UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549
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FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 Pre-Effective Amendment No. _____ Post-Effective Amendment No.____
and/or REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 Amendment No. _____ (Check appropriate box or boxes.) (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter) (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code ________________________________________________________________ (Name and Address of Agent for Service) Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box) immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b) 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of rule 485. If appropriate, check the following box: this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment. Omit from the facing sheet reference to the other Act if the Registration Statement or amendment is filed under only one of the Acts. Include the "Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering" and "Title of Securities Being Registered" only where securities are being registered under the Securities Act of 1933. Form N-1A is to be used by open-end management investment companies, except insurance company separate accounts and small business investment companies licensed under the United States Small Business Administration, to register under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and to offer their shares under the Securities Act of 1933. The Commission has designed Form N-1A to provide investors with information that will assist them in making a decision about investing in an investment company eligible to use the Form. The Commission also may use the information provided on Form N-1A in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policy making roles.
SEC 2052 (1-08)
Persons who are to respond to the collection of information contained in this form are not required to respond unless the form displays a currently valid OMB control number.
A Registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-1A, and the Commission will make this information public. A Registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-1A unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget ("OMB") control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 5th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549-6009. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. § 3507.
CONTENTS OF FORM N-1A Page No. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS A. B. C. D. Definitions ........................................................................................................................................... 5 Filing and Use of Form N-1A ............................................................................................................ 5 Preparation of the Registration Statement ...................................................................................... 6 Incorporation by Reference ............................................................................................................... 8
PART A: INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A PROSPECTUS ...................................................................... 9 Item 1. Item 2. Item 3. Item 4. Item 5. Item 6. Item 7. Item 8. Front and Back Cover Pages ............................................................................................................. 9 Risk/Return Summary: Investments, Risks, and Performance ................................................... 10 Risk/Return Summary: Fee Table .................................................................................................. 13 Investment Objectives, Principal Investment Strategies, Related Risks, and Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings ........................................................................................................................ 18 Management, Organization, and Capital Structure ...................................................................... 18 Shareholder Information ................................................................................................................. 19 Distribution Arrangements .............................................................................................................. 22 Financial Highlights Information ................................................................................................... 24
PART B: INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ....... 26 Item 9. Item 10. Item 11. Item 12. Item 13. Item 14. Item 15. Item 16. Item 17. Item 18. Item 19. Item 20. Item 21. Item 22. Cover Page and Table of Contents .................................................................................................. 26 Fund History ..................................................................................................................................... 27 Description of the Fund and Its Investments and Risks ............................................................... 27 Management of the Fund ................................................................................................................. 29 Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities .................................................................... 36 Investment Advisory and Other Services ....................................................................................... 37 Portfolio Managers ........................................................................................................................... 39 Brokerage Allocation and Other Practices .................................................................................... 41 Capital Stock and Other Securities ................................................................................................. 42 Purchase, Redemption, and Pricing of Shares ............................................................................... 42 Taxation of the Fund ........................................................................................................................ 43 Underwriters ..................................................................................................................................... 43 Calculation of Performance Data ................................................................................................... 44 Financial Statements ........................................................................................................................ 49 3
Page No. PART C: OTHER INFORMATION ............................................................................................................... 56 Item 23. Item 24. Item 25. Item 26. Item 27. Item 28. Item 29. Item 30. Exhibits .............................................................................................................................................. 56 Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the Fund .............................................. 57 Indemnification ................................................................................................................................. 57 Business and Other Connections of the Investment Adviser ........................................................ 57 Principal Underwriters .................................................................................................................... 57 Location of Accounts and Records ................................................................................................. 58 Management Services ...................................................................................................................... 58 Undertakings ..................................................................................................................................... 58
SIGNATURES .................................................................................................................................................... 59
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GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
A. Definitions References to sections and rules in this Form N-1A are to the Investment Company Act of 1940 [15 U.S.C. 80a-1 et seq.] (the "Investment Company Act"), unless otherwise indicated. Terms used in this Form N-1A have the same meaning as in the Investment Company Act or the related rules, unless otherwise indicated. As used in this Form N-1A, the terms set out below have the following meanings: "Class" means a class of shares issued by a Multiple Class Fund that represents interests in the same portfolio of securities under rule 18f-3 [17 CFR 270.18f-3] or under an order exempting the Multiple Class Fund from sections 18(f), 18(g), and 18(i) [15 U.S.C. 80a18(f), 18(g), and 18(i)]. "Fund" means the Registrant or a separate Series of the Registrant. When an item of Form N-1A specifically applies to a Registrant or a Series, those terms will be used. "Master-Feeder Fund" means a two-tiered arrangement in which one or more Funds (each a "Feeder Fund") holds shares of a single Fund (the "Master Fund") in accordance with section 12(d)(1)(E) [15 U.S.C. 80a-12(d)(1)(E)]. "Money Market Fund" means a Fund that holds itself out as money market fund and meets the maturity, quality, and diversification requirements of rule 2a-7 [17 CFR 270.2a-7]. "Multiple Class Fund" means a Fund that has more than one Class. "Registrant" means an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act. "SAI" means the Statement of Additional Information required by Part B of this Form. "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933 [15 U.S.C. 77a et seq.]. "Securities Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 [15 U.S.C. 78a et seq.]. "Series" means shares offered by a Registrant that represent undivided interests in a portfolio of investments and that are preferred over all other series of shares for assets specifically allocated to that series in accordance with rule 18f-2(a) [17 CFR 270.18f-2(a)]. B. Filing and Use of Form N-1A 1. What is Form N-1A used for?
Form N-1A is used by Funds, except insurance company separate accounts and small business investment companies licensed under the United States Small Business Administration, to file: (a) An initial registration statement under the Investment Company Act and amendments to the registration statement, including amendments required by rule 8b-16 [17 CFR 270.8b-16]; (b) An initial registration statement under the Securities Act and amendments to the registration statement, including amendments required by section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act [15 U.S.C. 77j(a)(3)]; or (c) Any combination of the filings in paragraph (a) or (b). 2. What is included in the registration statement? (a) For registration statements or amendments filed under both the Investment Company Act and the Securities Act or only under the Securities Act, include the facing sheet of the Form, Parts A, B, and C, and the required signatures. (b) For registration statements or amendments filed only under the Investment Company Act, include the facing sheet of the Form, responses to all Items of Parts A (except Items 1, 2, 3, and 8), B, and C (except Items 23(e) and (i) - (k)), and the required signatures.
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3.
What are the fees for Form N-1A?
No registration fees are required with the filing of Form N-1A to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act or to register securities under the Securities Act. See section 24(f) [15 U.S.C. 80a-24f-2] and related rule 24f-2 [17 CFR 270.24f-2]. 4. What rules apply to the filing of a registration statement on Form N-1A? (a) For registration statements and amendments filed under both the Investment Company Act and the Securities Act or only under the Securities Act, the general rules regarding the filing of registration statements in Regulation C under the Securities Act [17 CFR 230.400 - 230.497] apply to the filing of Form N-1A. Specific requirements concerning Funds appear in rules 480 - 485 and 495 - 497 of Regulation C. (b) For registration statements and amendments filed only under the Investment Company Act, the general provisions in rules 8b-1 - 8b-33 [17 CFR 270.8b-1 - 270.8b-33] apply to the filing of Form N-1A. (c) The plain English requirements of rule 421 under the Securities Act [17 CFR 230.421] apply to prospectus disclosure in Part A of Form N-1A. (d) Regulation S-T [17 CFR 232.10 - 232.903] applies to all filings on the Commission's Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval system ("EDGAR"). C. Preparation of the Registration Statement 1. Administration of the Form N-1A requirements: (a) The requirements of Form N-1A are intended to promote effective communication between the Fund and prospective investors. A Fund's prospectus should clearly disclose the fundamental characteristics and investment risks of the Fund, using concise, straightforward, and easy to understand language. A Fund should use document design techniques that promote effective communication. The prospectus should emphasize the Fund's overall investment approach and strategy. (b) The prospectus disclosure requirements in Form N-1A are intended to elicit information for an average or typical investor who may not be sophisticated in legal or financial matters. The prospectus should help investors to evaluate the risks of an investment and to decide whether to invest in a Fund by providing a balanced disclosure of positive and negative factors. Disclosure in the prospectus should be designed to assist an investor in comparing and contrasting the Fund with other funds. (c) Responses to the Items in Form N-1A should be as simple and direct as reasonably possible and should include only as much information as is necessary to enable an average or typical investor to understand the particular characteristics of the Fund. The prospectus should avoid: including lengthy legal and technical discussions; simply restating legal or regulatory requirements to which Funds generally are subject; and disproportionately emphasizing possible investments or activities of the Fund that are not a significant part of the Fund's investment operations. Brevity is especially important in describing the practices or aspects of the Fund's operations that do not differ materially from those of other investment companies. Avoid excessive detail, technical or legal terminology, and complex language. Also avoid lengthy sentences and paragraphs that may make the prospectus difficult for many investors to understand and detract from its usefulness. (d) The requirements for prospectuses included in Form N-1A will be administered by the Commission in a way that will allow variances in disclosure or presentation if appropriate for the circumstances involved while remaining consistent with the objectives of Form N-1A. 2. Form N-1A is divided into three parts: (a) Part A. Part A includes the information required in a Fund's prospectus under section 10(a) of the Securities Act. The purpose of the prospectus is to provide essential information about the Fund in a way that will help investors to make informed decisions about whether to purchase the Fund's shares described in the prospectus. In responding to the Items in Part A, avoid cross-references to the SAI or shareholder reports. Cross-references within the prospectus are most useful when their use assists investors in understanding the information presented and does not add complexity to the prospectus. (b) Part B. Part B includes the information required in a Fund's SAI. The purpose of the SAI is to provide additional information about the Fund that the Commission has concluded is not necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors to be in the prospectus, but that some investors may find useful. Part B affords the Fund an 6
opportunity to expand discussions of the matters described in the prospectus by including additional information that the Fund believes may be of interest to some investors. The Fund should not duplicate in the SAI information that is provided in the prospectus, unless necessary to make the SAI comprehensible as a document independent of the prospectus. (c) Part C. Part C includes other information required in a Fund's registration statement. 3. Additional Matters: (a) Organization of Information. Organize the information in the prospectus and SAI to make it easy for investors to understand. Disclose the information required by Items 2 and 3 (the Risk/Return Summary) in numerical order at the front of the prospectus. Do not precede these Items with any other Item except the Cover Page (Item 1) or a table of contents meeting the requirements of rule 481(c) under the Securities Act. If the discussion in the Risk/Return Summary also responds to the disclosure requirements in Item 4, a Fund need not include additional disclosure in the prospectus responding to Item 4. Disclose the information required by Item 7 (Distribution Arrangements) in one place in the prospectus, except that the information required by paragraphs 7(a)(2), (3), (4), and (5) may be disclosed in a separate purchase and redemption document pursuant to Item 6(g), provided that all the information required by paragraphs 7(a)(2), (3), (4), and (5) is included in the separate document. If the information required by paragraphs 7(a)(2), (3), (4), and (5) is disclosed in a separate purchase and redemption document, the table required by paragraph 7(a)(1) must be included in the separate purchase and redemption document, as well as the prospectus, in order to comply with the Instruction to Item 7(a), which states that all information required by paragraph 7(a) must be adjacent to the table required by paragraph 7(a)(1). (b) Other Information. A Fund may include, except in the Risk/Return Summary, information in the prospectus or the SAI that is not otherwise required. For example, a Fund may include charts, graphs or tables so long as the information is not incomplete, inaccurate, or misleading and does not, because of its nature, quantity, or manner of presentation, obscure or impede understanding of the information that is required to be included. The Risk/Return Summary may not include disclosure other than that required or permitted by Items 2 and 3. (c) Use of Form N-1A by More Than One Registrant, Series or Class. Form N-1A may be used by one or more Registrants, Series, or Classes. (i) When disclosure is provided for more than one Fund or Class, the disclosure should be presented in a format designed to communicate the information effectively. Funds may order or group the response to any Item in any manner that organizes the information into readable and comprehensible segments and is consistent with the intent of the prospectus to provide clear and concise information about the Funds or Classes. Funds are encouraged to use, as appropriate, tables, side-by-side comparisons, captions, bullet points, or other organizational techniques when presenting disclosure for multiple Funds or Classes. (ii) Paragraph (a) requires Funds to disclose the information required by Items 2 and 3 in numerical order at the front of the prospectus and not to precede the Items with other information. As a general matter, multiple Funds or Multiple Class Funds may depart from the requirement of paragraph (a) as necessary to present the required information clearly and effectively (although the order of information required by each Item must remain the same). For example, the prospectus may present all of the Item 2 information for several Funds followed by all of the Item 3 information for the Funds, or may present Items 2 and 3 for each of several Funds sequentially. Other presentations also would be acceptable if they are consistent with the Form's intent to disclose the information required by Items 2 and 3 in a standard order at the beginning of the prospectus. (d) Modified Prospectuses for Certain Funds. (i) A Fund may modify or omit, if inapplicable, the information required by Items 6(b)-(d) and 7(a)(2)-(5) for funds used as investment options for: (A) a defined contribution plan that meets the requirements for qualification under section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 401(k)); (B) a tax-deferred arrangement under sections 403(b) or 457 of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 403(b) and 457); and (C) a variable contract as defined in section 817(d) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 817(d)), if covered in a separate account prospectus. 7
(ii) A Fund that uses a modified prospectus under Instruction (d)(i) may: (A) alter the legend required on the back cover page by Item 1(b)(1) to state, as applicable, that the prospectus is intended for use in connection with a defined contribution plan, tax-deferred arrangement, or variable contract; and (B) modify other disclosure in the prospectus consistent with offering the Fund as a specific investment option for a defined contribution plan, tax-deferred arrangement, or variable contract. (iii) A Fund may omit the information required by Items 2(c)(2)(iii)(B) and (C) and 2(c)(2)(iv) if the Fund's prospectus will be used exclusively to offer Fund shares as investment options for one or more of the following: (A) a defined contribution plan that meets the requirements for qualification under section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 401(k)), a tax-deferred arrangement under section 403(b) or 457 of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 403(b) or 457), a variable contract as defined in section 817(d) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 817(d)), or a similar plan or arrangement pursuant to which an investor is not taxed on his or her investment in the Fund until the investment is sold; or (B) persons that are not subject to the federal income tax imposed under section 1 of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 1), or any successor to that section. (iv) A Fund that omits information under Instruction (d)(iii) may alter the legend required on the back cover page by Item 1(b)(1) to state, as applicable, that the prospectus is intended for use in connection with a defined contribution plan, tax-deferred arrangement, variable contract, or similar plan or arrangement, or persons described in Instruction (d)(iii)(B). (e) Dates. Rule 423 under the Securities Act [17 CFR 230.423] applies to the dates of the prospectus and the SAI. The SAI should be made available at the same time that the prospectus becomes available for purposes of rules 430 and 460 under the Securities Act [17 CFR 230.430 and 230.460]. (f) Sales Literature. A Fund may include sales literature in the prospectus so long as the amount of this information does not add substantial length to the prospectus and its placement does not obscure essential disclosure. D. Incorporation by Reference 1. Specific rules for incorporation by reference in Form N-1A: (a) A Fund may not incorporate by reference into a prospectus information that Part A of this Form requires to be included in a prospectus, except as specifically permitted by Part A of the Form. (b) A Fund may incorporate by reference any or all of the SAI into the prospectus (but not to provide any information required by Part A to be included in the prospectus) without delivering the SAI with the prospectus. (c) A Fund may incorporate by reference into the SAI or its response to Part C, information that Parts B and C require to be included in the Fund's registration statement. 2. General Requirements:
All incorporation by reference must comply with the requirements of this Form and the following rules on incorporation by reference: rule 10(d) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act [17 CFR 229.10(d)] (general rules on incorporation by reference, which, among other things, prohibit, unless specifically required by this Form, incorporating by reference a document that includes incorporation by reference to another document, and limits incorporation to documents filed within the last 5 years, with certain exceptions); rule 411 under the Securities Act [17 CFR 230.411] (general rules on incorporation by reference in a prospectus); rule 303 of Regulation S-T [17 CFR 232.303] (specific requirements for electronically filed documents); and rules 0-4, 8b-23 and 8b-32 [17 CFR 270.0-4, 270.8b23 and 270.8b-32] (additional rules on incorporation by reference for Funds).
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PART A: INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A PROSPECTUS
Item 1. Front and Back Cover Pages
(a) Front Cover Page. Include the following information, in plain English under rule 421(d) under the Securities Act, on the outside front cover page of the prospectus: (1) The Fund's name. (2) The date of the prospectus. (3) The statement required by rule 481(b)(1) under the Securities Act. Instruction. A Fund may include on the front cover page a statement of its investment objectives, a brief (e.g., one sentence) description of its operations, or any additional information, subject to the requirement set out in General Instruction C.3(b). (b) Back Cover Page. Include the following information, in plain English under rule 421(d) under the Securities Act, on the outside back cover page of the prospectus: (1) A statement that the SAI includes additional information about the Fund, and a statement to the following effect: Additional information about the Fund's investments is available in the Fund's annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders. In the Fund's annual report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund's performance during its last fiscal year. Explain that the SAI and the Fund's annual and semi-annual reports are available, without charge, upon request, and explain how shareholders in the Fund may make inquiries to the Fund. Provide a toll-free (or collect) telephone number for investors to call: to request the SAI; to request the Fund's annual report; to request the Fund's semi-annual report; to request other information about the Fund; and to make shareholder inquiries. Also, state whether the Fund makes available its SAI and annual and semi-annual reports, free of charge, on or through the Fund's Web site at a specified Internet address. If the Fund does not make its SAI and shareholder reports available in this manner, disclose the reasons why it does not do so (including, where applicable, that the Fund does not have an Internet Web site). Instructions. 1. A Fund may indicate, if applicable, that the SAI, annual and semi-annual reports, and other information are available by Email request. A Fund may indicate, if applicable, that the SAI and other information are available from a financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank) through which shares of the Fund may be purchased or sold. When a Fund (or financial intermediary through which shares of the Fund may be purchased or sold) receives a request for the SAI, the annual report, or the semi-annual report, the Fund (or financial intermediary) must send the requested document within 3 business days of receipt of the request, by first-class mail or other means designed to ensure equally prompt delivery. A Fund that has not yet been required to deliver an annual or semi-annual report to shareholders under rule 30e-1 [17 CFR 270.30e-1] may omit the statements required by this paragraph regarding the reports. A Money Market Fund may omit the sentence indicating that a reader will find in the Fund's annual report a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affect the Fund's performance during its last fiscal year. A Fund that provides a separate disclosure document to investors under Item 6(g) must include the statement required by Item 6(g)(3).
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
(2) A statement whether and from where information is incorporated by reference into the prospectus as permitted by General Instruction D. Unless the information is delivered with the prospectus, explain that the Fund will provide the information without charge, upon request (referring to the telephone number provided in response to paragraph (b)(1)).
