic
developments.
Foreign Currency Transactions and Exchange Rate Risk
Investments may be denominated in non-U.S. currencies and in other financial instruments, the
price of which is determined with reference to such currencies. To the extent unhedged, the value
of an account’s net assets is subject to fluctuations in exchange rates as well as with price changes
of the account’s investments in the various local markets and currencies.
Forward currency contracts and options may be utilized to hedge against currency fluctuations,
but there can be no assurance that such hedging transactions will be available or, even if
undertaken, effective.
Highly Volatile Markets
Price movements of forward contracts and other derivative contracts are influenced by, among
other things, interest rates, changing supply and demand relationships, trade, fiscal, monetary and
exchange control programs and policies of governments, and national and international political
and economic events and policies.
In addition, governments from time to time intervene, directly and by regulation, in certain
markets, particularly those in currencies, financial instruments and interest rate-related options.
Such intervention often is intended directly to influence prices and may, together with other
factors, cause all of such markets to move rapidly in the same direction because of, among other
things, interest rate fluctuations.
Concentration of Investments
Client accounts may hold a relatively small number of securities positions, each representing a
relatively large portion of the account’s capital and may hold a large percentage of capital in cash
while awaiting better opportunities. Losses incurred in these positions could have a material
adverse on an account’s overall financial condition, including opportunity loss.
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Small Capitalization Companies
The securities of small capitalization and recently organized companies pose greater investment
risks. The equity securities of small capitalization companies may be more illiquid, i.e., less
trading volume.
Investments in small capitalization companies may also be more difficult to value than other types
of securities. Investments in companies with limited operating histories are more speculative and
entail greater risk than do investments in companies with an established operating record.
Additionally, transaction costs for these types of investments are often higher than those of larger
capitalization companies.
Short Sales
For certain client accounts, we may make short sales in any type of securities. Short sales
theoretically involve unlimited loss potential, as the market price of securities sold short may
continuously increase.
General Derivatives Considerations
The use of derivatives involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated
with investing directly in securities or more traditional investments, depending upon the
characteristics of the particular derivative and the account’s portfolio as a whole.
Derivatives may entail investment exposures that are greater than their cost would suggest,
meaning that a small investment in derivatives could have a large potential impact on the account’s
performance. Derivatives transactions include counterparty risk in addition to the risks associated
with the underlying investment.
Distressed Securities
Distressed securities may include the purchase of securities of issuers in bankruptcy, at risk of
filing for bankruptcy or may be insolvent. The identification of investment opportunities in
distressed securities is a difficult task, and there is no assurance that such opportunities will be
successfully recognized or acquired.
While investments in distressed securities offer the opportunities for above average returns, these
investments involve a high degree of risk and can result in substantial losses. In addition, the
portfolio may be required to hold such securities for a substantial period of time before realizing
their anticipated value.
Sustainability Risk
We consider sustainability factors, including environmental, governance and social considerations,
in our investment decisions. This consideration may reduce or increase a portfolio’s exposure to
certain companies or industries and the portfolio may forego certain investment opportunities as a
result. Such portfolio’s performance results may be different than other portfolios that do not seek
to invest in issuers based on sustainability characteristics or that use different criteria when
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screening out particular companies and industries. There is also a risk that we may not apply the
relevant criteria correctly or that a portfolio could have indirect exposure to issuers that do not
meet the relevant sustainability criteria used by such portfolio. Further, there may be limitations
with respect to the readiness of data in certain sectors, as well as limited availability of investments
with relevant sustainability characteristics in certain sectors. We may change our sustainability
assessment of a particular investment over time. While we view sustainability considerations as
having the potential to contribute to a portfolio’s long-term performance, there is no guarantee that
such results will be achieved.
C. Recommendations of Particular Types of Securities
Not Applicable.
Item 9: Disciplinary Information
To the best of our knowledge and as certified annually by each employee, none of our employees
have been involved in any legal or disciplinary events in the past 10 years that would be material
to a client’s evaluation of us.
