Adviser to Ave Maria Mutual Funds Announces Several Promotions

PLYMOUTH, Mich., January 03, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--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.

Timothy S. Schwartz, CFA the Firm’s President, has been named Chief Executive Officer, a role previously held by his father, founder and Chairman, George P. Schwartz, CFA. George commented, "With 26 years at the company, Tim brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. He has served our clients and shareholders well as President and I am confident that he will build upon the strong foundation laid in our Firm’s 43-year history and drive it to new heights."

George P. Schwartz, who served as Chief Executive Officer since the Firm’s inception in 1980, played a vital role in starting the Ave Maria Mutual Funds, along with Tom Monaghan and the late Bowie Kuhn. Ave Maria Mutual Funds is a pioneer in the growing field of Morally Responsible Investing (MRI). The fund family has grown total assets under management to above $3 billion since the inception of its first fund in 2001.

Timothy Schwartz expressed enthusiasm for his new role, stating, "I am honored and excited to lead Schwartz Investment Counsel, Inc. as its CEO. I am grateful for the trust and confidence placed in me by the board of directors. Together with our talented team, we aim to build on the Firm’s legacy of success and continue to deliver value for our clients and shareholders."

Brandon S. Scheitler has been named as the Firm’s Chief Investment Officer and has also been promoted to Senior Vice President. Additionally, Mr. Scheitler is now the lead portfolio manager for the Ave Maria Rising Dividend Fund (Ticker: AVEDX), a fund he previously co-managed with George P. Schwartz, who will remain a co-manager. The pair also manage the Ave Maria Bond Fund (Ticker: AVEFX) with Scheitler in the lead manager role.

Anthony W. Gennaro, CFA, CPA, the lead manager of the Ave Maria World Equity Fund (Ticker: AVEWX), was promoted to Vice President of Schwartz Investment Counsel, Inc.

About Ave Maria Mutual Funds

Ave Maria Mutual Funds is the largest family of Catholic mutual funds in the U.S with over $3.0 billion in assets under management. The six no-load funds invest in companies that do not violate core values and teachings of the Catholic Church. The two largest funds are the $989 million Ave Maria Rising Dividend Fund (Ticker: AVEDX) and the $962 million 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.

About Schwartz Investment Counsel, Inc.

Schwartz Investment Counsel, Inc. is a Registered Investment Adviser. Founded in 1980, the Firm is headquartered in Plymouth, Michigan with a branch office in Ave Maria, Florida. In managing the Ave Maria Mutual Funds, investments are made only if companies meet the Funds’ financial and moral criteria. As such, returns may be lower or higher than if decisions were based solely on investment considerations. The Funds’ 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. For more information about Schwartz Investment Counsel, Inc., visit www.schwartzinvest.com.

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. 17736713-UFD-12/29/2023

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Contacts

Mike Richter, Director of Marketing
Schwartz Investment Counsel, Inc.
(734) 455-7810
mjr@schwartzinvest.com