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Instruction. The Fund may combine the information about incorporation by reference with the statements required under paragraph (b)(1). (3) A statement that information about the Fund (including the SAI) can be reviewed and copied at the Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C., and that information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the Commission at 1-202-942-8090. State that reports and other information about the Fund are available on the EDGAR Database on the Commission's Internet site at http://www.sec.gov, and that copies of this information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following E-mail address: [email protected], or by writing the Commission's Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-0102. (4) The Fund's Investment Company Act file number on the bottom of the back cover page in type size smaller than that generally used in the prospectus (e.g., 8-point modern type). Item 2. Risk/Return Summary: Investments, Risks, and Performance
Include the following information, in plain English under rule 421(d) under the Securities Act, in the order and subject matter indicated: (a) Fund investment objectives/goals. Disclose the Fund's investment objectives or goals. A Fund also may identify its type or category (e.g., that it is a Money Market Fund or a balanced fund). (b) Principal investment strategies of the Fund. Based on the information given in response to Item 4(b), summarize how the Fund intends to achieve its investment objectives by identifying the Fund's principal investment strategies (including the type or types of securities in which the Fund invests or will invest principally) and any policy to concentrate in securities of issuers in a particular industry or group of industries. (c) Principal risks of investing in the Fund. (1) Narrative Risk Disclosure. (i) Based on the information given in response to Item 4(c), summarize the principal risks of investing in the Fund, including the risks to which the Fund's portfolio as a whole is subject and the circumstances reasonably likely to affect adversely the Fund's net asset value, yield, and total return. Unless the Fund is a Money Market Fund, disclose that loss of money is a risk of investing in the Fund. Instruction. A Fund may, in responding to this Item, describe the types of investors for whom the Fund is intended or the types of investment goals that may be consistent with an investment in the Fund. (ii) If the Fund is a Money Market Fund, state that: An investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although the Fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in the Fund. (iii) If the Fund is advised by or sold through an insured depository institution, state that: An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of the bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Instruction. A Money Market Fund that is advised by or sold through an insured depository institution should combine the disclosure required by Items 2(c)(1)(ii) and (iii) in a single statement. (iv) If applicable, state that the Fund is non-diversified, describe the effect of non-diversification (e.g., disclose that, compared with other funds, the Fund may invest a greater percentage of its assets in a particular issuer), and summarize the risks of investing in a non-diversified fund. (2) Risk/Return Bar Chart and Table. 10
(i) Include the bar chart and table required by paragraphs (c)(2)(ii) and (iii) of this section. Provide a brief explanation of how the information illustrates the variability of the Fund's returns (e.g., by stating that the information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund's performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund's average annual returns for 1, 5, and 10 years compare with those of a broad measure of market performance). Provide a statement to the effect that the Fund's past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. (ii) If the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a bar chart showing the Fund's annual total returns for each of the last 10 calendar years (or for the life of the Fund if less than 10 years), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Present the corresponding numerical return adjacent to each bar. If the Fund's fiscal year is other than a calendar year, include the year-to-date return information as of the end of the most recent quarter in a footnote to the bar chart. Following the bar chart, disclose the Fund's highest and lowest return for a quarter during the 10 years or other period of the bar chart. (iii) If the Fund has annual returns for at least one calendar year, provide a table showing the Fund's (A) average annual total return; (B) average annual total return (after taxes on distributions); and (C) average annual total return (after taxes on distributions and redemption). A Money Market Fund should show only the returns described in clause (A) of the preceding sentence. All returns should be shown for 1-, 5-, and 10- calendar year periods ending on the date of the most recently completed calendar year (or for the life of the Fund, if shorter), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. The table also should show the returns of an appropriate broadbased securities market index as defined in Instruction 5 to Item 22(b)(7) for the same periods. A Fund that has been in existence for more than 10 years also may include returns for the life of the Fund. A Money Market Fund may provide the Fund's 7-day yield ending on the date of the most recent calendar year or disclose a toll-free (or collect) telephone number that investors can use to obtain the Fund's current 7-day yield. For a Fund (other than a Money Market Fund or a Fund described in General Instruction C.3.(d)(iii)), provide the information in the following table with the specified captions: AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
(For the periods ended December 31, _____) 5 years [or Life of Fund] ___% ___% 10 years [or Life of Fund] ___% ___%
1 year Return Before Taxes Return After Taxes on Distributions Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares Index (reflects no deduction for [fees, expenses, or taxes]) ____% ___%
___% ___%
___% ___%
___% ___%
(iv) Adjacent to the table required by paragraph 2(c)(2)(iii), provide a brief explanation that: (A) After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes; (B) Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts;
11
(C) If the Fund is a Multiple Class Fund that offers more than one Class in the prospectus, after-tax returns are shown for only one Class and after-tax returns for other Classes will vary; and (D) If average annual total return (after taxes on distributions and redemption) is higher than average annual total return, the reason for this result may be explained. Instructions. 1. Bar Chart. (a) Provide annual total returns beginning with the earliest calendar year. Calculate annual returns using the Instructions to Item 8(a), except that the calculations should be based on calendar years. If a Fund's shares are sold subject to a sales load or account fees, state that sales loads or account fees are not reflected in the bar chart and that, if these amounts were reflected, returns would be less than those shown. (b) For a Fund that provides annual total returns for only one calendar year or for a Fund that does not include the bar chart because it does not have annual returns for a full calendar year, modify, as appropriate, the narrative explanation required by paragraph (c)(2)(i) (e.g., by stating that the information gives some indication of the risks of an investment in the Fund by comparing the Fund's performance with a broad measure of market performance). 2. Table. (a) Calculate a Money Market Fund's 7-day yield under Item 21(a); the Fund's average annual total return under Item 21(b)(1); and the Fund's average annual total return (after taxes on distributions) and average annual total return (after taxes on distributions and redemption) under Items 21(b)(2) and (3), respectively. (b) A Fund may include, in addition to the required broad-based securities market index, information for one or more other indexes as permitted by Instruction 6 to Item 22(b)(7). If an additional index is included, disclose information about the additional index in the narrative explanation accompanying the bar chart and table (e.g., by stating that the information shows how the Fund's performance compares with the returns of an index of funds with similar investment objectives). (c) If the Fund selects an index that is different from the index used in a table for the immediately preceding period, explain the reason(s) for the selection of a different index and provide information for both the newly selected and the former index. (d) A Fund (other than a Money Market Fund) may include the Fund's yield calculated under Item 21(b)(2). Any Fund may include its tax-equivalent yield calculated under Item 21. If a Fund's yield is included, provide a tollfree (or collect) telephone number that investors can use to obtain current yield information. (e) Returns required by paragraphs 2(c)(2)(iii)(A), (B), and (C) for a Fund or Series must be adjacent to one another and appear in that order. When more than one Fund or Series is offered in the prospectus, do not intersperse returns of one Fund or Series with returns of another Fund or Series. The returns for a broad-based securities market index, as required by paragraph 2(c)(2)(iii), must precede or follow all of the returns for a Fund or Series rather than be interspersed with the returns of the Fund or Series. 3. Multiple Class Funds. (a) When a Multiple Class Fund offers more than one Class in the prospectus, provide annual total returns in the bar chart for only one of those Classes. The Fund can select which Class to include (e.g., the oldest Class, the Class with the greatest net assets) if the Fund: (i) Selects the Class offered in the prospectus with 10 or more years of annual returns if other Classes have fewer than 10 years of annual returns; (ii) Selects the Class with the longest period of annual returns when the Classes offered in the prospectus all have fewer than 10 years of returns; and (iii) If the Fund provides annual total returns in the bar chart for a Class that is different from the Class selected for the most immediately preceding period, explain in a footnote to the bar chart the reasons for the selection of a different Class. 12
(b) When a Multiple Class Fund offering one or more Classes offers a new Class in a prospectus that does not offer the shares of any other Class, include the bar chart with annual total returns for any other existing Class for the first year that the Class is offered. Explain in a footnote that the returns are for a Class that is not offered in the prospectus that would have substantially similar annual returns because the shares are invested in the same portfolio of securities and the annual returns would differ only to the extent that the Classes do not have the same expenses. Include return information for the other Class reflected in the bar chart in the performance table. (c) When a Multiple Class Fund offers more than one Class in the prospectus: (i) Provide the returns required by paragraph 2(c)(2)(iii)(A) of this Item for each Class offered in the prospectus; (ii) Provide the returns required by paragraphs 2(c)(2)(iii)(B) and (C) of this Item for only one of those Classes. The Fund may select the Class for which it provides the returns required by paragraphs 2(c)(2)(iii)(B) and (C) of this Item, provided that the Fund: (A) Selects a Class that has been offered for use as an investment option for accounts other than those described in General Instruction C.3.(d)(iii)(A); (B) Selects a Class described in paragraph (c)(ii)(A) of this instruction with 10 or more years of annual returns if other Classes described in paragraph (c)(ii)(A) of this instruction have fewer than 10 years of annual returns; (C) Selects the Class described in paragraph (c)(ii)(A) of this instruction with the longest period of annual returns if the Classes described in paragraph (c)(ii)(A) of this instruction all have fewer than 10 years of returns; and (D) If the Fund provides the returns required by paragraphs 2(c)(2)(iii)(B) and (C) of this Item for a Class that is different from the Class selected for the most immediately preceding period, explain in a footnote to the table the reasons for the selection of a different Class; (iii) The returns required by paragraphs 2(c)(2)(iii)(A), (B), and (C) of this Item for the Class described in paragraph (c)(ii) of this instruction should be adjacent and should not be interspersed with the returns of other Classes; and (iv) All returns shown should be identified by Class. (d) If a Multiple Class Fund offers a Class in the prospectus that converts into another Class after a stated period, compute average annual total returns in the table by using the returns of the other Class for the period after conversion. 4. Change in Investment Adviser. If the Fund has not had the same investment adviser during the last 10 calendar years, the Fund may begin the bar chart and the performance information in the table on the date that the current adviser began to provide advisory services to the Fund subject to the conditions in Instruction 11 of Item 22(b)(7).
Item 3.
Risk/Return Summary: Fee Table
Include the following information, in plain English under rule 421(d) under the Securities Act, after Item 2: Fees and expenses of the Fund This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of ____) Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends [and other Distributions] (as a percentage of ____) Redemption Fee (as a percentage of amount redeemed, if applicable) Exchange Fee Maximum Account Fee 13 ______% ______% ______% ______% ______% ______%
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets) Management Fees Distribution [and/or Service] (12b-1) Fees Other Expenses ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses Example This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be: 1 year $_______ 3 years $_______ 5 years $_______ 10 years $_______ ______% ______% ______% ______% ______% ______% ______%
You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares: 1 year $_______ 3 years $_______ 5 years $_______ 10 years $_______
The Example does not reflect sales charges (loads) on reinvested dividends [and other distributions]. If these sales charges (loads) were included, your costs would be higher. Instructions. 1. General. (a) Round all dollar figures to the nearest dollar and all percentages to the nearest hundredth of one percent. (b) Include the narrative explanations in the order indicated. A Fund may modify the narrative explanations if the explanation contains comparable information to that shown. (c) Include the caption "Maximum Account Fees" only if the Fund charges these fees. A Fund may omit other captions if the Fund does not charge the fees or expenses covered by the captions. (d) (i) If the Fund is a Feeder Fund, reflect the aggregate expenses of the Feeder Fund and the Master Fund in a single fee table using the captions provided. In a footnote to the fee table, state that the table and Example reflect the expenses of both the Feeder and Master Funds. (ii) If the prospectus offers more than one Class of a Multiple Class Fund or more than one Feeder Fund that invests in the same Master Fund, provide a separate response for each Class or Feeder Fund. 2. Shareholder Fees. (a) (i) "Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load)" includes the maximum total deferred sales charge (load) payable upon redemption, in installments, or both, expressed as a percentage of the amount or amounts stated in response to Item 7(a), except that, for a sales charge (load) based on net asset value at the time of purchase, show the sales charge (load) as a percentage of the offering price at the time of purchase. A Fund may include in a footnote to the table, if applicable, a tabular presentation showing the amount of deferred sales charges (loads) over time or a narrative explanation of the sales charges (loads) (e.g., __% in the first year after purchase, declining to __% in the __ year and eliminated thereafter). 14
(ii) If more than one type of sales charge (load) is imposed (e.g., a deferred sales charge (load) and a front-end sales charge (load)), the first caption in the table should read "Maximum Sales Charge (Load)" and show the maximum cumulative percentage. Show the percentage amounts and the terms of each sales charge (load) comprising that figure on separate lines below. (iii) If a sales charge (load) is imposed on shares purchased with reinvested capital gains distributions or returns of capital, include the bracketed words in the third caption. (b) "Redemption Fee" includes a fee charged for any redemption of the Fund's shares, but does not include a deferred sales charge (load) imposed upon redemption. (c) "Exchange Fee" includes the maximum fee charged for any exchange or transfer of interest from the Fund to another fund. The Fund may include in a footnote to the table, if applicable, a tabular presentation of the range of exchange fees or a narrative explanation of the fees. (d) "Maximum Account Fees." Disclose account fees that may be charged to a typical investor in the Fund; fees that apply to only a limited number of shareholders based on their particular circumstances need not be disclosed. Include a caption describing the maximum account fee (e.g., "Maximum Account Maintenance Fee" or "Maximum Cash Management Fee"). State the maximum annual account fee as either a fixed dollar amount or a percentage of assets. Include in a parenthetical to the caption the basis on which any percentage is calculated. If an account fee is charged only to accounts that do not meet a certain threshold (e.g., accounts under $5,000), the Fund may include the threshold in a parenthetical to the caption or footnote to the table. The Fund may include an explanation of any non-recurring account fee in a parenthetical to the caption or in a footnote to the table. 3. Annual Fund Operating Expenses. (a) "Management Fees" include investment advisory fees (including any fees based on the Fund's performance), any other management fees payable to the investment adviser or its affiliates, and administrative fees payable to the investment adviser or its affiliates that are not included as "Other Expenses." (b) "Distribution [and/or Service] (12b-1) Fees" include all distribution or other expenses incurred during the most recent fiscal year under a plan adopted pursuant to rule 12b-1 [17 CFR 270.12b-1]. Under an appropriate caption or a subcaption of "Other Expenses," disclose the amount of any distribution or similar expenses deducted from the Fund's assets other than pursuant to a rule 12b-1 plan. (c) (i) "Other Expenses" include all expenses not otherwise disclosed in the table that are deducted from the Fund's assets or charged to all shareholder accounts. The amount of expenses deducted from the Fund's assets are the amounts shown as expenses in the Fund's statement of operations (including increases resulting from complying with paragraph 2(g) of rule 6-07 of Regulation S-X [17 CFR 210.6-07]). (ii) "Other Expenses" do not include extraordinary expenses as determined under generally accepted accounting principles (see Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30). If extraordinary expenses were incurred that materially affected the Fund's "Other Expenses," disclose in a footnote to the table what "Other Expenses" would have been had the extraordinary expenses been included. (iii) The Fund may subdivide this caption into no more than three subcaptions that identify the largest expense or expenses comprising "Other Expenses," but must include a total of all "Other Expenses." Alternatively, the Fund may include the components of "Other Expenses" in a parenthetical to the caption. (d) (i) Base the percentages of "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" on amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal year, but include in expenses amounts that would have been incurred absent expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangements. If the Fund has changed its fiscal year and, as a result, the most recent fiscal year is less than three months, use the fiscal year prior to the most recent fiscal year as the basis for determining "Annual Fund Operating Expenses." (ii) If there have been any changes in "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" that would materially affect the information disclosed in the table: (A) Restate the expense information using the current fees as if they had been in effect during the previous fiscal year; and 15
(B) In a footnote to the table, disclose that the expense information in the table has been restated to reflect current fees. (iii) A change in "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" means either an increase or a decrease in expenses that occurred during the most recent fiscal year or that is expected to occur during the current fiscal year. A change in "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" does not include a decrease in operating expenses as a percentage of assets due to economies of scale or breakpoints in a fee arrangement resulting from an increase in the Fund's assets. (e) The Fund may reflect actual operating expenses that include expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangements in a footnote to the table. If the Fund provides this disclosure, also disclose the period for which the expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangement is expected to continue, or whether it can be terminated at any time at the option of the Fund. (f) (i) If the Fund (unless it is a Feeder Fund) invests in shares of one or more Acquired Funds, add a subcaption to the "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" portion of the table directly above the subcaption titled "Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses." Title the additional subcaption: "Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses." Disclose in the subcaption fees and expenses incurred indirectly by the Fund as a result of investment in shares of one or more Acquired Funds. For purposes of this item, an "Acquired Fund" means any company in which the Fund invests or has invested during the relevant fiscal period that (A) is an investment company or (B) would be an investment company under section 3(a) of the Investment Company Act (15 U.S.C. 80a-3(a)) but for the exceptions to that definition provided for in sections 3(c)(1) and 3(c)(7) of the Investment Company Act (15 U.S.C. 80a-3(c)(1) and 80a-3(c)(7)). If a Fund uses another term in response to other requirements of this Form to refer to Acquired Funds, it may include that term in parentheses following the subcaption title. In the event the fees and expenses incurred indirectly by the Fund as a result of investment in shares of one or more Acquired Funds do not exceed 0.01 percent (one basis point) of average net assets of the Fund, the Fund may include these fees and expenses under the subcaption "Other Expenses" in lieu of this disclosure requirement. (ii) Determine the "Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses" according to the following formula: AFFE = [(F1/FY)*AI1* D1]+[(F2/FY)*AI2* D2]+[(F3/FY)*AI3* D3] + Transaction Fees + Incentive Allocations Average Net Assets of the Fund Where: AFFE = Acquired Fund fees and expenses; F1, F2, F3, . . . = Total annual operating expense ratio for each Acquired Fund; FY = Number of days in the relevant fiscal year. AI1, AI2, AI3, . . = Average invested balance in each Acquired Fund; D1, D2, D3, . . . = Number of days invested in each Acquired Fund; and "Transaction Fees" = The total amount of sales loads, redemption fees, or other transaction fees paid by the Fund in connection with acquiring or disposing of shares in any Acquired Funds during the most recent fiscal year. "Incentive Allocations" = Any allocation of capital from the Acquiring Fund to the adviser of the Acquired Fund (or its affiliate) based on a percentage of the Acquiring Fund's income, capital gains and/or appreciation in the Acquired Fund. (iii) Calculate the average net assets of the Fund for the most recent fiscal year, as provided in Item 8(a) (see Instruction 4 to Item 8(a)). (iv) The total annual operating expense ratio used for purposes of this calculation (F1) is the annualized ratio of operating expenses to average net assets for the Acquired Fund's most recent fiscal period as disclosed in the Acquired Fund's most recent shareholder report. If the ratio of expenses to average net assets is not included in the most recent shareholder report or the Acquired Fund is a newly formed fund that has not provided a shareholder report, then the ratio of expenses to average net assets of the Acquired Fund is the ratio of total annual operating expenses to average annual net assets of the Acquired Fund for its most recent fiscal period as disclosed in the most recent communication from the Acquired Fund to the Fund. For purposes of this instruction: (i) Acquired Fund expenses include increases resulting from brokerage service and expense offset arrangements and reductions resulting from fee waivers or reimbursements by the Acquired Funds' investment advisers or sponsors; and (ii) Acquired Fund expenses do not include expenses (i.e., performance fees) that are incurred solely upon the realization and/or distribution of a gain. If an Acquired Fund has no operating history, include in the Acquired Funds' expenses any fees payable to the Acquired Fund's investment adviser or its affiliates stated in the Acquired Fund's registration statement, offering memorandum or other similar communication without giving effect to any performance. 16
(v) To determine the average invested balance (AI1), the numerator is the sum of the amount initially invested in an Acquired Fund during the most recent fiscal year (if the investment was held at the end of the previous fiscal year, use the amount invested as of the end of the previous fiscal year) and the amounts invested in the Acquired Fund no less frequently than monthly during the period the investment is held by the Fund (if the investment was held through the end of the fiscal year, use each month-end through and including the fiscal yearend). Divide the numerator by the number of measurement points included in the calculation of the numerator (i.e., if an investment is made during the fiscal year and held for 3 succeeding months, the denominator would be 4). (vi) A New Fund should base the Acquired Fund fees and expenses on assumptions as to the specific Acquired Funds in which the New Fund expects to invest. Disclose in a footnote to the table that Acquired Fund fees and expenses are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year. (vii) The Fund may clarify in a footnote to the fee table that the total annual fund operating expenses under Item 3 do not correlate to the ratio of expenses to average net assets given in response to Item 8, which reflects the operating expenses of the Fund and does not include Acquired Fund fees and expenses. 4. Example. (a) Assume that the percentage amounts listed under "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" remain the same in each year of the 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year periods, except that an adjustment may be made to reflect reduced annual expenses resulting from completion of the amortization of initial organization expenses. (b) For any breakpoint in any fee, assume that the amount of the Fund's assets remains constant as of the level at the end of the most recently completed fiscal year. (c) Assume reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. (d) Reflect recurring and non-recurring fees charged to all investors other than any exchange fees or any sales charges (loads) on shares purchased with reinvested dividends or other distributions. If sales charges (loads) are imposed on reinvested dividends or other distributions, include the narrative explanation following the Example and include the bracketed words when sales charges (loads) are charged on reinvested capital gains distributions or returns of capital. Reflect any shareholder account fees collected by more than one Fund by dividing the total amount of the fees collected during the most recent fiscal year for all Funds whose shareholders are subject to the fees by the total average net assets of the Funds. Add the resulting percentage to "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" and assume that it remains the same in each of the 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year periods. A Fund that charges account fees based on a minimum account requirement exceeding $10,000 may adjust its account fees based on the amount of the fee in relation to the Fund's minimum account requirement. (e) Reflect any deferred sales charge (load) by assuming redemption of the entire account at the end of the year in which the sales charge (load) is due. In the case of a deferred sales charge (load) that is based on the Fund's net asset value at the time of payment, assume that the net asset value at the end of each year includes the 5% annual return for that and each preceding year. (f) Include the second 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year periods and related narrative explanation only if a sales charge (load) or other fee is charged upon redemption. 5. New Funds. For purposes of this Item, a "New Fund" is a Fund that does not include in Form N-1A financial statements reporting operating results or that includes financial statements for the Fund's initial fiscal year reporting operating results for a period of 6 months or less. The following Instructions apply to New Funds. (a) Base the percentages expressed in "Annual Fund Operating Expenses" on payments that will be made, but include in expenses, amounts that will be incurred without reduction for expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangements, estimating amounts of "Other Expenses." Disclose in a footnote to the table that "Other Expenses" are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year. (b) The New Fund may reflect expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangements that are expected to reduce any Fund operating expense or the estimate of "Other Expenses" (regardless of whether the arrangement has been guaranteed) in a footnote to the table. If the New Fund provides this disclosure, also disclose the period for which the expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangement is expected to continue, or whether it can be terminated at any time at the option of the Fund. 17
(c) Complete only the 1- and 3-year period portions of the Example and estimate any shareholder account fees collected. Item 4. Investment Objectives, Principal Investment Strategies, Related Risks, and Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings
(a) Investment Objectives. State the Fund's investment objectives and, if applicable, state that those objectives may be changed without shareholder approval. (b) Implementation of Investment Objectives. Describe how the Fund intends to achieve its investment objectives. In the discussion: (1) Describe the Fund's principal investment strategies, including the particular type or types of securities in which the Fund principally invests or will invest. Instructions. 1. 2. A strategy includes any policy, practice, or technique used by the Fund to achieve its investment objectives. Whether a particular strategy, including a strategy to invest in a particular type of security, is a principal investment strategy depends on the strategy's anticipated importance in achieving the Fund's investment objectives, and how the strategy affects the Fund's potential risks and returns. In determining what is a principal investment strategy, consider, among other things, the amount of the Fund's assets expected to be committed to the strategy, the amount of the Fund's assets expected to be placed at risk by the strategy, and the likelihood of the Fund's losing some or all of those assets from implementing the strategy. A negative strategy (e.g., a strategy not to invest in a particular type of security or not to borrow money) is not a principal investment strategy. Disclose any policy to concentrate in securities of issuers in a particular industry or group of industries (i.e., investing more than 25% of a Fund's net assets in a particular industry or group of industries). Disclose any other policy specified in Item 11(c)(1) that is a principal investment strategy of the Fund. Disclose, if applicable, that the Fund may, from time to time, take temporary defensive positions that are inconsistent with the Fund's principal investment strategies in attempting to respond to adverse market, economic, political, or other conditions. Also disclose the effect of taking such a temporary defensive position (e.g., that the Fund may not achieve its investment objective). Disclose whether the Fund (if not a Money Market Fund) may engage in active and frequent trading of portfolio securities to achieve its principal investment strategies. If so, explain the tax consequences to shareholders of increased portfolio turnover, and how the tax consequences of, or trading costs associated with, a Fund's portfolio turnover may affect the Fund's performance.