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
A. Broker-Dealer Registration Status
Not Applicable.
B. Futures Commission Merchant, Commodity Pool Operator or Commodity Trading
Advisor Registration Status
We claim exemption from registration with Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”)
and the National Futures Association. Dalton’s pooled vehicles also rely on exemptions from
registration with the CFTC.
C. Material Relationships or Arrangements with Industry Participants
We provide discretionary investment management services to, and our affiliates serve as the
general partner to various commingled funds.
Employees of the Los Angeles, New York, Tokyo, Mumbai, Hong Kong and Sydney and Seoul
offices generally do not work for any other third party, except as noted below. In addition,
Rosenwald Capital Management, Inc. and Rising Sun Management Ltd. (“Rising Sun”) are
affiliated entities under common control with us.
Our offices are integrated into Dalton’s systems and operations. All are subject to our compliance
policies and procedures administered by Dalton’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”).
Dalton serves as sub-adviser or delegated investment manager to certain funds. Dalton is not
aware of any conflicts of interest in relation to these accounts.
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D. Certain Conflicts of Interest Among Our Clients
We have adopted policies and procedures, including Code of Ethics and other policies to address
certain potential conflicts of interests.
Our affiliated persons and employees from time to time act as directors, secretary, manager,
investment manager or investment adviser or carry out other functions as may be required from
time to time in relation to, or be otherwise involved in or with, other funds and clients which have
similar investment objectives.
In addition, we do not generally prohibit engagements in existing or future business if such activity
does not materially interfere with our business or conflict with our obligations.
Different accounts charge differing fees and incentive fees and/or allocations due to circumstances
such as different contractual rates or loss recovery account balances.
Our accounts may have conflicting interests with respect to their investments, including with
respect to selling objectives, taxes, performance, liquidity, timing and other objectives. For
example, certain accounts may from time to time be selling securities and instruments that other
accounts may continue to hold and/or purchase.
Performance results may vary substantially among our client accounts.
E. Material Conflicts of Interest Relating to Other Investment Advisers
We, along with our affiliates, have relationships with certain advisers and operating companies
that could present potential or actual conflicts of interest. Rosenwald Capital Management, Inc.
may trade similar securities as Dalton for its own client accounts. We, however, manage this
conflict by conducting all such trades of similar securities (publicly traded equities) through Dalton
traders and under the review of the Dalton compliance program.
Mr. Rosenwald serves as the Chief Investment Officer and a Director of Rising Sun, an investment
adviser for Nippon Active Value Fund PLC (“NAVF”), incorporated in England and Wales and
listed on the London Stock Exchange, and for other privately offered pooled investment vehicle(s).
Additionally, Mr. Combs serves as a Director of Rising Sun. Rising Sun entered into a research
services agreement with Dalton Advisory KK, the Tokyo-based research affiliate of Dalton.
Historically, the accounts and funds under the discretionary management of Dalton primarily
invested in owner-operator businesses, whereas NAVF and NAVF Select LLC, which is under the
discretionary management of Dalton, has been pursuing an “activist” strategy in Japan, investing
in businesses run by professional directors. Recently, however, certain Dalton accounts have been
investing (and are fully expected to invest in the future) in some of the securities held by NAVF,
and vice versa (or directly into those funds). Several potential conflicts of interest exist with these
“overlapping” opportunities. For example, there is no assurance that a Dalton account will receive
an allocation of all of those investments that it wishes to pursue, for regulatory (e.g., if Rising Sun
becomes aware of material, non-public information about a Japanese company) or other reasons.
Also, when the Dalton accounts purchase the securities already held by NAVF, given the
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overlapping investments may have been held by NAVF for a significant period of time, it is
possible that the purchase price by the Dalton accounts might be, in certain cases substantially,
higher than the price paid by NAVF. Because the Dalton accounts and NAVF generally are
expected to sell the overlapping investment opportunities simultaneously through one, aggregated
trade, the Dalton accounts’ realization of capital gains (if any) may be lower, potentially
dramatically, than that of NAVF.
