The investment seeks long-term capital appreciation and income generation. The fund is primarily composed of common and preferred stocks, master limited partnership units ("MLPs") and equity real estate investment trusts ("REITs") of U.S. companies. Under normal market conditions, it invests at least 80% of its net assets (including borrowings for investment purposes) in securities of small and mid-capitalization companies that pay a dividend and that have increased their dividend in the most recent annual period. The adviser sells securities when they fail to raise their dividend or no longer meet its fundamental stock selection criteria.