3.
4.
5. 6.
7.
(2) Explain in general terms how the Fund's adviser decides which securities to buy and sell (e.g., for an equity fund, discuss, if applicable, whether the Fund emphasizes value or growth or blends the two approaches). (c) Risks. Disclose the principal risks of investing in the Fund, including the risks to which the Fund's particular portfolio as a whole is expected to be subject and the circumstances reasonably likely to affect adversely the Fund's net asset value, yield, or total return. (d) Portfolio Holdings. State that a description of the Fund's policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund's portfolio securities is available (i) in the Fund's SAI; and (ii) on the Fund's website, if applicable. Item 5. Management, Organization, and Capital Structure
(a) Management. (1) Investment Adviser. (i) Provide the name and address of each investment adviser of the Fund. Describe the investment adviser's experience as an investment adviser and the advisory services that it provides to the Fund. 18
(ii) Describe the compensation of each investment adviser of the Fund as follows: (A) If the Fund has operated for a full fiscal year, state the aggregate fee paid to the adviser for the most recent fiscal year as a percentage of average net assets. If the Fund has not operated for a full fiscal year, state what the adviser's fee is as a percentage of average net assets, including any breakpoints. (B) If the adviser's fee is not based on a percentage of average net assets (e.g., the adviser receives a performancebased fee), describe the basis of the adviser's compensation. (iii) Include a statement, adjacent to the disclosure required by paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this Item, that a discussion regarding the basis for the board of directors approving any investment advisory contract of the Fund is available in the Fund's annual or semi-annual report to shareholders, as applicable, and providing the period covered by the relevant annual or semi-annual report. Instructions. 1. 2. 3. If the Fund changed advisers during the fiscal year, describe the compensation and the dates of service for each adviser. Explain any changes in the basis of computing the adviser's compensation during the fiscal year. If a Fund has more than one investment adviser, disclose the aggregate fee paid to all of the advisers, rather than the fees paid to each adviser, in response to this Item.
(2) Portfolio Manager. State the name, title, and length of service of the person or persons employed by or associated with the Fund or an investment adviser of the Fund who are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund's portfolio ("Portfolio Manager"). Also state each Portfolio Manager's business experience during the past 5 years. Include a statement, adjacent to the foregoing disclosure, that the SAI provides additional information about the Portfolio Manager's(s') compensation, other accounts managed by the Portfolio Manager(s), and the Portfolio Manager's(s') ownership of securities in the Fund. Instructions. 1. 2. This requirement does not apply to a Money Market Fund. If a committee, team, or other group of persons associated with the Fund or an investment adviser of the Fund is jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund's portfolio, information in response to this Item is required for each member of such committee, team, or other group. For each such member, provide a brief description of the person's role on the committee, team, or other group (e.g., lead member), including a description of any limitations on the person's role and the relationship between the person's role and the roles of other persons who have responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Fund's portfolio. If more than five persons are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund's portfolio, the Fund need only provide information for the five persons with the most significant responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Fund's portfolio.
(3) Legal Proceedings. Describe any material pending legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to the business, to which the Fund or the Fund's investment adviser or principal underwriter is a party. Include the name of the court in which the proceedings are pending, the date instituted, the principal parties involved, a description of the factual basis alleged to underlie the proceeding, and the relief sought. Include similar information as to any legal proceedings instituted, or known to be contemplated, by a governmental authority. Instruction. For purposes of this requirement, legal proceedings are material only to the extent that they are likely to have a material adverse effect on the Fund or the ability of the investment adviser or principal underwriter to perform its contract with the Fund. (b) Capital Stock. Disclose any unique or unusual restrictions on the right freely to retain or dispose of the Fund's shares or material obligations or potential liabilities associated with holding the Fund's shares (not including investment risks) that may expose investors to significant risks. Item 6. Shareholder Information
(a) Pricing of Fund Shares. Describe the procedures for pricing the Fund's shares, including:
19
(1) An explanation that the price of Fund shares is based on the Fund's net asset value and the method used to value Fund shares (market price, fair value, or amortized cost). Instruction. A Fund (other than a Money Market Fund) must provide a brief explanation of the circumstances under which it will use fair value pricing and the effects of using fair value pricing. With respect to any portion of a Fund's assets that are invested in one or more open-end management investment companies that are registered under the Investment Company Act, the Fund may briefly explain that the Fund's net asset value is calculated based upon the net asset values of the registered open-end management investment companies in which the Fund invests, and that the prospectuses for these companies explain the circumstances under which those companies will use fair value pricing and the effects of using fair value pricing. (2) A statement as to when calculations of net asset value are made and that the price at which a purchase or redemption is effected is based on the next calculation of net asset value after the order is placed. (3) A statement identifying in a general manner any national holidays when shares will not be priced and specifying any additional local or regional holidays when the Fund shares will not be priced. Instructions. 1. In responding to this Item, a Fund may use a list of specific days or any other means that effectively communicates the information (e.g., explaining that shares will not be priced on the days on which the New York Stock Exchange is closed for trading). If the Fund has portfolio securities that are primarily listed on foreign exchanges that trade on weekends or other days when the Fund does not price its shares, disclose that the net asset value of the Fund's shares may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or redeem the Fund's shares.
2.
(b) Purchase of Fund Shares. Describe the procedures for purchasing the Fund's shares, including any minimum initial or subsequent investment requirements. (c) Redemption of Fund Shares. Describe the procedures for redeeming the Fund's shares, including: (1) Any restrictions on redemptions. (2) Any redemption charges, including how these charges will be collected and under what circumstances the charges will be waived. (3) If the Fund has reserved the right to redeem in kind. (4) Any procedure that a shareholder can use to sell the Fund's shares to the Fund or its underwriter through a broker-dealer, noting any charges that may be imposed for such service. Instruction. The specific fees paid through the broker-dealer for such service need not be disclosed. (5) The circumstances, if any, under which the Fund may redeem shares automatically without action by the shareholder in accounts below a certain number or value of shares. (6) The circumstances, if any, under which the Fund may delay honoring a request for redemption for a certain time after a shareholder's investment (e.g., whether a Fund does not process redemptions until clearance of the check for the initial investment). (7) Any restrictions on, or costs associated with, transferring shares held in street name accounts. (d) Dividends and Distributions. Describe the Fund's policy with respect to dividends and distributions, including any options that shareholders may have as to the receipt of dividends and distributions. (e) Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Fund Shares. (1) Describe the risks, if any, that frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares by Fund shareholders may present for other shareholders of the Fund.
20
(2) State whether or not the Fund's board of directors has adopted policies and procedures with respect to frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares by Fund shareholders. (3) If the Fund's board of directors has not adopted any such policies and procedures, provide a statement of the specific basis for the view of the board that it is appropriate for the Fund not to have such policies and procedures. (4) If the Fund's board of directors has adopted any such policies and procedures, describe those policies and procedures, including: (i) Whether or not the Fund discourages frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares by Fund shareholders; (ii) Whether or not the Fund accommodates frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares by Fund shareholders; and (iii) Any policies and procedures of the Fund for deterring frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares by Fund shareholders, including any restrictions imposed by the Fund to prevent or minimize frequent purchases and redemptions. Describe each of these policies, procedures, and restrictions with specificity. Indicate whether each of these restrictions applies uniformly in all cases or whether the restriction will not be imposed under certain circumstances, including whether each of these restrictions applies to trades that occur through omnibus accounts at intermediaries, such as investment advisers, broker-dealers, transfer agents, third party administrators, and insurance companies. Describe with specificity the circumstances under which any restriction will not be imposed. Include a description of the following restrictions, if applicable: (A) Any restrictions on the volume or number of purchases, redemptions, or exchanges that a shareholder may make within a given time period; (B) Any exchange fee or redemption fee; (C) Any costs or administrative or other fees or charges that are imposed on shareholders deemed to be engaged in frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares, together with a description of the circumstances under which such costs, fees, or charges will be imposed; (D) Any minimum holding period that is imposed before an investor may make exchanges into another Fund; (E) Any restrictions imposed on exchange or purchase requests submitted by overnight delivery, electronically, or via facsimile or telephone; and (F) Any right of the Fund to reject, limit, delay, or impose other conditions on exchanges or purchases or to close or otherwise limit accounts based on a history of frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares, including the circumstances under which such right will be exercised. (5) If applicable, include a statement, adjacent to the disclosure required by paragraphs (e)(1) through (e)(4) of this Item, that the SAI includes a description of all arrangements with any person to permit frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares. (f) Tax Consequences. (1) Describe the tax consequences to shareholders of buying, holding, exchanging and selling the Fund's shares, including, as applicable, that: (i) The Fund intends to make distributions that may be taxed as ordinary income and capital gains (which may be taxable at different rates depending on the length of time the Fund holds its assets). If the Fund expects that its distributions, as a result of its investment objectives or strategies, will consist primarily of ordinary income or capital gains, provide disclosure to that effect. (ii) The Fund's distributions, whether received in cash or reinvested in additional shares of the Fund, may be subject to federal income tax. (iii) An exchange of the Fund's shares for shares of another fund will be treated as a sale of the Fund's shares and any gain on the transaction may be subject to federal income tax.
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(2) For a Fund that holds itself out as investing in securities generating tax-exempt income: (i) Modify the disclosure required by paragraph (f)(1) to reflect that the Fund intends to distribute tax-exempt income. (ii) Also disclose, as applicable, that: (A) The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in securities that generate income that is not exempt from federal or state income tax; (B) Income exempt from federal tax may be subject to state and local income tax; and (C) Any capital gains distributed by the Fund may be taxable. (3) If the Fund does not expect to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code [I.R.C. 851 et seq.], explain the tax consequences. If the Fund expects to pay an excise tax under the Internal Revenue Code [I.R.C. 4982] with respect to its distributions, explain the tax consequences. (g) Separate Disclosure Document. A Fund may omit from the prospectus information about purchase and redemption procedures required by Items 6(b)-(d) and 7(a)(2)-(5), other than information that is also required by Item 6(e), and provide it in a separate document if the Fund: (1) Incorporates the separate purchase and redemption document into the prospectus by reference and files the document with Part A of Form N-1A; (2) Includes a legend on the front cover page of the separate document explaining that the information disclosed is part of, and incorporated in, the prospectus; (3) Includes a statement on the outside back cover page of the prospectus that the purchase and sale information is provided in a separate document that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus; and (4) Delivers the separate purchase and redemption document with the prospectus. Instruction. When delivering multiple prospectuses, all of which incorporate the same separate purchase and sale document by reference, a Fund may deliver a single separate document. Item 7. Distribution Arrangements
(a) Sales Loads. (1) Describe any sales loads, including deferred sales loads, applied to purchases of the Fund's shares. Include in a table any front-end sales load (and each breakpoint in the sales load, if any) as a percentage of both the offering price and the net amount invested. Instructions. 1. If the Fund's shares are sold subject to a front-end sales load, explain that the term "offering price" includes the frontend sales load. Disclose, if applicable, that sales loads are imposed on shares, or amounts representing shares, that are purchased with reinvested dividends or other distributions. Discuss, if applicable, how deferred sales loads are imposed and calculated, including: (a) Whether the specified percentage of the sales load is based on the offering price, or the lesser of the offering price or net asset value at the time the sales load is paid. (b) The amount of the sales load as a percentage of both the offering price and the net amount invested.
2.
3.
22
(c) A description of how the sales load is calculated (e.g., in the case of a partial redemption, whether or not the sales load is calculated as if shares or amounts representing shares not subject to a sales load are redeemed first, and other shares or amounts representing shares are then redeemed in the order purchased). (d) If applicable, the method of paying an installment sales load (e.g., by withholding of dividend payments, involuntary redemptions, or separate billing of a shareholder's account). (2) Unless disclosed in response to paragraph (a)(1), briefly describe any arrangements that result in breakpoints in, or elimination of, sales loads (e.g., letters of intent, accumulation plans, dividend reinvestment plans, withdrawal plans, exchange privileges, employee benefit plans, redemption reinvestment plans, and waivers for particular classes of investors). Identify each class of individuals or transactions to which the arrangements apply and state each different breakpoint as a percentage of both the offering price and the net amount invested. If applicable, state that additional information concerning sales load breakpoints is available in the Fund's SAI. Instructions. 1. The description, pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this Item 7, of arrangements that result in breakpoints in, or elimination of, sales loads must include a brief summary of shareholder eligibility requirements, including a description or list of the types of accounts (e.g., retirement accounts, accounts held at other financial intermediaries), account holders (e.g., immediate family members, family trust accounts, solely-controlled business accounts), and fund holdings (e.g., funds held within the same fund complex) that may be aggregated for purposes of determining eligibility for sales load breakpoints. The description pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of this Item 7 need not contain any information required by Items 12(d) and 17(b).
2.
(3) Describe, if applicable, the methods used to value accounts in order to determine whether a shareholder has met sales load breakpoints, including the circumstances in which and the classes of individuals to whom each method applies. Methods that should be described, if applicable, include historical cost, net amount invested, and offering price. (4) (i) State, if applicable, that, in order to obtain a breakpoint discount, it may be necessary at the time of purchase for a shareholder to inform the Fund or his or her financial intermediary of the existence of other accounts in which there are holdings eligible to be aggregated to meet sales load breakpoints. Describe any information or records, such as account statements, that it may be necessary for a shareholder to provide to the Fund or his or her financial intermediary in order to verify his or her eligibility for a breakpoint discount. This description must include, if applicable: (A) Information or records regarding shares of the Fund or other funds held in all accounts (e.g., retirement accounts) of the shareholder at the financial intermediary; (B) Information or records regarding shares of the Fund or other funds held in any account of the shareholder at another financial intermediary; and (C) Information or records regarding shares of the Fund or other funds held at any financial intermediary by related parties of the shareholder, such as members of the same family or household. (ii) If the Fund permits eligibility for breakpoints to be determined based on historical cost, state that a shareholder should retain any records necessary to substantiate historical costs because the Fund, its transfer agent, and financial intermediaries may not maintain this information. (5) State whether the Fund makes available free of charge, on or through the Fund's Web site at a specified Internet address, and in a clear and prominent format, the information required by paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(4) and Item 17(a), including whether the Web site includes hyperlinks that facilitate access to the information. If the Fund does not make the information required by paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(4) and Item 17(a) available in this manner, disclose the reasons why it does not do so (including, where applicable, that the Fund does not have an Internet Web site). Instruction. All information required by paragraph (a) of this Item 7 must be adjacent to the table required by paragraph (a)(1) of this Item 7; must be presented in a clear, concise, and understandable manner; and must include tables, schedules, and charts as expressly required by paragraph (a)(1) of this Item 7 or where doing so would facilitate understanding.