Further, Messrs. Rosenwald and Combs, along with the research analysts of Dalton Advisory KK,
commit significant time and resources to Rising Sun and NAVF (and any similar vehicles that may
be formed in the future), in addition to their responsibilities owed to the Dalton accounts. Lastly,
when a Dalton account invests in NAVF, the Dalton account will pay fees and expenses to NAVF.
Under those circumstances, Dalton will waive its fees to the extent necessary so that no double-
charging will occur at the Dalton level on one hand and at the NAVF level on the other hand.
Please contact Dalton for further inquiries or requests for information.
We may hold capital interests in the management companies of other investment firms or in such
firms’ private investment limited partnerships and may serve as directors for such management
companies. Neither we nor our affiliates, however, have the power to direct the management or
policies of such management companies.
Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal
Trading
A. Code of Ethics
Our Code of Ethics (the “Code”) is designed to monitor and prevent potential conflicts of interest.
It generally requires:
o Dalton and its “supervised persons” consider the interests of our clients before
their own;
o compliance with federal securities laws;
o reporting and review of personal securities transactions and holdings;
o reporting of violations of the Code; and
o distribution of the Code to all personnel, as it may be amended, with a
requirement that all supervised persons provide a written acknowledgement that
they have received the Code.
Our supervised persons include employees and other persons subject to our supervision and
control. For purposes of compliance with the Code, we treat all “supervised persons” as “access
persons.”
Our policy includes, among others, except with the approval of Dalton’s CCO, restrictions on
trading certain instruments, including reportable securities, for access persons’ personal accounts
without first obtaining pre-clearance, serving on the boards of directors of any outside companies,
or receiving or offering gifts or entertainment worth a designated monetary value from or to
persons doing business with Dalton or its affiliates.
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A copy of the Code will be furnished upon request.
B. Securities in which Dalton or a Related Person has a Material Financial Interest
Cross Trades
From time to time, we may determine that it would be in the best interest of certain clients to
transfer a security from one client to another for a variety of reasons, including without limitation,
tax purposes, and liquidity purposes, to rebalance the portfolios of the clients or to reduce
transaction costs that may arise in open market transactions.
If we determine that a cross trade is in the best interests of each client involved, we will take steps
to ensure that the transaction is consistent with our fiduciary duty to each client, is permitted
pursuant to the guidelines for each of these clients and is compliant with the regulations under the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as applicable.
Principal Transactions
To the extent that a cross trade may be viewed as principal transaction due to the ownership interest
in a client by Dalton or its personnel (or related persons and entities), we will comply with the
requirements of Section 206(3) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, and Dalton must receive
written client approval prior to settlement of the trade.
C. Investing in Securities that Dalton or a Related Person Recommends to Clients
We have implemented policies relating to personal account trading by employees and related
persons designed to reduce, monitor and resolve conflicts of interest. Our access persons are
subject to our personal trading pre-clearance policy, which includes no trading of reportable
securities without the approval of the CCO and is designed to generally prevent access persons
from transacting in securities of issuers at or about the same time that we recommend securities to
Client accounts. Our policy also prohibits transactions in securities that are restricted from trading.
D. Conflicts of Interest Created by Contemporaneous Trading
Please also see discussion under Item 12.B below, as well as Item 11.A above.
We have designed policies and procedures that seek to monitor and resolve conflicts fairly and
equitably.
We may give advice or take action with respect to the investments of one or more client accounts
that may not be given or taken with respect to other client accounts with similar investment
programs, objectives and strategies. Accordingly, although certain client accounts may have
similar strategies, they may not hold the same securities or instruments and may not achieve the
same performance
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Item 12: Brokerage Practices
A. Factors Considered in Selecting or Recommending Broker-Dealers for Client
Transactions
As an investment adviser, we have full discretion and authority to make all investment decisions
with respect to the types, amounts and prices of securities or instruments to be bought or sold, the
brokers or dealers to be used for a particular transaction, and commissions or markups and
markdowns paid.
