Schwartz Investment Counsel, Inc. Introduces the Ave Maria Rising Dividend Fund BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich., May 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Schwartz Investment Counsel, Inc., the investment adviser to the Ave Maria Family of Mutual Funds, today announces the launch of the Ave Maria Rising Dividend Fund, almost four years to the day after the launch of the firm's flagship Ave Maria Catholic Values Fund. The Ave Maria Rising Dividend Fund will invest in 30-40 stocks that have an established history of raising their dividends, the ability to increase them, and which show promise for strong capital appreciation. At the core of the fund's portfolio will be the Standard & Poor's "Dividend Aristocrats," which are those companies that have increased their dividend every year for 25 years. "We're not simply looking for high-dividend paying stocks, so investors won't find REITs and utility stocks in this fund," says George P. Schwartz, CFA, founder of Schwartz Investment Counsel and co-portfolio manager of the Ave Maria Rising Dividend Fund. "We're interested in capital appreciation and a rising stream of dividends, which should eventually raise the stock price up and attract investor attention." The new fund will charge a 75 basis point management fee and will have an expense cap of 125 basis points or 1.25%. The Ave Maria Rising Dividend Fund will employ the same Catholic screens that are applied to the Ave Maria Catholic Values Fund (AVEMX), Ave Maria Growth Fund (AVEGX), and the Ave Maria Bond Fund (AVEFX). These screens are designed to filter out companies that would be considered prohibited investments because they: -- are in the abortion or pornography businesses -- financially support Planned Parenthood -- provide employee benefits to non-marital partner arrangements Schwartz believes the timing is perfect for a fund like this. "President Bush's tax cut, which reduced the tax on dividends to 15% is a step in the right direction and is going to help capital formation," says Schwartz. "There is an estimated $1 trillion sitting on corporate balance sheets, and I think shareholders will start demanding that these companies increase their dividend payout." Bowie K. Kuhn*, chairman of Ave Maria's Catholic Advisory Board and former commissioner of Major League Baseball, credits Schwartz Investment Counsel, Inc. for filling such an important investment niche. "It is vital that Catholics be given the opportunity to invest in accordance with the Church's teachings. These funds allow them to seize that opportunity." Schwartz says that the primary motivation for launching this fund was the many requests he received from current fundholders for yet another diversifying component to their portfolios. "After we launched the Ave Maria Catholic Values Fund four years ago, our shareholders requested that we add additional funds that would enable them to diversify their portfolios. We believe the Ave Maria Rising Dividend Fund will be a welcome addition to the fund family." An investor should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. For a prospectus, containing more complete information, including management fees and expenses, call toll free 1-866-AVE MARIA or visit http://www.avemariafund.com/. Please read it carefully before you invest or send money. The Ave Maria Mutual Funds are distributed by Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC. About Schwartz Investment Counsel, Inc. Schwartz Investment Counsel, Inc. is a registered investment adviser founded in 1980. The Firm manages $600 million of assets and provides investment management services to individuals, families, trusts, corporations, foundations, endowments and retirement funds. The firm also manages the Schwartz Value Fund (RCMFX). * Mr. Kuhn receives compensation for his services to the Ave Maria Funds Catholic Advisory Board. DATASOURCE: Schwartz Investment Counsel, Inc. CONTACT: Bob Schwartz of Schwartz Investment Counsel, Inc., +1-248-644-8500, ; or Scott C. Tanner of Millennium Media Consulting, Inc., +1-866-755-FUND (3863), , for Schwartz Investment Counsel, Inc. Web site: http://www.avemariafund.com/

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