23
(b) Rule 12b-1 Fees. If the Fund has adopted a plan under rule 12b-1, state the amount of the distribution fee payable under the plan and provide disclosure to the following effect: (1) The Fund has adopted a plan under rule 12b-1 that allows the Fund to pay distribution fees for the sale and distribution of its shares; and (2) Because these fees are paid out of the Fund's assets on an on-going basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges. Instruction. If the Fund pays service fees under its rule 12b-1 plan, modify this disclosure to reflect the payment of these fees (e.g., by indicating that the Fund pays distribution and other fees for the sale of its shares and for services provided to shareholders). For purposes of this paragraph, service fees have the same meaning given that term under rule 2830(b)(9) of the NASD Conduct Rules [NASD Manual (CCH) 4622]. (c) Multiple Class and Master-Feeder Funds. (1) Describe the main features of the structure of the Multiple Class Fund or Master-Feeder Fund. (2) If more than one Class of a Multiple Class Fund is offered in the prospectus, provide the information required by paragraphs (a) and (b) for each of those Classes. (3) If a Multiple Class Fund offers in the prospectus shares that provide for mandatory or automatic conversions or exchanges from one Class to another Class, provide the information required by paragraphs (a) and (b) for both the shares offered and the Class into which the shares may be converted or exchanged. (4) If a Feeder Fund has the ability to change the Master Fund in which it invests, describe briefly the circumstances under which the Feeder Fund can do so. Instruction. A Feeder Fund that does not have the authority to change its Master Fund need not disclose the possibility and consequences of its no longer investing in the Master Fund. Item 8. Financial Highlights Information
(a) Provide the following information for the Fund, or for the Fund and its subsidiaries, audited for at least the latest 5 years and consolidated as required in Regulation S-X [17 CFR 210]. Financial Highlights The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Fund's financial performance for the past 5 years [or, if shorter, the period of the Fund's operations]. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned [or lost] on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This information has been audited by ___________, whose report, along with the Fund's financial statements, are included in [the SAI or annual report], which is available upon request.
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period Income From Investment Operations Net Investment Income Net Gains or Losses on Securities (both realized and unrealized) Total From Investment Operations Less Distributions Dividends (from net investment income) Distributions (from capital gains) Returns of Capital Total Distributions
24
Net Asset Value, End of Period Total Return ............................................................................................................ Ratios/Supplemental Data Net Assets, End of Period Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets Ratio of Net Income to Average Net Assets Portfolio Turnover Rate
Instructions. 1. General. (a) Present the information in comparative columnar form for each of the last 5 fiscal years of the Fund (or for such shorter period as the Fund has been in operation), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Also present the information for the period between the end of the latest fiscal year and the date of the latest balance sheet or statement of assets and liabilities. When a period in the table is for less than a full fiscal year, a Fund may annualize ratios in the table and disclose that the ratios are annualized in a note to the table. (b) List per share amounts at least to the nearest cent. If the offering price is expressed in tenths of a cent or more, then state the amounts in the table in tenths of a cent. Present the information using a consistent number of decimal places. (c) Include the narrative explanation before the financial information. A Fund may modify the explanation if the explanation contains comparable information to that shown. 2. Per Share Operating Performance.
(a) Derive net investment income data by adding (deducting) the increase (decrease) per share in undistributed net investment income for the period to (from) dividends from net investment income per share for the period. The increase (decrease) per share may be derived by comparing the per share figures obtained by dividing undistributed net investment income at the beginning and end of the period by the number of shares outstanding on those dates. Other methods of computing net investment income may be acceptable. Provide an explanation in a note to the table of any other method used to compute net investment income. (b) The amount shown at the Net Gains or Losses on Securities caption is the balancing figure derived from the other amounts in the statement. The amount shown at this caption for a share outstanding throughout the year may not agree with the change in the aggregate gains and losses in the portfolio securities for the year because of the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund's shares in relation to fluctuating market values for the portfolio. (c) For any distributions made from sources other than net investment income and capital gains, state the per share amounts separately at the Returns of Capital caption and note the nature of the distributions. 3. Total Return. (a) Assume an initial investment made at the net asset value calculated on the last business day before the first day of each period shown. (b) Do not reflect sales loads or account fees in the initial investment, but, if sales loads or account fees are imposed, note that they are not reflected in total return. (c) Reflect any sales load assessed upon reinvestment of dividends or distributions. (d) Assume a redemption at the price calculated on the last business day of each period shown. (e) For a period less than a full fiscal year, state the total return for the period and disclose that total return is not annualized in a note to the table. 25
4.
Ratios/Supplemental Data. (a) Calculate "average net assets" based on the value of the net assets determined no less frequently than the end of each month. (b) Calculate the Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets using the amount of expenses shown in the Fund's statement of operations for the relevant fiscal period, including increases resulting from complying with paragraph 2(g) of rule 6-07 of Regulation S-X and reductions resulting from complying with paragraphs 2(a) and (f) of rule 6-07 regarding fee waivers and reimbursements. If a change in the methodology for determining the ratio of expenses to average net assets results from applying paragraph 2(g) of rule 6-07, explain in a note that the ratio reflects fees paid with brokerage commissions and fees reduced in connection with specific agreements only for periods ending after September 1, 1995. (c) A Fund that is a Money Market Fund may omit the Portfolio Turnover Rate. (d) Calculate the Portfolio Turnover Rate as follows: (i) Divide the lesser of amounts of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the fiscal year by the monthly average of the value of the portfolio securities owned by the Fund during the fiscal year. Calculate the monthly average by totaling the values of portfolio securities as of the beginning and end of the first month of the fiscal year and as of the end of each of the succeeding 11 months and dividing the sum by 13. (ii) Exclude from both the numerator and the denominator amounts relating to all securities, including options, whose maturities or expiration dates at the time of acquisition were one year or less. Include all long-term securities, including long-term U.S. Government securities. Purchases include any cash paid upon the conversion of one portfolio security into another and the cost of rights or warrants. Sales include net proceeds of the sale of rights and warrants and net proceeds of portfolio securities that have been called or for which payment has been made through redemption or maturity. (iii) If the Fund acquired the assets of another investment company or of a personal holding company in exchange for its own shares during the fiscal year in a purchase-of-assets transaction, exclude the value of securities acquired from purchases and securities sold from sales to realign the Fund's portfolio. Adjust the denominator of the portfolio turnover computation to reflect these excluded purchases and sales and disclose them in a footnote. (iv) Include in purchases and sales any short sales that the Fund intends to maintain for more than one year and put and call options with expiration dates more than one year from the date of acquisition. Include proceeds from a short sale in the value of the portfolio securities sold during the period; include the cost of covering a short sale in the value of portfolio securities purchased during the period. Include premiums paid to purchase options in the value of portfolio securities purchased during the reporting period; include premiums received from the sale of options in the value of the portfolio securities sold during the period.
(b) A Fund may incorporate by reference the Financial Highlights Information from a report to shareholders under rule 30e-1 into the prospectus in response to this Item if the Fund delivers the shareholder report with the prospectus or, if the report has been previously delivered (e.g., to a current shareholder), the Fund includes the statement required by Item 1(b)(1).
PART B: INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Item 9. Cover Page and Table of Contents
(a) Front Cover Page. Include the following information on the outside front cover page of the SAI: (1) The Fund's name and, if the Fund is a Series, also provide the Registrant's name. (2) A statement or statements: (i) That the SAI is not a prospectus; (ii) How the prospectus may be obtained; and
26
(iii) Whether and from where information is incorporated by reference into the SAI, as permitted by General Instruction D. Instruction. Any information incorporated by reference into the SAI must be delivered with the SAI unless the information has been previously delivered in a shareholder report (e.g., to a current shareholder), and the Fund states that the shareholder report is available, without charge, upon request. Provide a toll-free (or collect) telephone number to call to request the report. (3) The date of the SAI and of the prospectus to which the SAI relates. (b) Table of Contents. Include under appropriate captions (and subcaptions) a list of the contents of the SAI and, when useful, provide cross-references to related disclosure in the prospectus. Item 10. Fund History
(a) Provide the date and form of organization of the Fund and the name of the state or other jurisdiction in which the Fund is organized. (b) If the Fund has engaged in a business other than that of an investment company during the past 5 years, state the nature of the other business and give the approximate date on which the Fund commenced business as an investment company. If the Fund's name was changed during that period, state its former name and the approximate date on which it was changed. Briefly describe the nature and results of any change in the Fund's business or name that occurred in connection with any bankruptcy, receivership, or similar proceeding, or any other material reorganization, readjustment or succession. Item 11. Description of the Fund and Its Investments and Risks
(a) Classification. State that the Fund is an open-end, management investment company and indicate, if applicable, that the Fund is diversified. (b) Investment Strategies and Risks. Describe any investment strategies, including a strategy to invest in a particular type of security, used by an investment adviser of the Fund in managing the Fund that are not principal strategies and the risks of those strategies. (c) Fund Policies. (1) Describe the Fund's policy with respect to each of the following: (i) Issuing senior securities; (ii) Borrowing money, including the purpose for which the proceeds will be used; (iii) Underwriting securities of other issuers; (iv) Concentrating investments in a particular industry or group of industries; (v) Purchasing or selling real estate or commodities; (vi) Making loans; and (vii)Any other policy that the Fund deems fundamental or that may not be changed without shareholder approval, including, if applicable, the Fund's investment objectives. Instruction. If the Fund reserves freedom of action with respect to any practice specified in paragraph (c)(1), state the maximum percentage of assets to be devoted to the practice and disclose the risks of the practice. (2) State whether shareholder approval is necessary to change any policy specified in paragraph (c)(1). If so, describe the vote required to obtain this approval. (d) Temporary Defensive Position. Disclose, if applicable, the types of investments that a Fund may make while assuming a temporary defensive position described in response to Item 4(b).
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(e) Portfolio Turnover. Explain any significant variation in the Fund's portfolio turnover rates over the two most recently completed fiscal years or any anticipated variation in the portfolio turnover rate from that reported for the last fiscal year in response to Item 8. Instruction. This paragraph does not apply to a Money Market Fund. (f) Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings. (1) Describe the Fund's policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund's portfolio securities to any person, including: (i) How the policies and procedures apply to disclosure to different categories of persons, including individual investors, institutional investors, intermediaries that distribute the Fund's shares, third-party service providers, rating and ranking organizations, and affiliated persons of the Fund; (ii) Any conditions or restrictions placed on the use of information about portfolio securities that is disclosed, including any requirement that the information be kept confidential or prohibitions on trading based on the information, and any procedures to monitor the use of this information; (iii) The frequency with which information about portfolio securities is disclosed, and the length of the lag, if any, between the date of the information and the date on which the information is disclosed; (iv) Any policies and procedures with respect to the receipt of compensation or other consideration by the Fund, its investment adviser, or any other party in connection with the disclosure of information about portfolio securities; (v) The individuals or categories of individuals who may authorize disclosure of the Fund's portfolio securities (e.g., executive officers of the Fund); (vi) The procedures that the Fund uses to ensure that disclosure of information about portfolio securities is in the best interests of Fund shareholders, including procedures to address conflicts between the interests of Fund shareholders, on the one hand, and those of the Fund's investment adviser; principal underwriter; or any affiliated person of the Fund, its investment adviser, or its principal underwriter, on the other; and (vii)The manner in which the board of directors exercises oversight of disclosure of the Fund's portfolio securities. Instruction. Include any policies and procedures of the Fund's investment adviser, or any other third party, that the Fund uses, or that are used on the Fund's behalf, with respect to the disclosure of the Fund's portfolio securities to any person. (2) Describe any ongoing arrangements to make available information about the Fund's portfolio securities to any person, including the identity of the persons who receive information pursuant to such arrangements. Describe any compensation or other consideration received by the Fund, its investment adviser, or any other party in connection with each such arrangement, and provide the information described by paragraphs (f)(1)(ii), (iii), and (v) of this Item with respect to such arrangements. Instructions. 1. The consideration required to be disclosed by Item 11(f)(2) includes any agreement to maintain assets in the Fund or in other investment companies or accounts managed by the investment adviser or by any affiliated person of the investment adviser. The Fund is not required to describe an ongoing arrangement to make available information about the Fund's portfolio securities pursuant to this Item, if, not later than the time that the Fund makes the portfolio securities information available to any person pursuant to the arrangement, the Fund discloses the information in a publicly available filing with the Commission that is required to include the information. The Fund is not required to describe an ongoing arrangement to make available information about the Fund's portfolio securities pursuant to this Item if:
2.
3.
28
(a) the Fund makes the portfolio securities information available to any person pursuant to the arrangement no earlier than the day next following the day on which the Fund makes the information available on its website in the manner specified in its prospectus pursuant to paragraph (b); and (b) the Fund has disclosed in its current prospectus that the portfolio securities information will be available on its website, including (1) the nature of the information that will be available, including both the date as of which the information will be current (e.g., month-end) and the scope of the information (e.g., complete portfolio holdings, Fund's largest 20 holdings); (2) the date when the information will first become available and the period for which the information will remain available, which shall end no earlier than the date on which the Fund files its Form NCSR or Form N-Q with the Commission for the period that includes the date as of which the website information is current; and (3) the location on the Fund's website where either the information or a prominent hyperlink (or series of prominent hyperlinks) to the information will be available. Item 12. Management of the Fund
Instructions. 1. For purposes of this Item 12, the terms below have the following meanings: (a) The term "family of investment companies" means any two or more registered investment companies that: (1) Share the same investment adviser or principal underwriter; and (2) Hold themselves out to investors as related companies for purposes of investment and investor services. (b) The term "fund complex" means two or more registered investment companies that: (1) Hold themselves out to investors as related companies for purposes of investment and investor services; or (2) Have a common investment adviser or have an investment adviser that is an affiliated person of the investment adviser of any of the other registered investment companies. (c) The term "immediate family member" means a person's spouse; child residing in the person's household (including step and adoptive children); and any dependent of the person, as defined in section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 152). (d) The term "officer" means the president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, controller, or any other officer who performs policy-making functions.
2.
When providing information about directors, furnish information for directors who are interested persons of the Fund separately from the information for directors who are not interested persons of the Fund. For example, when furnishing information in a table, you should provide separate tables (or separate sections of a single table) for directors who are interested persons and for directors who are not interested persons. When furnishing information in narrative form, indicate by heading or otherwise the directors who are interested persons and the directors who are not interested persons.
(a) Management Information. (1) Provide the information required by the following table for each director and officer of the Fund, and, if the Fund has an advisory board, member of the board. Explain in a footnote to the table any family relationship between the persons listed.
(1) Name, Address, and Age (2) Position(s) Held with Fund (3) Term of Office and Length of Time Served (4) Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years (5) Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Director (6) Other Directorships Held by Director
Instructions.
29
1.
For purposes of this paragraph, the term "family relationship" means any relationship by blood, marriage, or adoption, not more remote than first cousin. For each director who is an interested person of the Fund, describe, in a footnote or otherwise, the relationship, events, or transactions by reason of which the director is an interested person. State the principal business of any company listed under column (4) unless the principal business is implicit in its name. Indicate in column (6) directorships not included in column (5) that are held by a director in any company with a class of securities registered pursuant to section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78l) or subject to the requirements of section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78o(d)) or any company registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act, and name the companies in which the directorships are held. Where the other directorships include directorships overseeing two or more portfolios in the same fund complex, identify the fund complex and provide the number of portfolios overseen as a director in the fund complex rather than listing each portfolio separately.
2.
3.
4.
(2) For each individual listed in column (1) of the table required by paragraph (a)(1) of this Item 12, except for any director who is not an interested person of the Fund, describe any positions, including as an officer, employee, director, or general partner, held with affiliated persons or principal underwriters of the Fund. Instruction. When an individual holds the same position(s) with two or more registered investment companies that are part of the same fund complex, identify the fund complex and provide the number of registered investment companies for which the position(s) are held rather than listing each registered investment company separately. (3) Describe briefly any arrangement or understanding between any director or officer and any other person(s) (naming the person(s)) pursuant to which he was selected as a director or officer. Instruction. Do not include arrangements or understandings with directors or officers acting solely in their capacities as such. (b) Board of Directors. (1) Briefly describe the responsibilities of the board of directors with respect to the Fund's management. Instruction. A Fund may respond to this paragraph by providing a general statement as to the responsibilities of the board of directors with respect to the Fund's management under the applicable laws of the state or other jurisdiction in which the Fund is organized. (2) Identify the standing committees of the Fund's board of directors, and provide the following information about each committee: (i) A concise statement of the functions of the committee; (ii) The members of the committee; (iii) The number of committee meetings held during the last fiscal year; and (iv) If the committee is a nominating or similar committee, state whether the committee will consider nominees recommended by security holders and, if so, describe the procedures to be followed by security holders in submitting recommendations. (3) Unless disclosed in the table required by paragraph (a)(1) of this Item 12, describe any positions, including as an officer, employee, director, or general partner, held by any director who is not an interested person of the Fund, or immediate family member of the director, during the two most recently completed calendar years with: (i) The Fund; (ii) An investment company, or a person that would be an investment company but for the exclusions provided by sections 3(c)(1) and 3(c)(7) (15 U.S.C. 80a-3(c)(1) and (c)(7)), having the same investment adviser or principal underwriter as the Fund or having an investment adviser or principal underwriter that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with an investment adviser or principal underwriter of the Fund; (iii) An investment adviser, principal underwriter, or affiliated person of the Fund; or 30
(iv) Any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with an investment adviser or principal underwriter of the Fund. Instruction. When an individual holds the same position(s) with two or more portfolios that are part of the same fund complex, identify the fund complex and provide the number of portfolios for which the position(s) are held rather than listing each portfolio separately. (4) For each director, state the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by the director as required by the following table: (i) In the Fund; and (ii) On an aggregate basis, in any registered investment companies overseen by the director within the same family of investment companies as the Fund.
(1) Name of Director (2) Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Fund (3) Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in All Registered Investment Companies Overseen by Director in Family of Investment Companies
Instructions. 1. Information should be provided as of the end of the most recently completed calendar year. Specify the valuation date by footnote or otherwise. Determine "beneficial ownership" in accordance with rule 16a-1(a)(2) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.16a1(a)(2)). If the SAI covers more than one Fund or Series, disclose in column (2) the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by a director in each Fund or Series overseen by the director. In disclosing the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by a director in columns (2) and (3), use the following ranges: none, $1-$10,000, $10,001-$50,000, $50,001-$100,000, or over $100,000.
2.
3.
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(5) For each director who is not an interested person of the Fund, and his immediate family members, furnish the information required by the following table as to each class of securities owned beneficially or of record in: (i) An investment adviser or principal underwriter of the Fund; or (ii) A person (other than a registered investment company) directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with an investment adviser or principal underwriter of the Fund:
(1) Name of Director (2) Name of Owners and Relationships to Director (3) Company (4) Title of Class (5) Value of Securities (6) Percent of Class
Instructions. 1. Information should be provided as of the end of the most recently completed calendar year. Specify the valuation date by footnote or otherwise. An individual is a "beneficial owner" of a security if he is a "beneficial owner" under either rule 13d-3 or rule 16a1(a)(2) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13d-3 or 240.16a-1(a)(2)).