Our primary consideration in executing a securities transaction is to seek to obtain best execution.
Best execution generally takes the following into consideration: total costs or proceeds in each
transaction ; the reliability, integrity and financial condition of the broker-dealer; the size of and
difficulty in executing the order; and full range and quality of a broker-dealer’s services including,
among other things, the value of research provided, execution capability, commission rate,
financial responsibility, and responsiveness to us. Therefore, the price to a particular client in any
particular transaction may be less favorable than that available from another broker-dealer if the
difference is reasonably justified by other aspects of the execution services offered.
1. Research and Other Soft Dollar Benefits
Certain brokers who effect securities transactions for our client accounts provide us with research
and other brokerage services, which benefits Dalton because such services supplement our own
research. Research and brokerage services received through the placement of securities
transactions of clients generally are available for the benefit of all our client accounts, and the
research and brokerage services may be utilized in connection with managing accounts that have
not placed securities transactions.
We intend to use commission or “soft” dollars to pay for proprietary and/or third-party research or
brokerage products or services that fall within the safe harbor for soft dollars created by
Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Research products and services, which are
generally written or on-line, include, but are not limited to, investment reports, liquidity analyses,
pricing and financial information, investment periodicals, financial reports, company reports,
regulatory filings, news services, industry reports, economic reports, company recommendations,
interview services, analyst reports and comments, political and regional analyses.
Research and brokerage services generally include access to various computer-generated data,
computer software, and meetings arranged with corporate and industry spokespersons and
economists. Reports, services and products may or may not contain specific recommendations
about a company, sector, region or time horizon, but shall contain information to assist in the
investment decision-making process. Dalton has an incentive to select or recommend a broker-
dealer based on Dalton’s interest in receiving the research or other products or services, rather than
on the clients’ interest in receiving most favorable execution. Generally where a product or service
obtained with commission dollars provides both 28(e)-eligible and 28(e)-ineligible products or
service assistance, we will attempt to make a reasonable allocation of the cost which may be paid
for with soft dollars and we will pay the remainder. In making good-faith allocations of costs
between 28(e)-eligible and 28(e)-ineligible expenses, a conflict of interest may exist on the
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allocation of the costs of such benefits and services that primarily benefit us and those that
primarily benefit our client accounts.
Generally, arrangements for the provision of research and other brokerage services are subject to
the following conditions: (i) the approval process involves Dalton’s CCO, CFO and/or Dalton’s
Risk Management Committee; (ii) the arrangement is documented; (iii) the services provided by
the broker-dealer are for the benefit of our client accounts; and (iv) no such arrangement commits
any of our client accounts to pay a specified rate of commission to, to generate a specified amount
of commission with, or to make any payments to, any particular broker-dealer.
Research and other services paid for with soft dollars will not necessarily benefit all clients equally.
Some clients whose commissions are not used to generate soft dollar credits may benefit. In certain
cases, the research services are available only from the broker-dealer providing such services. In
other cases, the research services may be available from alternate sources in exchange for cash
payments.
We may cause a particular client to pay a broker or dealer that provides brokerage and research
services to us in an amount of commission for executing a securities transaction in excess of the
amount of commission that another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting the same
transaction. We will have determined, however, that the particular amount of commission in this
event will be reasonable in relation to the value of brokerage and/or research services provided by
the executing broker-dealer. In making this determination, the benefits of research or brokerage
services are evaluated to define the product or service provided in making investment decisions on
behalf of our clients. The receipt of eligible research and brokerage products and services provided
through a soft dollar arrangement could potentially create a conflict of interest because Dalton
would otherwise have to pay for such products and services with hard dollars. We review soft
dollar services quarterly in connection with our Risk Management Committee meetings.
In addition to the above, Dalton partners with Tora Trading to supplement Dalton’s internal trading
resources and execution capabilities. To the extent applicable, Tora’s commissions are paid by
Dalton’s clients in addition to other brokerage execution costs and are reviewed in Dalton’s best
execution review process. Lastly, Dalton employs a third-party vendor for soft dollar aggregation
services. The cost associated with soft dollar aggregation generally is included in the brokerage
commissions.
2. Brokerage for Client Referrals
We from time to time participate in certain “capital introduction” programs organized or sponsored
by certain prime or executing brokers to our client accounts. Through such events, prospective
investors would have the opportunity to meet with our representatives. We do not compensate
prime or executing brokers or their affiliates for organizing such programs or making such
introductions or for any investments ultimately made by such prospective investors, nor do we
anticipate doing so in the future.
While such programs and introductions may provide an incentive or influence us in deciding
whether to use such prime or executing broker, we will not commit to allocate a particular amount
of brokerage to a prime or executing broker in any such situation.
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3. Directed Brokerage
We do not routinely recommend, request, or require that a client direct us to execute certain
transactions through a specified broker-dealer.
A client occasionally may direct us to effect securities transactions in the client’s account through
a specific broker-dealer. This instruction shall be construed as a “directed brokerage
arrangement.” In such circumstances, the client is responsible for negotiating the terms and
arrangements for their account with that broker-dealer. We will not seek better execution services
or prices from other broker-dealers or be able to aggregate the client’s transactions (unless via a
“step-out” trade), for execution through other broker-dealers, with orders for other accounts
advised or managed by us. As a result, we may not obtain best execution on behalf of the client,
who may pay materially disparate commissions, greater spreads or other transaction costs, or
receive less favorable net prices on transactions for the account than would otherwise be the case.
We will document the client’s direction of brokerage.
B. Order Aggregation
We may, but are not obligated to, aggregate purchase or sale orders and allocate the securities or
other assets so purchased or sold, on an average price basis, among participating client accounts.
Dalton will generally aggregate purchase and sale orders of investments held by client accounts in
the same strategy with similar orders being made simultaneously for other accounts or entities if,
in Dalton’s reasonable judgment, such aggregation is reasonably likely to result in an overall
economic benefit to clients based on an evaluation that they will be benefited by relatively better
purchase or sale prices, lower commission expenses or beneficial timing of transactions, or a
combination of these and other factors.
To the extent that certain purchase or sale transactions are recommended for clients in different
strategies or by different portfolio managers, Dalton typically will not aggregate such orders, and,
in fact, such portfolio managers could cause different clients to take investment positions that are
different from or adverse to those taken for another client, including positions contrary to those or
senior or junior to those held by such client.
It is the general policy of Dalton and its affiliates to allocate investment opportunities to client
accounts fairly, to the extent practical and in accordance with client accounts’ applicable
investment strategies, over a period of time. An account is generally traded independently when
the account’s guidelines/restrictions differ from other accounts. As such, Dalton may or may not
aggregate trades or determine pre-trade allocation for separately managed accounts with differing
guidelines or mandates.
Accounts trading pari passu with other like accounts generally are allocated investment
opportunities on a pro rata basis. Allocations for aggregated trades are generally determined prior
to the trade. In determining trade allocation, however, we may consider other factors as we deem
appropriate, including, but not limited to, investment objectives, investment limitations, cash
availability, liquidity, the timing of capital inflows and outflows and anticipated capital
commitments, subscriptions, distributions and/or withdrawals, portfolio diversification, relative
market, industry or country exposure, tax efficiency and potential adverse tax consequences,
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regulatory, policy and/or other restrictions applicable to clients, the risk profile of an investment
opportunity, and any other factors deemed relevant by us. The outcome of any allocation
determination by us therefore may result in the allocation of all or none of an investment
opportunity to a particular client or account. There can be no assurance that a client or an account
will have an opportunity to participate in certain investments that fall within the client’s or
account’s investment objectives or guidelines. We may amend our trade allocation policies at any
time at its sole discretion.