2.
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3.
Identify the company in which the director or immediate family member of the director owns securities in column (3). When the company is a person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with an investment adviser or principal underwriter, describe the company's relationship with the investment adviser or principal underwriter. Provide the information required by columns (5) and (6) on an aggregate basis for each director and his immediate family members.
4.
(6) Unless disclosed in response to paragraph (b)(5) of this Item 12, describe any direct or indirect interest, the value of which exceeds $120,000, of each director who is not an interested person of the Fund, or immediate family member of the director, during the two most recently completed calendar years, in: (i) An investment adviser or principal underwriter of the Fund; or (ii) A person (other than a registered investment company) directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with an investment adviser or principal underwriter of the Fund. Instructions. 1. A director or immediate family member has an interest in a company if he is a party to a contract, arrangement, or understanding with respect to any securities of, or interest in, the company. The interest of the director and the interests of his immediate family members should be aggregated in determining whether the value exceeds $120,000.
2.
(7) Describe briefly any material interest, direct or indirect, of any director who is not an interested person of the Fund, or immediate family member of the director, in any transaction, or series of similar transactions, during the two most recently completed calendar years, in which the amount involved exceeds $120,000 and to which any of the following persons was a party: (i) The Fund; (ii) An officer of the Fund; (iii) An investment company, or a person that would be an investment company but for the exclusions provided by sections 3(c)(1) and 3(c)(7) (15 U.S.C. 80a-3(c)(1) and (c)(7)), having the same investment adviser or principal underwriter as the Fund or having an investment adviser or principal underwriter that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with an investment adviser or principal underwriter of the Fund; (iv) An officer of an investment company, or a person that would be an investment company but for the exclusions provided by sections 3(c)(1) and 3(c)(7) (15 U.S.C. 80a-3(c)(1) and (c)(7)), having the same investment adviser or principal underwriter as the Fund or having an investment adviser or principal underwriter that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with an investment adviser or principal underwriter of the Fund; (v) An investment adviser or principal underwriter of the Fund; (vi) An officer of an investment adviser or principal underwriter of the Fund; (vii)A person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with an investment adviser or principal underwriter of the Fund; or (viii)An officer of a person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with an investment adviser or principal underwriter of the Fund. Instructions. 1. Include the name of each director or immediate family member whose interest in any transaction or series of similar transactions is described and the nature of the circumstances by reason of which the interest is required to be described. State the nature of the interest, the approximate dollar amount involved in the transaction, and, where practicable, the approximate dollar amount of the interest. 32
2.
3.
In computing the amount involved in the transaction or series of similar transactions, include all periodic payments in the case of any lease or other agreement providing for periodic payments. Compute the amount of the interest of any director or immediate family member of the director without regard to the amount of profit or loss involved in the transaction(s). As to any transaction involving the purchase or sale of assets, state the cost of the assets to the purchaser and, if acquired by the seller within two years prior to the transaction, the cost to the seller. Describe the method used in determining the purchase or sale price and the name of the person making the determination. Disclose indirect, as well as direct, material interests in transactions. A person who has a position or relationship with, or interest in, a company that engages in a transaction with one of the persons listed in paragraphs (b)(7)(i) through (b)(7)(viii) of this Item 12 may have an indirect interest in the transaction by reason of the position, relationship, or interest. The interest in the transaction, however, will not be deemed "material" within the meaning of paragraph (b)(7) of this Item 12 where the interest of the director or immediate family member arises solely from the holding of an equity interest (including a limited partnership interest, but excluding a general partnership interest) or a creditor interest in a company that is a party to the transaction with one of the persons specified in paragraphs (b)(7)(i) through (b)(7)(viii) of this Item 12, and the transaction is not material to the company. The materiality of any interest is to be determined on the basis of the significance of the information to investors in light of all the circumstances of the particular case. The importance of the interest to the person having the interest, the relationship of the parties to the transaction with each other, and the amount involved in the transaction are among the factors to be considered in determining the significance of the information to investors. No information need be given as to any transaction where the interest of the director or immediate family member arises solely from the ownership of securities of a person specified in paragraphs (b)(7)(i) through (b)(7)(viii) of this Item 12 and the director or immediate family member receives no extra or special benefit not shared on a pro rata basis by all holders of the class of securities. Transactions include loans, lines of credit, and other indebtedness. For indebtedness, indicate the largest aggregate amount of indebtedness outstanding at any time during the period, the nature of the indebtedness and the transaction in which it was incurred, the amount outstanding as of the end of the most recently completed calendar year, and the rate of interest paid or charged.
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8.
9.
10. No information need be given as to any routine, retail transaction. For example, the Fund need not disclose that a director has a credit card, bank or brokerage account, residential mortgage, or insurance policy with a person specified in paragraphs (b)(7)(i) through (b)(7)(viii) of this Item 12 unless the director is accorded special treatment. (8) Describe briefly any direct or indirect relationship, in which the amount involved exceeds $120,000, of any director who is not an interested person of the Fund, or immediate family member of the director, that existed at any time during the two most recently completed calendar years with any of the persons specified in paragraphs (b)(7)(i) through (b)(7)(viii) of this Item 12. Relationships include: (i) Payments for property or services to or from any person specified in paragraphs (b)(7)(i) through (b)(7)(viii) of this Item 12; (ii) Provision of legal services to any person specified in paragraphs (b)(7)(i) through (b)(7)(viii) of this Item 12; (iii) Provision of investment banking services to any person specified in paragraphs (b)(7)(i) through (b)(7)(viii) of this Item 12, other than as a participating underwriter in a syndicate; and (iv) Any consulting or other relationship that is substantially similar in nature and scope to the relationships listed in paragraphs (b)(8)(i) through (b)(8)(iii) of this Item 12. Instructions. 1. Include the name of each director or immediate family member whose relationship is described and the nature of the circumstances by reason of which the relationship is required to be described.
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2.
State the nature of the relationship and the amount of business conducted between the director or immediate family member and the person specified in paragraphs (b)(7)(i) through (b)(7)(viii) of this Item 12 as a result of the relationship during the two most recently completed calendar years. In computing the amount involved in a relationship, include all periodic payments in the case of any agreement providing for periodic payments. Disclose indirect, as well as direct, relationships. A person who has a position or relationship with, or interest in, a company that has a relationship with one of the persons listed in paragraphs (b)(7)(i) through (b)(7)(viii) of this Item 12 may have an indirect relationship by reason of the position, relationship, or interest. In determining whether the amount involved in a relationship exceeds $120,000, amounts involved in a relationship of the director should be aggregated with those of his immediate family members. In the case of an indirect interest, identify the company with which a person specified in paragraphs (b)(7)(i) through (b)(7)(viii) of this Item 12 has a relationship; the name of the director or immediate family member affiliated with the company and the nature of the affiliation; and the amount of business conducted between the company and the person specified in paragraphs (b)(7)(i) through (b)(7)(viii) of this Item 12 during the two most recently completed calendar years. In calculating payments for property and services for purposes of paragraph (b)(8)(i) of this Item 12, the following may be excluded: A. Payments where the transaction involves the rendering of services as a common contract carrier, or public utility, at rates or charges fixed in conformity with law or governmental authority; or B. Payments that arise solely from the ownership of securities of a person specified in paragraphs (b)(7)(i) through (b)(7)(viii) of this Item 12 and no extra or special benefit not shared on a pro rata basis by all holders of the class of securities is received.
3.
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5.
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7.
8.
No information need be given as to any routine, retail relationship. For example, the Fund need not disclose that a director has a credit card, bank or brokerage account, residential mortgage, or insurance policy with a person specified in paragraphs (b)(7)(i) through (b)(7)(viii) of this Item 12 unless the director is accorded special treatment.
(9) If an officer of an investment adviser or principal underwriter of the Fund, or an officer of a person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with an investment adviser or principal underwriter of the Fund, served during the two most recently completed calendar years, on the board of directors of a company where a director of the Fund who is not an interested person of the Fund, or immediate family member of the director, was during the two most recently completed calendar years, an officer, identify: (i) The company; (ii) The individual who serves or has served as a director of the company and the period of service as director; (iii) The investment adviser or principal underwriter or person controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser or principal underwriter where the individual named in paragraph (b)(9)(ii) of this Item 12 holds or held office and the office held; and (iv) The director of the Fund or immediate family member who is or was an officer of the company; the office held; and the period of holding the office. (c) Compensation. For all directors of the Fund and for all members of any advisory board who receive compensation from the Fund, and for each of the three highest paid officers or any affiliated person of the Fund who received aggregate compensation from the Fund for the most recently completed fiscal year exceeding $60,000 ("Compensated Persons"):
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(1) Provide the information required by the following table: Compensation Table
(1) Name of Person, Position (2) Aggregate Compensation From Fund (3) Pension or Retirement Benefits Accrued As Part of Funds Expenses (4) Estimated Annual Benefits Upon Retirement (5) Total Compensation From Fund and Fund Complex Paid to Directors
Instructions. 1. For column (1), indicate, as necessary, the capacity in which the remuneration is received. For Compensated Persons who are directors of the Fund, compensation is amounts received for service as a director. If the Fund has not completed its first full year since its organization, provide the information for the current fiscal year, estimating future payments that would be made under an existing agreement or understanding. Disclose in a footnote to the Compensation Table the period for which the information is given. Include in column (2) amounts deferred at the election of the Compensated Person, whether under a plan established under section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code [I.R.C. 401(k)] or otherwise, for the fiscal year in which earned. Disclose in a footnote to the Compensation Table the total amount of deferred compensation (including interest) payable to or accrued for any Compensated Person. Include in columns (3) and (4) all pension or retirement benefits proposed to be paid under any existing plan in the event of retirement at normal retirement date, directly or indirectly, by the Fund, any of its subsidiaries, or other investment companies in the Fund Complex. Omit column (4) when retirement benefits are not determinable. For any defined benefit or actuarial plan under which benefits are determined primarily by final compensation (or average final compensation) and years of service, provide the information required in column (4) in a separate table showing estimated annual benefits payable upon retirement (including amounts attributable to any defined benefit supplementary or excess pension award plans) in specified compensation and years of service classifications. Also provide the estimated credited years of service for each Compensated Person. Include in column (5) only aggregate compensation paid to a director for service on the board and all other boards of investment companies in a Fund Complex specifying the number of any other investment companies.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
(2) Describe briefly the material provisions of any pension, retirement, or other plan or any arrangement, other than fee arrangements disclosed in paragraph (d)(1), under which the Compensated Persons are or may be compensated for services provided, including amounts paid, if any, to the Compensated Person under these arrangements during the most recently completed fiscal year. Specifically include the criteria used to determine amounts payable under the plan, the length of service or vesting period required by the plan, the retirement age or other event that gives rise to payment under the plan, and whether the payment of benefits is secured or funded by the Fund. (d) Sales Loads. Disclose any arrangements that result in breakpoints in, or elimination of, sales loads for directors and other affiliated persons of the Fund. Identify each class of individuals and transactions to which the arrangements apply and state each different breakpoint as a percentage of both the offering price and the net amount invested of the Fund's shares. Explain, as applicable, the reasons for the difference in the price at which securities are offered generally to the public, and the prices at which securities are offered to directors and other affiliated persons of the Fund. (e) Codes of Ethics. Provide a brief statement disclosing whether the Fund and its investment adviser and principal underwriter have adopted codes of ethics under rule 17j-1 of the Investment Company Act [17 CFR 270.17j-1] and whether these codes of ethics permit personnel subject to the codes to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund. Instruction: A Fund that is not required to adopt a code of ethics under rule 17j-1 of the Investment Company Act is not required to respond to this item.
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(f) Proxy Voting Policies. Unless the Fund invests exclusively in non-voting securities, describe the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities, including the procedures that the Fund uses when a vote presents a conflict between the interests of Fund shareholders, on the one hand, and those of the Fund's investment adviser; principal underwriter; or any affiliated person of the Fund, its investment adviser, or its principal underwriter, on the other. Include any policies and procedures of the Fund's investment adviser, or any other third party, that the Fund uses, or that are used on the Fund's behalf, to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities. Also, state that information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available (1) without charge, upon request, by calling a specified toll-free (or collect) telephone number; or on or through the Fund's website at a specified Internet address; or both; and (2) on the Commission's website at http://www.sec.gov. Instructions. 1. A Fund may satisfy the requirement to provide a description of the policies and procedures that it uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities by including a copy of the policies and procedures themselves. If a Fund discloses that the Fund's proxy voting record is available by calling a toll-free (or collect) telephone number, and the Fund (or financial intermediary through which shares of the Fund may be purchased or sold) receives a request for this information, the Fund (or financial intermediary) must send the information disclosed in the Fund's most recently filed report on Form N-PX, within three business days of receipt of the request, by first-class mail or other means designed to ensure equally prompt delivery. If a Fund discloses that the Fund's proxy voting record is available on or through its website, the Fund must make available free of charge the information disclosed in the Fund's most recently filed report on Form N-PX on or through its website as soon as reasonably practicable after filing the report with the Commission. The information disclosed in the Fund's most recently filed report on Form N-PX must remain available on or through the Fund's website for as long as the Fund remains subject to the requirements of Rule 30b1-4 (17 CFR 270.30b1-4) and discloses that the Fund's proxy voting record is available on or through its website. Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities
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Item 13.
Provide the following information as of a specified date no more than 30 days prior to the date of filing the registration statement or an amendment. (a) Control Persons. State the name and address of each person who controls the Fund and explain the effect of that control on the voting rights of other security holders. For each control person, state the percentage of the Fund's voting securities owned or any other basis of control. If the control person is a company, give the jurisdiction under the laws of which it is organized. List all parents of the control person. Instruction. For purposes of this paragraph, "control" means (i) the beneficial ownership, either directly or through one or more controlled companies, of more than 25% of the voting securities of a company; (ii) the acknowledgment or assertion by either the controlled or controlling party of the existence of control; or (iii) an adjudication under section 2(a)(9), which has become final, that control exists. (b) Principal Holders. State the name, address, and percentage of ownership of each person who owns of record or is known by the Fund to own beneficially 5% or more of any Class of the Fund's outstanding equity securities. Instructions. 1. 2. Calculate the percentages based on the amount of securities outstanding. If securities are being registered under or in connection with a plan of acquisition, reorganization, readjustment or succession, indicate, as far as practicable, the ownership that would result from consummation of the plan based on present holdings and commitments. Indicate whether the securities are owned of record, beneficially, or both. Show the respective percentage owned in each manner.
3.
(c) Management Ownership. State the percentage of the Fund's equity securities owned by all officers, directors, and members of any advisory board of the Fund as a group. If the amount owned by directors and officers as a group is less than 1% of the Class, provide a statement to that effect.
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Item 14.
Investment Advisory and Other Services
(a) Investment Advisers. Disclose the following information with respect to each investment adviser: (1) The name of any person who controls the adviser, the basis of the person's control, and the general nature of the person's business. Also disclose, if material, the business history of any organization that controls the adviser. (2) The name of any affiliated person of the Fund who also is an affiliated person of the adviser, and a list of all capacities in which the person is affiliated with the Fund and with the adviser. Instruction. If an affiliated person of the Fund alone or together with others controls the adviser, state that fact. It is not necessary to provide the amount or percentage of the outstanding voting securities owned by the controlling person. (3) The method of calculating the advisory fee payable by the Fund including: (i) The total dollar amounts that the Fund paid to the adviser (aggregated with amounts paid to affiliated advisers, if any), and any advisers who are not affiliated persons of the adviser, under the investment advisory contract for the last three fiscal years; (ii) If applicable, any credits that reduced the advisory fee for any of the last three fiscal years; and (iii) Any expense limitation provision. Instructions. 1. If the advisory fee payable by the Fund varies depending on the Fund's investment performance in relation to a standard, describe the standard along with a fee schedule in tabular form. The Fund may include examples showing the fees that the adviser would earn at various levels of performance as long as the examples include calculations showing the maximum and minimum fee percentages that could be earned under the contract. State separately each type of credit or offset. When a Fund is subject to more than one expense limitation provision, describe only the most restrictive provision. For a Registrant with more than one Series, or a Multiple Class Fund, describe the methods of allocation and payment of advisory fees for each Series or Class.
2. 3. 4.