Item 13: Review of Accounts
A. Frequency and Nature of Review of Client Accounts or Financial Plans
We perform various daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and periodic reviews of each client’s
portfolio. In addition to reviews by the portfolio managers listed below, Dalton’s operations team
and compliance team are also involved in reviewing client portfolios.
Mr. Rosenwald reviews all accounts within the Asia strategy and the Emerging Markets.
Mr. Combs reviews all accounts within the Global strategy.
B. Factors Prompting Review of Client Accounts other than a Periodic Review
A review of a client account may be triggered by unusual activity or special circumstances on a
case-by-case basis.
C. Content and Frequency of Account Reports to Clients
We provide the following written reports to our fund investors:
(1) annual audited financial statements are sent to investors within 120 days after the end of
the fiscal year; and
(2) monthly performance and account report
Reporting with respect to separately managed accounts is subject to negotiation and follows each
client’s investment management agreement. Such reports are typically written.
Item 14: Client Referrals and Other Compensation
A. Economic Benefits for Providing Services to Clients
We do not receive economic benefits from non-clients for providing investment advice and other
advisory services.
B. Compensation to Non-Supervised Persons for Client Referrals
Dalton from time to time engages a third-party marketer, a registered broker-dealer, to assist in
marketing its private funds. Dalton also acts as sub-adviser to certain pooled investment vehicles,
and those fund platforms generally have third-party distribution arrangements.
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Item 15: Custody
All client assets are held in custody by unaffiliated broker-dealers or banks; however, we are
deemed to have constructive custody of the assets of certain private funds that we manage due to
Dalton or a related person serving as general partner for such funds. Additionally, Dalton may be
deemed to have custody due to direct debiting of fees from separate account clients.
Investors in our funds receive monthly account balance statements from the independent
administrator. Additionally, the funds are audited on an annual basis and investors receive a copy
of the audited financials within 120 days of the funds’ fiscal year-end.
Separate account clients should receive quarterly or monthly statements from the qualified
custodian that they have selected. Clients should carefully review those statements and should
compare them to any statements received from Dalton.
Dalton generally credits any class action settlements received or proceeds from the sales of illiquid
securities for a fund to current investors in that particular fund. If a fund already has been
liquidated before recovery amounts are received, Dalton will take reasonable efforts to identify
and deliver funds to eligible investors. In the event investors cannot be identified or located,
Dalton generally may distribute the proceeds to a charitable organization.
Item 16: Investment Discretion
Unless otherwise specified and except for one account as of the date of this document, we have
discretionary trading authority for each client account granted through an investment management
agreement, limited partnership or similar operating documents. Investment decisions and advice
are subject to the investment objectives and guidelines included in the client’s advisory agreement.
We or our affiliates have entered into an investment management agreement, limited partnership
agreement or similar agreement with each fund, or beneficial owner of each managed account,
evidencing our granted discretionary trading authority.
Item 17: Voting Client Securities
Generally, we seek to vote proxies on behalf of our clients to maximize shareholder value. To that
end, we seek to consider both the short- and long-term implications of a proposal. We may abstain
from voting proxies in the event that we determine that abstention would be in the best interest of
the client(s). We monitor for potential conflicts of interest between the client’s interest and our
own within the proxy voting process. Clients generally cannot direct Dalton’s proxy votes.
Certain clients control their own voting and do not give Dalton a proxy.
Dalton’s Risk Management Committee is responsible for monitoring material conflicts of interest
that we, our affiliates or our affiliated persons may face. If a material conflict is identified, our
proxy procedures include: (1) voting with the recommendation of an outside proxy voting service,
(2) a unanimous vote by three disinterested management committee members or (3) engagement
of an outside consultant.
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Our proxy voting policy and procedures are available for further review. Any client may request
a proxy voting report at any time. Our contact information is on the first page of this brochure.
Item 18: Financial Information
We have never filed for bankruptcy and are not aware of any financial condition expected to affect
our ability to manage client accounts.
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