(b) Principal Underwriter. State the name and principal business address of any principal underwriter for the Fund. Disclose, if applicable, that an affiliated person of the Fund is an affiliated person of the principal underwriter and identify the affiliated person. (c) Services Provided by Each Investment Adviser and Fund Expenses Paid by Third Parties. (1) Describe all services performed for or on behalf of the Fund supplied or paid for wholly or in substantial part by each investment adviser. (2) Describe all fees, expenses, and costs of the Fund that are to be paid by persons other than an investment adviser or the Fund, and identify those persons. (d) Service Agreements. Summarize the substantive provisions of any other management-related service contract that may be of interest to a purchaser of the Fund's shares, under which services are provided to the Fund, indicating the parties to the contract, and the total dollars paid and by whom for the past three years. Instructions. 1. The term "management-related service contract" includes any contract with the Fund to keep, prepare, or file accounts, books, records, or other documents required under federal or state law, or to provide any similar services with respect to the daily administration of the Fund, but does not include the following: (a) Any contract with the Fund to provide investment advice; 37
(b) Any agreement with the Fund to perform as custodian, transfer agent, or dividend-paying agent for the Fund; and (c) Any contract with the Fund for outside legal or auditing services, or contract for personal employment entered into with the Fund in the ordinary course of business. 2. 3. No information need be given in response to this paragraph with respect to the service of mailing proxies or periodic reports to the Fund's shareholders. In summarizing the substantive provisions of any management-related service contract, include the following: (a) The name of the person providing the service; (b) The direct or indirect relationships, if any, of the person with the Fund, an investment adviser of the Fund or the Fund's principal underwriter; and (c) The nature of the services provided, and the basis of the compensation paid for the services for the last three fiscal years. (e) Other Investment Advice. If any person (other than a director, officer, member of an advisory board, employee, or investment adviser of the Fund), through any understanding, whether formal or informal, regularly advises the Fund or the Fund's investment adviser with respect to the Fund's investing in, purchasing, or selling securities or other property, or has the authority to determine what securities or other property should be purchased or sold by the Fund, and receives direct or indirect remuneration, provide the following information: (1) The person's name; (2) A description of the nature of the arrangement, and the advice or information provided; and (3) Any remuneration (including, for example, participation, directly or indirectly, in commissions or other compensation paid in connection with transactions in the Fund's portfolio securities) paid for the advice or information, and a statement as to how the remuneration was paid and by whom it was paid for the last three fiscal years. Instruction. Do not include information for the following: (a) Persons who advised the investment adviser or the Fund solely through uniform publications distributed to subscribers; (b) Persons who provided the investment adviser or the Fund with only statistical and other factual information, advice about economic factors and trends, or advice as to occasional transactions in specific securities, but without generally advising about the purchase or sale of securities by the Fund; (c) A company that is excluded from the definition of "investment adviser" of an investment company under section 2(a)(20)(iii) [15 U.S.C. 80a-2(a)(20)(iii)]; (d) Any person the character and amount of whose compensation for these services must be approved by a court; or (e) Other persons as the Commission has by rule or order determined not to be an "investment adviser" of an investment company. (f) Dealer Reallowances. Disclose any front-end sales load reallowed to dealers as a percentage of the offering price of the Fund's shares. (g) Rule 12b-1 Plans. If the Fund has adopted a plan under rule 12b-1, describe the material aspects of the plan, and any agreements relating to the implementation of the plan, including: (1) A list of the principal types of activities for which payments are or will be made, including the dollar amount and the manner in which amounts paid by the Fund under the plan during the last fiscal year were spent on: (i) Advertising; (ii) Printing and mailing of prospectuses to other than current shareholders;
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(iii) Compensation to underwriters; (iv) Compensation to broker-dealers; (v) Compensation to sales personnel; (vi) Interest, carrying, or other financing charges; and (vii)Other (specify). (2) The relationship between amounts paid to the distributor and the expenses that it incurs (e.g., whether the plan reimburses the distributor only for expenses incurred or compensates the distributor regardless of its expenses). (3) The amount of any unreimbursed expenses incurred under the plan in a previous year and carried over to future years, in dollars and as a percentage of the Fund's net assets on the last day of the previous year. (4) Whether the Fund participates in any joint distribution activities with another Series or investment company. If so, disclose, if applicable, that fees paid under the Fund's rule 12b-1 plan may be used to finance the distribution of the shares of another Series or investment company, and state the method of allocating distribution costs (e.g., relative net asset size, number of shareholder accounts). (5) Whether any of the following persons had a direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the plan or related agreements: (i) Any interested person of the Fund; or (ii) Any director of the Fund who is not an interested person of the Fund. (6) The anticipated benefits to the Fund that may result from the plan. (h) Other Service Providers. (1) Unless disclosed in response to paragraph (d), identify any person who provides significant administrative or business affairs management services for the Fund (e.g., an "administrator"), describe the services provided, and the compensation paid for the services. (2) State the name and principal business address of the Fund's transfer agent and the dividend-paying agent. (3) State the name and principal business address of the Fund's custodian and independent public accountant and describe generally the services performed by each. If the Fund's portfolio securities are held by a person other than a commercial bank, trust company, or depository registered with the Commission as custodian, state the nature of the business of that person or persons. (4) If an affiliated person of the Fund, or an affiliated person of the affiliated person, acts as custodian, transfer agent, or dividend-paying agent for the Fund, describe the services that the person performs and the basis for remuneration. Item 15. Portfolio Managers
(a) Other Accounts Managed. If a Portfolio Manager required to be identified in response to Item 5(a)(2) is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the portfolio of any other account, provide the following information: (1) The Portfolio Manager's name; (2) The number of other accounts managed within each of the following categories and the total assets in the accounts managed within each category: (A) Registered investment companies; (B) Other pooled investment vehicles; and 39
(C) Other accounts. (3) For each of the categories in paragraph (a)(2) of this Item, the number of accounts and the total assets in the accounts with respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account; and (4) A description of any material conflicts of interest that may arise in connection with the Portfolio Manager's management of the Fund's investments, on the one hand, and the investments of the other accounts included in response to paragraph (a)(2) of this Item, on the other. This description would include, for example, material conflicts between the investment strategy of the Fund and the investment strategy of other accounts managed by the Portfolio Manager and material conflicts in allocation of investment opportunities between the Fund and other accounts managed by the Portfolio Manager. Instructions. 1. Provide the information required by this paragraph as of the end of the Fund's most recently completed fiscal year, except that, in the case of an initial registration statement or an update to the Fund's registration statement that discloses a new Portfolio Manager, information with respect to any newly identified Portfolio Manager must be provided as of the most recent practicable date. Disclose the date as of which the information is provided. If a committee, team, or other group of persons that includes the Portfolio Manager is jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the portfolio of an account, include the account in responding to paragraph (a) of this Item.
2.
(b) Compensation. Describe the structure of, and the method used to determine, the compensation of each Portfolio Manager required to be identified in response to Item 5(a)(2). For each type of compensation (e.g., salary, bonus, deferred compensation, retirement plans and arrangements), describe with specificity the criteria on which that type of compensation is based, for example, whether compensation is fixed, whether (and, if so, how) compensation is based on Fund pre- or after-tax performance over a certain time period, and whether (and, if so, how) compensation is based on the value of assets held in the Fund's portfolio. For example, if compensation is based solely or in part on performance, identify any benchmark used to measure performance and state the length of the period over which performance is measured. Instructions. 1. Provide the information required by this paragraph as of the end of the Fund's most recently completed fiscal year, except that, in the case of an initial registration statement or an update to the Fund's registration statement that discloses a new Portfolio Manager, information with respect to any newly identified Portfolio Manager must be provided as of the most recent practicable date. Disclose the date as of which the information is provided. Compensation includes, without limitation, salary, bonus, deferred compensation, and pension and retirement plans and arrangements, whether the compensation is cash or non-cash. Group life, health, hospitalization, medical reimbursement, relocation, and pension and retirement plans and arrangements may be omitted, provided that they do not discriminate in scope, terms, or operation in favor of the Portfolio Manager or a group of employees that includes the Portfolio Manager and are available generally to all salaried employees. The value of compensation is not required to be disclosed under this Item. Include a description of the structure of, and the method used to determine, any compensation received by the Portfolio Manager from the Fund, the Fund's investment adviser, or any other source with respect to management of the Fund and any other accounts included in the response to paragraph (a)(2) of this Item. This description must clearly disclose any differences between the method used to determine the Portfolio Manager's compensation with respect to the Fund and other accounts, e.g., if the Portfolio Manager receives part of an advisory fee that is based on performance with respect to some accounts but not the Fund, this must be disclosed.
2.
3.
(c) Ownership of Securities. For each Portfolio Manager required to be identified in response to Item 5(a)(2), state the dollar range of equity securities in the Fund beneficially owned by the Portfolio Manager using the following ranges: none, $1$10,000, $10,001-$50,000, $50,001-$100,000, $100,001-$500,000, $500,001-$1,000,000, or over $1,000,000. Instructions. 1. Provide the information required by this paragraph as of the end of the Fund's most recently completed fiscal year, except that, in the case of an initial registration statement or an update to the Fund's registration statement that discloses a new Portfolio Manager, information with respect to any newly identified Portfolio Manager must be provided as of the most recent practicable date. Specify the valuation date. 40
2. Item 16.
Determine "beneficial ownership" in accordance with rule 16a-1(a)(2) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.16a-1(a)(2)). Brokerage Allocation and Other Practices
(a) Brokerage Transactions. Describe how transactions in portfolio securities are effected, including a general statement about brokerage commissions, markups, and markdowns on principal transactions and the aggregate amount of any brokerage commissions paid by the Fund during its three most recent fiscal years. If, during either of the two years preceding the Fund's most recent fiscal year, the aggregate dollar amount of brokerage commissions paid by the Fund differed materially from the amount paid during the most recent fiscal year, state the reason(s) for the difference(s). (b) Commissions. (1) Identify, disclose the relationship, and state the aggregate dollar amount of brokerage commissions paid by the Fund during its three most recent fiscal years to any broker: (i) That is an affiliated person of the Fund or an affiliated person of that person; or (ii) An affiliated person of which is an affiliated person of the Fund, its investment adviser, or principal underwriter. (2) For each broker identified in response to paragraph (b)(1), state: (i) The percentage of the Fund's aggregate brokerage commissions paid to the broker during the most recent fiscal year; and (ii) The percentage of the Fund's aggregate dollar amount of transactions involving the payment of commissions effected through the broker during the most recent fiscal year. (3) State the reasons for any material difference in the percentage of brokerage commissions paid to, and the percentage of transactions effected through, a broker disclosed in response to paragraph (b)(1). (c) Brokerage Selection. Describe how the Fund will select brokers to effect securities transactions for the Fund and how the Fund will evaluate the overall reasonableness of brokerage commissions paid, including the factors that the Fund will consider in making these determinations. Instructions. 1. If the Fund will consider the receipt of products or services other than brokerage or research services in selecting brokers, specify those products and services. If the Fund will consider the receipt of research services in selecting brokers, identify the nature of those research services. State whether persons acting on the Fund's behalf are authorized to pay a broker a higher brokerage commission than another broker might have charged for the same transaction in recognition of the value of (a) brokerage or (b) research services provided by the broker. If applicable, explain that research services provided by brokers through which the Fund effects securities transactions may be used by the Fund's investment adviser in servicing all of its accounts and that not all of these services may be used by the adviser in connection with the Fund. If other policies or practices are applicable to the Fund with respect to the allocation of research services provided by brokers, explain those policies and practices.
2. 3.
4.
(d) Directed Brokerage. If, during the last fiscal year, the Fund or its investment adviser, through an agreement or understanding with a broker, or otherwise through an internal allocation procedure, directed the Fund's brokerage transactions to a broker because of research services provided, state the amount of the transactions and related commissions. (e) Regular Broker-Dealers. If the Fund has acquired during its most recent fiscal year or during the period of time since organization, whichever is shorter, securities of its regular brokers or dealers as defined in rule 10b-1 [17 CFR 270.10b-1] or of their parents, identify those brokers or dealers and state the value of the Fund's aggregate holdings of the securities of each issuer as of the close of the Fund's most recent fiscal year.
41
Instruction. The Fund need only disclose information about an issuer that derived more than 15% of its gross revenues from the business of a broker, a dealer, an underwriter, or an investment adviser during its most recent fiscal year. Item 17. Capital Stock and Other Securities
(a) Capital Stock. For each class of capital stock of the Fund, provide: (1) The title of each class; and (2) A full discussion of the following provisions or characteristics of each class, if applicable: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) (vii) Restrictions on the right freely to retain or dispose of the Fund's shares; Material obligations or potential liabilities associated with owning the Fund's shares (not including investment risks); Dividend rights; Voting rights (including whether the rights of shareholders can be modified by other than a majority vote); Liquidation rights; Preemptive rights; Conversion rights;
(viii) Redemption provisions; (ix) (x) Instructions. 1. 2. If any class described in response to this paragraph possesses cumulative voting rights, disclose the existence of those rights and explain the operation of cumulative voting. If the rights evidenced by any class described in response to this paragraph are materially limited or qualified by the rights of any other class, explain those limitations or qualifications. Sinking fund provisions; and Liability to further calls or to assessment by the Fund.
(b) Other Securities. Describe the rights of any authorized securities of the Fund other than capital stock. If the securities are subscription warrants or rights, state the title and amount of securities called for, and the period during which and the prices at which the warrants or rights are exercisable. Item 18. Purchase, Redemption, and Pricing of Shares
(a) Purchase of Shares. To the extent that the prospectus does not do so, describe how the Fund's shares are offered to the public. Include any special purchase plans or methods not described in the prospectus or elsewhere in the SAI, including letters of intent, accumulation plans, dividend reinvestment plans, withdrawal plans, exchange privileges, employee benefit plans, redemption reinvestment plans, and waivers for particular classes of shareholders. Instruction. A Fund may incorporate the information required by Item 18(a) into the SAI by reference to a separate disclosure document that may be provided to investors with the SAI or separately, in response to investor requests. File the separate document, if any, with Part B of Form N-1A. (b) Fund Reorganizations. Disclose any arrangements that result in breakpoints in, or elimination of, sales loads in connection with the terms of a merger, acquisition, or exchange offer made under a plan of reorganization. Identify each class of individuals to which the arrangements apply and state each different sales load available as a percentage of both the offering price and the net amount invested.
42
(c) Offering Price. Describe the method followed or to be followed by the Fund in determining the total offering price at which its shares may be offered to the public and the method(s) used to value the Fund's assets. Instructions. 1. 2. 3. 4. Describe the valuation procedure(s) that the Fund uses in determining the net asset value and public offering price of its shares. Explain how the excess of the offering price over the net amount invested is distributed among the Fund's principal underwriters or others and the basis for determining the total offering price. Explain the reasons for any difference in the price at which securities are offered generally to the public, and the prices at which securities are offered for any class of transactions or to any class of individuals. Unless provided as a continuation of the balance sheet in response to Item 22, include a specimen price-make-up sheet showing how the Fund calculates the total offering price per unit. Base the calculation on the value of the Fund's portfolio securities and other assets and its outstanding securities as of the date of the balance sheet filed by the Fund.
(d) Redemption in Kind. If the Fund has received an order of exemption from section 18(f) or has filed a notice of election under rule 18f-1 that has not been withdrawn, describe the nature, extent, and effect of the exemptive relief or notice. (e) Arrangements Permitting Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Fund Shares. Describe any arrangements with any person to permit frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares, including the identity of the persons permitted to engage in frequent purchases and redemptions pursuant to such arrangements, and any compensation or other consideration received by the Fund, its investment adviser, or any other party pursuant to such arrangements. Instructions. 1. The consideration required to be disclosed by Item 17(e) includes any agreement to maintain assets in the Fund or in other investment companies or accounts managed by the investment adviser or by any affiliated person of the investment adviser. If the Fund has an arrangement to permit frequent purchases and redemptions by a group of individuals, such as the participants in a defined contribution plan that meets the requirements for qualification under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 401(k)), the Fund may identify the group rather than identifying each individual group member. Taxation of the Fund
2.
Item 19.
(a) If applicable, state that the Fund is qualified or intends to qualify under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. Disclose the consequences to the Fund if it does not qualify under Subchapter M. (b) Disclose any special or unusual tax aspects of the Fund, such as taxation resulting from foreign investment or from status as a personal holding company, or any tax loss carry-forward to which the Fund may be entitled. Item 20. Underwriters
(a) Distribution of Securities. For each principal underwriter distributing securities of the Fund, state: (1) The nature of the obligation to distribute the Fund's securities; (2) Whether the offering is continuous; and (3) The aggregate dollar amount of underwriting commissions and the amount retained by the principal underwriter for each of the Fund's last three fiscal years. (b) Compensation. Provide the information required by the following table with respect to all commissions and other compensation received by each principal underwriter, who is an affiliated person of the Fund or an affiliated person of that affiliated person, directly or indirectly, from the Fund during the Fund's most recent fiscal year:
43
(1) Name of Principal Underwriter
(2) Net Underwriting Discounts and Commissions
(3) Compensation on Redemptions and Repurchases
(4) Brokerage Commissions
(5) Other Compensation
Instruction. Disclose in a footnote to the table the type of services rendered in consideration for the compensation listed under column (5). (c) Other Payments. With respect to any payments made by the Fund to an underwriter or dealer in the Fund's shares during the Fund's last fiscal year, disclose the name and address of the underwriter or dealer, the amount paid and basis for determining that amount, the circumstances surrounding the payments, and the consideration received by the Fund. Do not include information about: (1) Payments made through deduction from the offering price at the time of sale of securities issued by the Fund; (2) Payments representing the purchase price of portfolio securities acquired by the Fund; (3) Commissions on any purchase or sale of portfolio securities by the Fund; or (4) Payments for investment advisory services under an investment advisory contract. Instructions. 1. Do not include in response to this paragraph information provided in response to paragraph (b) or with respect to service fees under the Instruction to Item 7(b)(2). Do not include any payment for a service excluded by Instructions 1 and 2 to Item 14(d) or by Instruction 2 to Item 30. If the payments were made under an arrangement or policy applicable to dealers generally, describe only the arrangement or policy. Calculation of Performance Data
2.
Item 21.
(a) Money Market Funds. Yield quotation(s) for a Money Market Fund included in the prospectus should be calculated according to paragraphs (a)(1) (4). (1) Yield Quotation. Based on the 7 days ended on the date of the most recent balance sheet included in the registration statement, calculate the Fund's yield by determining the net change, exclusive of capital changes and income other than investment income, in the value of a hypothetical pre-existing account having a balance of one share at the beginning of the period, subtracting a hypothetical charge reflecting deductions from shareholder accounts, and dividing the difference by the value of the account at the beginning of the base period to obtain the base period return, and then multiplying the base period return by (365/7) with the resulting yield figure carried to at least the nearest hundredth of one percent. (2) Effective Yield Quotation. Based on the 7 days ended on the date of the most recent balance sheet included in the registration statement, calculate the Fund's effective yield, carried to at least the nearest hundredth of one percent, by determining the net change, exclusive of capital changes and income other than investment income, in the value of a hypothetical preexisting account having a balance of one share at the beginning of the period, subtracting a hypothetical charge reflecting deductions from shareholder accounts, and dividing the difference by the value of the account at the beginning of the base period to obtain the base period return, and then compounding the base period return by adding 1, raising the sum to a power equal to 365 divided by 7, and subtracting 1 from the result, according to the following formula:
EFFECTIVE YIELD = [(BASE PERIOD RETURN + 1)365/7] - 1. (3) Tax Equivalent Current Yield Quotation. Calculate the Fund's tax equivalent current yield by dividing that portion of the Fund's yield (as calculated under paragraph (a)(1)) that is tax-exempt by 1 minus a stated income tax rate and adding the quotient to that portion, if any, of the Fund's yield that is not tax-exempt.
44
(4) Tax Equivalent Effective Yield Quotation. Calculate the Fund's tax equivalent effective yield by dividing that portion of the Fund's effective yield (as calculated under paragraph (a)(2)) that is tax-exempt by 1 minus a stated income tax rate and adding the quotient to that portion, if any, of the Fund's effective yield that is not tax-exempt. Instructions. 1. When calculating yield or effective yield quotations, the calculation of net change in account value must include: (a) The value of additional shares purchased with dividends from the original share and dividends declared on both the original shares and additional shares; and (b) All fees, other than nonrecurring account or sales charges, that are imposed on all shareholder accounts in proportion to the length of the base period. For any account fees that vary with the size of the account, assume an account size equal to the Fund's mean (or median) account size. 2. Exclude realized gains and losses from the sale of securities and unrealized appreciation and depreciation from the calculation of yield and effective yield. Exclude income other than investment income. Disclose the amount or specific rate of any nonrecurring account or sales charges not included in the calculation of the yield. If the Fund holds itself out as distributing income that is exempt from federal, state, or local income taxation, in calculating yield and effective yield (but not tax equivalent yield or tax equivalent effective yield), reduce the yield quoted by the effect of any income taxes on the shareholder receiving dividends, using the maximum rate for individual income taxation. For example, if the Fund holds itself out as distributing income exempt from federal taxation and the income taxes of State A, but invests in some securities of State B, it must reduce its yield by the effect of state income taxes that must be paid by the residents of State A on that portion of the income attributable to the securities of State B.
3.
4.
(b) Other Funds. Performance information included in the prospectus should be calculated according to paragraphs (b)(1) (6). (1) Average Annual Total Return Quotation. For the 1-, 5-, and 10-year periods ended on the date of the most recent balance sheet included in the registration statement (or for the periods the Fund has been in operation), calculate the Fund's average annual total return by finding the average annual compounded rates of return over the 1-, 5-, and 10-year periods (or for the periods of the Fund's operations) that would equate the initial amount invested to the ending redeemable value, according to the following formula:
P(1+T) = ERV
Where: P T n ERV Instructions. 1. 2. Assume the maximum sales load (or other charges deducted from payments) is deducted from the initial $1,000 payment. Assume all distributions by the Fund are reinvested at the price stated in the prospectus (including any sales load imposed upon reinvestment of dividends) on the reinvestment dates during the period. Include all recurring fees that are charged to all shareholder accounts. For any account fees that vary with the size of the account, assume an account size equal to the Fund's mean (or median) account size. Reflect, as appropriate, any recurring fees charged to shareholder accounts that are paid other than by redemption of the Fund's shares. Determine the ending redeemable value by assuming a complete redemption at the end of the 1-, 5-, or 10-year periods and the deduction of all nonrecurring charges deducted at the end of each period. If shareholders are assessed a deferred sales load, assume the maximum deferred sales load is deducted at the times, in the amounts, and under the terms disclosed in the prospectus. 45 = = = = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000. average annual total return. number of years. ending redeemable value of a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the beginning of the 1-, 5-, or 10-year periods at the end of the 1-, 5-, or 10-year periods (or fractional portion).
n
3.
4.
5. 6.
State the average annual total return quotation to the nearest hundredth of one percent. Total return information in the prospectus need only be current to the end of the Fund's most recent fiscal year.
(2) Average Annual Total Return (After Taxes on Distributions) Quotation. For the 1-, 5-, and 10-year periods ended on the date of the most recent balance sheet included in the registration statement (or for the periods the Fund has been in operation), calculate the Fund's average annual total return (after taxes on distributions) by finding the average annual compounded rates of return over the 1-, 5-, and 10-year periods (or for the periods of the Fund's operations) that would equate the initial amount invested to the ending value, according to the following formula:
P(1+T)n = ATVD
Where: P T n ATVD = = = = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000. average annual total return (after taxes on distributions). number of years. ending value of a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the beginning of the 1-, 5-, or 10-year periods at the end of the 1-, 5-, or 10-year periods (or fractional portion), after taxes on fund distributions but not after taxes on redemption.
Instructions. 1. 2. Assume the maximum sales load (or other charges deducted from payments) is deducted from the initial $1,000 payment. Assume all distributions by the Fund, less the taxes due on such distributions, are reinvested at the price stated in the prospectus (including any sales load imposed upon reinvestment of dividends) on the reinvestment dates during the period. Calculate the taxes due on any distributions by the Fund by applying the tax rates specified in Instruction 4 to each component of the distributions on the reinvestment date (e.g., ordinary income, short-term capital gain, long-term capital gain). The taxable amount and tax character of each distribution should be as specified by the Fund on the dividend declaration date, but may be adjusted to reflect subsequent recharacterizations of distributions. Distributions should be adjusted to reflect the federal tax impact the distribution would have on an individual taxpayer on the reinvestment date. For example, assume no taxes are due on the portion of any distribution that would not result in federal income tax on an individual, e.g., taxexempt interest or non-taxable returns of capital. The effect of applicable tax credits, such as the foreign tax credit, should be taken into account in accordance with federal tax law. Calculate the taxes due using the highest individual marginal federal income tax rates in effect on the reinvestment date. The rates used should correspond to the tax character of each component of the distributions (e.g., ordinary income rate for ordinary income distributions, short-term capital gain rate for short-term capital gain distributions, long-term capital gain rate for long-term capital gain distributions). Note that the required tax rates may vary over the measurement period. Disregard any potential tax liabilities other than federal tax liabilities (e.g., state and local taxes); the effect of phaseouts of certain exemptions, deductions, and credits at various income levels; and the impact of the federal alternative minimum tax. Include all recurring fees that are charged to all shareholder accounts. For any account fees that vary with the size of the account, assume an account size equal to the Fund's mean (or median) account size. Assume that no additional taxes or tax credits result from any redemption of shares required to pay such fees. Reflect, as appropriate, any recurring fees charged to shareholder accounts that are paid other than by redemption of the Fund's shares. Determine the ending value by assuming a complete redemption at the end of the 1-, 5-, or 10-year periods and the deduction of all nonrecurring charges deducted at the end of each period. If shareholders are assessed a deferred sales load, assume the maximum deferred sales load is deducted at the times, in the amounts, and under the terms disclosed in the prospectus. Assume that the redemption has no tax consequences. State the average annual total return (after taxes on distributions) quotation to the nearest hundredth of one percent.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
(3) Average Annual Total Return (After Taxes on Distributions and Redemption) Quotation. For the 1-, 5-, and 10-year periods ended on the date of the most recent balance sheet included in the registration statement (or for the periods the Fund has been in operation), calculate the Fund's average annual total return (after taxes on distributions and redemption) by finding
46
the average annual compounded rates of return over the 1-, 5-, and 10-year periods (or for the periods of the Fund's operations) that would equate the initial amount invested to the ending value, according to the following formula:
P(1 + T)n = ATVDR
Where: P T n ATVDR = = = = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000. average annual total return (after taxes on distributions and redemption). number of years. ending value of a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the beginning of the 1-, 5-, or 10-year periods at the end of the 1-, 5-, or 10-year periods (or fractional portion), after taxes on fund distributions and redemption.
Instructions. 1. 2. Assume the maximum sales load (or other charges deducted from payments) is deducted from the initial $1,000 payment. Assume all distributions by the Fund, less the taxes due on such distributions, are reinvested at the price stated in the prospectus (including any sales load imposed upon reinvestment of dividends) on the reinvestment dates during the period. Calculate the taxes due on any distributions by the Fund by applying the tax rates specified in Instruction 4 to each component of the distributions on the reinvestment date (e.g., ordinary income, short-term capital gain, long-term capital gain). The taxable amount and tax character of each distribution should be as specified by the Fund on the dividend declaration date, but may be adjusted to reflect subsequent recharacterizations of distributions. Distributions should be adjusted to reflect the federal tax impact the distribution would have on an individual taxpayer on the reinvestment date. For example, assume no taxes are due on the portion of any distribution that would not result in federal income tax on an individual, e.g., tax-exempt interest or non-taxable returns of capital. The effect of applicable tax credits, such as the foreign tax credit, should be taken into account in accordance with federal tax law. Calculate the taxes due using the highest individual marginal federal income tax rates in effect on the reinvestment date. The rates used should correspond to the tax character of each component of the distributions (e.g., ordinary income rate for ordinary income distributions, short-term capital gain rate for short-term capital gain distributions, long-term capital gain rate for long-term capital gain distributions). Note that the required tax rates may vary over the measurement period. Disregard any potential tax liabilities other than federal tax liabilities (e.g., state and local taxes); the effect of phaseouts of certain exemptions, deductions, and credits at various income levels; and the impact of the federal alternative minimum tax. Include all recurring fees that are charged to all shareholder accounts. For any account fees that vary with the size of the account, assume an account size equal to the Fund's mean (or median) account size. Assume that no additional taxes or tax credits result from any redemption of shares required to pay such fees. Reflect, as appropriate, any recurring fees charged to shareholder accounts that are paid other than by redemption of the Fund's shares. Determine the ending value by assuming a complete redemption at the end of the 1-, 5-, or 10-year periods and the deduction of all nonrecurring charges deducted at the end of each period. If shareholders are assessed a deferred sales load, assume the maximum deferred sales load is deducted at the times, in the amounts, and under the terms disclosed in the prospectus. Determine the ending value by subtracting capital gains taxes resulting from the redemption and adding the tax benefit from capital losses resulting from the redemption. (a) Calculate the capital gain or loss upon redemption by subtracting the tax basis from the redemption proceeds (after deducting any nonrecurring charges as specified by Instruction 6). (b) The Fund should separately track the basis of shares acquired through the $1,000 initial investment and each subsequent purchase through reinvested distributions. In determining the basis for a reinvested distribution, include the distribution net of taxes assumed paid from the distribution, but not net of any sales loads imposed upon reinvestment. Tax basis should be adjusted for any distributions representing returns of capital and any other tax basis adjustments that would apply to an individual taxpayer, as permitted by applicable federal tax law. (c) The amount and character (e.g., short-term or long-term) of capital gain or loss upon redemption should be separately determined for shares acquired through the $1,000 initial investment and each subsequent purchase through reinvested distributions. The Fund should not assume that shares acquired through reinvestment of distributions have the same holding period as the initial $1,000 investment. The tax character should be determined by the length of the measurement
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
47
period in the case of the initial $1,000 investment and the length of the period between reinvestment and the end of the measurement period in the case of reinvested distributions. (d) Calculate the capital gains taxes (or the benefit resulting from tax losses) using the highest federal individual capital gains tax rate for gains of the appropriate character in effect on the redemption date and in accordance with federal tax law applicable on the redemption date. For example, applicable federal tax law should be used to determine whether and how gains and losses from the sale of shares with different holding periods should be netted, as well as the tax character (e.g., short-term or long-term) of any resulting gains or losses. Assume that a shareholder has sufficient capital gains of the same character from other investments to offset any capital losses from the redemption so that the taxpayer may deduct the capital losses in full. 8. State the average annual total return (after taxes on distributions and redemption) quotation to the nearest hundredth of one percent.
(4) Yield Quotation. Based on a 30-day (or one month) period ended on the date of the most recent balance sheet included in the registration statement, calculate the Fund's yield by dividing the net investment income per share earned during the period by the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the period, according to the following formula:
YIELD = 2[(
Where: a b c d = = = =
a -b + 1 )6 - 1] cd
dividends and interest earned during the period. expenses accrued for the period (net of reimbursements). the average daily number of shares outstanding during the period that were entitled to receive dividends. the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the period.
Instructions. 1. To calculate interest earned on debt obligations for purposes of "a" above: (a) Calculate the yield to maturity of each obligation held by the Fund based on the market value of the obligation (including actual accrued interest) at the close of business on the last business day of each month or, with respect to obligations purchased during the month, the purchase price (plus actual accrued interest). The maturity of an obligation with a call provision(s) is the next call date on which the obligation reasonably may be expected to be called, or if none, the maturity date. (b) Divide the yield to maturity by 360 and multiply the quotient by the market value of the obligation (including actual accrued interest) to determine the interest income on the obligation for each day of the subsequent month that the obligation is in the portfolio. Assume that each month has 30 days. (c) Total the interest earned on all debt obligations and all dividends accrued on all equity securities during the 30-day (or one month) period. Although the period for calculating interest earned is based on calendar months, a 30-day yield may be calculated by aggregating the daily interest on the portfolio from portions of 2 months. In addition, a Fund may recalculate daily interest income on the portfolio more than once a month. (d) For a tax-exempt obligation issued without original issue discount and having a current market discount, use the coupon rate of interest in lieu of the yield to maturity. For a tax-exempt obligation with original issue discount in which the discount is based on the current market value and exceeds the then-remaining portion of original issue discount (market discount), base the yield to maturity on the imputed rate of the original issue discount calculation. For a tax-exempt obligation with original issue discount, where the discount based on the current market value is less than the then-remaining portion of original issue discount (market premium), base the yield to maturity on the market value. 2. For discount and premium on mortgage or other receivables-backed obligations that are expected to be subject to monthly payments of principal and interest ("paydowns"): (a) Account for gain or loss attributable to actual monthly paydowns as an increase or decrease to interest income during the period; and
48
(b) The Fund may elect: (i) To amortize the discount and premium on the remaining securities, based on the cost of the securities, to the weighted average maturity date, if the information is available, or to the remaining term of the securities, if the weighted average maturity date is not available; or (ii) Not to amortize the discount or premium on the remaining securities. 3. Solely for the purpose of calculating yield, recognize dividend income by accruing 1/360 of the stated dividend rate of the security each day that the security is in the portfolio. Do not use equalization accounting in calculating yield. Include expenses accrued under a plan adopted under rule 12b-1 in the expenses accrued for the period. Reimbursement accrued under the plan may reduce the accrued expenses, but only to the extent the reimbursement does not exceed expenses accrued for the period. Include in the expenses accrued for the period all recurring fees that are charged to all shareholder accounts in proportion to the length of the base period. For any account fees that vary with the size of the account, assume an account size equal to the Fund's mean (or median) account size. If a broker-dealer or an affiliate of the broker-dealer (as defined in rule 1-02(b) of Regulation S-X [17 CFR 210.1-02(b)]) has, in connection with directing the Fund's brokerage transactions to the broker-dealer, provided, agreed to provide, paid for, or agreed to pay for, in whole or in part, services provided to the Fund (other than brokerage and research services as those terms are used in section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act [15 U.S.C. 78bb(e)]), add to expenses accrued for the period an estimate of additional amounts that would have been accrued for the period if the Fund had paid for the services directly in an arm's length transaction. Undeclared earned income, calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, may be subtracted from the maximum offering price. Undeclared earned income is the net investment income that, at the end of the base period, has not been declared as a dividend, but is reasonably expected to be and is declared as a dividend shortly thereafter. Disclose the amount or specific rate of any nonrecurring account or sales charges.
4. 5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10. If, in connection with the sale of the Fund's shares, a deferred sales load payable in installments is imposed, the "maximum public offering price" includes the aggregate amount of the installments ("installment load amount"). (5) Tax Equivalent Yield Quotation. Based on a 30-day (or one month) period ended on the date of the most recent balance sheet included in the registration statement, calculate the Fund's tax equivalent yield by dividing that portion of the Fund's yield (as calculated under paragraph (b)(2)) that is tax-exempt by 1 minus a stated income tax rate and adding the quotient to that portion, if any, of the Fund's yield that is not tax-exempt. (6) Non-Standardized Performance Quotation. A Fund may calculate performance using any other historical measure of performance (not subject to any prescribed method of computation) if the measurement reflects all elements of return. Item 22. Financial Statements
(a) Registration Statement. Include, in a separate section following the responses to the preceding Items, the financial statements and schedules required by Regulation S-X. The specimen price-make-up sheet required by Instruction 4 to Item 17(c) may be provided as a continuation of the balance sheet specified by Regulation S-X. Instructions. 1. The statements of any subsidiary that is not a majority-owned subsidiary required by Regulation S-X may be omitted from Part B and included in Part C. In addition to the requirements of rule 3-18 of Regulation S-X [17 CFR 210.3-18], any Fund registered under the Investment Company Act that has not previously had an effective registration statement under the Securities Act must include in its initial registration statement under the Securities Act any additional financial statements and condensed financial information 49
2.
(which need not be audited) necessary to make the financial statements and condensed financial information included in the registration statement current as of a date within 90 days prior to the date of filing. (b) Annual Report. Every annual report to shareholders required by rule 30e-1 must contain the following: (1) Financial Statements. The audited financial statements required, and for the periods specified, by Regulation S-X. Instructions. 1. Schedule VI Summary schedule of investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers [17 CFR 210.12-12C] may be included in the financial statements in lieu of Schedule I Investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers [17 CFR 210.12-12] if: (a) the Fund states in the report that the Fund's complete schedule of investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers is available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling a specified toll-free (or collect) telephone number; (ii) on the Fund's website, if applicable; and (iii) on the Commission's website at http://www.sec.gov; and (b) whenever the Fund (or financial intermediary through which shares of the Fund may be purchased or sold) receives a request for the Fund's schedule of investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers, the Fund (or financial intermediary) sends a copy of Schedule I Investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers within 3 business days of receipt by first-class mail or other means designed to ensure equally prompt delivery. In the case of a Money Market Fund, Schedule I Investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers [17 CFR 210.12-12C] may be omitted from its financial statements, provided that: (a) the Fund states in the report that the Fund's complete schedule of investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers is available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling a specified toll-free (or collect) telephone number; (ii) on the Fund's website, if applicable; and (iii) on the Commission's website at http://www.sec.gov; and (b) whenever the Fund (or financial intermediary through which shares of the Fund may be purchased or sold) receives a request for the Fund's schedule of investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers, the Fund (or financial intermediary) sends a copy of Schedule I Investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers within 3 business days of receipt by first-class mail or other means designed to ensure equally prompt delivery.
2.
(2) Condensed Financial Information. The condensed financial information required by Item 8(a) with at least the most recent fiscal year audited. (3) Remuneration Paid to Directors, Officers, and Others. Unless shown elsewhere in the report as part of the financial statements required by paragraph (b)(1), the aggregate remuneration paid by the Fund during the period covered by the report to: (i) All directors and all members of any advisory board for regular compensation; (ii) Each director and each member of an advisory board for special compensation; (iii) All officers; and (iv) Each person of whom any officer or director of the Fund is an affiliated person. (4) Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants. The information concerning changes in and disagreements with accountants and on accounting and financial disclosure required by Item 304 of Regulation S-K [17 CFR 229.304]. (5) Management Information. The management information required by Item 12(a)(1). (6) Availability of Additional Information about Fund Directors. A statement that the SAI includes additional information about Fund directors and is available, without charge, upon request, and a toll-free (or collect) telephone number for shareholders to call to request the SAI. (7) Management's Discussion of Fund Performance. Disclose the following information unless the Fund is a Money Market Fund: (i) Discuss the factors that materially affected the Fund's performance during the most recently completed fiscal year, including the relevant market conditions and the investment strategies and techniques used by the Fund's investment adviser. (ii) (A) Provide a line graph comparing the initial and subsequent account values at the end of each of the most recently completed 10 fiscal years of the Fund (or for the life of the Fund, if shorter), but only for periods subsequent to the 50
effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Assume a $10,000 initial investment at the beginning of the first fiscal year in an appropriate broad-based securities market index for the same period. (B) In a table placed within or next to the graph, provide the Fund's average annual total returns for the 1-, 5-, and 10year periods as of the end of the last day of the most recent fiscal year (or for the life of the Fund, if shorter), but only for periods subsequent to the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Average annual total returns should be computed in accordance with Item 21(b)(1). Include a statement accompanying the graph and table to the effect that past performance does not predict future performance and that the graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Instructions. 1. Line Graph Computation. (a) Assume that the initial investment was made at the offering price last calculated on the business day before the first day of the first fiscal year. (b) Base subsequent account values on the net asset value of the Fund last calculated on the last business day of the first and each subsequent fiscal year. (c) Calculate the final account value by assuming the account was closed and redemption was at the price last calculated on the last business day of the most recent fiscal year. (d) Base the line graph on the Fund's required minimum initial investment if that amount exceeds $10,000. 2. Sales Load. Reflect any sales load (or any other fees charged at the time of purchasing shares or opening an account) by beginning the line graph at the amount that actually would be invested (i.e., assume that the maximum sales load, and other charges deducted from payments, is deducted from the initial $10,000 investment). For a Fund whose shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales load, assume the deduction of the maximum deferred sales load (or other charges) that would apply for a complete redemption that received the price last calculated on the last business day of the most recent fiscal year. For any other deferred sales load, assume that the deduction is in the amount(s) and at the time(s) that the sales load actually would have been deducted. Dividends and Distributions. Assume reinvestment of all of the Fund's dividends and distributions on the reinvestment dates during the period, and reflect any sales load imposed upon reinvestment of dividends or distributions or both. Account Fees. Reflect recurring fees that are charged to all accounts. (a) For any account fees that vary with the size of the account, assume a $10,000 account size. (b) Reflect, as appropriate, any recurring fees charged to shareholder accounts that are paid other than by redemption of the Fund's shares. (c) Reflect an annual account fee that applies to more than one Fund by allocating the fee in the following manner: divide the total amount of account fees collected during the year by the Funds' total average net assets, multiply the resulting percentage by the average account value for each Fund and reduce the value of each hypothetical account at the end of each fiscal year during which the fee was charged. 5. Appropriate Index. For purposes of this Item, an "appropriate broad-based securities market index" is one that is administered by an organization that is not an affiliated person of the Fund, its investment adviser, or principal underwriter, unless the index is widely recognized and used. Adjust the index to reflect the reinvestment of dividends on securities in the index, but do not reflect the expenses of the Fund. Additional Indexes. A Fund is encouraged to compare its performance not only to the required broad-based index, but also to other more narrowly based indexes that reflect the market sectors in which the Fund invests. A Fund also may compare its performance to an additional broad-based index, or to a non-securities index (e.g., the Consumer Price Index), so long as the comparison is not misleading.
3.
4.
6.
51
7.
Change in Index. If the Fund uses an index that is different from the one used for the immediately preceding fiscal year, explain the reason(s) for the change and compare the Fund's annual change in the value of an investment in the hypothetical account with the new and former indexes. Other Periods. The line graph may cover earlier fiscal years and may compare the ending values of interim periods (e.g., monthly or quarterly ending values), so long as those periods are after the effective date of the Fund's registration statement. Scale. The axis of the graph measuring dollar amounts may use either a linear or a logarithmic scale.
8.
9.
10. New Funds. A New Fund (as defined in Instruction 5 to Item 3) is not required to include the information specified by this Item in its prospectus (or annual report), unless Form N-1A (or the annual report) contains audited financial statements covering a period of at least 6 months. 11. Change in Investment Adviser. If the Fund has not had the same investment adviser for the previous 10 fiscal years, the Fund may begin the line graph on the date that the current adviser began to provide advisory services to the Fund so long as: (a) Neither the current adviser nor any affiliate is or has been in "control" of the previous adviser under section 2(a)(9) [15 U.S.C. 80a-2(a)(9)]; (b) The current adviser employs no officer(s) of the previous adviser or employees of the previous adviser who were responsible for providing investment advisory or portfolio management services to the Fund; and (c) The graph is accompanied by a statement explaining that previous periods during which the Fund was advised by another investment adviser are not shown. (iii) Discuss the effect of any policy or practice of maintaining a specified level of distributions to shareholders on the Fund's investment strategies and per share net asset value during the last fiscal year. Also discuss the extent to which the Fund's distribution policy resulted in distributions of capital. (c) Semi-Annual Report. Every semi-annual report to shareholders required by rule 30e-1 must contain the following (which need not be audited): (1) Financial Statements. The financial statements required by Regulation S-X for the period commencing either with: (i) The beginning of the Fund's fiscal year (or date of organization, if newly organized); or (ii) A date not later than the date after the close of the period included in the last report under rule 30e-1 and the most recent preceding fiscal year. Instruction. Instructions 1 and 2 to Item 22(b)(1) also apply to this Item 22(c)(1). (2) Condensed Financial Information. The condensed financial information required by Item 8(a), for the period of the report as specified by paragraph (c)(1), and the most recent preceding fiscal year. (3) Remuneration Paid to Directors, Officers, and Others. Unless shown elsewhere in the report as part of the financial statements required by paragraph (c)(1), the aggregate remuneration paid by the Fund during the period covered by the report to the persons specified under paragraph (b)(3). (4) Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants. The information concerning changes in and disagreements with accountants and on accounting and financial disclosure required by Item 304 of Regulation S-K [17 CFR 229.304]. (d) Annual and Semi-Annual Reports. Every annual and semi-annual report to shareholders required by rule 30e-1 must contain the following: (1) Expense Example. The following information regarding expenses for the period:
52
Example
As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, reinvested dividends, or other distributions; redemption fees; and exchange fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution [and/or service] (12b-1) fees; and other Fund expenses. This Example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period [insert dates].
Actual Expenses
The first line of the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled "Expenses Paid During Period" to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period. [If the Fund charges any account fees or other recurring fees that are not included in the expenses shown in the table, for example, because they are not charged to all investors, disclose the amounts of these fees, describe the accounts that are charged these fees, and explain how an investor would use this information to estimate the total ongoing expenses paid over the period and the impact of these fees on ending account value.]
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The second line of the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund's actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund's actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds. [If the Fund charges any account fees or other recurring fees that are not included in the expenses shown in the table, for example, because they are not charged to all investors, disclose the amounts of these fees, describe the accounts that are charged these fees, and explain how an investor would use this information in making the foregoing comparison.] Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads), redemption fees, or exchange fees. Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher. Beginning Account Value [Date] Actual Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)
*
Ending Account Value Value [Date]
Expenses Paid During Period* [Dates]
$1,000 $1,000
Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio of [__%], multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by [number of days in most recent fiscal half-year/365 [or 366]] (to reflect the one-half year period). Instructions. 1. General. (a) Round all figures in the table to the nearest cent.
53
(b) Include the narrative explanations in the order indicated. A Fund may modify the narrative explanations if the explanation contains comparable information to that shown, and is required to make any modifications necessary to reflect accurately the Fund's circumstances. A Fund may eliminate any parts of the narrative explanations that are inapplicable. For example, a Fund that does not charge loads need not include the statement that the Example does not reflect loads or that costs would be higher if loads were included. (c) The Fund's expense ratio shown in the footnote to the table should be calculated in the manner required by Instruction 4(b) to Item 8(a) using the expenses for the Fund's most recent fiscal half-year (the Fund's second fiscal half-year in the case of an annual report). Express the expense ratio on an annualized basis. (d) (i) If the Fund is a Feeder Fund, reflect the aggregate expenses of the Feeder Fund and the Master Fund. In a footnote to the Example, state that the Example reflects the expenses of both the Feeder and Master Funds. (ii) If the report covers more than one Class of a Multiple Class Fund or more than one Feeder Fund that invests in the same Master Fund, provide a separate Example for each Class or Feeder Fund. 2. Computation. (a) (i) In determining the Fund's "actual expenses" for purposes of this example, include all expenses that are deducted from the Fund's assets or charged to all shareholder accounts, including "Management Fees," "Distribution [and/or Service] (12b-1) Fees," and "Other Expenses" as those terms are defined in Instruction 3 to Item 3 of this form as modified by Instructions 2(a)(ii) and (c)(i) to this Item. Reflect recurring and non-recurring fees charged to all investors other than any exchange fees, sales charges (loads), or fees charged upon redemption of the Fund's shares. The amount of expenses deducted from the Fund's assets are the amounts shown as expenses in the Fund's statement of operations (including increases resulting from complying with paragraph 2(g) of rule 6-07 of Regulation S-X [17 CFR 210.6-07]). (ii) For purposes of this Item 22(d)(1), "Other Expenses" include extraordinary expenses as determined under generally accepted accounting principles (see Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30). If extraordinary expenses were incurred that materially affected the Fund's "Other Expenses," the Fund may disclose in a footnote to the Example what "actual expenses" would have been had the extraordinary expenses not been included. (b) Assume reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. (c) (i) Base the percentages of "actual expenses" on amounts incurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal half-year (the Fund's second fiscal half-year in the case of an annual report). "Actual expenses" should reflect actual expenses after expense reimbursement or fee waiver arrangements that reduced expenses during the most recent fiscal halfyear. (ii) If there have been any increases or decreases in Fund expenses that occurred during the Fund's most recent fiscal half-year (or that have occurred or are expected to occur during the current fiscal year) that would have materially affected the information in the Example had those changes been in place throughout the most recent fiscal halfyear, restate in a footnote to the Example the expense information using the current fees as if they had been in effect throughout the entire most recent fiscal half-year. A change in Fund expenses does not include a decrease in expenses as a percentage of assets due to economies of scale or breakpoints in a fee arrangement resulting from an increase in the Fund's assets. (d) Reflect any shareholder account fees collected by more than one Fund by allocating the total amount of the fees collected during the Fund's most recent fiscal half-year (the Fund's second fiscal half-year in the case of an annual report) for all such Funds to each Fund in proportion to the relative average net assets of the Fund. A Fund that charges account fees based on a minimum account requirement exceeding $1,000 may adjust its account fees based on the amount of the fee in relation to the Fund's minimum account requirement. (2) Graphical Representation of Holdings. One or more tables, charts, or graphs depicting the portfolio holdings of the Fund by reasonably identifiable categories (e.g., type of security, industry sector, geographic region, credit quality, or maturity) showing the percentage of net asset value or total investments attributable to each. The categories and the basis of presentation (e.g., net asset value or total investments) should be selected, and the presentation should be formatted, in a manner reasonably designed to depict clearly the types of investments made by the Fund, given its investment objectives. Credit quality should be the ratings grade assigned by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization ("NRSRO"), as that term is used in 54
paragraphs (c)(2)(vi)(E), (F), and (H) of Rule 15c3-1 under the Exchange Act [17 CFR 240.15c3-1(c)(2)(vi)(E), (F), and (H)]. The fund should use ratings of only one NRSRO. (3) Statement Regarding Availability of Quarterly Portfolio Schedule. A statement that: (i) the Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q; (ii) the Fund's Forms N-Q are available on the Commission's website at http://www.sec.gov; (iii) the Fund's Forms N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC, and that information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330; and (iv) if the Fund makes the information on Form N-Q available to shareholders on its website or upon request, a description of how the information may be obtained from the Fund. (4) Statement Regarding Availability of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures. A statement that a description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling a specified toll-free (or collect) telephone number; (ii) on the Fund's website, if applicable; and (iii) on the Commission's website at http://www.sec.gov. Instruction. When a Fund (or financial intermediary through which shares of the Fund may be purchased or sold) receives a request for a description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies, the Fund (or financial intermediary) must send the information disclosed in response to Item 12(f) of this Form, within three business days of receipt of the request, by first-class mail or other means designed to ensure equally prompt delivery. (5) Statement Regarding Availability of Proxy Voting Record. A statement that information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling a specified toll-free (or collect) telephone number; or on or through the Fund's website at a specified Internet address; or both; and (ii) on the Commission's website at http://www.sec.gov. Instructions. 1. If a Fund discloses that the Fund's proxy voting record is available by calling a toll-free (or collect) telephone number, and the Fund (or financial intermediary through which shares of the Fund may be purchased or sold) receives a request for this information, the Fund (or financial intermediary) must send the information disclosed in the Fund's most recently filed report on Form N-PX, within three business days of receipt of the request, by first-class mail or other means designed to ensure equally prompt delivery. If a Fund discloses that the Fund's proxy voting record is available on or through its website, the Fund must make available free of charge the information disclosed in the Fund's most recently filed report on Form N-PX on or through its website as soon as reasonably practicable after filing the report with the Commission. The information disclosed in the Fund's most recently filed report on Form N-PX must remain available on or through the Fund's website for as long as the Fund remains subject to the requirements of Rule 30b1-4 (17 CFR 270.30b1-4) and discloses that the Fund's proxy voting record is available on or through its website.
2.
(6) Statement Regarding Basis for Approval of Investment Advisory Contract. If the board of directors approved any investment advisory contract during the Fund's most recent fiscal half-year, discuss in reasonable detail the material factors and the conclusions with respect thereto that formed the basis for the board's approval. Include the following in the discussion: (i) Factors relating to both the board's selection of the investment adviser and approval of the advisory fee and any other amounts to be paid by the Fund under the contract. This would include, but not be limited to, a discussion of the nature, extent, and quality of the services to be provided by the investment adviser; the investment performance of the Fund and the investment adviser; the costs of the services to be provided and profits to be realized by the investment adviser and its affiliates from the relationship with the Fund; the extent to which economies of scale would be realized as the Fund grows; and whether fee levels reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of Fund investors. Also indicate in the discussion whether the board relied upon comparisons of the services to be rendered and the amounts to be paid under the contract with those under other investment advisory contracts, such as contracts of the same and other investment advisers with other registered investment companies or other types of clients (e.g., pension funds and other institutional investors). If the board relied upon such comparisons, describe the comparisons that were relied on and how they assisted the board in concluding that the contract should be approved; and
(ii) If applicable, any benefits derived or to be derived by the investment adviser from the relationship with the Fund such as soft dollar arrangements by which brokers provide research to the Fund or its investment adviser in return for allocating Fund brokerage.
55
Instructions. 1. 2. Board approvals covered by this Item include both approvals of new investment advisory contracts and approvals of contract renewals. Investment advisory contracts covered by this Item include subadvisory contracts. Conclusory statements or a list of factors will not be considered sufficient disclosure. Relate the factors to the specific circumstances of the Fund and the investment advisory contract and state how the board evaluated each factor. For example, it is not sufficient to state that the board considered the amount of the investment advisory fee without stating what the board concluded about the amount of the fee and how that affected its decision to approve the contract. If any factor enumerated in paragraph (d)(6)(i) of this Item is not relevant to the board's evaluation of an investment advisory contract, note this and explain the reasons why that factor is not relevant.
3.
PART C: OTHER INFORMATION
Item 23. Exhibits
Subject to General Instruction D regarding incorporation by reference and rule 483 under the Securities Act [17 CFR 230.483], file the exhibits listed below as part of the registration statement. Letter or number the exhibits in the sequence indicated and file copies rather than originals, unless otherwise required by rule 483. Reflect any exhibit incorporated by reference in the list below and identify the previously filed document containing the incorporated material. (a) Articles of Incorporation. The Fund's current articles of incorporation, charter, declaration of trust or corresponding instruments and any related amendment. (b) By-laws. The Fund's current by-laws or corresponding instruments and any related amendment. (c) Instruments Defining Rights of Security Holders. Instruments defining the rights of holders of the securities being registered, including the relevant portion of the Fund's articles of incorporation or by-laws. (d) Investment Advisory Contracts. Investment advisory contracts relating to the management of the Fund's assets. (e) Underwriting Contracts. Underwriting or distribution contracts between the Fund and a principal underwriter, and agreements between principal underwriters and dealers.
(f) Bonus or Profit Sharing Contracts. Bonus, profit sharing, pension, or similar contracts or arrangements in whole or in part for the benefit of the Fund's directors or officers in their official capacity. Describe in detail any plan not included in a formal document. (g) Custodian Agreements. Custodian agreements and depository contracts under section 17(f) [15 U.S.C. 80a-17(f)] concerning the Fund's securities and similar investments, including the schedule of remuneration. (h) Other Material Contracts. Other material contracts not made in the ordinary course of business to be performed in whole or in part on or after the filing date of the registration statement. (i) Legal Opinion. An opinion and consent of counsel regarding the legality of the securities being registered, stating whether the securities will, when sold, be legally issued, fully paid, and nonassessable. (j) Other Opinions. Any other opinions, appraisals, or rulings, and related consents relied on in preparing the registration statement and required by section 7 of the Securities Act [15 U.S.C. 77g]. (k) Omitted Financial Statements. Financial statements omitted from Item 22. (l) Initial Capital Agreements. Any agreements or understandings made in consideration for providing the initial capital between or among the Fund, the underwriter, adviser, promoter or initial shareholders and written assurances from promoters or initial shareholders that purchases were made for investment purposes and not with the intention of redeeming or reselling. (m) Rule 12b-1 Plan. Any plan entered into by the Fund under rule 12b-1 and any agreements with any person relating to the plan's implementation. 56
(n) Rule 18f-3 Plan. Any plan entered into by the Fund under rule 18f-3, any agreement with any person relating to the plan's implementation, and any amendment to the plan or an agreement. (o) Reserved. (p) Codes of Ethics. Any codes of ethics adopted under rule 17j-1 of the Investment Company Act [17 CFR 270.17j-1] and currently applicable to the Fund (i.e., the codes of the Fund and its investment advisers and principal underwriters). If there are no codes of ethics applicable to the Fund, state the reason (e.g., that the Fund is a Money Market Fund). Instruction. A Fund that is a feeder fund also must file a copy of all codes of ethics applicable to the master fund. Item 24. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the Fund
Provide a list or diagram of all persons directly or indirectly controlled by or under common control with the Fund. For any person controlled by another person, disclose the percentage of voting securities owned by the immediately controlling person or other basis of that person's control. For each company, also provide the state or other sovereign power under the laws of which the company is organized. Instructions. 1. 2. Include the Fund in the list or diagram and show the relationship of each company to the Fund and to the other companies named, using cross-references if a company is controlled through direct ownership of its securities by two or more persons. Indicate with appropriate symbols subsidiaries that file separate financial statements, subsidiaries included in consolidated financial statements, or unconsolidated subsidiaries included in group financial statements. Indicate for other subsidiaries why financial statements are not filed. Indemnification
Item 25.
State the general effect of any contract, arrangements or statute under which any director, officer, underwriter or affiliated person of the Fund is insured or indemnified against any liability incurred in their official capacity, other than insurance provided by any director, officer, affiliated person, or underwriter for their own protection. Item 26. Business and Other Connections of the Investment Adviser
Describe any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature that each investment adviser, and each director, officer or partner of the adviser, is or has been engaged within the last two fiscal years for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner, or trustee. Instructions. 1. 2. Item 27. Disclose the name and principal business address of any company for which a person listed above serves in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner, or trustee, and the nature of the relationship. The names of investment advisory clients need not be given in answering this Item. Principal Underwriters
(a) State the name of each investment company (other than the Fund) for which each principal underwriter currently distributing the Fund's securities also acts as a principal underwriter, depositor, or investment adviser. (b) Provide the information required by the following table for each director, officer, or partner of each principal underwriter named in the response to Item 20:
(1) Name and Principal Business Address (2) Positions and Offices with Underwriter (3) Positions and Offices with Fund
(c) Provide the information required by the following table for all commissions and other compensation received, directly or indirectly, from the Fund during the last fiscal year by each principal underwriter who is not an affiliated person of the Fund or any affiliated person of an affiliated person: 57
(1) Name of Principal Underwriter
(2) Net Underwriting Discounts and Commissions
(3) Compensation on Redemption and Repurchases
(4) Brokerage Commissions
(5) Other Compensation
Instructions. 1. 2. Item 28. Disclose the type of services rendered in consideration for the compensation listed under column (5). Instruction 1 to Item 20(c) also applies to this Item. Location of Accounts and Records
State the name and address of each person maintaining physical possession of each account, book, or other document required to be maintained by section 31(a) [15 U.S.C. 80a-30(a)] and the rules under that section. Item 29. Management Services
Provide a summary of the substantive provisions of any management-related service contract not discussed in Part A or B, disclosing the parties to the contract and the total amount paid and by whom for the Fund's last three fiscal years. Instructions. 1. 2. The instructions to Item 14 also apply to this Item. Exclude information about any service provided for payments totaling less than $5,000 during each of the last three fiscal years. Undertakings
Item 30.
In initial registration statements filed under the Securities Act, provide an undertaking to file an amendment to the registration statement with certified financial statements showing the initial capital received before accepting subscriptions from more than 25 persons if the Fund intends to raise its initial capital under section 14(a)(3) [15 U.S.C. 80a-14(a)(3)].
58
SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of (the Securities Act and) the Investment Company Act, the Fund (certifies that it meets all of the requirement for effectiveness of this registration statement under rule 485(b) under the Securities Act and) has duly caused this , and State registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of of on the day of , . (Year)
Fund
By (Signature and Title) Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date(s) indicated.
(Signature)
(Title)
(Date)
59
Free Form N-1A - Federal
| File Size: | 185.1 kB |
| Pages: | 59 |
| Date: | March 10, 2009 |
| File Format: | |
| State: | Federal |
| Category: | Government |
| Author: | US SEC |
| Word Count: | 34,456 Words, 219,059 Characters |
| Page Size: | Letter (8 1/2" x 11") |
| URL |
http://sec.gov/about/forms/formn-1a.pdf |
| Download Form N-1A ( 185.1 kB) |
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